The seventh grade can be tremendously challenging and rewarding for children. They stand on the brink of puberty. Not only are great physical changes taking place, but also a major shift in cognitive development is also under way. They are enthusiastic to express themselves and to assert their independence more strongly. Social relationships become a primary focus. Seventh graders exude a presence of wish, wonder, and surprise. At this stage, they develop their first real creative writing block.

History

Historically, a similar period of change took place in Western civilization around the end of the fifteenth century. The study of the Renaissance, Reformation, and the Age of Exploration thus echo what children are experiencing within them. The Renaissance was not only an artistic event, but was the beginning of a completely new way of looking at the world. During this time, the principle of learning through observation of phenomena emerged, leading directly to the development of our modern scientific method. Seventh-graders also learn biographies of great figures that went against the prevailing views of their day in their own search for truth, freedom, and self-expression. Through studying the lives of Galileo, Martin Luther, Christopher Columbus, Elizabeth I, and others, they find reassurance that in their struggle to become themselves they also can contribute to the world.

Science

In chemistry, seventh-graders discover through observation the properties of various substances and the way in which they interrelate. They examine the phenomena of combustion, the lime cycle, and the nature of acids and bases. In physics, they study the laws of refraction, reflection, heat, and electricity. The teacher now talks about the human being in terms of physical science; the class will look at the way in which the digestive tract, respiratory, circulatory systems of the body cooperate and interrelate. At this age, children are particularly able to look at issues of health and nutrition in an objective way. The class considers those factors that foster health or illness in the human being, including an exploration of how various substances can promote one condition or the other.

Math

In mathematics, the basic concepts of algebra and plane geometry are introduced. They learn how the Renaissance artists used geometric principles to develop the laws of perspective, and then practice the application of these laws in their own drawings. Other studies involve graphing, algebra, perimeters, areas, roots, powers, and formulas.

Special Subjects

Their work in foreign languages has now expanded to include reading and conversation, as well as grammar and structural drills. They are also exposed to classical languages through Greek and Latin myths, poetry, quotations, and word study. Art and handwork activities include sewing, embroidery, woodworking, watercolor painting of exact geometrical figures, perspective drawing, and black and white drawing. In music, they are exposed to a number of styles that relate to their other studies, including madrigals, ballads, opera, and oratorio. They also participate in chorus and stringed orchestra. Team games and sports continue in seventh grade, as does the study of eurythmy.

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