Academics

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  • 7th Grade English

    The seventh grade English curriculum guides students through the process of writing and reading in a variety of genres and on a variety of themes relevant to seventh graders. The goal is for students to gain an appreciation and enjoyment of language that will sustain them as lifelong learners.

    Students engage as readers early in the year by choosing their own novels and non-fiction book; the class also reads books together. Lois Lowry's The Giver provides them with an excellent model for their own fiction writing; George Orwell's Animal Farm leads to work on the persuasive essay and a look at advertising as a form of propaganda; William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night gives students the chance to act and direct in class, and to master a difficult but rewarding text. Students also read as part of smaller literary circles a historical fiction novel of the group's choice: Wolf by the Ears, Fever 1793, Bull Run, The Ransom of Mercy Carter, or Lyddie). We also read a wide selection of poetry.

    Students write their own poetry, memoirs, book summaries, short fiction, and persuasive essays. Sample texts from published writers serve as inspiration. The year concludes with 7th graders pairing up with the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes for weekly reading sessions. Drawing on the writing strategies practiced and mastered all year, the 7th graders write and illustrate professionally bound picture books for their young (and admiring) reading partners.

  • 7th Grade United States History

    To begin our study of history, students select historical events from their own lives to create a personal time line. The first unit of the course focuses on the encounter between the Europeans and the indigenous people in the Caribbean. Students complete a map of Central America and the West Indies as well as a world map to identify locations significant to the topic. A creative planet map, designed to parallel errors in mapmaking that affected early world views, allows us to begin the discussion of the validity of different kinds of historical documents. In addition to working on outlining skills and writing clear, concise paragraphs, students develop skills to distinguish fact from opinion as they interpret events.

    In the second unit, in order to explain the development of the United States, exploration and colonization of the Americas centers on the English experience. Colonization of the Virginia and New England regions is compared to set the stage for future North/South divisions. Our examination of the role of women and Africans in the colonies enables students to begin to understand the history of their treatment in the United States. To encourage students to synthesize the complex issues involved in early colonization, students assume the role of a colonist writing a letter home to England in the early 1600s. The trimester ends with a mini-unit on Pre-Revolutionary events. As they delve into the restrictions placed on colonists’ liberties, they uncover explanations for the ideas developed in The Constitution and its Bill of Rights.

    After some analysis on The Constitution, the second trimester begins with a four-part project on The Bill of Rights. Students work in pairs and individually to research, analyze and interpret a contemporary issue related to The Bill of Rights.

    The rest of the trimester is focused on three major areas of change in the 19th century: Westward Expansion, the Industrial Revolution and Slavery and Pre-Civil War events. The geographical changes created by the Lousiana Purchase lead into an investigation of its impact on Native Americans. Students’ knowledge of the geography of the West and key dates and events, as well as their ability to interpret and apply information is demonstrated in a unit test. As pioneers ventured into the new western lands, their experiences were often expressed in diaries from which students read excerpts. Reading for the main point, highlighting , note taking and map reading skills are focused on and applied to a Women’s Diary project. During our study of causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution, we investigated inventions, child labor and other economic implications. One effect, the increase of slavery in the 1800s and its social and political impact, is examined in depth. As we examine the widening split between the North and South, we learn selected causes of the Civil War. To understand the aftermath of the war and its connection to the Civil Rights Movement, the Reconstruction period is delved into.

    Towards the end of the second trimester, the stage is set for the major research project. Students choose a famous person from the 20th century who had a significant impact on her/his field. As the third trimester begins, they investigate the person’s life from birth, focusing on early influences, actions and decisions that helped to determine the person’s role in and effect on society. Research skills are the emphasis as students work through the process of locating sources, using an index, taking notes and creating an outline. Each student then writes her /his research paper complete with citations and a reference list. Students are evaluated on the quality of the paper’s content as well as its mechanics. In character and with prepared notes, students orally present their research to the class. Each student designs a visual aid as a supplement to the presentation.

    The 1920s and The Depression follow the research project. A mini-unit on Japanese Internment during WWII is followed by our final unit on the Civil Rights Movement. In our study of the causes and effects of events that occurred in both eras, we discuss the legacies that are evident today.

  • 7th Grade Enriched Math

    Students in the enriched section of seventh grade math begin the year with a review of whole number and decimal operations. This is followed by a review of the order of operations; commutative, associative, distributive, and zero properties; notation and use of exponents, and scientific notation. At each of these stages, they work with equations and word problems, continually reinforcing their deductive reasoning and problem solving skills. Students work with the concepts of prime and composite numbers, factorization, least common denominator, greatest common factor, least common multiple, and mixed numbers while we discuss rational numbers and review operations with fractions. They also review proportion, ratio and percent. Learning about negative numbers and absolute value challenges the students conceptually, making the math more abstract. This involves expanding ideas students have long held about math (For example, the “-“ symbol no longer means only “minus;” it also indicates a negative number. This means that what they once conceived of as a subtraction problem can now be seen as an addition problem using a negative number.). Additionally, student work to solve 1, 2 and 3 step equations with variables, learning to use inverse operations. Textbook based math curriculum is mixed with a hearty dose of logic puzzles and math games. The students are involved in two long projects during the year: a salary project for which they are all assigned jobs, debts, and families, and then calculate living expenses, and taxes before writing a budget for themselves; and a quilting project for which they design a quilt, then calculate proportions and percent totals for each fabric chosen. A spreadsheet program is used specifically for calculations and graphing of the salary project.

