Essential Learning Outcomes

Primary Art Program Overview:

Kindergarten through 2^nd Grade students will receive instruction in basic concepts about the elements of art defined as: color, shape, texture, value, line and form. Learners will gain understanding of the elements of art primarily through art making, while being introduced to art history and art criticism through the lens of a biblical worldview. Artistic development and learning are approached through demonstration, use of art materials and methods used in art making, and studying artists.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is creative; therefore, we create because we are made in His Image.
• Art media, techniques, and processes work together to create works of art that display God-given ideas, emotion, and talent.
• Artists use elements and principles of art to design visual communication.
• Art reflects to time, period, culture, geography, and status of a region’s inhabitants.
• Artwork elicits a response to understand and appreciate the experience of the artist while building connections to our own experiences.

 

Essential Questions

• What are ways we observe God’s creativity in His Creation?
• How do the elements of art help us make art that is successful?
• How were the artists the “voice” of a culture?
• How has God uniquely gifted us to think and create?

 

Learning Targets for Primary Art

• Identify the elements of art in an artwork.
• Use art materials and technology properly to create.
• Learn how to visually discern an artwork and the art in a work.
• Create an original idea which expresses themselves.
• Explore and practice various applications to create art.

Overview:

First grade students are given a basic overview of God’s Word as they learn God is our Creator, Savior, and Faithful Friend. An introduction of historical characters in both the Old and New Testaments provides a solid foundation for the instruction. A clear, age-appropriate explanation of the Gospel leading to an understanding of the saving faith found in Jesus Christ alone is woven throughout the curriculum.

 

K-8 Bible Enduring Understandings

God, Our Father

• God is holy, and God is love.
• God desires and pursues relationship with humanity.
• Prayer is powerful, effective, and essential to Christian living.

Jesus, Our Salvation

• Jesus is the only source of salvation.
• Humanity faces the depravity and consequences of sin and are in need of forgiveness.

God’s Word

• The Bible is truth and is God’s Word for us.
• Historical time and culture influence interpretation, yet God’s Word remains unchanged.

 

Essential Questions

1. What timeless truths are contained in the Bible?
2. Who are main characters and key people in the Old and New Testament?
3. What are the key concepts, places and events included in the Old and New Testament?
4. How does reading, studying, memorizing, and responding to Scripture impact my understanding of God and myself?
5. What is God’s plan for salvation?
6. How do I actively participate in prayer, worship, and service?

Learning Targets for Bible

God, Our Father

• Know that God created the world from nothing.
• Understand that God sent Jesus to save mankind from sin.
• Recognize that God works in all lives including biblical characters and our own.
• Students will know that God hears and answers their prayers.

Jesus, Our Savior

• Understand that Jesus is the one and only Savior of mankind and the way to eternal life.
• Celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus, and learn the many ways He pleased His Father during His earthly life.
• Be challenged to ask God to help live like Jesus.

The Holy Spirit, Our Guide

• Understand that the Holy Spirit is part of the trinity.
• Recognize that the Holy Spirit is actively drawing them to obedience.

God’s Word

• Recall and apply weekly Scripture verses.
• Understand that Bible is one of God’s ways of communicating His love and direction to us.

Overview:

First grade students learn to communicate through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. They are becoming independent readers as they build their language and comprehension skills by reading and listening to a wide range of texts. As students gain confidence in reading, they will begin to acquire the ability to express thoughts in writing and speaking.

 

Enduring Understandings

• Reading:
• The Bible is the most relevant literary work, revealing the nature heart of God.
• Literature provides enjoyment, expands knowledge, develops understanding, and reveals God’s sovereignty when reading with a biblical lens.
• Writing:
• Writing is an expressive communication process with God-given purpose, form, and function.
• Listening/Speaking:
• God created us for fellowship and community that is founded on respectful interactions.
• Verbal communication allows the sharing of ideas and experiences, and are developed over time for specific purposes.
• Viewing:
• It is important todiscern Truth, quality, and value as we encounter the written work of others and visual media.

 

Essential Questions

1. Why do we learn to read?
2. How does reading help me connect with God and my world?
3. What strategies can I use to help me become a better reader?
4. How can close reading help me understand the text?
5. How can I use the writing process to develop my writing skills?
6. How can I write in different ways to express my ideas?
7. How does listening help me learn?
8. How can I communicate effectively?
9. How do I use technology to strengthen my learning?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 1 ELA

Reading

• Respond to literature to identify key details in a text
• Retell stories using key details to demonstrate understanding of the central message or lesson
• Analyze the elements of literature by describing characters, settings, and major events in a story through discussion, illustrations, and writing
• Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that elicit feelings or appeal to the senses
• Explain major differences between fiction and non-fiction
• Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories
• Read texts for personal enjoyment, interest, and academic tasks
• Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text
• Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes)
• Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words
• Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension

 

Writing

• Recognize the distinguishing features of a sentence (capitalizations, punctuation, complete thought)
• Write informative/explanatory texts including a topic, details to support, and a closing
• Develop narrative and creative texts using sequencing, details, and closure

• Participate in shared research and writing projects

• Recall or gather information in response to a critical question
• Apply grade-appropriate English grammar, conventions, and usage when writing.

 

Listening, Speaking, Viewing and Media Literacy

• Participate in collaborative conversations and reflective discussions with various partners in small and larger groups

• Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood
• Verbally describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly

• Share ideas about messages promoted in the mass media (e.g., film, television, radio, magazines, advertisements, newspapers)

Overview:

Students will engage in a quality health program which incorporates the Bible into the realm of health education. Believing that God created all people in His image, students will be trained to care for their whole person in a way that is glorifying to Him. Students will have the opportunity to deal with current life issues and explore general concepts related to promoting health from a Christian perspective.

Enduring Understandings

• The Lord knit us together to enter Godly relationships to inspire others as we develop social and spiritual maturity.
• The human body, designed male and female by God, grows and changes throughout life.
• Our body is comprised of systems which are designed by God to sustain a human lifespan.
• Essential nutrients and physical exercise are needed for proper growth.
• Unhealthy use of substances has negative effects on the human body, family life, and society.
• Intimacy and love is ordained by God and meant to be part of a marital relationship.
• All followers of Christ are called to seek ways in which they can personally support and build up all members of the body of Christ.

 Essential Questions

1. How did God create me uniquely?
2. How do the choices I make impact my safety and health?
3. How do I communicate my thoughts and feelings in a healthy way?
4. How do I discern how to make safe choices regarding media and technology?
5. What does God’s Word say about family?
6. How can I demonstrate God’s love and care within my family?
7. How can I get along with others effectively?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 1 Health

• Identify that healthy behaviors impact personal health.
• Recognize the growth and development of our bodies.
• Identify behaviors that avoid or reduce health risks and prevent diseases.
• Identify trusted adults and professionals who can help promote health.

• Demonstrate healthy ways to express needs, wants, and feelings.
• Demonstrate the ability to respond in an unwanted, threatening, or dangerous situation.
• Express ways to tell a trusted adult if threatened or harmed.
• Demonstrate practices and behaviors to maintain healthy relationships.
• Demonstrate behaviors that avoid or reduce health risks and prevent diseases.

• Identify behaviors that threaten community health.
• Identify God’s plan for the family.

Overview:

1^st graders continue to see God’s character and orderliness as they explore a deeper understanding of basic mathematical operations. They are becoming stronger in their problem solving skills, and math fact fluency. Story problems, place value, measurement, and geometry add to their base knowledge of mathematics.

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.
• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does math help me connect with God and my world?
2. How can a number be read, written, and represented?
3. How can we compare and order numbers?
4. What strategies can I use to help me solve problems?
5. What processes can I use to become fluent in math operations?
6. How do I demonstrate my understanding of math concepts?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 1 Mathematics

Number & Operation

• Count, with and without objects, forward and backward from any given number up to 120
• Read, write, compare, order, and represent whole numbers to 120
• Describe whole numbers to the hundreds place value
• Recognize the relationship between counting, addition, and subtraction
• Skip count by 2s, 5s, and 10s
• Develop number to understand relationships between numeric values
• Use automaticity to add and subtract numbers
• Create simple patterns using objects, pictures, and numbers.
• Determine validity of equations involving addition and subtraction
• Tell and write time in hours and half-hours (using analog clocks)
• Develop basic understanding of money and values individually and in combinations

Geometry & Measurement

• Measure the length of an object using a ruler.
• Describe the characteristics of 2D and 3D geometric shapes and objects

Algebra

• Identify the missing number in an addition or subtraction equation

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Collect, organize, display, and analyze data in tally charts and bar graph
• Use words, pictures, objects, whole numbers and number lines to model and solve addition and subtraction problems
• Represent real-world situations involving addition and subtraction basic facts, using objects and number sentences

Enduring Understandings

• Music provides a means for worshiping God individually and in community.
• Man is created with varying musical abilities that can be developed to enrich life and learning.
• God has created man to hear, appreciate, and explore the complexities of music with endless variety.
• Music offers an aesthetic experience that speaks to the heart of man.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does the organization of musical structure reflect God’s creativity?
2. What determines a preference for particular styles of music?
3. How does culture influence musical functions?

 

Learning Targets for Primary Music

• Produce a quality vocal tone in both chest and head voice.
• Sight read rhythm patterns involving quarter, half, whole, and eight notes/rests.
• Model a performer’s physical stature (“Singer-Ready”).
• Exhibit their knowledge of the solfege scale and symbols in critical listening and singing.
• Sight read pitch patterns using solfege Do, Re, Me, and low Sol.

Primary PE Overview:

The K-2 PE program at Chapel Hill is designed to involve all students, provide activity for physical development, and emphasize health-related fitness and skills training.

 

Enduring Understandings

• By taking responsibility for the body God gave us, positive decision-making related to fitness honors and glorifies Him.
• God has designed us for efficient movement to develop our physical capabilities.
• Our physical bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit; therefore; good stewardship is imperative to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy.
• Cooperation and positive interaction is key to developing teamwork by working together the way God intended.

 

Essential Questions

1. What happens to your heart when you exercise?
2. How can I move effectively and efficiently?
3. What positives come from working together as a team?
4. What are some ways in which I can become physically active?

 

Learning Targets for K-2

• Recognize that the heart beats faster and breathing increases with exertion and movement.
• Understand that the heart is a muscle that grows stronger with exercise and physical activity.
• Participate in a variety of activities that increase breathing and heart rate.
• Perform loco-motor skills while maintaining balance.
• Practice positive teamwork that encourages others.

Overview:

First grade students are introduced to the fundamental concepts related to citizenship and government, American history, economics, and geography. Through a biblical lens they will begin to see God’s hand in our history and His design for our world, communities, and families.

 

K-8 Social Studies Enduring Understandings

Citizenship and Government

• The development of civic skills and values reflect our desire to be more Christlike while serving and interacting with our communities.

History

• God’s plan is evident through human progress and the rise and fall of nations.
• Wisdom for the future is gift from God, gained by studying the Bible and documented events in history.

Economics

• God is in the center of the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources He has given us, and how that changes over time.

Geography

• The diverse landscapes God has created influence our needs, cultures, opportunities, and skills.
• Geographical features represent the creativity, artistry, and wisdom of God.

 

Grade 1 Social Studies Essential Questions

1. How does geography help us understand God’s world?

1. How can we learn from the past to positively influence the future?
2. In what ways can we contribute to our families, communities, and beyond?
3. What are the differences and similarities found among various cultures?
4. How has God’s sovereignty been evident in America’s history?

 

Learning Targets for Social Studies

Citizenship and Government

• Discuss the nature of families, their similarities and differences.

• Demonstrate good citizenship in community through Christ-like character development and service and mission projects.

• Explore the US executive leadership role, structure, and process by examining our current and past presidents including their work in Washington DC and throughout the nation.
• Understand the concept of patriotism including the purpose and history of the Pledge of Allegiance and American traditions.

History

• Compare and contrast family life from earlier times and today
• Answer basic historical questions about famous Americans.
• Describe how people lived in the past based on information found in historical records and artifacts.
• Compare and contrast buildings and other technologies from earlier times and today

Economics

• Explain that the foundational concepts of trade and free enterprise.

Geography

• Locate familiar and unfamiliar places on maps.
• Create and describe geographical concepts to illustrate spatial information using maps.
• Compare and contrast physical and human characteristics of locations found on a globe or map.

Primary Spanish Program Overview:

Students in Primary Elementary Spanish will be introduced to Spanish in its beginning stages. God desires that people from all languages and cultural backgrounds come to know Him and His Word (Rev. 5:9). As Believers in Christ, is valuable to communicate with others in their native language and ultimately use it as a tool to share the Good News. As students develop their Spanish abilities, they will build a foundation of Spanish skills focusing on listening, reading, written, and spoken language.

 

Enduring Understandings

• We have been created equally in God’s image for relationships with people from various life experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
• God created communication to build relationships which requires the ability to share ideas to interact with one another.
• Studying a foreign language provides an opportunity to gain deeper understanding and knowledge of places and cultures different than our own.
• Global citizenship is strengthened with an ability to communicate in more than one language.

 

Essential Questions

1. Why have languages and cultures been purposely designed by God?
2. How can I use another language as a tool to build relationships and communicate the Good News?
3. What consistent listening, reading, writing, and oral habits can I gain to build a base for future language learning endeavors?
4. How do I gain patience, use active participation and maintain a positive mindset when developing a new form of speech takes time and effort?

 

Learning Targets

• Acquire base vocabulary in simple phrases, alphabet, numbers, colors, body parts, seasons, family members, school materials, and holidays.
• Acquire an understanding for personal information such as name, birth date, favorites, and likes and dislikes.
• Listen and respond to questions in Spanish.
• Follow simple commands in Spanish.
• Respond orally and accurately to Spanish stories.
• Expand knowledge of vocabulary through Spanish songs and rhymes.
• Formulate short conversations using proper greetings.
• Read and discuss Scripture passages and biblical vocabulary in Spanish.
• Learn biblical truths and apply scriptural principles.
• Gain understanding of basic distinctives among Spanish-speaking nations and cultures.

Overview:

First grade students continue to grow in their understanding of God as the intelligent designer and creator of the world. Through the lens of the Bible, they will investigate and explore physical, earth, and life science along with the nature of science itself. In addition, they will practice and apply basic keyboarding skills.

 

K-8 Science Enduring Understandings

Nature of Science and STEM:

• The applied sciences require respectful stewardship to positively influence others and provide a means to discover more about God’s complex world.
• God crated man in His image with an intellect to problem-solve, create, invent, discover, analyze, and draw conclusion

Physical Science:

• The physical world demonstrates the orderliness and exactness of God.

Earth and Space Science:

• The earth and celestial heavens show the design of God and the human impact on the world.

Life Science:

• Biological sciences highlight the purpose of God’s creation between organisms, environment, ideas, and events.

 

Essential Questions

1. What skills and processes do scientists use to find answers to questions?
2. How is technology used to enhance my knowledge and skills?
3. How are tools and machines designed to help human progress?
4. How do the properties of matter and their changing states impact our world?
5. How can I identify physical laws such as energy, force, and motion in my surroundings?
6. How are humans, nature, and the environment affected by weather and weather patterns?
7. What impact does the water cycle have on the earth and its inhabitants?
8. What are the differences and similarities between plant and animal life?
9. What sustains life for various living things?
10. How did God create order through the life cycle?

 

Learning Targets for STEM

Nature of Science and Engineering (this strand includes technology)

• Recognize that scientists learn by asking questions and making observations.

• Observe that many living and nonliving things are made of parts for them to function properly.
• Recognize that tools, including technology, are used by scientists and engineers, to gather information, solve problems, compare, and share data.
• Differentiate between natural materials created by God and manmade materials.

Physical Science

• Identify matter as a solid, liquid, or gas that can change forms.
• Understand the natures of energy, heat, and sound.
• Recognize the ways motion including, force, magnets, and gravity.

Earth and Space Science

• Group or classify rocks in terms of color, shape, and size.

• Describe similarities and differences between soil and rocks.
• Identify and describe uses of natural resources.
• Understand the that sun and moon affect the earth, our weather, and seasons.

• List ways we can reduce, reuse, and recycle as we care for the earth God has given us.

Life Science

• Identify and categorize living and nonliving things according to physical characteristics and behaviors.
• Recognize that animals need space, water, food, shelter, and air to survive in their habitats.
• Examine and apply stages of the life cycle to various living organisms.

Primary Art Program Overview:

Kindergarten through 2^nd Grade students will receive instruction in basic concepts about the elements of art defined as: color, shape, texture, value, line and form. Learners will gain understanding of the elements of art primarily through art making, while being introduced to art history and art criticism through the lens of a biblical worldview. Artistic development and learning are approached through demonstration, use of art materials and methods used in art making, and studying artists.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is creative; therefore, we create because we are made in His Image.
• Art media, techniques, and processes work together to create works of art that display God-given ideas, emotion, and talent.
• Artists use elements and principles of art to design visual communication.
• Art reflects to time, period, culture, geography, and status of a region’s inhabitants.
• Artwork elicits a response to understand and appreciate the experience of the artist while building connections to our own experiences.

 

Essential Questions

• What are ways we observe God’s creativity in His Creation?
• How do the elements of art help us make art that is successful?
• How were the artists the “voice” of a culture?
• How has God uniquely gifted us to think and create?

 

Learning Targets for Primary Art

• Identify the elements of art in an artwork.
• Use art materials and technology properly to create.
• Learn how to visually discern an artwork and the art in a work.
• Create an original idea which expresses themselves.
• Explore and practice various applications to create art.

Overview:

Students focus on the main characters, key concepts, places, and events of the Old Testament, actively tracing the Israelite’s journey as they encounter a God who consistently offers them forgiveness, salvation, and relationship for His glory and for the good of His creation. Students are presented with a clear explanation of the Gospel resulting in an understanding of saving faith found in Christ alone. Scripture memory, New Testament stories, and biblical principles are utilized to learn about Jesus and grow in Christ-like character.

 

K-8 Bible Enduring Understandings

God, Our Father

• God is holy and God is love.
• God desires and pursues relationship with humanity.
• Prayer is powerful, effective, and essential to Christian living.

Jesus, Our Salvation

• Jesus is the only source of salvation.
• Humanity faces the depravity and consequences of sin and are in need of forgiveness.

God’s Word

• The Bible is truth and is God’s Word for us.
• Historical time and culture influence interpretation, yet God’s Word remains unchanged.

 

Essential Questions

1. What timeless truths are contained in the Bible?
2. Who are main characters and key people in the Old and New Testament?
3. What are the key concepts, places and events included in the Old and New Testament?
4. How does reading, studying, memorizing, and responding to scripture impact my understanding of God and myself?
5. What is God’s plan for salvation?
6. How do I actively participate in prayer, worship, and service?

 

Learning Targets for Bible

• Memorize the books of the Old and New Testaments
• Identify key words, phrases, and simple context of Scripture
• Locate verses in the Bible, identifying book, chapter, and verse
• Examine Scripture using basic Bible study methods
• Learn how to look for and make connections between important Old and New Testament concepts
• Use Bible maps and timelines to further understand biblical context
• Reflect upon and apply biblical principles to daily life
• Memorize key verses to summarize or paraphrase the meaning
• Understand and respond to God’s plan for salvation
• Recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
• Participate in group and individual prayer as an important way to communicate with God.
• Learn and experience the significant value of corporate worship.

Overview:

Using biblical themes and Christian character development, second grade language arts is a continuation of reading, writing, listening, and speaking with an introduction to higher-level, critical thinking skills. Students engage in experiences that build confidence and develop independence.

 

K-8 ELA Enduring Understandings

Reading: 

• The Bible is the most relevant literary work, revealing the nature and heart of God.
• Literature provides enjoyment, expands knowledge, develops understanding, and reveals God’s sovereignty when reading with a biblical lens.

Writing: 

• Writing is an expressive communication process with God-given purpose, form, and function.

Listening/Speaking: 

• God created us for fellowship and community that is founded on respectful interactions.
• Verbal communication allows the sharing of ideas and experiences, and are developed over time for specific purposes.

Viewing/Media Literacy:

• It is important to discern Truth, quality, and value as we encounter the written work of others and visual media.

 

Essential Questions

Reading:

• What strategies can I use to help me become a better reader?
• Why do we read?
• How does reading help me connect with God and my world?

Writing:

• How can close reading help me understand the text?
• How can I use the writing process to develop my writing skills?
• How can I write in different ways to express my ideas?

Listening/Language

• How does listening help me learn?

Speaking:

• How can I communicate effectively?

Viewing/Media Literacy:

• How can I use technology to strengthen my learning?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 2 ELA

Reading

• Use examples from text to establish meaning
• Read fluently and with expression when reading orally
• Determine the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words using context clues and word parts
• Use a variety of comprehension strategies such as main idea, details, story structure, questioning, predicting to establish meaning.
• Apply grade-level spelling and phonics skills in independent work.

Writing

• Write in a variety of forms- informative, narrative, opinion
• Structure writing with- topic, body, closing
• Engage in the writing process when writing in all forms
• Conduct research projects using print and digital writing skills
• Demonstrate conventions of English when writing and speaking

Listening & Speaking

• Follow directions to work independently
• Respond positively and productively to others in collaborative groups
• Prepare for and participate in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners
• Present a formal project

Viewing & Media Literacy

• Make use of digital media to enhance student understanding
• Analyze images in text, media, and real-to life, to draw conclusions, make inferences, connect to other texts, and connect to real life

Overview:

Students will engage in a quality health program which incorporates the Bible into the realm of health education.  Believing that God created all people in His image, students will be trained to care for their whole person in a way that is glorifying to Him. Students will have the opportunity to deal with current life issues and explore general concepts related to promoting health from a Christian perspective.

 

Enduring Understandings

• The Lord knit us together to enter Godly relationships to inspire others as we develop social and spiritual maturity.

• The human body, designed male and female by God, grows and changes throughout life.
• Our body is comprised of systems which are designed by God to sustain a human lifespan.
• Essential nutrients and physical exercise are needed for proper growth.
• Unhealthy use of substances has negative effects on the human body, family life, and society.
• Intimacy and love is ordained by God and meant to be part of a marital relationship.
• All followers of Christ are called to seek ways in which they can personally support and build up all members of the body of Christ.   

 

Essential Questions 

1. How did God create me uniquely?
2. How do the choices I make impact my safety and health?
3. How do I communicate my thoughts and feelings in a healthy way?
4. How do I discern how to make safe choices regarding media and technology?
5. What does God’s Word say about family?
6. How can I demonstrate God’s love and care within my family?
7. How can I get along with others effectively?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 2 Health

• Identify and recognize that feelings are a part of a person that influence actions.
• Respond to and become receptive to other people’s feelings.
• Be aware that family is God’s plan for providing basic needs.
• Employ the 5 A’s to resolve conflict.
• Communicate thoughts and ideas in a group setting.
• Apply active listening skills in a variety of settings.
• Identify and recognize the five senses.
• Build and practice a safe and healthy lifestyle.
• Understand how and why we choose healthy foods.
• Be aware and know how to respond to safety hazards at home.
• List and name pedestrian and bike safety rules.
• Understand the role of germs in producing illness.
• Review ways to prevent germs from spreading.

Overview:

God’s qualities of creativity, exactness, precision, order, and structure are evidenced in the natural world. Students in second grade begin to develop an understanding of these qualities through the use of mathematical operations and concepts such as math fact fluency, story problems, place value, estimation, measurement, and geometry in practical, real-worlds applications.

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.

• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does math help me connect with God and my world?

1. How can a number be read, written, and represented?
2. How can we compare and order numbers?
3. What strategies can I use to help me solve problems?
4. What processes can I use to become fluent in math operations?
5. How do I demonstrate my understanding of math concepts?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 2 Mathematics

Number & Operation

• Solve basic addition and subtraction facts with written and oral fluency
• Demonstrate place value, equality, and how to represent whole numbers up to 1000
• Solve story problems by demonstrating a mastery in addition and subtraction of one- and two-digit numbers.

Geometry & Measurement

• Classify shapes through their God-given attributes
• Demonstrate the ability to use the necessary tools to measure an object physical attributes.
• Demonstrate the ability to tell time and count money

Algebra

• Construct and identify number patterns
• Demonstrate understanding of patterns through skip counting, repeated addition, and story problems.
• Apply addition and subtraction strategies to create number sentences when solving story problems.

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Analyze graphs and use gathered data to create various kinds of graphs

Enduring Understandings

• Music provides a means for worshiping God individually and in community.
• Man is created with varying musical abilities that can be developed to enrich life and learning.
• God has created man to hear, appreciate, and explore the complexities of music with endless variety.
• Music offers an aesthetic experience that speaks to the heart of man.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does the organization of musical structure reflect God’s creativity?
2. What determines a preference for particular styles of music?
3. How does culture influence musical functions?

 

Learning Targets for Primary Music

• Produce a quality vocal tone in both chest and head voice.
• Sight read rhythm patterns involving quarter, half, whole, and eight notes/rests.
• Model a performer’s physical stature (“Singer-Ready”).
• Exhibit their knowledge of the solfege scale and symbols in critical listening and singing.
• Sight read pitch patterns using solfege Do, Re, Me, and low Sol.

Primary PE Overview:

The K-2 PE program at Chapel Hill is designed to involve all students, provide activity for physical development, and emphasize health-related fitness and skills training.

 

Enduring Understandings

• By taking responsibility for the body God gave us, positive decision-making related to fitness honors and glorifies Him.
• God has designed us for efficient movement to develop our physical capabilities.
• Our physical bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit; therefore; good stewardship is imperative to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy.
• Cooperation and positive interaction is key to developing teamwork by working together the way God intended.

 

Essential Questions

1. What happens to your heart when you exercise?
2. How can I move effectively and efficiently?
3. What positives come from working together as a team?
4. What are some ways in which I can become physically active?

 

Learning Targets for K-2

• Recognize that the heart beats faster and breathing increases with exertion and movement.
• Understand that the heart is a muscle that grows stronger with exercise and physical activity.
• Participate in a variety of activities that increase breathing and heart rate.
• Perform loco-motor skills while maintaining balance.
• Practice positive teamwork that encourages others.

Overview: 

Second grade students are introduced to the fundamental concepts related to geography, economics, culture, and American history within a biblical worldview. Studies reflect the person of God as a divine, loving, creator who controls all history and wants all people to seek him.

 

K-8 Social Studies Enduring Understandings

Citizenship and Government

• The development of civic skills and values reflect our desire to be more Christlike while serving and interacting with our communities.

History

• God’s plan is evident through human progress and the rise and fall of nations.
• Wisdom for the future is gift from God, gained by studying the Bible and documented events in history.

Economics

• God is in the center of the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources He has given us, and how that changes over time.

Geography

• The diverse landscapes God has created influence our needs, cultures, opportunities, and skills.
• Geographical features represent the creativity, artistry, and wisdom of God.

 

Grade 2 Social Studies Essential Questions

1. How does geography help us understand God’s world?
2. How can we learn from the past to positively influence the future?
3. In what ways can we contribute to our families, communities, and beyond?
4. What are the differences and similarities found among various cultures?
5. How has God’s sovereignty been evident in America’s history?

 

Learning Targets for Social Studies

• Demonstrate understanding of map tools and directions to locate positions
• Locate landforms and bodies of water on a map.
• Analyze key characteristics of communities, cities, states, countries, and continents

• Describe and compare urban, suburban, and rural areas

• Examine biographical texts as a type of historical document.

• Identify how changes in communication, transportation, and technology have affected people’s lives

• Examine the history and meaning of our country’s pledge, American symbols, and National holidays
• Understand basic economic principles such as producer, consumer, goods, and services
• Compare and contrast diverse cultures

Primary Spanish Program Overview:

Students in Primary Elementary Spanish will be introduced to Spanish in its beginning stages. God desires that people from all languages and cultural backgrounds come to know Him and His Word (Rev. 5:9). As Believers in Christ, is valuable to communicate with others in their native language and ultimately use it as a tool to share the Good News. As students develop their Spanish abilities, they will build a foundation of Spanish skills focusing on listening, reading, written, and spoken language.

 

Enduring Understandings

• We have been created equally in God’s image for relationships with people from various life experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
• God created communication to build relationships which requires the ability to share ideas to interact with one another.
• Studying a foreign language provides an opportunity to gain deeper understanding and knowledge of places and cultures different than our own.
• Global citizenship is strengthened with an ability to communicate in more than one language.

 

Essential Questions

1. Why have languages and cultures been purposely designed by God?
2. How can I use another language as a tool to build relationships and communicate the Good News?
3. What consistent listening, reading, writing, and oral habits can I gain to build a base for future language learning endeavors?
4. How do I gain patience, use active participation and maintain a positive mindset when developing a new form of speech takes time and effort?

 

Learning Targets

• Acquire base vocabulary in simple phrases, alphabet, numbers, colors, body parts, seasons, family members, school materials, and holidays.
• Acquire an understanding for personal information such as name, birth date, favorites, and likes and dislikes.
• Listen and respond to questions in Spanish.
• Follow simple commands in Spanish.
• Respond orally and accurately to Spanish stories.
• Expand knowledge of vocabulary through Spanish songs and rhymes.
• Formulate short conversations using proper greetings.
• Read and discuss Scripture passages and biblical vocabulary in Spanish.
• Learn biblical truths and apply scriptural principles.
• Gain understanding of basic distinctives among Spanish-speaking nations and cultures.

Overview:

Second grade students continue to grow in their understanding of God as intelligent designer and creator of the world. Through the lens of the Bible, they will investigate and explore physical, earth, space, and life science, along with the nature of science itself.

 

K-8 Science Enduring Understandings

Nature of Science and STEM:

• The applied sciences require respectful stewardship to positively influence others and provide a means to discover more about God’s complex world.
• God crated man in His image with an intellect to problem-solve, create, invent, discover, analyze, and draw conclusion

Physical Science:

• The physical world demonstrates the orderliness and exactness of God.

Earth and Space Science:

• The earth and celestial heavens show the design of God and the human impact on the world.

Life Science:

• Biological sciences highlight the purpose of God’s creation between organisms, environment, ideas, and events.

 

Essential Questions

1. What skills and processes do scientists use to find answers to questions?
2. How is technology used to enhance my knowledge and skills?
3. How are tools and machines designed to help human progress?
4. How do the properties of matter and their changing states impact our world?
5. How can I identify physical laws such as energy, force, and motion in my surroundings?
6. How are humans, nature, and the environment affected by weather and weather patterns?
7. What impact does the water cycle have on the earth and its inhabitants?
8. What are the differences and similarities between plant and animal life?
9. What sustains life for various living things?
10. How did God create order through the life cycle?

 

Learning Targets for STEM

Nature of Science and Engineering (this strand includes technology)

• Develop an understanding that scientific inquiry and reasoning consists of observing, questioning, investigating, recording, and developing solutions to problems.

Physical Science

• Describe properties of solids, liquids, gases and recognize that states of matter can change.

Earth and Space Science

• Identify the planets in our solar system and describe the motions of the sun, earth and moon system.
• Describe the causes of seasonal change.

Life Science

• Observe and describe changes that place in all living things during a life cycle.

Elementary Art Program Overview:

Third and fourth grade students will review basic concepts about the elements of art defined as: color, shape, texture, value, line, and form. They will be introduced to realistic and abstract art and demonstrate understanding of perspective and 3D drawing.  To deepen their understanding of art history and culture, students will be introduced to visual literacy skills.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is creative; therefore, we create because we are made in His Image.
• Art media, techniques, and processes work together to create works of art that display God-given ideas, emotion, and talent.
• Artists use elements and principles of art to design visual communication.
• Art reflects to time, period, culture, geography, and status of a region’s inhabitants.
• Artwork elicits a response to understand and appreciate the experience of the artist while building connections to our own experiences.

 

Essential Questions

• How are artists inspired to create their artwork?
• How do the elements of art help us make art that is realistic?
• How is art another form of communication?
• How can we read and understand a work of art?

 

Learning Targets for Elementary Art

• Create a unique idea expressed through artwork.
• Examine visual art degrees to create art in 3D perspective.
• Learn how to visually discern an artwork.
• Explore time-period art contexts to create a piece inspired by art history.

Overview:

Students in 3^rd grade will develop a biblical Christian worldview that is based on the truth of God’s existence and His revealed Word, the Bible.  They will understand we are created in God’s image and the course focus is on this truth. Third graders will review wisdom, fellowship, and servanthood. Students will learn that all people are born sinners, and this sin separates us from God.  Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross brings harmony and renewed fellowship with God and is the only way to salvation.

 

K-8 Bible Enduring Understandings

God, Our Father

• God is holy, and God is love.
• God desires and pursues relationship with humanity.
• Prayer is powerful, effective, and essential to Christian living.

Jesus, Our Salvation

• Jesus is the only source of salvation.
• Humanity faces the depravity and consequences of sin and are in need of forgiveness.

God’s Word

• The Bible is truth and is God’s Word for us.
• Historical time and culture influence interpretation, yet God’s Word remains unchanged.

 

Essential Questions

1. What is biblical wisdom?

1. What does it mean to be in harmonious fellowship with Jesus?
2. What does it mean to be an image bearer of God?
3. How does our sin create disharmony with God?
4. What is God’s plan for salvation?
5. How do we develop a servant’s heart and become more like Jesus?
6. How do I apply servanthood to my daily life as I look at the world around me?
7. How can a deeper understanding of Jesus and His heart draw us closer to Him?

 

Learning Targets for Bible

• Memorize and apply weekly Scripture verses to spiritual truths.
• Grow in wisdom by understanding that God is truth, the only true and almighty God, exists in the Trinity, and is the Creator.
• Explain how God created people for fellowship with Him, sin causes separation from Him, and Jesus died to restore this fellowship.
• Apply understanding that we are all image bearers of God by demonstrating character traits of love for one another and when we fall short, seek reconciliation with each other.
• Develop an understanding that God created His image bearers to love and serve each other, and applying this understanding by demonstrating kindness, service, and forgiveness toward each other.
• Recognize that God created his image bearers to rule over the His earth and with this understanding choose to be good stewards in all that God gives us.
• Discover that Jesus Created the heavens and the earth, He was part of God’s plan of redemption from the very beginning, the whole Bible points to Him, and He longs to be in relationship with each of us.

Overview

Using Biblical themes and Christian character development, third grade language arts is a continuation of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with further development of higher-level, critical thinking skills. Students continue to increase literary skills and apply them to experiences that build confidence and independent thinking and learning.

 

Enduring Understandings

• Reading:
• The Bible is the most relevant literary work, revealing the nature heart of God.
• Literature provides enjoyment, expands knowledge, develops understanding, and reveals God’s sovereignty when reading with a biblical lens.
• Writing:
• Writing is an expressive communication process with God-given purpose, form, and function.
• Listening/Speaking:
• God created us for fellowship and community that is founded on respectful interactions.
• Verbal communication allows the sharing of ideas and experiences, and are developed over time for specific purposes.
• Viewing:
• It is important todiscern Truth, quality, and value as we encounter the written work of others and visual media.

 

Essential Questions

Reading

• Why do we read?
• What can I learn from reading different genres of literature?
• What real-world connections can apply to our text?
• What comprehension strategies can help gain a deeper understanding of the text?

Writing

• How does word choice affect meaning, description, clarity, and tone?
• How does proper use of mechanics enhance written communication?
• How does practicing various forms of writing and their processes develop my skills?

Listening

• What are the characteristics of an active listener?
• What impact does listening have on my success in the classroom and in the world?

