Art*

Students will learn and apply the elements and principles of design to produce projects using a variety of media. This class will also include the study of famous artists and their work and how we can learn from them. A sketchbook will be provided for weekly assignments to be done at home.

NOTE: Class fee of $25

(B. Burt)

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Chemistry

Topics Covered in Friendly Chemistry include:

• The Atomic Theory

• Trends of the Periodic Table of Elements

• Quantum Mechanics (Electron Arrangement)

• Ion Formation

• Compound Formation - Bonding

• Avogadro's Number and the Mole

• Calculation of Formula Weights and Percent Composition

• Empirical Formulas

• Writing and Classifying Chemical Reactions

• Balancing Chemical Equations

• Stoichiometry (predicting quantitative outcomes of reactions and predicting necessary amounts of reactants to produce a desired amount of product)

• Solutions and Molarity and application to stoichiometry

• The Ideal Gas Laws

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There will be homework each week. Please make sure your child does it as it helps solidify what they are learning. We will go over a few homework problems in class.

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NOTES: Students will need their own textbook (Friendly Chemistry Student Edition: A Guide to Learning Basic Chemistry https://a.co/d/6JcnRCZ)

(K. Poet/K. Johnson)

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Classic Literature: The Epic: Ancient Texts and American Tales

7-8 Grade: Fulfills requirement for English or Social Studies
9-12 Grade: 1 Credit towards English or Social Studies

This class will explore the literary genre of the epic. Students will read selections from The Iliad and The Odyssey by the Greek poet Homer, the Anglo Saxon epic Beowulf, and Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, as well as works by American authors Phillis Wheatley, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Mark Twain. It will be epic!

Assignments: Fall/Winter: 1 Paper, 1 Student Project (Personal Odyssey)
Winter/Spring: 1 Paper, 1 Class Project (Paper Making)

Required Texts for Fall/Winter 2023:
'The Iliad of Homer' translated by Richard Lattimore
'The Odyssey of Homer' translated by Richard Lattimore
'The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and The Tale of Troy' Padric Colum*
'Beowulf' translated by Burton Raffel
'Julius Caesar' by William Shakespeare

*This title is misleading. It is not a children’s book. It is 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' in story form and is a great option for any student who may be apprehensive about reading Homer. Note: Some editions contain illustrations.

(M. Sigler)
 

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Cooking*

Term one: Around the Country

• Honey-Soy Alaska Salmon

• Cold Spaghetti Salad

• Clam Chowder

• Chicken and Dumplings

• Ham and Pineapple Coconut Rice

• Brats

• BBQ Sauce

• Biscuits and Gravy

• Lobster Roll

• Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise

• Corn Dogs

• Cheese Steak

• Texas Sheet Cake

• Fresh Homemade Mozzarella

Term two: Around the World

• Enchiladas

• Hummus Plate

• Cuban Sandwich

• Quesillo (Flan)

• Sushi

• Scallion Pancakes

• Mustard Chicken

• Hot Potato Salad

• Curry

• Pavlova

• Minestrone

• Steak and Mushroom Pie

• Baklava

• Fried Plantains

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Exploring various cultures and their cuisines, using our local ingredients and methods. Focusing on basic and intermediate skills, safety, and hygiene. Recipes subject to change based on available ingredients. Suggestions welcome!

NOTES: Class fee of $25/semester or $50/year

(A. Kirsch)

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Entrepreneur

This course is an engaging, hands-on adventure that will equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to develop into an entrepreneur. We will be using free curriculum from Teach Empowered [https://teachempowered.org ]. Students will practice innovation as a continuous, creative, and positive process that can be learned and applied by anyone to create value in all aspects of life. They will apply the fundamentals of financial literacy in order to create and sustain prosperity.
​NOTES: Students should bring something to write with, something to keep handouts in, as well as a wallet or pouch to store their E-bucks. E-bucks are a classroom currency that students will earn each week by their participation and attendance, which will be used in regular classroom auctions held throughout the year. Students will complete a capstone project at the end of the year known as Market Day, when they will put into practice all the principles they have learned.

(C. Walsh)

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Middle School Earth Science: Ecosystems and Geology

Explore the wonders of the vast world that surrounds us, from the amazing creations found in your own backyard to the most extreme biomes on Earth, in the updated Ecosystems science unit. Every little part of the earth, from the drops of water in the ocean to lumbering elephants to each unique person, is an important part of our world! Bring the study of rocks and minerals to life with our updated Geology science unit. Filled with breathtaking free videos and interactive learning, explore how earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and erosion change rocks to shape Earth’s tallest mountains and deepest caves. In this unit you will grow crystals, explode volcanoes, make mini earthquakes, and study the rock cycle. Get ready to be amazed at God’s beautiful, marvelous world!

(S. Gregory)

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Physical Education/Gym

Students will have fun playing games, problem solving, and improving hand-eye coordination which promote teamwork while also working on their large motor skills. Games and drills will consist of running, throwing, and strategy as well as touching on the foundational agility skills needed for sports like newcomb, gaga ball, sock/floor hockey, and much more! 

(S. Boyer)

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Speech: Public Speaking & Practical Life Skills*

Students will learn the art of public speaking. Whether, a student is preparing to go to college, teach Sunday School, give announcements at meetings; at some point everyone has to public speak. The goal of the class will be to ease them into public speaking, low preparation to build up to speech writing. Practical, use-it-in life will also be included such as: interview skills and bible lesson presentations. Students will choose either 1/2 a credit or full credit and the course will be tailored for each student. Each student will be responsible for tracking outside hours.

NOTES: Student workbook $5.99 per student

(L.Poe)

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Theology/Christian Authors

In this class we’ll talk about why we believe what we believe- focusing on the gospel of Jesus Christ, basics of the faith and traditional Christian beliefs as compared to different heresies or false teachings. These will include discussions of modern day questions including progressive Christianity.
We will also read and learn from important Christian authors including CS Lewis, Martin Luther, Augustine, Alisa Childers and others.

(L. Wtulich)

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US Constitution & Government/Civics

7-8 Grade: Fulfills requirement for History, PA History, Civics

9-12 Grade: 1 Credit towards US History or Civics/Government

FALL Individual Project: Writing Assignment/Term Paper
SPRING Class Project: T.B.D.

Each of the brief chapters concludes with a vocabulary review, a quiz, and a short writing exercise. These assignments can be handed in and will be graded and returned the following week.

In addition to the text, students will read biographical information and pertinent primary source documents such as letters, speeches, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

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NOTES: Required Text: American Government, 3rd Edition, PacemakerISBN: 0130236179

(M.Sigler)

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Woodworking*

Woodworking is a course designed to introduce students to general woodworking practices. Students will expand their knowledge and experience through various projects, lessons, and vocabulary. Students will use multiple types of tools to complete projects.

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NOTES: Students are expected to provide their own safety glasses and have them in class each day. There is a $25 shop fee to cover materials. If this fee would impede your child from being in the course please talk with me.

(K. Takach)

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