7th Grade Curriculum Outline (Words Only)

Parent-facing planning outline. For DBM’s full scope & sequence, visit: https://www.dbmlearningacademy.com/compliance/general/compliance/curriculum.php

English Language Arts

Analyzing Argument & Persuasion

• Identify claim, reasons, evidence, and counterarguments; evaluate strength and relevance.
• Differentiate fact, opinion, judgement, and value claim; spot logical fallacies (strawman, ad hominem, false cause).

Writing with Evidence

• Compose multi-paragraph argumentative essays with clear thesis and organized body paragraphs.
• Integrate quotations and paraphrases with signal phrases; explain evidence (warrant) and address counterclaims.
• Maintain formal tone; conclude by synthesizing implications.

Phrases, Clauses & Conventions

• Use appositives, prepositional phrases, and verbal phrases (participles/gerunds/infinitives) to add precision.
• Vary simple/compound/complex sentences; correct comma use with nonrestrictive elements and coordinate adjectives.

Theme Across Texts

• Trace how theme develops through character, conflict, and setting across multiple texts.
• Compare treatment of similar themes in different genres or cultural contexts.

Evaluating Sources

• Assess authority, currency, bias, and purpose; corroborate across sources.
• Create MLA-lite citations and a works cited for short research tasks.

Cursive, Notes & Rhetoric (Level 7)

• Fluent cursive for exams and note-taking; legibility at speed.
• Cornell/outline notes; argument maps (claim–reason–evidence–counter–rebuttal).

Keyboarding, Research & Media Literacy

• Target 35–40+ WPM; draft, revise, and format essays digitally.
• Recognize manipulation in media (cherry-picking, misleading graphs); verify with reliable references.

Mathematics

Proportional Relationships

• Unit rates, constant of proportionality; tables, graphs, and equations (y = kx).
• Percent applications: tax, tip, markdown, percent increase/decrease, simple interest (intro).

Operations with Rational Numbers

• Add/subtract/multiply/divide integers and rational numbers; interpret in real contexts.
• Use number lines, rules, and properties to justify results.

Solving Equations & Inequalities

• Solve multi-step equations and inequalities; represent solutions on number lines.
• Translate word situations to algebraic expressions and equations.

Geometry & Scale Drawings

• Scale drawings and maps; compute missing lengths/areas using scale factors.
• Area and circumference of circles; area of composite figures.

Probability & Statistics

• Theoretical vs. experimental probability; compound events via lists, tables, or tree diagrams.
• Data distributions: center (mean/median) and variability (range/MAD conceptually); sampling methods & bias.

Linear Relationships (add-on)

• Recognize proportional vs. non-proportional linear relationships; slope as rate of change.

Science

Genetics & Heredity

• DNA, genes, chromosomes; dominant/recessive traits; Punnett squares for simple crosses.
• Variation and environmental influences; ethical considerations in genetics (age-appropriate).

Structure & Function of Organisms

• Cell specialization; systems interactions in plants and animals; homeostasis examples.
• Microscope skills; labeled diagrams and data tables.

Chemical Reactions

• Evidence of reaction (gas, color, temperature, precipitate); conservation of mass (conceptual).
• Particle models of physical vs. chemical changes; safety and lab technique.

Earth’s Atmosphere & Weather

• Layers of the atmosphere; air masses, fronts, and pressure systems.
• Weather maps and predictions; severe weather safety and preparedness.

Scientific Investigations

• Design fair tests; identify variables and controls; collect and analyze quantitative data.
• Use graphs to communicate findings; discuss sources of error and reliability.

Engineering & Data (add-on)

• Plan–build–test iterations (bridge, water filter, weather sensor); record metrics and improve designs.

Social Studies

Civics & Government

• Foundations of civic life: rights, responsibilities, rule of law; comparing systems (parliamentary, presidential, federal/unitary).
• Policy debate basics: claim, evidence, counterclaim; respectful discourse.

Medieval Civilizations

• Byzantine Empire, Islamic Golden Age, feudal Europe, Sub-Saharan kingdoms, East Asian dynasties.
• Trade routes (Silk Road, Trans-Saharan) and cultural exchange.

The Renaissance & Reformation

• Humanism, art/science advances; printing press and information spread.
• Religious reform, conflict, and long-term social/political effects.

Global Interdependence

• Imports/exports, supply chains, and international organizations (age-appropriate overview).
• Case studies in cooperation and conflict; resource distribution and sustainability.

Geography & Mapping Skills

• Latitude/longitude, coordinates, scale, relief; analyze thematic maps (population, climate, resources).
• Create and interpret timelines linking regional/global events.

Logic, Problem-Solving & Projects

• Weekly logic and argument maps; probability puzzles; proportional reasoning challenges.
• Monthly projects: genetics traits survey, scale-city blueprint, weather station with forecasts, Renaissance gallery curation, mock policy debate.
• Presentations with slide decks and citations; peer feedback using rubrics.

Tech & Creation (optional enrichments)

• Coding: Python or JavaScript—variables, conditionals, loops; visualize data from class surveys.
• Spreadsheet skills: formulas, charts, and interpretation; avoid misleading graphs.

For DBM’s complete scope and samples across grades, visit: