The Seventh Grade

The 7th grade program is designed to build on skills and experiences acquired in the previous year and to add challenges which are appropriate to a new level of maturity. Throughout the program, focus is on helping students develop the analytical skills necessary for abstract and non-linear thinking. These important critical thinking skills are promoted by opportunities for oral presentations, student-centered discussion, interdisciplinary and collaborative group work, and research. Students encounter problem-solving situations and are encouraged to apply what they learn to the outside world. Hands-on activities, field trips, and guest speakers accentuate experiential learning.

English 7

The central focus of seventh grade English is writing as the key to communicating in the classroom and the real world. Students learn the structure for formal and persuasive writing and how to convey their thoughts in a concise and specific way. Study of grammar and vocabulary reinforces and enhances writing skills. Through literature selections, students critically analyze the themes in the novels and relate them to their own lives. Themes such as maturity, friendship and pride are discussed in a way that permits the students to read beyond the plot of the story and seek out more profound meanings and messages of the author. The curriculum includes classic novels such as Of Mice and Men, and contemporary work such as Pictures of Hollis Woods. Poetry selections include writers such as Robert Frost and Edgar Allen Poe.

Faculty
Mattie Gratch

American History 7

Through the American History class students experience the exploration and colonization of the American continent, the struggle for independence and formation of the government of the United States, industrial development in this country, and the Civil War and its aftermath. Students use computer simulation as teams of explorers, and take on the roles of real representatives at the Constitutional Convention. Using primary source documents helps students understand the Civil War era. Students develop core research skills through several projects, and work both independently and collaboratively throughout the year. A selection of videos enhances the program, and a trip to the Constitution Center in Philadelphia enables students to apply what they have learned outside the classroom.

Faculty:
Mattie Gratch
Joan Nuse

Science 7

The focus of the seventh grade science program is our environment and the impact that humans have on it. Several areas and issues are explored. For example, students learn about freshwater environments by conducting water chemistry tests in the Stony Brook which runs through campus and in our eco-pond which is adjacent to the middle school. The Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association visits to assist with a water quality and macro-invertebrate study, and students work in cooperative groups to build a working watershed model. This unit culminates in a trip to the Stony Brook wastewater treatment plant. Students explore evolution and animal adaptation while researching a Galapagos animal, travel to the Philadelphia Zoo to view animal adaptations and learn ways in which humans can protect wildlife. Oral presentations with accompanying visuals give students the opportunity to share what they have learned. Ultimately, students apply this knowledge to a study of the process and effects of global warming, and discuss ways in which they can lessen our impact on our world.

Faculty:
Madeline Jones

Pre-Algebra

The seventh grade Pre-Algebra curriculum utilizes diversified instruction to accommodate all learning styles. A multitude of teaching strategies create authentic learning experiences to engage students in the learning process. As a result, students build meaningful connections between Pre-Algebra concepts and real world applications, as they prepare for the next level. Students participate in cooperative learning, guided instruction, in-class experiments, and class discussions to investigate concepts, and processes regarding geometry, measurement, algebra, probability, number sense and statistics. For example, the Jumping Jack Experiment explores variables and patterns in data analysis. The Stations Activity affords students the opportunity to initiate and participate in dialogue to develop proficient communication skills in mathematical vernacular. Moreover, students improve critical thinking and reasoning skills that extend beyond the Mathematics textbook, across disciplines, and into the real world.

Faculty:
Stephanie Peters

French 7

In this second year class, students build on previous knowledge, continuing the routines of listening/speaking and synthesizing grammar concepts into practice. These grammar points are fun and engaging and presented in a variety of creative ways. Activities take the form of games, songs, plays/skits, projects, technology and field trips. In addition to grammar, the program also emphasizes cultural content, such as French art and other cultural imports, and reinforces connections with other disciplines. Guest speakers from francophone countries, food tastings, music and film are some of the ways students experience francophone language and culture.

Faculty:
Stella Greenbaum

Spanish 7

This class focuses on moving students forward from the basics learned at the introductory stage and challenges students to develop these skills at a higher level. This strong foundation in the language supports students as they continue with more in-depth topics such as forming commands and speaking about past events, and it enables the language to come to life for students with different learning styles. Students are exposed to the language and grammar through song, video, role-play and listening to interviews with native speakers from many different countries.

Faculty:
Keri Marino

MS Spanish I

A combination of the content from the Introductory and Spanish 7 classes, this course is designed for students entering Hun in the seventh or eighth grades who have had little or no previous experience with foreign language. It enables students to be on level with their peers as they move forward into the Upper School. Students learn the basics of the language to build a strong foundation, practice listening and speaking individually and interacting with the language lab program accompanying the text. As part of the lab program, students work with the computer to practice listening comprehension and pronunciations skills. Cooperative learning projects such as dialogues and role plays assist students as they become comfortable as Spanish speakers.

Faculty:
Keri Marino