Academics

3rd Grade Curriculum

4th Grade Curriculum

5th Grade Curriculum

6th Grade Curriculum

7th Grade Curriculum

8th Grade Curriculum

 

 

3rd Grade Curriculum/Key Learnings

BIBLE

Accepting His Plan: The Plan of Redemption, God’s plan for the church and for the individual

• Understand the importance of studying scripture in daily life

• Understand that God and the angels He created lived in heaven in perfect harmony before sin

• Understand that sin and its effects are the result of the universal conflict between God and Satan

• Know that death is a consequence of sin, but God has the power to raise the dead from their graves

• Explain Jesus’ role as Messiah, Savior and Redeemer in the plan of salvation

• Know that Christians are part of God’s family and have a responsibility to witness and serve others

• Understand that all people are equal in God’s sight and are accepted into the Family of God

• Know how God has worked in history to preserve the Christian church

• Understand that each person has spiritual gifts and talents

• Know that the power to make right choices is provided by grace

• Understand that Jesus is coming back for all who have chosen to follow Him and will live with Him in Heaven and the New Earth

LANGUAGE ARTS/ENGLISH

Literature

• Continue to identify literary elements of character, setting, plot, main events and problems

• Continue to predict outcomes based on prior knowledge, illustrations and/or context

• Identify author’s purpose and intended audience

• Identify whether the selection is based on fact or opinion

• Draw and support logical conclusions based on the selection

Comprehension

• Extend ability to identify cause and effect and to make simple predictions

• Continue to identify main idea and sequence of events

• Demonstrate literal comprehension by identifying answers in grade level selections

• Begin to use a variety of strategies such as skimming to locate information and clarify meaning in grade level materials

• Continue to understand and interpret information from sources such as charts, graphs, tables, diagrams

• Evaluate information, draws conclusions and makes judgments

• Follow simple multiple-step written instructions

Phonetics

• Read aloud grade appropriate narrative and expository text fluently with expression

• Continue to use phonetic and structural analysis, syntax and visual cues to understand words

• Alphabetize a list of words to the third letter

• Read at a target rate of 120 words correct per minute by the end of the third grade

Vocabulary

• Practice using context clues to define words

• Continue to practice understanding word relationships (e.g., antonyms, synonyms, homophones and homographs)

• Introduce figurative language, idioms, analogies and classification

• Use dictionaries, encyclopedias, CD ROMs and internet to extend meaning and locate information

Writing Conventions, Structure and Grammar

• Write legibly in cursive and manuscript

• Begin to read cursive

• Spell grade-appropriate words

• Use nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives and adverbs appropriately in writing

• Capitalize geographical names, holidays, book titles and special events correctly

• Indent the beginning of a paragraph

• Use commas in dates, locations, addresses and items in a series

• Begin uses of quotation marks

• Continue to use basic rules of punctuation correctly

Writing Modes

• Begin to write using a variety modes according to ability level: narratives, expository, descriptive, persuasive

• Continue using a variety of writing methods to express ideas for different audiences: brief reports, letters, book reports, journal entries, comparison/contrast and opinion paragraphs, skits/plays

Writing Process

• Continue to use the writing process: prewriting, writing, revising, publishing and editing

• Use declarative, interrogative and exclamatory sentences

• Write a single paragraph that includes a topic sentence, facts and details, simple transitions and a concluding sentence

• Write a composition that describes and explains familiar objects

• Use multimedia for publication and presentation

• Practice using the three writing traits of organization, conventions and ideas to self-reflection

Communication

• Continue to contribute to class discussions

• Listen without interrupting

• Convey main ideas appropriate to audience and purpose, using clear delivery

MATH

Algebra

• Understand that mathematics is the study of many kinds of patterns

• Construct a pattern and articulate why the pattern works

• Represent and describe mathematical relationships in words and symbols

• Supply missing numbers in number sentences and sequences

Operations

• Add and subtract numbers to 4 digits with and without renaming

• Maintain recall of addition and subtraction facts to 20

• Demonstrate understanding of multiplication and division using concrete objects

• Construct fact families for multiplication and division

• Instantly recall multiplication facts 0-10

• Multiply or divide a two-digit number by a one-digit number

• Understand the commutative property of addition and multiplication

• Understand the zero property of multiplication and division

• Round numbers to the nearest 10 and 100 using number lines and money

• Use mental math to estimate addition and subtraction and to multiply by 10 and 100

Data Analysis/Probability

• Collect, organize, display and describe data from experiments, surveys and questionnaires

• Construct graphs

• Carry out simple experiments and compare predicted and actual outcomes

• Use concepts of probability in everyday situations

Geometry

• Identify points, lines, segments, coordinates, vertices, angles, edges and faces

• Visualize, sort, classify, model, draw and describe plane and solid figures

• Understand and find area, perimeter and volume

• Identify parallel, perpendicular and congruent

• Identify elements of geometry in natural and constructed environments

Measurements

• Tell time to the minute using “before and/or after the hour” on standard and digital clocks

• Understand and use A.M. and P.M.

• Use calendar to determine dates of past and future days, weeks and months

• Estimate and measure length to the nearest half inch, inch, foot, centimeter and meter

• Estimate and measure liquid capacity using cups, pints, quarts and gallons

• Estimate and measure temperature and weight using thermometers and scales

• Use concrete objects to determine area and volume

• Count and write money amounts to ten dollars and begin to make change

Numbers

• Count by 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s, 10’s, 25’s and 100’s

• Identify odd and even numbers through 100

• Identify the number of ones, tens, hundreds and thousands in a given numeral

• Recognize numerical relationships from 1-100 using between, before, after, equal to, least and greatest

• Compare and order numbers to 10,000

• Use models to compare fractions with like and unlike denominators

Problem Solving

• Select relevant information and strategies, formulate a number sentence and solve the problem

• Solve one and two-step word problems

• Label answers to word problems

• Communicate the solution process clearly using words, diagrams or pictures

• Review solutions for accuracy and reasonableness

SCIENCE (Grade Level Rotated)

Physical: Electricity/Magnetism, Force/Motion: Friction, Gravity,

        and Inertia

• Identify the basic nature of current and static electricity

• Define force and friction and explain how they affect movement

• Define gravity and describe how it affects matter

• Compare the gravitational attraction of objects of varying mass

• Define inertia and describe the its effects

• Describe how forces affect the motion of objects

Life: Birds, Mammals, Classification

• Describe the basic needs of living things

• Describe how animals gather and store food, defend themselves, find shelter and adapt to their environments

• Describe how related animals have similar characteristics

• Explain food chains and food webs and identify producers and consumers in an ecosystem

• Classify organisms according to characteristics that are similar and different

Earth: Meteorology: Atmosphere, Water Cycle, Seasons, Weather Elements; Space Exploration

• Describe the composition of the atmosphere

• Describe the water cycle including precipitation, condensation, and cloud formation

• Explain the change of seasons and why Earth is unequally heated

• Identify the elements of weather including air pressure, temperature, wind, and humidity

• Identify and trace the movement of objects in the sky

• Describe the earth’s place in the solar system and the patterns of movement of objects within the solar system 

• Recognize the contributions of space exploration, past and present

Health: Nutrition, Family Health Habits, Consumer Health

• Describe healthy dietary guidelines

• Categorize foods in the food pyramid

• Explain how the body utilizes basic nutrients

• Understand how the family influences personal health and how health-related problems impact the whole family

• Identify proper consumer health care habits (e.g., regular visits to dentist, doctor, etc.)

