English, Literature & Writing
English language and literature are the two components of Language Arts. The English component stresses vocabulary development, grammar, and the process of writing with a focus on organizational structure, clarity, coherence, and the development of ideas. The literature component emphasizes the comprehension and analysis of a variety of literary works including novels, short stories, and poetry. Students will begin to understand the tools of the writer and identify these literary devices in literature as well as employ them in their own writing. A variety of oral and written projects and presentations will allow students to develop their skills and demonstrate their knowledge.
History & Social Studies
This year focuses on Medieval and Early Modern Times. Among the civilizations studied throughout the year are: the Roman Empire (reviewed) the Byzantine Empire, the Muslim Empire, early West African Empires (Mali, Ghana, and Songhai), the Mayas, the Incas, the Aztecs, the Mongol and Ming Dynasties of China, Japan, and early European societies. Some world religions are also covered within the context of specific civilizations, including paganism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. Within each chapter, specific skills are introduced, continually practiced and tested. These skills include, but are not limited to: reading maps and charts, interpreting line graphs, analyzing causation and correlation, ordering events on a flow chart, and judging the validity and reliability of primary and secondary sources and other historical evidence.
Science
Students study a variety of Science topics. They start with Unit 0: Think like an Engineer, this will remind them of the questing focus we carry through all science units. Next we will move into Unit 1: Light and Matter, Unit 2: Chemical Reactions and Matter Transfer after this, Unit 3: Chemical Reactions and Energy, Unit 4: Body Systems, Unit 5: Cells and Systems to finally, Unit 6: Natural Resources and Human Impact. They also learn the scientific process, in which they implement when completing their Science Fair Investigation each January.