Seventh grade students will experience a variety in course offerings greater than those afforded during 6th grade. They will have 5 core classes: Math, Science, English, History and Biblical Worldview. These core classes will each meet 5 hours per week, with the exception of BWV which will meet 4 hours per week. 7th grade students who participate in Athletics will want to read the information about 7th Athletic Period as well as the information on p. 40 about Athletics and Extra-Curricular participation. Students in 7th grade who do not participate in sports will enroll in 7th-8th P.E. (meeting 2 hours per week) and have their choice of three other electives (each also meeting 2 hours per week). Students enrolling in the Athletic period will have their choice of one elective. 7th Athletic period meets 5 hours per week. We encourage families to read the course descriptions carefully as students decide which electives to request for 7th grade.
7th Grade Mathematics
This course covers an overview of mathematics, including operations with fractions, decimals, and integers; coordinate plane; ratio and proportion; applying percents; data analysis and probability; and geometry with two and three dimensional figures. Finally, students will prepare for Pre-Algebra with introduction to patterns and algebraic reasoning, by way of solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities.
7th Grade Pre-Algebra
This advanced course prepares student to take Honors Algebra I in 8th grade. In addition to reviewing concepts covered in 7th grade math, topics include simplifying and factoring algebraic expressions using mathematical properties; solving and graphing linear, multi-step equations and inequalities; multiplying and dividing monomials; applying squares and square toots to triangles; and solving real-life word problems using equations.
7th Grade Life Science
7th Science is a study of all things living. The adventure begins with basic science concepts such as the Scientific Method and tools used in scientific discovery. Our journey continues as we explore cells, genetics, and eleven human body systems. Then comes animal life followed by plants. We reach a higher level of thinking as we look at the relationship between these living things and their environment. And finally, we give our God full credit and praise for the intelligent design of our universe and the way we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
7th English
Seventh Grade English is designed to encourage students to incorporate learned grammatical skills into their writing. Reading engagement is built by exposing students to the genres of historical fiction, realistic fiction, fantasy, and nonfictions texts. Students learn to engage in literary conversations revolving around various books they are reading. Students build writing skills by using exemplary texts as models and transferring what they learn into their own writing. Works studied include The Bronze Bow, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Hiding Place, and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. In our literary circles we cultivate a love for reading and learning through literature as students choose among pre-selected works.
7th Grade World History: Middle Ages-Enlightenment
As students gain greater knowledge of modern history, we continue to challenge them to view what they learn in light of God’s orchestration of events in bringing about His purposes. Seventh grade World History is the counter-part to 6th grade World History, and is presented chronologically. The course will survey the years from The Rise of Islam through the French Revolution with emphasis on Eastern Hemisphere civilizations and world geography. Class assignments will include reading, simulations, individual and group projects, class discussions, note-taking, creation of timelines, map identifications, and occasional writing assignments.
7th Biblical Worldview
The purpose of Biblical Worldview (Grades K4-12) is to partner with families and churches to train up students, challenging them to a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, and a life that passionately follows Christ. Units of study for 7th Grade Biblical Worldview include New Testament books James, Ephesians, Philippians, and I Corinthians. As we study these books and other material, we focus on understanding and forming identity in Christ, building Christian character, relationships, and stewardship. We also learn about spiritual gifts and practicing the spiritual disciplines. Students are challenged to live Christianly as we move through these various units of study and learn what God’s Word says about these topics.
7th-8th Physical Education
P.E. is a course which incorporates the body, mind and spirit as a whole. As warriors of Christ, students will be encouraged to respect and reflect the God-given worth of human life, pursue excellence in lifelong fitness and lifetime activities, and grow physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Students will be engaged in a variety of lifetime activities (Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball, Volleyball, Speedball, Badminton, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, and Fishing.) Students will also take part in the Presidential Fitness Program. Students will exercise sportsmanship and learn how to work successfully with others. They will serve one another in love and with respect while developing individual potential and leadership. The goal of this course is to provide physical activity in an engaging way while learning about the important of physical activity in overall health. Students in 7th and 8th grade will be required to dress out for each class period in the locker room in the gym. This class will meet two hours per week.