Scientific Inquiry

• Make observations

• Ask questions or form hypotheses based on these observations

• Plan a simple investigation

• Collect data from the investigation

• Use the data collected from the investigation to explain the results

• Safely use and store tools and equipment   

Service/Career Options:

• Explore ways to use Physical, Life, Health, and/or Earth Science to serve the community

• Identify careers in areas of Science

SOCIAL STUDIES (Grade Level Rotated)

History: Communities (Time, Communities: Past and Present)

• Understand how God works through people to help make the community a better place

• Understand time: years, decades, centuries

• Understand time lines and history of your community

• Understand the community through traditions and local holidays

• Understand the contributions and significance of historical figures in your community

• Understand the development of communities (e.g., pioneers/explorers, Native People, ethnic groups)

Civics: Ideas about Civic Life, Politics and Government

• Follow the rules (laws and expectations) of the community

• Respect the rights and property of others

• Understand the role of diversity and the importance of shared values in the United States 

•  Understand the components of rural and urban government

• Know the importance of Christian citizenship

• Develop responsibility through good decision making

• Understand the roles of volunteerism and organized groups in American social and political life

Geography: Geographic Features and Patterns of the Environment

• Know the basic elements of maps and globes and construct maps of your community

• Identify how the characteristics of places are shaped by physical and human processes

• Understand how climate and weather help to shape features on the earth’s surface

Economics:  Interaction of Supply and Demand in a Market

Economy

• Understand responsibilities of Christian stewardship

• Understand the needs of your community

• Know about the finances of a community

• Learn about the goods, services and government in a community

• Know the importance of business and services in a community

• Identify means of transportation and communication within your community

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• Demonstrate mastery of locomotor skills, non-locomotor skills and object-control skills

• Use simple combinations of fundamental movement skills

• Use locomotor skills in rhythmical patterns

• Use body control in balance and weight-bearing activities (e.g., jumping and landing, one and two foot takeoffs and landings)

• Use smooth transitions between sequential motor skills (e.g., running into jumping)

• Use control in travel activities (e.g., change speeds and directions in response to various rhythms)

• Apply positive behavior management, including respect for individual differences

• Understand a vocabulary of basic movement concepts

• Understand that God created you have life-long physical activity

• Practice safety precautions in physical activity

TECHNOLOGY

• Uses hardware properly

• Begin troubleshooting for basic malfunctions

• Practice using the keyboard

• Become familiar with proper computer terms

• Use computers to express ideas with drawing, multi-media and word processing software

• Learn file management

• Learn about technology related occupations and use in everyday life

• Practice courtesy and respecting of computer time

ART         

• Identify and use complementary colors 

• Learn and use organic forms

• Create art work by using elements of design 

• Create portraits and illustrate stories  

• Identify art and artists in various cultures throughout history

MUSIC

• Recognize major and minor tonality (sounds)

• Recognize AABB and AABA patterns

• Identify different solo voices

• Identify music styles from different countries

• Learn to use the hymnal index

• Participate in Musicals

 

4th Grade Curriculum/Key Learnings

BIBLE

Following in His Way: God the Creator, Sustainer and Friend

• Understand that the Bible contains a powerful message for humanity

• Know the structure and divisions of the Bible

• Understand that the “Fruit of the Spirit” are an expression of God’s character

• Understand and accept the free gift of salvation

• Know the importance of developing and exercising faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Savior

• Realize the importance of preparing for a mission and service for God

• Identify specific spiritual gifts given to important New Testament characters

• Understand that God has a plan for your life and will lead you to develop a Christ-like character

• Understand that expressions of adoration are an important part of worship

• Understand the importance of examining and accepting God’s unconditional love and forgiveness

•  Know that worship and obedience is a natural response to God’s gift of salvation

LANGUAGE ARTS/ENGLISH

Literature

• Read a variety of literature

• Continue to identify literary elements: character, setting, plot, main events, problem/solution

• Continue to predict probable future outcomes, actions or events

• Identify social and historical context

• Draw inferences about a character’s motive, feeling, attitude and actions

• Continue to identify whether the selection is based on facts or opinions

• Identify and defines figurative language

Comprehension

• Continue to use a variety of purpose-appropriate strategies to locate and identify meaning (e.g., cause/effect, main idea, etc.)

• Summarize and/or paraphrase a selection

• Continue to identify similarities and differences in characters, times and places

• Practice drawing conclusions about the author’s motivation, viewpoint and purpose

• Expand use of information in illustrations, charts and graphs to help understand a reading passage

• Continue to use structural patterns, text organizers and parts of books

• Practice following oral and written multiple-step instructions

Phonetics

• Divide words into syllables and place correct accent marks

• Read aloud narrative and expository text with grade-appropriate fluency and expression

Vocabulary

• Continue using context clues to define words

• Use of a variety of resources to aid in the understanding of new words

• Continue to apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, synonyms, antonyms and idioms to determine the meaning of words and phrases

Writing Conventions, Structure, and Grammar

• Write fluidly and legibly in cursive and manuscript

• Continue to read cursive

• Spell grade-appropriate words

• Use nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs and prepositions appropriately in writing

• Practice and refine the structure for paragraphing

• Capitalize names of magazines, newspapers, historical periods, works of art, musical compositions, organizations and the first word in quotations

• Broaden punctuation skills in writing

Writing Modes

• Use a variety of writing modes: persuasive, expository, narratives, descriptive

• Use a variety of writing to express ideas for different audiences: reports, note taking and writing responses to literature/informational text, letters, poetry, comparison/contrast and opinion essays, skit/play 

Writing Process                                          

• Continue to use the writing process: prewriting, writing, editing, revising, publishing

• Spell grade appropriate words

• Continue to use a variety of sentence patterns and lengths

• Use a variety of transitional words

• Choose words for clarity, purpose and audience

• Write with a distinct voice

• Use dialogue

• Maintain a consistent point of view (e.g., first and third)

• Write clear, focused, multi-paragraph compositions that describe and explain familiar objects, events and experiences

• Use multimedia for publication and presentation

• Continue to practice using the three writing traits of organization, conventions and ideas to self reflect

• Introduce the three additional writing traits of voice, sentence fluency and word choice

Communication

• Continue to contribute to class discussions

• Make eye contact during oral presentations

• Identify the use of non-verbal cues used in conversation

• Begin to identify persuasive messages  

• Convey clearly focused main idea with supporting details in proper sequence, making connection and transition among ideas and elements

MATH

Algebra

• Recognize, create, describe and extend a variety of numeric and geometric patterns and identify the function that creates the pattern

• Write number sentences using symbols to represent an unknown number

• Represent vertical notation in horizontal form

• Use ordered pairs to describe the position of a point on a single-quadrant coordinate graph

Operations

• Add or subtract any multi-digit whole numbers

• Instantly recall multiplication and division facts through 12

• Multiply up to a 3-digit whole number by a 1- or 2-digit whole number

• Divide up to a 4-digit dividend by a 1-digit whole number

• Divide by 10’s and 100’s

• Solve missing added and missing factor problems using inverse operations

• Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators (no renaming)

• Add, subtract, multiply and divide money

• Select the most appropriate calculation technique (mental math, paper and pencil, calculator)

• Round decimals to the nearest tenth or whole number and whole numbers to the nearest 10,000

• Use mental math to estimate addition, subtraction and multiplication

Data Analysis/ Probability

• Determine the number of possible combinations of two classes of objects

• Pose simple questions, collect data and communicate results orally and in writing

• Construct, read and interpret tables, charts and graphs

• Carry out simple experiments and compare predicted and actual outcomes

• Use concepts of probability in life situations (i.e. fair and unfair games)

• Determine the mean and median for a set of data

Geometry

• Define line, segment, ray, angle, right angle, polygon, quadrilateral, radius and diameter

• Visualize, classify, model, draw and describe plane and solid figures

• Understand area, perimeter, volume, parallel, perpendicular

• Explore symmetry, congruence and similarity

• Predict and describe the results of sliding, flipping and turning 2-dimensional shapes

Measurements

• Select appropriate units and tools and accurately measure length (to ¼ inch), perimeter, area, weight, volume, time, temperature and angles

• Determine dates before or after a given date and times before or after a given time

• Make simple unit conversions

• Determine by counting the value of a collection of bills and coins to $100

• Determine and justify whether exact or approximate measures are needed when given a realistic situation

Numbers

• Identify the place value of each digit in whole numbers to one million

• Write whole numbers to one million using expanded notation

• Extend place value to hundredths using base-ten blocks and money

• Identify fractional parts of regions and sets (halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, eights, tenths)

• Use models to find equivalent fractions

• Compare fractions with like and unlike denominators

• Read and understand simple mixed numbers

• Determine the LCM of two numbers less than 10

Problem Solving

• Select relevant information and strategies, formulate a number sentence and solve the problem

• Make estimates, collect data and explain results using symbols, pictures, models, diagrams

• Know the meaning of: sum, difference, product, quotient, factors

• Recognize and use various problem-solving techniques

• Review solutions for accuracy and reasonableness

SCIENCE

Physical: Atomic Structure/Matter

• Explain the structure of atoms and how they are the building blocks of matter

• Identify substances as they exist in different states of matter and how they may be changed

• Distinguish between chemical and physical changes in matter

Life: Plants: Classification, Growth, Photosynthesis, Reproduction, Structure/Function

• Group and classify plants based on a variety of characteristics (e.g., seed, non-seed, etc.)

