MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Grade 6 Curriculum
Religion
During religion time, we study God’s word as recorded in the Bible. We reflect on the accounts and verses that we study to see how we can apply it to our lives as sixth graders. A lot of our time is spent studying Jesus’s life as recorded in the book of Matthew. We also study the start of the early church as recorded in the book of Acts.
Memory
Memory work is taken from the Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism and the Bible. The six grade students review and memorize thirty-two of Peace’s forty-two “legacy verses.”
Mathematics
The math program concentrates on basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, using whole numbers, fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals. Algebra is introduced and is incorporated in most lessons. Integers are also incorporated into basic operations. Students will also work with probability, statistics, geometry, story problem strategies, and ratios/proportions. The goal is to prepare them to face the challenges of Jr. High prealgebra and algebra.
Social Studies
Social Studies focuses on the history of the world from prehistory limited writings to present day. This is a subject in which note-taking and study guides are developed. Projects and tests along with homework are used to assess student progress.
Science
Sixth graders study one aspect of life, earth, and physical science in the world that God created for us. We investigate our planet and its relationship to our solar system in Earth science. In physical science we investigate and observe chemical interactions in our world. Our study of life science focuses on investigating populations and ecosystems.
Reading
A variety of stories and novels are read to develop comprehension, style, character, setting, plot, and interpretation along with an extension of basic reading skills. Accelerated Reader is also used to encourage individualized reading. Spelling Attack, meaning, and application of words are dealt with in spelling. Vocabulary skills are honed through various activities in the text homework and in preparation for the tests.
Language
The Textbook is used to review and extend grammar skills. Students practice writing test essays, stories, poems, and other various forms of writing. They finish the year by writing a research paper.
Art
Students gain an appreciation for various artists, styles, eras and cultures through creation of artwork based on these themes. Students work in a variety of media including acrylics, watercolor, chalks, markers, and clay.
Spanish
Students will learn to engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and interpret written and spoken Spanish language. Students will learn of the Spanish culture and show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using Spanish for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
Technology
Students will recognize ways technology has changed and help their lives at school and at home. Students will recognize the need for security applications and how to keep their computer safe, especially on the Internet. Students will use proper keyboarding posture, finger position, typing techniques and improve speed and accuracy when operating the computer. Learn appropriate terminology; utilize technological tools available on the computer, identifying and preventing basic problems that occur with hard/software. Students will know how to exchange files with other students using technology, identify search strategies for locating information, and proofread and edit using appropriate resources. Students will also identify different types of storage devices and reason for using them, as well as appropriate file formats for various applications.
Physical Education
Students will demonstrate and identify fitness components, demonstrate progress toward mature forms of motor skills such as kicking, catching, throwing, striking and rolling. Students will exhibit responsible personal behavior traits, social character traits, the use of good sportsmanship and an understanding of rules in organized games and sport. Students will gain a basic understanding of the large muscle groups in the body, how to exercise them, and why it is important toward leading a healthy lifestyle. Students will recognize physical signs (heart rate, breathing) while performing moderate and intense levels of physical activity.
Choir (Unashamed) Grades 5-8
Students meet twice per week and learn many songs, which are sung throughout the year, during Chapel (monthly), Church (quarterly), Christmas Musicals, Spring Musicals, and in a special Student Led Worship once a year. They have the opportunity to participate or assist with the lower grade students in the Spring Musical.
Beginning Band
The Beginning Band is open to all 5th – 8 th grade students who are interested in playing an instrument. Students will learn how to play their chosen instrument, read music, and learn fundamentals of music and music making. Members of this band are given opportunities to perform throughout the year.
Advanced Band
The Advanced Band is comprised of any 6th, 7th, or 8th graders with previous band experience. The members of this band will study more complex and challenging music, music making, music theory and music history. Students will also work at honing their listening skills. The Advanced Band performs several times throughout the school year.
Textbooks and Other Sources
Mathematics Progress in Mathematics Sadlier Oxford, 2006
English God's Gift of Language 3nd ed.Beka, 2010
Reading Glencoe Literature Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2000
History World History Holt 2008
Grade 7 Curriculum
Religion
Students study parts of Luther’s small catechism, using Bible passages to back up our believes. Oral memory consists of 35 Bible verses, 30 of which are reviewed from previous grades. Written memory on the Six Chief Parts of Lutheran doctrine are taken on Thursday mornings.
Mathematics
Two options are available for 7th grade students based on ability and past math performance.
