Seventh Grade

This course is a study of the Gospel of Mark, which is believed to be the oldest of the gospels and focuses on the servanthood of Christ.  Students begin with a brief study of general information about the New Testament before transitioning to the book of Mark.  Unit one begins a study of the arrangement of the New Testament, the distinguishing characteristics of the Gospels, a harmony of the Gospels, and an introduction to Mark, the writer and the gospel.  All of this is discussed within the historical context of the New Testament.  Units two through four will be an in-depth study of Mark 1-13 and focus on Christ’s teaching and service. Unit Five is a look at Christ’s sacrifice and His exaltation by God the Father, and covers chapters 14-16 of Mark. The class is structured to include the Progress of Redemption Art Portfolio and other creative projects representing content and class discussions.

Driven by student interest and choice, students read diverse texts as students thrive when they choose what they read. Students and teachers collaborate to set reading goals at the beginning of the school year. Throughout the school year, one-on-one conferences with the instructor help students reach their individual reading goals. Additionally, students learn literary analysis through assigned readings, focusing on authors such as Gary Soto, Julia Alvarez, Langston Hughes, Rudyard Kipling, and more. Students learn to respond with critical thinking in writing as they are taught how to use structure and apply basic grammar, usage, and mechanics. Students also compose an MLA-formatted research paper, learning the process of evaluating sources, summarizing, paraphrasing, and citing. Technology is utilized to enhance learning in a variety of ways.

Seventh grade students take either Math 7 or PreAlgebra. Placement is based upon their sixth grade yearly math average, achievement test scores, and teacher recommendation. All students work on ACT prep-type questions as well as other standardized tests in order to develop stronger test taking skills. Students participate in additional activities to develop problem solving and thinking skills.

Math 7 topics include ratios, proportions, percents, solving equations, solving inequalities, probability, functions, and data analysis while strengthening skills used in operations with fractions, decimals and integers. Area, volume, and perimeter are some of the integrated geometric concepts.

In PreAlgebra, students study algebraic concepts including order of operations with real numbers, linear functions, variable expressions, proportions, ratios, percent, probability, trigonometric ratios, data analysis, and the solving of equations. Geometric concepts such as perimeter, area, surface area, and volume are also explored.

Life Science is taught in seventh grade. This course introduces students to cells, the anatomy of a cell, body systems, growth and development of organisms, and inheritance and variation of traits. The highlight of the course is our off-campus Winterim trip, which allows for hands-on activities. This trip is taken with the science teacher, as well as other DCA teachers, for a great learning experience. Curriculum: STEMscopes

Seventh grade World Studies incorporates geography, history, and a touch of earth science as a foundation for future social studies as the student’s academic career progresses. The geographic knowledge earned enables students to understand the relationships between people, places, and environments. Students learn the location of places and geographic features, both physical and human, locally, regionally, and globally.

Students learn the elements and principles of design and apply basic techniques to create finished works. Emphasis is placed on self-expression and visual communication. A variety of mediums is explored.

Performing in both the Marching Band and Concert Band, this enrichment course is for students who have experience with an instrument. Whether it’s marching in the half time show of varsity football games, or performing in two special concert programs during the school year on our campus, this group experience helps students prepare for any challenge.

This course is open for students who are interested in performing in a concert setting. The emphasis is on excelling in vocal technique and choral standards.  Students are graded on participation and musical skills.  This group also participates in choral festivals, taking trips to various destinations such as Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Orlando. Seventh grade students who participate in Middle School Choir are eligible to audition for the Middle School Honor Choirs sponsored by the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association.

The Middle School Physical Education program is made up of two parts, PE and Athletics, and is designed to ensure that each student actively participates. Physical Education units include basketball, field hockey, tennis, soccer, and weight training. Athletic teams use this time for practice. Middle School fall sports are cheerleading, cross-country, football, soccer, and volleyball. Winter and spring sports include basketball, baseball, bowling, fitness, softball, tennis, track, wrestling, strength training, and team games.

DCA students are exposed to Spanish throughout their elementary years. In Spanish 7, they continue their exposure to Spanish through the introduction of vocabulary and grammar. They learn to read, write and speak in Spanish, at a basic level, about everyday activities and things they like to do. Students also gain a basic understanding of the vocabulary and grammar needed to describe themselves and others and to speak about emotions and location. Students learn about Hispanic culture in the U.S.A. and around the world through different mediums such as food, music, art, videos, etc.