Seventh Grade Curriculum Overview
 

Seventh grade is a year of deep exploration of coming-of-age themes. Decision-making, taking a stand, change and society are all explored in an array of genres. Continuing their work on providing textual evidence, students explore how literary devices like symbolism and metaphor are used to tell a story. In addition to traditional essays, students are provided alternative opportunities to showcase their understanding of their reading, including visual displays, cover redesigns and creative writing. 

In 7th grade, students reinforce their basic computation skills and become familiar with the following: the properties of mathematics; the language of algebra; solving one-step, two-step, and multi-step equations; adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing rational numbers and integers; solving inequalities; graphing equations and inequalities; ratios; proportions; percents; powers, roots and the basics of functions. Students are formally introduced to the Algebra curriculum, with special emphasis on linear functions. As students learn about proportionality, slope, and functions, they learn to represent the linear functions in multiple ways: verbal descriptions, equations, tables and graphs. They also learn to model real‐world situations using linear functions in order to solve problems arising from the situations.

Units of Study:

• Real Number System 
• Algebraic expressions
• Algebraic equations and inequalities
• Proportions and percent change
• Angle properties and straight Lines
• Geometric construction
• Circumference, volume, and surface area of solids
• Statistics and probability
• Probability of Compound Events

The overall theme of 7th grade humanities is world beliefs, which permeates an array of studies exploring the core tenets of different religions and philosophies, as well as the intersectionality of identity, morality and ethics. Units draw on various regions and eras, and explore the relationships between history, faith, community social change, misconceptions and stereotypes, and ideas about the universe and the afterlife. Students deepen their understanding by enhancing their research skills and engaging in analytical and writing projects, including an independent self-study for their final exhibition projects.

With inquiry at its core, the 7th grade science curriculum aims to guide students to collaboratively and independently investigate issues through observation, research and experimentation. As students investigate real examples of science applications they discover the dependencies and tensions between ethics, culture, economics and environment. 

In 7th grade, our students select an environmental topic to become experts in through the annual Science Expo where visiting scientists attend and assess projects students have designed, implemented and evaluated. 

The Classroom Advisory Program (CAP) builds upon community building lessons that take place in the lower grades. Our middle school CAP program focuses on identity, health and wellness, communication and interpersonal relationships. CAP provides students with a spiraling curriculum that allows for a deeper dive into character education, social-emotional learning and citizenship as students progress through Middle School.

Seventh grade topics include:

• Self-image 
• Empowerment
• Making decisions
• Coping with anxiety and anger
• Time management 
• Managing stress in healthy ways
• Social skills and interpersonal relationships
• Confronting bullying, bias, and discrimination
• Upstander vs bystander
• Microaggressions/racism
• Effective communication
• Responsibility and accountability  
• Assertiveness 
• Resolving conflict 
• Study skills
• Peer pressure
• Conflict resolution
• Respect 
• Identity 
• Mental health awareness
• Puberty, alcohol and drug addiction, safety, consent
   

Beginning in fifth grade, Electives are offered once per week to middle school students in mixed group settings. This is a chance for students to have choice and voice through personal selection and an opportunity to work with peers from other middle school classes. Offerings change from year to year and have included ​​Photography, Creative Writing, Fiber Arts, Tinkering and Makerspace, The Art of Public Speaking, Healthy Habits and Nutrition, Service Learning, Theatre, Coding, and Ethics Bowl.

Seventh graders can expect daily homework that is purposeful and helps them manage their time and workload responsibly. Students also gain practice of managing longer term assignments with mini deadlines and milestones along the way. 

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways: class discussions, homework assignments, comprehension questions, essays, end of unit tests, quizzes, and research projects. Stevens uses authentic observation, testing and ongoing assessment to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each student.

In the spring of 7th grade, students take a practice Independent Schools Entrance Exam (ISEE), administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), in preparation for the exam in 8th grade. 

In addition to exploring relevant curriculum connections through local day trips to museums, including the American Folk Art Museum, Hindu Temple in Bridgewater, and Brooklyn Museum, students participate in a fall overnight trip to The Ashokan Center, an outdoor education camp for three days and two nights focused on enhancing teamwork, leadership and self-confidence. In the spring, students attend an overnight trip for two days and one night in Philadelphia.