Middle School

Seventh Grade Curriculum

List of 10 items.

Language Arts

Students are instructed using the Lucy Calkins reading and writing Units of Study for grades 6-8. Each Unit of Study is aligned with Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards for English Language Arts. Reading units focus on investigating characterization, learning about realistic fiction and contemporary social issues, reading nonfiction texts, and analyzing poetry. Writing units build students’ knowledge of expository, informational, and persuasive writing by writing scientific research papers, crafting realistic fiction short stories, and learning the art of argument writing.
Math

In math we implement a blended learning approach using enVision Savvas Realize as a learning tool in the classroom. The seventh grade splits into two potential tracks: 7th grade math or pre-algebra. Students take a placement exam and meet with the teacher and parents to discuss and determine the proper placement. If needed, a curriculum at a lower or higher level may also be offered.

The standard 7th grade curriculum begins where the standard 6th grade curriculum ended with rational number operations, analyzing and using proportional relationships, analyzing and solving percent problems, generating equivalent expressions, solving problems using equations and inequalities, using samplings to draw inferences about populations, probability and solving problems involving geometry.

The pre-algebra curriculum begins with real numbers and then proceeds to analyzing and solving linear equations, using functions to model relationships, investigating bivariate data, analyzing and solving systems of linear equations, congruence and similarity, understanding and applying the Pythagorean theorem, and solving problems involving surface area and volume.

Different learning styles are addressed in a variety of ways such as video examples, direct auditory lessons, visual instruction by the teacher and guided notes for every new lesson. Independent work is supported through digital games, whole or small group interactive challenges, as well as through station rotations, small group practice, one-on-one practice, and online individual adaptive practice. Each new unit includes a STEM project. In pre-algebra a 3-act math activity brings each new unit to life and relates the material to the real world.
Physical Science

The content area for the seventh grade focuses on an introduction to chemistry and physics.

Chemistry topics include properties and changes of matter (e.g., physical and chemical) and the atomic model of matter.

Physics topics include forces (e.g., magnetic, electrical, and gravitational), energy (e.g., thermal, kinetic, and potential), motion, light, and sound.

Laboratory activities and safe laboratory techniques are an essential part of the course. Instruction places special emphasis on scientific inquiry and the scientific method. Participation in the science fair is required. Hands-on activities allow students to apply the scientific process in real time.

Whether students are designing and carrying out their own experiment for science fair, examining physical and chemical changes like combustion and color change in the lab, learning data entry and graphing software to analyze data, identifying mystery substances by measuring their densities, or making circuits to test conductivity, it is always an adventure and a challenge in 7th grade science!
American Government

In civics and government, students learn how civic duties are balanced with personal rights in both America and Israel. The primary content for the course pertains to the principles of civics, including the functions and organization of government; the origins of the American political system; the roles, rights, and responsibilities of United States citizens in a democratic society; and the methods of active participation in our political system. The course has strong geographic and economic components to support analysis, synthesis, and critical thinking.
Learning Lab

The purpose of the Learning Lab is to build solutions to problems using the engineering design process. Students learn to ask, imagine, plan, create, test, and improve their designs through interdisciplinary projects as part of both the Jewish Studies and General Studies curriculum. While working on these projects, students apply many of the latest technologies including modeling, robotics, coding, 3D printing, and laser cutting.
Jewish Studies

In this course, students travel through time from the birth of Islam to today. They discover how Jewish communities have changed and grown over the years. They learn about exciting times like when Jewish people thrived in Spain, and sad times like when they were forced to leave their homes and spread out around the world. Students also explore how they practiced their beliefs, faced challenges, and even created their own country, Israel. Get ready to uncover the fascinating story of the Jewish people and their journey through history!
Tefillah

The students participate in daily tefillah (prayer), either in a Shacharit morning service or Iyun Tefillah (study of tefillah) and study the Sh’ma and her brachot.
Hebrew (Ivrit)

The Middle School Hebrew language program builds on students’ Hebrew knowledge acquired in elementary school and concentrates on spoken language. We utilize the Rosetta Stone language lesson program for an individualized approach that builds on students’ prior knowledge. The program personalizes language learning through an adaptive blended learning model and speech recognition technology. The individually-paced learning paths empower students to take ownership of their own progress.

Students have the opportunity to earn two or three high school credits: To earn two high school credits, students must complete all three levels of the Rosetta Stone Hebrew program. To earn three high school credits, students must complete all three levels of the Rosetta Stone Hebrew program and assessments in vocabulary, grammar, comprehension and reading fluency.
Tanakh

Students embark on a captivating journey through the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). Through interactive discussions, creative projects, character analysis, and thought-provoking activities, students delve into the lives of Shmuel, Shaul, and David, while exploring the moral dilemmas, leadership lessons, and timeless values presented in these ancient narratives. Alongside these explorations, students also learn essential Hebrew vocabulary and translation skills, enhancing their ability to connect with the original text and uncover deeper layers of meaning.
Mitzvot

Students learn the source of the mitzvot (commandments) and are given the opportunity to put them into practice on a weekly basis through the Mitzvah program. Students learn that they can and do make a difference in the world and that their actions can lead to tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Mitzvot specific to 7th grade include:
Tefillin (study of prayer), G’milut chesed (acts of kindness) caring for others in need, Mitzvot Ha’met (the laws and traditions associated with death and dying), Jewish concept of the afterlife and Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life).

