The Logic LEVEL

The School of Logic

Most students at this stage want to analyze the world, ask questions, and find out the answers for themselves. We offer all kinds of opportunities to preserve and mature students innate desire to learn, to reason, and discern truth. At the end of the logic stage, students are ready to learn how to present their ideas persuasively.

6th Grade Curriculum

Students eagerly engage in literature and history discussions with a sense of excitement and personal understanding as their ability to reason and analyze increases. They embrace challenge and thrive in seeing how all "the pieces fit together."
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7th Grade Curriculum

The heart of our “logic phase,” students begin to think for themselves and actively engage in Socratic discussions and debate. As Dorothy Sayers said, adolescents love to argue, so teach them to argue well!
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8th Grade Curriculum

As students' understanding of God's plan throughout history expands, their commitment to Christ and understanding of life deepens. By graduation, our students demonstrate noticeable depth of character, thought, and intellect. They love to learn and are ready to lead.
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6th Grade Curriculum

Bible

Students’ thinking must be established upon the solid foundation of truth and absolutes. The Bible is the source of all truth and the final authority.

Sixth grade Bible focuses on the story of the world, beginning with creation and the fall, and continuing through to God’s plan for redemption and restoration. Students will examine God’s Word beginning in Genesis 1:1 and continuing through the Acts of the apostles and the establishment of the church.

The students will learn, through memorization, recitation and logic-level tools, about God’s role in the life of His people throughout history and learn to take the scriptures to heart using them in their lives when opportunities arise.

  • The Pentateuch
  • Historical Books
  • Wisdom Literature: Psalms, Proverbs
  • Ecclesiastes
  • The Prophets
  • The Gospels
  • Acts and the early church
Ancient History

Students continue to refine their chronological thinking skills, while at the same time develop a greater aptitude for historical comprehension.

As the year progresses, their abilities to compare and contrast differing sets of ideas and consider multiple perspectives will be refined.

Harnessing Harkness discussion capacities will enable them to challenge modern meta-narratives and to hypothesize the influence of the past using primary sources to support their findings.

Their historical research capabilities will be refined throughout the sixth grade year.

Geography of the historical time period is taught concurrently with history and literature.

  • Pre-Greece History and Archaeology/7 Continents
  • Egypt and the Sumerians
  • Ancient India, China, Africa and the Phoenicians
  • Assyrians and the Americas
  • The Depression
  • Athens, Sparta, Herodotus/Poles of the Earth
  • Greek Gods, Greek Wars and Alexander the Great
  • China/Asia
  • Rome’s Rise & Downfall
  • Augustine and Early Christian Teaching, Martyrs for the Faith
  • Fall of Western Roman Empire, Eastern Empire and Constantine
Ancient Literature & Composition

Students will engage in activities to analyze the meaning of words using key ideas and details, and to integrate what they know through a variety of compare and contrast exercises.

Vocabulary study will develop their abilities to understand words based on their Latin and Greek roots.

Composition exercises will develop their critical thinking skills and ability to express themselves clearly and succinctly.

  • Tales of Ancient Egypt by Roger Lancelyn Green (a Puffin Classic)
  • The Golden Goblet by Eloise McGraw
  • Famous Men of Greece by John Haaren
  • Three Greek Children by Alfred J. Church
  • Outcast by Rosemary Sutcliffe
  • Famous Men of Rome by John Haaren
  • Stories from Homer by Alfred J. Church
  • The Aeneid for Boys and Girls by Alfred J. Church
  • The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth Speare
  • Institute for Excellence in Writing and teacher-created materials
Latin

Students expand their knowledge of Latin vocabulary/grammar and improve their ability to translate Latin sentences into English.

Translation texts, drawn primarily from Libellus de Historia, Primer C, will reinforce their knowledge of American history and Roman mythology.

  • Expand their Latin vocabulary and grow in their ability to identify English derivatives of Latin words.
  • Acquire the skills necessary to translate complex Latin sentences.
  • Learn and recite/sing historic Christian prayers and songs, "Pater Noster," the "Benedictio post Mensam," "the Actus Spei," and a version of "Gloria Patri."
Mathematics 6

Using the Math in Focus Course 1 textbook, students build on the foundation of mathematical comprehension established in the Grammar School and continue in their study of numbers, learning different ways to communicate through mathematics.

