Middle School Curriculum
Classes meet five days/week for the whole year, unless otherwise indicated.
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Biblical Studies
Bible 6 – This course is a ten-unit study of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, beginning with “Before the Foundation” and ending with “At the Appointed Time.” The textbook takes students through the gospel from Genesis to Revelation, discussing the context and theology (light) behind each major or minor story. In each unit students are directed to look to Jesus Christ.
Bible 7 – This course is a study of the book of Proverbs, focusing on the source of true wisdom, our Heavenly Father. As the students study the concepts beautifully laid out in Proverbs, they then dig into other parts of Scripture to see how those concepts were lived out well or maybe not so well. Then the exciting part happens – exploring what these concepts look like in their own lives; how does God want me to live? Students will also read and Gospel of Luke and work on improving study skills.
Bible 8 – The Lightbearers course is a curriculum that seeks to draw students back from a life of self-centeredness and propel them into a life with a larger picture. Asking big questions such as: Where did everything come from? Who am I? Why am I here? What’s right and wrong, and who decides? And…What happens when we die? In the process of answering these questions each student will look at several world views in contrast to the Christian world view. Taking into consideration the Christian World View, they will search for the answers to each of these big questions in God’s Natural Revelation and in His Special Revelation, the Word. The students will be challenged to be warriors in training, preparing their minds for the daily battle and the right to influence the ideas that will rule the world. Students will also read and Gospel of Mark and work on improving study skills.
Language Arts
English 6 is the introductory year of a three-year middle school curriculum designed to give students the foundation in English grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary necessary for success in high school. The class has four elements woven into the course: grammar, writing, vocabulary, and literature. Using Teaching Writing: Structure and Style by the Institute for Excellence in Writing, Wordly Wise 3000 published by Educators Publishing Service, and As Full as the World by BJU Press along with other resources, this course presents an overview of the fundamentals of standard English. Woven into this course is a Christian world view that affects both the “why” and the “how” of the study of English.
English 7 is the second year of a three-year middle school curriculum designed to give students the foundation in English grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary necessary for success in high school. Using Teaching Writing: Structure and Style by the Institute for Excellence in Writing, Wordly Wise 3000 published by Educators Publishing Service, and Explorations in Literature by BJU Press along with supporting worksheets and other materials, this course presents an overview of the fundamentals of standard English. Woven into this course is a Christian world view that affects both the “why” and the “how” of the study of English.
English 8 is the third year of a three-year middle school curriculum designed to give students the foundation in English grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary necessary for success in high school. Using Writing and Grammar 8 produced by BJU Press, English from the Roots Up by Joegil Lundquist, and Excursions in Literature by BJU Press along with supporting worksheets and other materials, this course reviews and reinforces the fundamentals of standard English. Repeated in this course is a Christian world view and how it relates to the study of English.
Mathematics
Middle School Math I covers math concepts such as number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, graphs, story problems and an introduction to geometry and equations. It is designed to develop problem-solving skills and increase skill in computation. Principles from the Bible are integrated throughout the book, emphasizing that math is an important tool for making wise use of God’s creation. To be successful in this class and math classes that follow, students need to have a quick memory recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts.
Middle School Math II covers such skills as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, including all of these with whole numbers as well as with fractions and decimals; plane figure geometry; perimeter and area; equations; volume; proportions; ratios; and percents. A series of Christian Worldview Shaping exercises are included that contain real-life problems and are designed to show that math is a powerful tool for exercising dominion in the earth. To be successful in this math class and math classes that follow, students need to have a quick memory recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.
Middle School Math III covers math concepts such as whole numbers, decimals, number theory, fractions, per cents, rational numbers, equations, area and volume, integers, story problems, and an introduction to algebra and geometry. Problem solving skills and the applications of math to real life are emphasized. Bible verses are interwoven throughout the text to provide a framework for a Christian viewpoint. To be successful in this class and math classes that follow, students need to have a quick memory recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.
Pre-Algebra is a very complete pre-algebra course. Students will be well prepared for Algebra I. Specific topics include operations with integers, order of operations, simplifying algebraic expressions, evaluating algebraic expressions, solving algebraic equations, solving algebraic inequalities, arithmetic sequences, geometric sequences, proportions, scientific notation, percent application problems, graphing on the coordinate plane, graphing linear functions, linear function application problems, probability, statistics, permutations, combinations, radicals, perimeter, area, and volume.
Science
Science 6 is designed to help students develop knowledge of God by understanding that He is the Creator and sustainer of the universe. Christian growth will be encouraged by the orderly approach to problem solving. Topics covered during this class include, but are not limited to: Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Weathering and Erosion, Natural Resources, Cells and Classification, Animal Classification, Plant Classification, Atoms and Molecules, Electricity and Magnetism, Motion and Machines, Stars, Solar System, Plant and Animal Reproduction, Heredity and Genetics, Nervous System, and Immune System.
Life Science (Grade 7) is designed for students to learn about life as God created it on this planet called Earth. Topics covered during this class include, but are not limited to: study of life science, classifying living things, life and cells, cell structure, cell division, genetics, biblical creationism, biological evolution, plant kingdom, animal kingdom, invertebrates, vertebrates, animal behavior, animal reproduction, ecosystems, organism relationships, natural resources, support and movement, internal balance, energy, and control.
Science 8 is a course designed to give students a fundamental background and understanding of Earth and the universe we live in. Topics that are covered include: basics of matter, geology, oceans and seas, atmosphere, and space science. This systematic study is done in part with the Bob Jones text, Earth Science. Concepts learned in lectures are reinforced through the uses of worksheets, activities, projects, and labs. Major emphasis will be given to evaluation the theories presented for the origin of the universe. Students will learn how to present the evidence for a designer Creator.
Social Studies
World History (grade 6) is taught each year for two semesters. The first semester begins with the methods and sources used to study the history of ancient civilizations. Then the study of ancient civilizations begins with Sumer of Mesopotamia, moves through ancient Africa and Egypt, covers ancient civilizations Mesoamerica, then moves through the Far East including ancient India, China, and Japan. The second semester begins with the Middle East, examining ancient Israel and Persia, then moves to the foundations of western civilization in Greece and Rome, then covers the Byzantine Empire through to the European Middle Ages.
Geography 7 is a course where students explore the different concepts of geography – from mapping, earth geography, the climate, and the people that make up our world. Throughout each of the concepts of Geography students will see how God’s hand has been so evident throughout all time. While studying the concepts of Geography they will apply those concepts to the United States, Mexico and Canada.
US History is taught each year for two semesters. The first semester begins with the Age of Exploration and the discovery of the New World, moves through the Colonial Era including European establishment of the colonies and eventual British control, then covers the growing divide between the colonies and England leading to the American Revolution and the establishment of the new American government. The second semester begins with the Era of Good Feeling and Jacksonian America, moving through Westward Expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny, then covering the growing tension in between the northern and southern states finally leading to the American Civil War.
Computer Skills and Applications
Keyboarding (grade 6) – Students will begin the year learning about digital citizenship. They will be able to assess what is appropriate to post on the internet and what information should be kept private. They will also learn how to keep themselves safe in a digital world. Students will also work to become proficient typists using the Edu-Typing online program. In addition, students will utilize their typing skills in programs such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Students will be introduced to computer coding.
Computer Skills (grade 7) is designed to reinforce and improve typing skills. Students will be introduced to the fundamental Microsoft Office applications and learn the basics from how to turn on a computer and use a mouse, through using email, file management and browsing the internet. They will learn to make sense of some technology terminology, talk about hardware and apply this information via skills integration projects. Students will continue to learn about computer coding and programming.
Computer Applications (grade 8) is designed to familiarize students with computers and their applications. It will also emphasize the use of computers and technology throughout their high school, college, and future careers. Students will learn fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software and become familiar with a variety of computer applications, including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia presentations. Students will also investigate Internet-based applications, working with email and learning how to safely browse the web. Students will learn more about coding and robotics. Students will be introduced to and have the chance to practice with several coding languages.
Fine Arts
Middle School Art encourages the students to experiment with the artistic process. Students will learn by consistently challenging themselves to more difficult designs though a series of projects and exercises focused on the Elements of Art – value, texture, color, line, shape and space, that will build their confidence and abilities. Students will create projects in a variety of mediums in both 3 dimensional and traditional forms. This class is offered two days a week and every other Friday.
7-8 Grade Choir is a multi-grade performing vocal ensemble. There are no prerequisites for this course. Students work to learn proper vocal technique utilizing vocal exercises and solfege, training in education on their vocal instrument, and begin basic music literacy from a 2- and 3- part music repertoire. Students learn concert etiquette as they will participate in both the December and Spring Concerts. Opportunities are available for students to audition for the South Dakota Junior Honor Choir and our regional Middle School Choir Festival. All music courses reflect and teach the belief that we are creative creatures of a Creator God.
6th Grade Band is a beginning band class and is a required course for all 6th grade students.During this year, students will be exposed to the standard concert band instruments, then learn proper care, handling, and playing technique on their assigned instrument. Rehearsal from the band method book will be accomplished daily, as well as graded playing and written quizzes throughout the book. Basic music reading and theory are emphasized as we learn to perform level 1 music together as a band ensemble. Students are required to practice at home regularly, as well as participate in the Christmas and Spring Concerts for a grade, where they will also learn
concert etiquette. All music courses reflect and teach the belief that we are creative creatures of a Creator God.
7th Grade Band is a multi-grade performing band ensemble and is an optional course for students to continue advancing their instrument technique and music literacy. Rehearsal from the band method book will be accomplished daily, as well as graded playing and written quizzes throughout the book. Students are required to practice at home regularly, as well as participate in the Christmas and Spring Concerts for a grade. Opportunities are available for students to audition for the South Dakota Middle School All-State Concert Band, as well as the BHSU Northern Hills Honor Band. All music courses reflect and teach the belief that we are creative creatures of a Creator God.
Physical Education
Physical Education 6, 7, 8 reviews a variety of different sports and activities along with learning the skills and knowledge necessary to both participate in those activities but also to be an informed spectator of these sports. The goal is to give students a variety of different skills and knowledge that they can use later to maintain a physically active lifestyle outside of the school setting.