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Seventh Grade
English Students in English 7 read literature from a variety of genres, all organized around the theme of "Relationships." Students explore questions like: Why do relationships form and what are their purposes? What constitutes a relationship? What influences a relationship? Texts include Flowers for Algernon, To Kill a Mockingbird, A Christmas Carol, a teacher-selected Shakespearean play, and Of Mice and Men, as well as short fiction and poetry. Students begin to use writing to develop and express their understandings of text. Most writing assignments are analytical, since development of strong analytical reading and writing skills is the focus of the seventh grade year in English. Periodic creative and reflective writing assignments are included to help students develop fluency and voice in their writing. By varying sentence structure, students begin to explore how they can infuse style into their writing. Becoming an effective member of a literary discussion is emphasized during seveth grade. In addition to daily class discussions, students read an outside reading book each trimester and participate in a book club designed to simultaneously strengthen their understanding of texts and preserve a love of reading. Vocabulary and grammar skills are further honed through weekly exercises as well as units from In a Flash Vocabulary. English 7 classes are divided into Honors and Level 1 based on performance and teacher recommendation. Back to Top Math Students are sectioned into one of three math groups in seventh grade: Regular, Honors and Honors Accelerated. Below are the corresponding course descriptions.
Pre-Algebra/ Algebra I This course is designed to solidify, through applied practice, skills learned in previous years and provide smooth transitions from arithmetic to algebra and visual shapes to geometry. Particular emphasis is been placed on careful reading, study skills, and the effective use of a textbook. Students explore mathematical systems, discover algebraic and geometric properties, reinforce and apply these topics, and learn to communicate mathematical ideas clearly through written work, articulate speaking, and listening to others. Over the course of the year, the class finishes pre-algebra and completes close to a half of Algebra I. Additionally, "Problems of the Week" provide complex challenges for students in which problem solving and critical thinking are key elements. Write-ups for these problems emphasize understanding the question, developing and executing sound problem-solving procedures, analyzing results, and communicating ideas. Assessments include tests, written work, projects, unannounced quizzes, and class participation. After completion of this course, students are prepared to complete Algebra I in eighth grade. Pre-Algebra/Algebra I Honors
The Honors Pre-Algebra/Algebra I course begins the year mastering the remaining pre-algebra topics not covered in the sixth grade Honors Pre-Algebra class. The process of justifying mathematical steps during problem solving is emphasized throughout written and oral work. "Problems of the Week" provide complex challenges for students in which problem solving and critical thinking are key elements. The honors mathematics group begins its formal study of algebra centering around a thorough investigation and study of linear equations, including the following topics: slope, intercepts, graphing, equations of various forms, fitting a line to data, manipulation of equations, and linear models of situations. Work is completed manually and using graphing calculator tools. Challenging problems in each lesson are completed and honors-level exams are given. The clear communication of mathematical ideas through written work and in class continue to be emphasized so that students are prepared to finish Algebra I at an honors level in eighth grade. Algebra I/Geometry Honors Accelerated The Algebra I/Geometry Honors Accelerated class picks up midway through the Algebra curriculum where the sixth grade Honors Accelerated class left off the previous year. After a brief review of the first half of Algebra topics students delve quickly into units of quadratics, functions, and rational expressions. After completing a cumulative Algebra I exam, the class shifts gears and begins its study of Geometry. The rest of the year is then spent focusing on the formal structure of proofs and indirect proofs as well as learning and mastering fundamental theorems and postulates. By the end of the year the students are well-versed in the usage and application of many of these tools so that they will be prepared for the more complicated proofs that await them in the rest of Geometry. Back to Top ScienceIn life science, students get a thorough introduction to life's general structures and functions, the diversity of life on earth, human body systems, and ecology. In addition, they develop scientific habits of mind and a scientific approach to learning through observation and experimentation. Students learn through hands-on work in the lab and out in the field, discussions, group work, presentations, audio-visual, and web-based activities and research. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applying the scientific method, safe, effective lab practices with a wide variety of apparatus, applying concepts to real world situations, and reading and study skills. Students leave the course well prepared to meet the challenges of high school biology. Back to Top History In 7th grade American history, our goal is to determine what it means to be an American, and then we trace the roots of these characteristics back through history. The class has a thematic approach covering time periods such as the American revolution through the Gilded Age in the late 19th century. Along the way we pay special attention to primary resources, and our own interpretations and analysis help us to understand how this country and the people within it became a distinct group. Students are expected to participate in daily discussions, learn the skill of both developing and defending an argument verbally and through writing, and complete numerous readings about the various time periods we explore. We actively pursue understanding of the past by treating each event as if it were an unexplored territory waiting to be fully investigated and comprehended. Back to Top Language French
In seventh grade, the French program conintues to focus on oral and writing skills. Increasingly advanced grammar tenses are presented, including verbs in the future and conditional tenses. A variety of activities and media are integrated into the program, including projects, films, readings, and music. Spanish
In the seventh grade Spanish course, students continue to develop their listening and speaking proficiencies and work towards a greater level of comfort reading and writing in the target language. Additionally, basic grammar knowledge is expanded and solidified. A variety activities and media are integrated into the program, including projects, films, readings, and music. Latin
The seventh grade Latin course completes the Latin I course begun in sixth grade. The students continue their studies in the Ecce Romani series. As the year progresses the class is introduced to material considered to fall within a Latin II course. Complex concepts such as subordinate clauses, pronouns and possessive adjectives, and all six verb tenses are tackled. There continues to be an emphasis on improvement of students’ English vocabulary through the study of Latin derivatives. Deeper analysis into the world of the ancients supplements the curriculum. Students research topics ranging from ancient hospitality to Roman and Greek myths. The course prepares students to complete level II material in the eighth grade. Back to Top Project Challenge Building on the previous year, human relationships are emphasized - both interpersonal and whole group - as students are challenged to build an inclusive atmosphere characterized by trust, mutual support and appreciation of others. Human relationships are studied at many levels including historical events, other people of various backgrounds (through analysis of writings), and personal experiences. Activities selected provide varying levels of difficulty to challenge students while they learn and practice creating and maintaining an inclusive, supportive environment. Back to Top Technology The goal for the future will continue to be the integration of technology into the community according to the Mission Statement of Meadowbrook : individualization of student learning, continuation of a broad and challenging curriculum, the promotion of self-confidence, independence and unhampered learning.
Currently most of the software used at Meadowbrook comes under the heading of tools. When applying our strict criteria there are very few non-tool commercial packages that are appropriate for our curriculum. For classroom use, faculty employ document processing, graphics programs, research CD's, interactive books on CD-ROM, typing tutors, Terrapin Logo, student controlled simulations, some drill and practice programs, programs designed to teach a specific concept, mathematical tools, laser disks, presentation programs, and the Internet. Every classroom in the School is connected to the Internet through a T1 line.
Both wireless and wired networking are used extensively, allowing students more flexibility in their use of technology. Smartboards and projectors in the classrooms provide faculty with state-of-the-art tools to help deliver efficient and effective instruction. More sophisticated video, audio, science and graphic tools are available to students for use in the creation of projects and presentations. Back to Top Academic electives In addition to the traditional courses taken by Meadowbrook students, they are also given a weekly opportunity to choose a more focused class in a specific area of interest. The classes are offered by Middle School teachers, and include elective programs such as developing the school's yearbook, writing for the school newspaper, studying solar energy and competing in the Junior Solar Sprint, competing as a member of the Math Counts team, acting and directing Shakespearean Shorts, and producing slideshows and films for school assemblies.
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