Grade 7

In seventh grade we continue to refine students’ skills in reading comprehension and analysis, critical thinking, composition and creative expression. We work collaboratively with the social studies curriculum in order to improve students’ understanding and appreciation of American History. Therefore, the genre that we put the most emphasis on is historical fiction which compliments our cross-curriculum studies.

Grammar is integrated throughout all of our work in English class as we continue to perfect the parts of speech within our speaking and our writing. The formal writing that we do follows the writing process wherein pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing and publishing are utilized.

Mathematics

The seventh grade math program focuses on algebra concepts, applied math, geometry and problem solving. We strive to address different learning styles, through the use of manipulatives, games, songs, collaboration/partner work and whole group instruction. Our main emphasis is introductory algebra. We work on, solidifying computational skills and applying those skills in algebraic concepts; including solving one and two step equations using whole numbers, integers, decimals, and fractions.

Social Studies

Seventh graders study American History from the start of the government through the present time. Topics include early Native Americans, U.S. government, societal changes in the 1800s, the Civil War, the women’s voting rights movement, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and recent history. We work collaboratively with the English curriculum to establish cross-curriculum projects, one per quarter, to enhance students’ understanding of our country’s history.

Science

Seventh grade science is a general life science class that focuses on the diversity of living things. The course begins with cell structure and function and moves through such topics as taxonomy, simple life forms, animals, plants, and the human body systems. Laboratory explorations include culturing bacteria and fungi, squid dissection, and plant experiments.

Religion

The seventh grade Religion curriculum centers around the study of Jesus and his apostolic call to each of us. We begin the year by exploring our personal experiences with Jesus, our questions about Him and what we hope to discover on our spiritual journey. Students are encouraged to respond to Christ’s words and teachings by incorporating them into their every day lives.

Grade 7 teachers
Margaret Countryman	English/Religion B.A. Education College of St. Catherine At Visitation since 2000	Margaret Countryman's Web page
Carolyn Horttor	Geography/Religion B.A. Elementary Education University of St. Thomas M.A. School Admin University of St. Thomas Ed. Specialist University of St. Thomas At Visitation since 1984	Carolyn Horttor's Web page
Zindy Mooney	Science B.A. Human Biology Stanford University M.A. Education St. Mary's University of Minnesota At Visitation since 2004	Zindy Mooney's Web page
Cheryl Torborg	Math B.S. Math Mankato State University M.A. Education Hamline University At Visitation since 2007	Cheryl Torborg's Web page
Michelle Vogel	English B.A. English University of Minnesota M.A. Education College of St. Catherine's At Visitation since 2008	Michelle Vogel's Web page