GRACE Home School Association

(Grades 6-8)

Friday: 10:00–10:55

Teacher: Miss Brianna Anderson

Description: Students will learn how to use vocabulary, verbs, and grammar concepts together. The material is taught through fun themes that incorporate everyday language. This allows students to use all those elements together in creative ways to grow and build language fluency. We will use a different theme this coming year. The new theme will be Mi Vida. It is perfect for both experienced and inexperienced students. The experienced students will continue to progress while the new students are seamlessly integrated. Order the book early to ensure having it for the first class.

Class and Copy Cost: $250

Books:  Mi vida: Order the 7^th/8^th-grade book at the following link: https://spanish-for-you.com/product/spanish-for-you-mi-vida-homeschool-co-op-student-package/ ($49.95) Use the coupon code “GraceMivida78” for 10% off the cost. Siblings may share the package.

Supplies: 1” 3-ring binder and folder; loose leaf paper (approx. 20 pages) or notebook; access to Google Classroom with parent or student gmail

Prerequisite: None

This class covers topics typically presented in a pre-calculus course and interweaves geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, and mathematical analysis.

Algebra I builds on the concepts introduced in Pre-Algebra and includes lessons to solve systems of equations in two variables, solving complex rational and radical expressions, functions, graphing linear equations, factoring algebraic expressions, and introduction to 3-dimensional geometric figures. 

This class will prepare the student for college writing. Thesis-based essays as well as other essays will be taught at a higher level. Teaching units will include thesis statements, essay organizations, transitions, introductions, and conclusions, and end with descriptive and persuasive essay practice. The student will also learn how to take notes from texts or from live lectures, craft college-level papers, and write or speak persuasively to a wide variety of audiences. This class will be taught using lectures, lessons plans, videos, and required work on the part of the student. A unit on SAT essays will also be covered. We will be utilizing the computer throughout this course as well. 

In this class we will have a 2-year rotation of the themes: The Art of Michigan and Our Four Seasons. Each project will incorporate the elements of art: Line, texture, space, color, value, shape/form into our projects. Students will master their cutting skills and learn the essentials for beginning drawing and painting. Students will also get to explore with many different art mediums for a well-rounded experience.

In this class we will have a 3-year rotation of lesson themes: Art Focused on Subjects (Math, Science, History, and Literature), Art of Our 50 States, and Art focused on the Elements and Principles of Art. Students will create 3-dimensional art, learn collage techniques, and learn an upper elementary level of drawing skills (simple perspective, blending and shading for depth, helpful tips for people, animals, and landscapes). Students will turn in 1–2 sketches a month for homework to enhance creativity and self-expression.

This is a Christ-centered college-prep biology course that provides a foundation that will help students to understand the biological concepts they will come into contact with in their daily lives. I seek to make biology real by integrating such topics as the development of the “teen” brain, why enzymes are in detergent, how your body protects you from cancer and Ebola into the curriculum. Emphasis is put on a molecular approach and a thorough understanding of cell biology. I believe this approach helps to reveal the intricate majesty of God’s Creation .The sequencing of my curriculum is designed to step by step build a foundational lens through which the student will be able to not only understand but interrelate all the various aspects of biology. Units include: Your Brain and How You Use It, Scientific Method, Classification, Biochemistry, Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis, Ecology, Cells and Cell Division, Genetics, and Disease. Students will also learn how to write a scientific paper.

Welcome!

Our chemistry course is designed to give you a solid foundation in chemistry, in order to prepare you for a college-level science classes or any field of study that will require problem solving and reasoning.  Throughout this year we will explore how chemical processes impact our everyday life and the importance of these reactions in the world around us. Chemistry is everywhere!  You literally eat, sleep and breathe chemistry everyday already. The course covers significant figures, classification of matter, the mole concept, stoichiometry, the periodic table, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, the gas laws and equilibrium.

This class is 2 hours long and will last the full year.  By combining both lecture, demos and weekly labs, we will create an interactive experience for everyone.  The lab portion of the class will give you hands-on experience in handling basic lab equipment and chemicals along with strengthening your analytical skills.  The scientific method and the experimental process will be used to help students explore God's amazing world at a level that you may not have considered before.  At the very basic unit of creation, the atom, you can observe God's divine plan and wisdom.  He truly is an awesome God!  My hope for each student is that you may walk away with further awareness of God's perfect design for creation and be able to share how scientific study gives evidence to God's plan time after time.

Description: This course begins with a study of church history, denominations, and doctrine, bringing students to the present-day reformed doctrine, as understood in the Heidelberg Catechism, Cannons of Dort, and Belgic Confessions. Special attention is given to the Biblical roots of these doctrines. Learners then explore the concept of “worldview," starting with an understanding of the Christian worldview, followed by exploration and critique of other worldviews. Students will examine how a Christian worldview impacts moral thinking and choices by studying ethics and discovering how to live out their faith in a Christ-centered, God-honoring way. Finally, the students will learn to defend their Christian worldview by studying apologetics, where they will learn how to respond to common questions about and charges against the Christian faith. 

