Middle School

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

LANGUAGE ARTS
Grade Six
Students will use a broad range of literature including novels, short stories, speeches, and poetry to increase their understanding of the written word.  They will learn to understand more complex plot elements and to identify the use of literary elements such as flashbacks, imagery, tone, and foreshadowing.  Students will study the composition of words and their origins, including the study of Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and root words in an effort to enrich their vocabularies.  Spelling rules will be included in this process, as well.  Each student will compile a writing portfolio that will include essays, research reports, book reports, narratives, short stories, and poetry.  The focus in grammar will continue to be on developing strong writing and speaking skills, but will further include the study of phrases and clauses and the use of active versus passive voice.  Students will also be expected to refine their public speaking skills through the use of oral presentations and readers’ theatre activities.
 
Grade  Seven
Students will read and analyze increasingly complex works of literature including novels, plays, short stories, speeches, and essays.  They will study the elements of drama and literary terms and devices, such as hyperbole, oxymoron, and parody.  Writing skills will continue to be developed and refined, and students will learn to cite source materials properly in their works.  Grammar practice will continue with additional study in sentence structure, clauses and phrases, and the identification of misplaced modifiers.  Vocabulary and spelling practice will continue, as well as practice in public speaking.
 
Grade Eight
Students will study the English language through the use of contemporary and classic literary works.  Increased emphasis will be placed on characterization, theme, tone, symbolism, types of conflict, and point of view.  Roman and Greek mythology will be studied in depth, as well.  Students will continue to be developed with assignments ranging from descriptive essays to research reports.  Further study of the mechanics of grammar will include verbal, verb tenses, phrases and clauses, and the diagramming of sentences. 
  
MATHEMATICS
 
Grade Six Math
The sixth grade math curriculum covers a broad range of mathematical content, not just numbers and arithmetic.  The following strands are addressed throughout the program:  algebra and the use of variables; data and chance; geometry and spatial sense; measures and measurement; numeration and order; operations; patterns, functions, and sequences; and finally, reference frames, including graphs and grids.  The themes that run through the curriculum are algorithmic and procedural thinking, estimation skills and number sense, mental arithmetic skills and reflexes, and problem solving.
 
Pre-Algebra
The Pre-Algebra curriculum focuses on arithmetic operations in mathematics and the real world through applied arithmetic, pre-algebra, and pre-geometry.  Variables are used as pattern generalizers, abbreviations in formulas, and unknowns in problems, and are represented on the number line and graphed in the coordinate plane.  Basic arithmetic and algebraic skills are connected to corresponding geometry topics.  The course is offered as an accelerated course for seventh graders and an on-level course for eighth graders.
 
Algebra I
The algebra curriculum integrates geometry, probability, and statistics together with algebra.  Pure and applied mathematics are also integrated throughout.  Geometry, probability, and statistics are employed to extend and enhance important concepts of algebra.  Reading and real-world orientation are also a part of the curriculum, as well as the use of up-to-date technology with scientific and graphing calculators, and computers.  Four dimensions of understanding are stressed:  skill in carrying out various algorithms; developing and using mathematics properties and relationships; applying mathematics in realistic situations; and representing or picturing mathematical concepts.
 
Geometry
This course diverges from the order of topics in most geometry texts, and presents coordinates, transformations, measurement formulas, and three-dimensional figures earlier in the year.  To teach students how to write proofs and construct other mathematical arguments more effectively, the course lays a foundation of prerequisite understanding step by step.  Applications abound throughout.  A TI-83 calculator will be an important tool for this course.  The prerequisite course for taking Geometry is Algebra I.
 
SCIENCE
 
Grade Six - Life Science
Life science is an introductory survey course in the biological sciences with emphasis on processes and concepts of living organisms and how they interact with their environment.  The student is introduced to the principles of life science through discussion, practical application, and hands-on laboratory activities.  The topics are:  scientific method, classification, cell composition and processes, characteristics of bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals.  Special emphasis is placed on the human body and organ systems.
 
Grade Seven – Earth Science   
Earth science offers an in-depth study of the earth.  A full range of study includes astronomy, mineralogy and geology, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, soil formation, erosion and deposition, oceanography, fresh water, and the earth’s weather and climate.  A combination of lecture, laboratory experiments, field exploration, and project design/implementation are used as a basis for learning and reinforcement.
 
