Seventh Grade

Get ready to explore the fascinating connection between people and the world around us! In this class, you’ll become a geographic detective, using inquiry and analysis to uncover how humans shape the environment—and how the environment, in turn, influences the way we live.

We’ll build a foundation in physical geography before diving into case studies that bring global issues to life. From migration patterns to climate change, water scarcity to population growth, you’ll investigate real-world challenges that impact communities across the globe.

Throughout the year, you’ll:

• Examine global regions through in-depth case studies on key geography topics.
• Engage in hands-on activities and use technology to bring data and maps to life.
• Analyze current events and connect them to geography’s role in shaping our world.
• Make a real-world impact by researching and sponsoring Kiva partners and helping entrepreneurs in developing countries as part of SBMS’s commitment to KIVA U.

Beyond reading and writing, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking skills, collaborate with classmates, and explore geography’s role in solving today’s most pressing global issues. This isn’t just a class—it’s a journey into understanding our world and our place in it. Are you ready to explore?

Get ready for a year of discovery, creativity, and real-world communication! We don’t just read and write in this class—we explore, create, and connect. Through engaging projects and hands-on experiences, you’ll sharpen your reading, writing, speaking, listening, and even visual communication skills.

We’ll dive into the power of language through exciting activities like:

• Uncovering literary histories—tracing the roots of storytelling and how language shapes our world.
• Stepping into the spotlight—writing and delivering an original speech before a live audience.
• Becoming investigative journalists—researching, writing, and designing nonfiction articles.
• Preparing for the future—crafting résumés and business letters and gaining real-world experience through interviews or career studies week.
• Designing with words—exploring typography and the art of visual communication.

Beyond these projects, we’ll strengthen essential skills like organization, time management, study strategies, and the writing process. With independent reading, vocabulary building, and research, you’ll grow as a communicator and gain insights into yourself—your interests, passions, and the paths they might lead you to in the future.

This isn’t just an English class—it’s a journey into the power of words and ideas. Are you ready?

Math isn’t just about solving equations—it’s about discovering patterns, making connections, and unlocking the logic behind how the world works. In this class, you’ll build a strong foundation in key mathematical concepts while sharpening your problem-solving and reasoning skills.

Throughout the year, you’ll dive into:

• Proportional relationships—understanding how quantities relate in real-world situations.
• Operations with rational numbers—working with fractions, decimals, and integers like a pro.
• Expressions, equations, and scale drawings—using algebra and geometry to analyze patterns and structures.
• Probability and data analysis—predicting outcomes and making informed decisions.
• Exploring two- and three-dimensional shapes—uncovering the math behind design and space.

But math is more than just calculations. You’ll develop essential mathematical practices, including:

• Making sense of problems and persisting until you find solutions.
• Thinking abstractly and quantitatively to approach problems from different angles.
• Constructing arguments and critiquing reasoning to strengthen your logic and communication.
• Modeling with mathematics to solve real-world challenges.

Math is a powerful tool for innovation, creativity, and perseverance. It’s the language of science, engineering, technology, and much more. Get ready to see math in action and discover its role in shaping the world around us!

In Math 8, students are challenged to think like true mathematicians—investigating, experimenting, and discovering multiple strategies to solve problems. This class focuses on building a deep understanding of math through concrete models and real-world applications, setting the stage for success in Integrated Math 1.

Throughout the year, students will:

• Explore linear functions and systems of equations, discovering how math models relationships in the world around us.
• Investigate transformations and the Pythagorean theorem, uncovering the hidden geometry behind shapes and spaces.
• Dive into statistical analysis, understanding data, and making informed decisions.
• Work with volume, scientific notation, and more, connecting abstract concepts to everyday life.

This course emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving as outlined in the Common Core Mathematical Practice Standards. Students will:

• Make sense of problems and persist in finding solutions.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively, thinking deeply about numbers and relationships.
• Construct viable arguments and model with math to explain and justify solutions.

Through individual and collaborative work, students will develop a strong conceptual understanding and learn to communicate their ideas and recognize the connections between different mathematical concepts. Technology will be used to deepen understanding once students have a solid grasp of the material.

Science isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about asking questions, testing ideas, and uncovering the secrets of the universe! You’ll become a scientist, engineer, and communicator in this hands-on, inquiry-driven class.

Throughout the year, you’ll:

• Design and run experiments using the scientific method to test hypotheses and analyze results.
• Sharpen your communication skills through research, speech-writing, and presenting findings.
• Build and test model machines—applying engineering principles to bring ideas to life.
• Use sensors and microprocessors to collect real-time data and compare variables in exciting experiments.

Expect to get hands-on with engaging projects like:

• Building catapults and testing physics in action.
• Creating circuits and working with electronics to explore energy and connectivity.
• Analyzing fossils, earthquakes, and atmospheric processes to understand Earth’s past and future.
• Designing and using sensors for precise data collection and interpretation.

You'll learn how science impacts everything around us through laboratory experiments, problem-solving challenges, and interactive presentations—from technology to the environment. Get ready to think critically, create boldly, and discover the power of scientific exploration!

In 7th grade Life Skills, students deepen their understanding of themselves and others as they continue to explore the core themes of identity, communication, community, and mental health. With both returning and new students, the year begins with intentional community building and reflection on the evolving nature of friendships, emotions, and personal growth. Students strengthen practical skills such as time management, emotional regulation, and navigating peer pressure. They also practice communication tools essential to belonging and healthy relationships, including how to navigate hard conversations, take responsibility for mistakes, and repair trust when harm occurs. In addition, students explore the importance of digital boundaries and safe online behavior, developing greater awareness of how their actions—both in person and online—affect themselves and those around them. As they examine the shifting dynamics of relationships and self-image, students are encouraged to think critically, listen openly, and contribute meaningfully to the communities they belong to—both in and beyond the classroom.

This high school-level Spanish course is more than just learning vocabulary and grammar—it’s about immersing yourself in the language and culture in exciting, hands-on ways. You'll build real-world communication skills through speaking, listening, reading, and writing, progressing from novice-low to novice-mid proficiency. But as importantly, you’ll develop the mindset and tools to become a lifelong language learner.

Spanish comes to life in this class through interactive, project-based experiences like:

• Cooking traditional dishes and exploring the flavors of the Spanish-speaking world.
• Producing short films to practice storytelling and conversation skills.
• Planning imaginary trips to Spanish-speaking countries, learning about geography, customs, and travel essentials.
• Celebrating cultural traditions to deepen your appreciation for the diverse communities that speak Spanish.

At SBMS, high school-equivalent Spanish is thoughtfully spread over three years, allowing for deeper understanding and stronger language acquisition. Our approach—blending experiential learning with meaningful projects—creates a foundation for success, a love of language learning, and a path toward cultural competence.

Are you ready to start your Spanish adventure? ¡Vamos!