Grade 7
Welcome to St. Michael’s 7th Grade, at our Bethlehem Campus. Our mission is to provide a loving, nurturing and safe environment for our children. In this environment, the children can develop and grow creatively, physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually.
Religion
Priority topics for the Grade 7 Religion Curriculum are: the New Testament, the life of Jesus Christ and the call to discipleship. Students have opportunities to explore and accept God the Father’s saving love for each person as revealed through his Son, Jesus. Lessons and experiences of prayer, worship, service and life in community help young adolescents grow in their knowledge of Jesus, that they may love and serve him more faithfully. Students continue to grow in proficiency in locating Bible passages, reading, reflecting on and understanding Sacred Scripture.
Literature/Language Arts
Students read and analyze both classic and contemporary selections for elements of literature such as characterization, figurative language, conflict, and theme. They build their vocabulary by taking ownership of unfamiliar words in context.
Students write for understanding and learn the challenging art of writing through writer’s workshop and the writing process. Teacher provides frequent and specific feedback to students about their writing. Students have multiple opportunities to revise their drafts.
The seventh grade students’ literary exploration includes reading novels, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Selections include: Hoot,
A Christmas Carol, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, The Outsiders, and others. The literature teacher adds to the list of possible selections as new appropriate middle school novels and nonfiction become available; all new selections are read and approved by the teacher.
Math/Pre-Algebra
The math curriculum explores concepts of percentages, integers, algebra, geometry, probability, graphing, and other topics within the diocesan curriculum for seventh grade. Pre-Algebra explores a wide range of topics at an accelerated pace that prepares students for Algebra 1.
Science
Life science is the main focus of the course. Discussions about the systems of the body, heredity, and human sexuality are covered. Students also learn basic laboratory skills: handling equipment appropriately, working safely, designing and conducting an experiment, learning proper methods of collecting, recording, averaging, and analyzing the data collected through experimentation. All classes are held in the laboratory with hand-on experience at least twice per week. During this year, students also complete an independent experiment using the Scientific Method and then present their project at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) competition.
Social Studies – World Geography
This course focuses on exploring and discovering the processes that shape the earth, the relationships between people and environments, and the links between people and places. The instructor enhances the curriculum with Discovery Education. Classroom computers are used for student research.
Specials
Students attend an art, music, gym, and computer class once per week. In art students experience an in-depth concentration and development on drawing and painting skills. They learn value shading and color blending techniques at a more sophisticated level as well as the manipulation of brushes and drawing tools. Lessons are related to past, renowned artists and their works along with styles in art history and cultural art practices. At this level, several art lessons are inter-related with the lessons of the social studies curriculum.
An art show is held annually during Catholic Schools Week
All students participate in the diocesan art contest
Other optional art contests are announced by the instructor
In music the curriculum for fifth through eighth grade covers music history of Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque Music, Classical and Romantic Periods, Music of the 20th Century including the composers and different styles, as well as American Music from the 1900’s to present. The elements of music and definitions including melody, rhythm, genres, dynamics, tempos are learned. Students review and continue to learn about note values and staff placement including treble and bass clefs. As a culmination of their musical learning, eighth grade students create a song with lyrics, melody, rhythms, harmonies, and chord progressions.
Students are also offered an opportunity to join the middle school choir. They sing at the school masses and at the spring concert.
In addition to choir, students may elect to participate in the instrumental music program complete with weekly lessons. A concert is held annually for the school community to enjoy.
In PE, instruction emphasizes the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle through participation in team oriented games, activities, and sports with the continuing theme of fair play and sportsmanship.