 Grade 7 at CKS
Religion
The seventh grade religion curriculum provides an integrated program of prayer, scripture, doctrine, family life and church history. The first half of the year focuses on a study of the New Testament, with an emphasis on scripture readings, Biblical background, and activities to help students develop a mature appreciation of their faith. The third quarter consists of studies in an interdisciplinary Family Life unit. In this unit, students learn about family relationships, with an emphasis on Christian values and virtues, and the consequences of our choices. In the fourth quarter, students are introduced to Church History from the first century to the present. Feasts and seasons of the liturgical year are emphasized to help students celebrate all that God has done for us, and allow them to enter more fully into our ultimate goal of living the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Language Arts Language Arts encompasses the areas of literature, reading, speaking skills, grammar, vocabulary development, and spelling. Seventh grade students continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language. Writing skills are emphasized throughout the curriculum, especially helping students to respond to what they read, and to develop their own creativity. The Language Arts curriculum focuses on two interrelated areas of study: Literature/Vocabulary and English Grammar/Writing. In Literature, students acquire and expand reading skills through exposure to a variety of non-fictional and fictional texts including short story, drama, selected novels, mythology and poetry. By reading a variety of genre, students learn to recognize the elements of literature and literary devices. Class novels are selected for literary merit, cross curricular connections, and the opportunity to introduce the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. In Vocabulary, students continue to expand both spoken and written vocabulary, and increase their knowledge of correct spelling. In English grammar and writing, students use the writing process, from pre-writing to publishing, to create and develop formal and informal pieces of writing and acquire a background in the conventions, usage, and mechanics of oral and written language.  Mathematics The goal of the middle school math program is to provide all students with a strong foundation in mathematics according to their academic abilities, needs and motivation. The department recognizes the importance of mathematical computation at all levels. Students in the middle school are placed in an appropriate level of instruction according to Archdiocesan standards to ensure that students are both challenged and successful. Sadlier Fundamentals of Algebra is used to support instruction in 7th grade.
The 7th grade math curriculum is designed to bridge from the concrete, number-oriented mathematics in elementary school to symbol-centered algebra and geometry in high school. This course provides experience that will prepare them for success in pre-algebra and algebra as well as geometry. Assessment of material learned will be achieved by nightly homework, lesson quizzes, mid-chapter and end-of chapter tests, and tests each quarter. Science
Seventh grade science focuses on life sciences. Students explore life from the cell to classification of organisms and body systems.  Social Studies Seventh grade students explore social studies in the areas of history, geography, citizenship and economics. The units of study in these areas include US history from pre-historic cultures to the Era of Expansion from 1824-1860. Williamsburg Electronic Field Trips support the study of early US history. Special Projects & Field Trips Students participate in a day long retreat which offers opportunities for prayer, faith-sharing, personal growth and community building. The seventh grade service project is completed in November in partnership with the Midtown Assistance Center. Students coordinate a week-long food drive at CKS, and spend a day delivering, sorting, and stocking the donated food items at the Midtown Assistance Center. In February students visit the Bremen Museum as a connection to the Power over Prejudice summit a team of 7th graders attend each fall.
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