  • Solve real-world problems involving ratios and rates.
  • Find speed, distance, or time using the speed formula.
  • Use and find percents in real-world situations.
  • Write, evaluate, simplify, expand, and factor algebraic expressions.
  • Solve and write linear equations.
  • Find the area of triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, composite figures, and other polygons.
  • Find the circumference and area of a circle.
  • Find the surface area and volume of prisms pyramids.
  • The student will be able to find the mean, median, and mode of a set of data.
Life Science

Life science uses a mastery-oriented curriculum which focuses on topics such as defining and classifying life, various systems of the human body, and life’s energy cycle.

Throughout the course, students will learn and utilize the scientific method and document most work in a formal scientific lab book. Students will consider the changes in their world-view and how it affects them and their beliefs.

  • Define and classify life, the structure of the human body, life’s energy cycle, and various systems of the human body.
  • Describe the steps of the scientific method, why they are necessary for a valid
    controlled experiment, and why this method has enabled science to be successful over the past few hundred years.
  • Formulate a quantitative hypothesis. and identify independent, dependent variables and experimental controls.
  • Collect data and set up scientific graphs with appropriate labels and scales.
  • Apply convincing reasoning to analysis and discussion of experimental results.
    Write an effective lab report.
  • Show proficiency in the use of the engineering design process.
Introduction to Logic

Meeting once per week, students will be introduced to the study of logic through brain teasers and logical fallacies.

Students will then be asked to apply the logical thinking they have learned to their discussions in literature and history.

Music

Music class emphasizes ear training and vocal warm-ups, rhythm clapping, and singing. Each week students explore the life of a composer and listen to or watch a short orchestra or band selection of that composer’s work. Students practice for upcoming programs, chapel performances, and grade level songs for scripture memory.

Students work with various instruments throughout the program, including beautiful Orff Instruments, recorders, handheld rhythm instruments, piano keyboards, and guitars.

Art
  • Master the use of varied lines and shapes
  • Practice guided drawing and painting techniques
  • Create still life compositions using contour line drawing and shading of forms
  • Draw and paint art from American history
  • 3-D sculpture
  • Complete canvas painting
Physical Education

God has knit us together in wondrous ways as human beings.

Students in Physical Education will be learning about how the human body moves and functions in sports and exercise.

Proper stretching, hydration and nutrition, warm-ups, sports safety, team building, sportsmanship, and many other life lessons will be taught!

  • Learn to properly stretch and warm up before activity to avoid injury.
  • Be instructed on hydration and nutrition regarding optimal physical activity.
  • Experience a variety of physical games and activities throughout the year.
  • Interpret how God’s design and intent relate to movement and physicality.
  • Learn about Godly sportsmanship and how it relates to all areas of life.
  • Experience joy through physical movement and God’s design for us in this world.
  • Build strong bonds between each other due to shared sports activity.
  • Glorify God by building strong minds and bodies.

7th Grade Curriculum

Bible

Old Testament

Students will study the books of the Old Testament in canonical order.

They will acquire knowledge of each book’s human author, occasion, genre, content, major themes, and distinct contribution(s) to Christian theology. They will learn how each book points to Christ and fits into the overarching narrative of Scripture beginning with creation and culminating with Christ’s return. They will be introduced to the basics of biblical interpretation, for example, the principle that Scripture interprets Scripture (i.e., that clear passages of Scripture help us understand less clear passages of Scripture).

Students will…

  • Grow in their understanding of who God is and who they are as image-bearers of
    God, fallen in Adam yet created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
  • Grow in their understanding of and appreciation for God’s Word.
  • Learn basic principles of biblical interpretation, and employ those principles in
    classroom discussions of discrete passages of Scripture.
  • Improve their grasp of the basic elements of a Christian Worldview.
  • Refine their ability to communicate Scriptural truths to others, and to integrate Scriptural truths into the study and understanding of other subjects.
History

The Middle Ages

 

  • Fall of Rome 
  • Medieval World
  • Renaissance
  • Reformation
Literature

World Literature

Students will read a wide swath of world literature including the Odyssey, the Eagle, the Confessions of Augustine, Beowulf, and a Shakespearean play.

Students will also grow in their use of vocabulary, grammar, writing, and research skills. Coursework complements the chronological study of history, providing students with a foundational understanding of key texts in the canon of western literature.

