Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 8

Visual Arts Students will engage in hands-on activities with a variety of art media to explore the visual arts through experiences integrated with concurrent social studies curriculum. Students will learn about the traditional arts and crafts of the world’s people and create authentic works of art. Students practice the language and understanding of the elements of art, and develop confidence in the areas of drawing, painting and sculpting. Grade 7 Academics English Language Arts (ELA) Seventh grade ELA curriculum will focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will become more effective thinkers and active learners through communication, reflection, and understanding. Students will have many opportunities to work with various types of writing, including narrative, descriptive, expository and persuasive writing. Becoming familiar with literary terms, learning to read for detail, using details to support interpretation of characters, and becoming aware of the beauty and power of the written word are key outcomes. Mathematics The seventh grade mathematics curriculum includes decimals, algebra and statistics, linear equations and functions, fractions, proportional reasoning, geometry, and measurement. Acceleration, extension and enrichment opportunities are offered within the classroom. Life Science Seventh grade students will learn about a number of different life science topics. These include; defining life, relationships in nature, food webs, scientific method, photosynthesis, cells, organ systems, genetics, and evolution. Students will be asked to use a variety of methods, in particular, STEM related activities to explore key concepts of each unit. Social Studies Maine culture is the focus of seventh grade social studies. Students will examine questions such as: What is social studies? What makes a place a place? What happens when cultures interact with one another? What is needed to create a community? How does a place change over time? We will explore many facets of social studies including history, geography, economics, government, anthropology and sociology. World Languages The World Languages program provides students with a foundation for future language study and promotes awareness of cultures related to world languages. Spanish and French are taught in a two-year loop so that students are able to achieve maximum exposure to the structures of a language. The course is organized around thematic units that integrate vocabulary, grammatical structures, culture, and communication. Seventh grade students will focus on learning the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, all taught through themes such as the classroom, school, family, home, and holidays. Popular culture, food, art, music, and other content areas are regularly connected to lessons. Skills in participation, tolerance, and cooperation are also strongly emphasized. Health/Wellness Instruction is divided between physical activity and health classroom lessons. Physical activities are often integrated with core curriculum in science. Health units of study include: • Mental, emotional, family, and social health • Community and environmental health • Anatomy • Current events related to health Visual Arts Students will expand their knowledge of the elements and principles of art through an investigation of the use of art and design in today’s society. Visual arts activities are regularly designed to extend and complement academic areas of study such as social studies, literature and science. This integrated approach will help students develop an appreciation for art in daily life. Music & Performing Arts 7th Graders focus on African Percussion, using authentic instruments from Ghana. Complex rhythms through ensemble and individual activities help students develop teamwork and a greater understanding of the music of other cultures. Students use Garage Band, software available on their laptops, to create original works and study a unit on American Music in History (Ellis Island). African dance, drama activities and studying the high school musical each year are also highlights in class. Students are invited to demonstrate skills learned throughout the year at the annual Music Concert.