Specialists

Middle school students are offered an enriching "rotation" program. Students have the opportunity to choose a different rotation every 9 weeks. Rotations include music, library, sports, art and Learning Lab. In addition, Middle School students participate in an additional Physical Education and Learning Lab class once a week.

List of 5 items.

Art

Art and creativity are timeless! Students learn about art history, traditional techniques, as well as innovative design methods in the art studio. Projects are inspired by artists, art movements, and discussions centered around materials, technique, style, use of color and lasting impact. Past projects have included analyzing the imagery in Marc Chagall’s I and the Village to discover memories of his childhood village; debating “what is art?” by comparing sculptures by Marcel Duchamp and Meret Oppenheim; and discussing how students’ art can inform their community through posters. Throughout the year your child has the opportunity to develop skills using paint, color pastels, gel crayons, clay, wood, wire, and 3D printing to produce spectacular results. Students are guided in new techniques and encouraged to trust their instincts.
Our families love following their artists through the online portfolio site “Artsonia.” The link can be shared with other “fans” of their work as well.
Learning Lab

The Learning Lab focuses on utilizing the engineering design process to build solutions to problems. Students learn to ask, imagine, plan, create, test, and improve their designs through interdisciplinary projects in both the Jewish Studies and General Studies classrooms. Students engage in modeling, robotics, coding, 3D printing, and laser cutting in the Learning Lab.

Incorporating traditional STEAM classes, our Learning Lab emphasizes creativity as a necessary component to traditional science, technology, engineering, art and math curricula. While these areas provide the tools, we teach that our big ideas, discoveries and solutions begin with a spark and some heart. The Learning Lab is where students are excited to solve problems. Using the engineering design process - ask, imagine, plan, create, test and improve - your child will sharpen their critical thinking skills and learn how to approach challenges from various perspectives. Whether it is through modeling, robotics, coding, 3D printing, software design and production, or using laser cutting tools, students become invested in their work and solving challenges versus simply completing an assignment - a lesson all its own!
Library

Students can be found curling up with a book in our beautiful open school library. From reading to researching, the library has over 9,500 books of fiction and nonfiction titles to support every child’s needs. Our school librarian assists with research projects, helps students develop board games based on books, and fosters a love of literature.

Rotations are an opportunity for a fun, library-centric club which includes instruction and a mitzvah component. Students may develop and create their own picture book that they will share with the younger grades. Furthermore, the picture book project educates students with internet research skills that help students answer “What makes a good picture book?” and “How does a book get published?”

Our school librarian supports students in book reports, research projects and presentations, and prepares them to navigate the information sources they will encounter as they grow older. Through thoughtful class discussions and exercises, students learn the ethical use of copyrighted materials, healthy device/screen time use, safe internet practices including protective measures against cyberbullying, and awareness of false information across all platforms in publishing.

Above all, we want our students to identify with Elie Wiesel’s observation, “I do not recall a Jewish home without a book on the table,” and our collective value of knowledge. By introducing the thrill of independent learning and the quiet comfort found within a good book (and nook), we create the foundation for their Jewish home and its book(s) on the table.
Music

Our music program appreciates that students follow the beat of their own drum….and that everyone wants to be the conductor! We channel that enthusiasm into the wide world of music appreciation and explore styles, sounds, methods and musicians through traditional lessons, such as hands-on band practice and sheet music instruction.

Main skills focus includes: collaboration, emotional balance, creative thinking, and disciplined focus.
PE

Our physical education program benefits from the resources of our vast campus. At over 34 acres, we have large fields for baseball and flag football, an indoor and outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and a 25 meter pool. Students participate in physical education class twice a week. All students participate in all roles. The focus is on the individual improvement of skills and learning what teamwork means, while improving the skills of a leader, player and good sport.

Students play soccer, exciting tag games, and flag football on our large field; use the diamond area for wiffle ball and kickball; and practice shooting, dribbling and passing (teamwork) skills and play four square on our basketball courts. Additionally, students play volleyball on the outdoor net and improve their endurance by running the trail. On warm days, kids excitedly bring swimsuits to work on strokes and play “Marco Polo” (and splash each other) in our beautiful 25 meter pool. On cold or rainy days, students enjoy music and games in our indoor gym where “Menorah Tag” is in a league of its own.