Books: Holy Bible, ESV Translation; Copy of the Heidelberg Catechism, Cannons of Dort, and Belgic Confession. (These can be a computer printout, its own source, or supplemental material in a different text.)

The following books can be found used at a much-reduced cost:

The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog ISBN-13: 978-0830838509

Defending your Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics by R.C. Sproul ISBN-13: 978-1433503153

The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis ISBN-13: 9780060652968

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl ISBN-13: 9780310101468

Prerequisite: None

Supplies: None

This class is designed to prepare 9–12 students to make wise financial decisions through the study of Consumer Math. They will be instructed about credit card charges, taxes, interest on loans and savings, personal banking, and costs of transportation, food, clothing, utilities, and insurance. It also includes instruction about filling out tax forms. The most important goal is the development of a biblical foundation that puts math in the proper perspective for a Christian. Second in importance is the development of the reasoning and problem-solving skills essential throughout life. Third is the development of general knowledge and skills needed for performing the necessary functions in life that require mathematical processes.

This class provides a wonderful overview of the entire range of scientific inquiry and a superb introduction to the world of science in general and some of the specific sciences that students will explore for years to come. Topics include a brief history of science; the scientific method; how to analyze and interpret experiments; the distinction between science, applied science, and technology; astronomy; geology and paleontology; (the five-kingdom system); marine life; and ecology. The authors of the text do nothing to hide their Christian viewpoint and, indeed, seek to use the scientific evidence to advance a student's faith in the Bible and a Christian worldview. The course includes lots of hands-on experiments.  

This class is a hands-on course teaching young men and women to use a wide variety of hand tools and power tools, practice safety, gain familiarity with automotive and small engine maintenance, understand and troubleshoot home electric, plumbing, and repair projects, plan and complete construction projects, maintain appliances and tools, learn to operate and market a business, and apply their new-found skills in service-learning projects. 

Is your child interested in pursuing something in the medical or para-medical profession in the future and desires to get a taste of some of the skills needed? Do you have a middle or high school child who wants to work in your church nursery, babysit, or be a nanny but must be CPR and First Aid Certified before he or she may do so? If so, this might be the class you are looking for.

The first part of the year will be spent on investigating other portions of human health including: communicable diseases, drug and alcohol abuse, nutrition, eating disorders, exercise, fetal development, and general adolescent physical changes.

The second part of the year, students passing both skills and written tests will become American Red Cross certified for Lay Responder CPR/AED for Adults/Children/Infants and First Aid. This is basic certification, with a standard two-year expiration, allowing the students to be competent in lower level emergency care.

Parents should know their child’s level of social maturity as to whether they are ready for this class.

This course is an overview of digital media technology used in publication design, digital drawings, and digital imaging. History of design as well as various approaches to design are examined through the lens of Christianity. There will be an emphasis on exploring and becoming familiar with graphic design software, including Adobe suite. Access to a personal laptop is strongly recommended, but not required.

This class uses classic short stories to present techniques, vocabulary, and practice to develop literary perception. We will further apply these learned elements by reading, discussing, and writing about some novels, non-fiction, and poetry. Enrolled students will receive a list of additional books to be purchased or obtained from the library. This class is designed to be advantageous for the college-bound student.

Welcome to this staff inservice in using MOODLE!

FAQ

Q: What's the difference between MOODLE and PRAXI?
A: Short answer: MOODLE is a LMS (Learning Management System) and PRAXI is a SMS (Student Management System)

Q: Will we be able to use both? Do we want to be able to use both?
A: Yes and No. (I don't think it necessary to do the PRAXI but I might be wrong)

This course is designed to introduce teens to the world of personal finance through textbook instruction, online articles and videos, interactive exercises, and more. Students are encouraged to immediately apply some of the concepts they learn and are introduced to other financial topics which will become a part of their lives in just a few short years. Included in each chapter is a focus on God-honoring attitudes and practices. Additionally, parents are given the opportunity to share their knowledge, experience, and tips on financial matters via numerous assignments throughout the book. Students will learn to use Google Sheets as a tool for calculations and to create, update, and modify spreadsheets and share the data online in real-time. 

In this course, students will continue to grow in coordination, balance movement, and body and spatial awareness. Students will learn skills associated with sports, and they will  begin to understand basic sports terms like offense and defense. Students will practice teamwork and cooperation, with emphasis on honoring God through all we do. Students should wear appropriate athletic apparel such as shorts, T-shirts, sweats, and tennis shoes. Students will have 5 minutes at the beginning and end of class to change their clothes in the bathroom.

This course will emphasize building a Christian attitude towards sportsmanship, teamwork, and fitness. It will extend learning and skill development in motor skills, engage in the Presidential Fitness Program, work on fundamentals of team sports, and engage in some competitive activities during class. Students of every skill level are encouraged to join in the fun! Students should wear appropriate athletic apparel such as shorts, sweats, T-shirts, and tennis shoes. Students will have 5 minutes at the beginning and end of class to change their clothes in the bathroom. 

