Class Descriptions for 5th-8th

We will have a basic overview of US History from the beginning to present times.  ALL Tuesday 7th & 8th graders take American History.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Bible, Spiral OR Composition Book

Books Needed: Textbooks REQUIRED- America, the Beautiful Part 1 by Notgrass TEXTBOOK ONLY (Needed FALL Semester),  America, the Beautiful Part 2 by Notgrass TEXTBOOK ONLY (Needed SRPING Semester)

Instructor: 

Class Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This class will guide students in the development of their artistic talents. This is done by first teaching students how to acquire the visual perception of an artist. The individual style of each student grows as they explore a variety of medias, artistic styles, and techniques. Students will gain the confidence needed to express individual creativity.  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: additional $30 in January

Supplies Needed: none

Books Needed: none

Instructor: Jonee Paul

Class Time: 1 hour

 Explore the farthest reaches of God’s creation with many hands-on activities to help young scientists retain what they learn, this science curriculum introduces students to the wonders of our solar system, the stars, and beyond.  Our tour of the universe begins with our sun, the planets, the asteroid belt, dwarf planets, and the Kuiper belt.  Then we set off across the stars to explore galaxies, nebulae, and even black holes as they reveal the marvel and might of our loving Creator.  ALL Tuesday 5^th & 6^th graders will take Apologia: Exploring Creation with Astronomy.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Pocket Folder

Books Needed: Textbook & Journal REQUIRED- Apologia: Exploring Creation with Astronomy Textbook and Notebooking Journal (NOT Junior) (1st edition)

Instructor: 

Class Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

In Book Club, the students will read grade level appropriate books, discuss, and do projects on based on these books.  Some of the projects could be written, some could be posters, some could be dioramas, some could be cooking activities, etc.  The teacher will assign and/or do different things for each book read and discussed.  With ALL new books!  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: 5-subject Spiral

Books Needed: Books MUST be purchased by parents and brought to EVERY class!  Books may be purchased throughout the school year as needed.  First book needed is The Indian in the Cupboard.  Some of the other books will include the following: Soul Surfer City of Ember Wonder Number the Stars Westing Game Holes Among the Hidden (If time permits, this will be the last book in the Spring.)

Instructor: Sandy Clere

Class Time: 1 hour

 FALL SEMESTER- Student Congress- Students will take on the roles of senators.  Each student will be required to draft a bill.  They will present their bill to the rest of the class where they will discuss, debate, and vote on the bills.  Students will also have the opportunity to run for officers and see the campaign process in action.  SPRING SEMESTER- Crime & Court- This class for middle school students is a fun, hands-on introduction to the scientific principles and techniques used by real-life forensic experts.  Students will see the entire process from the crime scene to the courtroom, including mock trials.  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee:  included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: 3-ring Binder (1in.)

Books Needed: none

Instructor: Beau McDaniel (Student Congress) & Sandy Clere (Crime & Court)

Class Time:  1 hour

  The students will begin by exploring the basic building blocks of creation, atoms and molecules, and then journey through simple chemicals, the laws of motion, and energy in its many forms, before discovering concepts of electricity and magnetism.  ALL 5th & 6th graders will take Apologia: Exploring Creation with Chemistry & Physics.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Pocket Folder

Books Needed: Textbook & Journal REQUIRED- Apologia: Exploring Creation with Chemistry & Physics Textbook and Notebooking Journal (NOT Junior) (1st edition)

Instructor: Sandy Clere

Class Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Students will have a thoroughly Christian introduction to Chemistry and Physics.  Chemistry Lessons focus on the basics of chemistry (including matter, measuring, elements, molecules, and compounds) as well as concepts such as bases and acids, states of matter, biochemistry, organic chemistry, and more.  Physics Lessons focus on the basic concepts of physics, including motion, electricity, magnetism, mechanics, and matter.  ALL 7th & 8th graders will take Christian Kids Explore Chemistry & Physics.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Spiral or Composition Book

Books Needed: Textbooks REQUIRED- Christian Kids Explore Physics (2nd edition) (Needed FALL Semester), Christian Kids Explore Chemistry (2nd edition) (Needed SPRING Semester)

Instructor: Sandy Clere & Beau McDaniel

Class Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

  In this class, students will cook dishes that the presidents enjoyed.  Students will learn basic cooking skills and techniques.  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: additional $30 in January

Supplies Needed: 3-ring Binder (1in.)

Books Needed: none

Instructor: Sandy Clere

Class Time: 1 hour

From cooking to functional crafts, join us in our “make it and take it” class workshops. Class projects could take weeks to finish.  With ALL new projects!  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: additional $30 in January

Supplies Needed: none

Books Needed: none

Instructor:

Class Time: 1 hour

 Future City is a project-based learning program where students imagine, research, design, and build cities of the future.  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Computer or Tablet (Siblings can share.), Spiral or Composition Book

Books Needed: none

Instructor: Beau McDaniel & Sandy Clere

Class Time: 1 hour

Course will be outlined as an introduction to the sciences. It covers topics like the history of science, scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, paleontology, biology, human anatomy, and physiology. Hands-on experiments are included, all using household items.  Homework and tests are a REQUIREMENT.  ALL Thursday 7th & 8th graders will take General Science.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Pocket Folder

Books Needed: Textbook REQUIRED- Apologia: Exploring Creation with General Science (2nd ed.)

Instructor:

Class Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

  This class will study about the lives of missionaries and learn how to reach out to our own community through occasional voluntary community projects.  Optional service projects will be planned outside of COMPASS hours.  ***NEW MISSIONARIES*** Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Spiral or Composition Book, Pocket Folder

Books Needed: Bible, Books MUST be purchased by parents and brought to EVERY class!  Books may be purchased throughout the school year as needed.  Books will include the following: Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China by Janet & Geoff Benge (Needed FALL Semester) Nate Saint: On a Wing and a Prayer by Janet & Geoff Benge (Needed FALL Semester) Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose by Janet & Geoff Benge (Needed SPRING Semester) Elisabeth Elliot: Joyful Surrender by Janet & Geoff Benge (Needed SPRING Semester)

Instructor: Britt Piccini

Class Time: 1 hour

An introduction to basic Spanish. Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Spiral or Composition Book, Pocket Folder

Books Needed: Spanish for You $20 (To be paid on Meet the Teacher Night- separate check from September tuition. We will order the curriculum.)

Instructor: Britt Piccini

Class Time: 1 hour

  We will study The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance.  ALL 5th & 6th graders will take Story of the World History.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Pocket Folder WITH brads

Books Needed: Textbook REQUIRED- Story of the World Volume 2 (Siblings can share.  Purchase only one per family.)

Instructor: April Bonine

Class Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

A comprehensive study skills class. Topics include process of learning, memory, learning strategies, and note-taking skills. Class recommended for 6th, 7th, & 8th graders.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed:

Books Needed: Textbook REQUIRED- The Middle School Student’s Guide to Study Skills by Susan Mulcaire at Tween Publishing, Can be found at www.middleschoolguide.com

Instructor: 

Class Time: 1 hour

 This class will offer an in depth study of Texas History as we explore our rich state history with hands-on activities.  ALL 7th & 8th graders take Texas History.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Spiral or Composition Book

Books Needed: The Boy in the Alamo by Margaret Cousins (OPTIONAL, but recommended for classroom reading)

Instructor: Beau McDaniel

Class Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of Theatre Arts.  Students will use various drama techniques to build confidence, encourage creativity, and grow in their knowledge of Theatre Arts.  Through theatre games, performances, and activities students will get to use their gifts and strengths in an exciting way that glorifies and honors God.  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: none

Books Needed: none

Instructor: Alix Ker

Class Time: 1 hour

  Students will dive into topics for several weeks and learn all they can about the topic.  Units will include: Geology, Entomology (Insects), Camping Skills, Logic & Games, and much more.  ALL Thursday 5th-8th graders will participate.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: To Be Announced throughout the school year as needed

Books Needed: To Be Announced throughout the school year as needed

Instructor:  Teachers will rotate teaching topics they enjoy

Class Time:  1 hour

  We will make our way across the great United States by studying 2 states each week.  Students complete assignments by using atlases, outline maps, and other research materials.  Students will learn capitals, place location, climate, physical geography, and much more. ***NEW CURRICULUM***(Different from 2 years ago.)  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies: Binder (1in.), Dividers

Books Needed: Desk Atlas of the United States by Geography Matters (Siblings can share. Purchase only one per family.)

Instructor: Debi Rogers

Class Time: 1 hour

  The students will be taken on a “journey” to each continent.  As they blaze the trail, there are many interesting topics to explore.  The students will soon be able to recognize important characteristics of each continent, read and create maps, identify key geographical terms and more, while they work through a variety of quick daily lessons or dig into in-depth geography studies.  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies: Binder (1in.), Dividers

Books Needed: Classroom Atlas by Rand McNally (13^th Edition preferred but older editions may work) ISBN #: 978-0528015144 (Siblings can share.  Purchase only one per family.) Atlas maybe found at the following link: https://home-school-curriculum.com/products/classroom-atlas

Instructor: 

Class Time: 1 hour

  The students will be given writing assignments and expected to complete them at their own developmental writing level.  Class offered to 5th-8th graders.

Supply Fee: included in $80 supply fee

Supplies Needed: Spiral or Composition Book, Pocket Folder

Books Needed: Dictionary & Thesaurus (Siblings can share. Purchase only one per family.)

Instructor: Britt Piccini

Class Time: 1 hour