The Woodlands Christian Academy

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Curriculum Overview

 Middle School Curriculum Overview
 “Study to show yourself approved unto God…” 2 Timothy 2:15

Sixth Grade Required subjects:
• Literature
• Grammar
• Mathematics
• Earth Science
• Ancient Civilizations
• Biblical Studies
• Physical Education
• Electives

Seventh Grade required subjects:
 • Literature
• Grammar
• Pre-Algebra or Mathematics
• Life Science
• American History to 1867
• Biblical Studies
• Physical Education
• Electives

Eighth Grade required subjects:
• English
• Algebra I*** or Pre-Algebra
• Integrated Physics/Chemistry
• Modern American History
• Biblical Studies
• Physical Education
• Spanish I or Latin I***

 Electives Elective Courses: Speech***
Computer
Theater
Band
Art
Latin I or Spanish I***
 *** Denotes high school credit

Core Curriculum
English
In sixth and seventh grade, language arts is divided into two separate classes: literature and grammar. The literature program places a strong emphasis on the reading-writing connection. The program encourages the students to build a lifelong love of reading and serves as a focus for developing all language arts skills. Vocabulary and word usage skills, literary analysis, reference and study skills are emphasized as well. The study of English grammar acquaints the student with correct usage of the language. The writing process is again emphasized as students pre-write, draft, revise, edit and publish their works. Different writing modes and genres are explored. Both classes integrate reading, writing, listening, speaking skills, and higher-level thinking.

In eighth grade having acquired a strong foundation in literature and grammar, the English classes combine the two disciplines into a single class with a continued emphasis on the writing process. Students are challenged to develop their critical thinking skills as they increase their ability to analyze and interpret various genres of literature.

Mathematics
The sixth grade mathematics curriculum is designed to expand students' knowledge of numbers (whole numbers, decimals, fractions, rational and irrational numbers, and integers), computation, estimation, measurement, geometry, statistics, probability, patterns, and the fundamentals of algebra. The seventh grade mathematics program offers pre-algebra or a continuation of the foundational mathematics course. The general math course continues to develop and expand the competencies, skills, and concepts mastered in fifth and sixth grade. Pre – Algebra: seventh or eighth grade. The pre-algebra curriculum is designed to encourage learning by understanding concepts through numerous examples solved with clear step-by-step explanations. This curriculum helps ease the transition from arithmetic to algebra. By review and building on arithmetic skills of the traditional mathematics curriculum, a foundation is laid for success in algebra and other secondary math courses. Eighth grade students will take either pre-algebra or algebra I. In algebra I, the students will begin by reviewing algebraic concepts and broaden their skills by practicing the different algebraic properties such as commutative, associative and reviewing integers and their properties. This is followed by units on graphing equations, polynomials, radical and rational expressions, relations and function and quadratic equations. The course year ends with instruction in trigonometry, probability and statistics.

Science
The sixth grade earth science curriculum is designed to give students a better understanding of our planet and universe. Topics covered include: meteorology, geology, paleontology, oceanography and astronomy. Group projects and experiments help students understand difficult concepts while laboratory investigations allow students to practice using the scientific method. An appreciation for the majesty of God and His creation is developed through sixth grade science studies. The seventh grade life science curriculum focuses on the study of living organisms. This course covers the following topics: the cell and the basic necessities of life, heredity and classification, plant and animal kingdoms, ecosystems and cycles in nature, environmental problems and solutions, and the human body and its systems. Learning takes place with the use of the scientific method, cooperative learning in groups, and hands on activities. Students will learn to relate to life science to the everyday world, and grow in their knowledge of God the creator of all life. Eighth grade students study integrated physics and chemistry (IPC), a course that introduces students to the basic concepts of physics and chemistry. Through this year course, God is seen as the establisher of the laws and relationships that hold everything together. Problem solving, critical thinking, and science processing skills are practiced during the year as students participate in a variety of inquiry-based laboratory activities. Topics studied include: laboratory techniques, scientific method, properties and states of matter, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, Newton’s Laws, forces in fluids, work and machines, electricity and waves.

History
God is sovereign and no man or nation can over-rule Him. God has a plan He is carrying to completion; history records the progress of that plan. God’s dealings in history show us what He is like. The history of nations is dependent on their responses to God and His people. The three main goals are to develop knowledge of God, to encourage Christian growth, and promote historic/geographic literacy. In sixth grade using a variety of sources and learning strategies, students learn about the major civilizations of the ancient world. For each civilization the students will learn to: sequence events; use a timeline; summarize data; make predictions and inferences; infer relationships; formulate opinions; identify sources of information; work with maps and globes; interpret and use information from charts, tables, graphs, and diagrams; identify key documents; value the rights of citizenship and show respect for heritage. In seventh grade students begin the first part of a two part course that acquaints them with a comprehensive approach to American political, economic, military, and social history. Students study the early explorers, the founding of the thirteen original colonies, the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, Jacksonian Democracy, and westward expansion. They examine the triumph and tragedy of the Civil War and subsequent reconstruction of the nation. Continuing on from their seventh grade studies, the eighth grade students look at the history of the United States from reconstruction to present day. While dealing with major events such as World War I, the Great Depression and World War II, the second half of the course concentrates on civics, the way our nation's government is organized, how it operates, and how it is related to our daily lives and experiences. This study places special emphasis on the analysis of our constitution, separation of governmental powers, and the resulting bicameral legislature.

Biblical Studies
In sixth grade students undertake a study of the history, literature, and geography of the New Testament as it relates to the life and ministry of Jesus, and the birth and growth of the New Testament church as it spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and continued the work of the Messiah designed to bring about the redemption of all creation. In seventh grade, students study the history, literature, and geography of the Old Testament as it relates to the development of the nation of Israel from Genesis through II Samuel In eighth grade students complete their study of the Old Testament from I Kings through Malachi with continued reference to background, history, contents, and major teachings and themes.

Electives Course Offerings

Foreign Language ***Both courses are for high school credit.
In their eighth grade year students must choose either Latin I or Spanish I.

Latin I
The study of Latin and its inflected nature is an exercise of one’s logical and critical thinking skills. The Latin student must process the endings of nouns, verbs, and adjectives and determine word function, tense, voice, mood, etc. Additionally, Latin continues to be an imperative study for it is the mater lingua of Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian, making its study of significant import. English, too, has benefited from Latin with at least 60% of its vocabulary coming from Latin roots. A study of the Latin grammatical constructs will aid a student in his understanding of English grammar. It is from this integrative approach that we teach Latin at TWCA. It is our desire to plumb the depths of the benefits of Latin by teaching its vocabulary and grammar and exposing our students to great classical literary works and contemporary Latin phrases of significant import.

Spanish I
The intent of the Spanish curriculum is to maximize the use of Spanish in the classroom and create a context in which students hear and use Spanish in an uncontrived way. This technique involves teaching Spanish directly in Spanish whenever possible. We believe that students should develop the four skills of language learning – listening, speaking, reading, and writing in conjunction with one another. The Spanish I course is designed to allow the student to begin to master basic survival needs and courtesy requirements such as greeting and taking leave, asking and answering simple questions, and giving one’s name and age. The students should also be able to perform certain functions with the language, such as ordering a meal, making purchases, following directions, and making small talk about family, church, school, and sports. In addition, the student should be able to describe and relate events in the present and preterit tenses, express future time, and have a notion of gender, number, and subject-verb agreement.

Computer
In the scope of the middle school experience, the students will touch upon the topics listed below: • Keyboarding by touch: accuracy and speed • 35 wpm by touch by end of seventh grade • Basic care, terminology, and etiquette on computer and network • Word processing, graphics: paint vs. draw, desktop publishing, PowerPoint, database, and spreadsheets • Programming in Logo. • Internet treasure hunts and web quests • Web pages from code and using generators. • Ethics & morals with software • Safety on the internet

Theater Arts
The Theater Arts elective is an introduction to drama incorporated with music and movement education. This course will focus on building confidence, enhancing personal character and nurturing talent. It will seek to challenge students to step outside their comfort zones and reach for maximum potential. Students will be encouraged to develop self-confidence through guided opportunity in voice realization and presentation, and be taught to appreciate drama through study of style and history.

Art
Four basic strands--perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation--provide broad, unifying structures for organizing the knowledge and skills students are expected to acquire. Students rely on their perceptions of the environment, developed through increasing visual awareness and sensitivity to surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences, as a source for creating artwork. They express their thoughts and ideas creatively, while challenging their imagination and fostering reflective thinking. By analyzing artistic styles and historical periods students develop respect for the traditions and contributions of diverse cultures. Students respond to and analyze artwork, thus contributing to the development of lifelong skills of making informed judgments and evaluations.

Speech
***This course is for high school credit.
Speech class is an introduction to speech writing and public speaking. It will include presenting and writing informative, persuasive, and impromptu speeches in conjunction with a study of the elements of public speaking. Elements such as voice, diction, posture; eye contact, effective listening, and personal confidence will be the presented. Students will also be expected to analyze famous speeches based on performance and structural format.

Band
This course offers the opportunity for students to be involved in a performance group. Students will be instructed in how to develop their musicianship and playing technique on their chosen instrument. Students will use standard music terminology to explain music, music notation, musical instruments and performances. Students will play a variety of musical works from diverse cultures and styles both independently and in a group. This is a performance based class; therefore students will be assessed primarily on their participation and performance level. A participation grade will be given after most class periods. A high participation level is expected at all times. Daily practice is required.

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