CORE CLASSES:

TRANSMATH7

This is the beginning of the transition from arithmetic to mathematics. Topics covered are: negative and positive integers, variables, beginning algebraic equations, scientific notations, metric-English conversions and problem solving.

ALGEBRA

Algebra is traditionally a 9th grade level class. Students qualify for placement into Algebra by earning at least a “B+” average in Transitions Math7 and/or teacher recommendation. Topics to be covered are: solving simple to complex algebraic equations, graphing, exponential growth and decay, quadratic equations, systems, factoring and functions.

LANGUAGE ARTS 7

The goal is to make student’s successful readers, writers, speakers and thinkers. Concentration will be in the areas of analyzing literature and reading comprehension. Students will respond personally and critically to diverse text, make judgments, and evaluate and draw conclusions.

SCIENCE 7

Instruction will focus on: The Environment - the interconnections among living and non-living entities, natural cycles and patterns, wildlife conservation and pollutions; Chemistry – physical and chemical changes, classification of matter, and the atomic structure; Electricity – electric charges, currents, circuits, and magnetism; The Earth – atmosphere, oceans, freshwater, and weather.

SOCIAL STUDIES 7

The curriculum is to provide knowledge and understanding about the Eastern Hemisphere. Emphasis will be placed on physical and cultural geography, ancient civilization, the development of citizenship skills and the appreciation of the multicultural nature of world societies. Areas of study will include: Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific World. Students will be required to apply democratic values in their consideration of global issues and

broaden their appreciation and respect for cultural diversity.

ENCORE CLASSES:

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY 7

Applied Technology evolved from the traditional “Shop” class in order to include a wider range of tools and technologies. The goal of Applied Tech is for students to become familiar with technology and provide an introduction to the design process. In addition to woodworking, students will learn about Robotics, Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), and Mass Communications. 6th graders will use Lego Dacta kits to design and build robots and create wood bridges. 7th graders will build Penny Hockey Rinks. And 8th graders will build and race CO2 Dragsters. All Applied Tech classes spend time in the Design Lab, a special computer lab used for CADD applications and digital video.

ART 7

This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of art materials and methods: drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics, Art History, Art Critique, Aesthetics, and Art Production. During this nine-week course, students will participate in discussion, examination and creation of art. Students will focus on developing creative problem solving skills, visual literacy and personal expression.

BAND 7 (Year-long class)

This course is a continuation of the concepts taught in BAND 6. Students will go into more depth in areas such as theory, composition and history. Students will begin to learn how to apply these concepts to their everyday band setting. Students will be expected to participate in 6 performances throughout the school year, in addition to having the opportunity to perform at three festivals, one parade and four concerts.

COMMUNICATIONS ART 7

The curriculum plan has been divided by grade level so that each student, by the end of their middle school years, will have a diverse and complete set of experiences that encompass Communication Arts. This curriculum provides each student with the opportunity to gain knowledge about themselves, develop imagination and intuition, be exposed to their own creative and artistic possibilities, and nurture skills and attitudes that are useful in every aspect of learning.

7th Grade: Newspaper/Creative Writing (exploring the newspaper, how to read a newspaper intelligently, parts of the newspaper and creating a classroom newspaper); Advertising/Media Awareness (intended to help students become more aware of the language and techniques used in advertising, as well as the impact of advertising on their daily lives. In addition, to familiarize them with marketing techniques used in television.

COMPUTER LITERACY 7

Classes work on grade level appropriate projects that cover a wide range of topics. Skills relating to word processing, database, spreadsheets, internet research and power point are developed while working on such projects as business cards, travel brochures, art work and slide presentations. Each student also works on typing competency on a regular basis.

HUMAN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT 7 (REQUIRED)

Students will study the physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence. Topics will center on the male and female reproductive systems, and the development of the baby from conception to birth. Sexually transmitted diseases will also be covered.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7

Physical Education 7 is a nine-week course that will teach to the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of learning. The students will review the five components of physical fitness and will be required to complete the Presidential Fitness Test, as well as a final exam that will include all the team sports and personal social skills covered in the class. The team sports consist of: badminton, volleyball, basketball and floor hockey. The personal social skills covered will include: directions, cooperation, perseverance and fair play. All students will work out of their own EPEC Personal Conditioning Portfolio, which will help them develop the basic understanding of physical fitness and will assess the student’s ability to set goals and improve overall skill development as related to physical fitness.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION II – 7 (only offered during selected quarters)

This course will teach to the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of learning. The students will develop an understanding of the five components of physical fitness through the implementation of their own Individualized Exercise Program. The Individualized Exercise Program will be created by each student and is a requirement of this class. Advanced sport skills will be covered in this class.

SELECT WOMEN’S CHOIR 7 (Year-long class)

THIS CLASS IF OFFERED BY AUDITION ONLY. This class is for the young singer who wishes to study music seriously. This class may go on tour to other schools across the state of Michigan and participate in combined concerts with other schools. Students will learn advanced music theory, note reading skills, performance skills, solo singing skills, compositional skills and basic piano skills. All students will study different genres of music and the history of music throughout the ages. Students will also study the history of African American Music. Students in this class will be role models for many other young singers across the state of Michigan. “Select” members will have more performances than the regular choirs. All students will perform in four concerts and participate in District Choral Festival. Many other opportunities to further the student’s ability are available, such as: Solo & Ensemble, State Honors Choir and private voice lessons.

TECHNICAL EDUCATION 7

The technology lab is a computer-centered, reading-based program that introduces the student to the five areas of technology: manufacturing, communications, construction, transportation, and bio-related fields, such as medicine, health and ecology. The students use a combination of computer instruction and hands-on projects in the exploration of these technology areas. Currently, some of the modules include Robotics, Digital Photography, Space Technology, Health Management, CNC Milling and Desktop Publishing.

VOCAL MUSIC 7 (Year-long class)

This exciting full year class is offered to 7th grader students who wish to participate in a fun, challenging, educational and team building class. 7th Grade choir members learn more about the voice and the vocal mechanism. Students will learn basic music theory, note reading and performance skills. All students will student different genres of music and music history, in addition to the history of African American Music. Students in this class will be role models for many other young singers across the state of Michigan. All students will perform in four concerts and participate in District Choral Festival. Many other opportunities to further the students’ ability are available, such as: Solo & Ensemble, State Honors Choir and private voice lessons.

WORLD LANGUAGE 7

This class offers students an opportunity to begin communicating in different languages in a formal course before choosing one language for further study. In addition, the class aims to foster a global perspective to countries and cultures where the language is spoken and heightens students’ appreciation and respect for cultural diversity. In Seventh Grade the Spanish and French classes will alternate every other year (i.e. Spanish 2007-08, French 2008-09, Spanish 2009-10, etc) with a 3-week study of the German language supplemented.