Math
We fully acknowledge that GCT-Logic is not intended to replace all home instruction for your student. You, as the parent, are the primary teacher of your homeschooled student. This is particularly true for mathematics, where it is difficult to teach a higher-level math class with only one 65-minute session per week. The limitations of our model require that students (and/or their parents) be highly motivated and able to navigate the textbook largely on their own in order to excel in the course. We believe that the BJU teacher’s text provides adequate help for most moms and students. However, if you feel that you or your student will likely struggle with the math texts, we recommend that you invest in the BJU DVD math instruction component, which will provide more instruction on a daily basis than that which GCT-Logic is able to offer. Check this out on the Bob Jones website if you are interested. If you would like to look at the BJU teacher or student texts, let us know.
Our math labs offer the advantages of having a face-to-face teacher once a week to answer questions, being able to gauge one's progress compared to that of peers, and being held accountable for covering a set portion of the textbook and number of drills each week.
The intent of all classes is to well prepare our students for a rigorous Algebra I class in 9th grade. Our experience has convinced us that for most students, the transition from arithmetic to algebra is quite challenging and best prepared for by: (a) ensuring mastery of arithmetic fundamentals and (b) allowing sufficient development of the logic-stage skills required by the abstract thinking of algebra. With that background, our math texts for the year are as follows:
Sixth Grade:
Description: Sixth grade math is designed to transition students from elementary to secondary math, reviewing previously taught concepts and introducing new ones.
Text: Math 6, 3rd edition, Bob Jones
Seventh Grade:
Description: Pre-Algebra eases the transition from arithmetic to algebra. Algebraic expressions and linear equations are applied throughout a thorough review of operations on integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and radicals. Students explore relations and functions using equations, tables, and graphs. Chapters on statistics and geometry extend foundational concepts in preparation for high school courses. Problem-solving and real-life uses of math are featured in each chapter. (BJU Press website)
Text: Pre-Algebra, 2nd edition, BJU Press
Eighth Grade:
Description: Although we’ve selected an Algebra I text, this class is actually intended to prepare students for Algebra I. In our experience, the transition from arithmetic to algebra can be challenging for most students. The rigorous combination of logical and abstract thinking required by algebra is best served by a smooth transition. This class will introduce the concepts of algebra at a pace that will enable the student to be ready for a rigorous Algebra I text in 9th grade.
Text: Algebra I, 2nd edition, BJU Press
Our math labs offer the advantages of having a face-to-face teacher once a week to answer questions, being able to gauge one's progress compared to that of peers, and being held accountable for covering a set portion of the textbook and number of drills each week.
The intent of all classes is to well prepare our students for a rigorous Algebra I class in 9th grade. Our experience has convinced us that for most students, the transition from arithmetic to algebra is quite challenging and best prepared for by: (a) ensuring mastery of arithmetic fundamentals and (b) allowing sufficient development of the logic-stage skills required by the abstract thinking of algebra. With that background, our math texts for the year are as follows:
Sixth Grade:
Description: Sixth grade math is designed to transition students from elementary to secondary math, reviewing previously taught concepts and introducing new ones.
Text: Math 6, 3rd edition, Bob Jones
Seventh Grade:
Description: Pre-Algebra eases the transition from arithmetic to algebra. Algebraic expressions and linear equations are applied throughout a thorough review of operations on integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and radicals. Students explore relations and functions using equations, tables, and graphs. Chapters on statistics and geometry extend foundational concepts in preparation for high school courses. Problem-solving and real-life uses of math are featured in each chapter. (BJU Press website)
Text: Pre-Algebra, 2nd edition, BJU Press
Eighth Grade:
Description: Although we’ve selected an Algebra I text, this class is actually intended to prepare students for Algebra I. In our experience, the transition from arithmetic to algebra can be challenging for most students. The rigorous combination of logical and abstract thinking required by algebra is best served by a smooth transition. This class will introduce the concepts of algebra at a pace that will enable the student to be ready for a rigorous Algebra I text in 9th grade.