• Identify conditions necessary for plant survival and growth

• Describe the steps of photosynthesis and sequence them

• Describe the life cycle of a plant including the process of pollination

• Describe basic plant structures and systems and identify their functions

• Understand ecosystems and communities and how plants adapt to survive

Earth: Environmental Use: Conservation/Ecology, Pollution

• Identify properties, uses and misuses of Earth materials

• Identify renewable and nonrenewable resources

• Explain how human activity affects the balance of nature

• Recognize that Earth materials are limited and explore strategies for addressing this problem

Health: Disease Prevention, First Aid, Community Health

• Identify sources of diseases and how they may be prevented

• Identify the appropriate first aid procedures to follow in case of emergency

• Identify important community health care resources

Scientific Inquiry

• Make observations

• Ask questions or form hypotheses based on these observations

• Plan a simple investigation

• Collect data from the investigation

• Use the data collected from the investigation to explain the results

• Safely use and store tools and equipment

Service/Career Options:

• Explore ways to use Physical, Life, Health, and/or Earth Science to serve the community

• Identify careers in areas of Science

SOCIAL STUDIES

History:  Earth’s Regions and Its People (Time, Technology, Native People, Early Settlers, National Leaders, Transportation, Holidays)

• Recognize the importance of God’s global mission and the work of the SDA church

• Understand time measurements: Dates in terms of centuries, BC-AD, time lines

• Understand current events and the history, traditions and holidays of your state, provinces and other regions of the world

• Know the influence of early settlers and native people in your region and state

• Recognize the impact of cultural influences in different regions of the world

Civics:  Ideas about Civic Life, Politics and Government

• Know the difference between power and authority

• Know the characteristics of an effective law and understand the consequences of the absence of government and laws

• Understand the role of diversity and the importance of shared values in the United States

• Understand the components of state government and the constitution

• Know the importance of Christian citizenship

• Develop responsibility through good decision making

• Understand the roles of volunteerism and organized groups in American social and political life

Geography: Geographic Features and Patterns of the Environment

• Know the basic elements of maps and globes

• Use a globe to clarify your knowledge of the earth

• Use charts and maps to show the physical and human characteristics of your state

• Know characteristics of other regions of the United States

• Know how the characteristics of places are shaped by physical and human processes

• Understand how climate and weather help to shape features on the earth’s surface

Economics

• Understand responsibilities of Christian stewardship in a global economy

• Know which goods and services are produced, delivered and shared in various regions; know why people produce them

• Know how our production of goods and services affects the environment

• Understand that limited resources make economic choices necessary

• Learn how technology impacts the world through inventors/inventions

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• Use smooth transitions between sequential motor skills

• Apply positive behavior management, including respect for individual differences

• Use concepts of space awareness and movement control with a variety of basic skills

• Understand the critical elements of a variety of basic movement patterns such as throwing

• Understand the importance of practice in learning skills

• Understand that God created you to have life-long physical activity

• Practice safety precautions in physical activity

TECHNOLOGY

• Use hardware properly

• Practice using the keyboard

• Begin troubleshooting for basic malfunctions

• Know proper technology terms

• Understand computer operations

• Become familiar with shared computer etiquette

• Use a variety of electronic resources to enhance learning and access information

• Learn about technology related occupations and use in everyday life

• Practice courtesy and respecting while sharing computer time

ART               

• Identify and use tints and shapes with paints or pastels

• Create art work by using several elements and principles of design 

• Use experience, observation and imagination to make visual art work 

• Experiment with a variety of computer graphic media and lettering

• Identify how historical or contemporary events influenced art   

MUSIC

• Identify staff, treble clef and measure

• Know names of lines and spaces of treble clef

• Distinguish between secular and sacred music

• Experience nationalistic and patriotic music

• Recognize an overture

 

5th Grade Curriculum/Key Learnings

BIBLE

Exploring God:  Through the Stories of the Old Testament

• Understand that God continues to offer the gift of salvation despite humanity’s rejection of Him

• Know that God’s character of love is revealed through His laws and interaction with His people

• Understand that God created humanity with the power of choice

• Understand the covenant relationship God initiated with His people and the role of faith, repentance and forgiveness

• Understand the importance of daily commitment to God and relying on His power for a victorious life

• Understand that God has always had a remnant of people that have remained a faithful witness for Him

• Know that each person has been given unique talents and spiritual gifts by God

• Understand the value of prayer, praise and reverence in communicating with God

• Identify the sanctuary as a symbol of God’s love, acceptance and restoration though the Gospel

LANGUAGE ARTS/ENGLISH

Literature

• Read a variety of literary forms: poetry, prose and culturally diverse literature

• Continue to relate selections to other texts, life experiences, issues or events

• Continue to identify the literary elements: character, setting, plot, problem/solution, theme, dialogue, point of view and style

• Identify the main conflict or problem in the plot and explain its resolution

• Continue to identify the use of literary devices (e.g., imagery, metaphor, symbolism, etc.)

Comprehension

• Make connections using critical thinking skills by drawing inferences and conclusions

• Distinguish between facts, inferences and opinions

• Continue to identify and understand main ideas and support details

• Continue to use table of contents, index, glossary

• Extend and apply interpretation of visuals (e.g., graphs, maps, charts)

• Use note taking and outlining skills

• Use a variety of specialized reference materials

• Continue to read text with grade appropriate fluency, accuracy and expression

Vocabulary

• Apply phonetic and structural analysis skills to identify and pronounce words in context

• Understand figurative language, analogies, classification

• Use resources to aid in understanding new words

• Use knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, contractions, word origins and possessives to help define words

Writing Conventions, Structure and Grammar

• Write cursive legibly in all subject areas

• Spell grade appropriate words

• Use nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs and prepositions appropriately in writing

• Use paragraph breaks

• Continue to broaden punctuation skills (e.g., commas, colons and quotation marks)

• Self-reflect using all Six Writing Traits

Writing Modes

• Continue to use a variety of writing modes: persuasive, expository, narrative, descriptive

• Use a variety of writing to express ideas for different audiences: informational reports, note taking, letters, summaries, comparison/contrast and opinion essays, plays, poetry

• Continue developing note taking, outlining, summarizing skills

• Continue to write a multiple paragraph narrative composition      

• Write responses to literature and informational text   

• Develop and write research reports about ideas, issues or events    

• Write business and friendly    

Writing Process

• Continue to use the writing process: prewriting, writing, editing, revising, publishing

• Use a variety of sentence structures with varied beginnings and lengths

• Continue to use clear transitional words or phrases

• Spell grade appropriate words

• Use multi-media for publication and presentation

• Support written ideas with reliable sources, using bibliography formats

• Use Six Writing Traits to reflect upon and evaluate own writing, identifying strengths and weaknesses (Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, Presentation)

