Curriculum – Grade 7

Grade 7 Mathematics
	Pre Algebra A	Pre Algebra	Algebra I
What your child will learn	Variables and expressions Exponents Operations with positive rational numbers (fractions and decimals) Solving linear equations and inequalities Coordinate graphing Graphing linear equations Data analysis Ratios, proportions, and percents Geometry Integers	Variables and expressions Operations with integers, rational numbers (positive and negative) and real numbers Solving linear equations and inequalities Exponents Coordinate graphing Graphing linear equations Ratios, proportions, and percents Data analysis Probability Geometry Pythagorean Theorem	Operations with real numbers Simplifying numeric, algebraic, exponential, and polynomial expressions Strategies for solving linear equations, formulas, and inequalities Strategies and essential parts needed for graphing linear functions Strategies for solving systems of linear equations Polynomial factoring Operations with radicals
What your child will do	Use appropriate operations to solve problems and justify solutions Solve linear equations using appropriate algebraic strategies Communicate mathematically and use logical reasoning to make conjectures and verify solutions Use operations to solve problems involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percents, rates, area, perimeter, and volume Use operations to analyze data from graphs Use/make tables or organized lists Draw pictures and diagrams Work individually and in groups to solve problems		Evaluate rational and irrational numerical expressions using correct order of operations Evaluate algebraic expressions Solve linear equations and inequalities Graph linear functions using a variety of methods Simplify exponential expressions Add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials Factor polynomials using a variety of strategies
What you’ll see (products)	Algebraic expressions Equations Tables and graphs Concrete and pictorial models for use in determining perimeter, area, and volume Various problem-solving models Efficient use of calculators		Equations and inequalities solved using algebraic strategies Graphs and number lines used to display solutions Various models and strategies for problem-solving
How you can help	Ask students what they are learning and why they are learning it Ask students to explain their problems and solutions Discuss vocabulary words and their meanings Ask about methods, vocabulary, and reasonable solutions Ask students to explain the procedure he/she used in each problem Recognize any and all effort Monitor homework and your child’s grades online Use online textbook and resources

Grade 7 Reading/Language Arts
	Literature	Vocabulary	Grammar	Written and Oral Communication
What your child will learn	Common literary elements/devices used in fiction and nonfiction Characteristics of different literary genres Reading, fluency and comprehension strategies Poetic form and function of poetry	Fifteen units of 20 vocabulary words each including definitions, synonyms, and antonyms How to use vocabulary words in context Short story and novel terminology How authors use vocabulary and figurative language	Eight parts of speech Types of sentences and various sentence structures Proper usage of words and syntax within sentences	The Five-Paragraph Essay (expository and persuasive) as well as narrative forms How to write poetry, plays, and short stories A process approach to writing Formal listening, speech and presentation skills Formal research strategies Writing Traits
What your child will do	Read selected pieces of literature and analyze literary elements/devices Utilize different reading strategies Differentiate between types of text Build upon fluency and reading comprehension (inferring, questioning, mental imaging) Discuss and analyze poetic forms Identify plot elements, main ideas and details in text	Learn and implement new vocabulary including synonyms and antonyms Apply vocabulary words into the context of their own writing and other situations	Implement correct sentence structure Identify parts of speech Identify and edit their own grammar mistakes Diagram sentences	Use the writing process to write several five-paragraph essays (expository, persuasive) as well as narrative pieces Write poems, plays, and short stories Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations Participate and practice researching skills including locating , organizing, summarizing and presenting information Practice presentation skills
What you’ll see (products)	Visuals focusing on learned information Different genres/texts including novels and poetry Reading logs	Vocabulary book exercises Visuals and study cards of vocabulary words Written projects utilizing vocabulary words	Visuals related to learned information Student and teacher-generated notes, examples, and practice materials	Final and rough copies of writing examples, including 5-paragraph essays Visuals related to learned information Creative projects (posters, newspapers, poems, etc.)
How you can help	Encourage reading at home Question your child about what they are reading Read novels, newspapers, magazines, etc. with your child Help your child find reading materials he/she enjoys Create a reading schedule for reading longer materials Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage your child to create and review vocabulary flash cards Participate in review games at home Discuss the words used in real-life situations. Encourage your child to complete the vocabulary bookwork independently Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage and participate in review games surrounding grammar Encourage your child to edit any writing piece to be grammatically correct Encourage your child to seek help if confused on any grammar concepts Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage your child to practice writing at home Help your child research topics Practice formal speech Encourage your child to use graphic organizers Encourage your child to plan out his/her writing ideas before completing the final project Monitor homework and your child’s grades online

