7th Grade Academics

7th Grade Mathematics: Pre-Algebra
Pre-algebra prepares students for operations with rational numbers, exponents, powers, roots and the use of exponents in fractions. It covers algebraic expressions, complex equations, inequalities, graphing and functions, as well as measurement and geometry. Also covered are statistics, probability and mathematical reasoning.

7th Grade  Bio-Science
Life Science introduces the Healdsburg School seventh-grader to the fundamentals of biology. Topics covered will include hands-on explorations into cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, ecology, the kingdoms, and the human body.
 
7th Grade Humanities – American Studies I
In this integrated History and English class, students will be looking at the history and literature of the American Nation through a global lens with a multi-disciplinary approach.  Chronologically students will begin their historical studies with the pre-contact Native American societies and culminating with the Civil War.  They will read documents from the eras studied, listen to music, view art and architecture, and examine the secondary historical sources.  Additionally, students will participate in a challenging geography curriculum, familiarizing themselves with the nations and capitals of the world as well as main world geographical features.  The English curriculum, while thematically guided by the History curriculum, will have four main parts: literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary.  Students will read novels, short stories, and poetry that address themes such as immigration and perception.  Selections may include: A Day No Pigs Would Die, The Outsiders, Out of the Dust, Call of the Wild, or The Giver.  The writing program is rigorous, focusing on formal writing skills such as sentence structure, paragraph development, personal narrative, and the three paragraph essay.  Grammar will be studied separately but also within the assigned literature, primary source documents, and textbooks.  This humanities class will prepare students to ask essential questions about their learning as well as be equipped to answer them. 

7th Grade Spanish:
The Healdsburg School will use the updated Spanish curriculum of the Wright Group/McGraw Hill Publishing Co. entitled “¡Viva el español!”, textbook and workbook series “¿Qué tal?”, with which the students develop vocabulary, verb conjugation and grammatical structure. Active TPR (total physical response) introduction to imperatives and chapter material engage the students for improved retention and interest.  Weekly, the language laboratory is employed for passive listening, accent enhancement,  response practice, and development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Special projects on countries, Hispanic biographies, cultural events, authors and poets are written and presented in English to expand understanding of culture. Books, music, dvd’s, and special guests from the community are introduced by the teacher. Language learning games are played, some being created by the students themselves. Assessments occur on a weekly basis using dictation, oral and written phrases and questions to be translated or answered.