Communication

• Continue to contribute to class discussions

• Listen and identify persuasive messages

• Communicate ideas using oral and visual ways appropriate to topic, context and purpose

MATH

Algebra

• Understand equations, expressions, variables and exponents

• Represent mathematical relationships using equations

• Solve simple equations for the unknown

• Understand and explain how a change in the value of one variable results in a change in the another

• Begin to understand order of operation rules

• Recognize that numbers can be expressed as integers, fractions, decimals, percents, exponents and in scientific notation

• Use ordered pairs to describe the position of a point on a four-quadrant coordinate graph

Operations

• Add and subtract any whole numbers and decimals to thousandths

• Multiply up to a 4-digit whole numbers by a 1- or 2-digit whole number

• Divide up to 4-digit dividends by 2-digit divisors with remainders

• Maintain instant recall of all addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts

• Use LCM to convert fractions to least common denominators

• Use GCF to reduce fractions to lowest terms

• Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers and mixed numbers to improper fractions

• Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators

• Introduce multiplication and division of decimals and fractions

• Find a given fraction of a whole number

• Round whole numbers and decimals to a given place value

• Use estimation to check the reasonableness of results

• Know key stroke sequences for solving problems with a calculator

Data Analysis/ Probability

• Collect, record, survey (using questionnaires), tally and sample

• Choose appropriate graphic and scale to display data

• Design and carry out simple experiments and compare predicted and actual outcomes

• Define and determine mean, median, mode and range for a set of data

• Make predictions and decisions based on the probability of given outcomes

• Use computers to assist in generating and analyzing data

Geometry

• Define perimeter, circumference, area, volume and surface area

• Visualize, classify, model, draw and describe plane and solid figures

• Classify angles (right, obtuse, acute)

• Understand the meaning of square units and cubic units

• Introduce formulas for calculating perimeter, area of quadrilaterals and triangles, and volume of cubes and rectangular prisms

Measurements

• Select appropriate units and tools to accurately measure length (to 1/8 inch), perimeter, area, weight, volume, time, temperature (including Celsius) and angles

• Make conversions between units – metric and standard

• Know the relationship between feet and miles, pounds and tons and decades and centuries

• Show proficiency in counting money and making change

Numbers

• Read, write and compare numbers from thousandths through billions

• Write numbers from thousandths to billions using expanded notation

• Extend the number line to include negative numbers

• Order whole numbers, fractions with unlike denominators and decimals to thousandths

• Identify factors, multiples, odd and even numbers and prime numbers to 100

• Relate a fraction to a point on a number line, a part of a whole, or a part of a set

• Model and write decimals as common fractions

• Understand the concept of percent and recognize common percentages

Problem Solving

• Select relevant information and strategies, formulate equations and solve multi-step problems

• Make estimates, collect data and justify results using symbols, pictures, models, diagrams

• Recognize and use various problem-solving techniques

SCIENCE

Physical: Energy Waves: Electromagnetic Spectrum, Heat, Light, Mirrors/Lenses, Sound, Waves

• Identify, describe and compare different types of wave energy

• Describe the organization of the electromagnetic spectrum and the uses/applications of each type of electromagnetic wave

• Compare electromagnetic (heat, light, radio) waves and mechanical (sound, water) waves

• Explore characteristics of heat, light, and sound

• Compare and contrast types of mirrors and lenses

• Define a wave and describe characteristics and features of waves

Life: Cells, Classification/Behavior, Fish

• Describe, explain and compare the structure and function of cells

• Identify the characteristics of living things

• Use the standard classification system to group animals based on their characteristics

• Identify features of fish that distinguish them from other classes of animals

Earth: Oceanography, Meteorology: Air Pressure, Climate, Earth’s Atmosphere, Water Cycle, Etc.

• Describe the physical structures of and ecosystems present in the ocean

• Study currents, tides and waves

• Explain air pressure and local/global winds, how they are measured and their effects on weather

• Distinguish between climate and weather and identify factors that affect climate

• Describe Earth’s atmospheric layers and the “greenhouse” effect

• Explain the water cycle and its relationship to weather and climatic patterns

Health: Reproductive System, Mental/Emotional Health

• Explain human reproduction and development

• Identify the physical, emotional, intellectual and social changes that occur at puberty

• Describe God’s plan for human sexual behavior

• Know ways to seek assistance if worried, abused or threatened

• Recognize how mood changes and strong feelings affect thoughts and behavior, and how they can be managed successfully

• Describe how personality, relationships and self-concept affect mental and emotional health.

Scientific Inquiry

• Make observations

• Ask questions or form hypotheses based on these observations

• Plan a simple investigation

• Collect data from the investigation

• Use the data collected from the investigation to explain the results

Safely use and store tools and equipment Service/Career Options:

• Explore ways to use Physical, Life, Health, and/or Earth Science to serve the community

• Identify careers in areas of Science

SOCIAL STUDIES

(History: United States History (Native People, Exploration/Colonization, Pre-Independence Movement, American Revolution, Territorial Expansion – 1801-1861, Sectionalism, Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrial Revolution, Social and Economic Reform, Global Conflicts, United States as World Power, Depression, Modern America, Current Events)

• Understand God’s ultimate control and protection over human affairs

• Describe the relationships between key people/groups, events and cultures in United States history

• Know causes and effects of key influences/events and be able to place them on a time line

• Understand and interpret key events and issues in United States history around commonality and diversity, continuity and change, conflict and cooperation, individualism and interdependence, interaction within different environments

• Interpret major events, issues and developments involved in making a new nation within the following topical areas: Land and people before Columbus, Age of Exploration, Settling the Colonies, War of Independence and Westward Expansion

• Understand the role and work of the SDA Church in North America 

Civics: Ideas about Civic Life, Politics and Government

• Understand how government works and how participation in government affects citizen life (e.g., check and balances, etc.)

• Understand the constitution of the United States and how it affects our lives

• Know how the constitution protects the rights of individuals

• Know the importance of Christian citizenship

• Understand socially acceptable ways of participation in activities to achieve group goals

Geography: Geographic Features and Patterns of the Environment

• Prepare, examine and interpret charts and maps that show key geographic information such as population, climate, natural resources, movement

• Locate and identify the continents of the world, the fifty states and the major cities of the United States and major physical features of North America

• Identify patterns of migrations and cultural interactions in the United States

• Understand the effects of weather/climate on migration patterns

• Recognize that limited resources are used to meet basic needs and unlimited wants

• Understand how physical and human activity (e.g., pollution, deforestation, flood plains) has impacted changes in physical environment

Economics

• Understand responsibilities of Christian stewardship in a global economy

• Understand that all economic choices have costs and benefits

• Understand the differences between needs and wants and their relationship to economic tradeoffs

• Understand how supply and demand and price increase and decrease influence consumers and the economy

• Identify economic systems and terms (e.g., capitalism, inflation, free enterprise)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• Use smooth transitions between sequential motor skills

• Apply positive behavior management, including respect for individual differences

• Use concepts of space awareness and movement control with a variety of basic skills

• Understand the critical elements of a variety of basic movement patterns such as throwing

• Understand the importance of practice in learning skills

• Understand that God created you to have life-long physical activity

• Practice safety precautions in physical activity

TECHNOLOGY

• Use hardware properly

• Practice using the keyboard

• Begin troubleshooting for basic malfunctions

• Know proper technology terms

• Understand computer operations

• Become familiar with shared computer etiquette

• Use a variety of electronic resources to enhance learning and access information

• Learn about technology related occupations and use in everyday life

• Practice courtesy and respecting while sharing computer time

ART         

• Identify and use tints and shapes with paints or pastels

• Create art work by using several elements and principles of design 

• Use experience, observation and imagination to make visual art work 

• Experiment with a variety of computer graphic media and lettering

MUSIC

• Read meter signatures (2/4, 3/4, 4/4)

• Identify staff, treble clef and measure

• Know names of lines and spaces of treble clef

•  Distinguish between secular and sacred music

• Recognize terms: ritardando, accelerando, allegro and andante

• Recognize how legato and staccato affect the way music is performed

• Experience nationalistic and patriotic music

• Recognize an overture

 

