Kindergarten - Grade 5 : Junior High: Grades 6 - 8 : High School - Grades 9 - 12

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW: GRADE 9 - GRADE 12

BIBLE
At Acadia Christian School, we believe that "the Bible is the greatest of all books, to study it is the noblest of all pursuits, to understand it, the highest of all goals." As Christians, we must base everything that we think and do upon the Word of God. We must start with the inerrant Word of Creator God and compare all other thoughts to it. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever, Amen." (Romans 11:36) We are committed to teaching fundamental truths that are clearly Bible-based and set forth in Scripture and integrating them into all areas of life, thus enabling students to develop a proper Christian world and life view. Students are required to take a Bible course every year they attend Acadia Christian School. Various courses are offered.

COMPUTER
This course is designed to develop competency in common computer applications though instruction in Microsoft office. The applications covered will include Word (a word processing program); Excel (a spreadsheet program); Power Point (a presentation program) and Access (a database program). Use of the Internet will be integrated into the instruction. Special topics may include, but are not limited to keyboarding, computer literacy, programming, web design and Publisher (a multi-function graphics program)

SCIENCE

Grade 9: Physical Science. The two major areas of study are chemistry and physics. Further inquiry into these two areas are based on skills learned in the previous courses. Familiarity with the metric system is expected. Lab work includes measurement, density, solubility, basic test for chemicals, forces of motion and mechanics, kinetic energy and more. Hands on experimentation is expected and refinement in reporting will be enhanced using the editing process.

Grade 10: Biology. Biology involves the study of living things. Reading is intensive and lab work amplifies what is read. Areas of learning include cells, classifications, biochemistry, creation and evolution, anatomy and physiology. Lab work is required and involves learning classical techniques such as proper use of the microscope and newer techniques such as DNA extraction, biotechnology, genetics and interactions within the organism's environment.

Grade 11: Chemistry. Chemistry involves the study of elements and compounds on earth and not only the use of these substances, but learning how to use them wisely in a modern and changing world. We study the particles of matter, measuring quantities and qualities of substances, and the characteristic properties that make substances on earth so fascinating. Lab required.

Grade 12: Physics. Physics is the study of the states of matter and the principles behind the interaction of matter in God's universe. Areas of study include critical measurement, energy, mechanics, electricity, sound and the mathematical principles which make physics a great way to see the applications of math in science and technology. Lab and course discussions are a vital part of your physics studies, they go hand and hand with the understanding of how things operate.

HEALTH
This course is generally taken by 9th grade students, and is designed to help them understand that total health involves the mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of their lives. This class presents health, safety and first aid from the Christian perspective that God created man in His own image (Gen. 1:27).

HISTORY, CURRENT EVENTS & ECONOMICS

Grade 9: World Geography. In this course students will examine the physical and cultural aspects of the earth and mankind from a Christian perspective. In order to gain a better understanding of the world, students will explore the religion, customs, languages, and historical backgrounds of each continent, region and country. Through the study of maps and globes, students will be able to identify the countries and major cities of the world.

Grade 10: World History. This course is designed to help students understand God's active participation in the history of all nations. Beginning with ancient civilizations, the course moves to the present showing the complex development of nations. By integrating geography, economics, the cultural arts, and anthropology, the course emphasizes where people lived, their cultural characteristics, problems and contributions. Students are exposed to various leadership styles and political entities. Students learn to use resources to apply their knowledge through parallel reading and creative projects. Research projects are also a required part of the course.

Grade 11: U.S. History. In U.S. History students will examine the reasons for the exploration and the settlement of North America, and study the culture and civilization of the American Indian prior to the arrival of the Europeans. Students will study the American Revolution and its causes and effects as they relate to the American's view of authority. Students will examine church and state and its current ramifications. Students will understand the conflict between federalism and states rights and complete the course with post World War II contemporary history and the development of the Civil Rights Movement.

Grade 12: Economics & Current Events: Economic theories are looked at in light of current economic activities. Political ideas and theories are discussed, ancient as well as modern.

ENGLISH

Grade 9: The fundamentals of literature are taught as we teach the process of literary analysis that enables our students to interpret and evaluate what is read in light of biblical truth. Six literary elements are focused on: conflict, character, theme, structure, point of view, and moral tone. Writing and grammar are presented as we cover all eight parts of speech with emphasis on adjectives and adverbs. We review the basic sentence patterns, pronoun usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Various writing projects are required, including a research essay.

Grade 10: Students are encouraged to strengthen the literary analysis they began in English 9. Several genres of literature are interpreted as we explore how biblical truth applies to each one. Writing and grammar are presented and writing strategies are emphasized. Spelling and expansion of vocabulary are also a vital part of our program. Various writing projects are presented, with required projects including an editorial and a research essay.

Grade 11: This course focuses on American Literature. Grammar, vocabulary, and composition skills are reinforced. Major research papers are emphasized. Writing assignments will include: response to literature, cause-and-effect essay, personal experience, research essay, short stories and poetry.

Grade 12: This class encompasses a careful study of British Literature which discusses cultural issues from eight literary periods. This course also covers grammar and vocabulary, focusing on etymology.

MATHEMATICS

Saxon Math Algebra 1. Prerequisite: Saxon Math Algebra 1/2. Saxon math Algebra 1 is the first course of a series which is comprised of three books: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Advanced Mathematics. This course begins with an evaluation of Algebraic expressions, defines Algebraic properties, and introduces Algebraic equations, formulas, axioms, and Geometry. Upon completion of this course the student will have an understanding of the vocabulary and concepts of Algebra and Geometry.

Saxon Math Algebra 2. Prerequisite: Saxon Math Algebra 1. Saxon math Algebra 2 is the second course in its series. The course begins with a quick review of Algebra 1 and then continues to develop topics from Algebra, Geometry, and begins a study on Trigonometry. This course covers problems relating to science, commerce, trades, and other fields. Upon completion of this course the student will be fluid in Algebra and Geometry.

Saxon Math Advanced Mathematics And Incremental Development. Prerequisite: Saxon Math Algebra 2. This course is the last in its series. This course contains an in depth study on advanced algebraic concepts, geometry, trigonometry, logarithms, and recalculate.

Consumer Mathematics in Christian Perspective. Prerequisite: Saxon Math Algebra 2. This course contains a study on analytical skills and problem solving that have practical applications to assist the student in future financial decisions. The vocabulary and concepts in this course are direct, concise and understandable.

Saxon Math Calculus with Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry. Prerequisite: Saxon Math Advanced Mathematics. This course contains a review of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry topics that are necessary for Calculus. The following are a few Calculus topics covered in this course: types of series, tests for convergence, approximating functions with series, and term-by-term differentiation and integration of power series as well as Newton's method, Euler's Method, the trapezoidal rule, slope fields, parametric equations, polar functions, vector functions, logistic growth, arc length, piecewise integration, projectile motion, and volumes of solids defined by cross sections.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
This course is open to all students 9-12. It is designed to help the student understand that total health involves the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of their lives. Primary emphasis on sportsmanship, self-confidence and the principals of winning and losing in a competitive atmosphere with attention to respect and knowledge for the care and strengthening of the body God has entrusted to us

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Spanish 1. Grades 9-12. Language is a God-given privilege. Learning spanish will help students understand and appreciate their own language better. Students will be introduced to the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Through the study of Spanish and Latin American cultures, students gain an understanding of how other Christians worship God in ways that are similiar to, yet different from our own.

Spanish 2. Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Spanish 1 with at least a grade of "C" or teacher recommendation. In this course students will further develop their reading and writing skill in Spanish. A special emphasis is put on learning the language's many verb tenses and reading more Spanish/Latino American literature enabling the students to understand how God's use of languages influence us and the world around us.

ELECTIVES
Vary each year and are offered according to student interest and faculty availability. Some courses offered include sports and recreation, art, drama, chorus, life skills (cooking, sewing, finances), praise band, classroom/office aide, and computer.

Curriculum used: ABeka, Bob Jones, and Saxon.