It is also a time where students begin to look inward at the physical processes of the human body. Across the curriculum outward striving and inner knowledge are grown in a balanced way.

Language Arts – Literature studies include lyric poetry, historical novels, adventure stories centering on the Arthurian legends and voyages of discovery. Continuing work on biographies, creative writing, research papers, early play writing, and forms of poetry. Students explore metaphor and imagery. They learn the craft of letter writing for different purposes – bank managers, eyewitness accounts, factual summaries, commentaries, notes, e-mail, etc.

History – History from 1400 to Renaissance, biographies, African and European geography. History of European Explorations, invention of printing, the Renaissance, birth of modern science, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther, de Medicis, Thirty Years’ war, the Plague.

Mathematics – Beginning in 7th Grade and continuing into 8th Grade, pupils create order with the strength of their new ability to experience internal logic. This is exemplified in algebra. Work in geometry is linked to history through the study of perspective drawing, which was first used during the Renaissance.

Art – Perspective drawing, ink brush and pen, continue with veil painting. Free drawing. Sphere, cone, etc. drawn as spatial solids. Handwork lessons can include the following: leatherworking, weaving, carving and making wooden toys and boxes.

Science – In the 7th Grade, the physical science curriculum continues with the study of Light/Optics, Acoustics/Sound, Heat, Magnetism and Electricity. The 7th Grader, in addition to experiencing phenomena and then reflecting on the experience, also asks “how has the phenomena arisen and how does it work?” Students experience blocks on Mechanics, Inorganic Chemistry, Physiology, Health, Astronomy and Computer Science. In addition, students learn

the biographies of great scientists to show how science is set in a historical context and how determined individuals pursued their fascination with phenomena.