6th Grade Curriculum/Key Learnings

BIBLE

Exploring Jesus’ Life:  His Teaching, Death, Resurrection and the Early Church

• Identify the Bible as God’s way of communicating who He is to humanity

• Demonstrate how to use aides for greater understanding when studying the Bible

• Understand that God is omnipotent, omniscient and infinite, yet is affected by your response to Him

• Explain the relationship of God, heaven and the angels to Jesus and His life on earth

• Know what the great controversy is and how the plan of salvation relates to it

• Know the gospel story and why it is important to accept Jesus as Savior and model one’s life after His

• Understand the importance of baptism and becoming a part of God’s family

• Explain the mission of the church and the importance of using one’s spiritual gifts to share the Gospel with all people

• Understand the early development of the Christian church from a small band of disciples to an organized body of believers taking the Gospel to the world

LANGUAGE ARTS/ENGLISH

Literature

• Read a variety of literary forms: poetry, prose and culturally diverse literature

• Continue to connect reading selections to other texts, personal experiences, issues and events

• Continue to identify literary elements of rhyme, rhythm and figurative language

• Form and support opinions about the author’s purpose, style and selection’s effectiveness

• Recognize complex elements of plot 

• Identify and analyze development of themes conveyed through characters, actions and images

• Define how tone or meaning is conveyed in poetry through word choice, figurative language, sentence structure, line length, punctuation, rhythm, repetition and rhyme

Comprehension

• Follow multiple-step instructions for preparing applications

• Locate information, clarify meaning, and make inferences and generalizations (e.g., glossaries, indexes, headings)

• Continue to predict probable outcomes and actions

• Continue to summarize, paraphrase and draw conclusions

• Expand understanding of texts by creating outlines, notes, summaries or reports

• Continue to read text with grade appropriate fluency, accuracy and expressions

Vocabulary

• Continue to use word origins, suffixes, prefixes, root words, affixes, contractions, and possessives to expand vocabulary

• Identify and interpret figurative language and words with multiple meanings

• Increase word knowledge through systematic vocabulary development across the curriculum

• Use word, sentence and paragraph clues to determine meaning of unknown words

• Use resources to aid in understanding new words

Writing Conventions, Structure and Grammar

• Classify and use nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs and prepositions appropriately in writing

• Use paragraph breaks, including dialogue

• Spell grade appropriate words

• Continue to broaden punctuation skills (e.g., commas, colons and quotation marks)

• Understand and apply the Six Writing Traits

Writing Modes

• Broaden and continue using a variety of writing modes: persuasive, expository, narratives, descriptive

• Use a variety of writing to express ideas for different audiences: informational reports, note taking, letters, summaries, comparison/contrast and opinion essays, plays, poetry

• Support and justify interpretation through written literary response     

• Write research reports appropriate to audience and purpose

Writing Process 

• Continue to use writing process across the curriculum

• Use a variety of sentence structures which create a natural rhythm and vary in beginning and length

• Convey clear, focused main ideas with supporting details and examples appropriate to intended audiences

• Use a variety of prewriting strategies and organizational tools

• Support written ideas with reliable sources

• Create an organizational structure that balances all aspects of the composition and uses effective transitions between sentences to unify ideas 

• Spell words appropriate to grade level in areas of curriculum

• Use the Six Writing Traits to reflect upon and evaluate own writing, identifying strengths and weaknesses (Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, Presentation)

Communication

• Participate in group discussions; refine and use cooperative group processes

• Use oral language skills in a variety of settings (e.g., speeches, presentations, etc.)

• Conduct an interview

• Use technology to create a visual to support a presentation

MATH

Algebra

• Infer a rule and use it to determine a missing number

• Translate word problems to numerical equations

• Investigate and solve simple linear (3x+7=16) and nonlinear (x² +4=20) equations

• Understand and use order of operation rules

• Solve for the unknown in equations with multiple operations

• Express numbers as integers, fractions, decimals, percents, exponents and in scientific notation

• Use ordered pairs to graph points and equations on a four-quadrant coordinate graph

Operations

• Multiply whole numbers by three or more digits

• Divide numbers by 3-digit divisors and write remainders as fractions

• Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators and with renaming

• Multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers using cross canceling

• Convert fractions to decimals and percents

• Find a given percent of a whole number (e.g., tithing)

• Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals including rounding of quotients

• Convert decimals to fractions in lowest terms and to percents

• Understand how to write ratios as fractions

• Understand the associative property of addition and multiplication

• Recognize and use order of operations

• Use mental math to add 1-10 to any whole number, add and subtract 10’s and 100’s and multiply by 10, 100, 1000

• Know key stroke sequences for solving problems with a calculator 

Data Analysis/ Probability

• Determine the number of possible combinations of three classes of objects

• Perform, interpret and chart simple and independent experimental events

• Make predictions for succeeding trials of an experiment using the outcome of previous trials

• Interpret, analyze and compare information from graphs

• Calculate and use mean, median, mode and range for a set of data

• Use computers to assist in generating, analyzing and displaying data

Geometry

• Classify triangles (right, obtuse, scalene, isosceles, and equilateral)

• Use protractors straight edges, and compasses to construct angles, plane figures and circles

• Identify, visualize, and construct 3- to 10-sided polygons

• Apply formulas to calculate perimeter, area, surface area and volume of polygons and rectangular solids

• Understand pi (3.14) as a comparison of diameter to circumference

• Apply formulas to calculate the circumference and area of circles

• Create transformations of geometric figures

• Identify lines of symmetry and congruent or similar polygons

Measurements

• Select appropriate units and tools and accurately measure length (to 1/16 inch), perimeter, area, weight, volume, time, temperature and angles (0-180°)

• Apply formulas for converting units of measurement using customary or metric units

Numbers

• Compare and order any whole numbers, fractions or decimals

• Recognize and use exponents and square roots

• Factor whole numbers less than 1000

• Use factor trees to find the prime factorization of composite numbers

• Determine the LCM and GCF of two numbers

Problem Solving

• Select relevant information and strategies, formulate equation and solve multi-step problems

• Make estimates, collect data and justify results using symbols, pictures, models, diagrams

• Recognize and use various problem-solving techniques

• Use a second approach to verify the reasonableness of a solution

SCIENCE

Physical: Electricity, Magnetism

• Compare and describe static and current electricity

• Identify the difference between conductors and insulators.

• Differentiate between open and closed circuits and parallel and series circuits.

• Identify characteristics of magnets and what causes magnetism

• Describe the relationship between electricity and magnetism

• Identify uses of electromagnets

Life: Human Body Systems

• Describe and explain the structure and functions of the human body in terms of cells, tissues and organs

• Describe the functions of each major organ system in the human body

• Describe and explain the relationship and interaction of the organ systems in the human body

Earth: Geology

• Describe Earth’s structure and features

• Explain how Earth changes/has changed over time (e.g., erosion, weathering, earthquakes)

• Explore and interpret evidences for the Genesis Flood and the Ice Age

• Describe the components and relationships of Earth’s land forms and geological features

• Describe the processes by which rocks and soils are formed

• Classify rocks, minerals and soils based on their origin and their chemical and physical properties

• Identify how successive layers of sedimentary rock and the fossils contained within them can be used to confirm the age, history and changing life forms of the Earth

Health: Drug Effects, Decision Making, Nutrition

• Define drug and identify helpful and harmful drugs

• Explain the short- and long-term physical and emotional consequences of drug use

• Identify personal and community resources for drug abuse education and treatment

• Describe the steps in decision-making, how values develop and how these apply to healthy choices

• Explain healthy eating practices and design nutritional goals based on national dietary guidelines and individual needs

• Identify eating disorders and explain how they adversely affect health

Scientific Inquiry

• Make observations

• Ask questions or form hypotheses based on these observations

• Plan a simple investigation

• Collect data from the investigation

• Use the data collected from the investigation to explain the results

• ·    Safely use and store tools and equipment 

Service/Career Options:

