Language Arts/Social Studies


The seventh grade program is designed to bring students together with their peers and teachers in a community of writers, researchers, and learners. The classroom is a workshop, conference room, or "think tank". Students learn from each other and from the masters as they stretch for personal excellence. The approaches to work are individual as well as collective and much of the learning and discovery occurs through collaboration and integration.

The seventh grade curriculum gives students the opportunity to broaden their key understanding of culture, as presented in the sixth grade. This curriculum further explores the concept of culture and what it means to be a citizen of the world through the in-depth study of historic and current global issues and conflicts, and the creation of a model United Nations. These studies guide students and inform their thinking as they search for answers to their individual research questions, strive to find solutions to global problems, and discover some of their roles as members of a global society.

Instructional Activities
Student choice is integral to the program as students choose some of the literature they read, the ideas and genre for their writing, and many of the topics for their inquiry. Skills are practiced and honed in the context of daily assignments and projects. Reading, writing, speaking, listening and researching competencies are not viewed as ends in themselves, but are valued as tools for thinking, problem-solving and lifelong learning.

Topics

Social Studies			Reading			Writing
•	Model United Nations		•	Reading of historical fiction		•	Compare and Contrast
•	World Governments		•	Reading of expository material		•	Opinion supported by fact
•	World Economic Systems		•	Elements of literature		•	Report writing
•	World Religions		•	Comprehension and responding		•	Research writing
•	Historic Global Conflicts					•	Five paragraph essay
•	Current Global Conflicts					•	Memoirs
•	Global Trends and Expectations					•	Drafting and revising
						•	Grammar and punctuation
						•	Vocabulary

Mathematics

Pre-Algebra
The Pre-Algebra course is designed to introduce and develop algebraic skills. Reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical communication will be emphasized.

Instructional Activities

•	Whole class, small group, and individual instruction
•	Discussions
•	Reinforcement through homework and class activities
•	Individual and group projects
•	Collaborative investigation and discovery

Topics

•	Manipulation of numerical and variable expressions
•	Use of numerical and variable expressions in problem-solving
•	Decimals
•	Integers
•	Rational numbers
•	Equations and inequalities
•	Ratios and proportions
•	Percents
•	Probability

Algebra I
The Algebra I course is designed to enhance problem-solving skills and to further develop mathematical reasoning. In addition, it will provide a solid foundation for upper level mathematics courses. Students will be asked to apply concepts and to analyze, interpret, and create original problems. A basic text combined with a variety of supplementary materials will be utilized to afford maximum exposure to and practice with the different concepts. The course builds on the skills presented in Pre-Algebra and extends them into higher levels of mathematical sophistication.

Instructional Activities
Direct instruction, cooperative learning, individual and group activities, brainstorming sessions, reinforcement through homework, videos, discussions, use of technology.

Topics

•	Expressions and equations (linear and quadratic)
•	Operations with integers
•	Algebraic properties
•	Polynomials
•	Radicals
•	Exponents
•	Graphing and solving systems of equations
•	Inequalities

Science

Seventh grade physical science involves a far ranging study of the physical environment. Energy is a major theme as students grapple with the following questions throughout the year: Where does energy come from? How do we experience energy? Where does energy go? Students analyze observations (looking for trends, patterns or cycles), draw conclusions or make general statements based on the evidence they have gathered, and make predictions based on the knowledge they generate about a situation. Content areas include the study of: matter (its definition and properties), chemistry (basic atomic theory, patterns and cycles of the Periodic Table of Elements, chemical bonding, types of reactions), heat energy, electrical energy (static and current), light and sound, electromagnetic spectrum and mechanical energy.

In connection with language arts / social studies research on inventors, students become inventors and, using their knowledge of Physics and Chemistry, invent a process or machine to solve a problem significant to their own lives.

Instructional activities

•	Introductory exploration activities
•	Discussions in small group and whole class
•	Extension and application activities
•	Research activities – literature and experimental
•	Direct instruction
•	Cross-curricular integration
•	Individual, cooperative and collaborative activities
•	Field trips and guest lecturers

Topics

•	Atomic theory
•	The Periodic Table with patterns and trends in properties of families and periods
•	The nature of chemical reactions and families of compounds
•	Quantitative and qualitative analysis methods
•	Properties and behavior of electricity and magnetism
•	Properties and applications of sound and light energy
•	Investigations into speed, acceleration, velocity
•	Investigations into the nature of forces: fluid and gravitational
•	Construction and analysis of the operation of machines: simple and complex

French/Spanish

In Lake Ridge Academy, the basic High School French and Spanish programs cover three years of study, including the elementary level (the first two years) and the intermediate level (the third year). In the Middle School, seventh graders continue content begun in sixth grade, which they complete in eighth grade, therefore earning one High School credit in French or Spanish, by the end of the Middle School. Students are presented vocabulary and language structures through dialogues and readings depicting everyday life situations. After mastering the content, students engage in a variety of communicative activities in pairs and in small groups. These situations are designed to imitate everyday occurrences so that students achieve a practical level of proficiency, enabling them to communicate efficiently both in speaking and writing. Students learn to function appropriately, both linguistically and socially as they gain a thorough knowledge of the cultures of the French- and Spanish-speaking worlds. The seventh-grade course introduces the students to the formal study of a foreign language. Following the acquisition of vocabulary, students learn how to create accurate, simple sentences in the present tense, allowing them to communicate in meaningful context. They develop the language skills of listening, speaking, reading and, writing while they explore everyday situations and cultural topics in French, including historical figures and events.

Instructional activities

•	Vocabulary and conversational patterns are presented in French/Spanish with the use of visual cues (overhead transparencies, videocassettes) and CDs. Students imitate what is heard through drills, thereby memorizing vocabulary and grammatical functions.
•	Question-answer exercises, based on the script, verify understanding.
•	Student centered activities practice vocabulary in context ranging from structured to open-ended self-expression.
•	After students have become comfortable with the material in context, formal grammatical charts help them analyze forms and structures. Rules are summarized in English and followed by aural-oral and written reinforcement exercises.
•	Students communicate to exchange information while practicing new structures in both guided and open -ended activities.
•	Cultural awareness of francophone/Hispanic countries is stressed.
•	Homework reinforces the above through memorization and written exercises.
•	Videocassettes are viewed throughout each chapter to learn vocabulary, grammar structures and to practice listening comprehension. They also provide an opportunity to observe and discuss cultural differences.

Topics/French

Vocabulary
•	The vocabulary of daily activities, at home, at school and on weekends
•	The vocabulary of people and their possessions
•	The vocabulary of city life
Grammar Structures
•	Present tense and imperative of -er verbs
•	Present tense of faire, Õtre , aller , venir, and avoir
•	The future with aller
•	Negative and interrogative sentences
•	Singular and plural nouns
•	Use of descriptive adjectives; regular placement and agreement of descriptive adjectives
•	Use of definite, indefinite and partitive articles
•	Pronoun subjects
•	The stress pronouns
•	Possessive adjectives
•	Placement of adverbs
•	The prepositions á and de and their contraction with the definite and indefinite articles
•	Possession with de
•	Prepositions in front of the name of cities and countries
•	Cardinal and ordinal numbers
Cultural Content
•	Schools in France, the telephone system in France, leisure activities
•	The people of France, some French cities (Strasbourg, Montpellier and Toulouse), driving
•	Main cities, homes, tourism, transportation, Paris

Topics/Spanish

•	Familiar and formal greetings
•	Describing people
•	Using verbs to talk about what you like to do
•	Definite and indefinite articles
•	Gender and number agreement
•	Adjectives and their agreement
•	Expressing possession
•	Giving dates and time
•	Expressing frequency with adverbs
•	Expressing obligation with hay que and tener que
•	Interrogative words
•	Phrases for making comparisons
•	Describing the weather
•	Direct object pronouns
•	Verbs ser and estar
•	Regular verbs ending in -ar / -er / -ir in present tense and present progressive
•	Some of the most used irregular verbs will be studied
•	The Spanish pronunciation and spelling of words in Spanish will be stressed all throughout the year

Computer

The beginning point of the seventh grade technology curriculum is to review and reinforce the foundation of computer skills established in sixth grade. Additional computer application skills are introduced in the seventh grade, as well as introductory troubleshooting strategies. These goals are achieved through direct, hands-on learning of computer hardware and software skills, while integrating academic subject area projects where feasible.

Instructional Activities
The student will:

•	navigate the LRAnet in the Lake Ridge Community
•	use the LRA Email system responsibly
•	demonstrate proper keyboarding techniques and speed
•	review the basic techniques of word-processing
•	apply spreadsheet concepts
•	create effective multimedia presentations
•	understand simple layout techniques
•	practice basic web page authoring skills
•	learn and apply basic principles of digital imaging software
•	develop successful information search strategies
•	conduct themselves in an appropriate manner on the Internet

Visual Art


Middle School Art is a studio/hands-on approach to visual-arts learning. Discrete design elements are connected to students' personal experiences to teach aesthetic perceptions, historical/cultural developments, and visual-art knowledge/skills. When appropriate and possible, classroom work is integrated (in various degrees) into other classes to foster more intense personal connection to students' learning.

