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High School of America - 7th Grade Interactive Syllabus

7th Grade Syllabi

Life Science

Grade: 7th Subject: Science

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Middle School life science covers a range of units that will help you understand our world. From now on you are going to have a view of the processes of life, the classification of the many organisms, the relationship they have, and the structures on which life is based.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Conduct investigations to provide evidence that living things are made of cells.
  • Develop and use models to describe the function of a cell and its parts.
  • Analyze the body as a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
  • Understand how sensory receptors send messages to the brain for immediate behavior or memory storage.
  • Explain the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy.
  • Analyze effects of resource availability on organisms and populations in an ecosystem.
  • Compare asexual and sexual reproduction and their effects on genetic variation.

COURSE OUTLINE

A comprehensive study of life from microscopic cells to complex ecosystems. The course covers cell biology, genetics, evolution, viruses, prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, animals, human biology, and ecology.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Unit 1: Introduction To Life ScienceScientific thinking, methods, field work, and basic classification.
Unit 2: Cell BiologyCell theory, structures, organelles, transport, and cell division (mitosis/meiosis).
Unit 3: GeneticsMendelian inheritance, DNA structure, replication, and biotechnology.
Unit 4: EvolutionTheories of evolution, evidence, natural selection, and origin of species.
Unit 5-6: MicroorganismsStudy of viruses, bacteria, archaea, protists, and fungi.
Unit 7-8: Plants & AnimalsPlant structure, reproduction, animal behavior, invertebrates, and vertebrates.
Unit 9: Human BiologyHomeostasis, digestion, circulation, nervous system, and immunity.
Unit 10: EcologyEcosystems, biomes, energy flow, and human impact on the environment.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

To foster a deep understanding of biological processes, classification, and the structural foundations of life, while developing scientific inquiry and lab skills.

COURSE TIME

⏰

Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.

Creative Photography 1

Grade: 7th Subject: Visual Arts

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course guides students through the exciting journey of learning photography as both a technical craft and a creative art form. From mastering the basics of camera use to building a digital portfolio, students will explore photography as a tool for personal expression and artistic storytelling.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Create well-composed, technically sound photographs using essential camera controls.
  • Apply editing tools and creative techniques to enhance visual storytelling.
  • Critique photographic work using formal art-criticism models.
  • Demonstrate understanding of photography ethics, copyright, and digital practices.
  • Connect photography to history, culture, and emerging technologies like AI.
  • Curate a personal digital portfolio and articulate an artistic vision.

COURSE OUTLINE

Six thematic units covering foundations, camera basics, creative effects, themes, historical context, and final portfolio development. Students move from technical fluency to creative mastery.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Unit 1: Introduction & Visual LanguageOrigins of photography, visual literacy, and fundamental design concepts.
Unit 2: Camera BasicsTechnical foundations, exposure settings, camera types, and equipment care.
Unit 3: Exploring TechniquesLight, color, filters, and alternative creative effects.
Unit 4: Themes & StorytellingSymbolism, ethics, emotion, and photography as social commentary.
Unit 5: Photography in ContextHistorical innovators and cross-disciplinary connections to science and math.
Unit 6: Final Project & PortfolioCuration of a photo series, artist statements, and digital exhibition.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

To foster technical expertise and creative vision while cultivating critical thinking and ethical awareness in the field of visual arts.

COURSE TIME

⏰

Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.

Mathematics 7

Grade: 7th Subject: Mathematics

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Designed to guide middle school students through a comprehensive exploration of fundamental mathematical concepts. This course focuses on developing mathematical skills through essential topics, from ratios and algebra to geometry and probability.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Understand ratios, unit rates, and proportional relationships in various contexts.
  • Master arithmetic operations with negative and rational numbers.
  • Learn to solve two-step algebraic equations and inequalities.
  • Explore geometric concepts related to angles, triangles, and cross sections.
  • Acquire skills in determining area, circumference, and surface area using formulas.
  • Understand and calculate the probability of single and compound events.
  • Apply statistical concepts through random sampling and data comparison.

