Seventh Grade

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

Seventh Grade

Advisory

The seventh grade advisory program includes a series of character building activities. These activities have included topics such as endurance, courage, responsibility, choice, and accountability. In addition to building character, these topics and activities have fostered team-building in the advisory groups. Many of the activities result in deeper discussions since advisories work on a single topic for a number of weeks, and consider the topic from multiple points of view.

Seventh grade advisors recognize the need for a focus on study skills and organizational habits. Time is set aside for discussion on goal setting and time management as well as the practical need for locker and binder cleanup. Advisors meet with students to review progress reports and to listen to student perspectives in preparation for the advisor�s conference with the advisee�s parents.

Seventh grade advisories recognize the need for active participation in community service projects. Advisories have worked on fund raising projects, clothing drives, book drives, and food drives. Advisors actively encourage students to share ideas for new projects and to develop new opportunities to serve our School and local community.

Humanities

The seventh grade humanities program explores the theme of �social justice in a democratic society� using primarily original sources drawn from American history and literature. One of the purposes of this course of study is to enhance students� understanding of what it means to live in our multi-cultural society. Various concepts are explored such as effective citizen participation in a multi-cultural democracy and an appreciation for the views of different groups in our society.

This course emphasizes the development of strong writing skills. In particular, students learn how to organize and support their ideas using detail, examples and quotations from other sources, and to utilize correct grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc. The course also focuses on skills, both individually and in group settings, involving reading comprehension, oral and written expression of technical information and opinions, and active listening. Techniques for developing these skills include journal writing, writer�s workshop, expository essays, book reports, literature circles and a research paper.

Units of study address the following subjects:

Issues of identity within our multi-cultural society (e.g., as an individual, as a member of different groups, as an American);
An introduction to the United States Constitution and the values reflected therein;
The experience and impact of westward expansion on different groups in our country;
The impact of specific historical events including,
Slavery in America, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Seneca Falls Convention, and the Civil War

Algebra

Basic Curriculum:

Seventh grade mathematics focuses on the study of algebra. We organize the students in two homogeneous groups. At the beginning of seventh grade a decision is made to determine whether a student will take algebra in one year or in two parts over two years. In placing students, our teachers examine standardized test scores, classroom performance, and commitment to completing daily homework assignments. Students recommended for the one-year algebra program have 90% as a minimum score in four areas:

1st Semester Final Grade in 6th Grade Mathematics,
Spring Interim Grade in 6th Grade Mathematics,
6th Grade CTP III Standardized Test Scores in Mathematics Concepts
6th Grade CTP III Standardized Test Scores in Mathematics Achievement.

In our analysis of this data we give double weight to classroom grades since it is a measurement of a student's performance over an extended period of time. It is our goal to continue to challenge all students in mathematics, while providing the optimal opportunity for academic growth. Algebra is the foundation for the future study of mathematics. We want every student who graduates from our eighth grade to have a sound set of skills in algebra, which will form a solid basis for future work in mathematics.

Algebra units of study consist of:

Operations:
This includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, division with rational numbers, multi-step problems, evaluation of algebraic expressions, and evaluation of exponents and radicals.
Variables:
This includes translating expressions from the verbal form to the algebraic form; use the Distributive Property; simplify powers and exponents, radicals, and rational expressions; and factor binomials and trinomials.
Solving equations:
This includes solving linear, exponential, quadratic, rational, and radical equations. Equations are written and solved for word problems.
Solving systems of linear equations and inequalities:
This includes solving such systems by graphing, use of substitution, and linear combination. Systems of equations are written and solved for word problems.
Graphing:
This includes graphing linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables, intercepts for linear equations, compound inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, and exponential functions.
Lines:
This includes the concepts of slope and intercepts, and writing equations of lines in different forms.

All Middle School students cover these topics by the end of Eighth Grade.

Math Team:

All seventh graders may choose to join the Math Team, which meets once a week during lunch all year. Students work on a variety of problems to prepare for the American Mathematics Contest, the Illinois Math League Contest, and the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Contests. All these contests are administered at school during the school day and are open to all students.

Math Activities:

All seventh graders may choose to attend optional math activities offered during Activity Period. These activities are usually either extra math help or math contests.

