FREE Homeschool Information Packet
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“Your method has made it easy to teach kindergarten material to my child. It has also made it fun for my child to learn her math and reading. She was so motivated, she even asked for more homework each day! Thank you.”
Tam, Bridgeway Parent
Eighth Grade
Language Arts | Mathematics | Science | Social Studies | Art
Eighth-graders at Bridgeway spend time daily in a balanced and integrated literacy language arts course. ?The primary focus is writing and literature, while continuing to build skills in spelling, vocabulary, grammar, usage and mechanics. Students review prior knowledge of paragraph and essay structure and expand their writing into 7-8 paragraph essays that include descriptive, narrative, persuasive, comparison and contrast, and expository writing. They continue to develop and expand their reading skills and strategies through an authentic literature-based curriculum, which includes various genres. Spelling, vocabulary, grammar, usage and mechanics are taught through their writing assignments throughout the year. The use of novels or authentic literature in language arts is designed to reinforce skills and strategies learned previously, while presenting increasingly sophisticated techniques for achieving optimal reading comprehension. While reading different genres, students must locate specific information, make inferences, draw conclusions and strive to apply ideas to other contexts, and write organized responses, which demonstrate the thinking processes used.
Grammar in eighth grade continues to develop while strengthening the student’s overall ability to write, think and communicate effectively. Grammar is emphasized and integrated throughout the curriculum and later in context through reading and writing. Vocabulary development and spelling are reinforced using a specific spelling and vocabulary program. An emphasis is placed on an increase in word study, reading vocabulary and the use of effective language, written and oral. Spelling emphasis is on recognition and use of correct spelling in the context of written work.
Your advisor will select one of the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:
Language Arts A8-A Biblically based program that incorporates character-building principles into a careful study of grammar, mechanics, writing and literature. Twelve colorful workbooks present material in an independent study, mastery-based format, and teacher’s guides present both enrichment and remedial exercises to enhance the program, including a writing assignment for each unit and websites for additional practice and guidance. The course is supplemented with a spelling and vocabulary course that is selected based on student needs and strengths.
Language Arts AO8-A complete Biblically based curriculum that focuses on the development and integration of communication skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The 10-workbook student materials in this program function as the learning base, supporting instruction in communication essentials for all students. Includes enrichment activities and opportunities for independent study to allow for individualization based on student needs and interests.
Language Arts E8-A mastery-based program that presents the study of grammar, mechanics, reading and vocabulary in a step-by-step format. Ten workbooks present material in a nondistracting black-and-white format and are ideal for the struggling or distractible student who needs material presented in smaller, more focused chunks.
Language Arts P8- This course is designed to equip eighth-grade students with a strong understanding of the eight parts of speech, grammar and writing skills. The five chapters of text are supplemented with five corresponding activity books that guide students through the lessons.
Students are introduced to character-building life principles and vignettes of persons who role model positive life styles. Each lesson and the corresponding activity questions are based on the vignette in a clever approach that ties English grammar skills to real-life situations. Every grammar rule or part of speech is illustrated twice with sentences drawn from the vignette. This technique connects students to the study of English in a practical and engaging manner. Students experience the highly effective learning approaches of Eskimo, Greek and Hebrew methodologies.
Students are placed in a mathematics course according to their ability and past experience in math. Possible placements include:
Pre-Algebra A8-A Biblical based 12-unit mastery course. Students receive instruction in using formulas; solving equations; finding volume and surface areas of solid figures - prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones and spheres; basic geometry and geometric vocabulary - points, angles, etc.; tables and graphs; rate, time and distance; use of Pythagorean Theorem - using right triangles to find height and distance, finding the hypotenuse of a right triangle and square roots. Application of learned knowledge comes through a more advanced study of banking, tax investments, mortgages, real estate (land and buildings), stocks and bonds, federal and sales taxes, and insurance (premiums and policies).
Pre-Algebra/Pre-Geometry AO8-Biblically based 10-unit course. Students review and master essential pre-geometry and pre-algebra concepts. The course’s repetition of mathematical principles builds mastery. Topics covered are numbers and factors, fractions and rounding, fractions and percent, formulas and geometry, and algebraic equations. Other topics covered are story problems, understanding place value and using the four operations. Number lines, pyramids, prisms and the Pythagorean Theorem are also taught.
Algebra SX-A textbook course that includes a student text, answer key and test booklet. This course is the culmination of pre-algebra mathematics, a full pre-algebra course and an introduction to geometry and discrete mathematics. Some topics covered include prime and composite numbers, fractions and decimals, order of operations, coordinates, exponents, square roots, ratios, algebraic phrases, probability, the Pythagorean Theorem and more.
Algebra I A-Biblically based 12-unit mastery-based course. Basic algebraic concepts are introduced in a carefully structured way so as to make the learning material understandable. This curriculum includes principles for logically solving, transposing and canceling algebraic equations. Students work with monomial and polynomial expressions, algebraic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, factoring, quadratic equations, positive and negative numbers, averages, percent, interest, ratios and proportions.
Algebra IAO-Biblically based. Diverse algebraic topics cover variables and numbers, solving equations, polynomials, algebraic factors and fractions, and radical expressions.