This course will emphasize building a Christian attitude towards sportsmanship, teamwork, and fitness. It will focus on lifetime fitness awareness by engaging in the Presidential Fitness Program. In this class, we expand on skills and basic rules of both team and individual sports. This class is designed for all students, regardless of athletic ability. Students should wear appropriate athletic apparel such as shorts, sweats, T-shirts, and tennis shoes. Students will have 5 minutes at the beginning and end of class to change their clothes in the bathroom.

First Semester: Earth Movements, Rocks, and Minerals. This year, the students will begin to gain a basic understanding of God’s world through a detailed analysis of earth sciences. They will explore the massive movements that are constantly shaping the earth and learn how rocks provide clues to the earth’s structure and geological activities. They will explore rock and mineral properties and become geologists by performing field tests on mineral and rock samples. Students will also create rocks and grow salt crystals to model minerals.

Second Semester: Solar System and Solar Energy. Students will explore the Solar System through hands-on activities, become familiar with the names and positions of the planets, and create model planets. They will also discover the concept of energy transfer from a source (the Sun) to a receiver (solar collector). In a series of heat exchange experiments, the students will test the variables that affect energy retention.

First Semester: Amazing Air, Weather-Watching, Sunshine and Shadows. This year, the students will begin to gain a basic understanding of God’s world through a detailed analysis of earth sciences. The first semester introduces students to air, and its fascinating properties by providing hands-on experiments. Weather-watching is the next science topic that they will explore using handmade weather tools. They will also explore rainbows, thunderstorms, and snowflakes. The semester ends with a look at shadows and ends with a full-fledged original performance in a shadow theater.

Second Semester: Finding the Moon, Sun and Earth and Exploring Soil. Students will compare the daytime and nighttime skies. Through direct observations and modeling exercises, they will discover that the Earth’s nearest neighbor in space is far more interesting than any storybook Moon. The students will also take to the schoolyard with trowels in hand and explore soil components, weathering and erosion, minerals and nutrients, and more. Once they understand what soil is, they find out how it is made and observe how earthworms mix and enrich the soil.

This class develops mathematical and spatial reasoning, stimulates curiosity and a love of learning math, takes away the “scariness” of math, and makes the subject accessible to all students. It furthers basic concepts and promotes higher-level concepts in math using activities and explores the relationship between concepts in math and their applications and uses in the real world. It integrates the logical and analytical skills and ideas in math with artistic and spatial skills and sparks interest in the kinds of issues mathematicians and engineers deal with. This class has hands-on activities and includes artwork, a history of the subject, and small research projects.

This class will take a comprehensive look at not only the formation of the United States government, but also the way that it has changed and developed over history. We will start with a thorough study of the Constitution focusing on the intended structure and purpose of that government. Then, as we look at different parts of history, we will compare the changes in our government back to its original intentions. This class will blend a thorough understanding of where our government came from with the ability to analyze the role the government plays in today’s world. This course will be a blended learning experience with much of the course hosted on Grace Homeschool’s Moodle site. All resources and assignments will be managed through Moodle.

His Story is meant to be a dialogue, a discovery of the relationships between God and man, man and man, and the creation and mankind. We will use original source material to investigate specific details of Ancient History through the Renaissance. Students will study Ancient Greek and Roman times; the Battle of Marathon, the conquests of Alexander the Great, Socrates, Cleopatra and Anthony, Gladiators, the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, the Sack of Constantinople, Medieval and Renaissance: the Barbarians Rule, the Vikings, the Dark Ages, Invasion of England, everyday life in the 1100’s Europe, the Black Death, Thomas Becket, Richard the Lionheart, the Crusades, Michelangelo, Leonardo DaVinci, the Inquisition, Columbus, Queen Mary. (300 BC–1600 A.D.) This course will be a blended learning experience with much of the course hosted on GRACE’s Moodle site, and, to a great extent, influenced by the EyeWitnesstoHistory.com website. All resources and assignments will be managed through Moodle.

Students will gain writing skills by imitating classic literature. Characters and adventures will capture your student's imagination and provide rich writing material. The students will learn about writing with structure and style and using dress-ups and sentence openers to help develop their own personal style. We will use FIX IT to review grammar rules, and vocabulary will be extended.

***This class is on a three-year rotation with Writing: All Things Fun and Fascinating and Writing: Based on Ancient History.

(grades 6-8)

Using Modern World History as the theme, students will learn how to create and write from outlines while adding style techniques to express their ideas creatively. Writing assignments will include paragraphs, short reports, research reports, stories, writing from pictures, and writing from a prompt. Literature will enhance our study of writing and challenge the students to read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Carry on Mr. Bowditch, and Number the Stars. They will be required to read each book and examine the content in light of Scripture.