7th & 8th Grade Curriculum Religion Students study the Old Testament and New Testament on an alternating two-year schedule. Oral memory work consists of approximately 60 Bible passages and is self-directed. Written memory tests on the Six Chief Parts of Lutheran doctrine are taken on Wednesday mornings. Math Three options are available for 7th & 8th grade students based on ability and past math performance. Fundamentals of Algebra (7th/8th) 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 (8th) 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 (8th) 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 We alternate on a two year schedule studying World Geography and U.S. History (Civil War to present). 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. 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 Life science and Physical science are studied on a 2 year schedule. In Life science we study the similarities and differences within the 5 kingdoms of living things. Even though evolution is prevalent within our textbooks, the origin and development of life is taught from a Creation-based viewpoint. In Physical science we study matter and energy and their interaction. Basic chemistry, laws of nature, and physics are included in the topics discussed. 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... English The Textbook is used to review and extend grammar skills. The students go beyond basic grammar and into diagramming sentences to understand word use. These skills are improved to enable the student to write in test essay form, regular essay form and a 10 page research paper. Physical Education and 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 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. Art Students express themselves through self-portraits, paintings, scale-drawings and other various media and projects. Students will work on an individual level as well as a unit to complete set design and artwork for music programs and pageants. 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. A trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts or Pewabic Pottery in Detroit is usually taken at this time to further enhance their appreciation for art. Music Students are offered the opportunity to explore various beats and rhythms. Students play percussion and sing. In addition, the students learn the written value of musical notes, and become acquainted with compositions and composers of various time periods. 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. Textbook and Other Sources: Religion Voyages Old Testament Concordia Publishing, 2002 Religion Voyages New Testament Concordia Publishing, 2002 Math Fundamentals of Algebra I Sadlier-Oxford, 2009 Foundations of Algebra II Sadlier-Oxford, 2009 Algebra 1 Sadlier-Oxford, 2010 English 7 Grammar & Composition I BEKA, 1999 English 8 Grammar & Composition II BEKA, 1999 Science: Physical Science Glencoe, 2005 Life Science Glencoe, 2002 History United States History Holt, 2007 Geography World Geography Holt, 2007

7th & 8th Grade Curriculum

Religion

Students study the Old Testament and New Testament on an alternating two-year schedule. Oral memory work consists of approximately 60 Bible passages and is self-directed. Written memory tests on the Six Chief Parts of Lutheran doctrine are taken on Wednesday mornings.

Math

Three options are available for 7th & 8th grade students based on ability and past math performance.

Fundamentals of Algebra (7th/8th)

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 (8th)

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 (8th)

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

We alternate on a two year schedule studying World Geography and U.S. History (Civil War to present). 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. 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

Life science and Physical science are studied on a 2 year schedule. In Life science we study the similarities and differences within the 5 kingdoms of living things. Even though evolution is prevalent within our textbooks, the origin and development of life is taught from a Creation-based viewpoint. In Physical science we study matter and energy and their interaction. Basic chemistry, laws of nature, and physics are included in the topics discussed.

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...

English

The Textbook is used to review and extend grammar skills. The students go beyond basic grammar and into diagramming sentences to understand word use. These skills are improved to enable the student to write in test essay form, regular essay form and a 10 page research paper.

Physical Education and 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

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.

Art

Students express themselves through self-portraits, paintings, scale-drawings and other various media and projects. Students will work on an individual level as well as a unit to complete set design and artwork for music programs and pageants. 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. A trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts or Pewabic Pottery in Detroit is usually taken at this time to further enhance their appreciation for art.

Music

Students are offered the opportunity to explore various beats and rhythms. Students play percussion and sing. In addition, the students learn the written value of musical notes, and become acquainted with compositions and composers of various time periods.

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.

Textbook and Other Sources:

Religion Voyages Old Testament Concordia Publishing, 2002

Religion Voyages New Testament Concordia Publishing, 2002

Math Fundamentals of Algebra I Sadlier-Oxford, 2009

Foundations of Algebra II Sadlier-Oxford, 2009

Algebra 1 Sadlier-Oxford, 2010

English 7 Grammar & Composition I BEKA, 1999

English 8 Grammar & Composition II BEKA, 1999

Science: Physical Science Glencoe, 2005

Life Science Glencoe, 2002

History United States History Holt, 2007

Geography World Geography Holt, 2007