Grades 5-8
At Rhema Christian School, we know that adolescence can be tough for parents and students, yet junior high students remain an exciting group to teach. Our goal is to help our students to become accountable and responsible before God and man by providing them with a challenging Christian education and a supportive Christian environment. We work to preserve the values instilled by families during a time of tremendous peer pressure. Our team of teachers works closely together to provide an atmosphere where students can grow spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically.
COURSE CATALOG AND SEQUENCE
BIBLE
5th Grade - Students will gain wisdom from a life disciplined through the study of Scripture. Bible 5 awakens an understanding of the Old Testament and affirms God’s Word is truth. Each student will recognize God’s patient work, then and now, as He offers everyone a saving faith in Jesus Christ. As biblical knowledge is gained through prayer, study, and worship, students will reflect Christlike behavior essential for spiritual growth. Text: Bible 5 by Purposeful Design Publications (Division of ACSI): Pentateuch and God’s Chosen People, Giver of the Law, Chronicles, Judges, Major and Minor Prophets.
6th Grade - Students will gain wisdom from a life disciplined through the study of scripture. Bible 6 awakens an understanding of the New Testament and affirms God’s Word is truth. Each student will recognize God’s patient work, then and now, as He offers everyone a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Biblical knowledge is gained through prayer, study and worship. Students will learn to apply scripture and reflect in their daily lives Christlike thought and behavior essential for spiritual growth. Text: Bible 6 by Purposeful Design Publications (Division of ACSI): God’s Plan, Old Testament and New Testament Overviews, The Gospels, The Early Church and Acts, Romans, Church Letters. Epistles. New Testament Prophecy.
7th Grade | The Life of Christ - Students will gain wisdom from a life disciplined through the study of scripture. This course awakens an understanding of who Jesus is. Each student will recognize they are children of God called to become Christian disciples. Jesus Christ is at the center of who we are and what we do in response to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
8th Grade | Acts: To The Ends of the Earth & Logic - Students will gain wisdom from a life disciplined through the study of scripture while applying logic to see the fallacies of living a worldly life in contrast to the blessings that God promises His children who seek a biblical worldview. The book of Acts awakens an understanding of the early church and the model it sets for today’s church. Students will explore the birth and early expansion of the Church.
LANGUAGE ARTS
5th Grade | English Foundations - This course will focus on learning the parts of speech in grammar, capitalization and punctuation, identifying subjects and predicates, and other basic grammar skills. Students will begin the year with learning to write a five paragraph essay and become familiar with the writing process. They will also write opinion, research, and narrative pieces. In reading, students will focus on reading comprehension and fluency as well as vocabulary building. They will read from a variety of genres including realistic fiction, historical fiction, reader’s theatre, Bible accounts, fables, folktales, and many more.
6th Grade - This course will review grammar concepts from 5th grade and also introduce how to write effective sentences, while eliminating fragments and run-ons from writing. The students will write expository, argumentative, research, and narrative essays. Students will continue to develop strong reading skills including summarization, close reading, and finding text evidence to support their answers. The BJU Press curriculum introduces six themes including relationships, knowledge, courage, leadership, overcoming evil, and making choices from a biblical worldview.
7th Grade - The grammar portion of this course will focus on kinds of sentence structures, phrases and clauses, and a review of capitalization/punctuation. The students will write in the expository, argumentative, research, and narrative genres. The students write their own original fable as their narrative piece. In the reading portion of the course students begin to focus more on analysis and interpretation of literature rather than just comprehension. The BJU Press curriculum introduces six themes including love, community, transformation, justice, perseverance, and purpose from a biblical worldview.
8th Grade - The grammar portion of this course will focus on agreement and using verbs, pronouns, and modifiers correctly. Students will write an original short story as well as research, expository, and literary analysis essays. In the reading portion of the course, students will be introduced to five themes including maturity, wisdom, generosity, freedom, and nature as they evaluate, interpret, and analyze the literature from a biblical worldview. Students also complete a novel study in 8th grade with many fun activities and multiple ways to showcase their learning.
