Seventh Grade
Seventh graders begin the transition toward the more traditional approach to education they will experience in high school. Students are introduced to four core subject teachers and rotate classrooms.
In 7th grade, we offer differentiated math instruction within the classroom and in smaller academic extension groups during the week to meet the needs of each student. Students explore algebra, proportion, geometry and other math strands through conceptual explorations and real-world scenarios. We also look at the connections between artists and the math in their art.
In 7th grade Science Students study, a wide range of subjects through arts-integrated science projects. Students explore motion and forces, energy types, atmosphere and weather, human body systems, and genetics. Projects include roller coasters, compound machines, weaving, painting, music creation, poetry, dance, and theater. Students work in collaborative groups as well as independently to explore the standards through arts-integrated projects that push students of all levels.
Seventh Grade Social Studies is an exploration of modern World History, including the Age of Exploration, World Wars, and the contemporary Middle East. Each student will also complete an extended research project of their choice, using the National History Day curriculum.
English Language Arts in the seventh grade focuses on the basics of genre. We study realistic fiction (The Outsiders), dystopian fiction (The House of the Scorpion), fantasy fiction (The Golden Compass), and historical fiction (choice of World War II / Holocaust books). In addition, seventh graders study the elements of poetry and get many opportunities to write poetry themselves as well as non-fiction/analysis and personal essays.
Students are offered a choice of electives to further develop artistic skills in the areas of their interest.
About the Seventh and Eighth Grade Staff
Ian holds a B.A. in history from Macalester College and an Master’s of Education in social studies from the University of Minnesota. Over the past seven years he has worked in schools as a teacher, tutor, mentor, and college access coach. He joined the ArtSpace staff in 2014. Outside of school, he enjoys music, reading, and walking his dog along the French Broad River.
Leila holds a BA in Comparative English and French Literature from Davidson College and a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary English from Agnes Scott College. She has taught kindergartners through high school seniors subjects including French, humanities, phonics, creative writing, and martial arts. Leila joined the ArtSpace staff in 2014. Leila loves Shakespearean theater, poetry, long distance running, and bouldering. Leila also enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and many cats.
Megan earned her a bachelors in environmental science in Pennsylvania and a masters in teaching from Western Carolina University, and she is still loving and learning new things about math every day. Megan is also the co-director of the GRITS extracurricular program. Outside of school Megan is a big fan of backpacking, playing water polo, cooking, and making music.
