GPS 7th Grade Curriculum – 2015-16
Computer Science and Engineering
Design & Discovery
Building on the skills gained in Discover Computer Science, Design & Discovery incorporates computer science,
technology, and engineering principles to emphasize research, teamwork, digital organization, creativity, and problem
solving skills. Topics include engineering, programming, game creation, computer science topics and careers, robotics,
and digital arts. Throughout the course students use the engineering design process to collaboratively complete
engineering design challenges in the various course topics.
English
English 7/Honors English 7
In English 7 we turn to American stories, exploring essential questions that address underlying universal themes such as
diversity, education, dreams, and moral courage. Students continue to develop skills in recognizing figurative language
and elements of fiction found in the works that we read. With in-class exercises and engagement in the full writing
process, we continue our study of writing and grammar, still focusing on connections through communication.
This is a required course for seventh grade. Instructor approval required for Honors English.
Fine Arts
Studio Art 7
The seventh grade studio art class is focused on developing skills based on the “principles of art and design.” This course
is designed to challenge a student’s imagination and problem-solving abilities. As “principles” are introduced, projects
supporting the thought and skill processes follow, becoming increasingly more complex in terms of materials used and
techniques developed. This course ties into the seventh grade core curriculum (in terms of chronological order and
subject matter, when possible) thus enriching and enhancing the studio art experience with other disciplines. All levels
of talent are served by this curriculum. Studio Art 7 projects offer experiences in drawing, design, sculpture, painting,
and more.
Dance
Seventh graders enjoy this interdisciplinary class that collaborates with the seventh grade American Studies class.
Movement explorations of historical events reinforce learning. American Revolution, Westward expansion, and the
women’s suffragette movement are examples of some of the many lesson plans from this class. The students also learn
social dances from American history.
Music*
Beginning Strings Class
This class is for absolute beginners of the violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Scales, rhythm, correct posture, and solid
technique are emphasized in class so that a clear tone is achieved by the student. Students learn to read music on their
new instruments and perform a couple of short concerts during the year.
Beginning Winds and Percussion Class
This class is for absolute beginners of the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, and
percussion/drums. Scales, rhythm, correct posture, and solid technique are emphasized in class so that a clear tone is
achieved by the student. Students learn to read music on their new instruments and perform a couple of short concerts
during the year.
Intermediate Strings Class
This class is for students of the violin, viola, cello, and string bass who have played for at least one year. Additional
octaves on the scales, more complicated rhythms, and further development of technique are emphasized in class, as
well as the basics of correct posture for a clear tone. Students improve their music reading ability and perform on
concerts during the year.
Middle School Wind Ensemble
This class is for students of flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion/drums
who have played for at least one year. Additional octaves on the scales, more complicated rhythms, and further
development of technique are emphasized in class, as well as the basics of correct posture for a clear tone and breath
control. Students improve their music reading ability and perform on concerts during the year.
Advanced Middle School Orchestra
This class is for students of the violin, viola, cello, and string bass who have played for several years and can read music
well. Repertoire is more advanced, and more performing opportunities are given through the year. Speak to Mrs. Baxter
for admission to this class.
*Instrumental Music Classes require an instrument provided by the family. The GPS music department has a few
large instruments which may be rented. More information about rentals and appropriate purchases is available from
Mrs. Baxter.
Theatre Arts 7
Creative Process and the Art of Study
Through improvisational theatre games and scene study, students learn the building blocks for creative process. All
theatre games and techniques tie specifically to the "Art of Study,” i.e. study organization, homework management, and
critical thinking skills. By the end of the term, students have developed a functioning creative process, study games, and
team play skills. Students work in small groups using improvisation, writing, and scripted material to develop sketches
performed for class.
History
American Studies
Throughout the year, students in American Studies seek to unearth the answer to one of our nation’s most enduring
questions: what does it mean to be an American? Beginning with Columbus in 1492 and continuing through the events
of today, American Studies examines a variety of perspectives and stories from the people who helped shape this land:
the Pilgrims to the pioneers, the Cherokees to Lewis and Clark, the rebels of the American Revolution to the freedom
fighters of the Civil Rights Movement. While the students pay attention to history, they also learn more about
themselves. With close attention to individual styles and study skills, the course seeks to challenge each student to
become a stronger writer and thinker and to discover rich study skills that she will carry with her in the years to come.
This is a required course for seventh grade.
Math
Pre-Algebra
In Pre-Algebra, students take a broader look at computational and problem-solving skills while beginning to learn the
language of algebra. This introduction to algebra consists of continued review of operations with integers, fractions, and
decimals, as well as basic exponent properties; translating word phrases and sentences into mathematical expressions;
solving multi-step equations in one variable; applications of these arithmetic skills to problems involving measurement,
percentages, ratios, and proportions; an introduction to graphing linear equations and solving inequalities; and a more
in-depth exploration of geometry concepts previously discussed. There is a strong emphasis on the development of
problem-solving skills throughout the course, as well as the relevance of these skills in real-world applications.
*Instructor approval is required for the Honors course, with a curriculum that moves at an accelerated pace, exploring
those concepts described above in greater depth and more complex scenarios, while addressing additional concepts
such as operations with radicals and polynomials, as well as rational expressions.
Physical Education
SHAPE 7
SHAPE 7 students expands upon the basic skills and health awareness. The class has a primary focus on team activities,
character building, and increased opportunity to lead. Class activities include tennis, lacrosse, badminton, table tennis,
basketball, volleyball, track and field, free swim, net ball, eclipse ball, floor hockey, pickle ball, and the use of the cardio
fitness room. Interactive behavior in sports and activities provides avenues through which character education traits are
addressed and developed. Those traits include fairness, respect for others, cooperation, self-control, punctuality,
diligence, and kindness.
Science
Science 7
Seventh grade students continue to refine their understanding and work with the scientific method through their
exploration of topics in Earth Science. These topics are investigated with experiments and activities using science skills
such as reading graphs and using scientific instruments. Critical thinking and problem solving is reinforced throughout
the year. As developing scientists, seventh graders have the opportunity to explore a topic of their choice as they do an
investigative project. This is a required course for seventh grade.
World Languages
French 7
In seventh grade French, a continuation of sixth grade French, students have fun exploring the vocabulary and language
concepts first covered in their first year of French. The topics are explored in more depth in this second year of French
studies. In this class, students also learn more about Francophone culture. In class, students delve into the language and
culture through activities, games, songs, skits and partner projects. A strong emphasis is placed on communication, both
listening and speaking. Students in French 7 also study how pronunciation relates to spelling in French and, as a result,
will be able to recognize written French expressions. This course prepares students to begin their study of French as a
core academic class beginning in eighth grade.
Spanish 7
The seventh grade Spanish course is designed to be both an introduction to Spanish for students who have never
studied the language before and a way to lay the foundations on which to build their study of the language. There is a
strong focus on spelling and pronunciation through vocabulary units and an introduction to basic conversation with preset questions and answers. In addition, students are exposed to different aspects of the culture of Spain, such as fauna,
cuisine, festivals, and history.