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.