Grade 7 Science
	The Nature of Science	Biological Science	Earth and Space Science	Environmental Science
What your child will learn	How to interpret and explain a variety of scientific data How to use scientific instruments safely to make measurements The steps used in the scientific method Conversions from English to Metric Units	Characteristics of living things Types of cells and organelles and their functions Proper use of a microscope Classification systems of living organisms Principles governing genetic rules and traits	Basic elements of meteorology Essential ideas about the composition and structure of the universe and Earth Human’s role in space The water cycle and its relationship with weather conditions Causes of weather behavior	Basic ecological principles with particular emphasis on PA wetlands, agriculture, biodiversity, endangered species, etc. Roles of consumers, producers and decomposers The interdependence of species in an ecosystem How species change
What your child will do	Select appropriate equipment to measure size, weight, shape, and temperature of living and nonliving objects Interpret data, formulate and design models, and predict solutions Generate questions about objects, organisms, and/or events that can be answered through scientific investigation Conduct experiments using the scientific method	Use scientific equipment to study the characteristics of life and preserved specimens Classify organisms according to modern taxonomy Perform activities to demonstrate how traits are inherited Identify organisms using a microscope Discuss current events (cloning, genetic disorders, human genome project, etc)	Engage in various lab activities reinforcing concepts of meteorology Use scientific tools to measure and record meteorological data Engage in simulations to investigate celestial bodies, life in space, and space exploration Analyze natural and human events on Earth Participate in Astronomy Day activities	Create projects relevant to PA ecology Create a food chain, food web, and food pyramid Describe human impacts on ecosystems Discuss interrelationships between organisms in an ecosystem Identify how one species can impact other species’ survival Explain natural selection and its relationship species’ adaptations
What you’ll see (products)	Lab activities following the steps of the scientific method Problem-solving activities Graphs, tables, charts Independent Science Fair project (GHP only)	Lab activities, dichotomous keys and field guides to identify/classify organisms Various projects related to bioengineering, DNA, cell diagrams, etc. Cell diagrams/ projects, Punnett Squares, etc.	Student-created projects involving both meteorology and astronomy Weather logbook/ observations Diagrams, concept maps, illustrations of universe/ solar system/Earth composition	A heightened awareness of human impact on the environment, both globally and locally Food chains, food webs, energy pyramids in relation to producers, consumers and decomposers
How you can help	Encourage your child to use the scientific method to solve everyday problems Assist your child with the Science Fair project (GHP only) Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Dialogue with your child about different biological systems and how they work Discuss current event topics that are relevant Discuss genetic trends in your family Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Share unique experiences that can show appreciation of space ( watch meteor showers, view planets, identify moon phases, etc) Have students watch weather reports and current weather patterns Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage family-shared outdoor activities Discuss/assess family impact on local environmental resources Reinforce “green” concepts such as recycling and conserving energy Monitor homework and your child’s grades online

