7th Grade Curriculum

7th Grade English

This course covers several classic to contemporary novels and plays. The core of the writing curriculum is expository writing and the students produce a variety of works including persuasive and analytical essays. The students will produce a documented, research-based author and short-story analysis. Vocabulary enrichment and strenghtening essential grammar skills continues to be a core aspect.

Geography

7th grade Human Geography is a traditional middle school course which begins with a more traditional look at geography and then diverts away to focus more closely on the human environment of the seven major regions of the world. Major themes that will be discussed include physical geography, the environment, demography, individual histories, cultural identity, cultural diversity, religion, war, economic trends, and political institutions. Special emphasis will be placed on study skills such as reading for main ideas, taking notes, and constructing outlines. Students will also learn to analyze historical documents as well as primary and secondary sources. Also, students will continue to work on their ability to research and then present their information in a clear and focused manner, such as in an essay, project or presentation.

Math

Course 2 - This course prepares students for success in Algebra and Geometry by introducing these concepts through appropriate integration. By using real-life situations, manipulative activities and games, problem-solving strategies and technology the students will experience instruction that will facilitate his/her learning style.

Pre-Algebra - This course is designed to prepare the student for Algebra I by applying algebraic concepts to geometry, statistics, data analysis, probability and discrete mathematics.

Through the use of lecture, note-taking, partner and group work, use of manipulative activities and games - the student will be exposed to instruction that will facilitate his/her learning style.

Algebra I - In this course students learn the basic tools of algebra in order to build a strong foundation from which to grow. The course covers the vocabulary of algebra; properties of real numbers; solving, graphing, and writing linear equations and inequalities; an introduction of functions and graphs; systems of linear equations and inequalities; exponents and exponential growth and decay; quadratic equations and functions; polynomials and factoring; rational equations and functions; and radicals and their relationship to geometry

Science

The 7th grade science class explores science with an investigative approach into different disciplines including Chemistry, Physics, Life Science, and Ecology. Areas of study encompass such topics as wave energy, light, mirrors, and lenses, states of matter, compounds and mixtures, carbon chemistry, cells and cell parts, cell division, heredity, and human anatomy. The student engages in classroom discussion, group projects, individual projects, oral presentations, writing assignments, a science fair project, laboratory work, and field work.

Foreign Language

7th Grade Spanish: Spanish IA is the first half of Spanish I. The course is designed for students to develop their communication skills in four areas - speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will complete activities to gain competency in the fundamental grammatical structures, pronunciation principals, and vocabulary mastery of the target language. This course will be conducted in both English and Spanish.

Electives

7th / Eighth Grade Computing elective - The purpose of 7th / Eighth Grade Computing elective is to continue to provide an active learning experience on the computer for the students. The main applications are again Microsoft office and Photoshop, but there is more emphasis in this class on independent learning, research, and project planning. The primary lesson again is that the same skills they use in learning new technologies or video games can easily be applied to educational and productivity tools.

Piano Elective for Grades Seven and Eight, students work independently to learn piano pieces. They have frequent opportunities to perform in class. Students may use Music Ace and Finale music software to compose music. They may also use the computer for music games and additional instruction.

Performing Arts 6th - 8th Grade
Hilton Head Prep PERFORMING ARTS exposes student to many aspects of theatre, music, and film -- as an introduction to the performing arts.

Students explore musical theatre, choral music, dance, theatre games, improvisations, basic music and theatre terminology, film genres, beginning set design, choreography basics, and critical review writing and acting. There is an emphasis on working as a team with fellow actors and creating a feeling of ENSEMBLE amongst members, learning commitment through the rehearsal processes.

Through daily rehearsal process, memorized classroom projects, singing, dancing, and acting, students experience the performing arts from the performer's perspective. Students take part in two major musical productions a year. Students also sing for athletic events and other local performances, and are required to be a part of public performances. Performing Arts students actively engage in costume design, and may build their own costumes for productions, working alongside seasoned professionals in the theatre. Resident Guest Artists from New York or Los Angeles in choreography and direction work with students in intensive three week rehearsal processes for major musical productions.

Students also enjoy Prep's many LIVE THEATRE EXPERIENCES, and see as a group Broadway touring productions, and other cal arts productions. Performing Ensembles include: DRUMLINE, Prep Adagio Singers, Singing Sand gnats, and Prep Performing Arts Theatre Ensemble. The course is taught by Artistic Director, Don Hite -- who is a seasoned Broadway conductor, producer, and musical director.

Strings - This is a year long course in which the students play music in D, G and A major. They are able to build upon the skills that they had begun to develop in sixth grade and further develop their ensemble, aural, and rhythmic skills. Students also have the opportunity to participate in recitals and concerts throughout the year.

Art 7-8 - The range of work that they will learn about and experiment with will reach into print making, sculpture, and team art work. The work will revolve around observation in drawing, and then extend into different mediums. Students learn first how to observe and where to put attention so that hopefully this will carry over into the academic classes as well. Drawing from life first instead of photos helps the students to draw what they see instead of what they remember.

Study Skills - The goal of study skills is to help students develop time management, organization, and study skills. The goals are met by having the students fill out their plan books at the beginning of the week, reviewing for tests and quizzes, teaching by modeling test taking strategies for different types of assessments, and encouraging students to work ahead as part of learning time management skills and responsibility.

Physical Education

MS Physical Education/Health - This course will include a component of cardiovascular activity through activities such as running or jumping rope. We will then have discussions on health topics relevant to their age and environment. These topics will provide the students with information that will assist them in making positive healthy choices.