Grades 6-8 provide a transition for students from the self-contained classes of the elementary grades to a semi-departmentalized schedule where students move to different classrooms for some of the subjects of the curriculum. Special teachers handle PE, Music, Library and Technology classes.
Christian Studies
The Voyages curriculum from Concordia Publishing House provides the basic program
of instruction at all grade levels. The study of God’s Word and its application to young lives is integral to the program. (home room)
Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 The sixth grade centers its studies on the life of Jesus, using the Gospel of Matthew as a primary source. Lessons focus on His parables, miracles and teachings about the
Kingdom of God. Other studies include the history of the early Christian church and the work of Paul. Worship, baptism and the Lord’s Supper are also examined.The New Testament course emphasizes God’s saving love for people:
• The Holy Spirit’s power to change, heal and strengthen
• History of the early church
• The travels and ministry of Paul
• Biblical principles and daily living
• Survey of major events in Jesus’ lifeThe Old Testament course is an overview study from Creation in the Garden of
Eden, through Noah, the Flood, the Patriarchs, the Exodus, King David, the Prophets and the Divided Kingdom to the time of
Christ. God’s plan of salvation is revealed at Eden and continues to be revealed throughout the Old Testament.
Social Studies
Students study the interaction of mankind with the earth and with other cultures down through history. Instructional materials come from Bob Jones University and the Adventures in Time and Place series by Macmillan Publishing. (departmental)
Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 World History
Students learn about the ancient civilizations through the age of great explorations. Units of study include Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, Greece, Rome, the Aztecs, the Inca, Maya, and the Renaissance.
World Geography
Geography fosters knowledge of the world around us:
• Examine landforms, climates, resources and cultures of various countries
on each continent.
• Integrate study with current events.
• Facilitate map skills.History of the
United States
Examine and study the history of the U.S. from Columbus to the present. Special emphasis is placed on the Christian beginnings of our country and the wars
that have had a profound effect on its development.
Science and Health
Students learn to use a variety of process skills to perform tasks leading to self direction in learning. Skills include collection and organization of data, journaling, research and presentation of information, experimentation, and problem solving. (departmental)
Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Earth Science
The first units of study in the 6th grade examine the scientific method and metric measurement. Emphasis is placed on performing experiments as they study basic chemistry, rocks, minerals, erosion, fresh water and oceans, the atmosphere and astronomy. Earth geology is examined through
the activity of earthquakes and volcanoes as understood using plate tectonic theory.Life Science
The 7th grade centers its study on biology. As much as possible, students perform experiments or do lab activities as they study cell theory, classification, heredity and a systematic look at the five kingdoms of living organisms. The year ends with a study of the human body.
Physical Science
Eighth graders study physics and chemistry through hands on activities and experiments. Students learn by doing as they look at motion, forces, energy, waves, work, and mechanics. The study of electricity leads to atomic theory, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and chemical families.
Mathematics
Four levels of math are offered to Forest Hills students. The Glencoe Publishing middle school math program is used for three of the courses. Eighth graders take algebra if they are ready. (departmental)
Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Math Applications & Concepts emphasizes place value, numeration, fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, integers and variables. Students are also introduced to algebraic principles.
Pre-Algebra covers the basics of algebra from order of operations through integers and solving multi step problems. Algebra is applied to geometry and polynomials. Problem solving and applications are emphasized in each area.
Transition Math is more
preparation for algebra. Concepts are taught through application to the real world. A wide variety of meaningful problemsolving opportunities are presented. The format offers additional preparation for algebra.Algebra is offered to advanced students. Concepts from pre-algebra are reviewed and expanded. Factoring, Functions, Linear Equations, Radical Expressions, Quadratics
and Trigonometry are also
covered.
Language Arts
Improving skill as a communicator is the goal of the Forest Hills language arts program. Reading, writing, speaking and listening are the methods of communication. Classes are departmentalized for all students of grades 6-8.
Literature
• Novels and short stories of different genres are read and discussed, paying attention to specific story elements and their development.
• Selected readings relate to other subject areas such as science, social studies and Christian studies.
• Trips to the school library and on occasion, the public library, provide a wide selection of materials for guided reading, research projects and personal reading.
• Systematic vocabulary and word study boost reading skills.
Writing
• Frequent and varied writing opportunities allow for development of writing style.
• Instruction, practice and application enhance use of mechanics such as capitalization
and punctuation.
• The steps of the writing process and the traits of writing are used to enhance proficiency in persuasive, expository, narrative, descriptive and poetry assignments.
Speaking and Listening
Class presentations, impromptu and prepared speeches give students experience in retelling, paraphrasing, organizing and sequencing orally.
Other Programs
Physical fitness, teamwork and growing in physical skill are goals of our physical education program. Students learn game rules and skills in football (flag), soccer, volleyball, basketball, and softball. Other skill units include tumbling, jump rope, and
training/ testing for the President’s Physical Fitness Test. Optional fitness activities may be hockey, nontraditional games, relays, and dance. Extracurricular athletics include soccer, volleyball,basketball, track and field, and cheerleading.
Music choices include choir, handbells, band and music appreciation. Art and drama are other choices during the weekly fine arts period. All school art projects, assemblies and special events provide outlets for student performance.
Students travel to Concordia University, Portland in February to participate in the Lutheran Elementary Schools Tournament (L.E.S.T.) Competitions are in the areas of athletics, academics, and fine arts. Elective classes meet for consecutive weeks in the fall and spring to give students experiences in classes outside the regular curriculum. Volunteer parents and friends of the school are the teachers.
The computer las offers opportunities for developing skills, creative projects, research via the Internet, word and data processing.
Upper grade students also participate in service projects, serve on the Student Council, operate the School Store and serve as buddies to other students in the school.