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Fifth Grade Bible
In the Fifth Grade Bible course, our goal is to acquaint the students with the basic principles and history of the Bible, equip them to use the scriptures with ease and confidence, and prepare them to share their knowledge and faith with others according to God’s Word. The Bible (ESV) and Christian School International’s Witness to the Gospel are our main sources of study. The students discover the various writings of the Bible: the Pentateuch, books of History, Poetry, Prophecy, the Gospels, Parables, and Letters. They also study the authors of these writings and their roles and viewpoints. Subsequently, the life of Christ is surveyed through a reading of the Gospels. It is our strongest desire that each student exiting fifth grade will have a personal relationship with Christ, a thorough knowledge of Scripture, a clear and precise vision of right from wrong, the tools to lead others to Christ, and spiritual wisdom that only God can impart.

Sixth Grade Bible
In the Sixth Grade Bible course, the students study the House of Israel. This course includes the Old Testament books from Genesis to 1 Kings and includes a unit on biblical archeology. The main focus of the course is to present the Bible as the story of God’s acts and words, written so that the students might know God and themselves, accept His gift of salvation, and live lives of joyful service and obedience. The goal is to help the students understand the Bible literally, culturally and geographically. The students are encouraged with life applications from each unit of study.

Seventh Grade: Old Testament Survey
This Seventh Grade Bible course guides the student through the Old Testament. Each book’s background, author, theme, and message are surveyed along with key verses. While examining the particulars of each book, the consistent theme of God’s redemption of humankind is reinforced.

Eighth Grade: New Testament Survey
The Eighth Grade Bible course begins with a review of the Old Testament. The Old Testament prepares the way for Christ, and He is fully manifested in the New Testament. All twenty seven books of the New Testament are examined and presented as God’s infallible Word. The overriding theme of the class is presented in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave ….” Each student finishes the course with the abiding truth that “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

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Fifth Grade: American History
The Fifth Grade Social Studies course is a study of the history of the United States beginning with the early American Indians and ending in the 21st century with current events. Both primary and secondary sources are utilized as students survey the influence of historical perspective and point of view on issues, decision making, and actions. A special emphasis is placed on the impact of the Christian faith in the formation of our country and its historical documents. American government is explored as students participate in a mock Constitutional Convention and Colonial Tea. The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the three branches of government are studied, and interactive scenarios are presented to teach basic ideology and principles. The geography of the United States is studied with a hands-on approach including the construction of a salt dough map of U.S. regions and the utilization of games and puzzles to master the spelling and geographic placement of the states and their abbreviations and capitals. Each student writes a research paper on one of the fifty states and participates in the Regional Fair. Critical thinking skills, discussion and presentation techniques, note taking, role playing, and persuasive writing are implemented throughout the course as students participate in learning significant historical events. Most importantly, students are taught that the history of man has a distinct inception, purpose, and end, and that God has, and will, oversee even the smallest detail in our American story..

Sixth Grade: World History
The Sixth Grade Social Studies course covers the evolution of our society from the early cultures of the world thousands of years ago to the World Wars of last century. It begins with a basic study of geography, which includes reading maps, and learning the terms listed in our curriculum. Map skills are reviewed and extended throughout the course. Some topics of study include the River Valley Civilizations, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Medieval Europe, and the dawn of the Modern World. Skills throughout this study include listening, note taking, writing, critical thinking, and discussion. The students also answer various questions that require them to recall facts, find the main idea, make inferences, determine cause and effect, and draw conclusions. A biblical worldview is emphasized in this course of study.

Seventh Grade: Geography
One Semester Course

The Seventh Grade World Geography course focuses on the influences of geography upon historic development, government, economics, culture, religion and aesthetics of the world’s ten cultural regions. The emphasis on the physical aspects of geography is designed to encourage students in evaluating and drawing conclusions about cause/effect relationships that might affect the origins, intellectual and social aspects of the major regions of the world. This course is designed to help students develop their biblical worldview by giving them tools to evaluate the world around them and grow in seeing the world through the eyes of Scripture.

Seventh Grade: American History until 1812
One Semester Course

This Early American History course focuses on the history of our country and enables students to determine cause/effect relationships throughout the building of our nation as well as predict how current trends in government, economics, religion and politics might affect the history and the responsibilities related with a Christian worldview. Students examine God’s hand as evident from creation to the present in His authorship of history.

Eighth Grade: American History after 1812
The American History course focuses on the history of our country, from President Washington’s first administration to the early twenty-first century. The emphasis of this course is on the Christian heritage of our nation and the leaders and events, past and present, which have shaped our great nation; Texas history and our states contributions to US history are studied throughout the year. This course is designed to encourage student awareness of the Judeo-Christian, geographical, and economic influences which have molded our nation; studies also include Texas’ role in various major events throughout our history. Current events are also analyzed and evaluated.

An additional goal of this course is to incorporate relevant skills development into each student’s on-going work and includes the use of geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, science, philosophy and the humanities. Because history is an integrated study it is all linked and, therefore, complex. Biblical integration is a given.

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Fifth Grade English
The English course focuses on reviewing and expanding grammatical skills using the Shurley Grammar Method. Shurley English provides a sequentially orientated curriculum that incorporates the use of rhythm, repetition and student/teacher interaction. This program provides the sustained momentum that allows teachers to build on student’s previous successes. The writing process focuses on idea and content, organization, word choice and sentence fluency.

Fifth Grade Literature
The Fifth Grade Literature course emphasizes reading comprehension and literary analysis. Collections for Young Scholars by Open Court, and three novels are our tools of instruction. Spelling and vocabulary are both emphasized through the Vocabulary Workshop by Sadlier Oxford. Students use a list of terms a week in the following formats: learning the definitions, using the terms correctly, and applying the terms to reading comprehension skills. The instructional intent is to engage students in the kinds of activities that prepare them for reading, thinking, and problem-solving in real-world situations. The Accelerated Reader Program is used to motivate students and personalize reading practice by allowing students to set individualized goals and reading works of choice within their own reading level.

Sixth Grade English
The English course focuses on reviewing and expanding grammatical skills using the Shurley Grammar Method. Shurley Grammar is used to teach the foundation of grammar using rhythm, repetition, and a question and answer flow to classify each word in a sentence, as well as, the sentence as a whole. These concepts are used to expand, improve and edit writing. The students write for a variety of purposes including responding to topics, developing compositions and sharing thoughts in journal writing. They write to a variety of audiences using formal and creative forms of writing such as narrative, descriptive, persuasive, creative and expository. They also use the writing process of prewriting, drafting, editing and publishing. The course takes time to focus on and develop each of the traits of writing including ideas, word choice, organization, sentence fluency, voice and conventions.

Sixth Grade Literature
Spelling and vocabulary are both emphasized through the Vocabulary Workshop by Sadlier Oxford. Students use a list of terms a week in the following formats: learning the definitions, using the terms correctly, and applying the terms to reading comprehension skills. The reading course emphasizes literary analysis and reading comprehension skills. Students will use Collections for Young Scholars from Open Court, and the following novels: Hatchet, D’Aulaires ’Book of Greek Myths, and Tunes for Bears to Dance to. Individualized practice of comprehension skills is also incorporated.

Seventh Grade English
This course includes an intensive study in traditional grammar, mechanics, vocabulary, writing, and literature. Students read from different literary genres such as the short story, novel, poetry, and drama. Elements of literature, such as characterization, plot, structure, theme, context clues, and imagery are developed. Through analysis, discussion, and written responses to literature, students examine how an author creates a work of literature. In addition to reading The Pearl, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Johnny Tremain, students are also exposed to various short stories from the anthology. Oral reports, including the recitation of poetry, and research are also included in this course.

Seventh Grade Integrated Writing
This writing course is integrated into the core subjects of Bible, history and science. The mechanics of writing are reinforced and broadened through the content of these core subjects. The integrated writing teacher periodically team teaches with the Bible, history, and science teachers in seventh grade. Writing assignments are aligned with the subject matter. Writing assignments are also done in the English class.

Eighth Grade English
The Eighth Grade English course offers students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of literature and increase their skills in analyzing and interpreting various texts from a variety of genres while developing vocabulary by using context clues. They develop their critical thinking skills and cultural awareness by reading several engaging novels, Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, Julius Caesar and Animal Farm. Students practice the development of organized paragraphs and learn to use literary elements such as characterization, allegory, irony, imagery, argumentation, and persuasion. Eighth grade English places a strong emphasis on improving writing skills. Students read examples of excellent writing from a variety of sources and compose their own poetry, essays and short stories. A biographical research paper is done during the first semester.

Eighth Grade Integrated Writing
This writing course is integrated into the core subjects of Bible, history and science. The mechanics of writing are reinforced and broadened through the content of these core subjects. The integrated writing teacher periodically team teaches with the Bible, history and science teachers in eighth grade. Writing assignments are aligned with the subject matter.

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Fifth Grade Math
The Fifth Grade mathematics course reviews and further reinforces the operations with whole numbers, place value from millions to thousandths, graphing, decimals, fractions and geometry. Fundamental algebraic concepts introduced and further developed include ratio, variable, probability and order of operations. Problem solving, logic, and real world applications are emphasized. Building math confidence and providing an enjoyable hands-on learning environment are a primary focus. Math units are seasoned with the biblical principles of order and spiritual truths.

Sixth Grade Math
The Sixth Grade mathematics course is designed to reinforce basic math concepts and to introduce fundamental algebraic skills. Critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies are emphasized through out the year. The curriculum is devoted to number patterns in algebra, graphs, decimals, fractions, integers, equations, percents, probability, measurement and geometry. These concepts are reinforced all year in quizzes, warm-ups, and tests. Projects are assigned periodically and coordinate with other disciplines. Most importantly, the focus is on our God and Savior, the greatest mathematician of all.

Seventh Grade Math
The Seventh Grade general math course continues to develop and expand basic skills and concepts studied in fifth and sixth grade. The content includes: hands-on geometry, measuring two-dimensional figures, measuring three dimensional figures, decimal patterns in Algebra, statistics (analyzing data), Algebra (integers, linear equations and functions), fractions, decimals, percents, proportional reasoning ratios, probability and graphing calculator procedures. Mathematics is a course where the students attain a greater awareness of our infinite God.

Pre-Algebra
Seventh and Eighth Grade

A prerequisite to Algebra I, this course explores and expands on introductory concepts of Algebra such as variables, integers, graphing of inequalities, algebraic phrases, two-step problems, advanced equations, geometric concepts and graphing calculator procedures. This course is designed to take the student from General Math to Algebra I as a transitional course.

Pre-AP Algebra I
Eighth Grade

The Pre-AP Algebra I course is designed to provide the foundation for more advanced courses in mathematics and to develop problem solving skills. Emphasis is placed on solving equations, relations, functions, slopes, inequalities, polynomials, factoring, roots, rational expressions, and quadratics. Students master basic operations on a graphing calculator.

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Fifth Grade Science
The Fifth Grade Science course is designed to develop students’ ability to explore, discover and investigate the world around them. In Life Science, students study the classification of vertebrates and invertebrates, cells, plants and the human body system. Within physical science, light waves, sound waves and electromagnetism are covered. Students have opportunities to conduct experiments as they work through each topic using the scientific method and metric system. Scientific equipment is utilized throughout the course to provide a hands-on approach to learning about God’s design in the world around them.

Sixth Grade Science
Students in the Sixth Grade Science course are involved in a broad range of sciences that make up Earth Science. They review the scientific method and laboratory technique. They further extend their knowledge of measurement and the metric system as well as the use of advanced scientific instruments. Included is an introduction to atomic structure and states of matter. A major component of Earth Science is geology. While studying geology, students delve into such areas as minerals and rocks, erosion, plate tectonics and its impact on the Earth’s surface, as well as looking at theories of the Earth’s origin. A brief look at ecology helps each student learn how to be a better steward of God’s world. Studies of meteorology and astronomy are other major parts of this course. The students study stars, planets, and other astronomical objects as well as the history of space exploration. Concepts for weather and weather forecasting are also explored. Each topic is presented from a biblical perspective. Outdoor education is the focus on our three day trip to Pine Cove in east Texas during the week of Minimester.

Seventh Grade Science
The Seventh Grade Life Science course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation to prepare them for high school biology. Emphasis is placed on inquiry skills, interpreting data, understanding relationships in the living world, and making connections between science and the Christian faith. Specific areas of study include cellular structure, plants, animals, disease and microorganisms, heredity, classification, ecology and how these relate to the world God created. Inquiry skills are enhanced by laboratory investigations and hands-on activities. Students study characteristics of organisms belonging to each of the five kingdoms of classification and develop an understanding for the ways living things reproduce and grow.

Eighth Grade Science
Eighth Grade Science is an integrated physics and chemistry course in which students learn the basic concepts in each area. The first semester focuses on chemistry and the processes that occur in the world around us. Students gain a deeper understanding of atomic structure, ionic and covalent bonding and the periodic table. Chemical formulas are studied with an emphasis on balancing chemical equations. The second semester focuses on physics and the basic laws of nature that God established. Topics include electricity and magnetism, electric charges and current, motion, forces and energy. IPC uses a hands-on approach to teach the concepts through chapter projects and lab activities throughout the year. Lab safety while learning to manipulate lab equipment is an integral part of the IPC course.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES

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Fifth Grade Art
Fifth Grade Art is a one semester introductory level course for the middle school student. The student is introduced to the elements and principles of art and their application to good drawing and design. Students are provided the opportunity to experience a variety of mediums and techniques that may include drawing, mixed media and sculpture. The curriculum integrates biblical principles into aesthetic appreciation. Students have opportunities to show their work to fellow students and families. Art contests are available for participation upon the recommendation of the art teacher.

Sixth Grade Art
Sixth Grade Elective

Sixth Grade Art is a one semester elective art course for the middle school student. The course is designed to build upon and increase the student’s knowledge of the art elements and principles of design. The curriculum is integrated with biblical principles into aesthetic appreciation. Students are provided the opportunity to experience a variety of mediums and techniques that may include drawing and mixed media, sculpture. Students have opportunities to show their work to fellow students and families. Art contests are available for participation upon the recommendation of the art teacher.

Beginning Art
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

The Beginning Art course is a one semester introductory level course for the middle school student. There is an emphasis on the elements and principles of design and basic 2-D composition. The curriculum integrates art history and biblical principles. Students explore a variety of media and attention is given to the development of drawing skills and art criticism. Homework is required.

Honors Eighth Grade Art I
Eighth Grade Elective
Two Semester Course
Fulfills High School Prerequisite for Art II
Prerequisite:
• Beginning Art
• Departmental recommendation

Honors Eighth Grade Art is an introductory level year long two-dimensional design course with an introduction into three-dimensional design. It is the same curriculum and has the same course requirements as the Upper School Art I. The curriculum focus is on creativity with perspective and shallow space design. Emphasis is placed on developing compositions using the elements and principles of design, critiquing major projects and developing drawing skills. The first quarter is a study in black, white, and gray scale as well as color theory. Drawing, printmaking, painting and the use of a variety of mediums is explored. Students learn how to research artists and study art history through a short research paper each semester. Art History periods studied are Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Homework is required and a semester exam is given at the end of the semester. Biblical integration is included throughout the curriculum. Participation in art contests is encouraged and available.

Beginning Band
Sixth Grade Elective

The Beginning Band class is offered to students in the sixth grade. Music instruction is offered on wind and percussion instruments only. The class covers the beginning level of learning to play a musical instrument and follows a program text of standard concert band material. The Beginning Band class participates in one or more concerts per year. Individual students are given the opportunity to compete in local and regional festivals in the spring as soloists. Students are required to obtain their own instruments prior to the first class period. Detailed information is provided to interested students and their parents in the spring of the student’s fifth grade year. No prior musical training is required to be in the Beginning Band.

Intermediate Band
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
Two Semester Course
Prerequisite:
• Beginning Band or one year of prior instrumental training.

The Intermediate Band is a continuation of the Beginning Band class and is offered to PCA students in the Middle School. A student wishing to be in the Intermediate Band must have completed one year of previous band training on the instrument they wish to play. The class follows a program text of standard concert band material on the intermediate level. The Intermediate Band participates in three public concerts during the school year. Students are given the opportunity to compete in local and regional festivals as soloists or as members of a small ensemble.

Fifth Grade Music
The Fifth Grade Music course is designed to build upon music concepts learned in the fourth grade. Students sing a varied repertoire as they continue to develop their vocal skills, singing alone and with others, while increasing pitch and rhythmic accuracy, and beauty of tone. Students also learn music theory concepts of increasing difficulty through rhythm exercises and written work. All fifth grade music students are involved in at least one major performance during the year.

Sixth Grade Choir
Sixth Grade Elective

The Sixth Grade Music course is designed to build upon music concepts learned in the fifth grade. Students sing a varied repertoire as they continue to develop their vocal skills. Special attention is given to the changing voices of boys at this age, and suitable repertoire is selected. Students also learn more advanced music theory concepts through rhythm exercises, theory lessons, written assignments, and tests. All sixth grade music students are involved in at least one major performance throughout the year.

Middle School Choir
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
Two Semester Course

The Middle School Choir course is designed to build upon music concepts learned in the sixth grade. Students sing a varied repertoire as they develop their vocal skills. Special attention is given to the changing voices of boys at this age, and suitable repertoire is selected. Students also learn more advanced music theory concepts through rhythm exercises, theory lessons, and written assignments and tests. All middle school music students are involved in at least three major performances throughout the year, including participation in a choral music festival.

Middle School Theatre I
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

The Middle School Theatre I course is a course that covers the basic styles of theatre. The students also develop improvisational and script writing skills.

Middle School Theatre II
Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

Prerequisite:
• Intro to Theater I
• Departmental recommendation

The Middle School Theatre II course is for the middle school student who wishes to continue in theatre. In this class, the students continue to learn more about the production process. Students gain further experience in scriptwriting, acting and directing. The students study technical theatre areas such as makeup, costumes, props, set design and publicity. The students participate in a theatre showcase at the end of the semester. A student that has completed Middle School Theatre II may go directly into the Upper School Theater II course.

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Fifth Grade Latin
In the Fifth Grade Latin course, the students are introduced to the world of the Roman Empire by studying about a family in Vindolanda, a fort in Britannia. They learn about their language, daily life, the military, their gods and myths. Students are introduced to words: where they come from, how they are built, and what they mean. Students read and translate stories from Latin to English.

Sixth Grade Latin
In the Sixth Grade Latin course, the students the students continue their study of the family in Vindolanda, a fort in Britannia. They learn about their language, daily life, the military, their gods and myths. Students are introduced to words: where they come from, how they are built, and what they mean. Students read and translate stories from Latin to English.

Latin IA
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

In the Latin I course, the students at PCA begin the Cambridge Latin Course. They learn about the nature of languages through the study of the Latin language and the Roman culture. They study the origin of our words, how they are built, and what they mean. The students develop an understanding of the social and political history of the Romans during the first century A.D. by reading the language and studying the history of Pompeii.

Latin IB
Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

In Latin II, the students at PCA continue the Cambridge Latin Course. They learn about the nature of languages through the study of the Latin language and the Roman culture. They learn the origin of our words, how they are built, and what they mean. Also, the students develop an understanding of the social and political history of the citizens of Pompeii during the first century A.D. by reading the language and studying the history of Pompeii.

Pre-AP Spanish I
Eighth Grade Elective
Two Semester Course
HS Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite:
• Latin I
• Latin grade of 90 or above
• Minimum Stanford Achievement Test Language score of 80%
• Latin and English teacher recommendations

The Pre-AP Spanish I course develops the four language skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students learn present tense and regular and irregular past tense verbs, while increasing their vocabulary. In addition to the actual study of the language, a secondary goal is to further enrich the student's knowledge of the culture, history and geography of the Spanish-speaking world.

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*Future Problem Solving Program
Seventh and Eighth Grade

Future Problem Solving is an international competitive program where students compete in teams of three or four at the state level (held in Austin during the last full weekend of April) after researching topics that have implications for the future. State finalists compete at the international meet held each June. The program develops creative thinking, research, decision-making, and critical and analytical thinking skills. This element increases awareness of, and interest in, the future, improving communication skills, and utilizing problem-solving strategies. While the topics are always interdisciplinary, reading, writing and language arts skills dominate the content of the program. Students are graded on their individual performance, not what they do collectively as a team. Students taking this course in the fall may compete in the spring of the same school year. Students taking this course in the spring learn the process and may compete the following year. Honors credit is given for this course.