SCIENCE
5th Grade | Investigating God’s World by Abeka - This general science course will help each student recognize the diversity of God's Creation through the study of nature, light, our Earth, and energy. We grow Wisconsin Fast Plants to experience the complete life cycle of a plant, from germination, to growth, flower development, pollination, and finally to harvesting seeds. The students also extensively investigate rocks and minerals to introduce them to the way geologists test and record their observations.
6th Grade | Science 6 by BJU Press - Students will become more aware of God’s design of the universe through observation and organized investigation of the incredible intricacies of cells, organisms, classifications, and the complexities of our changing Earth. The course will also explore matter and energy as well as introduce students to astronomy. It is an exciting year as students learn how to use a microscope, how to wire a circuit, and how to make an electromagnet in a working telegraph to send messages to each other.
7th Grade | Life Science by BJU Press - Students will examine the diversity of God’s Creation through this introduction to biology course. Classifying living things, organisms, and cells serves as the foundation for life science. Heredity and the origin of life are explored while investigating cell division, the genetics of organisms, and biblical creationism. Concepts in microbiology and plant biology are introduced, including the classification kingdoms. Students become proficient in using a microscope. A genetic disorder project is the culminating activity for the heredity and genetics unit.
8th Grade | Prentice Hall Physical Science Concepts in Action - Physical Science is the study of nonliving things. Students will demonstrate connections between matter and motion. The first unit investigates chemistry which includes the properties of matter, states of matter, atomic structure, and the Periodic Table. The physics unit will focus on force, motion, fluids, work, energy, and Newton's Laws. Our students conduct several hands-on labs to put into action what they have learned about mixtures and solutions along with several projects and labs exploring force and motion.
MATHEMATICS
5th Grade | Foundational Mathematics - Students will develop an understanding of and build fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. They will learn how to convert customary and metric units of measurement and extend prior knowledge of perimeter and area to include volume. Students will be introduced to ordered pairs and how to graph them on a coordinate plane.
6th Grade | Transitional Mathematics - Students will build fluency with multiplication and division of fractions and decimals. They will be introduced to integers and graphing in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane. Students will gain understanding of ratios, rates, and percent and how they relate to multiplication and division. They will also learn basic algebraic concepts such as writing, interpreting, solving, and graphing algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities to prepare them for Pre-Algebra.
6-7th Grade | Pre-Algebra - Students will apply the foundations of basic math to algebraic concepts. There will be emphasis on the properties associated with operations and equality. They will also explore the many ways to view, represent, and graph linear functions.
7-8th Grade | Algebra 1 - Students will apply skills learned in Pre-Algebra to advanced algebraic concepts. There will be emphasis on properties and higher-order equations. They will also explore the many ways to view, represent, and graph linear, exponential, and quadratic functions.
8th Grade | Geometry - Students will apply their algebraic skills to geometric concepts. They will learn how to form and organize a formal proof. There will be emphasis on properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, triangles, polygons, and circles. They will also look at the many ways to prove congruence and similarity.
SOCIAL STUDIES
5th Grade | Old World History and Geography - Students will experience social studies with an emphasis on the Eastern Hemisphere. Students begin studying history and geography in Mesopotamia and progress with continent studies of Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and Antarctica. Students are able to contrast free civil governments to communist governments. In the last quarter, students will choose a country in the Eastern Hemisphere to research and celebrate International Day together in cultural costumes while enjoying samples of different ethnic foods.
6th Grade | New World History and Geography - Students will study the geography and early inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere. Students will complete an in-depth study of their chosen Canadian Province or Territory using their own Canadian Notebook. Students will explore the motives of European exploration and colonization of the New World and will reflect on the impact on the indigenous people and cultures of the Western Hemisphere. Students will research a state of their choosing and provide oral presentations.
7th Grade | History of the World - Students will navigate the beginnings of written history in the Fertile Crescent to modern history. Students will research current events with an emphasis on modern economic factors and conditions of places they are studying in history to draw conclusions about how history has affected these modern countries. In the third quarter, students will study the impact of feudalism and create their own Coat of Arms to share with their classmates. Geography bowls are conducted once per quarter to build retention.
