7th Grade Course Synopses
Grade 7 Course Synopsis
Frelinghuysen Middle School
Grade 7
Course Synopsis
All of the FMS curricula aligns with the New Jersey Common Core Curriculum Standards.
For more information, please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/
MATHEMATICS
In the grade 7 math program students will be: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples. The goals of our program are: to use a problem solving approach, which emphasizes the NCTM Standards, to develop the confidence, knowledge and techniques for using math to reason and solve problems in everyday life and be able to communicate mathematically, and to help students value mathematics and its connection to all subjects.
- FMS Math Pathways
- 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Math Placement Criteria
- Mathematics Behaviors that Support Lifelong Learning Inventory
ALGEBRA I
The grade 7 algebra program introduces students to the concepts of algebra in a college prep program. The scope expands students mathematical knowledge through a variety of activities that include reasoning, problem solving and communication.
Students will: 1) demonstrate conceptual understanding of the properties and operations of real numbers with emphasis on ratio, rates, and proportion and numerical expressions containing exponents and radicals, 2) operate with polynomial expressions, factor polynomial expressions and use algebraic radical expressions, 3) analyze, represent and graph linear functions including those involving absolute value and recognize and use linear models, 4) solve and graph linear equations and inequalities and use them to represent contextual situations, 5) solve systems of linear equations and model with single variable linear equations, one- or two-variable inequalities, or systems of equations, 6) demonstrate facility with estimating and verifying solutions of linear equations, making use of technology where appropriate to do so, 7) represent simple quadratic functions in multiple ways and use quadratic models, as well as solve quadratic equations, and make connections through the interpretation of linear trends in data, the comparison of data using summary statistics, probability and counting principles, and the evaluation of data-based reports in the media.
- FMS Math Pathways
- 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Math Placement Criteria
- Mathematics Behaviors that Support Lifelong Learning Inventory
LANGUAGE ARTS
The seventh grade language arts curriculum integrates reading and writing, encouraging students to move beyond the basic skills of reading and writing, to deal with abstract concepts and symbolism. As students are guided to appreciate the language and conventions of authors they read, they will sharpen their writing skills by composing, drafting and publishing for a variety of purposes.
Goals: to successfully complete the reading elements of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to: identify characteristics of different genre; utilize reading strategies appropriate to task; adjust reading rate to skim, scan, and read for details; improve fluency; predict outcomes within and beyond the structure of the text; identify, summarize and evaluate elements of fiction; explain main idea with a logical sequence of ideas, details, and reactions; analyze text for purpose, tone and style; support statements and opinions with evidence from the text; enhance inference skills; and compare a variety of works by the same author. To successfully complete the writing elements of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to: use varied techniques to generate ideas for writing; develop and use varied pre-writing activities; use drafting techniques to produce a finished piece of writing; prepare final draft in a manner appropriate for the audience; focus writing to respond to an identifiable purpose; use a style and tone appropriate for the intended audience and purpose; and use correct spelling, punctuation, syntax, and word usage. Reading instruction is based on genre based units that progress by marking period. The units are: Short Story, Narrative Non-Fiction, Fantasy and Historical Fiction.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The 7th grade Social Studies curriculum is divided into six world history units: the Paleolithic and Nomadic Eras; Geography; Religion; Government; Economics; and Society. Emphasis is placed on significant events that have impacted civilizations around the world. Goals: Students will be able to: 1) Read from a variety of primary and secondary sources (fiction and non-fiction) to acquire information, 2) Expand critical thinking skills, 3) Develop and reinforce writing skills in the content area, 4) Expand study and research skills, 5) Gain an understanding of the historical contributions that have shaped society.
SCIENCE
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts, skills and attitudes involved in science. Through a variety of independent units of study the students will be exposed to scientific methodology while completing appropriate laboratory and other hands-on activities. Emphasis will also be placed on safety procedures in the science classroom/laboratory, exposure to collecting, analyzing and interpreting empirical data, as well as developing a sense of appreciation and understanding of scientific contributions from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Goals: The student will demonstrate the ability to: 1) Work safely and cooperatively in the laboratory, 2) Use the units of the metric system, 3) Apply the scientific method to problem solving, 4) Proficiently use a compound microscope, 5) Utilize the cell theory to investigate living things, 6) Explain how living things function and react/interact with their environment, 7) Use and develop various systems of classification, 8) Recognize the relationship between function, structure and behavior of organisms.
WORLD LANGUAGES
The philosophy of this 2nd year program focuses on increasing students’ ability to speak, listen, and write in the target language. In addition, students’ knowledge of culture and the interrelationship between language and culture is extended. The goals of the 7th grade program are: 1) to further develop oral proficiency skills in order to successfully communicate on a variety of topics in the target language; and 2) to enhance and encourage awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity.