English Language Arts:
In 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts students learn skills in reading literature and informational texts, writing, language, speaking, and listening. Students hone these abilities through reading and analyzing novels, short stories, poetry, and articles. Writing skills are taught and practiced in conjunction with class readings; students will practice argumentative writing with text-based evidence, informational writing, and narrative writing throughout the year. In addition to assigned texts, 7th and 8th graders will also choose independent reading books throughout the year, fostering responsibility through choice in their reading to expand their reading horizons and interests!
In 7th grade, class novels include A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, Lyddie by Katherine Paterson, and The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. 7th grade students will also learn research skills through a research unit focused on African-American inventors throughout U.S. history. In 8th grade grade, class novels will include Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. 8th grade students will also practice analysis skills through a short story unit, and an argument-based writing unit. Throughout these units, both grades will expand their academic vocabulary through the study of the authors’ writings and practice language and usage skills to improve and expand upon the foundation of their writing and speaking skills.
Math:
7th Grade Topics:
- Ratios and Proportional Relationships
- Rational Numbers
- Expressions and Equations
- Percent and Proportional Relationships
- Statistics and Probability
- Geometry
8th Grade Topics:
- Real Numbers
- Equations in One Variable
- Equations in Two Variables
- Functions
- Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem
- Transformations
- Congruence and Similarity
- Volume and Surface Area
- Scatter Plots and Data Analysis
Algebra Grade Topics:
- Polynomials
- Introduction to Functions
- Solving Linear Functions
- Exponential Functions
- Sequences
- Radicals
- Factoring
- Solving Quadratics
- Graphing Quadratics
- Statistics
- Mixed Functions
Science:
7th Grade Life Science
- Living Things
- Cells
- Energy
- Genetics/DNA
- Evolution and Ecology
- Plants and Animals
- The Human Body
8th Grade Physical Science
- Matter/States of Matter
- Elements
- Atoms
- Chemical Reactions
- Forces and Motion
- Energy and Heat
- Waves
Social Studies:
Grade 7 Social Studies is arranged chronologically and incorporates geography as well as economic, social, and political trends. We will be tracing the human experience in the United States from pre-Columbian times through the Civil War. There is a focus on the people, events, and places in New York State when applicable. Throughout this course students will also be working to identify enduring issues by making connections across time. For example, when examining indentured servitude and slavery, we can examine human trafficking, experiences of immigrants and informed action that citizens might take.
Grade 8 Social Studies is arranged chronologically. We begin with the Reconstruction Period and end with contemporary history. As we engage with the historical content we will also tie in economics and social/political trends. Grade 8 Social Studies is divided into nine key ideas; the first seven trace the human experience in the United States from Reconstruction to the end of World War II. The last three key ideas examine different themes in the United States and New York State from the post-War period to the present day. This provides students the opportunity to explore contemporary issues and relate these enduring issues to the studied historical content.
Health:
Course Overview: Welcome to Health Education! My vision for this program is to help each student gain the knowledge to make informed decisions and to be the healthiest version of themselves. It is my goal to create a safe and healthy learning environment where students feel comfortable to discuss health topics that are linked to the NYS Health Education Standards.
NYS requires that all students be taught the following skills:
- Self-Management
- Relationship Management
- Stress Management
- Communication
- Planning and Goal Setting
- Decision Making
- Advocacy
Units we will cover during this course:
- Nutrition & Physical Activity
- Mental & Emotional Health
- Violence & Injury Prevention
- Abstinence, Puberty & Personal Health
- HIV/AIDS and other STDs
- Tobacco, Alcohol, & Other Drugs
- Global Health & Disease Prevention
These units will be split between 7th & 8th grade
Religion:
Grade Seven Religion
Students in Seventh Grade Religion focus their study on the life of Jesus. In examining the teachings, miracles and parables of Jesus, the students will not only grow in their knowledge of Jesus but also in their understanding of the power of His presence in their lives today. This year will also stress the need to stay close to Jesus through prayer, the Scriptures and the Seven Sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Grade Eight Religion
An investigation of the nature and history of the Church will be at the center of Eighth Grade Religion. In reflecting on the history of the Church from Pentecost to today, the students will grow in their realization that St. Mark Church is not the building at the corner of Woodward and Amherst Streets. Rather, we are St. Mark Church, the People of God, trying each day to live out the Gospel teachings of Jesus. Additionally, the students will be involved in service projects that help them to live out their call to be Church.