Speaking

• How can I organize my ideas to speak effectively, formally and informally?
• How can I use my words to encourage others and speak life and truth?

Viewing and Media Literacy

• Why is it important to analyze and evaluate visual materials?
• How do visuals impact our thoughts and actions?
• How do I create meaningful visual and media materials of my own?

 

Grade 3 Learning Targets for ELA
Reading

• Demonstrate understanding of the characteristics of literary genres: realistic fiction, historical fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, fairy tales, and legends
• Identify literary elements in various forms of text
• Determine the vocabulary meaning within text using context clues and expand meaning through word study
• Establish a purpose for reading (inform, persuade, describe, or tell)
• Utilize a variety of comprehension strategies to understand and determine the meaning of various texts
• Develop reading fluency with attention to punctuation and expression

Writing

• Practice expository and creative writing using expanded vocabulary and proper mechanics
• Examine the various parts of speech to develop a deeper understanding of writing mechanics

Listening

• Develop active listening skills to gain knowledge and to respond to the spoken word

Speaking

• Plan, develop, and deliver a wide variety of formal and informal presentations
• Report on topics using descriptive details and clear speech
• Engage various small and large-group discussions to share ideas and build upon the ideas of others

Viewing & Media Literacy

• Create, evaluate, and analyze reliability and value of print and electronic materials

Overview:

Third grade health gives students an opportunity to develop basic life skills such as communicating, decision making, and resolving conflicts in order to prepare them to meet the challenges of daily living. A Christian perspective of health leads students to recognize that obedience to God includes living a healthy lifestyle. As the students acknowledge their accountability to God in how they live, they are able to understand more deeply the love God has for them.

 

Enduring Understandings

• The Lord knit us together to enter Godly relationships to inspire others as we develop social and spiritual maturity.
• The human body, designed male and female by God, grows and changes throughout life.
• Our body is comprised of systems which are designed by God to sustain a human lifespan.
• Essential nutrients and physical exercise are needed for proper growth.
• Unhealthy use of substances has negative effects on the human body, family life, and society.
• Intimacy and love is ordained by God and meant to be part of a marital relationship.
• All followers of Christ are called to seek ways in which they can personally support and build up all members of the body of Christ.

 

Essential Questions

1. How did God create me uniquely?
2. How do the choices I make impact my safety and health?
3. How do I become aware of my emotions and their effect on others around me?
4. How do I develop relationships and resolve conflicts with family and friends?
5. What does the Bible say about family living?

 

Learning Targets for Health

• Identify and recognize the basic systems of the body.
• Build and practice a healthy lifestyle with cleanliness and exercise.
• Recognize the negative effects that substances can have on the human body.
• Classify foods and balance what is eaten in a healthy way.
• Respond to and become aware of personal feelings of self and others.
• Develop friendships and learn to listen and resolve conflict.
• Be aware that family is a primary support system which is an integral part of God’s plan.
• Practice a safe and healthy lifestyle through nutrition, exercise, and good choices.
• Understand and practice emergency procedures.

Overview:

God’s qualities of creativity, exactness, precision, order, structure, and patterns are evidenced in the natural world. Third grade students will continue to develop an understanding of these qualities through mathematical operations and concepts, place value, estimation, geometry, measurement, fractions, problem-solving, and graphing as these skills to relate to real-world applications. Mastery of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division will be a primary focus.

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.
• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

1. How do we identify, read, and compute quantities represented in different numeric forms?
2. How do we use operations to solve real life problems?
3. How do we use mathematical properties to write, solve, and analyze equations?
   4. How can we gain proficiency in measuring length, volume, capacity, time, weight, and temperature in both customary and metric units?
4. How do principles of geometry relate to mathematics?
5. How do we create graphs, charts, and tables to collect, organize, analyze and interpret data?
6. How do I verify mathematical truth?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 3 Mathematics

Number & Operation

• Identify ordinal numbers.
• Identify and write numbers in standard and expanded form and place value up to the millions place.
• Use standard operations to estimate and solve multi-digit addition and subtraction problems with whole numbers.
• Master multiplication facts 0-9, and multiply 2 to 3-digit numbers.
• Compare and order whole numbers.

Geometry & Measurement

• Calculate time, area, and perimeter.
• Name and identify attributes of all 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional shapes.
• Manipulate patterns (tessellations) to identify and create transformations.

Algebra

• Solve problems with missing numbers and write equations.
• Observe and practice order and grouping properties.

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data

Create graphs, charts, and tables to depict data.

Grades 3-4  Program Overview:

Experience is the operative word for students in 3^rd – 5^th grade music experience. This class offers a wide variety of musical outlets in which they hone their skills in listening and performing. Critical listening, singing, studying rhythm through percussion, and playing recorders are all avenues in which students improve their musical skills. Programming highlights for 3^rd & 4^th grade include performances for Grandparents Day, the JrK – 4^th grade Christmas musical, and the Easter Cantata. While, 5^th grade performs for Grandparents Day, the 5^th – 8^th grade Christmas Concert, and 5^th & 6^th Grade Spring Sing Concert.

 

Enduring Understandings

• Music provides a means for worshiping God individually and in community.
• Man is created with varying musical abilities that can be developed to enrich life and learning.
• God has created man to hear, appreciate, and explore the complexities of music with endless variety.
• Music offers an aesthetic experience that speaks to the heart of man.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does the organization of musical structure reflect God’s creativity?
2. What determines a preference for particular styles of music?
3. How does culture influence musical functions?
4. What is the purpose and practice of performance?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 3-4

• Read intermediate rhythms (whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes) and pitches on the recorder.
• Sing in two-part harmony a capella.
• Identify the instruments of the orchestra by sight and sound.
• Read pitch patterns using solfege Do, Re, Me, Fa, and Sol.
• Model a performer’s physical stature (“Singer-Ready”).
• Perform musical pieces formally in various settings.

Intermediate PE Overview:

The Grades 3-5 Physical Education program at Chapel Hill Academy provides an opportunity to learn, practice, and develop in a wide range of skills and activities. Students will be actively engaged in learning different sports, dance, and fitness skills.  Activities provide opportunities to practice motor skills, teamwork strategies, throwing/receiving, as well as providing health related fitness.

 

Enduring Understandings

• By taking responsibility for the body God gave us, positive decision-making related to fitness honors and glorifies Him.
• God has designed us for efficient movement to develop our physical capabilities.
• Our physical bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit; therefore; good stewardship is imperative to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy.
• Cooperation and positive interaction is key to developing teamwork by working together the way God intended.

 

Essential Questions

1. What can we do to be physically active and why is this important?
2. How do I interact with others during physical activity?
3. How will physical activity help me now and in the future?
4. How can I move effectively and efficiently?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 3-5

• Understand the concepts of fitness and provide examples of physical activity to enhance fitness.
• Apply basic offensive and defensive strategies and tactics in small-sided invasion activities.
• Demonstrate etiquette and good sportsmanship in a variety of physical activity settings.
• Understand that practicing activities increases specific skill competence.
• Engage in a variety of physical activities in and outside of school that promote the development and improvement of physical fitness level.

Overview:

Third grade focuses on early American history and the great people who shaped our nation. Through this study, students learn from their own wise decisions and mistakes by studying the lives of historical individuals. Through God and the prayers of Christians, these individuals helped establish the United States as a strong country. The study of America’s geography, beautiful creation, and formation allows students to recognize God’s sovereign hand on our nation.

 

K-8 Social Studies Enduring Understandings

Citizenship and Government

• The development of civic skills and values reflect our desire to be more Christlike while serving and interacting with our communities.

History

• God’s plan is evident through human progress and the rise and fall of nations.
• Wisdom for the future is gift from God, gained by studying the Bible and documented events in history.

Economics

• God is in the center of the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources He has given us, and how that changes over time.

Geography

• The diverse landscapes God has created influence our needs, cultures, opportunities, and skills.
• Geographical features represent the creativity, artistry, and wisdom of God.

 

Grade 3 Social Studies Essential Questions

1. What is a Christian worldview?

1. How do we test the reliability of a source and use the information appropriately?
2. How do I use references to gain information?
3. What elicited the migration to North America?
4. In what ways are different countries connected to one another?
5. How do we integrate various economic systems?
6. How do maps provide information needed to interpret and draw conclusions?
7. In what ways has the past influenced us today?

 

Learning Targets for Social Studies

• Apply map reading skills to identify political boundaries and physical features.
• Create maps and graphs to represent different human activities.
• Analyze the meaning, use, and importance of resources.
• Evaluate and interpret sources and events from the past.
• Construct chronological narratives and remember the characteristics of the important people of American history.
• Recognize similarities and differences between daily life today and in the past.

Primary Spanish Program Overview:

Students in Primary Elementary Spanish will be introduced to Spanish in its beginning stages. God desires that people from all languages and cultural backgrounds come to know Him and His Word (Rev. 5:9). As Believers in Christ, is valuable to communicate with others in their native language and ultimately use it as a tool to share the Good News. As students develop their Spanish abilities, they will build a foundation of Spanish skills focusing on listening, reading, written, and spoken language.

 

Enduring Understandings

• We have been created equally in God’s image for relationships with people from various life experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
• God created communication to build relationships which requires the ability to share ideas to interact with one another.
• Studying a foreign language provides an opportunity to gain deeper understanding and knowledge of places and cultures different than our own.
• Global citizenship is strengthened with an ability to communicate in more than one language.

 

Essential Questions

1. Why have languages and cultures been purposely designed by God?
2. How can I use another language as a tool to build relationships and communicate the Good News?
3. What consistent listening, reading, writing, and oral habits can I gain to build a base for future language learning endeavors?
4. How do I gain patience, use active participation and maintain a positive mindset when developing a new form of speech takes time and effort?

 

Learning Targets

• Acquire base vocabulary in simple phrases, alphabet, numbers, colors, body parts, seasons, family members, school materials, and holidays.
• Acquire an understanding for personal information such as name, birth date, favorites, and likes and dislikes.
• Listen and respond to questions in Spanish.
• Follow simple commands in Spanish.
• Respond orally and accurately to Spanish stories.
• Expand knowledge of vocabulary through Spanish songs and rhymes.
• Formulate short conversations using proper greetings.
• Read and discuss Scripture passages and biblical vocabulary in Spanish.
• Learn biblical truths and apply scriptural principles.
• Gain understanding of basic distinctives among Spanish-speaking nations and cultures.

Overview:

Third grade students continue to grow in their understanding of God as the intelligent Designer and Creator of the world. Through the lens of the Bible, they will investigate and explore physical, earth, space, and life science, along with the nature of science itself.

 

K-8 Science Enduring Understandings

Nature of Science and STEM:

• The applied sciences require respectful stewardship to positively influence others and provide a means to discover more about God’s complex world.
• God crated man in His image with an intellect to problem-solve, create, invent, discover, analyze, and draw conclusion

Physical Science:

• The physical world demonstrates the orderliness and exactness of God.

Earth and Space Science:

• The earth and celestial heavens show the design of God and the human impact on the world.

Life Science:

• Biological sciences highlight the purpose of God’s creation between organisms, environment, ideas, and events.

 

Essential Questions 

1. What is science?
2. How does technology affect our lives?
3. How do plants grow and change?
4. How do living things grow and change?
5. How do living things interact?
6. How do forces cause changes on the earth’s surface?
7. How do objects in space affect one another?
8. How can matter be described?
9. How can energy change?
10. What forces cause motion?

 

Learning Targets for STEM

Nature of Science and Engineering (this strand includes technology)

• Use tools to observe, to measure, and to collect and record data.
• Understand that scientific methods are organized steps for investigation.
• Understand that technology is the knowledge, processes, and products that solve problems and make work more efficient.
• Use the design process to solve a problem.
• Use engineering skills to solve scientific problems reflected in the real world.

 

Physical Science

• Describe and evaluate forms of matter.
• Understand the different kinds of energy and the ways in which they change.
• Understand how forces cause motion.

Earth and Space Science

• Recognize God’s handiwork in all of creation by using the Bible as a scientific text.
• Describe features of the earth’s surface.
• Describe key features of the planets in our solar system.

Life Science

• Describe the life cycles of different types of plants.
• Classify animals based on their characteristics.
• Describe changes in ecosystems.

Elementary Art Program Overview:

Third and fourth grade students will review basic concepts about the elements of art defined as: color, shape, texture, value, line, and form. They will be introduced to realistic and abstract art and demonstrate understanding of perspective and 3D drawing.  To deepen their understanding of art history and culture, students will be introduced to visual literacy skills.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is creative; therefore, we create because we are made in His Image.
• Art media, techniques, and processes work together to create works of art that display God-given ideas, emotion, and talent.
• Artists use elements and principles of art to design visual communication.
• Art reflects to time, period, culture, geography, and status of a region’s inhabitants.
• Artwork elicits a response to understand and appreciate the experience of the artist while building connections to our own experiences.

 

Essential Questions

• How are artists inspired to create their artwork?
• How do the elements of art help us make art that is realistic?
• How is art another form of communication?
• How can we read and understand a work of art?

 

Learning Targets for Elementary Art

• Create a unique idea expressed through artwork.
• Examine visual art degrees to create art in 3D perspective.
• Learn how to visually discern an artwork.
• Explore time-period art contexts to create a piece inspired by art history.

Overview:

Students in 4^th grade will develop a biblical Christian world view that is based on the truth of God’s existence and His revealed Word. They will understand we are made in the image of God with intellect and emotions; we have been given dominion over the earth created for a relationship of harmony with Him, others and the earth. Learners will explore what it means that Jesus is God’s Son, our Savior, and that our sin separates us from Him. Students will understand that accepting that Jesus’ death and resurrection is the only way to be saved from our sins. While Servanthood is the focus, the components of wisdom, fellowship, and image-bearing will be reviewed, and stewardship will be introduced. Lastly, learners will explore the life and ministry of Jesus.

 

K-8 Bible Enduring Understandings

God, Our Father

• God is holy, and God is love.
• God desires and pursues relationship with humanity.
• Prayer is powerful, effective, and essential to Christian living.

Jesus, Our Salvation

• Jesus is the only source of salvation.
• Humanity faces the depravity and consequences of sin and are in need of forgiveness.

God’s Word

• The Bible is truth and is God’s Word for us.
• Historical time and culture influence interpretation, yet God’s Word remains unchanged.

 

Essential Questions

1. What is biblical wisdom?
2. What does it mean to be in harmonious fellowship with Jesus?
3. What does it mean to be an image bearer of God?
4. What is God’s plan for salvation?
5. How do we develop a servant’s heart and become more like Jesus?
6. What does stewardship look like and how is it applied in daily life?
7. How can a deeper understanding of Jesus and His heart draw us closer to Him?

 

Learning Targets for Bible

• Grow in wisdom by understanding that God is truth, the only true and Almighty God, that He exists as the trinity and is the Creator.
• Explain how God created people for fellowship with Him, sin causes separation from Him, and Jesus died to restore this fellowship.
• Apply understanding that we are all image bearers of God by demonstrating character traits of love for one another and reconciliation when we fall short.
• Apply kindness, service, and forgiveness toward each other and practice good stewardship as rulers over his earth to demonstrate an understanding that God created us as His image bearers.
• Understand and respond to the knowledge that Jesus Created the heavens and the earth, He was part of God’s plan of redemption from the very beginning, the whole Bible points to Him, and He longs to be in relationship with each of us.
• Recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer in developing a servant’s heart.
• Participate in group and individual prayer to communicate with God and draw closer to Him.

Overview:

Using biblical themes and Christian character development, fourth grade language arts is a continuation of reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing experiences that emphasize higher-level critical thinking skills. Students are not only acquiring literary skills, but are learning to apply them in a way that fosters independence and creates more in-depth meaning.

 

Enduring Understandings

Reading:

• The Bible is the most relevant literary work, revealing the nature heart of God.
• Literature provides enjoyment, expands knowledge, develops understanding, and reveals God’s sovereignty when reading with a biblical lens.

Writing:

• Writing is an expressive communication process with God-given purpose, form, and function.

Listening/Speaking:

• God created us for fellowship and community that is founded on respectful interactions.
• Verbal communication allows the sharing of ideas and experiences, and are developed over time for specific purposes.

Viewing:

• It is important to discern Truth, quality, and value as we encounter the written work of others and visual media.

 

Essential Questions

Reading

• Why do we read?
• What can I learn from reading different genres of literature?
• What real-world connections can apply to our text?
• What comprehension strategies can help gain a deeper understanding of the text?

Writing

• How does word choice affect meaning, description, clarity, and tone?
• How does proper use of mechanics enhance written communication?
• How does practicing various forms of writing and their processes develop my skills?

Listening

• What are the characteristics of an active listener?
• What impact does listening have on my success in the classroom and in the world?

Speaking

• How can I organize my ideas to speak effectively, formally and informally?
• How can I use my words to encourage others and speak life and truth?
• What skills can I acquire to develop my public speaking/presenting abilities?

Viewing and Media Literacy

• Why is it important to analyze and evaluate visual materials?
• How do visuals impact our thoughts and actions?
• How do I create meaningful visual and media materials of my own?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 4 ELA Strands

Reading

• Develop grade-level text comprehension through summarizing, comparing/contrasting, drawing conclusions, restating, and analyzing.
• Define and apply vocabulary words in context.
• Build fluency by applying phonics skills while reading.
• Gain exposure and appreciation of literary works through genre exploration.

Writing

• Apply the eight parts of speech, rules of capitalization and punctuation in written language.
• Expand vocabulary skills to enhance writing.
• Express ideas through creative and structured expository writing experiences.

Listening & Speaking

• Utilize active listening skills to understand and respond to the spoken word.
• Organize ideas to effectively communicate in small and large groups.
• Choose appropriate words to speak truth and life to self and others.

Viewing & Media Literacy

• Create media presentations to express ideas.
• Create, evaluate, and analyze visual materials for quality, reliability, and value.

Overview:

A primary component of fourth grade health is learning how to make physical, mental, and spiritually healthy choices. Students will understand God’s intricate human design through a heightened focus on the digestive and skeletal systems.

 

Enduring Understandings

Heatlh Enduring Understandings

• The Lord knit us together to enter godly relationships to inspire others as we develop social and spiritual maturity.
• The human body, designed male and female by God, grows and changes throughout life.
• Our body is comprised of systems which are designed by God to sustain a human lifespan.
• Essential nutrients and physical exercise are needed for proper growth.
• Unhealthy use of substances has negative effects on the human body, family life, and society.
• Intimacy and love is ordained by God and meant to be part of a marital relationship.
• All followers of Christ are called to seek ways in which they can personally support and build up all members of the body of Christ.

 

Essential Questions

1. What are the steps in making good decisions that will maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure safety and promote positive relationships?
2. How did God design our bodies to enable us to keep us upright and grow?

 

Learning Targets for Health (Look at grade-level curriculum scope/sequence)

• Discuss age-appropriate scenarios and apply healthy, decision-making skills in response.
• Explain how God created the digestive system to nourish and keep our bodies functioning properly.
• Construct and label parts of the human skeletal system.
• Examine and distinguish what makes up a healthy life style.
• Identify ways to stay safe when facing a variety of real-life potential dangers.

Overview:

Learners will build on their knowledge and extend their understandings of mathematic principles. They will use numbers up to the hundred-millions place to add and subtract, and up to the thousands place to multiply and divide. Learners will use various tools, formulas, and strategies to solve real life problems focusing on measurement, graphing, data analysis, algebra, and geometry. They will be challenged through critical thinking activities and multi-step word problems. Mastery of multi-digit multiplication, long division, addition and subtraction of fractions and the introduction of decimals are the key goals of math in grade 4.

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.
• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

1. How do we identify, read and write whole numbers, fractions and decimals?

1. How do we use operations and mathematical properties to solve real life problems?
2. How can we measure length, volume, capacity, time, weight, and temperature in both customary and metric units?
3. How does geometry relate to mathematics?
4. How do we create graphs, charts and tables to collect, organize, analyze and interpret data?
5. How do I verify mathematical truth?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 4 Mathematics

Number & Operation

• Apply knowledge of place value to express numbers in different ways.
• Solve real-life problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Geometry & Measurement

• Explore the properties of objects and express their measurements in customary & metric units.
• Apply knowledge of clocks and time to interpret real life situations.
• Identify and model lines of symmetry and types of transformations in relation to God’s mathematical design.

Algebra

• Solve basic algebraic equations to discover an unknown quantity.

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Collect, organize, analyze and interpret data through the creation of graphs, tables, and charts.
• Assess mathematical truth by checking with inverse operations and varied algorithms.

Grades 3-4  Program Overview:

Experience is the operative word for students in 3^rd – 5^th grade music experience. This class offers a wide variety of musical outlets in which they hone their skills in listening and performing. Critical listening, singing, studying rhythm through percussion, and playing recorders are all avenues in which students improve their musical skills. Programming highlights for 3^rd & 4^th grade include performances for Grandparents Day, the JrK – 4^th grade Christmas musical, and the Easter Cantata. While, 5^th grade performs for Grandparents Day, the 5^th – 8^th grade Christmas Concert, and 5^th & 6^th Grade Spring Sing Concert.

 

Enduring Understandings

• Music provides a means for worshiping God individually and in community.
• Man is created with varying musical abilities that can be developed to enrich life and learning.
• God has created man to hear, appreciate, and explore the complexities of music with endless variety.
• Music offers an aesthetic experience that speaks to the heart of man.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does the organization of musical structure reflect God’s creativity?
2. What determines a preference for particular styles of music?
3. How does culture influence musical functions?
4. What is the purpose and practice of performance?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 3-4

• Read intermediate rhythms (whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes) and pitches on the recorder.
• Sing in two-part harmony a capella.
• Identify the instruments of the orchestra by sight and sound.
• Read pitch patterns using solfege Do, Re, Me, Fa, and Sol.
• Model a performer’s physical stature (“Singer-Ready”).
• Perform musical pieces formally in various settings.

Intermediate PE Overview:

The Grades 3-5 Physical Education program at Chapel Hill Academy provides an opportunity to learn, practice, and develop in a wide range of skills and activities. Students will be actively engaged in learning different sports, dance, and fitness skills.  Activities provide opportunities to practice motor skills, teamwork strategies, throwing/receiving, as well as providing health related fitness.

 

Enduring Understandings

• By taking responsibility for the body God gave us, positive decision-making related to fitness honors and glorifies Him.
• God has designed us for efficient movement to develop our physical capabilities.
• Our physical bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit; therefore; good stewardship is imperative to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy.
• Cooperation and positive interaction is key to developing teamwork by working together the way God intended.

 

Essential Questions

1. What can we do to be physically active and why is this important?
2. How do I interact with others during physical activity?
3. How will physical activity help me now and in the future?
4. How can I move effectively and efficiently?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 3-5

• Understand the concepts of fitness and provide examples of physical activity to enhance fitness.
• Apply basic offensive and defensive strategies and tactics in small-sided invasion activities.
• Demonstrate etiquette and good sportsmanship in a variety of physical activity settings.
• Understand that practicing activities increases specific skill competence.
• Engage in a variety of physical activities in and outside of school that promote the development and improvement of physical fitness level.

Overview:

In 4^th Grade, students will explore the history of the United States through a biblical lens beginning with the Pilgrims arrival through the end of The Civil War and Reconstruction. This course highlights the importance of historical events, the progression over time, and the commonalities among them. Students will learn how to read and interpret maps, identify and locate the fifty states, and name each capital. Additionally, fourth graders will develop an understanding of their role as Christian citizens of the United States and the importance of making God-honoring decisions.

 

K-8 Social Studies Enduring Understandings

Citizenship and Government

• The development of civic skills and values reflect our desire to be more Christlike while serving and interacting with our communities.

History

• God’s plan is evident through human progress and the rise and fall of nations.
• Wisdom for the future is gift from God, gained by studying the Bible and documented events in history.

Economics

• God is in the center of the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources He has given us, and how that changes over time.

Geography

• The diverse landscapes God has created influence our needs, cultures, opportunities, and skills.
• Geographical features represent the creativity, artistry, and wisdom of God.

 

Grade 4 Social Studies Essential Questions

1. What is the value of studying people, progress, and change throughout history?
2. How is God’s plan revealed throughout history and today?
3. How can tools such as maps, media, technology be used to help us understand concepts in geography, government, economics, and history?
4. What can I learn about the geographic features and regions of the United States of America?
5. What is our responsibility as Christians in America to our government, our community, our state, and our country?
6. How is our nation’s government designed to work?
7. How does the physical environment affect the way people live and work?

 

Learning Targets for Social Studies

• Describe the importance of historical events in the United States.
• Recognize God’s leadership, sovereignty, and protection over the US throughout history.
• Examine the progression of and connections between events in American history.
• Read and interpret maps to acquire and report information related to geography, economics, history, and government.
• Identify US geographic regions from early colonization to the mid-20^th
• Examine the Christian American citizens’ responsibility to their government, community, state, and country, as well as the United States government’s responsibility to its citizens.
• Analyze the lifestyles, jobs, and experiences of people in the United States based on their physical environment.

Overview:

God has a desire for all people to be part of His Kingdom, including those speaking different languages to be united in His love. Therefore, this course is designed to introduce students to the Spanish Language and the culture. Students will develop their learning of a new language through speaking, listening, participating, and creating within a dual-language environment.

 

Enduring Understandings

• We have been created equally in God’s image for relationships with people from various life experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
• God created communication to build relationships which requires the ability to share ideas to interact with one another.
• Studying a foreign language provides an opportunity to gain deeper understanding and knowledge of places and cultures.
• Global citizenship is strengthened with an ability to communicate in more than one language.

 

Essential Questions

1. How can I use another language as a tool to communicate the Good News?
2. What consistent oral and writing habits can I gain to build a base for future language learning endeavors?
3. How do I gain patience, use active participation and maintain a positive mindset when developing a new form of speech takes time and effort?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 4 & 5 Spanish

• Review simple phrases, alphabet, numbers, colors, body parts, etc.
• Formulate short conversations using proper greetings and correctly using the forms of “you” in Spanish.
• Read/discuss Scripture passages in Spanish.
• Learn basic time measurements in Spanish such as years months, days, seasons, and hours.
• Acquire an understanding for personal information information such as name, birth date, favorites, and likes and dislikes.
• Gain understanding of basic cultural distinctives from Spanish-speaking nations and cultures.

Overview:

Through active engagement and relevant discussions, Fourth Grade learners will continue to develop an understanding of God as the Creator and the Sustainer of our universe. Students will grow in their understanding of the human impact we have on our world and the necessity of good stewardship. Foundational knowledge and skills will be developed to discover God’s purpose in His creation, His orderliness and His exactness.

 

K-8 Science Enduring Understandings

Nature of Science and STEM:

• The applied sciences require respectful stewardship to positively influence others and provide a means to discover more about God’s complex world.
• God crated man in His image with an intellect to problem-solve, create, invent, discover, analyze, and draw conclusion

Physical Science:

• The physical world demonstrates the orderliness and exactness of God.

Earth and Space Science:

• The earth and celestial heavens show the design of God and the human impact on the world.

Life Science:

• Biological sciences highlight the purpose of God’s creation between organisms, environment, ideas, and events. 

 

Essential Questions

1. How do scientists draw conclusions through questioning, observation, using tools, and experimentation?
2. How does the design process help us make new scientific discoveries?
3. How are organisms classified?
4. Why are ecosystems important?
5. What can fossils tell us?
6. How do the earth’s resources change?
7. What are some patterns in space?
8. How can matter be described and measured?
9. How does energy cause change?
10. How are electricity and magnetism useful to man?
11. How can motion be described and measured?
12. What are the various ways a solution can be demonstrated and useful?

 

Learning Targets for STEM

Nature of Science and Engineering (this strand includes technology)

• Understand that scientific methods are organized steps for investigation
• Practice using reliable information to answer questions and draw conclusions.
• Understand that technology is the knowledge, processes, and products that solve problems and make work more efficient.
• Explain how worldview affects scientists’ conclusions when using the same evidence.
• Use engineering skills to solve scientific problems reflected in the real world.

Physical Science

• Describe and measure matter.
• Understand the different kinds of energy and how each can be used to cause change.

Earth and Space Science

• Recognize God’s handiwork in all our creation by using the Bible as a scientific text.
• Understand that earth’s resources change
• Discover what it means to be good stewards in God’s world.

Life Science

• Examine how God fully equipped living organisms to survive.
• Discover how living things interact with their environments.

Intermediate Art Program Overview:

Fifth and sixth graders will be introduced to art principles as defined by: balance, emphasis, movement, proportion, rhythm, unity, and variety. Students will demonstrate understanding in arrangement of the elements of art in a composition to achieve a desired result. They will understand the motivations for art eras, how they relate to culture, and be able to compare artistic styles. Lastly, students will be introduced to analyzing meaning in art and have opportunities to problem solve and collaborate on open ended projects.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is creative; therefore, we create because we are made in His Image.
• Art media, techniques, and processes work together to create works of art that display God-given ideas, emotion, and talent.
• Artists use elements and principles of art to design visual communication.
• Art reflects to time, period, culture, geography, and status of a region’s inhabitants.
• Creativity and innovative thinking are essential like skills that can be developed

 

Essential Questions

• How are artists inspired to create their artwork?
• How can we read and understand a work of art?
• How do the principles of art make a composition successful?
• What are the different properties of art materials?
• How does knowing the contexts, histories and traditions of art forms help us create other works of art?
• How does collaboration help the end product of an art piece?

 

Learning Targets for Primary Art

• Develop creative plans to make personal choices in their art work.
• Communicate about their process of making art.
• Envision an idea and build steps necessary to achieve project completion.
• Collaborate with others to create a project for appreciation, form, and/or function.

Overview:

Students in 5^th grade will develop a biblical Christian world view that is based on the truth of God’s existence and His revealed Word. They will understand we are made in the image of God with intellect and emotions; we have been given dominion over the earth created for relationship with Him. Learners will explore what it means that Jesus is God’s Son, our Savior, and our sin separates us from Him. Students will understand that Jesus as the only way to be saved from our sins. They will focus on the concept of stewardship and how that applies to our relationship with others and the earth.  Lastly, learners will explore the life and ministry of Jesus.

 

K-8 Bible Enduring Understandings

God, Our Father

• God is holy and God is love.

• God desires and pursues relationship with humanity.
• Prayer is powerful, effective, and essential to Christian living.

Jesus, Our Salvation

• Jesus is the only source of salvation.
• Humanity faces the depravity and consequences of sin and are in need of forgiveness.

God’s Word

• The Bible is truth and is God’s Word for us.
• Historical time and culture influence interpretation, yet God’s Word remains unchanged.

 

Essential Questions

1. What is wisdom?
2. What does it mean to have fellowship with Jesus?
3. How does sin cause disharmony with God?
4. What does it mean to be an image bearer of God?
5. What does it mean to be good stewards of our bodies, our resources, and the earth?
6. How do I apply stewardship to my daily life as I look at the world around me?
7. How can a deeper understanding of Jesus and His heart draw us closer to Him?

 

Learning Targets for Bible

• Grow in wisdom by understanding that God is truth, the only true and Almighty God, that He exists as the trinity and is the Creator.
• Explain how God created people for fellowship with Him, sin causes separation from Him, and Jesus died to restore this fellowship.
• Recognize that my own sin breaks fellowship with God.
• Apply understanding that we are all image bearers of God by demonstrating character traits of love for one another and when we fall short, seek reconciliation with each other.
• Develop an understanding that as His image bearers to love and serve each other, and applying this understanding by demonstrating kindness, service, and forgiveness toward each other.
• Recognize that God created his image bearers to rule over the His earth and with this understanding choose to be good stewards in all that God gives us.
• Discover that Jesus Created the heavens and the earth, He was part of God’s plan of redemption from the very beginning, the whole Bible points to Him, and He longs to be in relationship with each of us.

Overview:

Learners will read and respond to various novels and selected texts that focus on Biblical truths and principles and develop comprehension and fluency skills. They will participate in the writing process through drafting, editing with proper notations, and publishing final products. Learners will implement the Institute for Excellence in Writing framework to craft complex and descriptive sentences while writing for a variety of purposes. Lastly, fifth graders will participate in formal presentations and critically respond to visual materials.

 

Enduring Understandings

• Reading:
• The Bible is the most relevant literary work, revealing the nature heart of God.
• Literature provides enjoyment, expands knowledge, develops understanding, and reveals God’s sovereignty when reading with a biblical lens.
• Writing:
• Writing is an expressive communication process with God-given purpose, form, and function.
• Listening/Speaking:
• God created us for fellowship and community that is founded on respectful interactions.
• Verbal communication allows the sharing of ideas and experiences, and are developed over time for specific purposes.
• Viewing:
• It is important todiscern Truth, quality, and value as we encounter the written work of others and visual media.

 

Essential Questions

Reading

• Why do we read?
• What can I learn from reading different genres of literature?
• What real-world connections can apply to our text?
• What comprehension strategies can help gain a deeper understanding of the text?

Writing

• How does word choice affect meaning, description, clarity, and tone?
• How does proper use of mechanics enhance written communication?
• How does practicing various forms of writing and their processes develop my skills?

Listening

• What are the characteristics of an active listener?
• What impact does listening have on my success in the classroom and in the world?

Speaking

• How can I organize my ideas to speak effectively, formally and informally?
• How can I use my words to encourage others and speak life and truth?

 

Viewing and Media Literacy

• Why is it important to analyze and evaluate visual materials?
• How do visuals impact our thoughts and actions?
• How do I create meaningful visual and media materials of my own?

 

Grade 5 Learning Targets for ELA         

Reading

• Read grade level, multi-genre texts with expression, purpose and understanding.
• Build comprehension through inferences, predictions, summarizing, paraphrasing, and annotating.
• Identify and analyze literary elements (theme, plot, characterization, mood, tone, point of view, etc).
• Determine author’s purpose
• Cite specific evidence in text to support ideas

Writing

• Create quality writing using the formal writing process
• Develop writing skills in both creative and expository genres
• Practice editing and revising writing for fluency, organization, grammar and conventions using standard notations and revision strategies
• Expand and utilize rich vocabulary in written work

Listening & Speaking

• Engage in meaningful formal and informal classroom discussions and presentations in a variety of settings
• Produce articulate and well-organized formal presentations

Viewing & Media Literacy

• Evaluate the reliability of primary and secondary sources to support ideas
• Create and utilize visuals using varied media to augment projects and illustrate concepts

Overview:

Learners in Grade 5 will explore health and wellness for healthy habits and good relationships as designed by God. Class instruction explores the negative effects of smoking, drug use, and alcohol abuse while examining biblical approaches to effectively handle peer pressure. Learners will be introduced to puberty and bodily changes that begin in early adolescence. Lastly, 5^th grade students will develop skills to apply in various emergency situations.

 

Enduring Understandings

• The Lord knit us together to enter Godly relationships to inspire others as we develop social and spiritual maturity.

• The human body, designed male and female by God, grows and changes throughout life.
• Our body is comprised of systems which are designed by God to sustain a human lifespan.
• Essential nutrients and physical exercise are needed for proper growth.
• Unhealthy use of substances has negative effects on the human body, family life, and society.
• Intimacy and love is ordained by God and meant to be part of a marital relationship.
• All followers of Christ are called to seek ways in which they can personally support and build up all members of the body of Christ.

 

Essential Questions

1. How do health and wellness apply to our lives?
2. What changes begin to occur in boys and girls at this age?
3. What are the consequences of poor choices?
4. How do we respond to various emergency situations?
5. What are the ways we can improve our interactions and relationships with those around us?

