Reading
The objective of our junior high reading curriculum is to make
students into passionate, critical readers. As a class, we discuss
thematic units, literary genres, and reading strategies, which students
can use as they approach new reading texts. Students are also given
regular independent reading time, and they are allowed to choose their
own texts.
Language Arts
Our students are working to create writing portfolios. As a class,
we discuss writing and grammar conventions and concerns, and then
students use their knowledge to create a body of work. We cover
poetry, memoirs, book reviews, short stories, letters, scripts,
children’s books, and various types of essays. The curriculum is
designed to give students numerous and varied writing experiences and
to teach them that writing is an ongoing process. Students learn to
revise their work critically and thoughtfully.
Speech and Drama
Junior high classes meet once a week for Speech and Drama. In this
course, students learn public speaking skills. They study elements of
theater, rehearse monologues and dialogues, practice improvisation and
pantomime techniques, give a variety of speeches, learn about body
language, etc.
Regular Math
This is a regular 7th grade math course that continues to build on the
concepts and skills learned in the 6th grade. Basic number operations
for fractions/mixed numbers, decimals and integers continue to be
expanded as ratios, rates, proportions and percents are taught. Many
pre-algebra skills are refined and several algebra patterns and rules
are introduced and appropriately developed.
Geometry concepts include congruency and polygon identification.
Formulas for finding surface area, perimeter and circumference as well
as the volume of solid figures are included. Time is also devoted to
the study and application of the Pythagorean theorem.
Accelerated Math
Students must qualify for this accelerated course. Eligibility is
based on achievement test scores in math for the 6th grade and previous
years, 6th grade math report card grades, daily performance and
attitude in math throughout the 6th grade and previous years, and the
recommendation of the 6th grade math instructor. Other factors may
also be taken into consideration.
This class utilizes an eighth grade text and covers everything from the
basic number operations and systems to geometry and
pre-algebra/algebra. To be successful in this class the student must
have an innate ability to quickly grasp mathematical concepts and, in
many cases, be self-directed. Enjoying math also helps! Because
students in this course go from a 6th grade text directly to an 8th
grade text (they skip the 7th grade text), parents must be committed to
helping their child grasp the information to ensure success.
Students learn how to solve basic algebra equations involving addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division. Algebra problems using
decimals, fractions, and integers are also introduced along with the
use of exponents, square roots and scientific notation. The use of
algebra to solve ratio, proportion, and percent/interest problems is
also taught.
Also included in this general course are chapters devoted to expanding
student understanding and mastery of appropriate Geometry concepts.
This would include plane geometry concepts as well as certain solid
geometry concepts for finding total surface area and volume of
pyramids, cones, prisms and cylinders. We also introduce the
Trigonometric ratios of sine, cosine and tangent.
Students who successfully complete this course qualify to take Algebra 1 as an eighth grader the next year at St. John.
Science
It is our intent that one third of the year is spent studying in each
of these broad areas: Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical
Science. Ideally this would mean that over a three year period, each
student will have had exposure to three different mini-courses in Life,
Earth, and Physical science; a total of nine different courses.
Currently these courses are as follows:
Environmental Science—A life science course that includes
information on how ecosystems work and how to conserve while making the
best use of our living and nonliving resources. Populations and
communities are also investigated.
Earth’s Changing Surface—An earth science course that examines
the earth’s surface, how soil is formed, and how the earth’s surface is
weathered. Erosion and deposition and their roles in rock formation
and mountain building are also considered.
Motion, Forces, and Energy—A physical science course designed to
study motion and different forces. Newton’s laws of motion, simple
machines, work, power, and different types of energy are the main
topics included. This course starts building a solid foundation for
high school physics.
Following is a listing of the science units for sixth through eighth grade. All textbooks are from Prentice-Hall publishers. The school year is divided into thirds with a different textbook used in each grade for each different third of the year.
Science
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EARTH
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PHYSICAL
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LIFE
|
6TH Grade
|
Weather and Climate
|
Electricity and Magnetism |
Human Biology and Health
|
7TH Grade
|
Earth’s Changing Surface
|
Motion, Forces, & Energy |
Environmental Science
|
8TH Grade
|
Inside Earth
|
Matter: Building Blocks of the Universe
|
Cells and Heredity
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U.S. History
U.S. History is taught to the 7th and 8th grade classes. Covering
the material in two years allows the students to gain a deeper
understanding of the concepts being taught and also allows for
examination of the connections between historical events and the
present time. U.S. History meets daily. The textbook is a large part
of the curriculum; however, other sources are often incorporated to
enrich and build upon the information given in the textbook.
Students in 7th grade are required to complete a research
paper. They receive two grades for this paper: one in English and one
in History. The topic for the 2007-08 school year was:
inventors.
7th Grade U.S. History starts with a quick review of general geography
and then covers early peoples in America and the explorers. Study
continues chronologically throughout American history, with a chapter
on the American Revolution and a focus on the politics on which our
country was founded. The Illinois Constitution is taught as well,
since it is required that all 8th graders pass this exam prior to
graduation. The Illinois Constitution is covered at the 7th grade
level because it fits in with the time period that is studied.
Instruction then moves on to industry and the economy, with differences
in the North and South, setting the stage for the study of the Civil
War.
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