A concept-by-concept approach to learning that will fine-tune the student’s grasp of algebra! Students will not only learn graphing, determinants and quadratic equations, but will also experience achievement as they complete each lesson.
Algebra I SX- Students will develop the understanding they need to resolve more complex problems and functions with this step-by-step textbook course. Covers topics including signed numbers, exponents and roots; absolute value; equations and inequalities; scientific notations; unit conversions; polynomials; graphs; factoring; quadratic equations; direct and inverse variations; exponential growth; statistics; and probability.
Intermediate Math P8- Content ranges from pre-algebra to introduction to basic algebra concepts. A scientific calculator is required.
Consumer Math AO8-With this course, students will gain valuable insights for planning and organizing personal finances. Subjects covered in this 10-unit course are family finances; creative arithmetic; fractions, decimals and percent; transportation; and business services.
Students will develop essential, daily math skills with worktexts filled with full-color illustrations and story problems. Packed with lifelong practicality, Consumer Math teaches students how to manage money to avoid future problems. Money management skills like examining loans and credit cards and purchasing goods are also included.
Eighth-grade students are placed in a science program that will meet their needs while preparing them for their future studies in science. Possible placements include:
Earth Science A8-This 12-unit Biblically based Earth science course introduces specific areas of study such as astronomy, volcanology, topography, oceanography, meteorology and mineralogy with proofs of the Creation. Students learn about the perfection of God’s design for the universe. Weather science is a fascinating study as a part of this curriculum.
Physical Science AO8-Includes chemistry units of study: history, atomic structure, Periodic Table (trends, families), chemical bonding, chemical equations, rates of reactions and acids - bases and mixtures. Physics units of study are also explored: forces, types of energy, kinetic/potential energy, laws of motion, rocketry, waves, heat, light and sound.
Physical Science APL8- This hardbound textbook Biblically based course discusses such topics as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the Earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, Newton’s Laws, gravity and astrophysics. The author especially concentrates on the myths generated by the hysterical environmentalist movement. There are many hands-on experiments to do, and they all use household chemicals and supplies. It is an excellent course for preparing the student to take a college-prep high school science curriculum.
Earth & Space Science W8-This course explores the origins of the universe and focuses on celestial bodies including the sun, the moon, planets, stars and space and includes an in-depth study of all of Earth’s systems, including the lithosphere, atmosphere and the hydrosphere. Not a Biblically based course.
Earth and Life Science P8-This course covers Earth and life sciences as well as the Periodic Table of the Elements and the solar system. Each scientific concept is enhanced by adventure vignettes in which young people help solve community mysteries by applying the scientific method and positive character traits, such as integrity, honesty, commitment, diligence and kindness. Students learn how virtues and personal responsibility help communities reduce violence and upgrade community standards. Students are exposed to scientific evidence that explores traditional and contemporary theories about the origin of life and the formation of our planet and universe. Texts allow the student to evaluate these theories from a scientific perspective.
Your advisor will select one of the following options for your student based on his or her academic needs and ideal learning style:
American History A8-What was it like to be a sailor on one of Columbus’ ships, to be a slave during the War Between the States or to be the first man to step onto the surface of the moon? History seems to come alive with the “You are There” vignettes in this course. Historical facts are presented in a way that personally involves the student in the exciting events in American history. Understanding of the subject matter is enhanced with time lines, maps and activity questions that require an understanding of the concepts and interpretation, as well as memorization of facts.
American History AO8-A 10-unit captivating course about America’s story that focuses on critical-thinking skills! Historical unit topics include Europe Comes to America, The American Revolution, A Growing Nation, Gilded Age to Progressive Era and Cold War America.
Colorful illustrations and review exercises enhance comprehension as students follow America’s growth by studying the Westward Expansion, slavery and Civil War, the Industrial Revolution and America’s important role in today’s world. American colonization and development, along with America’s emergence as an international power are also covered in this self-paced course.
American History W8- This non-Biblical textbook curriculum includes a student textbook and corresponding workbook that provide instruction and reinforcement activities to help solidify the material.
American history examines U.S. history from the colonial period through the present; engages students with captivating profiles of key historical figures; covers the consequences of conflicts from the Civil War and WWII to the Gulf War and beyond; and presents timely material, including the effects of 9/11 on the state of the nation and the 2004 presidential elections.
American History P8- A study of United States history from pre-Columbus expeditions through the election of President George W. Bush. This content-based course approaches the study of American history from the 15 major components of culture (families, agriculture, religion, economics, military, discoveries, inventions, etc). The writers include vignettes, biographical sketches and narratives to engage students. Graphics, illustrations, time lines and maps help students visualize significant concepts, dates and events. This course has been called “real history” because it ties the 15 major cultural components to real people, places and principles.
World History III W8- This non-biblical textbook curriculum includes a student textbook and corresponding workbook that provide instruction and reinforcement activities to help solidify the material. ? World History III provides a comprehensive overview of world history, from 1900 to Present civilizations to the middle ages; presents engaging profiles of international historical figures; focuses on essential people, places, and events that shaped the world; and includes a concise time line of critical world events.
A course designed to introduce junior high school students to the world of art and its techniques: the tools of art, shapes, line variation and shading, texture, the color wheel, landscapes, head shapes, focal points, perspective, flannel boards and lettering. Intended to give students a good understanding of the concepts of art.