GRADE 7 COURSE OUTLINES

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

Teachers: Mr. W. Anders - Rm. 218 wanders@wsd1.org Ms. C. Burns -Rm. 213 cburns@wsd1.org Mrs. A. Klimenko -Rm. 152 aklimenko@wsd1.org

Topics Explored Throughout the Year

-Writing workshop (looking at narrative, descriptive, expository and persuasive forms)

- Read to Me Program (reading strategies, reflection, enhanced vocabulary skills and making connections) -Thematic Units (in collaboration with Social Studies)

-Class novel studies and literature circles

-Independent novel studies

-Examining fiction and non-fiction text

Different methods of assessment are used to give students feedback on their learning such as, observation, reflection, self-assessment, projects, conferencing and rubrics to meet the four ELA Practices, which include:

Language as Sense Making: How do learners understand what they hear, read, and view? How

do learners communicate to others when they write, represent, and speak?

Language as System: How do learners use what they know about how language works to read,

write, represent, listen, speak, and view?

Language as Power and Agency: How does what learners hear, read, and view influence what

they think? How do learners decide what and whose stories to tell? How do learners use

language to influence others when they write, represent, and speak?

Language as Exploration and Design: How do learners use texts to inform themselves about

topics? How do learners use language to create new ideas, solve problems, and extend their

knowledge, and to communicate those ideas?

In June, students will write a comprehensive final exam worth 20% of the final mark

**Topics may change slightly throughout the year

MATHEMATICS: PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Teachers: Ms. A. Leonard - aleonard@wsd1.org Mr. D. Ponce- doponce@wsd1.org Ms. S. Sulyma - ssulyma@wsd1.org

The Grade 7 Mathematics curriculum is divided into four streams: Number Sense (fractions, integers,

decimal numbers, percent), Shape and Space (circles, area, geometric shapes), Patterns and Relations

(Algebraic equations, pattern prediction), Statistics and Probability (data representation and bias,

measures of central tendency, probability of independent events). Emphasis for the Grade 7 program is

on skill development, real-world problem solving activities and concrete understanding. Students will

be given generous amounts of time to practice and demonstrate their learning, and will be provided

with a variety of math related activities, including manipulative hands-on math learning.

Assessment methods will include mental math, exit slips, math journals, assignments, projects, poster

investigations, problem-solving activities, tests and quizzes, and self and peer assessments. Students

will write a Final Exam in June. In accordance with the Province-wide report card template, student

progress reports will include specific reference to three assessment categories: Knowledge and

Understanding, Mental Math and Estimation, and Problem Solving.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Teachers: Mr. W. Anders- wanders@wsd1.org Ms. R. Pazdor- rpazdor@wsd1.org Mrs. A. Klimenko- aklimenko@wsd1.org

Topics Explored Throughout the Year World Geography Students will gain basic understanding and application of -physical features -maps and coordinates -political and geographical boundaries -map projections -seasons Global Quality of Life Students will gain basic understanding and application of -Needs and wants -case studies -quality of life -human rights (historical and pertaining to Indigenous people of Canada) Ways of life in Asia, Africa or the Americas Students will gain basic understanding and application -contrasting and comparing aspects other cultures with Canada -push/pull factors

-climate and physical features -economy and resources -transportation and communities Human Impact on Europe or the Americas -population growth -social issues -environmental issues and sustainability -roles of government and communities -alternative resources -innovation and traditional practices Assessment Breakdown: Knowledge, understanding and application (in-class assignments, homework, group work) Research and Communication (discussion, research projects, inquiry, presentations) Critical Thinking and Citizenship (discussion, portfolio, reflection and participation) *The exam will be worth 20% of the final grade *Timeline may change slightly throughout the year

SCIENCE

Teachers: Ms. S. Rose - srose@wsd1.org Mr. D. Ponce- doponce@wsd1.org

Grade 7 students will be exploring Science through four main units:

