Reading
The objective of our junior high reading curriculum is to make
students into passionate, critical readers. As a class, we discuss
thematic units, literary genres, and reading strategies, which students
can use as they approach new reading texts. Students are also given
regular independent reading time, and they are allowed to choose their
own texts.
Language Arts
Our students are working to create writing portfolios. As a class,
we discuss writing and grammar conventions and concerns, and then
students use their knowledge to create a body of work. We cover
poetry, memoirs, book reviews, short stories, letters, scripts,
children’s books, and various types of essays. The curriculum is
designed to give students numerous and varied writing experiences and
to teach them that writing is an ongoing process. Students learn to
revise their work critically and thoughtfully.
Speech and Drama
Junior high classes meet once a week for Speech and Drama. In this
course, students learn public speaking skills. They study elements of
theater, rehearse monologues and dialogues, practice improvisation and
pantomime techniques, give a variety of speeches, learn about body
language, etc.
Regular Math
This regular 8th grade course provides a strong foundation in the
mathematical fundamentals needed to succeed in high school algebra.
Students learn how to solve basic algebra equations involving addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division. Algebra problems using
decimals, fractions, and integers are also introduced along with the
use of exponents, square roots and scientific notation. The use of
algebra to solve ratio, proportion, and percent/interest problems is
also taught.
Also included in this general course are chapters devoted to expanding
student understanding and mastery of appropriate Geometry concepts.
This would include plane geometry concepts as well as certain solid
geometry concepts for finding total surface area and volume of
pyramids, cones, prisms and cylinders. We also introduce the
Trigonometric ratios of sine, cosine and tangent.
Algebra 1
This course mirrors what is generally taught in 9th grade Algebra 1 in
high school. Students who successfully complete 7th Grade Accelerated
Math automatically qualify to take this course as an 8th grader.
Students who are successful in Algebra 1 typically go on to take
geometry as a 9th grader in high school.
Science
It is our intent that one third of the year is spent studying in each
of these broad areas: Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical
Science. Ideally this would mean that over a three year period, each
student will have had exposure to three different mini-courses in Life,
Earth, and Physical science; a total of nine different courses.
Currently these courses are as follows:
Cells and Heredity—A life science course that compares cell
structures and their function. How cells use energy and grow, as well
as heredity and genetics, are studied. Work in this course is very
helpful as students go into high school biology. The ethics of cloning
and genetic engineering are discussed especially in light of our
Christian faith.
Inside Earth---An earth science course that focuses on the
dynamics of our earth's crust, mantle and core layers. Earthquakes,
plate tectonics/continental drift, and volcanoes are main topics along
with a study of minerals and how rocks form and reform.
Matter: Building Block of the Universe---A physical science
course that studies the properties and characteristics of matter.
Physical and chemical changes are compared as well as similarities and
differences between elements, mixtures and compounds. The atomic
structure of atoms is analyzed to help students understand the
arrangement and usefulness of the Periodic Table. This course lays
some solid foundation for high school chemistry.
Following is a listing of the science units for sixth through eighth grade. All textbooks are from Prentice-Hall publishers. The school year is divided into thirds with a different textbook used in each grade for each different third of the year.
Science
|
EARTH
|
PHYSICAL
|
LIFE
|
6TH Grade
|
Weather and Climate
|
Electricity and Magnetism |
Human Biology and Health
|
7TH Grade
|
Earth’s Changing Surface
|
Motion, Forces, & Energy |
Environmental Science
|
8TH Grade
|
Inside Earth
|
Matter: Building Blocks of the Universe
|
Cells and Heredity
|
U.S. History
U.S. History is taught to the 7th and 8th grade classes. Covering
the material in two years allows the students to gain a deeper
understanding of the concepts being taught and also allows for
examination of the connections between historical events and the
present time. U.S. History meets daily. The textbook is a large part
of the curriculum; however, other sources are often incorporated to
enrich and build upon the information given in the textbook.
Students in 8th grade are required to complete a research
paper. They receive two grades for this paper: one in English and one
in History. The topic for the 2007-08 school year was: influential historical events post-WW II.
8th Grade U.S. History starts with a review of the Civil War and a
unit on Washington D.C., with a focus on the monuments erected there.
The 8th grade class is then privileged to take a week-long trip to
Gettysburg and Washington D.C. to experience first-hand many places
that they have been studying. Eighth grade then examines the
Reconstruction and continues with the study of industry, immigration,
and the growth of cities. At this point in history, the United States
is a world power, and students study the U.S. experience in WW I, the
Roaring 20s, the Great Depression, and WW II. Our text also covers the
post-Cold War era. Many projects are provided and technology is often
used, enabling students to better experience the sights and sounds of
the past.
|