Students will…

  • Become competent in Harkness and Socratic discussions.
  • Construct arguments and essays that are cohesive, winsome, and logical, drawing on a preliminary understanding of claim—evidence—warrant patterns.
  • Understand how to read literature in its context and genre, articulating the interpretation, significance, and meaning of literary works.
  • Learn and practice the steps of the Lost Tools of Writing in order to help develop written and oral presentations, organization, and critical thinking and analysis.
  • Use English grammar properly.
  • Understand Christ as the fulfillment of story.

Required Texts

  • Confessions
  • Arabian Nights
  • Confessions of St. Augustine
  • Beowulf
  • Shakespearean selections
  • The Fellowship of the Ring
  • Pride and Prejudice
  • Selected short stories and essays
Latin

Intermediate Latin

Students will acquire the knowledge of Latin vocabulary/grammar and skills necessary to translate increasingly complex Latin sentences into English.

They will exercise those skills through regular translation of adapted portions of Livy’s Ab urbe condita.

Through the study of Latin syntax, students will improve their understanding of human language per se, and so become more intentional in the use of their native language in every sphere of communication.

  • Students will acquire a Latin vocabulary of approximately 300 words and grow in their ability to identify English derivatives from Latin words.
  • Students will master the skills necessary for translation of simple to increasingly complex Latin sentences.
  • Students will learn and recite/sing historic Christian prayers and songs, for example, the Pater Noster, the Benedictio post Mensam, the Actus Spei, and a version of the Gloria Patri.
  • 1st-5th conjugation verbs, 1st-3rd declension nouns, 1st-2nd declension adjectives, pronouns, irregular verbs, number, case
Math

Mathematics 7

Using the Math in Focus Course textbooks, students continue in their study of numbers and different ways to communicate through manipulating numbers.

  • Classify numbers in the Real Number System.
  • Solve and simplify equations and inequalities that use integers and the four operations.
  • Solve problems involving direct and inverse proportion.
  • Find missing angles by using angle properties and other geometry properties.
  • Construct angle and perpendicular bisectors, triangles, and quadrilaterals.
  • Find volume and surface area of three-dimensional solids.
  • Interpret and understand statistics and probability.
Math – Algebra

Algebra I

The English philosopher and scientist Roger Bacon once wrote: "Mathematics is the gate and key of the sciences.... Neglect of mathematics works injury to all knowledge, since he who is ignorant of it cannot know the other sciences or the things of this world.” Algebra I is a course of study in which students continue to development their mathematical imagination through the tool of Algebra.

Instead of specific operations on specific numbers, students learn to recognize overall patterns in mathematical procedures, and to generalize these patterns into a framework of rules and algorithms.

They learn to manipulate algebraic expressions and to solve algebraic equations of increasingly complex natures.

They learn to represent relationships found in nature as functions - verbally, numerically, visually (e.g. graphs), and algebraically (e.g. equations).

  • Graphing Linear Equations and Functions
  • Writing Linear Equations
    Solving and Graphing
  • Linear Inequalities
  • Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  • Exponents and Exponential Functions
  • Polynomials and Factoring
  • Quadratic Equations and Functions
  • Radicals and Geometry Connections
  • Rational Equations and Functions
Logic

The Art of Argument: An Introduction to the Informal Fallacies by Aaron Larsen and Joelle Hodge is designed to teach the argumentative adolescent how to reason with clarity, relevance, and purpose. The mastery of informal logic (the logical fallacies) is a foundational subject by which other subjects are evaluated, assessed, and learned.

The Logic lessons will be incorporated into both the 7th grade English and History classes. During the second semester, students will put their knowledge into practice by participating in public forum debate, a speech meet, and putting on mock trials in the classroom.

Students will...

  • Memorize and apply Logic vocabulary.
  • Learn, discuss and arguments, presumption, and clarity.
  • Study and demonstrate knowledge of statements and their relationships.
  • Study and demonstrate knowledge of Syllogisms and Validity, Arguments in Normal English, Informal Fallacies, Propositional Logic, Formal Proofs of Validity, and Truth Trees.
  • Apply their acquired skills to create.
Earth Science

Arma Dei Academy seventh graders learn a Christian worldview as they explore creation with earth science.

Seventh grade earth science uses a mastery-oriented curriculum which focuses on earth science topics such as matter and minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes, weathering, erosion, soils, surface and ground water, oceanography, the atmosphere, and weather. Throughout the course students will learn and utilize the scientific method and document most work in a formal scientific lab book.