Interactions within Ecosystems

* Biotic and abiotic components * Ecological succession * Management and preservation of ecosystems * Photosynthesis and cellular respiration * Energy transfer

The Particle Theory of Matter

* Scientific theories * Changes of State * Heat and temperature * Solutions and mixtures Forces and Structures * Center of gravity * Internal and external forces * Structural shapes and components Earth’s Crust

* Weathering and erosion * Rock cycle * Earths structure and plate tectonics * Soil

Along with these topics, students will learn about the scientific method. Students will pursue learning in these areas through hands-on science activities (adhering to Covid 19 protocols), projects, assignments, forming and testing hypotheses, research, science literacy, current events in science, class discussions, and cooperative science-team activities (adhering to Covid 19 protocols). There will be an emphasis placed on scientific observations.

Several forms of assessment will be used to give students feedback about their learning and influence the emphasis of future instruction. These will include projects and lab-work, inquiry projects, teacher observations, formal and informal one-on-one conversations, checklists, tests and quizzes, assignments, rubrics, self-assessment, reflection and peer assessment.

Google classroom will be available for remote learning and assignment submission. If an exam is written in June, it will account for 20% of final mark.

Students will be encouraged to be responsible for their learning, to set goals, develop science skills (such as observation), follow through and reflect on the outcomes of their efforts. In accordance with the province-wide report card template, student progress reports will include specific reference to three assessment categories: Knowledge and Understanding, Scientific Inquiry Process, and Design and Problem Solving.

PHYS ED/HEALTH

Teachers: Ms. T. Hunter tahunter@wsd1.org / Mr. J. Prosken jprosken@wsd1.org

In Phys. Ed. this year students will be evaluated on the academic achievement and learning behaviours.

The academic achievement will be marked by a percentage in movement (40%), fitness management

(40%), and healthy lifestyles (20%, taught in Health).

Learning Behaviours will be evaluated on a scale of C (Consistently), U (Usually), S (Sometimes), and R

(Rarely). Learning behaviours include personal management skills, active participation in learning, and

social responsibility.

The units taught in Phys. Ed. this will vary according to COVID-19 safety guidelines. The units taught in

Health this year include Social-Emotional Health, Drug Education, Family Life, and Nutrition.

Phys. Ed teachers this year are Mr. Prosken and Ms. Hunter. Health Teachers are Mr. Prosken, Ms.

Hunter, Mr. Reimer, Ms. Rose, and Mrs. Machado. Phys. Ed. Student teachers are Ms. Ablao and Ms.

Yang.

FRENCH COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE

Teacher: Mr. P Beckett pbeckett@wsd1.org

Topics covered throughout the year for Grade 7:

Numbers (0-99)

Personal pronouns

Family

Body parts

School

Weather

Assessments

Your child will be assessed for the following three skills throughout the course of the year:

1. Oral Communication

2. Reading

3. Writing

This class has an exam in June worth 20% of the final mark.

SPANISH

Teacher: Ms. C. Burns cburns@wsd1.org

Course Objective – To develop communicative skills in the Spanish language that will enable you to participate in and explore the community and world around you. Grade 7 Spanish is an introductory language course where students learn the basic structures of the language in terms of grammar, sentence structure, verbs and vocabulary. This will be achieved through speaking, listening, writing and reading. Students will be exposed to different modes in which the language is used with texts, music, games and videos. Activities will be structured in a way that students of different abilities and levels in the language will be able to challenge themselves in whatever they do. Units of Study

Alphabet – Students will engage in memorization of the Spanish Alphabet to prepare them for writing in Spanish.

Greetings – Students will learn how to respond to formal and informal greetings in Spanish.

Likes and Dislikes – Students will learn how to express their interests.

Dates and Time – Students will familiarize themselves with how to tell time, talk about the time of day and date.

School – School supplies, classes, materials and roles.

Clothing and Colours – Students will engage in conversations about what they are wearing.

Conjugation – Students will learn adjectives and SER, verbs such as ‘gustar’ and how to conjugate verbs ending in ‘ar’.

