MS Curriculum Guide
One of the goals of the Bible teacher is to cultivate young men and women to live as light in a dark world. With the hope that each student will live in relationship with and service to Christ, the curriculum of the Bible class is designed to give practical training in understanding the Bible and applying God's truth to life. God has given us a perfect Guidebook, and the Bible curriculum incorporates His plans for living a successful and victorious life. The Bible study, as well as the disciplines of spiritual growth, and the wisdom necessary to ground young people for the rest of their lives are presented in a clear and concise manner.
Route 66 - Sixth Grade (two semesters)
This course is designed to increase knowledge of the Word of God that was common in years past. An introduction is provided that prepares students for the rich truths of scripture. In seventh grade, students will chronologically search through the Old Testament for these truths by completing an Old Testament survey, including examining the lives of major biblical figures.
Route 66 - Seventh Grade (two semesters)
This course is a continuation of the fast-moving Bible survey begun in sixth grade. Emphasis is placed on personal application and God's power and activity as students search the New Testament.
Major Biblical Figures - Eighth Grade (two semesters)
Students will examine multiple major figures from both the Old and New Testaments, focusing on: historical context, major life events, application to current situations, and seeing how the Lord changes and grows people for His purposes. The study of Christ’s character and work as our savior will complete the course study, with an emphasis on how Christians should understand, trust, and respond to Jesus.
Language Arts studies involves training students in oral language, reading, spelling, and composition. These areas of communication are foundational for all other areas of learning.
In teaching reading, the phonics based approach will be used to provide students an orderly and logical way of learning to read, along with the teaching of comprehension skills. As students progress in reading ability, they will learn to engage texts of increasing complexity.
Grammar studies will aid students in critical reading and in expressing themselves clearly and creatively as they communicate God's Truth with others.
The study of composition will enable students to communicate clearly through various forms of written expression.
The process and product of communication reflects the very nature of God. All language arts courses are taught in a way to enable the student to think and communicate in logical and creative ways as reflected in the nature of God.
Sixth Grade English - (two semesters)
Students are presented with a systematic view of the writing process. Composition and mechanics are covered with a focus on reflective writing. Biblical principles are drawn from classical literature selections. There is an emphasis on literary elements, vocabulary, and higher-level thinking skills.
Seventh Grade English - (two semesters)
Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of grammar. The student is taught to think analytically and to write clearly and effectively. Descriptive and narrative writing is the focus for this year. Students learn to interpret, analyze, evaluate, and appreciate authors, works, themes, and terms in light of a biblical worldview.
Eighth Grade English - (two semesters)
Students thoroughly review grammar and mechanics, while emphasizing the editing and revising phases of the writing process. Comparison and contrast writing are the focus of research papers during the year. Students will be reading literary works from a variety of genres including works from various cultures. Focus will be on identifying and analyzing the five basic elements of literary works, learning literary concepts and terminology, and evaluating works based on their moral tone.
History is the study of how God has established and developed His world and the people in it. We always seek to recognize God's sovereignty and hand in history for His ultimate purpose. The providential working of God is acknowledged throughout history in the past, present, and future. Our history classes survey American history, world history, government, Texas history, geography, social studies and economics with emphasis on patriotism, character development, and the variety of contributions made by persons and events in history.
World Studies - Sixth Grade (two semesters)
Survey of world cultures from the Middle Ages to the present with an emphasis on comparing world governments, religions, economic systems and cultures.
Texas History - Seventh Grade (two semesters)
Course content includes history before Texas became a state, geography, and famous Texans.
American Republic - Eighth Grade (two semesters)
Students learn to view American history with an emphasis on people and events that shaped American character. There is a focus on journal excerpts, patriotic writings, direct quotations, and presidential profiles.
Science acknowledges that the world in which we live belongs to God, our Heavenly Father, who designed the world in His perfect will of relationships. God has given us the responsibility to learn about the natural laws in order that we may take care of the world He has given us.
In science, students will see God's world through application of technology. These learning experiences, based on God's word, will allow students' knowledge of His creation to increase and will affirm their faith in the creator, enabling them to use science to the glory of God.
Life Science - Sixth Grade (two semesters)
The living world with all its wonders is presented from a biblical worldview with content on organism classification, cellular biology, genetics, and the differences between Creation and evolution. These topics provide a firm foundation for chapters on microbiology, botany, zoology, ecology, and human anatomy.
Earth Science - Seventh Grade (two semesters)
The authority and historical accuracy of the Bible are revealed in God's handiwork on earth and in the heavens. Students study the earth, its processes, its design, and its wondrous details. Topics include tectonic processes, landforms, fossils, oceanography, atmosphere, climate, and space exploration.
Physical Science - Eighth Grade (two semesters)
This introductory survey course in chemistry and physics will encourage students to think using a logical series of steps and apply this technique to solving problems while preparing students for future study in these disciplines. Areas of study include scientific measurements, atomic theory, elements & compounds, chemical equations, classical mechanics, thermodynamics, energy, and electricity & magnetism. All of these topics will be presented through the Christian view of science.
Mathematics demonstrates God's order in an abstract world of numbers. In mathematics, the students will learn through incremental steps as the Bible states, "precept upon precept, line upon line..." (Isaiah 28:10). Math students must build concept upon concept and develop sequential mastery of mathematical principles.
Math Course I - Sixth Grade (two semesters)
The focus of early chapters is on numbers, their operations and their algebraic representations. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving situations and skills and using estimation to check reasonableness. Later chapters include topics such as integers, functions, and probabilities.
Math Course II - Seventh Grade (two semesters)
This course covers rational numbers, their operations, and their algebraic representations. Students learn measurement conversions, area, averages, and data displays. Emphasis is on topics such as equations and functions, geometry, square roots, and probability. Skill practice and problem solving is covered in every lesson.
Pre-Algebra - Seventh or Eighth Grade (two semesters)
This course is designed to move students from the intermediate levels of math to the secondary level by providing a strong foundation in algebra skills. It will help transform concrete thinking into abstract, mathematical problem solving. The introduction of formulas containing constants is incorporated with applications of a wide range of mathematical skills.
Algebra I - Eighth or Ninth Grade (two semesters)
Students will use concrete, numerical, algorithmic, and graphical tools to explore topics that include basic concepts of real numbers, algebraic thinking, functions, linear equation/functions, inequalities, quadratic expressions, polynomials, radicals, nonlinear functions, data analysis, graphing, and applications.
Art - Students study the elements of art and types of techniques, along with an overview of art history throughout the middle school years. 6th graders are required to take Art one semester. 7th and 8th graders may choose Art as an elective for one year.
Theatre Arts - 6th grade students take Theatre Arts of one semester. 7th and 8th graders can choose Theatre Arts for a whole year.
Computer - Computer meets once a week all year for all 6th - 8th graders. We emphasize keyboarding and Google applications for 6th grade, presentation software for 7th grade, and web design/coding for 8th grade.
Spanish - Students will learn new grammar points and vocabulary essential for effective communication in Spanish while improving their ability to speak, read, write, and understand the language. One semester of Spanish is required each year for 6th - 8th graders.
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