7th Grade Math—Semester A

Keeping proportions in proportion.

Fractions and decimals might seem pretty rational, but what happens when we start replacing them with letters? Before you know it, you'll wind up with a math problem that looks more like a Shakespearean play than a number line. Good thing Shmoop's 7th Grade Math course is here to turn those incomprehensible variables into alphabet soup: easily digestible, not to mention delicious.

After a solid review of rational numbers in all their forms, we'll start working with a little algebra. Once we get our feet wet with variables and expressions, we'll deep-dive straight into one- and two-variable equations. Then comes another wave of numbers—ratios, proportions, and percents—and finally, we'll finish up our math expedition with scale factors and dilations. (Hope you brought your scuba gear!)

With all the readings, projects, and problem sets you could ever want, this Common Core-ified course gives you the 7th grade lowdown with lesson plans on:

  • performing operations with fractions, decimals, and negative numbers.
  • simplifying and evaluating expressions.
  • solving both one- and two-variable equations and inequalities.
  • representing and working with ratios, proportions, and percents.
  • understanding scale factors and drawing dilations of shapes.

P.S. 7th Grade Math is a two-semester course. You're looking at Semester A, but you can check out Semester B here.


Here's a sneak peek at a video from the course. BYOP (bring your own popcorn).


Unit Breakdown


  1. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - Rational Numbers

    Numbers can take all kinds of forms, and we have to be ready for any that sneak up on us. We'll review how to defend ourselves against fractions and decimals, and practice the martial art of taking down integers. (Tip: aim for their negative signs.) With number lines, operations, and rational numbers, this unit will warm us up and prepare us for combat with any number.

  2. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - Linear Expressions

    From variables and PEMDAS to word problems, this unit will teach you how to express yourself more suavely in all kinds of situations—mathematical and otherwise. Unfortunately, there's no lesson on snappy comebacks. All of our best zingers show up three days late, too.

  3. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - Solving Equations and Inequalities in One Variable

    We'll start off covering the basic rules of solving equations. That means treating both sides of the equation exactly the same. No playing favorites! From there, we'll move onto inequalities, the hippie relatives of equations. They don't care about single values as much; as long as answers fall within a certain range, they'll go with the flow. Pretty groovy, huh?

  4. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables

    We'll learn all about how two-variable equations can describe all sorts of different relationships—except your love-hate relationship with Lost. Those feelings are sort of inexplicable.

  5. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - Ratios, Proportions, and Percents

    Ratios, proportions, and percents were designed to work with groups of objects or to make comparing things directly easier. We can use them to do everything from comparing the prices of regular and jumbo packs of batteries to figuring out our savings per battery. (Four whole cents? Score!)

  6. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - Scale Factors and Dilations

    Now that we're well-versed in ratios and proportions, we'll apply these babies to two-dimensional shapes. Ever heard of dilations and similarity? We'll learn how to recognize and prove that two shapes really are related, kind of like they do on Maury—only with less swearing and more geometry.

  7. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - 2D Geometry

    In this unit, you'll learn how to see the world around you in a totally different way. (No, not upside down. Now get off of there.) Geometry will help you describe shapes, calculate side lengths, find congruent angles, and manipulate formulas for our own personal gain. And let's be real: who doesn't love using just about anything for their own personal gain?

  8. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - 3D Geometry

    We will enter a strange new land of three-dimensional shapes such as pyramids, prisms, and cubes. We will see them in their native habitat, learn about their tendencies, and even memorize their scientific names (did you know that a cube's scientific name is Sixus squarius?). By the end of this unit, we'll be pros when it comes to surface area, volume, nets, and cross sections.

  9. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - Statistics

    Statistics allow us to sample populations, gather data, calculate means, and create colorful graphs that report our findings. It's all about making a lot of information more easily understandable. That, and proving once and for all that Michael Keaton is the best Batman of all time.

  10. 7th Grade Math—Semester A - Probability

    This unit will focus primarily on being able to predict the future. (Think less divination and more blackjack.) We'll draw tables and diagrams to represent probabilities of different events, calculate the chance of winning a poker hand and the lottery, and dabble in the art of simulations, all to bring probability to life.

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