Assessment – You will be evaluated in this class concerning units mentioned above and other assignments, as well as your ability to participate and engage in the classroom. Throughout the course I will assess you on three major components, formal assignments, observations and conversations. You may be requested to show your learning for evaluation through the following methods: - Classroom Participation - Applications (Use Spanish in a variety of situations and for a variety of purposes) - Language Competence (Use Spanish effectively and competently) - Global Citizenship (Exploration of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world) - Strategies (Know and use various strategies of learning and communication) The final exam is worth 20% of the final grade.

INDIGENOUS STUDIES

Teacher: Ms. A. Leonard aleonard@wsd1.org

The different topics selected in this course will enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of their

perception and society`s perception of Indigenous people. The students will discuss topics and issues

connected to Indigenous people and way of life. The focus of this course is to build a foundational

knowledge of Indigenous teachings, ceremonies and Indigenous identity. Skills from other subject areas

will also be used to enhance students’ attainment levels. Students will also watch videos, listen to

invited speakers, go to fieldtrips, learn from knowledge keepers and connect with our school’s

Indigenous Culture Club.

Topics to be covered:

- The Seven Sacred Teachings

- Self-Identity

- Indigenous Heroes

- Treaty Education

- Indigenous Current Events

DANCE Teacher: Ms. K. McCall kemccall@wsd1.org

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn to dance, express emotions and feelings through music and movement and to provide a positive and meaningful dance experience. As well, students will learn to act as members of a group and to grow and develop individual performance skills. Through active participation, students will experience a deeper understanding of the discipline, becoming a confident solo and group performer. Knowledge of different styles and genres of dance will be obtained.

The intention of this program is to provide for all students a safe environment in which to feel comfortable and learn to work co-operatively with those around them, as they develop a sense of self-confidence and professionalism as a performer both on and off stage.

C O U R S E C O M P O N E N T S

CLASS FUNDAMENTALS & STYLES Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theater, Lyrical, Salsa, Ballet, Theory & History, Fitness (Yoga/Zumba) Original Choreography

TECHNIQUE 1. To understand basic technique in the areas of dance. 2. To develop skills and be able to apply them in performance situations.

REPERTOIRE 1. To experience a variety of forms and styles of music and dances. 2. To develop group and individual skills as they apply to individual and ensemble literature. PERFORMANCE 1. To provide the opportunity to share the dancing skills learned in class and rehearsal. 2. To aid in the development of individual and ensemble skills. 3. To define a sense of purpose for rehearsals and memorizing. 4. To feel a sense of accomplishment.

MARK BREAKDOWN Focus on essential Learning Outcomes: Making, Creating, Connecting and Responding -Participation - Fully committing oneself to ensure they are working at the highest level possible and encouraging others to do the same, striving to keep an open mind when faced with new challenges while encouraging others to do the same. Showing up on time ready to go with a positive attitude and having proper dance attire.

-Risk Taking – Going beyond one’s personal comfort zone, encouraging others to do the same. -Assignments – Handing in quality, well thought out assignments -Technique – Demonstrating physical, oral and written understanding of specific dance terms and techniques. -Term Projects – Complete in small groups or independently the required major term project, and perform on a small scale

VISUAL ARTS

Teacher: Ms. A. Swaine - aswaine@wsd1.org

Students participating in the Visual Arts program this year will explore the following topics…

1. Art Language and Skills

Students will explore the elements and principles of design in a variety of contexts. Students will develop

skills in observation and depiction.

2. Creative Expression

Students will generate and use ideas from a variety of sources for creating art. Students will have the

opportunity to develop original artworks and share their work.

3. Understanding the Arts in Context

Students will experience and develop awareness of artworks from various times, places, social groups and

cultures. Students will develop awareness of art forms, styles and traditions.

