English/Language Arts

SIXTH GRADE

• Grammar study and usage
• Novel theme “Around the World through Literature”
• Reading for learning that reinforces reading skills
• Plot, setting, characterization, and conflict
• Purpose, audience and writing composition in response to literature

SEVENTH GRADE

• Writing processes including grammar, usage, and vocabulary development
• Writer’s techniques, character development, theme, and point of view
• Literary genres: novels, poetry, fables and folklores

EIGHTH GRADE

• Writing and vocabulary development
• Research papers
• Speech preparation, delivery and evaluation
• Literary analysis
• Character development

Mathematics

SIXTH GRADE
Course 1:

• Factors/multiples
• Fractions
• Decimals
• Percents
• Graphs
• Data analysis
• Predicting outcomes using integers and formulas
• Variables
• Basic geometric formulas

SEVENTH GRADE
Course 2:

• Introduction to algebra
• Integers and negative exponents
• Rational numbers
• Percentages
• Strategies for solving equations and inequalities
• Graphing of linear equations
• Areas and volume
• Ratio and proportion
• The Pythagorean Theorem

EIGHTH GRADE
Course 3:

• Solving equations and inequalities
• Operations with real numbers
• Graphing linear equations
• Applying formulas
• Solving systems of equations
• Exponents and radicals
• Operations with polynomials
• Solving and graphing quadratics
• Proportion

Geometry:

• Deductive reasoning
• Planning and writing proofs
• Lines, planes, angles
• Polygons
• Congruence
• Parallels
• Similarity
• Circles
• Solids
• Coordinate geometry
• Vectors
• Trigonometry
• Non-Euclidean geometries

Science

SIXTH GRADE
An overview of life science, earth science, physics and chemistry including:

• Cells and heredity
• Nutrition
• Plants
• Structure of matter
• Gravity and motion
• Plate tectonics
• Rocks and minerals

SEVENTH GRADE
Life Science:

• Classification of living organisms
• Ornithology
• Ecology
• Human body systems

EIGHTH GRADE
Earth Science:

• Astronomy
• Geology
• Meteorology
• Earth’s atmosphere
• Earth’s oceans
• Plate tectonics

Social Studies

SIXTH GRADE

• Minnesota history
• Research using source documents and historical materials
• Interaction of diverse cultures shaping Minnesota
• World geography
• Construction of world atlas
• Current events
• Privileges and responsibilities of United States and global citizenship

SEVENTH GRADE

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Geography
• Economics
• Colonial American history

EIGHTH GRADE

• United States history from the Revolutionary War to the present day
• Structure of U.S. government
• Current events
• Optional American history trip to Washington, D.C. in June

Bible

SIXTH GRADE

• The Old Testament narrative story of God’s chosen people and their experiences trusting the one true God
• Biblical character studies
• Prayer journaling and ways people pray
• Community service projects

SEVENTH GRADE

• The life of Jesus: birth, ministry, death and resurrection
• Gospel analogies, similes and parables
• Daily personal Bible reading
• Community service projects

EIGHTH GRADE

• The early Christian Church
• The Book of Acts and letters to the early Church
• Use of Bible dictionaries, concordances, Bible handbooks and atlases
• Comparison of Bible translations
• Daily personal Bible reading
• The Church in the 21st century
• Community service projects

World Languages

SIXTH GRADE
Latin (one semester):

• Vocabulary
• History
• Culture
• Influence on the English language

SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADES
Latin, French, Spanish, Chinese:

• Vocabulary for speaking, writing, reading and listening
• Culture and geography of country

Note: The first year Upper School language course are divided into a two-year study for 7th and 8th grade students. Successful completion of the Middle School language program allows a student to enroll in the second year language course in 9th grade.

Music
Middle School music offers a comprehensive approach to musicianship through participation in Performing Ensembles and Non-Performing music electives. Voice lessons, instrumental lessons, and keyboard studies are also available.

SIXTH GRADE
Performing Ensembles:

• Girls’ Choir
• Boys’ Choir
• Band
• Strings

Non-Performing:

• General Music 6

SEVENTH GRADE
Performing Ensembles:

• Girls’ Choir
• Boys’ Choir
• Band
• Jazz Ensemble
• Strings

EIGHTH GRADE
Performing Ensembles:

• Girls’ Choir
• Boys’ Choir
• Band
• Jazz Ensemble
• Strings

Non-Performing:

• Explore Sound 8

Art
Arts courses seek to broaden students’ appreciation of art and their artistic skills through participating in the visual and performing arts. The arts curriculum promotes personal confidence, self-worth and creative expression as it integrates faith and learning. Students are encouraged to view their efforts as pleasing to God and of service to others.

SIXTH GRADE Art 6 (one trimester):

• Introduction to various artistic styles, media, and elements of design

SEVENTH GRADE
Art 7:

• Artist study (Van Gogh, Savage, Picasso) and modeling of styles
• Watercolor, acrylics, pencil sketches
• Elements of design

EIGHTH GRADE
Art 8:

• Acrylic painting
• Sculpting with clay
• Colored pencil drawing
• Expression of beliefs through art

Drama and Theater 8:

• Fundamentals of acting
• Oral interpretation
• Improvisation
• Technical theater

Physical Education/Health
Students further develop their physical fitness level while enhancing skills in selected individual and team sports. Sportsmanship, lifetime fitness, participation, and social development are emphasized. Various health topics re interspersed throughout the year. All Middle School students take the Presidential Fitness Tests. All classes are co-ed.

Technology/Library/Media
Teaching of technology and library-use skills are taught as part of the curriculum within individual subject areas. One-trimester courses in Keyboarding (required) and Advanced Computer Applications and Tools are also offered.