Science in the Seventh Grade
Students conduct fascinating experiments in Space Systems Exploration that range from investigating our planetary system to studying catastrophic events, they learn about genetics and ecology in Life Science, and conduct fun electrical and chemical experiments in Electricity, Waves, and Information Transfer. We blend authentic, project-based activities to give students the opportunity to come up with their own conclusions to scientific questions. Professional guidance and captivating activities result in new learning that will spark a love for scientific inquiry and investigation.
Science Option A
Space Systems Exploration
In this course, students get an overview of our solar system and the broader universe. They conduct experiments that help them to understand our Sun-Earth-Moon system, explore the planets, learn how climate and weather affect space systems, and investigate major catastrophic events and propose solutions to help prepare for or prevent such events.
Lesson 1–Space Systems Exploration
Lesson 2–Exploring Planetary Systems
Lesson 3–Sun-Earth-Moon System
Lesson 4–Weather and Climate
Lesson 5–Catastrophic Events
Science Option B
Life Science Labs
In this course, students learn about life cycles and processes while studying Wisconsin Fast Plants and Cabbage White Butterflies. They extend this learning to other organisms and make connections between the life cycles of plants and those of animals. This course makes learning about life science simple, interesting, and fun.
Lesson 1–Introduction to the Life Sciences
Lesson 2–Molecular Biology and Genetics
Lesson 3–Ecology
Lesson 4–Animals
Lesson 5–Human Biology
Science Option C
Electricity, Waves, and Information Transfer Labs
Students design and test real-world technologies, which are excellent contexts for investigating electricity, information transfer, and wave characteristics. We investigate why electric circuits make excellent models for studying the role of electricity, and how electricity plays a part in an animal’s ability to sense and respond to its environment.
Lesson 1–Introduction to the Physical Sciences
Lesson 2–Interactions
Lesson 3–Chemical Reactions
Lesson 4–Electricity and Magnetism
Lesson 5–Earth’s Magnetic Field
Technology in the Seventh Grade
By the time students get to seventh grade, they have accumulated many digital skills that they use personally and academically. We’ve designed this curriculum with that in mind. We take what students are already doing and add to it, authentically, by providing them with real-world problems that need solutions. Our courses focus on teaching students fundamental computing skills that will give them a competitive advantage in college and the job market later in life!
Technology Option A
Introduction to Computer Programming for Grade 7
Every student should have an opportunity to learn about computing. Children are engaged by computers, laptops, and smartphones. In Introduction to Computer Programming for Grade 7, students go beyond using these devices, and learn how to program these technologies. Programming is simply giving the computer explicit directions on how to complete a task. Students write increasingly complex programs they can play with and share with their classmates and families, while learning how to collaborate with others, hone their problem-solving skills, and persist through challenging problems.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Technology and Computer Programming
Lesson 2
Graph Paper Programming (Unplugged Activity)
Paper Planes (Unplugged Activity)
Maze Sequence
Lesson 3
Artist Sequence
Getting Loopy (Unplugged Activity)
Lesson 4
Maze Loops
Artist Loops
Bee Loops
Lesson 5
Student Showcase
Technology Option B
Computer Labs
In Computer Labs, students get the opportunity to create fun digital projects while learning fundamental computing skills. Teens create digital photo albums, conduct Star Wars research, and travel all over the world (online, of course) individually or in teams. We focus on building computing and team-building skills that students carry with them throughout their lives.
Lesson 1–Digital Ecosystem Photo Album
Lesson 2–Star Wars Research Lab
Lesson 3–Arts Lab
Lesson 4–Travel Lab
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Technology Option C
Makerbot 3D Printing Labs
In this exciting course, students are introduced to 3D printing, using Makerbot professional 3D printers. Students learn how to operate, troubleshoot, and design their own 3D printing projects that they can share with family and friends during our Student Showcase.