Grade 7 Social Studies
	History	Geography	Civics and Government	Economics
What your child will learn	How societies in the following ancient cultures rose and fell in power and influence: Greece, Rome, Medieval Europe, Russia, Byzantine and Islamic Empires The major religious and political leaders of these ancient societies How people in these societies both cooperated and fought one another for land and resources The impact of religion on the lives of ancient people Overview of early Pennsylvania history	How geography affected the growth of civilizations Why most early settlements began near major rivers The role natural environments have played on the impact of human activities How ancient civilizations adapted to their surroundings Map skills identifying the locations of ancient societies including their physical and human geographic characteristics. Pennsylvania’s major geographic regions	How ancient societies organized themselves into political and social hierarchies How early attempts at governments brought order and stability to their societies Greek, Roman, and Medieval civilizations’ impact on the modern world The cultural, economic, historical and governmental development of Pennsylvania	The impact of both food shortages and food surpluses on the decisions made by early societies How people used agriculture and resources to advance their technologies and to create trading relationships between societies Commerce and trade in the ancient world Growth of trade and banking during the Middle Ages The development of free markets and capitalism
What your child will do	Read selected passages about the history of ancient cultures and Pennsylvania Use primary and secondary source documents to learn about the culture, daily life, and attitudes of the past Participate in project-based learning experiences	Participate in activities that demonstrate the five themes of geography Use historical maps of ancient societies and early Pennsylvania Participate in activities that bring awareness about diverse cultural groups	Participate in historical research using primary and secondary sources Use primary and secondary source documents to learn about ancient and modern governments Compare/contrast ancient and modern governments	Identify economic causes for Rome’s collapse Trace the development of modern banking and trade to the Medieval sources
What you’ll see (products)	A five-paragraph written project about Greek or Roman themes Graphic organizers and timelines Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills	Five Theme’s of Geography project Maps (throughout the year) Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills	A Greek or Roman project Creative writing activities Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills	Maps that highlight the development of civilizations and major trade routes Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills
How you can help	Dialogue with your child about history, making connections between the modern world and the historical events and people that created it Encourage your child to watch the news and/or read the newspaper Monitor homework and your child’s grades online Use online textbook and resources	Allow your child to become involved with travel decisions and planning Encourage your child to use maps and point out geographic features in the environment Monitor homework and your child’s grades online Use online textbook and resources	Encourage your child to be involved in civic/community groups Expose your child to different cultural traditions Encourage your child to watch the news and/or read the newspaper Monitor homework and your child’s grades online Use online textbook and resources	Work with your child to create a personal or family budget that tracks personal income and spending Point out to your child the different products you own that are made in foreign nations Encourage your child to watch news and/or read the newspaper Monitor homework and your child’s grades online Use online textbook and resources

Grade 7 Exploratory Subjects
	Health	Physical Education	General Music	Art
What your child will learn	Various aspects of mental, physical and social health and how they are related The structure and function of the Skeletal, Muscular, and Cardio/Respiratory Systems The effects of drug, alcohol and tobacco use as well as techniques for their avoidance	How moderate to vigorous physical activity affects heart rate Social skills that enable success in competitive and cooperative activities Key elements of movement in exercise and sport How to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine	Note reading and music literacy Rhythmic and melodic composition Compositional techniques Specific uses of technology in music	Elements and principles of design Basic art history and criticism Aesthetics The role of art in the community How to express ways of life through art Painting techniques Connections between art and other subjects
What your child will do	Develop skills to make healthy lifestyle decisions Identify components of health as they relate to the well-being of individuals/families Research current information about drug use relevant to their age Identify aspects of the Skeletal, Muscular, Cardio/Respiratory Systems and examine their relationship to the body	Participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities in individual and team sports Participate in exercises to develop physical fitness Participate in fitness testing Discover life-long physical activities	Experience music through singing and playing classroom instruments Compose music using traditional methods and through modern technologies	Identify and emulate modes of expression Create various forms of art in different mediums Create the appearance of 3-dimensional space on 2-dimensional surfaces Respond in both written and verbal forms to works of art
What you’ll see (products)	An understanding of the importance of making healthy choices Increased understanding of the various body systems’ and their function within the body. Increased awareness of peer pressure and societal trends regarding drug use/abuse	Plans for life-long fitness and goals for improvement Measurements of the student’s own physical performance in certain activities/skills	Rhythmic and melodic composition Lyric writing Computer-generated composition Small and large group in-class performances	Various works of art created by your child including drawings, prints, and sculptures
How you can help	Communicate with your child about good personal hygiene and making healthy decisions Support your child as they use the information they learn to make good health decisions Communicate with the health education instructor at your school regarding questions or problems involving adolescent health Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Visit your local community centers to become involved in physical activities Encourage your child to participate and support his/her involvement in activity-based programs Communicate with the physical education instructor at your school Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage your child to take Band, Chorus, or Orchestra in addition to General Music Play a variety of music in your household Take your child to musical performances Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage creative art time at home Attend art shows and community events Display your child’s art at home Monitor homework and your child’s grades online