In seventh grade work expectations are more demanding than earlier in Middle School. There is increased independence in choices and subject content. Group work is used to strengthen peer communication and interactions. Integrated language arts/social studies/visual art experiences are a significant component of the program.

Engaging an active, enthusiastic learner means involving students in the curriculum process. The use of choice and cooperative work can make this happen.

Instructional Activities
Studio experiences in drawing, painting, graphics, sculpture, and crafts. Pedagogy includes lecture, group discussion, reading first hand observation, and personal expressions. Group exhibits and appropriate classroom uses are encouraged. When appropriate and possible, connections and collaborative efforts with other disciplines are used to reinforce and compliment themes and threads that carry through the grade level.

Topics
Western and nonwestern cultures and selected artists reflect major historical and heritage influences. Themes vary according to the needs and skill level of the class.

General Music

At the middle school level, the approach to music is a balance of general music unit studies, and performance-based activities that drive the curriculum. During this vocally-transitional adolescent period, emphasis is placed on the unique qualities of each individual's voice, and how it can best be used, while grade level units offer a wide range of areas to be explored.

Instructional Activities
The student will:

•	Sing songs in various styles
•	Listen to recordings from various places and in various styles
•	Do vocal and physical exercises
•	Sing in two and three-part harmony
•	Perform as a choir at Winter Concert
•	Connect the music with the history of the times

Topics
Units covered are:

•	Singing and Choral Technique
•	Music History
•	Music Theory
•	Multicultural Music
•	Music in today’s society

Instrumental Music


Seventh Grade Orchestra is primarily a fourth-year course in string instruction. The emphasis is in developing further the ability to play more difficult solo and contrapuntal ensemble music. The group is also open to those playing piano and keyboard on a limited basis. (A total of five pianos and keyboards are available.) Students playing wind and percussion instruments and wishing to perform in a group are welcome and should see Ms. Bush regarding participation. The group performs a minimum of three times during the year and has numerous other opportunities to play on and off campus throughout the year. Practice at home is required. Private lessons are a plus.

Instructional Activities
Sight reading exercises, techniques exercises, scales, arpeggios, rhythmic studies, bowing etudes. Playing solo, small ensemble and orchestral literature. Listening to recordings and concerts.

Topics
Review of notes on all strings including naturals, sharps, flats and extensions. Shifting into higher positions is introduced. Music is in simple meters. Music in compound meters is introduced along with syncopation and more complex rhythmic combinations. Scales and arpeggios through four sharps and four flats. Dynamics, further music terminology, six primary and six secondary bowing skills. Tuning with the Korg.

Drama

The instructional goals for the middle school drama program include a student understanding of the role of the arts in people's lives, communication through the arts, responding to the arts, and ultimately valuing the arts. Middle School students work in the classrooms and the performing areas of the school to include the stage and the Bettcher Convocation Center and the Black Box Theatre in the new Fine Arts Center.

Seventh graders achieve these instructional goals through the following performance objectives:

•	Technical Theatre and Improvisation
•	Puppet Theatre
•	Reader's Theatre
•	Speech

Physical Education


Physical Education offers a balance between academic, physical and personal growth. We provide a non-threatening physical environment, which is both challenging and fun. Our aim is to develop within our students, the self-control to perform in a disciplined manner and a willingness to cooperate with each other. A variety of individual and group activities are offered throughout the course of the school year, which develop sport skills and knowledge. With emphasis on lifetime health and fitness, the P.E. program addresses topics related to the discussions in Health class, so that integration can help the students get a better understanding of their importance.

Instructional Activities
In grades 7 & 8 emphasis is put on team sports participation. We utilize a variety of teaching techniques to help obtain our objectives. Use of small-sided games allows for more play/practice opportunities, as well as creating appropriate challenges for all learners. Individual and cooperative games through small group work can achieve higher performance and improve social relationships. Providing students with many opportunities to successfully practice skills and demonstrate concepts, enhances game play and sport knowledge. A variety of recreational activities are interspersed throughout the year.

Topics

•	Extra-curricular sports: soccer, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Please read about Athletic Participation in the Athletics section.
•	Additional sport activities: softball, tennis, conditioning (personal fitness evaluations), and recreational activities.

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