7th Grade Traditions

September

• Cell Models (Science) - While learning about cell types and structures, students will design, create and explain a cell. In the past, models have been made of everything from Styrofoam and metal to pizza and cakes.
• Galveston Trip - Students spend the day at the beach where they seine a Marsh, explore on the A & M Tug Vessel, and dissect a shark.
• Native Texans - Students research a native Texan tribe and prepare a powerpoint presentation showing the impact of the tribe on Texas history.

October

• Spanish Missions -Students plan and organize a new mission from the Spanish colonial period of Texas history. They will understand that while the economic activities of the missions were important, their main goals were to teach the Christian religion and Spanish culture to the Native Americans. Working in groups they will determine a location for their mission, design the mission (architecture and manpower) and create an advertising campaign for their mission. Students present their presentation to the Queen of Spain (the teacher!) and the Queen picks one mission to be built!

November

• Empresarios -Students research the Empresarios that were responsible for settling Texas. Students will role play as an empresario or a potential settler. Empresarios are responsible for creating a sales presentation to encourage settlers to their colonies. Settlers are responsible for determining the best colony for their lifestyle.
• Baby Portrait (Science) - While covering Heredity, students will determine the possible traits of offspring given information about the parents. They will then take the traits and create a "Baby Portrait."

December

• Bacteria Research (Science)- Students research various types of bacteria and create a "Wanted" poster describing identifying characteristics and how the spread of bacteria can be controlled.
• Battle of San Jacinto - Students are responsible for preparing a 2-3 page news report for a poster using facts, images and maps analyzing the significance of the Battle of San Jacinto. Studetns utilize primary sources to "interview" their subjects.

January

• Duke Talent Identification Program - TIP Students work with teachers twice during the week through January to prepare for the exam.

February

• Modern Oritory - Students research and prepare a "Current Events Speech" in preparation for participation in PSIA. Studetns determine the critical issues of the topic, determine the pros and cons of both sides of the subject and defend and suppport one side with documentation.

March

• Cattle Drive - Students will develop an understanding of the experience of a cattle drive. Studetns will assume the role of a cowhand workng on one of the cattle drives of the 1870's and prepare 5-7 diary entries describing their experience on the cattle drive.
• Texas Rangers - Students create a flier/poster recruiting men for the Texas Rangers. Students must include the skills needed and the ideal characteristic qualities for these men with the badge.
• Animal Diversity (Science) - While covering a unit on Animal Diversity, students will dissect an earthworm, a crawfish and a frog. They will observe, identify and compare internal structures and their functions.

April

• Texas Tour Brochure - Students will utilize Microsoft Publisher to create a travel brochure outlining the highlights of the Texas Tour field trip. Students must include the rules, the itinerary and pictures in their brochure.
• Texas Tour - A two-day field trip to Austin and San Antonio during the last part of April. On Thursday, students tour the Texas State Capital building and visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum . In the afternoon, students head to San Antonio to experience the famous Riverwalk and eat dinner aboard one of the river boats. Following dinner, students view the Alamo Movie at the IMAX Theater in the Rivercenter Mall. Friday morning, the students visit the historical Alamo and learn of its history. Students then travel to one of the nation's largest and newest theme parks - Fiesta, Texas or Sea World. Students are required to complete a history and math lesson during the trip for grades.
• Human Body Systems (Science)- Students will dissect a cow's eye, observe a video of Mrs. Teague and Mrs. Davis' LASIK eye surgery, and dissect a sheep's heart.
• Farming and Ranching - Students will create a 4-page brochure outlining the positives and negatives of farming and ranching in Texas during the late 1800's and a poster encouraging settlers to purchase land near the railroads. Students will understand the change from cattle drives to railroads and the hardships farmers endured in the mid to late 1800's.
• Texas Constitution - Students understand the goals and principles of the Texas constitution, learn about how a bill becomes a law, and understand how the three branches of government interact, as well as the roles of the state and local governments.

May

• Mark Twain Days (Literature) Students embody one of the main characters in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and relate a humorous event from the novel.
• Human Body Adventure (Science)- Students will use a Web site to research each body system, its structures, functions and disorders.