Fundamentals of Algebra
Fundamentals focuses on the use of integers in expressions, equations, and inequalities; operations with rational numbers; consumer math utilizing percents; probability and statistical analysis; introduction to two and three-dimensional geometry; and an introduction to functions, relations and polynomial operations.
Foundations of Algebra
Foundations focuses on the application of real & rational numbers in expressions, equations, and inequalities; factoring polynomials; graphing and interpreting linear functions and inequalities; ratio, proportion, and percent applications; two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and coordinate geometry; nonlinear function identification; and probability and statistical analysis.
Geography
World Geography is studied in 7th grade. World Geography focuses on the geographical, cultural, and historical backgrounds of both eastern and western hemisphere regions. Map work gives students the ability to identify relative locations of countries and their impact on the United States.
Life Science/Physical Science
Students are introduced to a variety of science topics through discussion, hands-on activities, note-taking, and reading. Seventh grade science focuses on gravity, kinetic energy, waves, weather, and the diversity of life, all tough from a Christian point of view.
Literature
Students study a rich mix of classic and contemporary selections of authors from many cultures. Students learn to recognize the purpose and structural features of different kinds of text - from creative genres, such as; poems, songs, stories, plays, myths, and folktales, to expository texts, such as; biographies, oral histories, letters, essays, magazine articles, and editorials. Accelerated Reader is also used to develop individualized reading skills and encourage reading of a variety of quality literature outside of the classroom.
Language
The Textbook is used to review and extend grammar skills. The students go beyond basic grammar and into diagramming sentences to understand word use and improve writing skills. Students get practical writing essays, autobiographies, poems, stories, and various other forms of writing.
Technology
Students will recognize ways technology has changed and help their lives at school and at home. Students will recognize the need for security applications and how to keep their computer safe, especially on the Internet. Students will use proper keyboarding posture, finger position, typing techniques and improve speed and accuracy when operating the computer. Learn appropriate terminology; utilize technological tools available on the computer, identifying and preventing basic problems that occur with hard/software. Students will know how to exchange files with other students using technology, identify search strategies for locating information, and proofread and edit using appropriate resources. Students will also identify different types of storage devices and reason for using them, as well as appropriate file formats for various applications.
Art
Students express themselves through paintings, scale-drawings and other various media and projects. Students will apply the principles of aesthetics as well as technical knowledge in producing artwork they can appreciate. Drawing is also emphasized to provide a foundation of technical and observation skills helpful to a continued education in visual arts. Students also explore 3-dimensional work with clay or other media.
Spanish
Students will learn to engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and interpret written and spoken Spanish language. Students will learn of the Spanish culture and show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using Spanish for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
Physical Education
Students will demonstrate and identify fitness components, demonstrate progress toward mature forms of motor skills such as kicking, catching, throwing, striking and rolling. Students will exhibit responsible personal behavior traits, social character traits, the use of good sportsmanship and an understanding of rules in organized games and sport. Students will gain a basic understanding of the large muscle groups in the body, how to exercise them, and why it is important toward leading a healthy lifestyle. Students will recognize physical signs (heart rate, breathing) while performing moderate and intense levels of physical activity.
Beginning Band
The Beginning Band is open to all 5th – 8 th grade students who are interested in playing an instrument. Students will learn how to play their chosen instrument, read music, and learn fundamentals of music and music making. Members of this band are given opportunities to perform throughout the year.
Advanced Band
The Advanced Band is comprised of any 6th, 7th, or 8th graders with previous band experience. The members of this band will study more complex and challenging music, music making, music theory and music history. Students will also work at honing their listening skills. The Advanced Band performs several times throughout the school year.
Choir (Unashamed) Grades 5- 8
Students meet twice per week and learn many songs, which are sung throughout the year, during Chapel (monthly), Church (quarterly), Christmas Musicals, Spring Musicals, and in a special Student Led Worship once a year. They have the opportunity to participate or assist with the lower grade students in the Spring Musical.
Textbooks and Other Sources
One in Christ Concordia Publishing House, 2002
Fundamentals of Algebra I Sadlier-Oxford, 2009
Foundations of Algebra II Sadlier-Oxford, 2009
English 7 Grammar & Composition I ABEKA, 2017
English 8 Grammar & Composition II BEKA, 1999
Science Physical Science Glencoe, 2005
Life Science Glencoe, 2002
Geography World Geography Holt, 2007
Grade 8 Curriculum
Religion
Students study the Old Testament and New Testament and World Religions. Oral memory work consists of approximately 40 Bible passages and is self-directed. Written memory tests on the Six Chief Parts of Lutheran doctrine are taken on Wednesday mornings.