  • 7th Grade Regular Math

    Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra is a year-long course that begins with a review of mathematical expressions, order of operations, exponents and the decimal system, and the basic properties. We then concentrate on integers and using all of the operations with positive and negative numbers. We then do the same with rational numbers, including making equivalent fractions, and also changing fractions into decimals and vice versa. We work with equations and variables, and study how one uses the four operations with equations to solve for the variable, and then use those skills to solve inequalities. We also study the coordinate plane, graphing equations, systems of equations, and inequalities. We study geometry by identifying the parts of points, lines, planes and geometric shapes, how they are constructed and how they are measured in length, area and volume. We examine right triangles and use algebra to solve problems with the Pythagorean Theorem. We end with a unit on statistics and probability.

  • 7th Grade Pre-Algebra

    Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra is a year-long course that begins with a review of mathematical expressions, order of operations, exponents, the decimal system, and the basic properties. Subsequently, we explore these topics with positive, negative and rational numbers. A major focus is on the skills needed to use variables and solve equations. We apply these skills to the coordinate plane and to a study of geometry. Throughout the year, the class engages in a variety of real-world applications of their skills. Projects include a unit on intelligent financial practices, maintaining and funding a micro-loan project in developing countries, electronic and hand construction of tessellations, and a scale drawing puzzle project of countries in the Middle East.

  • 7th Grade Accelerated Math

    The accelerated section of math is designed for students with a strong pre-algebra background, a demonstrated aptitude for abstract thinking, and a willingness to work intensively on math. After a quick review of real number properties and operations, focusing on the order of operations, this course covers roughly half of a rigorous Algebra One program. Major topics will include manipulating algebraic expressions, solving a variety of multi-step equations, linear graphing, working with exponents, factoring, rational expressions and problem solving. In addition, extensive work is done in computer programming and data processing.

  • 7th Grade Life Science

    In Life Science, students explore the living world and its various levels of organization. Through hands-on experiences and projects, students develop skills in observation, problem solving, identification of unknown species and much more. The goal is to develop student awareness of and respect for all living things and the environments on which they depend. The year begins with a study of the Delaware River and the Scientific Method. The Scientific Method is a systematic approach to problem solving that is used to evaluate unique situations and develop creative experiments to test hypotheses. The class then progresses into an in-depth analysis of the Invertebrate animal group. The second term focuses on the structure and function behind all living things, cells. After cells, we delve into evolution and disease. The spring brings back the animal kingdom with an exploration of vertebrates. We study their groupings, characteristics, interactions, and connections to the greater environment. Throughout the year we enjoy time working in our organic, biointensive gardening program located on the Westtown campus.

  • 7th Grade Language

    In 7th grade students may elect to take Latin or Spanish. Students in Latin will be introduced to the fundamentals of the language, with a focus on translating from Latin to English, grammar and basic language structures, vocabulary and English derivatives. Students may elect to continue with Latin in 8th grade or, armed with a strong foundation, begin the study of a different language.

    Students in Spanish will continue with the study of Spanish that they began in 6th grade. There will be a continuing focus on grammar, pronunciation, understanding oral expression and the study of Spanish-speaking cultures around the world. Students may elect to continue with Spanish in 8th grade or, armed with a strong foundation, begin the study of a different language.

  • 7th Grade Health

    This course is designed to guide students to explore and research topics about personal hygiene and behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle. The students learn basic human anatomy and physiology of various systems of the body and how to practice preventative care to maintain a healthy body system. Class discussions, lecture and cooperative work, in addition to various written and research assignments are used to enhance the overall learning of the material. The first part of the course focuses on what makes a health body system and the maintenance of homeostasis. The skin, eyes, ears and immune system are explored from a multidisciplinary approach. Environmental stress and issues of modern approaches to medical care are discussed. Disease prevention and infectious and non-infectious diseases are researched from both historical and present day contexts. A group called Freedom from Chemical Dependency does a week-long course on drugs and alcohol prevention. The students learn about the affects of drugs and alcohol on the body and the personal cost to friends and family. The latter part of the course covers stress management, eating disorders and body image. The use of videos, speakers, web research and individual projects guide the students understanding so they can make informed choices. Developing critical analytical skills about health claims and new medical research help the students develop a more global perspective of health care.

  • 7th Grade Decisions

    This discussion based, opened ended course uses a loose-leaf compilation of information sheets and exercises as a springboard. Meeting a single period a week for three terms, it responds to the needs and interests of students and is non-graded. At its best the course succeeds when the students accept the concept of the course as a confidential, anonymous discussion and openly share their opinions and feelings about issues in their lives. Two recurring exercises are some form of values clarification exercise and the “Dear Abby” exercise, in which students address a concern of theirs to Dear Abby and then the cards are read to the class and the class gives the writer advice. We have used some other exercises consistently: on the nature of decisions, on gender issues, on diversity, on time management, on the value of “I” language and on conflict resolution. There are additional resources on aging, AIDS, sexual awareness, tobacco, alcohol, death and drugs.