In seventh grade science that year was "life-science" I don't remember shit from that class. In fact the only thing I remember being taught before the 8th grade

In seventh grade science that year was "life-science" I don't remember shit from that class. In fact the only thing I remember being taught before the 8th grade was how to math, read, write, and some stuff about the presidents and how a bill becomes law (which turned out to be a big fat lie). Why are we so crazy about cramming so much info into the minds of children? Short of reading, writing, and math what does a kid need to know that can't be taught (probably faster) starting a bit later in life? Shouldn't kids be playing with sticks and frogs and getting fresh air and sunshine? Not having the creativity squeezed out of them in buildings that resemble my office on the inside?