Villa Maria Elementary

Seventh and Eighth Grade

Villa Maria Elementary

Language Arts
The Literature and English classes are combined into one block of time known as “language arts.” Both seventh and eighth graders will study a variety of literary types and works including, but not limited to, short story, historical fiction, irony, classical literature, and biography. Some of the works will come from the students’ literature anthologies and some from a variety of supplemental materials. Combined projects with the social studies curriculum will be an important part of the curriculum as well as work on PJAS speeches.

In addition to the study of literature and literary analysis, the students will study some of the more complex areas of grammar. To make these difficult concepts more concrete, the students will apply their study of grammar to their literature and writing as much as possible. 


  • Grade 7: 
The students will: 
Identify the eight parts of speech. 
Identify the major parts of sentences: subject,predicate, direct object, indirect object, predicate noun, predicate adjective, prepositional phrase, appositive.
Identify independent and dependent clauses.
Identify simple and compound sentences.
Identify the elements of plot
Identify the five types of conflict.
Identify the three types of point of view.
Analyze a story using a variety of literary techniques, including but not limited to: irony, satire, foreshadowing, flashback, personification, onomatopoeia, simile, metaphor. 
Analyze and write lyric and ballad poetry.

  • Grade 8: T
he students will:
Identify the eight parts of speech
Identify the major parts of sentences: subject, predicate, direct object, indirect object, predicate noun, predicate adjective, prepositional phrase, appositive.
Identify gerunds, participles, and infinitives.
Identify independent and dependent clauses.
Identify simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences
Research and write a term paper.
Identify the elements of plot
Identify the five types of conflict.
Identify the three types of point of view.
Analyze a story using a variety of literary techniques, including but not limited to: irony, satire, foreshadowing, flashback, personification, onomatopoeia, simile, metaphor.
Participate in social studies interdisciplinary projects relating to the Gold Rush, the Titanic and the Holocaust, including, but not limited to: research, journal writing, informational presentations, skits.



Mathematics
In grades 7 and 8, the math curriculum is divided into three components: concepts, computation and application. Concepts include vocabulary, facts to be memorized, algorithms, and relationships. Computation involves the four basic processes of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers, factions, and decimals. The algebraic format is used in the application of concepts and computational skills. Students solve problems on various levels using concepts and skills previously learned.
In the seventh and eighth grades, less time is spent on computation and more time on application. Students are introduced to elementary algebra techniques, geometry, ratio and proportion, and integers in preparation for Algebra I. All eighth grade students will take algebra. Pre-algebra skills will be re-taught in grade eight as needed.
Technology is an important component of the math class. Students do use calculators when solving complex problems and also to self check computational exercises. Computers are also used as part of the math class. Programs can be used for tutorial help, drill, or enrichment. Seventh and eighth graders also learn to use graphing programs to assist them with their PJAS projects. Basically, the math curriculum at VME follows the standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to prepare students for life in the 21st century.



Science
The Middle School science program is aligned with the Diocesan Science Curriculum, the Pennsylvania State Standards and the National Standards for science education. Students are expected to use higher level thinking skills as they explore scientific concepts and processes. They build on previous knowledge and skills to develop new concepts and applications. The program is highly active, with students doing a multitude of experiments using the scientific method. The six major units covered this year include: magnetism and electricity, chemical interactions, cells and heredity, life over time, diversity of living things and human biology. Concepts developed in each unit are connected to other curricular areas and real life issues.
PJAS:
Students in seventh and eighth grade produce a Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) project. This requires each student to use the scientific method of planning, conducting, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating an independent experiment. Students hone their math skills by calculating and by producing charts and graphs to present the data collected. They gain experience in technical writing and public speaking through the development of a scientific paper which is presented in a group situation. Through Student Choice projects, students are able to delve deeper into topics based on their own preference and learning style.



Social Studies
A variety of teaching techniques are used in the classroom to better understand the Social Studies curriculum. Students partake in group activities, projects, lectures, field trips.


  • Grade 7: The students will be able to:
Discuss current events
Relate current events to their historical perspective.
Identify the European influence on the colonization of the original thirteen colonies.
Explain how slavery reshaped European and African life in the Americas.
Discuss the causes of the Revolutionary War.
Identify the key individuals and events in the Revolutionary War time period.
Examine the outcome of the Revolutionary War
Explain the challenges faced in forming the government of a new nation.

  • Grade 8: The students will be able to:
Discuss current events.
Relate current events to their historical perspective.
List the causes leading to the secession and the Civil War.
Identify the key individuals and events of the Civil War.
Examine the outcome and effects of the Civil War.
Identify how the rise of big business, heavy industry, and mechanized farming transformed American society.
Examine the pattern and impact of massive immigration after 1870.
Describe and analyze the changing role of the United States in world affairs between 1890-1930.
Identify the causes of W.W.I.
Identify the key individuals and events in the W.W.I time period.
Summarize the outcomes and effects of W.W.I.
Identify the causes of the Great Depression.
Describe how the Great Depression affected American society.
Explain how the New Deal addressed the Great Depression, transformed American federalism, and initiated the welfare state.
List the causes and major events of World War II.
Describe the legacy of the New Deal in the post W.W.II period.



Religion
The seventh and eighth graders have religion class in their homerooms. The seventh graders are studying the New Testament and the Mystery of God. The eighth graders are studying Church History and Morality. The students each have a religion textbook from the Faith First series which has been chosen by the diocese and is used throughout all the Catholic schools and religious education programs. Throughout the year, attention will also be given to the liturgical calendar, including special Feast Days, Holy Days of Obligation, and liturgical seasons.



Other

  • Seventh graders have a “special” during their first period class each day. In preparation for those classes, students are expected to bring all necessary clothes/materials to school on the appropriate days. Their specials are as follows: Art, Computer, Gym/Swimming, Latin, Music, and Wellness.
  • Eighth graders take electives at Villa Maria Academy. Several after school activities are offered.