Mrs. Annette Faenza

"Four things for success: work and pray, think and believe." – Norman Vincent Peale

Curriculum Overview

STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
Assumption students are faithful disciples who C.A.R.E.
They are: critical thinkers, academic achievers, responsible citizens and effective communicators.

CURRICULUM

Pre-algebra: By the end of this year, the students will have a solid understanding of algebraic principles to prepare them for their 8th grade year. They will also work on applying math skills to everyday activities, and be able to graph and solve linear equations. The students will also have an opportunity to work on basic concepts of geometry. Homework is to reinforce the lessons taught in class therefore the students will have homework every evening and some weekends. Their math tests will generally be every other Friday.

Life Science:  In this class, the students will learn about the characteristics of living things: the structure of cells, genetics, and the functions of human cell tissues, organs and organ systems. We will create fossils, models of cells, and DNA models. The students will illustrate the differences of meiosis and mitosis, compete for survival like Darwins’ Finches and learn how to use Punnet squares. In the first and second trimester, the students will conduct an investigative science experiment and write a detailed report outlining their findings. In the third trimester, the students will research and write a report about a scientist of their choice. Homework will be found on Google Classroom. Quizzes and tests will be announced at least a week in advance.

Religion: We use the junior high edition of Blest Are We for our studies. The class will study the life of Christ: The Incarnation, the meaning of the Kingdom, the Beatitudes, the Eucharist, the Paschal Mystery, as well as a brief explanation of feasts and seasons. The students will also research and prepare an oral report on a saint of their choice. The students should expect a test almost every Friday.

Social Studies: Students in 7th grade will focus on world history from the Fall of Rome through the Middle Ages. Students will be able to describe the conditions under which empires thrive and grow, paying special attention to the “Golden Ages” of each empire studied. There will be a focus on art, culture, religion, intellectual achievements, and important rulers. Students will also be able to describe how these empires ultimately end. The Age of Reason, the Renaissance, and the Age of Exploration round out the curriculum in 7th grade history. Our year culminates in a trip to the Renaissance Faire, where students participate in the daily life of a medieval European villager.

Language Arts: Throughout the year students will explore Character Development, Analysis of text, Plot, Conflict Symbolism and Authors Purpose. Students will grow in their critical thinking skills as well as in their ability to cite text in order to support analysis of text. Students will also be asked to write in a variety of ways. Some of the writing they will be exposed to and required to do will be supporting claims with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, writing informative/explanatory texts examining a topic and conveying ideas, concepts, and analytical information, and writing personal narratives using effective technique, descriptive details, and structure.