Students will consider the changes in their world-view and how it affects them and their beliefs.

  • Scientific method during labs
  • Earth in Space
  • Matter and Minerals
  • Volcanoes and Earthquakes
  • Weathering, Erosion, and Soils
  • Surface Water and Ground Water
  • Oceanography
  • The Atmosphere
  • Weather
Art
  • Master the use of varied lines and shapes to create form and detail in drawing simple and complex subjects
  • Basics and beyond including primary, secondary, and tertiary stages of color
  • Understand the use of tints and hues
  • Create a still life composition using contour line drawing, shading of forms, and complimentary color theory
  • Draw and paint artists from all over the world
    Recreate simple pieces of art form the same time period as classroom study
  • 3-D sculpture
  • Canvas painting
Music

Students will learn and practice the basics of music theory while learning a wide variety of musical styles from hymns and spirituals to choral standards.

Sight-reading and harmonization will be emphasized. Composers and events will correlate with their historical studies.

They will perform three times a year at the Veterans, Christmas, and Easter chapels.

Physical Education

God has knit us together in wondrous ways as human beings. Our bodies are His temple. Mind, body, and spirit are all closely related to how God intended us to function in today’s world.

Students in Physical Education will be learning about how the human body moves and functions in sports and exercise. Proper stretching, hydration and nutrition, warm-ups, sports safety, team building, sportsmanship, and many other life lessons will be taught!

Students will…

  • Learn to properly stretch and warm up before activity to avoid injury.
  • Be instructed on hydration and nutrition regarding optimal physical activity.
  • Experience a variety of physical games and activities throughout the year.
  • Interpret how God’s design and intent relate to movement and physicality.
  • Learn about Godly sportsmanship and how it relates to all areas of life.
  • Experience joy through physical movement and God’s design for us in this world.
  • Build strong bonds between each other due to shared sports activity.
  • Glorify God by building strong minds and bodies.

8th Grade Curriculum

Bible

Students will study the books of the New Testament in canonical order. They will acquire knowledge of each book’s author, occasion, genre, content, major themes, and distinct contribution(s) to Christian theology. They will learn how each book points to Christ and fits into the overarching narrative of Scripture beginning with creation and culminating with Christ’s return. Through memorization of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and integration of the same into discussion of biblical texts, they will be introduced to the relationship that systematic theological formulations share to Scripture.

Each subject is taught from a biblical perspective at Arma Dei Academy. While each day opens with prayer and a formal study of scripture, biblical discussion is not limited to a particular class period. Scripture memory is a critical component of the curriculum.

Modern History

Students conclude their study of World History beginning with an overview of the rise and fall of the British Empire and colonialism before continuing with the major historical events of 1850 – Present.

Students study events occurring all over the world, while also following the thread of U.S. History. Key topics include the American Civil War, Imperialism, Industrialization, Civil Rights, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and more!

  • British Empire/Exploration
  • American Civil War
  • 1800s Europe
    Westward Expansion
  • Industrialization, Suffrage, and Civil Rights
  • Ottoman Empire
  • Imperialism, Spanish American War
  • World War I
  • Roaring Twenties, Great Depression
  • World War II
  • Formation of Israel
    Communism, Cold War
  • Korean War, Vietnam War
  • Modern Middle East
Literature

Modern Literature & Composition

The Eighth Grade Literature and Composition Course provides opportunity to read time-tested literary works that coincide with the 8th grade study of World History, World Geography, and Art.

Students will become proficient in identifying literary elements and comparing and contrasting protagonists, settings, and themes. The course contains a worldview emphasis on learning to recognize truths about humanity and the practice of Biblical virtue in literature throughout the modern age. It equips students with the ability to persuade with eloquence and articulation, backing claims with evidence that produces a reasoned and logical warrant.

Students will also be introduced to classical argumentation, building on their knowledge of informal and formal logic.

  • Summer Reading: The Scarlet Pimpernel (Orczy)
  • Treasure Island (Stevenson)
  • A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
  • The Red Badge of Courage (Crane)
  • Animal Farm, (Orwell)
  • The Diary of Anne Frank, (Frank)
  • The Chosen, (Potok)
  • Fahrenheit 451, (Bradbury)
  • Lost Tools of Writing, Claim-Evidence-Warrant
Latin

Introductory Latin

In 8th Grade Introductory Latin, students will acquire the knowledge of Latin vocabulary/grammar and skills necessary to translate simple Latin sentences into English. They will exercise those skills through regular translation of adapted portions of Livy’s Ab urbe condita.