8th Grade | America: Land I Love - This keystone course at Rhema incorporates American history, civics and geography. Students will be introduced to civics, parliamentary procedure, economics and debate in addition to mastering United States geography. Students will create slideshows highlighting America’s role in advancing inventions and innovations over the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Students will learn flag etiquette and receive their own copy of the U.S. Constitution as part of their study of this plan of government. Students will finish their last quarter writing a letter to the President with concerns they have about the state of our nation.
SPANISH
K - 4th Grades | Spanish Culture - Students learn basic Spanish in a natural, situation-based setting without detailed grammatical explanations using Total Physical Response (TPR), the use of the kinesthetic sensory system to assimilate information and skills. The students will recite greetings and other useful phrases, learn basic vocabulary about many common topics, and gain awareness of the variety of customs and cultures in the Hispanic world through a Biblical worldview.
5th - 6th Grade | Introduction to Spanish - The sixth-grade language course is the first level of a three-level Middle School Spanish program. The students will use many simple communicative topics, use basic structural aspects of the language, make connections to the lesson with the cultural capsules provided, and review each Spanish-speaking country with a geographical and cultural overview and Biblical Integration.
7th Grade | Spanish 1A - Spanish 1A consists of six units: Friends, Home, Class, Shopping, Food, and Sports. It is a formal language course which teaches the four basic communication skills of understanding, speaking, reading, writing and use of the kinesthetic sensory system through Total Physical Response to enhance the learning of these skills. Students will research and study about Hispanic countries and people, ask questions in Spanish, read and complete comprehension questions, use proper grammar in writing, listen and recite proper pronunciation, memorize scripture, and demonstrate cultural differences.
8th Grade | Spanish 1B - Spanish 1B consists of one review unit and five new units: Sports, Health, Traveling, Vacation, Hobbies, and Daily Routines. The students will develop awareness of how Spanish can make them more useful to God's service and how to appreciate the diversity of God's creation and grow in their love of all of God's people. Students will research and study about Hispanic countries and people, ask questions in Spanish, read and complete comprehension questions, use proper grammar in writing, listen and recite proper pronunciation, memorize scripture, and demonstrate cultural differences.
VISUAL ARTS
5th Grade | Art Elements – Students are introduced to multiple art mediums, tools and techniques throughout the year. They will learn to appreciate art biblically with elements of art, (line, shape, space, color, value, texture, and form) and principles of design, (rhythm, movement, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis and unity). Each student will be encouraged to develop skills and techniques that will improve their artwork with demonstrations during class. Each lesson topic will contain an artist with an art history implication.
6th Grade | Art Mediums – Christian art appreciation is the goal for this class. Each month they will learn about two different Christian artists. Each student will start with an art portfolio which will be developed throughout the year. As students progress through the course, they are challenged in art to use their creativity and develop artistically. Exploring different mediums, such as oil pastels, acrylic paint, watercolors, color pencils, clay and 3D sculptures from recycled materials. Students will start a virtual portfolio at this level.
7th Grade | Art Techniques – Students will experiment with a variety of media to create visual artworks. The elements of art are stressed in two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional work. Students will begin to apply art principles in their art expression. The development and application of basic techniques and skills are stressed. Students will express their ideas by using art as a form of communication. Students learn to respect their own ideas and artistic expressions and those of others as they analyze and evaluate works of art.
8th Grade | Art Development – Students will work on hands-on projects based on Biblical scriptures. They will explore in great depth how artistic talents should be developed by the Lord through prayer. They will work collaboratively to explore the artistic process from idea development, to plan design, to construction, and finally to presentation of each project. They will fully develop their visual journals, and they will have a senior project to develop and complete throughout the year.
COMPUTER COURSES
5th Grade | Computer 5 - Google Skills and Programing - Intermediate - Students are introduced to formatting a formal MLA research paper in Google Docs. They also build upon their skills in Google Sheets, Slides, and Draw. Students are also introduced to Blockly, visual block drag and drop computer programming.
6th Grade |Computer 6 - Google Skills and Programming - Competent - Students focus on formatting a formal MLA research paper in Google Docs. Students also dive deeper into Google Sheets, Slides, and Google Draw. Further exploration with Blockly, visual block drag and drop computer programming takes place.
