Curriculum > Core Subjects > 7th Grade Course of Study
Seventh Grade Course of Study
English 7 – All students in grade 7 continue to build their English/language arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and visually representing. These abilities are developed within the context of core literature units including novels, short stories, and poetry. In 7th grade, the core literature is The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Extended core or supplemental literature includes The Canterbury Tales, Dragonwings, Farewell to Manzanar, and Tenggren’s golden tales from the Arabian nights. Students practice the conventions of language (grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) in required writing assignments, teacher-developed writing lessons, and text lessons. Students practice speaking and listening skills through formal speeches, presentations, conversations, individual and group presentations, and small and large group discussion. Viewing and visually presenting are taught through the use of audio-visual and technological resources and various projects. Through portfolios of their work, students practice self-reflection and self-assessment.
History/Social Science 7 – Students study selected major culture groups in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas from approximately 500 B.C. through 1500 A.D. They will learn about social, political, and economic systems, and how various societies have developed these systems in order to meet their particular needs and wants. Students will learn that contemporary cultures are the descendants of earlier civilizations and are influenced by historical events. They will learn why we should appreciate and value the ethnic and cultural diversity in our own society.
Pre-Algebra/Pre-Algebra A – All students in grade 7 study these mathematical strands recommended by the California Framework: Number and Number Sense, Algebra and Functions, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics, Data Analysis and Probability, and Mathematical Reasoning. In these courses students will solve mathematical problems, communicate mathematical ideas in both oral and written form, analyze and organize information, evaluate alternative mathematical approaches, and interpret results. Students will compute using paper and pencil, mental arithmetic, and calculators. Testing to determine whether your child will take Pre-Algebra or Pre-Algebra A will take place in May of their 6th grade year.
Physical Education – Physical Education consists of a program of activities that are designed to develop good basic motor skills, physical fitness, nutrition, and fundamental movement patterns. Emphasis is placed on the importance of positive sportsmanship and cooperation, including respect for one another. Students are provided an introductory exposure to a wide variety of activities, including team sports, individual and dual sports, rhythms and aquatics.
Science 7, Human Biology/Adolescent Skills – This is a one-year, activity-based course that studies both the scientific and social aspects of human life. From the scientific perspective, students study cells, genetics, evolution, the nervous system (including the effects of drugs and refusal skills), the skeletal system, the circulatory system, and the reproductive system. The scientific and social aspects of the course are intertwined throughout the year. As students work through these units, they practice expository reading and expository writing, as well as construct knowledge through exploration/manipulation of materials, inquiry, direct instruction and discussion.
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Palo Alto Unified School District
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