Seventh Grade

Language Arts continues to build upon spelling, vocabulary and grammar skills. Students learn the elements of a short story through Junior Great Books. They read Shakespeare, learn about his life, language and time period, and act out plays in class. Students learn to write an organized and coherent four paragraph essay using transitions and supporting topics. They use quotes to support their thesis. Students study different forms of poetry, learn poetic elements and learn to explain the meaning of a poem. They create a poetry book of their own poems and perform them at a poetry reading for parents. A major research report and PowerPoint presentation, coordinated by the language arts, social studies and technology teachers, reinforces and expands upon research, note taking, computer and writing skills.

Mathematics classes are divided into four sections according to readiness and pace. Students continue sharpening arithmetic, geometry and algebra skills. They learn to expand upon the fundamental rules and techniques of algebra and geometry which they apply in routine practice problems and two step story problems.

Social Studies covers modern world history from the late middle ages to the present day. Students learn about European countries and capitals, Eastern Asian empires, and the Middle East. Geographic awareness is built through various mapping projects. Economic and political systems such as capitalism, socialism, communism and fascism are discussed as are the major Eastern religions and belief systems.

Science focuses on life science. Students name and give examples of the six kingdoms of living things. They learn the characteristics, traits, behavior and adaptations for survival of animal groups, and learn proper animal dissection procedures, and the anatomy and physiology of the human body.

Foreign Language study continues in Spanish. Students expand their vocabulary and learn a number of grammatical tenses. They continue to learn about the geography, culture, traditions and customs of Spanish speaking countries.

Technology incorporates the student’s knowledge of the Internet and software applications into producing a multi-curricular research paper and PowerPoint presentation.

Physical Education incorporates a competitive team sports program. Students compete against other middle schools in football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, track, tennis, golf and swimming. Students work as a team to reach a common goal and continue to earn points toward their Chandler Athletic Letter.

Art explores form, composition, color and content. Students produce landscape drawings, figure drawings and figurative sculptures in a semester long course. Students are able to follow a complicated, multi-step process from idea generation to tangible creation. In addition, students are required to choose a quarter long arts elective in the medium or art form of their choice.

Music is included in the elective program. Students may choose to participate in a choral performance group or take a general music course that emphasizes music appreciation and composition to complete their music requirement. Choices for the performance requirement include performing in one of the musicals or plays, Stomp, Spanish dance, mock trial, and readers’ theater.

Electives include a required personal development rotation between Media Literacy (a program to build wise consumers of today’s media), Health (education for sound nutrition and a healthy, active lifestyle) and Ethical Perspectives (a discussion forum to build skills in ethical decision making) in addition to the fine arts, music and performance requirements. Quarterly electives are also offered as opportunities to explore fun activities such as beading, chess, cooking, games of strategy, and gardening.

Outdoor Education continues to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural environment and build class unity and teamwork with a five day canoe trip down the Colorado River with the Boojum Institute.