• Explore ways to use Physical, Life, Health, and/or Earth Science to serve the community

• Identify careers in areas of Science

SOCIAL STUDIES

History: Understanding the World (Ancient Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China; Classical Civilizations: Greece, Roman Empire and Republic; Middle Ages, Renaissance, Exploration/Colonization, Revolutions, Independence, Nationalism, Mayas, Incas, Aztecs, 20^th Century and Current Events)

• Recognize God’s involvement in the world’s history through the prophetic fulfillment of the rise and fall of nations

• Understand how current events have been influenced by events of the past

• Describe the relationships between people/groups, events and cultures in World History

• Understand the major characteristics and historical influence of ancient civilizations on world development, past and present, and be able to place them on a time line

• Understand the democratic legacy of Greek ideas and government

• Understand the global role and work of the SDA church

Civics:  Understanding the Principles of Government, Diversity, Citizenship and Group Participation

• Compare and contrast the various forms of government in the world’s history and identify their effect on the modern world

• Understand how politics helps people with different ideas to reach agreements

• Understand competing ideas about the purposes government should serve

• Know that the world is divided into nations that claim sovereignty over a defined territory and jurisdiction over everyone within it

• Know the rights and responsibilities of citizenship

Geography:  Natural and Artificial Resources, Maps, Globes and the Interdependence of People and their Environment

• Interpret maps and charts of the world and organize information about people, places and environments

• Construct charts and maps to show information

• Identify the characteristics of ecosystems on the Earth’s surface

Economics

• Understand the broader defining characteristics of the term stewardship                                    

• Understand the concept of prices and the interaction of supply and demand in a market economy

• Know the impact of trade on the development of countries

• Identify and understand the changes in people’s lives as a result of technology

• Understand economic systems

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• Know terms that describe basic movement concepts and a variety of relationships with objects

• Use information from a variety of internal and external sources to improve performance

• Understand the principles of practice and conditioning that improve performance

• Understand reason for proper warm-up and cool-down techniques

• Use basic offensive and defensive strategies in unstructured game environments

• Meet health-related fitness standards for appropriate level of a standardized physical fitness test

• Know the characteristics of healthy lifestyle

• Participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity in a variety of settings

• Understand basic offensive and defensive strategies in unstructured game environments

• Understand that God created you to have life-long physical activity

TECHNOLOGY

• Use word processing skills, editing and file management skills

• Learn to troubleshoot basic malfunctions

• Know proper technology terms

• Use a simple database and spreadsheet

• Use electronic resources and the Internet enhance learning and access information

• Investigate technology-related occupations

• Demonstrate a responsible, ethical use of technology

ART               

• Create art work by selecting, combining and manipulating elements and principles of design using a range of skills, techniques and processes to achieve a desired effect 

• Use a variety of computer graphic media to create art work

• Evaluate exemplary art from a variety of eras and cultures to determine the meaning, merit and success of the work 

• Respond to art work and make connections to familiar experiences 

MUSIC

• Recognize and write the C major scale

• Recognize the sound of a major scale

• Sight-read a simple song

• Identify and sing cadence

• Demonstrate and use first and second endings

• Identify canon form (liturgy)

• Know symbols and meanings for fermata and tenuto

• Compare the tone qualities of orchestral music from different cultures

• Identify and sing early Advent hymns

 

7th Grade Curriculum/Key Learnings

BIBLE

Exploring God:  Through Creation, Sin, the Plan of Salvation, the Life of Christ

• Understand the nature of God as taught in the scriptures

• Know what the Bible teaches about the origin of sin and God’s plan of salvation

• Explain the biblical account of creation and God’s relationship to man as his Creator

• Understand the causes and results of the flood

• Understand why pain and suffering exist from an universal viewpoint

• Explain why God established a chosen people through Abraham and his family

• Understand the need for a written law and the role of the desert sanctuary as a teaching device for the Israelites

• Describe how God continued to pursue His people through Israel’s experience as a nation and their repeated rejection of God as their leader

• Know the major events in the life of Jesus and the basic values and tenants of His teaching

• Understand the history and spread of Christianity from the early church through the Reformation

LANGUAGE ARTS/ENGLISH

Literature

• Read a variety of literary forms: poetry and prose and culturally diverse literary selections

• Continue to identify literary elements of rhyme, rhythm and figurative language

• Continue to identify mood, tone, point of view and theme

• Form and support opinions about the author’s purpose, style and selection’s effectiveness

• Identify and describe the purposes and characteristics of different forms of prose

• Identify events that advance the plot and determine how each event explains past or present action(s) or foreshadows future action(s)

• Analyze characterization as revealed through the characters’ thoughts, words and actions; and the narrator’s description

• Continue to connect reading selections to other texts, experiences, issues and events

Comprehension

• Validate a conclusion by the evidence in a selection

• Note instances of unsupported inferences, deceptive reasoning, persuasion and propaganda in text

• Understand and analyze the differences in structure and purpose between various categories of informational materials (e.g., textbooks, newspapers, instructional manuals, signs)

Vocabulary

• Determine the meaning of words using context clues, structural clues and grammatical elements

• Use reference resources across the curriculum

• Increase word knowledge through systematic vocabulary development across the curriculum

• Recognize implied meanings in figurative language such as similes, metaphors, idioms, analogies

Writing Conventions, Structure and Grammar

• Demonstrate knowledge of parts of speech and sentence structure

• Expand use of punctuation by using hyphens, dashes, brackets and semicolons

Writing Modes                               

•  Continue enhancing the writing modes: persuasive, expository, narratives, descriptive

•  Use a variety of writing to express ideas for different audiences: informational reports, note taking, letters, summaries, comparison/contrast and opinion essays, plays, poetry

• Write research reports in correct formal format    

• Write responses to literature/informational text     

• Write fictional or autobiographical narratives  

Writing Process 

• Continue to use the writing process in all areas of the curriculum

• Continue to convey focused main ideas with supporting details and examples

• Continue to use a variety of sentence structures which create a natural rhythm and vary in beginning and length

• Create an organizational structure that balances all aspects of the composition and uses effective transitions between sentences to unify ideas

• Support written ideas with reliable sources 

• Spell words appropriate to grade level in areas of curriculum

• Expand the use of the Six Writing Traits to reflect upon and evaluate own writing (Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, Presentation)

Communication

• Participate in group discussions; refine and use cooperative group processes

• Use oral language skills in a variety of settings (e.g., speeches, presentations, etc.)

• Conduct an interview

• Use technology to create a visual to support a presentation

• Ask questions to seek elaboration and clarification of ideas

• Identify strategies used by speakers in oral presentations

• Describe the impact of non-print media has on consumers

MATH

Algebra

• Use and apply ratios, proportions, averages and percentage

• Use two-stop operations to solve linear equations

• Graph linear equations

• Use formulas in problem solving

• Use the laws of exponents

• Use the Pythagorean Theorem

• Recognize sine, cosine and tangent relationships with respect to the right triangle

• Manipulate simple polynomials

Operations

• Understand and use the additive inverse property

• Understand and use the principles of the distributive property

• Recognize use of and apply properties of operations with whole numbers, fractions and decimals

• Use proportions to solve problems

• Computer with integers and rational numbers using a calculator to perform laborious computations

• Use rounding to estimate addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

• Find the percent of a number

• Understand squares and square roots

• Estimate the square root of a number less than 100

• Convert fractions to terminating, repeating or rounded decimals

Data Analysis/Probability

• Understand and use factorial notation to determine the number of possible permutations

• Organize lists and tree diagrams

• Predict the number of times and event will occur

• Find the probability of dependent events

• Construct a multiple bar graph

• Make a histogram

Geometry

• Find the area of a trapezoid

• Find the capacity of various geometric solids, e.g. pyramids and cones

• Do geometric constructions, e.g. bisect a segment

• Use transformations to explore congruence and create designs

• Use triangular angle sum relationships to solve problems

Measurement

• Use graphs, charts, and formulas to convert between a variety of standard/metric measures

• Apply ratios to solve measurement problems

• Use proper units for linear, area and volume measures

• Use strategies to develop formulas for finding volume and surface areas of solids

• Use scale models to represent measures of real-life objects, e.g. sanctuary model, Noah’s ark, etc.

