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7th and 8th Grade
The Older Middles
English
7th & 8th Grade Language Arts Overview:
In both 7th and 8th grade, students engage with a variety of texts—literary and informational—to build strong reading comprehension and analytical skills. They explore elements like theme, tone, character development, and author’s purpose, while strengthening vocabulary through context clues and word study. Grammar and mechanics are reinforced through direct instruction and writing practice, with an emphasis on sentence structure, punctuation, and proper usage. Across both grades, students write in multiple genres—narrative, informative, and argumentative—using the full writing process to plan, draft, revise, and edit. Speaking and listening skills are also developed through discussions, presentations, and collaborative work.
7th Grade Focus:
In 7th grade, students build foundational skills in literary analysis and writing. They learn to identify key ideas and text structures, summarize effectively, and analyze how authors develop characters and plot. Writing instruction emphasizes organizing ideas, using descriptive detail, and supporting arguments with evidence. Grammar lessons target simple and compound sentences, proper verb usage, and punctuation. Students also practice formal speaking and active listening in both group and individual settings.
8th Grade Focus:
8th grade students deepen their analytical and critical thinking skills by reading a wider range of texts, including classics and primary sources. They focus more on interpreting author’s choices, tracing arguments, and analyzing complex literary elements. Writing becomes more advanced, with a strong emphasis on thesis development, evidence-based argumentation, and narrative technique. Grammar instruction includes refining sentence structure and using clauses and phrases effectively. Students further develop presentation skills, learning to communicate ideas clearly and respond thoughtfully to others.
Math
7th & 8th Grade Math Overview:
In both 7th and 8th grade math, students expand their understanding of numbers, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. They apply problem-solving skills to real-world scenarios while deepening their ability to reason mathematically. Across both grades, students work with proportional relationships, equations, and geometric concepts, and they are introduced to more advanced topics like probability, statistics, and linear functions. These years prepare students for the transition from arithmetic-based thinking to more abstract mathematical reasoning, laying the foundation for high school algebra and beyond.
7th Grade Math Focus:
Seventh graders build on prior knowledge to explore proportional relationships, including ratios, percentages, and applications like discounts and interest. They work with rational numbers—including negatives—using operations to solve multi-step equations and inequalities. Geometry includes area, volume, and understanding shapes, with some introduction to transformations. In statistics, students learn to analyze data using representative samples, compare populations, and understand basic probability concepts.
8th Grade Math Focus:
Our Eighth-grade math program often includes pre-algebra, focusing on the real number system, exponents, roots, and scientific notation. Students solve and graph linear equations, understand linear functions, and begin working with systems of equations. Geometry expands to include the Pythagorean theorem, transformations, and volume calculations for complex shapes like cones and cylinders. Students learn to analyze data with two variables—interpreting graphs, identifying trends, and comparing variables.
Science/STEAM
In 7th and 8th grade science, students explore Life Science by studying cells, body systems, ecosystems, and genetics. They examine how living things function and interact, from the microscopic level to entire ecosystems, and investigate heredity and the diversity of life. In Physical Science, they learn about matter, energy, and forces, including topics like chemical changes, magnetism, gravity, and waves. These concepts help them understand the behavior of substances and how energy moves through systems.
Earth and Space Science covers Earth’s layers, plate tectonics, weather, and the solar system. Students explore how Earth's systems—like the atmosphere and geosphere—interact, and how Earth fits into the larger universe. Throughout all topics, students develop scientific thinking through inquiry, data analysis, and hands-on problem-solving. Engineering principles and collaboration are emphasized as they test ideas and build real-world solutions.
In 7th and 8th grade social studies, students build historical thinking skills by examining major events, people, and ideas that have shaped the United States and the world. They explore foundational concepts in civics, economics, and geography, often through an inquiry-based approach that emphasizes critical thinking, source analysis, and understanding multiple perspectives. These courses help students make connections between past and present while strengthening their understanding of how governments and societies function.
Social Studies
In 7th grade, students study U.S. history from early exploration and colonization through the Civil War. Key topics include the American Revolution, the Constitution, and westward expansion. We examine world history themes, such as the Enlightenment, to help students understand broader global influences. Throughout the course, students explore how geography, economic systems, and civic structures shaped the early development of the nation.
In 8th grade, the focus is on U.S. history from the Civil War through modern times. Students explore Reconstruction, industrialization, major 20th-century conflicts, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary issues. They study the structure and functions of the U.S. government in more depth and continue to analyze how economic and civic concepts influence national and global events. Students are encouraged to consider diverse perspectives and engage thoughtfully with both historical and current events.
Art
The Visual Arts program at Sundance is designed to provide a comprehensive arts experience that enriches the overall curriculum. Students are exposed to a wide variety of two-dimensional, three-dimensional and digital media projects. Students are also introduced to a multitude of artists from varying time periods and cultures with the “Artist of the Month” series. Many of the artists and art projects are intertwined with Sundance’s yearly themes in order to augment the thematic learning experience. Rounding out the arts program in the upper grades is a focus on aesthetic examination that encourages students to understand, discuss and analyze a variety of art forms. Using the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards as a guideline, the Visual Arts program helps students to explore their creativity and develop their abilities to understand, produce and appreciate art.
Spanish
Objectives:
- To develop spontaneous responses to different situations in complete Spanish sentences
- To improve the communication skill
- To be actively involved and willing to participate in class
- To speak, interact and sing only in Spanish
- To expand knowledge of vocabulary and new phrases
- To get proficient in writing and reading skills
- To learn more about cultures and traditions in Spanish speaking countries
Resource
Theatre Workshop
The Elementary and Middle School Theatre Workshop at Sundance provides our students with an opportunity to develop skills necessary for success in the 21st century. We appreciate the parental support and enthusiasm for the Theatre Workshop model and show time experience that is a vital component of a Sundance education.
Our theatre program offers instruction that integrates several aspects of the art form: creative, drama, improvisation, acting, script writing, readers theatre, theatre history, directing, designing, researching, comparing art forms, analyzing and critiquing and understanding contexts. Classes are formatted to encourage teamwork, risk taking and full participation while providing fun and challenging opportunities for students to explore basic acting skills and the technical elements of theatre. Performance opportunities include a literature based stage production in the fall, a theme-based spring production (students help script, plan, produce and perform) and two variety shows where acts themselves are student generated. Students also function as stage crew and technical support.
Click here for more information about The Sundance Theatre Program
Physical Education
The Physical Education program is designed for the purpose of enhancing psychomotor, cognitive, and physical development through physical body movement. Physical Education offers opportunities to develop independence, goal -setting, leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship.
During the gymnastics unit, the MIddle School students explore and practice a range of fundamental movements and skills. These include basic tumbling techniques such as forward and backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, and bridges. They also focus on building strength, flexibility, and coordination through activities on various apparatuses like the balance beam, floor, and vault. In addition, students may learn to sequence movements together to create simple routines.
In the dance unit, students learn and practice a variety of dance skills, explore movement, and express themselves creatively through dance. They develop rhythm, coordination, and spatial awareness through basic steps and structured dance activities. Students also have the opportunity to experience a range of dance styles, including tap, ballet, acro, hip hop, and jazz.
Teamwork and cooperation are encouraged throughout. The Older Middles often have opportunities to support younger learners, too.