Text: Algebra I, 2nd edition, BJU Press
Science
The 6th and 7th grade will be studying Chemistry and Physics this year. Labs will be frequent so that students can learn hand-ons the principles they have read and studied about each week.
The 8th grade will be studying Life Science this year. Students will study cell biology, genetics, the history of life, microbiology, botany, zoology, ecology, and human anatomy and physiology, all within a biblical framework.
Text: BJU Life Science, 4th edition
- In Chemistry, students will learn about "the history of chemistry, tools used in chemistry labs, atoms, the periodic table, molecules, chemical bonding, different types of chemical reactions, acids and bases, pH, acid-base neutralization, nutritional chemistry, pure substances and mixtures, separating mixtures, organic chemistry, polymers, proteins, DNA, and more."
- In Physics, students will learn about the "foundational concepts in physics, including the laws of physics; force and work; potential and kinetic energy; inertia, mass, friction, and momentum; linear and non-linear motion; energy of atoms and molecules; gas laws; electrical energy, standing and moving electric charges (electrostatics and electrodynamics); magnetism; the conservation of energy; and more." (course descriptions taken from the Gravitas Publications website)
The 8th grade will be studying Life Science this year. Students will study cell biology, genetics, the history of life, microbiology, botany, zoology, ecology, and human anatomy and physiology, all within a biblical framework.
Text: BJU Life Science, 4th edition
Writing
Sixth Grade:
Description: Writing with a grammar and diagramming component
Primary text: Writing With Skill Level 1
Seventh Grade:
Description: Literary analysis with a grammar component
Primary text: IEW Windows to the World
Eighth Grade:
Description: History-based writing program with a grammar component; writing topics and class discussions will be taken from the history class; students wishing to enroll without taking the history class must request an exception from the tutor
Primary text: Lost Tools of Learning I
Description: Writing with a grammar and diagramming component
Primary text: Writing With Skill Level 1
Seventh Grade:
Description: Literary analysis with a grammar component
Primary text: IEW Windows to the World
Eighth Grade:
Description: History-based writing program with a grammar component; writing topics and class discussions will be taken from the history class; students wishing to enroll without taking the history class must request an exception from the tutor
Primary text: Lost Tools of Learning I
Latin
New for 2019-2020
Logic uses the Latin for Children curriculum. for 7th and 8th grades. It is a strong, inviting, and creative program designed to introduce students to Latin. It incorporates elements that will engage students of every learning style. This series trains students in grammar, vocabulary, and English derivatives in a lively, interactive way that is perfectly suited to students. *
*Taken from Classical Academic Press
- Lively Latin for 6th grade using Big Book 2
- Intro to Latin will be offered for incoming students with no Latin experience. Students will use the Lively Latin Big Book 1.
Logic uses the Latin for Children curriculum. for 7th and 8th grades. It is a strong, inviting, and creative program designed to introduce students to Latin. It incorporates elements that will engage students of every learning style. This series trains students in grammar, vocabulary, and English derivatives in a lively, interactive way that is perfectly suited to students. *
*Taken from Classical Academic Press
History & Literature
In the upcoming school year, we will study the historical time period from from the Fall of Rome to Early Exploration, which will include the Renaissance and Reformation (including worldview and geography), literature, and aesthetics classes. Dialectic students will strengthen and solidify their learning through Socratic discussion.
Optional 2nd Day - Monday Classes
The middle school program (Logic) meets on Thursdays. However, we also offer classes on Monday for 6-8th as a means of help and enrichment. Typically, the Monday class size ranges from 10 to 15 students. The Latin, Math and study hall allow students to work on homework for Thursday with assistance and teaching from experienced and qualified tutors as needed. The Art, Aesthetics and Bible Survey classes are designed to be enrichment with no additional work outside the classroom. The aesthetics class looks at the art, architecture and music of the time period that students are studying in history.