• Relate ancient monetary values to current values, e.g. shekel, denari, mite

• Develop a proportionately correct time line using complex concepts, e.g. the 2300-day prophecy

• Explain how time zones are determined

Numbers

• Understand and use scientific notation

• Use integers to express quantities that occur naturally in problem situations, e.g. representing direction, loss, gain, etc.

• Develop and use number sense for integers, rational and irrational numbers

• Develop and apply number theory concepts, e.g. primes, factors, etc., in real-world and mathematical situations

Problem Solving, Reasoning

• Select and use relevant information and a variety of strategies to understand multi-step problem-solving situations and processes

• Use a variety of problem-solving techniques

• Verify reasonableness of an answer using a second approach

• Use an algebraic equation to symbolize a problem situation and solution

• Write inequalities in solving problems

• Make and utilize algebraic graphs in solving problems

SCIENCE

Physical: Force/Motion, Energy/ Work

• Describe and compare types of force and types of friction

• Define and extend understanding of gravity, mass and weight

•  Describe Newton’s laws of motion

• Define and describe motion-related terms such as balanced/unbalanced forces, distance/displacement, speed/velocity, acceleration and momentum

• Identify forms of energy and how energy can change from one form to another

• Distinguish between work and power

• Define simple machines and identify characteristics of various types

• Describe the relationship between simple and compound machines

• Distinguish between potential and kinetic energy and explain mechanical advantage

Life: Cell Theory, Genetics, Simple Animals

• Describe and explain the structure, function and theory of cells

• Describe how the traits of an organism are passed from generation to generation

• Explain genetic engineering and its impact

• Categorize simple animals into groups according to how they accomplish life processes and by similarities and differences in external and internal structures

Earth: Astronomy

• Describe characteristics and movement patterns of objects in the universe 

• Describe the relationships of the earth to the sun, the moon and other interplanetary objects and how they account for the day, year, phases of the moon, eclipses, seasons and ocean tides

• Describe the life cycle and classification of stars and the instruments for study

Health: Transmission of Diseases, Sexuality

• Describe how lifestyle, pathogens, family history and other risk factors are related to the cause or prevention of disease

• Identify the structure and function of bacteria and viruses and explain how they transmit diseases

• Describe God’s plan for sexual relationships

• Explain the adverse physical, emotional, and economic consequences of premarital sex and ways to support a decision for abstinence

SOCIAL STUDIES

History: Understanding the World (Early Civilizations, Classical Civilizations, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, Exploration, Colonization, Revolutions, Nationalism, 20^th Century, Current Events)

• Recognize God’s involvement in the world’s history through the prophetic fulfillment of the rise and fall of nations

• Locate the Early and Classical Civilizations and identify their political, economic and cultural contribution to the world mosaic

• Describe the relationships between key people/groups, events and cultures in World History

• Identify and give examples of the political economic and social characteristics of the Roman Empire and Republic; and understand how they are reflected in the laws, government and societies of Western Civilization

• Delineate the importance of the rise of Islam and its interaction with Europe

• Understand the role of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages

• Understand the rise of the Mongol Empire and the consequences of Eurasian people

• Identify the key aspects of the Renaissance and the Reformation

• Identify how the exploratory and commercial expeditions between 1450 – 1600 led to global transformation

• Understand how innovations in agriculture, industry and transportation led to the industrial revolution and capitalism

• Represent and interpret data and chronological relationships from history using time lines and narratives

• Interpret, use and document information from multiple sources

• Define, select and support alternatives

• Understand the causes for socially and historically change in Europe

• Understand the rise of religions: Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism

• Understand the global role and work of the SDA church

• Understand how current events have been influenced by events of the past

Civics

• Identify and compare political systems of the world: feudalism, monarchy, democracy, etc.

• Understand the sources, purposes and functions of law

• Outline and critique the evolution of democratic ideas and the impact on Western Civilization

Geography

• Identify the location of key mountain ranges, desserts, rivers, political boundaries and cultural features on maps and globes

• Understand the interdependency between people and the environment

• Compare physical and cultural characteristics of the regions of the world

Economics

•  Identify the principles of Christian stewardship: management of time, talent, property

• Describe how transportation and communication networks affect people, goods and ideas (e.g., the silk road, the crusades)

• Explain how the interaction of supply and demand determines prices 

• Identify the impact of the technology revolution on society

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• Use intermediate sport-specific skills for individual, dual and team sports

• Understand principles of training and conditioning for specific physical activities

• Understand the critical elements of advanced movement skills (e.g., racing start in swimming)

• Use basic offensive and defensive strategies in a modified version of a team and individual sport

• Understand movement form associated with highly skilled physical activities

• Understand long-term and physiological and psychological benefits of regular participation in physical activity (e.g., stress reduction, strong mental and emotional health)

• Engage in more advanced activities that develop and maintain muscular strength and endurance

• Engage in more advanced levels of activity that develop and maintain flexibility

• Meet health-related standards for appropriate level of standardized physical fitness tests

• Understand proper attitudes towards winning and losing

• Understand the importance of rules, procedures and safe practice in physical activity setting

TECHNOLOGY

• Integrate advanced word processing skills into daily assignments

• Troubleshoot basic malfunctions

• Know proper technology terms

• Understand the equipment to access, process, retrieve and communicate information

• Incorporate database and spreadsheet components into presentations

• Integrate advanced use of electronic resources into class assignments and presentations

• Investigate technology-related occupations

• Demonstrate a responsible, ethical use of technology

• Understand the legal issues for using/accessing software, music, etc.

ART               

• Use selected media, techniques and processes to

• Communicate a personal experience or an idea 

• Create art using modern technology

• State preference for art based on key artistic elements and principles 

MUSIC

• Identify meter changes

• Recognize the sound of a minor scale

• Sight-read a two-part song

• Recognize a bridge between two music selections

 

8th Grade Curriculum/Key Learnings

BIBLE

Explore Origins of the Bible:  Through the Trinity, Personal Relationship with Jesus and Practical Christianity

• Explain the role of inspiration in the formation of the Bible as it was written and preserved over thousands of years

• Describe the concept of the Trinity and identify the characteristic of each member

• Understand the importance of faith, commitment and a dynamic relationship with Jesus

• Explain the importance of developing relationships with others based on Christian values

•  Know how to apply Christian principles to your daily life

LANGUAGE ARTS/ENGLISH

Literature

• Continue to compare a variety of literary forms and their characteristics

• Continue to examine the uses and effects of literary elements and devices

• Understand and discuss the relationship between the purposes and the characteristics of different forms of poetry (e.g., ballad, lyric, epic, ode, etc.)

