7^th Grade Courses

Old & New Testament Survey

In this course, 7th grade students will lay a foundation for Biblical studies by reading through the Old and New Testaments. The major events, persons, places, and chronologies of the Biblical materials are introduced, as well as the major themes of individual books. Also, the redemptive-historical thread of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is discussed. Students will understand that the culture and history of biblical times are vital tools for interpreting the Bible. Students will engage the text through Bible reading assignments, journal writing, projects/papers, and worksheet activities. The teacher will highlight the relevance of Biblical lessons in daily life. Students should complete the course with a broad background of Biblical knowledge as well an understanding of the need to study outside influences on the text.

English 7

Seventh grade English includes the study of literary texts from a Biblical perspective and within the historical time periods of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, Elizabethan England, Revolutionary America, and American Civil War. Integrated within each literary piece studied, students will expand their vocabulary and review parts of speech, which will be applied as they develop and refine their writing skills through short stories, persuasive essays, biographies, and research papers. Each quarter, an analysis of one book from a designated outside reading list is required.

Life Science

Life Science is an introductory course in which students are exposed to a wide range of topics regarding the study of the living world. Topics include exploring science, cells and heredity, plant growth, history of living things, classification systems, the study of various phyla to include invertebrate/vertebrate organisms and systems. Laboratory sessions will also be used to enhance understanding of concepts. An introductory dissection series will also be studied.

Math 7

Throughout this course, a solid foundation is set to build future math skills. Students are challenged to become proficient in adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing expressions including decimals, fractions, integers, and rational numbers. They will learn to solve one and two-step equations as well as work with ration, proportion and percentages. Geometry, measurement, area and volume will also be covered. Students who excel in this course and demonstrate success on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test will be given the opportunity to enroll in Algebra I in eighth grade.

Spanish 1a

This class is only the first half of Spanish I, but the students take the whole year to learn the material. It is designed to give students a slower, more comfortable pace at which to learn, as well as, provide an opportunity for more hands-on projects. Students will develop grammar, listening, and speaking skills in the Spanish language. Students will study the text through videos, projects, and games, as well as verbal and written assignments. Frequent vocabulary quizzes will expand the student's language proficiency and help acquire basic conversation skills. In addition, several countries will be explored in order to expand cultural horizons and cultivate an appreciation for the Spanish language. (½ Credit toward Senior High)

Texas History

Texas History is the story of Texas including the geography, first Texans, exploration and settlement, American colonization, Republic of Texas, statehood, Civil War and reconstruction, close of the frontier, period after reconstruction, the present and Texans and their culture.