Health
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

The Health course at PCA is designed to help develop a “total body” health perspective acknowledging first that God is the creator of the human body. This course involves the study of health, science, spiritual health, healthy lifestyles and nutrition. The course combines comprehensive and accurate health information with real life application of health skills allowing the students to apply what they have learned in class toward developing healthy behaviors throughout their lives. Students are trained to evaluate, analyze, and examine every area in order to see God’s fingerprint on all things.

Learning Lab
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
One or Two Semester Course
Prerequisite:
• Student must be enrolled in the Learning Lab

This academic support program for students with learning differences requires separate enrollment and can be selected as an elective to receive small group assistance or can include receiving services such as case management and progress monitoring, test taking with assistance in the lab and classroom accomodations. When students attend Learning Lab as an elective, during monitored sessions they complete assignments and make-up work, have extended time to complete work or tests, and use this time to consult with instructors as to progress on upcoming assignments, tests, or projects as well as grade status.

Speech
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

In the Middle School Speech course, students are introduced to effective communication skills with an emphasis on presentation skills, verbal and non-verbal messages, media awareness, and group communication skills. Students will present both informal and formal speeches.

Study Skills
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

Study Skills is a one semester course that focuses on organizational skills for middle school students. The primary goal is for students to learn and practice how to arrange everyday tasks into a system that helps them succeed in life.

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Fifth and Sixth Grade PE

The purpose of physical education is to guide children to be physically active for a lifetime. It is our goal to enable students through physical education to perform basic skills in individual and team sports, motor skills, rhythms, and fitness activities. Opportunity is provided to accomplish this goal through activities appropriately designed for the student’s developmental level. Believing that God wants us to respect authority and maintain self control in all areas of our life, physical education provides the perfect setting for learning self discipline through competition while learning to respect the rules of the game and the officials.

Seventh and Eighth Grade
PE/Athletic Period

Middle School Physical Education is offered the last period of the day and meets twice a week. The program is designed to promote physical fitness, develop motor skills, and install knowledge and understanding of rules, concepts and strategies. Students learn to compete as a team member or as an individual through a wide variety of competitive activities.

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Fifth Grade Technology
In the Fifth Grade technology course, the students achieve an overall understanding of correct keyboarding techniques, word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentation and computer hardware. Students are also introduced to Photoshop Elements and Windows Movie Maker. Fifth grade students are set on individualized keyboarding plans according to their skill. This ensures the use of the correct finger positions and increases their typing speed and accuracy. Through the use of hands-on projects and quizzes, the students exhibit their knowledge of the computer skills/concepts they have learned. The instructional goal is to prepare the students with computer application skills so they are prepared and confident of their abilities and are able to complete assignments that require the use of technology.

Sixth Grade Technology
In the Sixth Grade technology course, the students develop an in-depth understanding of correct keyboarding techniques and multimedia presentations. Students also achieve a basic overall understanding of Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements. In addition, students are introduced to computer programming. Sixth grade students are set on individualized keyboarding plans according to their skill. This ensures the use of the correct finger positions and increases their typing speed and accuracy. Through the use of hands-on projects and quizzes, the students exhibit their knowledge of the computer skills/concepts they have learned. The instructional goal is to prepare the students with advanced computer application skills so they are prepared and confident of their abilities and are able to complete assignments that require the use of technology.

Keyboarding
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

In the Middle School Keyboarding course, students spend a semester improving their keyboarding skills using a keyboarding program along with a textbook. Keyboarding is a foundational skill for a student’s success in technology classes and other subjects as they use the computer to create papers and presentations as well as research on the Internet. Once students improve their typing speed and accuracy, the techniques are applied to Microsoft Word. It is recommended that students entering 7th grade type a minimum of 30 words per minute.

Computer Applications
Seventh and Eighth Grade Elective
One Semester Course

In the Computer Applications course, the students develop a thorough understanding of correct keyboarding techniques. Computer applications students are set on individualized keyboarding plans according to their skill which ensures they develop use of the correct finger positions and increase their typing speed and accuracy. In addition, they study word processing, spreadsheets, power point, computer hardware and fundamental Photoshop skills. The students create hands-on projects and take tests to exhibit their mastery of the computer applications. Real world applications are used to develop the understanding of how the computer programs are utilized in every day life. The instructional goal is to prepare the students to be proficient in the use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint software to aid their education and future employment.

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Updated: 10/06/08