Seventh Grade Curriculum
REQUIRED COURSES
LANGUAGE ARTS
The language arts program is divided into two separate areas;
English and Literature. The student are graded separately for each area.
The language arts program, with its focus on collaborative learning, helps
students develop as readers, writers, and thinkers.
English
- Students are using the Write Source 2000 Language
Series, which is a complete writing-based language learning program. The
series addresses every aspect of language learning with a variety of writing
units, language workshops, prewriting strategies, thinking workshops, and
more. Computers in the classroom enhance the process, and publishing is
encouraged in and out of class.
Literature
- Students are using the Elements of Literature series.
This literature anthology combines the talents of novelists, poets, dramatists,
mythologists, and scholars to create a unique collection of works for students.
A response approach is used in reading literature as students explore different
genres and literary techniques. Skills are taught in context not isolation.
The emphasis is on becoming an active, critical reader as well as a reader
for life. Students are also using the Vocabulary Workshop, which meets
national and local testing standards in vocabulary using testing practices
found on the new Scholastic Achievement Test-1. As Seventh graders, part
of their literature grade is the reading of a required number of novels.
This list is handed out on the first day of school.
Math7 or Pre-Algebra
Math 7 is an integrated approach to the understanding of
Pre-Algebra and Geometry. Connections to both everyday life and other math
topics make this math even more meaningful to students. Integration-through
content, interdisciplinary connections, and technology- motivates the students
and help them see the larger picture of mathematics. This course introduces
patterns, algebra, integers, data, graphs, rational numbers, proportion,
percent, probability, real numbers and inequalities, geometry concepts,
spatial thinking, congruence, similarity, transformations, measurements,
linear equations, and polynomials. A review of basic mathematics takes
place at the beginning of the school year.
LIFE SCIENCE 7
Life Science deals with the study of living things and their
relationship to one another and their environment. Using the scientific
method, the program provides the student with the basic concepts of life
science and makes it possible for the student to use their abilities to
develop an appreciation of living things, the processes which support life
and the ecological relationship between organisms and their environment.
The course covers the following topics; study of life, simple organisms,
plants, animals, human body, human health, heredity and evolution, and
ecology. This course has a science lab which is part of the students grade.
Civics and Economics
The Standards of Learning for seventh grade students cover
the role of the citizen in the American political and economic systems.
The focus is on gaining essential knowledge of U.S. and Virginia Constitutions
and the structure and functions of government institutions at the national,
state, and local levels. Students also learn the basic principles, structure,
and operation of the American economy. These standards are intended to
foster patriotism, respect for the law, a sense of civic duty, and informed
economic decision making. Social science skill development extends into
quantitative data organization and interpretation. Our American Civics
focuses on six central themes: Principles of Democracy, Civics Skill, American
Government, American Economic System, Citizenship Values, and Challenges
in Today's World. Students will participate in several field experiences
such as visits to the local Courthouse, Supreme Court, and various other
government facilities, to gain a hands-on understanding of civics in action.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students have PE time everyday. General fitness activities
are stressed and include Volleyball, Basketball, Horseshoes, and Croquet.
We also have an outdoor education class, which is held at local County
and State Parks.
ART
Art is held every Thrusday. We explore the use of different
mediums, such as oils, acrylics, and watercolors. We are also making different
crafts and learning about different artists. Opportunities are provided
to encourage independent thinking, decision making and self-expression.
Some of our art projects continue throughout the week, due to the medium
we are using at the time. Art projects are incorporated into other subjects.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Word Processing, Database, Spreadsheets and Desktop Publishing
The students learn Word Processing, the development and use
of Databases and Spreadsheets and basic keyboarding skills. Databases and
Spreadsheets are a fundamental part of our computer use instruction. The
students learn how to create and use Spreadsheets and Databases in real
world applications, such as glossaries, inventories, and mathematical equation
graphing. The students use Word Processing and Desktop Publishing to produce
Reports, Pamphlets, Brochures, Newspapers, etc.
Electives
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
Introduction to Computer Programming, Programming in C, and
C++ is offered as electives. The classes will cover the use of compilers,
editors, and libraries. We cover such subjects as program development,
input and output, program control, data storage and graphics. We stress
reusable code and Object Oriented Programming.
WEB page creation using HTML and Netscape Communicator
is offered as an elective for seventh grade.
We also cover the creation and editing of graphics including
animation.
Colonial Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of Sex,
Race, Color, Religion, Disabilities or National Origin in Employment or
in its Educational Programs and Activities.
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