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7th Grade

Catholic identity must and does permeate the curriculum guidelines, the instruction, and assessments. Curriculum guidelines provide a template for teachers to provide instruction, and assessments demonstrate that learners have achieved unsurpassed academic success. A process of continuous improvement ensures that curriculum guidelines are regularly examined and updated or revised where needed. For more detailed curriculum information, please visit olsorrows.com or contact Mrs. Andrea Allen, Associate Principal, [email protected]

RELIGION
The seventh grade places special emphasis on the role of grace in the seven sacraments and in developing the virtues. Students learn about God’s loving gift of revelation through creation, the prophets, the Incarnation, and the Church. Grace is understood as being central to our relationship with God because it unites us with Him and allows us to share in His eternal life.

 

READING
An in depth study of poetry and text analysis for meaning is the main focus of seventh grade. Students are challenged by thematic units and higher thinking level questions to help them make inferences based on the context. Students read several novels and have scholarly discussions.

 

WRITING
Students write cancer brochures, osmosis reports, Saints reports, and formal research reports in addition to creative writing. The students develop high level thinking skills through an in-depth study of English grammar.

 

HISTORY

Our history curriculum is based on the Michigan State Standards. Our students explore history, geography, economics, government, and culture to gain a better understanding of their world. They are encouraged to relate past and present through the study of history and current events.

The students learn about, current events, and major moments in American history. The study of American history involves names and dates, discoveries and conflicts. Through the study of the facts, students will begin to see the relationships between individuals and groups that have shaped the history of the United States. It is important to present concepts that help students to understand the cause and effect of how historical circumstances have influenced the American experience. This course will primarily focus on Westward Expansion, Jacksonian Democracy, Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Progressive Era.

MATH
Our mathematics curriculum is designed to be challenging and motivating for all students. The mathematics curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards. The correct placement of students is essential for student success. Careful consideration of student abilities is critical to self-esteem. It is very important that all students be placed appropriately. Identification for math placement will occur in the spring of fifth, sixth, and seventh grade and will be based on multiple factors including grades, common assessments, and standardized tests.

 

On-level Pre-Algebra: In this course introductory concepts of algebra are developed with applications interwoven throughout. Topics include but are not limited to, operations with integers, solving single and multi-step equations, functions, graphing, exponents and roots, and ratios and proportions, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometry. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem solving.

 

Algebra 1: These selected students will study the language of algebra, single and multi-step equations and inequalities, graphing, functions, linear functions, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials, quadratic functions, and radicals. By successfully completing this Algebra course in 7th grade, students may progress to Grade 8 Honors Algebra. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem solving.

 
SCIENCE

Students will have the opportunity to study various topics in Life Sciences.  The categories cover Cells & Heredity, comparing how life has changed over time, and Ecology.  Students will develop their exploratory skills by generating their own questions, recognizing and explaining relationships that develop from scientific labs and activities.

 

Textbooks

The textbooks we use are evaluated on a five year cycle.  We choose books based on curriculum alignment, grade level appropriateness, and overall quality.