Grade Eight – Physical Science
Physical science is a study into the composition of matter along with an in-depth look at force, heat, and energy.  Chemistry is introduced through the study of atomic structure and theory, atomic bonding, chemical reactions, acids and base solutions, carbon chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.  Physics includes the physical laws of motion, gravity, force in fluids, work and machines, friction, and thermal energy.  Emphasis is placed on laboratory investigations and analysis. 
  
SOCIAL SCIENCES
 
World Geography – Grade Six
World Geography is a study of the many different regions of the world and the people who live in them.  Students will study physical features of the earth, as well as how the people of the earth live and interact with the environment.  The study also includes reading maps and charts, and other skill activities.
 
Texas History – Grade Seven
This course is a comprehensive study of Texas.  Beginning with the geography of Texas, the students will understand the importance of how this affected the Indians, Europeans, and Americans as they live in Texas.  The physical, political, and economical aspects of Texas will be covered through the use of a textbook, worksheets, map skills, writing and testing.   
 
American History – Grades Eight   
The course reviews the historical significance of the North American continent and begins with the arrival of the Europeans.  A thorough study is made of the Thirteen Colonies to the Civil War.  Attention is focused on the major conflicts involving America with particular emphasis placed on the American Revolution and the Civil War.  Particular attention will be placed on critical thinking, writing, and map skills. 
 
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
 
Grade Six Spanish
This Spanish course will prepare students for future Spanish classes at Trinity, including Spanish I, which they will take when they begin upper school.  Students will be introduced to basic grammar and speech patterns, along with common vocabulary and phrases.  An introduction to
present tense verbs, simple questions, talking about time, weather, and making introductions and greetings/goodbyes will be covered in depth.
 
The objective of this course is for the student to acquire skills in the target language in these areas; to listen, point, move, choose, match, and act-out according to Spanish vocabulary and dialogue/instruction (Pre-Production – Stage 1 level of fluency).  In addition, the objective is to practice and acquire skills in these areas; to name, list, categorize, label, and respond with one or two words (Early Production – Stage 2 level of fluency).
 
Research shows it takes five to eight years to become fully fluent in the target language, and that typically between two and three years in stages one and two, then five to eight years in stages three and four (Speech Emergence and Intermediate Fluency) can be expected.  Our goal is to begin more in depth study during the sixth grade, which will help students eventually meet and exceed this expectation.
 
Grade Seven Spanish
This course prepares students for a series of Spanish language courses required of all students during high school at Trinity.  Students will continue a review of present tense verbs introduced in the sixth grade at Trinity and will be introduced to the present progressive ("ing" words/phrases), past tense, and reflexive verbs.  Basic grammar and speech patterns continue to be a focus, with more basic common vocabulary added every six weeks.
 
Students will obtain the skills and practice needed to continue a level of communication ability in Spanish acquired during sixth grade Spanish at Trinity, including the written, verbal, and oral ability to listen and understand or remember common requests or information, point out, move, choose, match, or act-out according to basic Spanish vocabulary, grammar, instruction and dialogue (Stage 2 – Early Production level).
 
The objective of this course is to continue the student's progress in Stage 2, while striving to acquire skills and practice to reach early Stage 3 – Speech Emergence level of fluency.  This includes the student being able to: produce simple descriptions, questions, or to simply explain or relay information, understand common requests and instructions, and to role-play, in the target language both in the past and the present tenses.
 
Grade Eight Spanish  
Students will review and continue to use both past and present verbs, studied in the sixth and seventh grade Spanish courses at Trinity, adding stem-changers and irregulars, both in the past tense.  Students will be introduced to new basic or common vocabulary every six weeks, along with direct, indirect, and double object pronouns, and additional uses of pronouns and adjectives, including past participles used as adjectives.
 
Students will continue their use of basic grammar and speech patterns, and will begin to learn more about basic sentence structure.  Continued growth will be taught in translating Spanish to English and in the ability to form simple statements, responses, and questions both written and verbal.  Students will be trained in an effort to help them produce some or all of the following Stage 3 – Speech Emergence level of fluency skills; to describe, define, explain, recall, re-tell, summarize, role-play, and compare/contrast in the target language.
 
Research shows that it takes five to eight years to acquire fluency at an intermediate level (Stage 4 – Intermediate Fluency).  The objective of this course is to take students from the very beginning of early Stage 3 level of fluency to middle and upper level Stage 3 fluency which will prepare them for their Spanish studies at the upper school level. 
  
VISUAL ART
 
Middle School Art  
Middle School students at Trinity develop a working understanding of the elements of art.  This is accomplished by having them work through a variety of design projects using line, color, shape, texture, space, and form.  They learn to control different materials while working in a relaxed environment.  Learning to explore their visual world in a new way expands the way they think and problem solve.
 