Mathematics
Two options are available for 8th grade students based on ability and past math performance.
Foundations of Algebra
Foundations focuses on the application of real & rational numbers in expressions, equations, and inequalities; factoring polynomials; graphing and interpreting linear functions and inequalities; ratio, proportion, and percent applications; two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and coordinate geometry; nonlinear function identification; and probability and statistical analysis.
Algebra I
Algebra I is the equivalent of 9th grade Algebra. It begins with a review of the basic concepts of algebra and continues with: linear equations, functions, and inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; operations with polynomials; radical expressions and equations; quadratic functions and equations; introduction to trigonometry; statistical analysis and probability.
Geography/U.S. History
U.S. History focuses on events in American history from the Civil War to the present with some review of early U.S. history. Map work on the 50 states helps the students understand the characteristics of regions of the U.S. The Constitution and its application to American life is also studied in the class.
Life Science / Physical Science
Students participate in a hands-on interactive Science program focusing on Human System Interactions, Electromagnetic Force, and Earth History.
Language
The Textbook is used to review and extend grammar skills. The students go beyond basic grammar and into diagramming sentences to understand word use and improve writing skills. Students get practical writing essays, autobiographies, poems, stories, and various other forms of writing. The students demonstrate their writing skills in a research paper as their final project.
Literature
Students study a rich mix of classic and contemporary selections of authors from many cultures. Students learn to recognize the purpose and structural features of different kinds of text - from creative genres, such as; poems, songs, stories, plays, myths, and folktales, to expository texts, such as; biographies, oral histories, letters, essays, magazine articles, and editorials. Accelerated Reader is also used to develop individualized reading skills and encourage reading of a variety of quality literature outside of the classroom.
Technology
Students will recognize ways technology has changed and help their lives at school and at home. Students will recognize the need for security applications and how to keep their computer safe, especially on the Internet. Students will use proper keyboarding posture, finger position, typing techniques and improve speed and accuracy when operating the computer. Learn appropriate terminology; utilize technological tools available on the computer, identifying and preventing basic problems that occur with hard/software. Students will know how to exchange files with other students using technology, identify search strategies for locating information, and proofread and edit using appropriate resources. Students will also identify different types of storage devices and reason for using them, as well as appropriate file formats for various applications
Art
Students express themselves through self-portraits, paintings, scale-drawings and other various media and projects. Students will apply the principles of aesthetics as well as technical knowledge in producing artwork they can appreciate. Drawing is also emphasized to provide a foundation of technical and observation skills helpful to a continued education in visual arts. Students also explore 3-dimensional work with clay or other media.
Spanish
Students will learn to engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and interpret written and spoken Spanish language. Students will learn of the Spanish culture and show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using Spanish for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
Physical Education
Students will demonstrate and identify fitness components, demonstrate progress toward mature forms of motor skills such as kicking, catching, throwing, striking and rolling. Students will exhibit responsible personal behavior traits, social character traits, the use of good sportsmanship and an understanding of rules in organized games and sport. Students will gain a basic understanding of the large muscle groups in the body, how to exercise them, and why it is important toward leading a healthy lifestyle. Students will recognize physical signs (heart rate, breathing) while performing moderate and intense levels of physical activity.
Beginning Band
The Beginning Band is open to all 5th – 8 th grade students who are interested in playing an instrument. Students will learn how to play their chosen instrument, read music, and learn fundamentals of music and music making. Members of this band are given opportunities to perform throughout the year.
Advanced Band
The Advanced Band is comprised of any 6th, 7th, or 8th graders with previous band experience. The members of this band will study more complex and challenging music, music making, music theory and music history. Students will also work at honing their listening skills. The Advanced Band performs several times throughout the school year.
Choir (Unashamed) Grades 5- 8
Students meet twice per week and learn many songs, which are sung throughout the year, during Chapel (monthly), Church (quarterly), Christmas Musicals, Spring Musicals, and in a special Student Led Worship once a year. They have the opportunity to participate or assist with the lower grade students in the Spring Musical.
Textbooks and Other Sources
One in Christ Concordia Publishing House, 2012
Foundations of Algebra II Sadlier-Oxford, 2009
Algebra 1Sadlier-Oxford, 2009
Grammar & Composition 2 ABEKA, 2009
History United States History Holt, 2007
Geography World Geography Holt, 2007
Human Systems Interaction Foss, 2018
Earth History Foss, 2018
Electromagnetic Force / Variables and Design Foss, 2018