RELIGION

Catholic values are discussed and integrated not only in religion class, but in all learning. Students will learn about the Catholic faith through stories, activities, scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection.

Emphasis is on:

We Pray:

• Prayer in a variety of forms

• Participation in liturgical ministry

We Learn:

• God’s Revelation through the Gospels

• Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

We Serve:

• Active Service based on Social Teachings of the Catholic Church

MATHEMATICS

Math classes are designed to further develop and challenge the students mathematical abilities.

Pre-Algebra

Emphasis is on:

• Review of fractions decimals, percents and proportions

• Review operations with real, rational, irrational, integer, whole and natural numbers

• Properties of exponents and scientific notation

• Solve equations; simple to complex

• Geometric relationships- Perimeter, Area and Volume

• Introduce 2 variable equations and graphing

• Probability and statistics

Algebra 1

Emphasis is on:

• Review fractions, decimals, percents, proportions and equation solving

• Linear functions- slope- intercepts- graphing- writing equations

• Systems of linear functions-

• Exponential functions and equations

• Quadratics - factoring, solving and graphing

• Geometric relationships- Area, Perimeter, Volume, and angles

• Stats and Probability

MUSIC

Students will have the opportunity to participate in music activities and to develop an appreciation for music.

Emphasis is on:

• Singing in groups and performance opportunities

• Involvement in choirs.

• Exploring a variety of musical styles

• Understanding tonality through singing and listening activities.

• Developing vocal skills, understanding how the voice works

ELAR

The language arts program includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and the study of literature. The components of the program emphasize the development of skills that allow students to read with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, communicate well and listen and speak effectively. These skills are applied and reinforced throughout all elements of the academic area.

Reading/Literature

A diverse selection of literature will be used to enhance student development of higher levels of comprehension and inferential thinking. These books include holocaust novels (Night by Elie Wiesel, Diary of Anne Frank, and blank), medieval stories (Arthur and the Seeing Stone, Crispin, and Urban vs. Rural America (A Long Way From Chicago, The Great Chicago Fire).

Skill are developed as students focus on the following:

• Analysis of plot, characterization, setting, conflict, theme and point of view

• Use of annotation, and specific evidence to support ideas

• Vocabulary study

Writing

Students will work through the seven steps of the writing process to develop and publish pieces that span the writing genres, including: argumentative essays, letters, creative writing, poetry, and personal narratives. The development of each piece sets in motion the goal of producing reflective, creative, critical, and articulate communicators.

SCIENCE

Students use concrete, hands-on experiences to understand science in the physical and natural work around them. Students Identify problems, formulate and test hypotheses and evaluate experimental results.

The seventh grade science course covers life sciences with an emphasis on the scientific processes. Students are required to participate in the Science Fair competition.

• Exploring and Classifying Life

• Bacteria

• Cells

• Protist and Fungi

• Cell Reproduction

• Cell Processes

• Heredity

SOCIAL STUDIES

Students begin 7th grade with two units that are required by the State of Illinois: a US Constitution unit and an Illinois Constitution unit. 7th graders review early American history, then continue with events from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century. The digital textbook series used is Social Studies Techbook from Discovery Education- Civil War to Present. Content units include:

• US Constitution

• Illinois Constitution

• The Road to Disunion

• The American Civil War

• Civil War Reconstruction

• Changes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries