Curriculum Summaries

INTEGRATED UNIT STUDY – 2 to 4 Per Year
Integrated Unit Studies involve a cross curricular approach that focuses on integral parts of the curriculum and are an expression of our blended educational philosophy. These unique and engaging learning opportunities allow students to apply and demonstrate their understanding through projects, presentations, and field experiences. Each grade level participates in several integrated unit studies throughout the year.

READING & LANGUAGE ARTS – TIME ALLOTMENT: 90mins / 5 days per week
Biblical Philosophy
God’s clearest and most complete revelation to mankind was communicated and recorded in human language. The proper use of language is necessary for attaining knowledge of God, his creation, his moral law, and his divine purposes. Likewise, living in relationship with other people requires effective use of language. Therefore, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are essential to God’s redemptive plan and our part in it.
Course Description and Goals
The course will focus on improving students’ reading skills and interest, writing skills, grammar usage, and spelling abilities. Students will read, discuss, and analyze literature from a variety of authors, concentrating on the early American era through Post-WWII. Students will apply literary terms to the literature as well as begin to analyze literary devices and how the author uses them. Students will apply composition writing methods and grammar rules to the generating of essays and other papers. Students will also think creatively to generate original works in compositions and poetry. The reading portion of eighth grade language arts is used to help students improve reading comprehension, note-taking skills, and understand plot, characterization, themes, and literary devices. Students will read various stories, plays, and poems from Excursions in Literature, Of Places Literature, and Mosdos Literature Gold. They will also read the following novels: The Witch of Blackbird Pond, A Christmas Carol, Johnny Tremain, Across Five Aprils, The Devil’s Arithmetic and North to Freedom. Using Glencoe’s Writer’s Choice in grammar lessons, students review the eight parts of speech, learn correct grammar, and improve punctuation skills. They have a concentration on verbal and complex sentences in their writing. Papers include comparative and creative writing, persuasive papers, narratives, and literary criticism essays. Students also develop their working vocabulary by using Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop.

MATH TIME ALLOTMENT: 45 mins / 5 days per week
Biblical Philosophy
God has revealed His existence, glory, and divine attributes through creation (Ps. 19, Rom. 1:20). Math is a “language” through which that revelation is communicated and understood, and it reflects God’s infinite and unchanging nature. Through mastery of mathematics, we can solve problems in a variety of fields as we work to see his kingdom come and his will done on earth as it is in heaven.
PRE-ALGEBRA Course Description and Goals
This course will provide students with further preparation for Algebra I. The Pearson Mathematics Course 3 textbook helps provide students with   a review of basic math skills and incorporates them in algebraic equations. Emphasis is placed on problem solving strategies and techniques along with estimation and mental math. Students master operations with integers while learning to translate word phrases in algebraic expressions. Also, an emphasis is placed on solving multi-step equations with all real numbers. Students learn to graph linear equations and are introduced to operations with polynomials. Upon completion of this course, students are prepared for Algebra I as ninth graders.
ALGEBRA I Course Description and Goals
Using the Holt McDougal Algebra 1 textbook, students learn to perform operations with real numbers, simplify algebraic expressions, solve equations and inequalities with one variable, factor polynomials, simplify rational expressions, graph linear equations and inequalities, graph systems of equations and inequalities, simplify radicals, and solve as well as graph quadratic functions. The goal of this course is to prepare students for the North Carolina End of Course test in Algebra I, which is given at the end of May, as well as provide a solid foundation for high school Geometry and Algebra II.
GEOMETRY I Course Description and Goals
While using Holt McDougal Geometry as a text, students will explore the following topics: the foundations of geometry: geometric reasoning; parallel and perpendicular lines; triangle congruence; properties and attributes of triangles, polygons, and quadrilaterals; similarity; right triangles and trigonometry; developing and applying geometric formulas such as perimeter, circumference and area; spatial reasoning where three-dimensional figures, surface area, and volume will be considered’ circles; and transformations. Connections between algebra and geometry will be integrated throughout the course as well as quarterly projects that challenge students to apply their learning. By the end of the course, students will have a firm foundation in both algebra and geometry and will be prepared for the next level of math in high school. 

SOCIAL STUDIES -TIME ALLOTMENT: 45 mins / 5 days per week
Biblical Philosophy
History is understood within God’s providential framework of creation, fall, and redemption. God brought into existence a good creation which fell into disrepair because of the sin of man. Since the fall, God has been working out a plan to redeem all of creation. That redemption was secured through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; continues to be worked out in the affairs of men; and will be brought to completion upon the return of Christ when all things are made good again. In the intervening period, God sovereignly works through history to bring about his good purposes, working even through the evil deeds of evil men.
Course Description and Goals
Using Pearson’s American History students will develop a working knowledge of the United States from its conception through Reconstruction. Our country’s history, though short in terms of most world powers, is one of turbulence. The early years that led to the freedoms that we enjoy today are vital to a student’s understanding of our current affairs as well as our history. Through a deliberate examination of the events that began our country, the students will develop a picture of their own heritage. Students will be challenged to go beyond the folklore of our founding fathers and investigate the character of those who fought for our liberty. Students will explore the foundations of our government and the documents that seek to preserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They will also examine the dark times in our history when we were at war with each other. They will evaluate cause and effect, and debate old issues with the privilege of modern perspective. As a result of this, students will see that failures can lead to success when lessons are learned and character is built. Romans 8:28 says, “…in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Students will map the routes of early explorers and mark the settlement of the first Europeans to arrive in the New World. They will examine the ways of life in the original thirteen colonies and their adaptation to the land. Students will discuss the effects of the settlers on the Native American population and the success and failure of attempts at relations between the two. Students will debate the acts of Parliament that cause economic upheaval in the colonies and the subsequent Revolution. Students will sift through historic documents for an understanding of our present government, developing critical thinking skills. Students will practice organizational skills through charts, notes, and outlines. 

SCIENCE – TIME ALLOTMENT: 45 mins / 5 days per week
Biblical Philosophy
God has revealed His existence, glory, and divine attributes through creation (Ps.19, Rom.1:20), and the study of science provides a deeper understanding of that revelation. Through science we see that an orderly and intelligent God created an ordered and intelligible universe. Our understanding of creation provides us with tools with which we can obey his commandment to subdue and have dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:28).
Course Description and Goals
Using Pearson’s Science Explorer modules this course focuses on two basic areas: life science and physical science. During the first half of the year, students will study concepts related to life science. Topics include: systems of the human body, cells and their organelles, cell division, chromosomes, DNA, RNA, traits, Punnett squares, and probability. During the second half of the year, students will study concepts related to physical science. Topics include: motion, forces, density, work, power, simple machines, energy, matter, states of matter, atoms, and elements. Emphasis is placed on inquiry skills, interpreting data, understanding relationships in the living world, and making connections between science and the Christian faith.  Myrtle Grove Christian School has partnered with UNCW’s Center for Marine Science scheduling three visits per school year to perform investigations.  The first visit focuses on concluding a three year water study at MGCS by going on a boat trip to the open ocean.  Students review water testing and soil sampling at three different sites (by the dock, in the intracoastal, and on the ocean). Students will trawl and then sort and classify different species of fish.  During the second visit, students differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources and create a biofuel from vegetable oil.  During the last visit, students perform a detailed experiment comparing the effects of increasing acidity to water that is not buffered (fresh water) and water that is buffered (salt water).  Also, throughout the school year, students participate every other week in STEM lab which is designed to provide hands-on experiences for concepts learned in the classroom.  Included among STEM activities are the following: engineering a robotic arm using pneumatic pumps, dissecting a dogfish shark with a special focus on the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, reproductive and nervous systems, separating strawberry DNA to observe its texture and quantity, operating a light microscope looking for different phases of mitosis, and designing a machine with ten moving parts and six simple machines that can move an object for over a minute.

BIBLE TIME ALLOTMENT: 45 mins / 2 days per week (alternating semesters)
Course Description and Goals
The Eighth Grade Bible course includes four units, and is designed to prepare our students for high school. In the first semester, the book of Nehemiah is studied to show students how to be a Godly leader, followed by a Biblical worldview component. The second semester starts off with the first eight chapters of Romans to give the students the foundations of the Christian faith, and they end with a life application unit focused on personal growth in Christ. This course aims to leave students with a lifelong faith that stands when tested and also challenges students to make their faith their own as they move on to high school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION TIME ALLOTMENT: 45 mins / 2 days per week (alternating semesters)
Biblical Philosophy
As with all of the natural world, the human body reveals both the goodness and the fallenness of God’s creation. Christian students should develop a sense of stewardship of the bodies that they have been given based on an understanding of their own physical potential as well as their own limitations. It is stressed that the body is the “temple of the Holy Spirit” and that the Lord expects us to honor His creation. He built the temple, but we are responsible to take care of it. We do this by developing good body control (safety) and staying physically active through fitness.
Course Description and Goals
Students will be introduced to/review a structured presentation of fundamental locomotor and non-locomotor activities; being able to model the indicated movements with visual and auditory cues from the instructor. They will learn object manipulation skills, including throwing (overhand and underhand), catching, kicking, and batting. Students will be assessed in four fitness areas (flexibility, upper body strength, muscular endurance, and aerobic endurance) in the fall and in the spring. The goal is for students to build fundamental skills of basic sports and develop habits of healthy physical activity.

SPANISH 45 mins / 2 -3 days per week
Middle School Spanish grows increasingly rigorous as students move towards their final year at MGCS, Using a middle school designed text and resources, students will develop skills in vocabulary and grammar as they begin to converse more regularly in Spanish. Students will begin to read in Spanish, beginning with scripture passages committed to memory, poetry, and other short literary works. Students will also continue to develop in their understanding of Spanish history, culture, geography,and food. As classes move towards eighth grade, students seek to meet requirements making them proficient in a Spanish I credit on the high school level.

ELECTIVES

Below are a sampling of electives that have been available in previous years.

Art
Our sixth through eighth grade art program focuses on broadening students’ knowledge of artistic terminology, techniques, critical thinking skills, and art history. Using a variety of media, they will create individual art pieces that demonstrate an understanding of proportion, symmetry, perspective, value, and shading techniques.

Chorus
Chorus provides students with an opportunity to learn proper vocal techniques (i.e., posture, breathing, tone production, balance, etc.) as well as musical terms and symbols. Students will participate in a number of performance opportunities throughout the year, including chapels and seasonal concerts.

Computer
Students use and practice a wide variety of technology skills. These skills include internet safety and reliability and Microsoft Office programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. In addition, students are required to continue to practice and improve their keyboarding skills. Resources used to teach and enrich student learning include Microsoft Office, TypingPal Online, Windows Movie Maker, freetypingtest.com as well as other online resources. One semester of Computer is required for sixth grade students.

Drama
Drama class is intended to familiarize students who have little to no acting experience with the basic skills of theatre arts. Through the exploration of character development and representation, the progression of story, the concept of scene, stage blocking, and props, students will participate in various activities that may include puppetry, plays, pantomime, improvisation, reader’s theatre, storytelling, and impromptu, and/or informative speeches. Through these activities, they will learn physical and vocal presentation skills and develop basic knowledge of theatre arts and public speaking.

Gardening
In Gardening class, students will work together to design, plant, tend, and harvest a garden. They will learn principles of decomposition, harvest, cultivation, propagation, and the life-giving properties of soil, water, and sunlight. 

Great Books & Great Film
Students will delve into both books and film as they read, watch, and respond to the great writers and filmmakers of our history. This course is intended for passionate readers. We will reflect on what it means to be a godly woman through reading novels such as Charlotte Brontё’s Jane Eyre, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and viewing excerpts from the film adaptations. Students also have the opportunity to improve upon their research and public speaking skills as they choose one great woman whom they believe to embody the characteristics of a godly woman to research and present.

Mathematics Lab
Mathematics lab is designed to help students achieve the highest degree of success possible in their assigned math class. The course is intended for students who want the benefit of extra instruction and practice in math. Emphasis will be placed on reinforcing some of the basic skills necessary for success, including numeric concepts, arithmetic operations, fractions and decimals, and problem solving. In some cases, this time may be used for targeted tutorial assistance with the Student Support Team or by other special arrangements. Students who have been recommended for on-level math and/or students for whom math does not come easily are encouraged to sign up for math lab.

Outdoor Leadership
The Outdoor Leadership class will use experiential/adventure education exercises, such as challenge course elements or activities, to teach group dynamics, teamwork strategies, leadership assimilation, communication, and other valuable traits. Topics will include team challenge elements, conflict management, orienteering, outdoor cooking, and nature identification.

Reading Lab
Reading comprehension is an increasingly essential skill for learning at the middle and high school levels and beyond. Reading Lab is designed to help students develop and strengthen this skill and, consequently, to raise their level of achievement in a range of subjects. Emphasis will be placed on building vocabulary, employing effective reading strategies, and developing the task persistence to work through difficult texts. In some cases, this time may be used for targeted tutorial assistance with the Student Support

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)
In this class, students will be introduced to the field of marine technology and engineering through the construction of a remotely operated vehicle. This underwater robotics class will begin with establishing foundational science concepts such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, buoyancy, and properties of air and water. Students will work in ROV teams to design and build a fully functional underwater vehicle that will be used to complete numerous underwater tasks. After perfecting their design, these teams will put their ROV’s to the test at a Regional ROV Competition. Tools used in this class include: basic hand tools (e.g., screwdriver, wire cutters, etc.) and soldering irons. Note: ROV supplies will be recycled for future classes and not taken home by students at the end of the course. 

Photography
In this class, students will learn the basics of Digital Photography. They will learn things like how to achieve good composition and perspective in their photographs. Students will learn about the different genres in photography. They will have the opportunity to use their cameras and practice what they have learned in class almost everyday for at least half of the class period! They will also have the opportunity to contribute to the school’s yearbook.

Man Of God
In addition to the required readings and discussion, this class will offer an opportunity for the student to participate in a functional fitness exercise class once a week. We believe that fitness should be functional (i.e. learning how to move your body efficiently in space and time) and that it should be fun! Some workouts may be challenging, but every workout will be scalable to the student’s ability level. We include these workouts to show that the life of a man of God is holistic. Every aspect of our life, including our fitness, is a gift from God and should be used to glorify Him. The majority of the workouts will be bodyweight movements (e.g. pushups, squats, burpees, sit-ups, etc.). The students will occasionally use equipment such as medicine balls and light weight dumbbells. 

Watercraft Building Projects
Students in this class have built 12-foot skiffs and Stand Up Paddle Boards from marine plywood using the stitch-and-glue boat building method. Working collaboratively from printed plans, the class will make all related measurements, learn building techniques, and solve a variety of problems to construct a watercraft that is ready to use. NOTE: Students will use basic hand tools (e.g., hammer, screwdriver, etc.) and may also use light power tools such as power drivers or orbital sanders. Students will NOT use power saws or other power cutting tools. All panels will be cut by the teachers.

Rhythm and Drumming
Students are introduced to the world of music through the lens of creating, practicing, and performing rhythm-based musical works. Concepts including steady beat, rhythmic rudiments, composition, collaboration, and performance are taught as students enjoy making music with unique drumming equipment including buckets, pails, cups, sporting equipment, school supplies, and more. Performances take place at MGCS events throughout the school year as well as community venues when possible.

Creative Writing/ Creative Communication 
Students will write poetry and short stories.  In this class students are introduced to familiar and famous poems as well as short stories. Students will try their hand at writing poetry and illustrate them. They will also write a short story with illustrations to produce their own book! Our God is a creative communicator using poetry and stories to teach truth. The purpose of this class is to practice using their gifts and talents in writing and drawing to honor the One who writes their story.

Body, Mind and Spirit 
Students will develop team sports while learning about good sportsmanship and teamwork. Students will investigate what makes a strong team athletically as well as spiritually as they learn to support one another in reaching group goals. Students will commit to spending time with the Lord at least twice a week in a guided Quiet Time.”Love your Lord with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.” Deuteronomy: 6:5

Science Olympiad
Students will focus on team-building, investigation, and engineering practices to broaden their knowledge, skill, and love for science while preparing for regional and state competitions. This year students will choose events that  will investigate many fields of science including: anatomy, crime science,birds,  fossils, circuits, matter, waves, diseases, astronomy, , and water quality. Students can also choose to  build boomilevers, bottle rockets, gliders, and mousetrap vehicles all in preparation to compete at the regional tournament at UNC Wilmington.

Worship Band 
This class is designed for students who LOVE to play music and worship God. Worship Band is for students who feel led to use their voices and instruments in a praise and worship setting. This is an opportunity to use your musical gifts to honor God and learn how to lead others in worship. In order to take this class, students must:

• Prepare a 2 or 3 minute video playing or singing and email it to the instructor. It will be used to assess skill level.
• Students need some proficiency on their instruments because class time will be used as rehearsal. We will not be learning the mechanics of the instruments. 
• Students will lead worship in chapel at different times throughout the year.