7th Grade Athletic Period
7th grade Athletic Period will meet during 1st period during the school year. In season sports can expect to begin practice at the designated time before school in order to allow for sufficient transition time for the student to ready for 2nd period. Each coach will notify his/her players of specifics related to the sport. Girls playing Volleyball or Basketball and boys playing Football or Basketball need to sign up for 7th Athletic Period on the 7th Course Selection Form. If parents or students have questions regarding participating in 7th sports we encourage you to speak with the coaches of the particular sport of interest. During off season, students will participate in off season cardio and strength training activities. For more information about MS Athletics please refer to p. 40 of this Handbook.
7th Art
7th grade Art is an elective course that meets 2 times per week during the school year. In this course, students will build on concepts studied and skills acquired in previous art instruction in relation to color, shape, form, space, texture, dimension, negative space, etc. In addition, students will spend time studying color theory and composition and learn to use enlarging techniques. Also, more experience into the study of 3-dimensional art and studying the work of famous artists will be key components of this course. We challenge students to continue to examine God’s creation as they explore the nature of what is true and beautiful in relation to the visual arts.
7th & 8th Band
Students enrolling in the 7th & 8th grade Band have two options: they can join band with one year of experience and just be in concert band, which is year round; or, they can also join marching band which will require that they attend summer band camp at school and all home football games. Those joining marching band will be required to come to after school rehearsals on Tuesday and Thursdays during football season. Participating in marching band during football season is not required but optional. 7th & 8th Band has two required concert performances during the school year. During the school year, Band will meet two periods per week. Attendance at these performances and their rehearsals is mandatory and graded.
Middle School Strings Ensemble
The strings program will consist of beginner members starting in 6th grade and also include 7th and 8th grade students who may have previous experience. Students will have the option of playing violin, viola, cello or bass. They will be taught the basics of music and the basics of the desired instrument. This class will meet two periods per week during the school year. Recruitment will take place in the spring. Strings Ensemble has two required performances during the school year. Attendance at these performances and their rehearsals is mandatory and graded.
7th & 8th Mixed Chorus
7th & 8th Grade Mixed Chorus Class is a Fine Arts Elective which meets two periods a week. Instruction in good vocal techniques will be emphasized, along with basic skills in sight-reading and harmonization in two to four parts. Both boys and girls receive instruction to develop their changing voices as they mature, and a variety of vocal musical styles from sacred to Broadway/pop to gospel will be explored. Students may voluntarily audition for the Jr. High All-Region Choir. Try-outs are usually held in October. For students interested in participating in this outstanding learning opportunity, more information will be made available in the fall semester. 7th & 8th Mixed Chorus has three required performances in the school year. Attendance at these performances and their rehearsals is mandatory and graded.
Drama I
Drama I is a beginning level drama class for 7th or 8th graders, in which students will learn beginning acting skills. Students will acquire an understanding of basic stage and acting terminology and will understand the roles of the technical crew in a theatrical production. Students will be able to demonstrate clear diction and projection, develop improvisation skills and proper delivery skills, such as breath support, eye contact, poise, volume and rate. During the course, students will work on Monologues, Duet Scenes, Improvisation and Pantomime and prepare a small showcase.
7th & 8th Service
The purpose of service is for students to learn what Biblical service looks like through hands-on experience. Students will spend the first few weeks in the classroom learning about service, identifying individual strengths and interests, and understanding expectations that come with this unique course. Students will be placed where the need is greatest and where the teacher believes he/she is best suited. Students input will be considered in the placement process. Placement will be on campus and students will report to selected LRCA staff member (teacher, librarian, office manager, playground teacher, facility manager, coach, administrator, etc.) at specified times and days to serve.
7th & 8th Computer Applications
This course is designed to provide students with basic fundamental computer skills utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, which includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher. Students will learn how to use common features in these programs to apply to documents, spreadsheets and projects, while learning Internet searching skills and how to cite sources. Keyboarding skills will be enhanced.