Lesson 1–Introduction to 3D Printing
Lesson 2–Lab 1–Thingiverse
Lesson 3–Lab 2–PrintShop
Lesson 4–Tinkercad
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Engineering in the Seventh Grade
Our engineering curriculum introduces the basic principles of engineering using hands-on projects and activities that focus on the design process. Students design, build, and test structures while learning the fundamentals of engineering individually and in teams. We stress creativity, innovation, and fun! Activities are designed so that students problem-solve by thinking “outside the box,” by engineering designs that are safe, efficient, and solve authentic engineering dilemmas.
Engineering Option A
Hands-On Engineering Labs
In this project-based course, students build action-reaction rockets, blow-and-go parachutes and other fun and engaging seventh grade engineering feats! Because we believe that everyone can be an engineer, we designed this course for everyone! We provide teens with fun, hands-on, authentic projects that teach them fundamental engineering skills that they will find useful long after this course ends.
Lesson 1–Action-Reaction Rocket Lab
Lesson 2–Amusement Park Rides: The Ups and Downs in Design
Lesson 3–Art in Engineering
Lesson 4–Blow-and-Go Parachute Lab
Lesson 5–Squishy Circuits
Engineering Option B
Engineering Structures
Who doesn’t want to build the tallest tower or design the fastest marble run? In Engineering Structures students build towers, bridges, magnetic buildings, and other fun structures while they learn fundamental engineering skills. Teens are born builders (and wreckers!), we build on those abilities while teaching them how to problem-solve, work collaboratively in groups, and most importantly, to think like engineers.
Lesson 1–Bridges Building Lab
Lesson 2–Vehicle Building Lab
Lesson 3–Magnetic Building Lab
Lesson 4–Marble Run Lab
Lesson 5–Roller Coaster Lab
Engineering Option C
Lego Mindstorms Lab
The aim of this course is to inspire and support students in creating innovative engineering projects using LEGO’s. If you’re new to LEGO Mindstorms Labs, this is the perfect place to begin! Students are challenged with real-world engineering missions while learning fundamental engineering concepts and team building skills.
Lesson 1–Simple Machines
Lesson 2–Powered Machines
Lesson 3–Lab 1
Lesson 4–Lab 2
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Math in the Seventh Grade
From math games to digital math, our curriculum blends fun and learning in a technology-rich environment that promotes blended learning and individual attention for guaranteed student success. Students are introduced to online learning opportunities in Digital Math, they get a head start on upcoming mathematical concepts in Math Missions: Grade 7 Edition, and they connect math with other disciplines such as art and history in Math Connections.
Math Option A
Digital Math
In this course, students are introduced to and practice new math skills using computers and tablets. They learn new technical skills while having fun with math. The lessons in this course are colorful, cheerful, vibrant, constantly evolving, and most of all, fun! Students learn new math concepts, how to navigate digital devices, how to work in a team, and how to be safe online.
Lesson 1–Introduction Lab
Lesson 2–Introduction to Math Learning Software
Lesson 3–Games, Games, Math, and Games
Lesson 4–Math Websites
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Math Option B
Math Missions: Grade 7 Edition
In Math Missions: Grade 7 Edition, students are introduced to fundamental mathematical concepts that will give them an edge in school. We begin by reviewing essential skills that are necessary for further success in Grade 7. We then add to that skill set by immersing students in engaging learning activities that reinforce confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Lesson 1–Review of Essential Skills
Lesson 2–Expressions and Equations
Lesson 3–Statistics and Probability
Lesson 4–Geometry
Lesson 5–Rates and Proportions
Math Option C
Math Connections
In this course, we learn how math lives all around us in almost everything we do. We show students that math is not just about numbers, that it is also connected to many other disciplines. We blend math with other interesting topics such as art and science, so that students recognize the immense ability to create and innovate even within the confines of mathematical rules. The earlier students begin to think like creators and innovators, the earlier they will create and innovate!
Lesson 1–Math and Art
Lesson 2–Math and Science
Lesson 3–Math and History
Lesson 4–Math and ELA
Lesson 5–Student Showcase