7th Grade | Computer 7 - Google Skills and Programming - Proficient - Students focus on formatting a formal MLA research paper in Google Docs. Extensive projects in Google Slides take place. Students continue to progress through Blockly, visual block drag and drop computer programming.
8th Grade | Computer 8 - LEGO Mindstorms - Students focus on formatting a formal MLA research paper in Google Docs. The students will explore robotics and computer programming with LEGO Mindstorms.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
PE 5th Grade - The primary goal of Personal Fitness is to provide instruction, model behaviors, and teach activities that will equip students with the knowledge and skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This course will introduce students to physical fitness, focusing on the benefits of overall strength and cardiovascular health. Using the basics of strength training and conditioning programs to suit individual needs, students will participate in many activities that will improve their overall fitness and strength.
PE 6th Grade - Students in grade 6 will gain awareness and understanding of the relationship between physical activity and strategy while developing the knowledge and skills for both team and individual sports. Students will enhance their skills through various activities that will include soccer, basketball, hockey, track and field. Sportsmanship and how God wants us to treat others will be a focus as students become more competitive.
PE 7th Grade - Students in grade 7 will gain awareness and understanding through an emphasis on team activities. Students will continue to enhance their skills through various activities that will include soccer, basketball, hockey, track and field on a developmentally appropriate level. Team building game adaptations for difficulty level will be utilized, as will additional challenges of jumping rope, individual long and team long rope. How to let His light shine through you on the field of competition will be a theme throughout the course.
PE 8th Grade - Students in grade 8 will gain emphasis on learning to work as a team to solve problems. Cooperative games will be used to improve communication and collaboration skills. Inclusive activities to allow students to learn and appreciate leadership opportunities and challenges will be increased through activities from prior years. These activities will include; soccer, basketball, hockey, jump rope, long rope, track and field. Opportunities to utilize sports as a platform for sharing the love of Jesus will be discussed and proposed as an additional challenge for students.
Health 6th Grade | Healthy Habits - Students will learn overall well-being (wellness wheel) with spiritual well-being at the center of every decision regarding health. Students will learn the need to maintain and improve their health and wellness by developing skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary to improve their quality of life. Content includes nutrition, physical fitness, personal safety, immune system, healthy relationships, puberty, and God's design for sex, personal hygiene, bullying and cyberbullying.
Health 7th Grade | Health and Fitness - Students will explore how behaviors influence their health and well-being while demonstrating skill application. Students will acquire knowledge to build and maintain a healthy body. Content includes nutrition, fueling body performance, digestive, circulatory and muscular/skeletal systems, cardiovascular, muscular endurance, strength, flexibility, body types, bulimia, anorexia, first aid, conflict resolution and spiritual well-being.
Health 8th Grade | Healthy Relationships - Students will analyze the process of goal-setting and decision-making, as well as interpersonal communication, self-management, and self-advocacy. Students will explore how behaviors influence their health and well-being. Content includes putting God first, thinking of and loving others, dating and healthy relationships, mental and emotional disorders, suicide, depression, anxiety, euthanasia, abortion, organ donation, substance abuse, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, death, the grieving process.
PERFORMANCE ARTS
Music 5th Grade - Students will continue building upon the musical concepts they have learned by singing in parts and reading musical scores. Students will prepare and perform for our annual Christmas concert. During the second half of the year, we will incorporate other songs from movies, musicals, current Christian hits, etc.
Music 6th Grade - Students will continue building upon the musical concepts they have learned by singing in parts and reading musical scores. Students will prepare and perform for our annual Christmas concert. During the second half of the year, we will incorporate other songs from movies, musicals, current Christian hits, etc.
Music 7th Grade - In this course, students will continue their musical knowledge by learning the basics of guitar. The focus will be on learning chords, strumming patterns, and reading lead sheets. Lessons will also incorporate what worship is and why it is an important aspect of our faith.
Music 8th Grade | Music Appreciation - For the first half of the year, students will continue with guitar and will begin developing keyboard skills. The second half of the year, students will study an overview of music as they learn the different genres, music in movies, and musicals.
ELECTIVES
Concert Band & Orchestra
Public Speaking
Robotics & Programming
Project Design & Engineering
Archery
Health and Nutrition
Budgets and Checkbooks
Visual Arts