 

Learning Targets for Health (Look at grade-level curriculum scope/sequence)

• Understand that wellbeing consists of mental, social, physical, and spiritual health.
• Apply the basics of first aid appropriately in a variety of circumstances.
• Understand the process of puberty including the physical and emotional effects that occur over several years.
• Understand the harmful physical, emotional, and social effects caused by substance use and abuse.
• Apply strategies to improve relationships with family members, peers, and trusted adults.

Overview:

Learners will build on their knowledge and extend their understandings of mathematic principles. Operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division include values to the billionths place. Learners solve real-world problems focusing on measurement, graphing, data analysis, algebra, and geometry and acknowledge God’s perfect balance and order in creation. Critical thinking activities and multi-step problems engage students in real-world applications of mathematical concepts. Mastery of operations with fractions and decimals is the primary goal of math in grade 5.

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.

• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

1. How do we identify, read, and compute quantities represented in different numeric forms?
2. How do we use operations to solve real life problems?
3. How do we use mathematical properties to write, solve, and analyze equations?
4. How can we gain proficiency in measuring length, volume, capacity, time, weight, and temperature in both customary and metric units?
5. How do principles of geometry relate to mathematics?
6. How do we create graphs, charts, and tables to collect, organize, analyze and interpret data?
7. How do I verify mathematical truth?

 

Learning Targets for Mathematics

Number & Operation

• Identify and write numbers in standard and expanded form and place value up to the billions period
• Use standard operations to estimate and solve multi-digit addition and subtraction problems with whole numbers, fractions and decimals; including mixed and improper fractions
• Use varied algorithms to multiply and divide multi-digit whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; including mixed and improper fractions

Geometry & Measurement

• Describe and compare objects using metric and customary standard units of measure and their corresponding tools
• Calculate time, area, perimeter, circumference and volume
• Name and identify attributes of all 2-D and 3-D shapes
• Manipulate patterns (tessellations) to identify and create transformations
• Identify congruence and symmetry
• Extend understanding of coordinate graphing to four quadrants.

Algebra

• Use properties of addition and multiplication, understand order of operations to write and solve equations using variables

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data
• Create graphs, charts and tables to depict data
• Interpret statistics using mean, medium, and mode

Grades 5-8 Program Overview:

Elevate is the operative word for students in middle school choir and music studies classes. Singing and studying rhythm through percussion are the main avenues in which students heighten their musical listening and performing skills. Programming highlights include performances for Grandparents Day, the 5^th – 8^th grade Christmas Concert, and 5^th & 6^th Grade Spring Sing Concert. 7^th and 8^th grade students take Fine Arts electives in the spring. These include Introduction to Drama, Musical Theatre, and Beginning Guitar.

 

Enduring Understandings

• Music provides a means for worshiping God individually and in community.
• Man is created with varying musical abilities that can be developed to enrich life and learning.
• God has created man to hear, appreciate, and explore the complexities of music with endless variety.
• Music offers an aesthetic experience that speaks to the heart of man.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does the organization of musical structure reflect God’s creativity?
2. What determines a preference for particular styles of music?
3. How does culture influence musical functions?
4. How can our performance ability elevate from the intermediate years?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 5-8

• Produce a quality vocal tone in both chest and head voice.
• Sight read complex sixteenth-note rhythms.
• Sing in 3-part harmony a capella.
• Individually sight-sing pitch patterns using solfege Do, Re, Me, Fa, and Sol.
• Model a performer’s physical stature (“Singer-Ready”).
• Articulate the five criteria of musical sound: Pitch, Tempo, Dynamics, Rhythm, and Articulation by listening to a music sample.
• Perform musical and/or dramatic pieces formally in various settings.

Intermediate PE Overview:

The Grades 3-5 Physical Education program at Chapel Hill Academy provides an opportunity to learn, practice, and develop in a wide range of skills and activities. Students will be actively engaged in learning different sports, dance, and fitness skills.  Activities provide opportunities to practice motor skills, teamwork strategies, throwing/receiving, as well as providing health related fitness.

 

Enduring Understandings

• By taking responsibility for the body God gave us, positive decision-making related to fitness honors and glorifies Him.
• God has designed us for efficient movement to develop our physical capabilities.
• Our physical bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit; therefore; good stewardship is imperative to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy.
• Cooperation and positive interaction is key to developing teamwork by working together the way God intended.

 

Essential Questions

1. What can we do to be physically active and why is this important?
2. How do I interact with others during physical activity?
3. How will physical activity help me now and in the future?
4. How can I move effectively and efficiently?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 3-5

• Understand the concepts of fitness and provide examples of physical activity to enhance fitness.
• Apply basic offensive and defensive strategies and tactics in small-sided invasion activities.
• Demonstrate etiquette and good sportsmanship in a variety of physical activity settings.
• Understand that practicing activities increases specific skill competence.
• Engage in a variety of physical activities in and outside of school that promote the development and improvement of physical fitness level.

Overview:

Every other year Fifth and Sixth grade will focus on Ancient History and the civilizations around the Mediterranean Sea. Civilizations found in the Bible and the early days of the Christian Church through the Crusades are also emphasized. Through their study the learners will strengthen their knowledge of God and grow in their faith, develop good citizenship skills, promote an understanding and an ability to discern connections between events, and organize information in a chronological order. The study of Ancient History provides an opportunity to recognize God’s plan through the rise and fall of civilizations, is a tool to understand the development of human-made systems, and provides an opportunity to critically analyze, evaluate, and understand sources.

 

K-8 Social Studies Enduring Understandings

Citizenship and Government

• The development of civic skills and values reflect our desire to be more Christlike while serving and interacting with our communities.

History

• God’s plan is evident through human progress and the rise and fall of nations.
• Wisdom for the future is gift from God, gained by studying the Bible and documented events in history.

Economics

• God is in the center of the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources He has given us, and how that changes over time.

Geography

• The diverse landscapes God has created influence our needs, cultures, opportunities, and skills.
• Geographical features represent the creativity, artistry, and wisdom of God.

 

Grade 5/6 Social Studies Essential Questions

1. What is a Christian worldview?
2. How do we test the reliability of a source and use the information appropriately?
3. What are primary and secondary sources?
4. How were the ancient civilizations similar and different to the world today?
5. In what ways are different civilizations connected to one another?
6. How did ancient economies’ economic systems work?
7. How did the availability of resources influence societal structures?
8. How do maps provide information needed to interpret and draw conclusions?
9. In what ways has the past influenced us today?

 

Learning Targets for Social Studies

• Recognize how a Christian’s worldview influences their understanding of creation and history in general.
• Evaluate, trace, analyze, justify, classify, compare and contrast, predict, and interpret sources and events from the past.
• Construct chronological narratives and remember characteristic details from ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, the Greek Empire, Ancient Israel, Persia, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire.
• Distinguish the relationship between the economic decisions merchants and leaders make based on accessibility and availability of materials and resources.
• Understand that goods and services are provided to meet wants and needs of populations.
• Analyze the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources and how demands changes over time.
• Apply map reading skills and identify physical characteristics, political boundaries, and human characteristics using a map key and map.

Overview:

God has a desire for all people to be part of His Kingdom, including those speaking different languages to be united in His love. Therefore, this course is designed to introduce students to the Spanish Language and the culture. Students will develop their learning of a new language through speaking, listening, participating, and creating within a dual-language environment.

 

Enduring Understandings

• We have been created equally in God’s image for relationships with people from various life experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
• God created communication to build relationships which requires the ability to share ideas to interact with one another.
• Studying a foreign language provides an opportunity to gain deeper understanding and knowledge of places and cultures.
• Global citizenship is strengthened with an ability to communicate in more than one language.

 

Essential Questions

1. How can I use another language as a tool to communicate the Good News?
2. What consistent oral and writing habits can I gain to build a base for future language learning endeavors?
3. How do I gain patience, use active participation and maintain a positive mindset when developing a new form of speech takes time and effort?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 4 & 5 Spanish

• Review simple phrases, alphabet, numbers, colors, body parts, etc.
• Formulate short conversations using proper greetings and correctly using the forms of “you” in Spanish.
• Read/discuss Scripture passages in Spanish.
• Learn basic time measurements in Spanish such as years months, days, seasons, and hours.
• Acquire an understanding for personal information information such as name, birth date, favorites, and likes and dislikes.
• Gain understanding of basic cultural distinctives from Spanish-speaking nations and cultures.

Overview:

Learners will develop an understanding of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe in the areas of Life, Earth, and Physical Science. They will identify the precision of God’s amazing creation in each of the three areas of science while exploring what it means to be a good steward. Learners will begin to develop foundational science knowledge and skills in each of the three sciences in preparation for scientific study in middle school. Lastly, they will learn through active engagement, project based learning, inquiry, and relevant discussions.

 

K-8 Science Enduring Understandings

Nature of Science and STEM:

• The applied sciences require respectful stewardship to positively influence others and provide a means to discover more about God’s complex world.
• God created man in His image with an intellect to problem-solve, create, invent, discover, analyze, and draw conclusion

Physical Science:

• The physical world demonstrates the orderliness and exactness of God.

Earth and Space Science:

• The earth and celestial heavens show the design of God and the human impact on the world.

Life Science:

• Biological sciences highlight the purpose of God’s creation between organisms, environment, ideas, and events.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does the scientific method develop understanding of the sciences?
2. What is a Christian worldview in science and how does that apply to stewardship of our bodies and the earth?
3. How do I identify and analyze scientific texts from other worldviews?
4. How does science relate to the Bible?

 

Learning Targets for STEM

Nature of Science and Engineering (this strand includes technology)

• Understand why evidence, accurate record keeping, replication by others are essential components of scientific study.

• Form a hypothesis or scientific question to plan an appropriate investigation to find answers.
• Explain how world view affects scientists’ conclusions when using the same evidence.
• Use engineering skills to solve scientific problems reflected in the real word.

Physical Science

• Explore what affects the motion of objects and how this knowledge has fostered human progress.
• Understand the nature of energy and its many forms.

Earth and Space Science

• Examine the earth’s changing surface recognizing changes are due to both slow and rapid processes.
• Design and construct both an earthquake simulator as well as a scale model building that can withstand an earthquake.
• Engineer a scale model of the solar system using mathematical computations and scientific notation.
• Recognize God’s handiwork in all creation using the Bible as a scientific text.
• Analyze ways to be a good steward of the earth.

Life Science

• Describe how plants and animals have been created to withstand various climates and conditions.
• Analyze the interdependence of the environment, food chain, and food web.
• Describe the effects of an ecosystem when changes occur.
• Investigate how an invasive species changes an ecosystem.
• Explore God’s perfect design of the human body and its systems.
• Explore what it means to be a good steward of our bodies.

Intermediate Art Program Overview:

Fifth and sixth graders will be introduced to art principles as defined by: balance, emphasis, movement, proportion, rhythm, unity, and variety. Students will demonstrate understanding in arrangement of the elements of art in a composition to achieve a desired result. They will understand the motivations for art eras, how they relate to culture, and be able to compare artistic styles. Lastly, students will be introduced to analyzing meaning in art and have opportunities to problem solve and collaborate on open ended projects.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is creative; therefore, we create because we are made in His Image.
• Art media, techniques, and processes work together to create works of art that display God-given ideas, emotion, and talent.
• Artists use elements and principles of art to design visual communication.
• Art reflects to time, period, culture, geography, and status of a region’s inhabitants.
• Creativity and innovative thinking are essential like skills that can be developed

 

Essential Questions

• How are artists inspired to create their artwork?
• How can we read and understand a work of art?
• How do the principles of art make a composition successful?
• What are the different properties of art materials?
• How does knowing the contexts, histories and traditions of art forms help us create other works of art?
• How does collaboration help the end product of an art piece?

 

Learning Targets for Primary Art

• Develop creative plans to make personal choices in their art work.
• Communicate about their process of making art.
• Envision an idea and build steps necessary to achieve project completion.
• Collaborate with others to create a project for appreciation, form, and/or function.

Overview:

This course will challenge students to expand their understanding of a worldview.  They compare our biblical worldview as they learn about other religions such as Islam, Naturalism, and New Age. Students are given various opportunities to use their apologetic skills during the year.  They also learn about God’s plan of Creation, the Fall, and Redemption along with the calling and forming of the Hebrew Nation.  Special attention will be given to the life and ministry of Jesus.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is holy and God is love.
• Jesus is the only source of salvation.
• Humanity faces the depravity and consequences of sin and are in need of forgiveness.
• The Bible is truth and is God’s Word for us.
• God desires and pursues relationship with humanity.
• Prayer is powerful, effective and essential to Christian living.
• Historical time and culture influence interpretation, yet God’s Word remains unchanged.

 

Essential Questions

1. How is the Bible’s plan of salvation important to us today?
2. In what ways is the Word of God truly living and active?
3. Why was it important for Jesus to have a ministry on earth?
4. How does the Bible and faith pertain to me and to the world?
5. What does it mean for Jesus to be my Lord and Savior?
6. How can I be ready to defend my faith?
7. What is sin and what is the reality of my sinful condition?
8. How has God’s faithfulness been revealed through the forming of the Hebrew Nation?

 

Learning Targets for Bible

• Recognize God’s plan of Creation, the Fall, and Redemption
• Understand the calling and forming of the Hebrew Nation
• Identify with the life and ministry of Jesus
• Increase observation of how the gospel was spread throughout the world
• Demonstrate the ability to apply Biblical passages to everyday life through the memorization of passages
• Display a deepened understanding of our individual faith journey
• Defend the Christian faith by comparing and contrasting other world religions
• Experience individual and corporate prayer and its impact on building a personal relationship with God
• Recognize that God’s word is alive and applicable to daily life
• Practice biblical servanthood through active, individual service

Overview:

This course focuses on concepts in physics, geology, and astronomy highlighting God’s formation of the universe. Students will learn about God’s creation as they implement the scientific method during project based learning.  The students will investigate the Earth through the study of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and earthquakes. Their units include the exploration of waves and electricity incorporating student structural designs. They will delve into lessons about God’s universe including our solar system and beyond as well as the history of space exploration.

 

K-8 Science Enduring Understandings

Nature of Science and STEM:

• The applied sciences require respectful stewardship to positively influence others and provide a means to discover more about God’s complex world.
• God created man in His image with an intellect to problem-solve, create, invent, discover, analyze, and draw conclusion

Physical Science:

• The physical world demonstrates the orderliness and exactness of God.

Earth and Space Science:

• The earth and celestial heavens show the design of God and the human impact on the world.

 

Essential Questions

Nature of Science and Stem

1. How does today’s software assist our lives today?
2. How do commands accomplish a coding task?

Physical Science

1. How does an electric circuit work?
2. How did God design the relationship between electricity and magnetism?

Earth and Space Science

1. How did God create the Earth, the moon, and the sun to interact?
2. How does exploring science benefit people on Earth?
3. How did God create the objects in the solar system different from each other?
4. How do astronomers learn about distant objects in the universe?
5. How did God create the structure of the Earth?
6. How do moving plates change the Earth’s crust?
7. Why do volcanoes and earthquakes occur?

 

Learning Targets for Earth Science

Nature of Science and Engineering (this strand includes technology)

• Apply technology to today’s world
• Using data to develop hypotheses
• Design a coding program

Physical Science

• Evaluate components to develop an electrical exhibit
• Build circuitry

Earth and Space Science

• Distinguish between heavenly bodies in God’s universe
• Evaluate the effectiveness of space travel
• Analyze the laws of the universe
• Interpret data relating to earthquakes and plate tectonics
• Compare and contrast the layers of the Earth

Faith/Literature Arts Overview:

Using biblical themes and Christian character parallels, F&L is a 6th grade reading course that is designed to strengthen students’ reading and literary analysis skills to prepare them for the upper-middle school grades. In this course, students will read, clarify, summarize, and question a variety of literature including Bible stories, short stories, novels, poetry, and informational texts. The aims and objectives of F&L are that students will grow in their faith, further develop strong reading skills, cultivate a love for literature, and strengthen their communication skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

 

Language Arts/Study Skills Overview:

Sixth grade Language Arts & Study Skills is designed for students to continue developing written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. A continuation of direct grammar instruction provides foundational skills needed for all forms of communication. Students will respond to the literature they read in F&L through discussion, formal speaking, and writing creative, descriptive, and research-based essays.

Study Skills is embedded into this course and is designed to help students manage their work, plan projects and work completion, study for assessments. Units of study focus on organization, note taking, strategies for retaining information, the use of reference sources, test-taking strategies, and utilizing graphic organizers and visual aids in the learning process. Developing good habits such as study (2 Timothy 2:15), meditation (Psalm 1:1-3), and prayer (Mark 11:24) will also be emphasized.

 

Enduring Understandings (6-8^th)

Reading

• The Bible is the most relevant literary work, revealing the nature and heart of God.
• Literature provides enjoyment, expands knowledge, develops understanding, and reveals God’s sovereignty when reading with a biblical lens.

Writing

• Writing is an expressive communication process with God-given purpose, form, and function.

Listening/Speaking

• God created us for fellowship and community that is founded on respectful interactions.
• Verbal communication allows the sharing of ideas and experiences, and are developed over time for specific purposes.

Viewing

• It is important to discern Truth, quality, and value as we encounter the written work of others and visual media.

 

ELA 6-8 Essential Questions (6-8^th)

Reading

1. Can secular literature reveal biblical truths?
2. Why is it important to read a variety of literary genres?
3. How can a text reflect the changing nature of the human condition?
4. What reading strategies can be used to interpret meaning and clarify the author’s point of view?

Writing

1. How do language mechanics and vocabulary enhance meaning and writing quality?
2. How does the writing process support quality written work?
3. What are the various forms and functions of writing?

Listening/Speaking

1. What are the benefits of sharing our ideas with others in small and large group settings?

Viewing

1. How should I find, use, and share high-quality information?
2. How do visual materials enhance our ability to communicate effectively?

 

Learning Targets for Literacy Strands

Reading (Faith and Literature)

• Cite textual evidence to support text analysis, both inferential and explicit.
• Determine the main idea of a text, and how details (plot, setting, characters) support the theme.
• Describe how a story’s plot develops and how characters change, stay the same, and respond from beginning to end.
• Determine the meaning of words and phrases within a text (including figurative and connotative meanings).
• By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature in 6-8 text complexity band proficiency (in stories, poems, and drama).
• Read a variety of non-fiction texts and analyze for structure, meaning of words and phrases, and how a central idea is conveyed through factual details.
• Determine the meaning of unknown words based on context clues, Greek or Latin affixes, dictionaries, and the relationship between words.

Writing (LA/SSK)

• Use a variety of sentence patterns and maintain consistency in style and tone [when applying grammar and convention rules to writing].
• Produce clear and coherent writing, which show development of ideas, organization, style, purpose, and audience.
• Develop and strengthen writing by planning, note taking, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
• Conduct research projects, drawing on several sources, and using an inquiry-based approach to gather information.
• Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research
• Apply correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Listening/Speaking (LA/SSK and Faith and Literature)

• Engaging effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, and learn how to express one’s own ideas and building upon other’s ideas (one on one, group, teacher led) through Socratic Seminars, and Small Group Storying.
• Come to discussions prepared and ready to respond to questions and comments with attention to detail.
• Present claims/findings in a sequential and logical manner using description, facts, and details of themes and main ideas.

Viewing & Media Literacy (LA/SSK and Faith and Literature)

• Interpret information presented in a diverse media and formats (visually, quantitatively, orally) and be able to explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue of study.
• Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence to support claims.
• Understand, analyze, and use different types of print, digital, and multimodal media.
• Publish and produce writing using technology to effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with peers.

Overview:

Sixth Grade Health explores the different aspects of health such as mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical well-being. Students will develop their understanding of body systems, communication, and wellness. They will also learn to take responsibility for their health as individuals and recognize that a healthy lifestyle is one that reflects obedience to God.

 

Enduring Understandings

• The Lord knit us together to enter Godly relationships to inspire others as we develop social and spiritual maturity.
• The human body, designed male and female by God, grows and changes throughout life.
• Our body is comprised of systems which are designed by God to sustain a human lifespan.
• Essential nutrients and physical exercise are needed for proper growth.
• Unhealthy use of substances has negative effects on the human body, family life, and society.
• Intimacy and love is ordained by God and meant to be part of a marital relationship.
• All followers of Christ are called to seek ways in which they can personally support and build up all members of the body of Christ.

 

Essential Questions

1. What are healthy signs that reflect a new life in Christ?
2. How can I make good decisions concerning my health?
3. What actions build up and break down relationships?
4. What are some ways to handle stress?
5. What does the human body need to remain healthy?
6. What are the main functions of the eight body systems?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 6 Health

• Develop an understanding of the characteristics of the new life in Christ.
• Identify basic components that reflect a healthy lifestyle.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
• Identify life-sustaining nutrients and their sources.
• Evaluate and reflect upon dietary habits.
• Identify actions and attitudes that build up and break down relationships.
• Recognize common stressors and consider ways to manage stress.

Minnesota Studies Course Overview:

Every other year Fifth and Sixth grade students will expand their understanding of history by exploring the geography and historical developments of people, places and patterns of life in Minnesota.  Additionally, they will learn about our state’s government and economic systems.  Students will also study the geography of the Western Hemisphere.

 

K-8 Social Studies Enduring Understandings

Citizenship and Government

• The development of civic skills and values reflect our desire to be more Christlike while serving and interacting with our communities.

History

• God’s plan is evident through human progress and the rise and fall of nations.
• Wisdom for the future is gift from God, gained by studying the Bible and documented events in history.

Economics

• God is in the center of the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources He has given us, and how that changes over time.

Geography

• The diverse landscapes God has created influence our needs, cultures, opportunities, and skills.
• Geographical features represent the creativity, artistry, and wisdom of God.

 

Essential Questions

1. What is a Christian worldview?
2. How do we test the reliability of a source and the information it gives us about the past?
3. What are primary and secondary sources?
4. What is gained by studying Minnesota’s past?
5. What was life like for early Minnesotans?
6. How does Minnesota compare with other states?
7. How did the early state government establish an economy?
8. How did the availability of resources influence progress and sustainability?
9. What information do we need to interpret to draw conclusions when using geographic sources such as a map, website, etc?
10. In what ways has the past influenced Minnesota today?

 

Learning Targets:

Citizenship and Government

• Understand the relationship among the three branches of government and the relationship between the powers of the federal and state government.
• Identify the purpose of the Constitution and how it affects our rights as citizens

History

• Describe the process of how Minnesota grew into the state we know today (starting with the Ojibwa to present day.)
• Recognize the importance Minnesota played throughout history in shaping our country.

Economics

• Analyze how the migration, the country’s expansion, the use of natural resources, the growth of industry, and technological innovation influenced Minnesota’s economy.

Geography

• Locate and identify major physical features and places in the Western Hemisphere and in Europe.

Overview:

Sixth grade math develops skills that prepare students for pre-algebra. Topics include place value, multi-step multiplication and division, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, probability, and introducing algebraic concepts.

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.
• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

• How does finding the common characteristics among similar problems help me to be a more efficient problem solver?
• How do mathematical operations relate to each other?
• How can I organize and interpret results or data that has been collected and measured?
• How do geometric models describe spatial relationships?
• How is thinking algebraically different from thinking arithmetically?
• How do I use algebraic expressions to analyze or solve problems?
• How does explaining my process help me to understand a problem’s solution better?
• Why is the ability to solve problems the heart of mathematics?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 6 Mathematics

Number & Operation

• Solidify knowledge of fraction and decimal operations
• Apply order of operations to solve multiple-step equations

Geometry & Measurement

• Demonstrate understanding of perimeter, area, surface area, and volume of two- and three-dimensional figures.
• Solve real world and mathematical problems using geometric formulas.
• Analyze customary and metric units of length, weight, and capacity.

Algebra

• Calculate with positive and negative integers.
• Solve for unknown data using variables of varying degrees of power.

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Solve real-world mathematical problems using multiple steps and varied applications.
• Analyze and interpret data by determining mean, median, range, and mode.
• Use reasoning with ratios, proportions, and percent.

 

Pre-algebra Overview:

This course will cover the tools and skills needed to succeed in Algebra 1. Topics include numeric and variable expressions, solving equations and inequalities with integers, fractions and decimals, fraction operations, ratios, proportions, percent, geometric transformations, area, surface area and volume.

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.
• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

• How does finding the common characteristics among similar problems help me to be a more efficient problem solver?
• How do mathematical operations relate to each other?
• How can I organize and interpret results or data that has been collected and measured?
• How do geometric models describe spatial relationships?
• How is thinking algebraically different from thinking arithmetically?
• How do I use algebraic expressions to analyze or solve problems?
• How does explaining my process help me to understand a problem’s solution better?
• Why is the ability to solve problems the heart of mathematics?

 

Learning Targets for Pre-Algebra

Number & Operation

• Calculate with positive and negative rational numbers with whole number exponents.
• Write, represent and compare positive and negative rational numbers expressed as integers, fractions and decimals.
• Calculate with fractions and apply this skill to situations involving fractions, decimals and integers.

Geometry & Measurement

• Calculate perimeter, area, surface area and volume of two and three-dimensional figures to solve real-world and mathematical problems
• Understand and use relationships between angles in geometric figures.
• Analyze the effect of change of scales, translations, reflections and rotations of two-dimensional figures.

Algebra

• Solve equations with integers, fractions and decimals and use this skill for problems solving.
• Graph, write and solve inequalities that represent real world situations.
• Apply understanding of the order of operations and algebraic expressions to generate equivalent numerical and algebraic expressions.

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Use reasoning with ratios, proportions and percent.
• Understand the concept of proportionality in real-world and mathematical situations, and distinguish between proportional and other relationships.

Grades 5-8 Program Overview:

Elevate is the operative word for students in middle school choir and music studies classes. Singing and studying rhythm through percussion are the main avenues in which students heighten their musical listening and performing skills. Programming highlights include performances for Grandparents Day, the 5^th – 8^th grade Christmas Concert, and 5^th & 6^th Grade Spring Sing Concert. 7^th and 8^th grade students take Fine Arts electives in the spring. These include Introduction to Drama, Musical Theatre, and Beginning Guitar.

 

Enduring Understandings

• Music provides a means for worshiping God individually and in community.
• Man is created with varying musical abilities that can be developed to enrich life and learning.
• God has created man to hear, appreciate, and explore the complexities of music with endless variety.
• Music offers an aesthetic experience that speaks to the heart of man.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does the organization of musical structure reflect God’s creativity?
2. What determines a preference for particular styles of music?
3. How does culture influence musical functions?
4. How can our performance ability elevate from the intermediate years?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 5-8

• Produce a quality vocal tone in both chest and head voice.
• Sight read complex sixteenth-note rhythms.
• Sing in 3-part harmony a capella.
• Individually sight-sing pitch patterns using solfege Do, Re, Me, Fa, and Sol.
• Model a performer’s physical stature (“Singer-Ready”).
• Articulate the five criteria of musical sound: Pitch, Tempo, Dynamics, Rhythm, and Articulation by listening to a music sample.
• Perform musical and/or dramatic pieces formally in various settings.

Middle School Program Overview:

Middle School physical education is a critical time for developing and refining physical skills and abilities, while providing movement and activity experiences that will form a foundation for lifelong participation in health enhancing physical activities.

 

Enduring Understandings

• By taking responsibility for the body God gave us, positive decision-making related to fitness honors and glorifies Him.

• God has designed us for efficient movement to develop our physical capabilities.

• Our physical bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit; therefore, good stewardship is imperative to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy.

• Cooperation and positive interaction is key to developing teamwork and working together the way God intended.

 

Essential Questions

1.  Why is it important to maintain a healthy level of physical fitness?
2. How does the FITT Principle help you improve physical fitness?
3. What are the characteristics of a successful team?
4. How does your diet impact your level of physical fitness?

 

Learning Targets for Middle School Physical Education

• Demonstrate sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork in a variety of activities.
• Understand and apply the concepts of the FITT Principle.
• Identify the relationship between daily habits and physical fitness.
• Understand that practicing activities increases specific skill competence.

Overview:

Sixth grade Spanish is the beginning of high school Spanish preparation. Students in Grades 6-8 complete Spanish 1 by meeting on every-other day each week. During this study, basic knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language is established while students also grow in love for God and others including those in Spanish-speaking cultures. Focus is placed on foundational language acquisition including common phrases, parts of speech, grammatical structures, vocabulary, and irregular language styles.

 

Enduring Understandings

• We have been created equally in God’s image for relationships with people from various life experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
• God created communication to build relationships which requires the ability to share ideas to interact with one another.
• Studying a foreign language provides an opportunity to gain deeper understanding and knowledge of places and cultures.
• Global citizenship is strengthened with an ability to communicate in more than one language.

 

Essential Questions

1. How can I use another language as a tool to communicate the Good News?
2. What consistent oral and writing habits can I gain to build a base for future language learning endeavors?
3. How do I gain patience, use active participation and maintain a positive mindset when developing a new form of speech takes time and effort?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 6 Spanish

• Read/discuss Scripture passages in Spanish.
• Review greetings, classrooms commands, alphabet, body parts, hour, calendar, numbers 0-100, and seasons.
• Describe ideas such as personality traits, opinions, and preferences.
• Learn and practice Spanish grammar and mechanics (parts of speech, punctuation)
• Practice verb conjugations use, formal and informal verb use, and masculine and feminine noun use.
• Apply new vocabulary to read, write, and speak in Spanish.
• Converse in Spanish cultural foods and beverages for breakfast and lunch, expressions to discuss health, and indicate preference, agreement, and quantity.
• Learn and practice Spanish expressions.
• Explore Latin family celebrations and traditions used in in restaurants, family mealtimes, and family parties and the significance (ex. “quinceñera”)
• Use descriptive expressions and parts of speech (adjectives) to formulate detailed descriptions.
• Learn numbers to the thousands and ordinal numbers.
• Compare American schools to the Spanish speaking countries referencing items such as class subjects; school activities, school supplies, classroom items and furniture.

Primary Art Program Overview:

Middle school students will be introduced to analyzing a message through art and art movements. They will apply their learning to create an inspired message through their art work. Additionally, students will develop an artist’s statement which expresses the intent behind their art. Peer critiques will provide opportunities for self-reflection and analyses of peer artwork. Lastly, students will learn to apply a biblical worldview in response to culture.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is creative; therefore, we create because we are made in His Image.
• Art media, techniques, and processes work together to create works of art that display God-given ideas, emotion, and talent.
• Artists use elements and principles of art to design visual communication.
• Art reflects to time, period, culture, geography, and status of a region’s inhabitants.
• Artwork elicits a response to understand and appreciate the experience of the artist while building connections to our own experiences.

 

Essential Questions

• How can we analyze meaning and messages in our culture?
• How can we use innovative ideas for God’s Glory?
• How might God use my talents in my future?
• How does reflecting on our art refine me?
• What are aesthetics?
• How does our biblical understanding of beauty affect what we see in our culture?

 

Learning Targets for Middle School Art

• Explore concepts of artistic inspiration and how that is articulated by an artist.
• Review and create works to apply biblical thinking to visual messages.
• Understand how artistic ideas can be used to help others.
• Experience various modes of art creation and persist through problem solving.

Overview:

7^th and 8^th grade Bible courses rotate annually utilizing an entire school year to study primarily Old Testament and an entire school year to study primarily New Testament.

In Old Testament, students will examine each of the main Old Testament sections: The Pentateuch (The Law), The Historical Books, The Poetic and Wisdom writings and the Major and Minor Prophets.  Special attention will be paid to how each section connects with the bigger story of God’s faithfulness, love, redemption and covenant with His people.

During New Testament studies, students will examine each of the main New Testament sections: The Gospels, Acts, Paul’s Epistles, Hebrews, General Epistles and Revelation.  Special attention will be paid to the understanding of Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, Jesus as Lord and Savior and His call to each of us to surrender every part of our lives over to Him.

In both Old and New Testament courses, students are regularly challenged to apply God’s Word to their lives and to integrate meaningful and intentional application of what they are learning within their daily thoughts and actions. All assignments and class activities will be designed to both foster understanding as well as encourage spiritual growth.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is holy and God is love.
• Jesus is the only source of salvation.
• Humanity faces the depravity and consequences of sin and are in need of forgiveness.
• The Bible is truth and is God’s Word for us.
• God desires and pursues relationship with humanity.
• Prayer is powerful, effective and essential to Christian living.
• Historical time and culture influence interpretation, yet God’s Word remains unchanged.

 

Essential Questions

1. How is the Bible proven reliable?
2. In what ways is the Word of God truly living and active?
3. What’s so amazing about grace?
4. How does the Bible and faith pertain to me and to the world?
5. What does it mean for Jesus to be my Lord and Savior?
6. How do I become a doer of the Word and not just a hearer of the Word?
7. What is sin and what is the reality of my sin condition?
8. How has God’s faithfulness been revealed throughout history?

 

Learning Targets for Bible

• Increase observation skills to identify key details within Biblical texts
• Recognize context within passage in relation to culture, date and literary format
• Identify authorship of Biblical books
• Demonstrate the ability to apply Biblical passages to everyday life
• See Bible as living and active and develop the sensitivity to Spirit-Led learning
• Display a deepened commitment to Christ through faith, devotion, humility and action
• Understand and extend grace on both a personal and communal level
• Develop a more disciplined approach to spiritual growth

Overview:

Life Science begins with the foundation of Creation and focuses on cells and cellular functions. Topics include mitosis and meiosis, the human body, genetics, and living organisms with an emphasis on plant biology.  Experiments are geared toward collaborative learning, highlighting engineering and math components.  Dissections include the pig heart and frog.  Students will also begin their first steps in scientific writing.

Accelerated Life Science (STEM X) challenges students through deeper exploration of scientific concepts. Experiments are conducted through self-directed, collaborative learning and expanded engineering, technology, and math components. Students in STEM X are introduced to formal laboratory reporting, experimental design, formulating graphs, and formal scientific writing.

 

K-8 Science Enduring Understandings

Nature of Science and STEM:

• The applied sciences require respectful stewardship to positively influence others and provide a means to discover more about God’s complex world.
• God crated man in His image with an intellect to problem-solve, create, invent, discover, analyze, and draw conclusion

Physical Science:

• The physical world demonstrates the orderliness and exactness of God.

Earth and Space Science:

• The earth and celestial heavens show the design of God and the human impact on the world.

Life Science:

• Biological sciences highlight the purpose of God’s creation between organisms, environment, ideas, and events.

 

Essential Questions

• What does the Bible tell us about creation and evolution?
• What are the structures and functions of cells in animals and plants?
• What does the microscopic, cellular world reveal about God’s design for living organisms?
• What do we know about DNA and the genetic code of life?
• How do cells, tissues and organs work together for human performance?
• How do life cycles and stages compare among living creatures and man?

 

Learning Targets for Life Science

Nature of Science and Engineering (this strand includes technology)

• Apply technology to today’s world.
• Use data to develop charts and corresponding hypothesis.
• Design architectural prosthetics.
• Develop hypothesis of the importance of human organs through dissections.

Life Science

• Evaluate creation theories and draw conclusions about the fallacies of evolution.
• Analyze God’s creation of the cellular organelles and the corresponding functions in animal cells.
• Justify the health of foods.
• Compare and contrast the structures and functions of DNA as the code for life.
• Predict the assembly of proteins inside the ribosomes.
• Evaluate genetic outcomes.
• Identify the systems of the human body created by God and distinguish the importance of their functions for a healthy lifestyle.
• Distinguish the cellular organelles of plants and how they provide food in life cycles.
• Predict future medical outcomes allowing for healthier lifestyles

Overview:

Through units in personal narrative, short stories, myths, A Christmas Carol, The Pearl, and poetry, students will apply grammar skills, write paragraphs using specific details, direct quotations, and logical flow of thought, form opinions about the text and support ideas through Socratic seminar, and connect ideas in literature with personal experience and scripture.

 

Enduring Understandings (6-8^th)

Reading

• The Bible is the most relevant literary work, revealing the nature and heart of God.
• Literature provides enjoyment, expands knowledge, develops understanding, and reveals God’s sovereignty when reading with a biblical lens.
• Writing
• Writing is an expressive communication process with God-given purpose, form, and function.

Listening/Speaking

• God created us for fellowship and community that is founded on respectful interactions.
• Verbal communication allows the sharing of ideas and experiences, and are developed over time for specific purposes.

Viewing

• It is important to discern Truth, quality, and value as we encounter the written work of others and visual media.

 

ELA 6-8 Essential Questions (6-8^th)

Reading

1. Can secular literature reveal biblical truths?
2. Why is it important to read a variety of literary genres?
3. How can a text reflect the changing nature of the human condition?
4. What reading strategies can be used to interpret meaning and clarify the author’s point of view?

Writing

1. How do language mechanics and vocabulary enhance meaning and writing quality?
2. How does the writing process support quality written work?
3. What are the various forms and functions of writing?

Listening/Speaking

1. What are the benefits of sharing our ideas with others in small and large group settings?

Viewing

1. How should I find, use, and share high-quality information?
2. How do visual materials enhance our ability to communicate effectively?

 

Learning Targets for Literacy Strands

Reading

• Read for clarity and details in complex texts
• Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text
• Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text
• Identify literary devices such as foreshadowing, juxtaposition, foil, and symbolism
• Apply biblical truths to both classic and secular literature
• Discuss and identify figurative language within poetry
• Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot)
• Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases using context clues and inferences drawn from the text

Writing

• Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
• Write narratives and other creative texts to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences
• Use a writing process to develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, drafting, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach
• Practice Excellence in Writing techniques when writing to add variety in word choice and sentence structure
• Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage

Listening/Speaking/Viewing

• Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (Socratic seminar and debate) to build on ideas and express one’s own clearly
• Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium
• Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources and assess the credibility and accuracy of each source
• Summarize, paraphrase, and quote information while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation

 Media Literacy

• Interpret the theme of a poem and express the theme through digital art and music
• As an individual or in collaboration, create an artistic or entertaining multimedia work or a piece of digital communication or contribute to an online collaboration for a specific purpose.

Overview:

Seventh grade health will encourage the student to know that they are an image bearer and child of God. The study of health is embedded in the 7^th grade science curriculum and helps students identify their bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit and that taking healthful care of their body honors God. Lessons include the negative effects of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse, as well as navigating godly relationships. Proper nutrition and exercise is addressed throughout the year as the students develop a deeper understanding of the human body systems. Seventh grade health highlights that our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully knit together by our loving Creator.

 

Enduring Understandings

• The human body, designed male and female by God, grows and changes throughout life.
• Our body is comprised of systems which are designed by God to sustain a human lifespan.
• Essential nutrients and physical exercise are needed for proper growth.
• Unhealthy use of substances has negative effects on the human body, family life, and society.
• All followers of Christ are called to seek ways in which they can personally support and build up all members of the body of Christ.

 

Essential Questions

1. What changes occur in a teenager’s body as they experience puberty?
2. How can teenagers form healthy diet and nutrition habits?
3. What are the negative affects of drugs and alcohol?
4. What is the impact of drugs and alcohol on society?
5. What is our role as Christians in building up a positive Christ-centered community?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 7 Health 

• Understand our role of making positive contributions to others including our community.
• Evaluate and understand a healthy diet.
• Understand puberty and the developmental stages within maturation.
• Analyze the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body, on family, and the surrounding community.
• Apply a biblical world view to our daily activities.
• Understand the human body systems as it relates to development and reproduction.
• Identify the purpose of partnership between male and female.
• Identify the unique differences in design between male and female.

World Studies Course Overview:
World Studies begins with a review of human history from Creation to the coming of Christ and progresses chronologically around the world studying the ebb and flow of empires, cultures, Christianity, and world religions. Students will also examine the geography of the various countries and the influence of geography on people groups.  The course concludes with a study of the culture of the 21^st century and important trends that influence daily Christian living.

 

K-8 Social Studies Enduring Understandings

Citizenship and Government

• The development of civic skills and values reflect our desire to be more Christlike while serving and interacting with our communities.

History

• God’s plan is evident through human progress and the rise and fall of nations.
• Wisdom for the future is gift from God, gained by studying the Bible and documented events in history.

Economics

• God is in the center of the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources He has given us, and how that changes over time.

Geography

• The diverse landscapes God has created influence our needs, cultures, opportunities, and skills.
• Geographical features represent the creativity, artistry, and wisdom of God.

 

Essential Questions

1. What is a Christian worldview?
2. How do we test the reliability of a source and the information it gives us about the past?
3. What are primary and secondary sources?
4. What is gained by studying the past?
5. What was life like in various civilizations around the world?
6. How are different civilizations connected to one another by trade, trends, or religion?
7. How have economies from varied cultural landscapes and time periods established systems of sustainability?
8. How did the availability of resources influence societal structures?
9. What information do we need to interpret to draw conclusions while using a map?
10. In what ways has the past influenced us today?

 

Learning Targets for World Studies

Citizenship and Government

• Assess the historical forms of government and how they reflect the relationship between the governing body and the societies in which they were used.
• Exhibit civic skills including participation in civic debates, projects, and papers on contemporary world issues.

History

• Analyze a variety of primary and secondary sources to pose questions, analyze the source’s credibility and bias, suggest possible answers to questions, draw conclusions, and present supported findings.
• Research and identify the causes and effects of major world catastrophes and wars.
• Describe and analyze the lasting impact the Industrial Revolution had on international relations; debate how technology is still shaping the world’s future.
• Evaluate political challenges and struggles of newly independent countries during the Cold War Era.
• Assess the state of human right around the world in light of a biblical worldview.

Economics

• Apply reasoned decision-making techniques in making consumer choices with the understanding of how others might make a different decision.
• Explain why trade is mutually beneficial to countries; define and apply absolute and comparative advantage with respect to international trade.

Geography

• Obtain and analyze geographic information from a variety of print and electronic sources to investigate places and explain how geography affects the people who live there.
• Dissect the locations of human populations and the cultural characteristics of regions such as: North America, Latin America, Europe, Russia, Southwest Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, North Africa, Saharan Africa, Australia, Oceania
• Describe how the physical and environmental features of regions listed above affect human activity and settlement.
• Formulate questions, including possible answers, about possible topics within geography while using appropriate tools.

Pre-algebra Overview:

This course will cover the tools and skills needed to succeed in Algebra 1. Topics include numeric and variable expressions, solving equations and inequalities with integers, fractions and decimals, fraction operations, ratios, proportions, percent, geometric transformations, area, surface area and volume.

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.
• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

• How does finding the common characteristics among similar problems help me to be a more efficient problem solver?
• How do mathematical operations relate to each other?
• How can I organize and interpret results or data that has been collected and measured?
• How do geometric models describe spatial relationships?
• How is thinking algebraically different from thinking arithmetically?
• How do I use algebraic expressions to analyze or solve problems?
• How does explaining my process help me to understand a problem’s solution better?
• Why is the ability to solve problems the heart of mathematics?

 

Learning Targets for Pre-Algebra

Number & Operation

• Calculate with positive and negative rational numbers with whole number exponents.
• Write, represent and compare positive and negative rational numbers expressed as integers, fractions and decimals.
• Calculate with fractions and apply this skill to situations involving fractions, decimals and integers.

Geometry & Measurement

• Calculate perimeter, area, surface area and volume of two and three-dimensional figures to solve real-world and mathematical problems
• Understand and use relationships between angles in geometric figures.
• Analyze the effect of change of scales, translations, reflections and rotations of two-dimensional figures.

Algebra

• Solve equations with integers, fractions and decimals and use this skill for problems solving.
• Graph, write and solve inequalities that represent real world situations.
• Apply understanding of the order of operations and algebraic expressions to generate equivalent numerical and algebraic expressions.

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Use reasoning with ratios, proportions and percent.
• Understand the concept of proportionality in real-world and mathematical situations, and distinguish between proportional and other relationships.

 

Algebra Overview:

Students in this course begin the formal study of algebra. Topics include variable expressions, integer and real number operations, solving multi-step equations and inequalities, mathematical functions, writing and graphing linear equations, solving systems of equations, rules of exponents, exponential functions, factoring polynomials, solving and graphing quadratic equations, Pythagorean theorem and radical expressions

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.

• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

• How does finding the common characteristics among similar problems help me to be a more efficient problem solver?
• How do mathematical operations relate to each other?
• How can I organize and interpret results or data that has been collected and measured?
• How do geometric models describe spatial relationships?
• How is thinking algebraically different from thinking arithmetically?
• How do I use algebraic expressions to analyze or solve problems?
• How does explaining my process help me to understand a problem’s solution better?
• Why is the ability to solve problems the heart of mathematics?

 

Learning Targets for Algebra

Number & Operation

• Apply the laws of exponents to numerical expressions with integral exponents to rewrite them in different but equivalent forms or to solve problems.
• Use properties of radicals to rewrite numerical expressions containing square roots in different but equivalent forms of to solve problems.
• Use rates, ratios and proportions to solve problems, including measurement problems.

Algebra

• Add, subtract and multiply polynomial expressions
• Factor simple polynomial expressions.
• Describe, analyze and use key characteristics of linear functions and their graphs.
• Solve single-variable linear equations and inequalities with rational coefficients.
• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables using algebraic and graphic procedures.
• Graph the absolute value of a linear function and determine its key characteristics.
• Solve single-variable quadratic equations.
• Recognize, describe, represent and analyze a quadratic function using words, tables, graphs or equations.

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Recognize, express and solve problems that can be modeled using linear functions. Interpret their solutions in terms of the context of the problem.
• Recognize and solve problems that can be modeled using a quadratic function. Interpret the solution in terms of the context of the original problem.
• Interpret and compare linear models for data that exhibit a linear trend in the context of a problem.

Grades 5-8 Program Overview:

Elevate is the operative word for students in middle school choir and music studies classes. Singing and studying rhythm through percussion are the main avenues in which students heighten their musical listening and performing skills. Programming highlights include performances for Grandparents Day, the 5^th – 8^th grade Christmas Concert, and 5^th & 6^th Grade Spring Sing Concert. 7^th and 8^th grade students take Fine Arts electives in the spring. These include Introduction to Drama, Musical Theatre, and Beginning Guitar.

 

Enduring Understandings

• Music provides a means for worshiping God individually and in community.
• Man is created with varying musical abilities that can be developed to enrich life and learning.
• God has created man to hear, appreciate, and explore the complexities of music with endless variety.
• Music offers an aesthetic experience that speaks to the heart of man.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does the organization of musical structure reflect God’s creativity?
2. What determines a preference for particular styles of music?
3. How does culture influence musical functions?
4. How can our performance ability elevate from the intermediate years?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 5-8

• Produce a quality vocal tone in both chest and head voice.
• Sight read complex sixteenth-note rhythms.
• Sing in 3-part harmony a capella.
• Individually sight-sing pitch patterns using solfege Do, Re, Me, Fa, and Sol.
• Model a performer’s physical stature (“Singer-Ready”).
• Articulate the five criteria of musical sound: Pitch, Tempo, Dynamics, Rhythm, and Articulation by listening to a music sample.
• Perform musical and/or dramatic pieces formally in various settings.

Middle School Program Overview:

Middle School physical education is a critical time for developing and refining physical skills and abilities, while providing movement and activity experiences that will form a foundation for lifelong participation in health enhancing physical activities.

 

Enduring Understandings

• By taking responsibility for the body God gave us, positive decision-making related to fitness honors and glorifies Him.

• God has designed us for efficient movement to develop our physical capabilities.

• Our physical bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit; therefore, good stewardship is imperative to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy.

• Cooperation and positive interaction is key to developing teamwork and working together the way God intended.

 

Essential Questions

1.  Why is it important to maintain a healthy level of physical fitness?
2. How does the FITT Principle help you improve physical fitness?
3. What are the characteristics of a successful team?
4. How does your diet impact your level of physical fitness?

 

Learning Targets for Middle School Physical Education

• Demonstrate sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork in a variety of activities.
• Understand and apply the concepts of the FITT Principle.
• Identify the relationship between daily habits and physical fitness.
• Understand that practicing activities increases specific skill competence.

Overview:

Sixth grade Spanish is the beginning of high school Spanish preparation. Students in Grades 6-8 complete Spanish 1 by meeting on every-other day each week. During this study, basic knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language is established while students also grow in love for God and others including those in Spanish-speaking cultures. Focus is placed on foundational language acquisition including common phrases, parts of speech, grammatical structures, vocabulary, and irregular language styles.

 

Enduring Understandings

• We have been created equally in God’s image for relationships with people from various life experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
• God created communication to build relationships which requires the ability to share ideas to interact with one another.
• Studying a foreign language provides an opportunity to gain deeper understanding and knowledge of places and cultures.
• Global citizenship is strengthened with an ability to communicate in more than one language.

 

Essential Questions

1. How can I use another language as a tool to communicate the Good News?
2. What consistent oral and writing habits can I gain to build a base for future language learning endeavors?
3. How do I gain patience, use active participation and maintain a positive mindset when developing a new form of speech takes time and effort?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 6/7 Spanish

• Read/discuss Scripture passages in Spanish.
• Review greetings, classrooms commands, alphabet, body parts, hour, calendar, numbers 0-100, and seasons.
• Describe ideas such as personality traits, opinions, and preferences.
• Learn and practice Spanish grammar and mechanics (parts of speech, punctuation)
• Practice verb conjugations use, formal and informal verb use, and masculine and feminine noun use.
• Apply new vocabulary to read, write, and speak in Spanish.
• Converse in Spanish cultural foods and beverages for breakfast and lunch, expressions to discuss health, and indicate preference, agreement, and quantity.
• Learn and practice Spanish expressions.
• Explore Latin family celebrations and traditions used in in restaurants, family mealtimes, and family parties and the significance (ex. “quinceñera”)
• Use descriptive expressions and parts of speech (adjectives) to formulate detailed descriptions.
• Learn numbers to the thousands and ordinal numbers.
• Compare American schools to the Spanish speaking countries referencing items such as class subjects; school activities, school supplies, classroom items and furniture.

Primary Art Program Overview:

Middle school students will be introduced to analyzing a message through art and art movements. They will apply their learning to create an inspired message through their art work. Additionally, students will develop an artist’s statement which expresses the intent behind their art. Peer critiques will provide opportunities for self-reflection and analyses of peer artwork. Lastly, students will learn to apply a biblical worldview in response to culture.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is creative; therefore, we create because we are made in His Image.
• Art media, techniques, and processes work together to create works of art that display God-given ideas, emotion, and talent.
• Artists use elements and principles of art to design visual communication.
• Art reflects to time, period, culture, geography, and status of a region’s inhabitants.
• Artwork elicits a response to understand and appreciate the experience of the artist while building connections to our own experiences.

 

Essential Questions

• How can we analyze meaning and messages in our culture?
• How can we use innovative ideas for God’s Glory?
• How might God use my talents in my future?
• How does reflecting on our art refine me?
• What are aesthetics?
• How does our biblical understanding of beauty affect what we see in our culture?

 

Learning Targets for Middle School Art

• Explore concepts of artistic inspiration and how that is articulated by an artist.
• Review and create works to apply biblical thinking to visual messages.
• Understand how artistic ideas can be used to help others.
• Experience various modes of art creation and persist through problem solving.

Overview:

7^th and 8^th grade Bible courses rotate annually utilizing an entire school year to study primarily Old Testament and an entire school year to study primarily New Testament.

In Old Testament, students will examine each of the main Old Testament sections: The Pentateuch (The Law), The Historical Books, The Poetic and Wisdom writings and the Major and Minor Prophets.  Special attention will be paid to how each section connects with the bigger story of God’s faithfulness, love, redemption and covenant with His people.

During New Testament studies, students will examine each of the main New Testament sections: The Gospels, Acts, Paul’s Epistles, Hebrews, General Epistles and Revelation.  Special attention will be paid to the understanding of Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, Jesus as Lord and Savior and His call to each of us to surrender every part of our lives over to Him.

In both Old and New Testament courses, students are regularly challenged to apply God’s Word to their lives and to integrate meaningful and intentional application of what they are learning within their daily thoughts and actions. All assignments and class activities will be designed to both foster understanding as well as encourage spiritual growth.

 

Enduring Understandings

• God is holy and God is love.
• Jesus is the only source of salvation.
• Humanity faces the depravity and consequences of sin and are in need of forgiveness.
• The Bible is truth and is God’s Word for us.
• God desires and pursues relationship with humanity.
• Prayer is powerful, effective and essential to Christian living.
• Historical time and culture influence interpretation, yet God’s Word remains unchanged.

 

Essential Questions

1. How is the Bible proven reliable?
2. In what ways is the Word of God truly living and active?
3. What’s so amazing about grace?
4. How does the Bible and faith pertain to me and to the world?
5. What does it mean for Jesus to be my Lord and Savior?
6. How do I become a doer of the Word and not just a hearer of the Word?
7. What is sin and what is the reality of my sin condition?
8. How has God’s faithfulness been revealed throughout history?

 

Learning Targets for Bible

• Increase observation skills to identify key details within Biblical texts
• Recognize context within passage in relation to culture, date and literary format
• Identify authorship of Biblical books
• Demonstrate the ability to apply Biblical passages to everyday life
• See Bible as living and active and develop the sensitivity to Spirit-Led learning
• Display a deepened commitment to Christ through faith, devotion, humility and action
• Understand and extend grace on both a personal and communal level
• Develop a more disciplined approach to spiritual growth

Overview:

This course asserts that quality literature asks the fundamental questions that the Bible answers including who am I, why am I here, where are we in history, and what will happen to us next?  Students will gain a life-long love of reading as they learn to identify, analyze and answer biblically the questions posed in literature.  Students will practice supporting their ideas with proof from texts and begin to write with clarity and authority.

 

Enduring Understandings (6-8^th)

Reading

• The Bible is the most relevant literary work, revealing the nature and heart of God.
• Literature provides enjoyment, expands knowledge, develops understanding, and reveals God’s sovereignty when reading with a biblical lens.
• Writing
• Writing is an expressive communication process with God-given purpose, form, and function.

Listening/Speaking

• God created us for fellowship and community that is founded on respectful interactions.
• Verbal communication allows the sharing of ideas and experiences, and are developed over time for specific purposes.

Viewing

• It is important to discern Truth, quality, and value as we encounter the written work of others and visual media.

 

ELA 6-8 Essential Questions (6-8^th)

Reading

1. Can secular literature reveal biblical truths?
2. Why is it important to read a variety of literary genres?
3. How can a text reflect the changing nature of the human condition?
4. What reading strategies can be used to interpret meaning and clarify the author’s point of view?

Writing

1. How do language mechanics and vocabulary enhance meaning and writing quality?
2. How does the writing process support quality written work?
3. What are the various forms and functions of writing?

Listening/Speaking

1. What are the benefits of sharing our ideas with others in small and large group settings?

Viewing

1. How should I find, use, and share high-quality information?
2. How do visual materials enhance our ability to communicate effectively?

 

Learning Targets for ELA

Reading

• Develop and hone use of text to prove opinions
• Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text and analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone
• Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot
• Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action and reveal aspects of a character
• Cite the textual evidence thatmost strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text
• Draw connections between free choice reading and assigned text

Writing

• Produce persuasive arguments and support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence to write a 5-paragraph persuasive essay
• Write narratives and other creative texts to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences
• Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, drafting, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach
• Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing
• Practice Excellence in Writing techniques when writing to add variety in word choice and sentence structure
• Gather relevant information from multiple sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation

Listening/Speaking

• Discuss open-ended questions through Socratic seminar, engaging in a variety of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led)and apply knowledge of the Bible when wrestling with ideas and themes
• Through debate, respond to a speaker’s argument, specific claim, and intended audience, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence and identifying when irrelevant evidence is introduced
• Present claims and findings, respect intellectual properties and make points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation

Viewing & Media Literacy

• Analyze (compare/contrast) how a filmed or live production of a story or drama stays faithful to or departs from the text or script, evaluating the choices made by the directors and/or actors
• Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest
• Produce and publish writing using technology to communicate ideas and collaborate with others
• As an individual or in collaboration, create a persuasive multimedia work or a piece of digital communication to aid in presentation

Overview:

Eighth grade health will encourage the student to know that they are an image bearer and child of God.  This course will help the students identify their God given talents and how to use their talents in today’s society.  The students will discuss social media and learn effective biblical worldview decision-making skills. Lessons will include the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse, as well as navigating godly relationships in their culture. A focus will highlight that their bodies were fearfully and wonderfully knit together by our loving Creator.

 

Enduring Understandings

• The Lord knit us together to enter Godly relationships to inspire others as we develop social and spiritual maturity.
• The human body, designed male and female by God, grows and changes throughout life.
• Our body is comprised of systems which are designed by God to sustain a human lifespan.
• Essential nutrients and physical exercise are needed for proper growth.
• Unhealthy use of substances has negative effects on the human body, family life, and society.
• Intimacy and love is ordained by God and meant to be part of a marital relationship.
• All followers of Christ are called to seek ways in which they can personally support and build up all members of the body of Christ.

 

Essential Questions

1. What changes occur in a teenager’s body as they experience puberty?
2. How do teenagers form healthy relationships?
3. How does a baby grow and develop inside the mother’s womb?
4. What is the impact of drugs and alcohol on us?
5. What is God’s design for intimacy and love?
6. What is our role as followers of Christ in building up a positive Christ-centered community?
7. What is the impact of social media on today’s teen?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 8 Health

• Understand our role of making positive contributions to the communities of people we are connected to.
• Evaluate and develop healthy relationships.
• Understand puberty and the developmental stages within maturation.
• Analyze the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body, on family, and the surrounding community.
• Apply a biblical world view to today’s culture and personal decision making.
• Find our identity in Christ and place our sexuality under the provision and design of God.
• Understand the human body systems as it relates to development and reproduction.

• Identify the purpose of partnership between male and female.
• Identify the unique differences in design between male and female.
• Understand abstinence before marriage is a healthy and biblical approach.
• Evaluating the impact of social media on ourselves and our community.

American History Course Overview:

Students will examine the unfolding history of the United States beginning with the discovery of the New World, up to the present day. In addition to the historical account, students will examine the distinctiveness of American government, the economic and geographic influences and the effect of Christianity and other religions on this nation. The capstone of the year is the class trip to the east coast where students will visit many important historical sites as well as learn more about our nation’s Christian heritage.

 

K-8 Social Studies Enduring Understandings

Citizenship and Government

• The development of civic skills and values reflect our desire to be more Christlike while serving and interacting with our communities.

History

• God’s plan is evident through human progress and the rise and fall of nations.
• Wisdom for the future is gift from God, gained by studying the Bible and documented events in history.

Economics

• God is in the center of the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources He has given us, and how that changes over time.

Geography

• The diverse landscapes God has created influence our needs, cultures, opportunities, and skills.
• Geographical features represent the creativity, artistry, and wisdom of God.

 

Essential Questions

1. What is a Christian worldview?
2. How do we test the reliability of a source and the information it gives us about the past?
3. What are primary and secondary sources?
4. What is gained by studying the past?
5. What was life like during different periods of American culture?
6. How is American culture connected to other world cultures?
7. How does our national economy establish systems of sustainability?
8. How did the availability of resources influence societal structures?
9. What information do we need to interpret to draw conclusions while using a map?
10. In what ways has the past influenced us today?

 

Learning Targets for American History

Citizenship and Government

• Assess the historical applications of the principles of checks and balances.
• Differentiate how local, state, and federal government systems operate and evaluate the role each one has over a citizen’s life.
• Exhibit civic skills including participation in civic debates, projects, and papers on issues that pertain to the role of American citizenship and its current form.

History

• Analyze a variety of primary and secondary sources for the insight each offers into a particular time period and social situation.
• Research and identify the causes and effects of American involvement in each of the major wars: French and Indian, Revolutionary, Civil, World War I and II, Korean, Vietnam, and the War on Terror.
• Describe and critique the lasting impact the Industrial Revolution had on America; debate how technology is still shaping America and its future.
• Formulate opinions and the ability to articulate the influence immigration has had on the American cultural landscape in the 17^th, 18^th, 19^th, 20^th, and 21^st

Economics

• Apply reasoned decision-making techniques in making consumer choices with the understanding of how others might make a different decision.
• Describe how profit is an incentive for an individual to create a new business or product, despite the risk; describe how the pursuit of profit can lead to both desirable and undesirable effects on our society.

Geography

• Obtain and analyze geographic information from a variety of print and electronic sources to investigate places and explain how geography affects the people who live there.
• Dissect the locations of human populations and the cultural characteristics of regions within the United States.
• Formulate questions, including possible answers, about possible topics within geography while using appropriate tools.

Algebra Overview:

Students in this course begin the formal study of algebra. Topics include variable expressions, integer and real number operations, solving multi-step equations and inequalities, mathematical functions, writing and graphing linear equations, solving systems of equations, rules of exponents, exponential functions, factoring polynomials, solving and graphing quadratic equations, Pythagorean theorem and radical expressions

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.

• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

• How does finding the common characteristics among similar problems help me to be a more efficient problem solver?
• How do mathematical operations relate to each other?
• How can I organize and interpret results or data that has been collected and measured?
• How do geometric models describe spatial relationships?
• How is thinking algebraically different from thinking arithmetically?
• How do I use algebraic expressions to analyze or solve problems?
• How does explaining my process help me to understand a problem’s solution better?
• Why is the ability to solve problems the heart of mathematics?

 

Learning Targets for Algebra

Number & Operation

• Apply the laws of exponents to numerical expressions with integral exponents to rewrite them in different but equivalent forms or to solve problems.
• Use properties of radicals to rewrite numerical expressions containing square roots in different but equivalent forms of to solve problems.
• Use rates, ratios and proportions to solve problems, including measurement problems.

Algebra

• Add, subtract and multiply polynomial expressions
• Factor simple polynomial expressions.
• Describe, analyze and use key characteristics of linear functions and their graphs.
• Solve single-variable linear equations and inequalities with rational coefficients.
• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables using algebraic and graphic procedures.
• Graph the absolute value of a linear function and determine its key characteristics.
• Solve single-variable quadratic equations.
• Recognize, describe, represent and analyze a quadratic function using words, tables, graphs or equations.

Problem Solving/Data Analysis

• Recognize, express and solve problems that can be modeled using linear functions. Interpret their solutions in terms of the context of the problem.
• Recognize and solve problems that can be modeled using a quadratic function. Interpret the solution in terms of the context of the original problem.
• Interpret and compare linear models for data that exhibit a linear trend in the context of a problem.

 

Geometry Overview:

Study in this course will center around Euclidean Geometry.  Students will use inductive and deductive reasoning to build a consistent system of thought and will write formal geometric proofs. Topics covered include parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships within triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons, similarity, relationships in right triangles, geometric transformations, area, surface area and volume.

 

K-8 Math Enduring Understandings

Number Sense/Operations

• Computational fluency allows us to understand the relationship between numbers and the representation of numbers that God has ordained.

Geometry/Measurement

• Measurement enables man to understand physical attributes, distances and time according to God’s perfect design.
• God’s creation can be interpreted with a spatial sense through studying geometric properties that always remain true and can be justified.

Algebra

• God has created our world with quantities that have different mathematical relationships. These relationships can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Data Analysis

• Collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data enables us to come to logical conclusions to further the purposes of God.

 

Essential Questions

• How does finding the common characteristics among similar problems help me to be a more efficient problem solver?
• How do mathematical operations relate to each other?
• How can I organize and interpret results or data that has been collected and measured?
• How do geometric models describe spatial relationships?
• How is thinking algebraically different from thinking arithmetically?
• How do I use algebraic expressions to analyze or solve problems?
• How does explaining my process help me to understand a problem’s solution better?
• Why is the ability to solve problems the heart of mathematics?

  

Learning Targets for Geometry  

Geometric Representation and reasoning

• Use coordinates and algebraic techniques to interpret, represent and verify geometric relationships.
• Use the vocabulary of logic to describe geometric statements and the relationships among them.
• Apply logic to assess the validity of geometric arguments.

Two Dimensional Geometry

• Identify and apply conditions that are sufficient to guarantee similarity of triangles.
• Determine and apply conditions that guarantee congruence of triangles.
• Extend the concept of similarity and congruence to other polygons.
• Analyze, interpret and represent origin-centered dilations.
• Analyze the effect of change of scale, translation, reflection and rotation of two-dimensional figures.
• Define and apply the properties of a circle.
• Verify relationships associated with a circle.
• Determine the length of line segments and arcs, the measure of angles and the area of shapes in complex geometric drawings.

Three-Dimensional Geometry

• Determine surface area and volume of solids; recognize and use the relationships among volumes of common solids.
• Identify three-dimensional solids when given a cross-section.
• Describe the characteristics of the three-dimensional object traced out when a one or two-dimensional figure is rotated about an axis.
• Recognize that there are geometries other than Euclidean geometry in which the parallel postulate is not true.

Grades 5-8 Program Overview:

Elevate is the operative word for students in middle school choir and music studies classes. Singing and studying rhythm through percussion are the main avenues in which students heighten their musical listening and performing skills. Programming highlights include performances for Grandparents Day, the 5^th – 8^th grade Christmas Concert, and 5^th & 6^th Grade Spring Sing Concert. 7^th and 8^th grade students take Fine Arts electives in the spring. These include Introduction to Drama, Musical Theatre, and Beginning Guitar.

 

Enduring Understandings

• Music provides a means for worshiping God individually and in community.
• Man is created with varying musical abilities that can be developed to enrich life and learning.
• God has created man to hear, appreciate, and explore the complexities of music with endless variety.
• Music offers an aesthetic experience that speaks to the heart of man.

 

Essential Questions

1. How does the organization of musical structure reflect God’s creativity?
2. What determines a preference for particular styles of music?
3. How does culture influence musical functions?
4. How can our performance ability elevate from the intermediate years?

 

Learning Targets for Grades 5-8

• Produce a quality vocal tone in both chest and head voice.
• Sight read complex sixteenth-note rhythms.
• Sing in 3-part harmony a capella.
• Individually sight-sing pitch patterns using solfege Do, Re, Me, Fa, and Sol.
• Model a performer’s physical stature (“Singer-Ready”).
• Articulate the five criteria of musical sound: Pitch, Tempo, Dynamics, Rhythm, and Articulation by listening to a music sample.
• Perform musical and/or dramatic pieces formally in various settings.

Middle School Program Overview:

Middle School physical education is a critical time for developing and refining physical skills and abilities, while providing movement and activity experiences that will form a foundation for lifelong participation in health enhancing physical activities.

 

Enduring Understandings

• By taking responsibility for the body God gave us, positive decision-making related to fitness honors and glorifies Him.

• God has designed us for efficient movement to develop our physical capabilities.

• Our physical bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit; therefore, good stewardship is imperative to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy.

• Cooperation and positive interaction is key to developing teamwork and working together the way God intended.

 

Essential Questions

1.  Why is it important to maintain a healthy level of physical fitness?
2. How does the FITT Principle help you improve physical fitness?
3. What are the characteristics of a successful team?
4. How does your diet impact your level of physical fitness?

 

Learning Targets for Middle School Physical Education

• Demonstrate sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork in a variety of activities.
• Understand and apply the concepts of the FITT Principle.
• Identify the relationship between daily habits and physical fitness.
• Understand that practicing activities increases specific skill competence.

Overview:

Applied Chemistry & Physics concentrates on the concepts of chemistry and physics interfaced with math, technology and engineering showing the order of God’s creation. Students explore the scientific method, integrating Biblical Worldview as they engage in project-based learning and experimentation with an emphasis on open and guided inquiry learning. Using inductive and deductive reasoning with advanced mathematics and research skills, students engage in active learning experiences.

 

K-8 Science Enduring Understandings

Nature of Science and STEM:

• The applied sciences require respectful stewardship to positively influence others and provide a means to discover more about God’s complex world.
• God crated man in His image with an intellect to problem-solve, create, invent, discover, analyze, and draw conclusion

Physical Science:

• The physical world demonstrates the orderliness and exactness of God.

Earth and Space Science:

• The earth and celestial heavens show the design of God and the human impact on the world.

Life Science:

• Biological sciences highlight the purpose of God’s creation between organisms, environment, ideas, and events.

 

Essential Questions

• How does the physical world reveal the work of God?
• What is matter and how do we calculate matter throughout the universe?
• What is the function and purpose of the periodic table as it relates to the chemical properties found in nature?
• What are the chemical properties of elements and how do these create chemical reactions?
• How is motion described as it relates to mathematics?
• How do objects react to forces and the impact of design?
• How do machines transfer work and the consequences of models?
• How is energy conserved in a transformation of chemical properties?

 

Learning Targets for Physical Science

Nature of Science and Engineering (this strand includes technology)

• Apply technology to today’s world.
• Using software programs to design machines.
• Predict probabilities utilizing technology applications.

Physical Science

• Measure and evaluate matter to predict possible reactions.
• Apply gas laws to formulate relationships between temperature, pressure and volume.
• Understand the periodic table to develop hypothesis about chemical bonding and chemical reactions.
• Compare and contrasting acids and bases.
• Design experiments to gather data and interpret motion and forces.
• Analyze the effect of gravity on motion and matter.
• Make generalizations about Newton’s three laws of motion.
• Evaluate free fall and circular motion on satellite and rocket trajectory.
• Apply the difference between work and power in machines.
• Design and build machines for functionality.
• Identify the generalizations between work, power and energy.
• Construct and use machines to highlight energy conservation and transformation.

Overview:

Students elect to continue Spanish in 8^th grade. Through this study, students grow in love for God, language, and cultures. Recognizing the beauty of Latino cultures, students develop an understanding of other people while gaining proficiency in language speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. The goal of Spanish in 8^th grade is to seamlessly enter Spanish 2 in high school.

 

Enduring Understandings

• We have been created equally in God’s image for relationships with people from various life experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.
• God created communication to build relationships which requires the ability to share ideas to interact with one another.
• Studying a foreign language provides an opportunity to gain deeper understanding and knowledge of places and cultures.
• Global citizenship is strengthened with an ability to communicate in more than one language.

 

Essential Questions

1. How can I use another language as a tool to communicate the Good News?
2. What consistent oral and writing habits can I gain to build a base for future language learning endeavors?
3. How do I gain patience, use active participation, and maintain a positive mindset when developing a new form of speech takes time and effort?

 

Learning Targets for Grade 8 Spanish

• Read/discuss Scripture passages in Spanish.
• Experience Spanish in alternate settings on field trips or optional language camp enrichment.
• Research and present material to class through formal projects.
• Practice conversational language among peers and with native speakers.
• Strengthen communication skills with advanced language instruction, vocabulary, and grammatical rules.
• Learn irregular uses of verbs in various tense forms.
• Explore cultural practices and celebrations to gain deeper understanding of Latin cultures.
• Travel and Vacations in Spanish speaking countries; vacation places and activities, modes of transportation.