Science

In this course, students are exposed to scientific methodology through laboratory work, reading, writing, field trips and individual experimentation. Emphasis is placed on organizing and writing hypotheses, designing experiments to be carried out in the classroom, testing hypotheses according to scientific procedures, collecting data, and reporting findings in written laboratory reports. Data collection techniques are enhanced by a field trip to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The class also visits several sites at the University of Chicago, described below. Students work both individually and in small groups. Students plan the pace of certain experiments, and learn to meet deadlines by having the responsibility for organizing their own class time.

The Four Main Units of Study are:

Ecology - Study focuses on cycles in nature (such as biorhythms, the concept of succession, cycles of matter, and life cycles); and relationships within ecosystems (including a simulation of predator prey relationships, and food webs). Students also design and conduct experiments using darkling beetles.
Biology of cells - This unit concentrates on cell function and structure. Students use microscopes in this field of study. Students will build a ten foot by ten foot cell in order to understand the relationship of organelles to the functioning of the cell. They will also participate in school-wide activities involving the use of their model.
Human anatomy and physiology - Students study the skeletal and muscular systems, the digestive system, the circulatory system, and the reproductive system. Field trips are taken to the Crown Field House at the University of Chicago to study the workings of muscle pairs using weight machines, a blood bank to observe a working laboratory and make connections to the circulatory system. The unit culminates with the dissection of a fetal pig.
Human Sexuality - Students will learn male and female reproductive anatomy and physiology. They will engage in discussions about sexuality, decision making, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and gender roles. Students will take a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry to work through the interactive HIV/AIDS exhibit. This unit will include a look at scientific ethics and research as we watch and discuss the move, And the Band Played On.

Foreign Language

The Middle School offers three foreign languages: French, German, and Spanish. Students begin their study of foreign language in third grade and proceed through the lower and middle school program in heterogeneous groups. Students new to the Laboratory Schools who do not have a background suitable for mainstream placement in these groups will be placed in a beginning language class. The beginning language will be one of the three languages offered in the Middle School.

German

Goals:

Reinforce material learned in the preceding levels and continue to integrate teaching of culture into general curriculum
Enhance listening ability
Increase use of spoken German
Improve reading comprehension
Improve students' writing skills
Learn basic dictionary skills

Skills and Concepts:

Vocabulary: additional terms associated with previously learned topics such as food, school equipment, rooms, sports leisure-time activities, musical instruments, parties and other celebrations, orientation and parts of a typical city, city festivals, international cuisine, cooking terminology, clothing, various idioms, verbs and adjectives
Grammar: ordinal numbers, review of possessive pronouns in all cases studied, review of the present tense (regular and irregular verbs) and its use as an expression of the future, questions with question words, imperfect of the verbs �sein� and �haben,� the present perfect tense (with �haben� and �sein� as auxiliary verbs), comparative and superlative forms of adjectives, modal verbs, review of the imperative, inverted word order, prepositions with the accusative case, the dative case and two way prepositions

Activities, Materials, and Projects:

Textbook, workbook, including authentic written materials, authentic taped audio materials, videos, selected Web sites, and use of selected computer programs for projects.
Supplementary level-appropriate readers, creation of city maps, report of vacation activities, German cooking project, re-enactment and a creation of modern versions of legends, fairy tales or fables, summary of various authentic texts in writing or by means of a cartoon.
Language Laboratory is used for enhancing aural comprehension and spoken production.

French

Goals:

Reinforce material studied in sixth grade
Continue developing all language skills on a more complex level than in sixth grade
Expand dictionary skills
Foster cooperative learning through activities such as working in pairs and small groups, and dialogues
Continue integrating cultural components into the curriculum to heighten students' interest in French and enable them to function with ease in a foreign setting

Skills and Concepts:

Vocabulary: modes of transportation, expressions of time, accepting and refusing invitations, leisure activities, French grocery shopping, food, expressions of quantity
Grammar: the near future (aller + infinitive), irregular ìreî verbs, regular ìreî verbs, vouloir and pouvoir, devoir, espèrer, additional expressions with avoir and faire, passè composè with avoir and ítre, partitive and interrogative expressions
Continued development of listening, speaking, writing, reading skills
Cultural concepts: in-depth study of the Parisian mètro system, including its history, in-depth study of Paris and its monuments, review of the traditional French meal, study of the auto-�cole system and cars, study of the French market

Activities, Materials, and Projects:

Using systematically the language laboratory to reinforce speaking and listening skills
Writing a tourist brochure of a town, following the geography unit
Publishing of imaginary personal ads
Singing various French songs and reading various French poems
The movie Au Revoir Les Enfants may be shown to complement a brief study of the French Occupation, memorizing the poem Courage by Paul Eluard -- a French Resistance poet

Spanish

Goals:

Present learning activities based on a multi-sensory approach to language acquisition
Utilize the four language modalities (listening, speaking, writing and reading) with increasing emphasis on acquisition of reading skills
Integrate culture and geography into overall program
Reinforce study and organizational skills at age-appropriate levels throughout the middle school curriculum
Further develop dictionary skills

Skills and Concepts:

Vocabulary: individual and team sports, recreational activities, seasons and weather conditions, places in the neighborhood, giving directions, downtown places and activities, store-related vocabulary (sporting goods, jewelry, electronics, etc.), daily routines and personal grooming, health and fitness, family members and personal relationships
Grammar skills: regular, irregular, stem-changing and reflexive verb forms in present tense, expressing likes and dislikes (using verb gustar), using the "saber + infinitive" construction, using the "ir + a " construction, demonstrative adjectives, prepositions of location, personal �a�, using pronouns after prepositions, direct object pronouns, possessive adjectives
Cultural concepts such as: geography of Spain; creating maps of Spain; La Fiesta de San Ferm�n in Pamplona, Spain; climate and seasons in Hispanic countries; popular sports in Spain; the concept of the siesta; bargaining in Mexican markets; paintings by Picasso, Vel�zquez, Goya, Rivera, Kahlo; Spanish gestures and body language

Activities, Projects and Materials:

Materials include videos, audio tapes and computer programs incorporating the textbook and culture lessons
Projects include making city and country maps, writing and presenting commercial ads, making public health posters
Activities include playing games, activities in pairs, small-group activities, student-produced skits, and a class auction. These projects lead to a culminating activity such as class play

Arts

Visual Art

The goals of the art program in the seventh grade are to promote visual literacy, foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world of art, and provide students with the necessary tools for self-discovery. Students are encouraged to communicate their feelings and ideas through visual expression and to analyze, interpret, and evaluate their own work as well as the efforts of others.

Through a wide variety of activities and projects, students learn to define, recognize and use the various elements of art (painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture), and to employ principles of design (shape, line, form, color value, texture and space). In doing so, they also develop important skills in the care and safe use of art supplies, materials and equipment. Projects that have been done by classes in the past include figure drawing, portrait-painting, mask-making and puppet construction.

Oral Interpretation

Students continue to develop and explore various modes of verbal expression. They learn to think of their speaking voices as instruments that must be strengthened and cared for through daily exercise and instruction. The course culminates with a public performance in which students share the various skills they have acquired in class.

Students build their public speaking and acting skills through a series of individual assignments. These assignments include an introductory speech, a persuasive speech (�commercial�), a memorized poetry recitation, an eurythmic performance, and a story theater project. The instructor evaluates each assignment according to clear criteria and vocabulary developed through pre-assignment exercises and activities.

Home Economics

Home Economics is a program for seventh and eighth grade students designed to assist them in developing the life skills necessary to achieve, and an understanding of the meaning of, personal satisfaction. The class meets for one quarter during the year (four days a week for 45 minutes per day). Students work in small groups, enabling them to draw upon each other's strengths and assist each other in completing the tasks.

Emphasis is placed on the development of skills that will assist the students as they journey toward self-sufficiency. Students are directed toward developing the competency to make educated and intelligent choices, and to apply principles and generalizations to new situations.

The following information is explored in this course:

Food preparation and consumer education
Kitchen cleanliness and safety
Proper use of cooking equipment and tools
Measurement and how to follow a recipe
Table setting and service
Food preservation and food labeling
Preparation of meals and other foods
Sewing, culminating in the completion of a sewing project

Computer Science

The program continues to build on the skills and subject areas studied in the previous grades. In addition, scanner usage is introduced in the seventh grade. The eighth grade curriculum consists of two electives: one in basic computer techniques (which is a continuation of the previous years� studies) and the other in graphics and photography. In addition, the use of specialized software in connection with other subject areas is expanded further in the seventh and eighth grades. For example, students regularly utilize electronic library searches and encyclopedias in research projects; format their book reviews using a mark-up program; and use foreign language drill programs.