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:

  • The Cay
  • A Christmas Carol
  • Projekt 1065
  • Prisoner B-3087
  • Holes
  • 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.

Literature/Language Arts

Literature uses an anthology and novels to enrich the students’ exposure to various types of literature such as fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, myths, etc. Some of the novels read are: The Outsiders, A Christmas Carol, The Devil’s Arithmetic, and Farewell to Manzanar. The students do independent reading of chosen novels as well which culminate with a project. The Language Arts curriculum focuses on three aspects as follows:

  • grammar usage and mechanics
  • writing, listening, and speaking
  • research, study, test-taking strategies

Students are required to write several essays including descriptive, expository, persuasive, and poetry in addition to weekly journal writing.

A comprehensive approach for systematic vocabulary development which helps students expand their vocabulary and prepare for standardized tests is a focus as well.

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.

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. Students also prepare and present a project for the National History Day competition. 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.

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.

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