• Evaluate the structural elements of the plot, its development and resolution

• Build on ability to identify and analyze recurring themes across traditional and contemporary works

Comprehension

• Compare and contrast the features and elements of consumer materials (e.g., warranties, contracts, product information, instruction manuals)

• Demonstrate inferential comprehension by examining relationships, images, patterns, or symbols

• Evaluate the logic, unity and consistency of text

• Evaluate whether a conclusion is validated by the evidence in a selection or whether it is influenced by biases or stereotypes

• Extend and deepen comprehension by relating text to other texts, experiences, issues and events

• Support personal responses and reactions to a passage

Vocabulary

• Determine the meaning of words using context clues, structural clues and grammatical elements

• Increase word knowledge through systematic vocabulary development

• Analyze idioms, analogies, metaphors and similes to infer the literal and figurative meanings of phrases

• Use word meanings within the appropriate context and show ability to verify those meanings by definition, restatement, example, comparison or contrast

Writing Conventions, Structure and Grammar

• Use a variety of sentence structures in writing

• Introduce proper use of italics, marginal notes and footnotes

• Establish coherence within and between paragraphs through effective transitions and parallel structures

• Demonstrate knowledge of parts of speech and sentence structure

• Acknowledge sources when paraphrasing information or quoting directly from sources

• Include research that uses a broad variety of materials and a minimum of two credible sources

Writing Modes

• Continue enhancing the writing modes: persuasive, expository, narratives, descriptive

• Use a variety of writing to express ideas for different audiences: Research papers, letters, comparison/contrast and opinion essays, plays, poetry, biographies, autobiographies, short stories

• Writes persuasive compositions

• Write documents related to career development, including simple business letters and job applications      

• Continue to write formal research reports

Writing Process

• Continue to use the writing process in all areas of the curriculum

•  Create an organizational structure that balances all aspects of the composition and uses effective transitions between sentences to unify ideas 

• Support written ideas with reliable sources

• Spell words appropriate to grade level in areas of curriculum

• Expand the use of the Six Writing Traits to reflect upon and evaluate own writing (Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, Presentation)

Communication

• Continue to participate in group discussions using the cooperative group process

• Use oral language skills in a variety of settings (e.g., speeches, presentations, etc.)

• Conduct an interview

• Use available technology to create and support a presentation

• Continue to ask questions to seek elaboration and clarification of ideas

• Continue to identify strategies used by speakers in oral presentations

• Analyze the impact non-print media has on consumers

MATH

Algebra

• Use basic operations for matrices

• Recognize slope and intercept relationships

• Use information to determine whether situations are functions

• Recognize minimum and maximum values

• Understand the properties of arithmetic and geometric sequences

• Develop and initial conceptual understanding of different uses of variables

• Identify functions as linear or nonlinear and contrast their properties from tables, graphs, or equations

Operations

• Find the percent one number is of another and find the original number when percent is given

• Use appropriate significant digits in calculations

• Find the percent increase and/or decrease

• Use percents to determine commission, sales tax, discount, and simple interest

Data Analysis/Probability

• Construct a circle graph

• Determine the number of combinations form a given set

• Make a stem and leaf plot and a box and whisker plot

Geometry

• Use the Pythagorean theorem

• Find the surface area of various geometric shapes, e.g. pyramids and cones

• Understand complementary, supplementary and vertical angles

• Draw and interpret scale diagrams

Measurement

• Draw pictures to assist in solving measurement problems

• Use indirect measurement such as similar triangles to solve problems

• Find the size of interior and exterior angles of convex polygons using formula and protractor

• Use appropriate significant digits in calculations

• Convert temperature between Fahrenheit and Celsius

Numbers

• Extend understanding of number operations to integers and irrational numbers

• Know the definition of real numbers, set notation, and set operations

Problem Solving, Reasoning

• Select and use relevant information and a variety of strategies to understand multi-step problem-solving situations and processes

• Make estimates, collect data, and justify results using symbols pictures, models, diagrams

• Use a variety of reasoning processes and problem-solving techniques to model and solve problems

• Verify reasonableness of an answer using a second approach

• Use an algebraic equation to symbolize a problem situation and solution

• Write inequalities in solving problems

• Construct and utilize algebraic graphs in solving problems

• Understand there is no one way to solve mathematical problems but that different methods have different advantages and disadvantages

SCIENCE

Physical Chemistry:

• Explain the structure of matter and how different forms can be combined to create new substances

• Explain conservation of matter

• Describe how elements are organized on the periodic table

• Compare the properties of acids and bases

• Identify and compare physical and chemical change

• Identify methods used to separate mixtures into their component parts

Life: Ecology: Natural Resources; Plant Processes

• Explain how use of natural resources affects quality of life and the health of ecosystems

• Recognize that Earth’s materials are limited and explore strategies for addressing this problem

• Describe how water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen are recycled through the environment

• Describe the life processes of a plant including photosynthesis and reproduction

Earth: Creation/Evolution

• Distinguish between the basic ideas of and evidence for naturalistic evolution and special creation

Health: Health Risks, Community Health

• Describe personal and community health care practices that result in prevention, detection and treatment of communicable diseases

• Know how to locate and use community health resources that provide valid health information

• Identify community health organizations and agencies such as The American Cancer Society and the advocacy services they provide

Scientific Inquiry

• Make observations

• Ask questions or form hypotheses based on these observations

• Plan a simple investigation

• Collect data from the investigation

• Use the data collected from the investigation to explain the results

• Safely use and store tools and equipment  

Service/Career Options:

• Explore ways to use Physical, Life, Health and/or Earth Science to serve the community

• Identify careers in areas of Science

SOCIAL STUDIES

History: United States History (United States Government & Constitution, Native People, Exploration/Colonization, Pre-Independence Movement, American Revolution, Western Expansion, Sectionalism, Civil War & Reconstruction, Industrial Revolution, Global Conflicts, United States as World Power, Depression, Modern America, Current Events)  

• Recognize God’s ultimate control and protection over human affairs

• Understand the basic precepts of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights

• Describe the relationships between key people/groups, events and cultures in United States history

• Explain the causes and effects of major events in American history

• Know causes and effects of key influences/events and place them on a time line 

• Interpret events using time lines and narratives

• Use primary and secondary documents and artifacts to interpret historical events

• Understand the daily life and social history of people who lived in the early United States

•  Recognize how forces from different spheres of life can cause or shape events

•  Understand the role and work of the SDA church in North America

Civics 

• Understand the roles of the Christian citizen in government

• Understand the checks and balance function of the three branches of government

• Trace the development of the American political system and government based on the United States constitution and the Bill of Rights

• Identify citizen rights and how the constitution protects those rights

• Understand the purposes of government as stated in the constitution

• Explain the role of laws in the United States and the process through which they are made, applied and enforced

• Identify how actions of the United States government affect its own citizens as well a citizens of other countries

Geography

• Understand the nature, distribution and migration of human population on the earth’s surface

• Understand how human actions modify the environment

• Understand the patterns of human settlement and their causes

• Identify the geographic role of the United States in international relationships

• Identify geographic regions and major places of the United State

Economics

• Identify the principles of Christian stewardship

• Understand the meaning of Gross National Product

• Understand the role of the United States and free enterprise in a global economy

• Understand the concept of prices and the interaction of supply and demand in a market economy

• Identify how changes in technology affect the economy

• Understand that every job opportunity is related to economics

• Recognize how the influence of the development of technology, immigration of peoples and changes in the world market effect career opportunities

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• Use improved intermediate sport-specific skills for individual, dual and team sports

• Use basic offensive and defensive strategies in a modified version of a team and individual sport

• Understand movement forms associated with highly skilled physical activities

• Understand long-term and physiological benefits of regular participation in physical activity

• Understand basic principles of training that improve physical fitness

• Interpret and apply the results of physical fitness assessments to improve personal fitness

• Know the difference between inclusive (e.g., changing rules of activity to include less skilled players) and exclusionary (e.g., failing to pass ball to less skilled player) behaviors in physical activity settings

• Understand physical activity as a vehicle for self-expression

• Recognize the importance of rules, procedures and safe practice in physical activity settings

TECHNOLOGY

• Apply word processing skills into class work and presentations

• Troubleshoot basic malfunctions

• Know proper technology terms

• Incorporate database and spreadsheet components into class work and presentations

• Use electronic resources and the Internet to access information for class work and presentations

•  Extend responsible and ethical use of electronic resources and the Internet

ART               

• Create art work by selecting, combining and manipulating elements and principles of design using a variety of media 

• Refine skills in creating art using modern technology 

• Identify specific careers in art 

• Evaluate art work based on era and culture 

MUSIC

• Learn all major key signatures

• Sing a more complex two-part song

• Recognize modulation

• Recognize symphonic form

• Listen to music of the Renaissance period