COURSE OUTLINE

Structured into seven vital units: Ratios, Operations with Negative Numbers, Expressions/Equations, Angles and Shapes, Area/Surface Area, Probability, and Population Statistics.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Unit 1: Ratios & Proportional RelationshipsUnit rates, percent change, and scale drawings in geometry.
Unit 2: Negative & Rational NumbersOperations with negative values, fundamental for higher algebra.
Unit 3: Expressions, Equations & InequalitiesDeepening skills in solving two-step algebraic problems.
Unit 4: Investigating Angles & ShapesSpatial reasoning, triangle conditions, and cross sections of prisms.
Unit 5: Area & Surface AreaTwo- and three-dimensional geometric calculations.
Unit 6: ProbabilityAnalyzing chance and risk through single and compound event calculation.
Unit 7: Population StatisticsRandom sampling methods and drawing conclusions from data sets.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

To provide a thorough understanding of key math concepts, building a strong foundation for higher-level courses while enhancing critical thinking and real-world applicability.

COURSE TIME

⏰

Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.

English Language Arts II

Grade: 7th Subject: Language Arts

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course propels students further into the rich realm of vocabulary, grammar, and literature. Students will engage in reading novels with deeper meanings, carefully analyzing authors' intentions, purpose, and tone while enhancing core skills in writing, listening, and speaking.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Develop advanced writing proficiency in informational and argumentative texts.
  • Strengthen research abilities and the analysis of different text types.
  • Enhance understanding of fiction and drama, including dialogue formatting.
  • Explore literary elements like soliloquies, sonnets, and inferred meaning.
  • Improve close reading skills for both fiction and nonfiction works.
  • Master compound-complex sentences and advanced vocabulary (analogies/transitions).

COURSE OUTLINE

Four comprehensive units moving from ELA basics (writing process/grammar) to Nonfiction (Anne Frank), Fiction (drama/realistic fiction), and Literature (poetry/Shakespeare).

COURSE STRUCTURE

Unit 1: Basics of ELAThe writing process, research, clauses, and conjunctive adverbs.
Unit 2: NonfictionClose reading informational texts, argumentative writing, and Anne Frank's Diary.
Unit 3: FictionSpeech, drama, formatting dialogue, realistic fiction, and figures of speech.
Unit 4: LiteraturePoetry analysis, soliloquies, sonnets, and context-based inferred meaning.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

To foster a love for language and literature while equipping students with the skills needed for future academic challenges in high school and beyond.

COURSE TIME

⏰

Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.

Civics

Grade: 7th Subject: Social Studies / Government

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An educational journey exploring the fundamentals of American government and the principles of democracy. This course provides a thorough understanding of the structure, functions, and origins of the U.S. government, as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Learn the historical and philosophical underpinnings of American democracy.
  • Understand pivotal documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
  • Comprehend the meaning of citizenship, naturalization, and the Bill of Rights.
  • Analyze the U.S. system of checks and balances and different government structures.
  • Examine the administration of justice, trial processes, and key court cases.
  • Understand the voting process, the role of media, and running for office.
  • Explore the legislative process and how the Constitution is amended.

COURSE OUTLINE

Seven engaging units: Origins of Government, Declaration of Independence, Citizenship, Types of Government, Administration of Justice, Elections, and Lawmaking.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Unit 1: Origins of GovernmentAncient systems, roots of democracy, and founding ideas.
Unit 2: Founding DocumentsMagna Carta, Montesquieu, Locke, and the US Constitution.
Unit 3: Citizenship & RightsNaturalization, Bill of Rights, and the 14th Amendment.
Unit 4: Government StructureThree branches, checks and balances, Republic vs. Democracy.
Unit 5: Administration of JusticeIndividual rights, trial process, and landmark court cases.
Unit 6: Electoral ProcessVoting, political communication, and government agencies.
Unit 7: LawmakingConstitutional amendment process and how a bill becomes law.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

To foster informed and engaged citizens by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the democratic process and understand civic life.

COURSE TIME

⏰

Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.