Through the study of Latin syntax, students will improve their understanding of human language, and so become more deliberate in the use of their native language.

Advanced Latin

In 8th Grade Advanced Latin, students will increase their knowledge of Latin vocabulary/grammar and improve on the skills necessary to translate increasingly complex Latin sentences into English. Translation skills will be refined through regular translation of texts drawn from both pagan and Christian ancient sources, for example Cicero, Livy, and Augustine.

Through increasingly in-depth study of Latin, students will improve their understanding of human language per se, and so will become more intentional in their use of language in every sphere of communication.

  • Review of present and perfect tense systems/noun and case functions
  • Adjectives
  • Irregular verbs
  • Present passive indicative
  • Imperfect passive indicative
  • Perfect passive indicative
  • Pluperfect and future perfect passive indicative
  • Independent and dependent clauses
  • Relative clauses
  • Participles, gerunds, infinitives
  • Advanced topics
Math

Algebra I

The English philosopher and scientist Roger Bacon once wrote: "Mathematics is the gate and key of the sciences.... Neglect of mathematics works injury to all knowledge, since he who is ignorant of it cannot know the other sciences or the things of this world.”

Algebra I is a course of study in which students continue to development their mathematical imagination through the tool of Algebra. Instead of specific operations on specific numbers, students learn to recognize overall patterns in mathematical procedures, and to generalize these patterns into a framework of rules and algorithms.

They learn to manipulate algebraic expressions and to solve algebraic equations of increasingly complex natures.

They learn to represent relationships found in nature as functions - verbally, numerically, visually (e.g. graphs), and algebraically (e.g. equations).

  • Graphing Linear Equations and Functions
  • Writing Linear Equations
  • Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities
  • Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  • Exponents and Exponential Functions
  • Polynomials and Factoring
  • Quadratic Equations and Functions
  • Radicals and Geometry Connections
  • Rational Equations and Functions
Logic

Students will spend the first semester learning about the art and science of Logic. In the second semester, students apply the knowledge gained in the first semester as they prepare for speech and debate and practice public speaking.

Throughout the school year, the 8th grade class will be coached in leadership, discipleship, hospitality, and finally, apostleship.

As the leaders of the school, we want to train them to become servant leaders. They will lead our weekly chapel service and lead in various roles as designated throughout the school year.

As they learn the art and skill of public speaking, they will prepare to represent their class at commencement.

  • Introductory Logic: The Fundamentals of Thinking Well (Nance)
  • Speech & Debate
  • Public Speaking
Science

Physical Science

Arma Dei Academy eighth graders learn a Christian worldview as they explore creation with physical science.

Eighth grade physical science uses a mastery-oriented curriculum which focuses on physical science topics such as matter, forces, motion, energy, electricity, and chemistry.

Throughout the course students will learn and utilize the scientific method and document most work in a formal scientific lab book. Students will consider the changes in their world-view and how it affects them and their beliefs.

  • Matter and Atoms
  • Sources and Conservation of Energy
  • Forces and Fields
  • Properties of Substances
  • Force and Motion
  • Compounds and Chemical Reactions
  • Electricity
  • Scientific method during labs
  • Engineering design process of projects
Art
  • Master the use of varied lines and shapes to create form and detail in drawing simple and complex subjects
  • Basics and beyond including primary, secondary, and tertiary stages of color
  • Understand the use of tints and hues
  • Create a still life composition using contour line drawing, shading of forms, and complimentary color theory
  • Draw and paint artists from world history.
  • Recreate simple pieces of art form the same time period as classroom study
  • 3-D sculpture
Music

Students will review and practice the basics of music theory while learning a wide variety of musical styles from hymns and spirituals to choral standards Sight-reading and harmonization will be emphasized. Composers and events will correlate with their historical, literature & Bible studies.

They will perform three times a year at the Veterans, Christmas, and Easter chapels.

Physical Education

Students in Physical Education will be learning about how the human body moves and functions in sports and exercise. Proper stretching, hydration and nutrition, warm ups, sports safety, team-building, sportsmanship, and many other life lessons will be taught.

God has knit us together in wondrous ways as human beings.