4. Valuing Artistic Experience

Students will demonstrate interest, curiosity, and engagement while experiencing art in a variety of

contexts. Students will have opportunities to analyze their own and others’ artistic compositions. Students

will assess their learning in creating and experiencing art. Assessment Assessment in the Art class will be performance- based. Opportunities for making, creating, connecting

and responding will be woven into the art program through a variety of activities and lessons. Students

will create a portfolio in which to keep their work. A portfolio is a good way for students to keep their

artwork organized and safe, while also demonstrating growth in their artistic endeavors. Each Art project

will have a rubric designed to help students understand the specific expectations of the assignment, and to

help students achieve their best in the art room.

*Please feel free to call me at the school with any questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress in

the Art class.

BAND

Teacher: Ms. S. Sulyma ssulyma@wsd1.org

Grade 7 band is a beginning band class. Students begin in September learning the basics of

music theory including pitch identification, rhythm, dynamics, form, and other elements of music. Normally in the first term, students would begin learning the first five notes on their band instrument; however with COVID-19 and ongoing concerns with aerosol spreading, students will continue learning the elements of music through percussion instruments and written music theory.

Students will not be assigned band instruments in grade 7 until Winnipeg School Division allows for the playing of band instruments in class. Assessment will be based on performance in class, written work submitted in-class and/or online, and in-class participation.

Music Language and Performance Skills - Students develop understanding of and facility with elements, concepts, and techniques for making music. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music through performance on a band instrument and through written theory.

Creative Expression in Music - Students collaboratively and individually generate, develop, and communicate ideas in creating original and interpretive music for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students will use the elements of music and their own interpretation in playing music in class, as well as creating short original compositions.

Understanding Music in Context - Students connect music to contexts of time, place, and community, and develop understanding of how music reflects and influences culture and identity. Students will listen to and reflect on music from around the world and will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of music in various contexts.

Valuing Musical Experience - Students analyze, reflect on, and construct meaning in response to their own and others’ music. Students will engage in self-reflection throughout their music-making journey in order to continue their musical growth and learning.

GUITAR

Teacher: Mr. D. Ponce - doponce@wsd1.org

In this beginner guitar course, students will learn note reading (frets 1-3), basic chords (open major and

minor chords), and typical chord progressions. As well, players will receive preliminary instruction on tab

reading. Students will be exposed to a variety of strumming and finger picking techniques. They will

have a chance to practice multi-part arrangements of songs and perform as part of a group (students

with more experience will be assigned more challenging parts), and will also be assisted in learning

songs of their choosing.

Assessment will be based on the following:

1) Understanding and reading music systems (rhythm and melody) in order to perform individually

and/or part of an ensemble.

2) Interpreting music from a variety of sources and using compositional tools (tablature) to arrange

their own pieces.

3) Knowledge of music from a variety of genres and the role music plays in peoples’ lives.

4) Responding to others’ music and continually assessing their own learning in performing, creating

and experiencing music.

COMPUTER FOCUS

Teacher: Mr. J. Hiebert - Rm 157 jhiebert@wsd1.org

Unit 1 - Google Course - Interland - Be safe with technology September - November Unit 2 - Creative Computing using Scratch - Coding - November to June Materials Needed: 1. Good attitude Mantra for the Class - Your road to success is not easy. Every class you will experience something new. Be Persistent! Make mistakes, just make sure you learn from them. I think. I question. I design. I create. I struggle. I collaborate. I try. I solve. I invent. I reflect. I Learn. I am looking forward to an amazing year with you! Be on time, be prepared, and be ready to learn! In Coding, Students will be assessed in a variety of ways. The end product is important and will be graded on their knowledge, skills and strategies demonstrated, but they are also assessed on the journey to that final product. Students will be assessed on how they collaborate with partners; how they deal with struggles during project: a) attitude - always trying, questioning, and thinking and b) troubleshooting strategies used; how they design, create, evaluate, and redesign; and finally to reflect on what they have learned from the overall process. The end goal for every student in my Coding courses is to not only be excellent problem solvers, but lifelong learners.