Science
Science is the study of God's world. God's interesting and beautiful creation is also a world of orderliness, following God's rules. Studying creation allows students to see how the world was made and how it works. The study of science helps Christians learn three important things:
About God - His creation and involvement in the world. Creation tells us about God.
About ourselves - we are part of creation set aside to be God's stewards of creation.
About the world - learning about living creatures and the materials God has given us and how to use them wisely.

Classes include practice in using scientific tools for discovery and problem solving.

Sixth Grade Science studies both life and earth science units. We will cover earthquakes, volcanoes, stars, comets/asteroids/meteoroids, rocketry/space travel, weather, flowering plants, and the body. There will be explorations, demonstrations, some experimentation, skill building, and problem solving. Homework involves reviewing notes, studying for tests, doing projects, and writing some research papers.

Seventh Grade Science In 7th grade Life Science, following California State Standards, students will learn about cell biology and division, genetics and reproduction, natural selection and changes over time, ecology and adaptations, rocks and geologic time and finally the structure, function and physical properties of living systems. See www.glencoe.com for many online resources.

Eighth Grade Science In 8th grade Physical Science, following California State Standards, students will learn about Physics through Motion and Forces, Chemistry through the structure of matter and chemical interactions, and Astronomy through studying the earth in space. See www.glencoe.com for many online resources.

Textbooks - In addition, students are issued a CD ROM version for use at home.
Glencoe Focus on Earth Science
Glencoe Focus on Life Science
Glencoe Focus on Physical Science

Mathematics
The study of mathematics is an understanding of the order of God's creation. Problem solving skills and strategies expand and reinforce basic skills. The sixth, seventh and eighth grade courses provide opportunity to review and solidify basic arithmetic skills, to develop algebraic and geometric strategies and tools for problem solving and practical application.  

Sixth grade students all take the same course. In seventh & eighth grade, placement in one of three math levels is based on student ability as determined through an assessment test grades in previous math courses, and teacher recommendation. The three courses are Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I. The majority of students graduating from this program will be well prepared to enter high school Algebra. Students who complete Algebra I may take Geometry as freshman with a teacher recommendation.

Textbooks
The math curriculum utilizes the Glencoe/McGraw-Hill textbook series.

Language Arts

Sixth & Seventh Grade Language Arts includes grammar, fluency, writing, spelling, vocabulary and literature components. Students will spend time in each area each week. Tests and written assignments accompany each unit. All research reports are completed collaboratively with other disciplines. Students are expected to pursue regular outside reading. Students will also complete projects such as book reports and longer writing assignments such as reports, short stories and expository writing as well as written formats such as the five- paragraph essay, business letters, and poetry.

Weekly homework typically entails components of grammar practice, spelling, vocabulary, and writing. Projects and more extensive writing assignments generally have a longer time period for completion.

Eighth Grade Language Arts continues to expand on skills learned in prior years. Students continue to spend time in grammar, fluency, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and literature. Tests and written assignments accompany each unit. Students will work more in depth to dissect the components of literature and poetry to understand its’ characters, theme and symbolism. Writing continues to be an integral part of the curriculum with students continuing to develop skills such as expository and descriptive writing as well as written formats such as the five-paragraph essay, short stories, poetry, and short stories.

Weekly homework typically entails components of grammar practice, spelling and vocabulary, and writing. Projects and more extensive writing assignments generally have a longer time period for completion.

Textbooks
6th Grade - MacMillan McGraw-Hill
7th Grade & 8th Grade - McDougal, Littell

Social Studies
World History is basic to a comprehensive Christian education.

Sixth Grade Social Studies introduces students to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece and Rome. We will be studying a variety of topics from how history builds on itself to what we can learn from archaeology. Students will be doing group projects and a variety of activities to learn about these civilizations. Special emphasis will be placed on the factors that cause civilizations and nations to rise and fall which should give students a basis on which to critically examine the modern world. In conjunction with English class, we will learn how to gather information and present a basic research report.

Seventh Grade Social Studies is the study of World History. Students will explore the ancient cultures and civilizations of Rome, Islam, Africa, China, Japan and Medieval Europe. They will examine the effects of expansion, cultural diffusion, technology, economics, exploration and religion on these cultures and civilizations. They will also examine the processes by which the civilizations studied either fell or were forced to change and modernize. Students will study the maps and geographies of these civilizations in order to understand the influence they have left on modern day regions. Current events that involve these civilizations and regions will be discussed as applicable.

Eighth Grade Social Studies is the study of American History which will explore the people and events used by God to create and develop our nation. The course will introduce students to how the American government was established, the concepts of political freedom and the principles of democracy. It will prepare students to be informed citizens and future political participants in the democratic process.

In this course students will explore the development of the United States from early European colonization through the Civil War and Reconstruction period. Students will learn how our nation was established. They will study in detail our Constitution and the three branches of our government. They will also study maps and the impact of geography on our history. Students will follow the growth of our Republic through the 18th and 19th centuries and see how the issues of slavery and “states rights” threatened to split the country. Finally, through the Civil War and Reconstruction periods students will begin to learn how American took on a national identity rather than remaining a confederation of states. The class will conclude the year with a topical study of World War II and the origins of America as a Superpower.

Textbooks
6th Grade - A Message of Ancient Days, Houghton Mifflin
7th Grade - Across the Centuries, Houghton Mifflin
8th Grade - A More Perfect Union, Houghton Mifflin

Supporting Materials:
• DVDs, video and audio tapes
• Internet
• Daily newspapers and periodicals
• Primary sources
• Guest speakers

Music
All 6th grade students take band. 7th & 8th students are required to take either:
• General music
• Band

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Bible
All students are required to take a bible study course.

Sixth Grade Bible will cover the Creation through the United Kingdom. Much time is spent memorizing and applying what we learn in class to our own lives. Homework involves study for memory tests and unit tests. There will be a project assigned to build a model of a Tabernacle and write a paper on it.

Seventh Grade Bible includes an Old Testament overview, the story of God and His people, from creation to Solomon through Jesus' birth & early ministry.

Eighth Grade Bible includes a New Testament overview of the following:
• Message of the Gospels
• Jesus' early ministry
• Suffering and sacrifice
• Resurrection and ascension
• Birth of the Church
• Encouraging the Church to stand firm
• The Church finds its way

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Physical Education
Students have two quarters of P.E. throughout the year and it is held 5 days per week during those quarters. They will learn about and develop skills to play a variety of sports including: softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, hockey and soccer. A variety of other sports including lacrosse, rugby and ultimate frisbee will also be covered.

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Additional Classes

Computers
Students have computer class for one quarter – 5 days per week. They work through the self-paced course using the textbook Century 21, Jr. by Cengage Learning during their three years in middle school. The materials covered include computer basics, keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Access, HTML, and Input Technologies.

Spanish
Students have Spanish for one quarter – 5 days per week. In this course, students will develop a basic understanding of Spanish in order to glorify God. They will be speaking, reading & writing in Spanish. The class is mostly conducted in Spanish. A student that has excelled in our elementary & middle school Spanish programs may be able to skip high school Spanish I depending on the teacher and the school.

Library
6th graders (only) go to the library once a week.

Art
6th graders have art once a week. 7th and 8th graders can choose Art as an elective class.

7th & 8th Grade Elective Options
Art
Band
Digital Imaging
Drama
Home Arts
Music
Yearbook
Study Hall

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Options to Serve
Each year, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders can choose to participate in two additional activities on campus:

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
• Student Representatives (elected position)
Student responsibilities will include such things as helping classmates when needed, representing their class at each council meeting, giving input and planning for improvements and activities.

• Student Senate (appointed position)
One student per grade will be selected to serve based on interest, responsibility, and talents. Duties include organizing, keeping the calendar, giving direction, taking care of all sales and money throughout the year, and deciding on improvements.

CHAPEL PRAISE BAND
Members are responsible for planning and participating in the weekly Middle School Chapel under the direction of Mrs. Dengerink and Mrs. Martin. Students must apply for the praise band and will have an audition before being selected to serve.

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Sports Programs
CCCJH students participate in the BASCAL league. There is a $50 sports fee per sport.

Boys
• Softball
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Football

Girls
• Softball
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Soccer

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Extra-Curricular Activities
• Drama
• River rafting
• Outdoor Education - 1 week
• Year end water slide trip
• Bowling
• Skating trip
• Theme Days