• Proportional relationships
• Applying rational numbers
• Order of operations
• Fractions
• Integers
• Write and simplify expressions
• Equation solving (one-step and two-step)
• Basic geometry
• Angle relationships
• Properties of circles
• Polygons
• Measurement (length, perimeter, circumference, and area)
• Geometry solids
• Collecting, displaying, and analyzing data
• Probability
• Patterns and functions

Students will focus on

• reading strategies
• introduction to the Active Reading Model
• introduction to Literary Terminology
• understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning with the Traditional Story Structure using the short story, “The Marble Champ”
• analyze how characters in literature develop within the overall impact of a piece of literature using the short story, “The No-Guitar Blues”
• use information to form, explain, and support critical thinking and reading comprehension in non-fiction writing using the “Critical Thinking and Reading Comprehension Series”
• understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning using the novels The Chronicles of Narnia and Wonder
• write a 5 paragraph literary analysis comparing the novel to the Bible
• analyze the meaning of words and phrases in their context using all of the stories above
• deliver planned Oral Presentations using Accelerated Reader Books

• Unit One: Preparing for the Race
• Unit Two: Developing Inner Strength
• Unit Three: Striving for the Prize
• Unit Four: Hindrances to the Runner
• Unit Five: Pressing Toward the Goal
• Unit Six: The Prize is Won

• Embedded inquiry
• Ecology: the organization of the various ecosystems
• Energy: potential and kinetic energy, sound, light, geothermal, electrical and nuclear energy; renewable and non-renewable energy resources
• Electricity and Magnetism: Static electricity, currents and circuits, conductors and insulators, electric cells, measuring electrical energy, electric power, magnets and magnetic fields, electricity to magnetism, magnetism to electricity, electric motors and electronics, superconductivity
• Matter in Motion: forces in motion, work and energy, types of machines
• Weather: meteorological tools, wind, seasons
• Universe: Earth, moon and sun relationships

Grammar

Objective: Students will review basic concepts taught in elementary school, practice sentence construction and mechanics, and be introduced to upper level grammar concepts.

Topics covered:

1st semester – Detailed review of the parts of speech

2nd semester – Rules and construction of proper and varied sentences and grammar mechanics

Weekly Language Practice – Daily Grams

Objective: student will apply grammar concepts by correcting capitalization and punctuation mistakes.

Application: 2 per week; 60 per year

Journal

Objective: Journal - Students will practice writing skills and prepare for timed essay tests by creating interesting, proper paragraph responses to varied topics in a specific time allotment.

Application: Select weeks – timed paragraph responses

Spelling

Objective: Students will spell, define, and list the part of speech for all new vocabulary words focusing on roots, suffixes, and prefixes. One Greek or Latin Root will be added for additional memorization. Words are chosen from ABeka, ACSI Spelling Bee words, and standardized test prep review word lists.

Application: 20 spelling lists – 200 new words mastered per year

Writing

Objective: Students will enhance writing techniques by practicing proper paragraph and essay construction working through the three of the four main types of writing and utilizing the writing process for each assignment. Students will practice both oral reading of their written work and preparing for and giving an oral presentation. Students will also be introduced to and practice proper MLA documentation.

Writing Projects:

1st Quarter

• Learn the Writing Process – students will practice all steps learning and reviewing brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising for content, proofreading using universal proofreading marks, and sharing their work through oral reading and oral presentations
• Discuss the Four types of Writing
• Learn about Writing Structures in Expository Writing The Scientific Method: Create a sequence paragraph focusing on proper paragraph structure, transitional words, and dynamic word choices

2nd Quarter

• Creating a 5 paragraph essay – outline, order, transitions
• Christmas Around the World Project – 5 paragraph Expository Essay in collaboration with 6th Grade Social Studies
• How to give an Oral Presentation – Oral presentation based on research gathered for the 5 paragraph essay

3rd Quarter

• Introduction to MLA Documentation
• Extreme Weather – Researched 5 paragraph Group Expository essay using MLA Documentation and culminating in an oral reading of the essay – in collaboration with 6th Grade Social Studies

4th Quarter

• Learn how to write in a Persuasive/Argumentative style
• Persuasive paragraph – Movie Critic

World Studies covers the chronological journey of empires, cultures, Christianity, and religions around the world.