MUSIC
 
Middle School Choir  
This course focuses on the instruction of basic vocal, sight-reading, and music skills.  Repertoire from various choral styles is learned and performed.  Students are graded on active participation, effort, and continued improvement.  Students are also required to perform at the conclusion of each semester.  Each performance is a test of the student's acquired knowledge in the choral area.  Students are also encouraged to perform in the TST Praise Team and attend live performances by way of field trips.   
 
COMPUTERS 
Third through seventh grades use the “Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing” program with the touch typing method.  Middle School students will explore Word, Access, Excel and Power Point.

UPPER SCHOOL 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS  

LANGUAGE ARTS 
English I 
The course in English I is designed to engage students in becoming skilled readers in a variety of prose, such as short stories, drama, novels, poetry, and nonfiction. Students will also become more skilled in grammar, usage, and the mechanics of our language. Through this course, students will develop and be exposed to SAT vocabulary, literary elements, paragraph and essay structure, critical reading, higher level questioning, and organizational skills.

English II
English II is a study of literature, writing and vocabulary. In this class the students will read literary selections, poetry and informational texts, to which they will respond both orally in discussions, and in written form. The focus will be on literary devices used by authors, vocabulary development, and improving writing skills. 

AP English III
The AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose in written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer's purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to the effectiveness in writing. 

English IV 
English IV is a study of World Literature, writing and SAT vocabulary. Students will read, interpret and analyze literature from various cultural backgrounds ranging in time from antiquity through modern times. In addition, students will do a research paper, write various types of compositions, and focus on SAT vocabulary words. 

AP English IV 
The AP course in English Literature and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts,
students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. 

Speech 
Speech is a class in public speaking skills. It is designed to prepare students to be not only better speakers, but better listeners as well. It will explore the primary methods and tools that speakers use to be effective, the primary methods or purposes for speech, and ultimately bring those together as the students present various types of speeches. 

MATHEMATICS

Algebra I 
The algebra curriculum integrates geometry, probability, and statistics together with algebra. Pure and applied mathematics are also integrated throughout. Geometry, probability, and statistics are employed to extend and enhance important concepts of algebra. Reading and real-world orientation are also a part of the curriculum, as well as the use of up-to-date technology with scientific and graphics calculators, and computers. Four dimensions of understanding are stressed: skill in carrying out various algorithms; developing and using mathematics properties and relationships; applying mathematics in realistic situations; and representing or picturing mathematical concepts. 

Geometry 
This course diverges from the order of topics in most geometry texts, and presents coordinates, transformations, measurement formulas, and three-dimensional figures earlier in the year. To teach students how to write proofs and construct other mathematical arguments more effectively, the course lays a foundation of prerequisite understanding step by step. Applications abound throughout. A TI-83 calculator will be an important tool for this course. Pre-requisite: Algebra I 

Algebra II 
This course emphasizes facility with algebraic expressions and forms, especially linear and quadratic forms, powers, and roots, and functions based on these concepts. Students study logarithmic, trigonometric, polynomial, and other special functions as tools for modeling real-world situations. The course applies geometrical ideas learned in the previous years, including transformations and measurement formulas. A TI-89 calculator will be an important tool for this course.  Pre-requisite: Geometry 

Pre-Calculus 
Pre-Calculus blends the concepts and skills that must be mastered before enrollment in a college-level calculus course. The course includes the study of relations and functions, exponential and
logarithmic functions, trigonometry in triangles, trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations, polar coordinates, vectors, introduction to derivatives and integrals, and data analysis. A TI-89 calculator will be an important tool for this course. Pre-requisite: Algebra II 
 
Advanced Placement Calculus AB 
Calculus AB is an Advanced Placement Calculus course, which follows the syllabus and guidelines of the Advanced Placement program. The course is the equivalent of first semester college calculus. Emphasis is on the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus, as well as problem-solving techniques. The second semester final exam in the course is an AP exam. Those students with high scores on the AP Calculus AB exam can earn credit for one semester of college calculus. Students are expected to do work at a college level. A TI-89 calculator will be an important tool for this course. Pre-requisite: Pre-Calculus 

Advanced Placement Calculus BC /Advanced Placement Statistics 
This course is an integrated course of both second semester college calculus and college level statistics. Calculus BC topics include applications of definite integrals, techniques of integration, indeterminate forms, improper integrals, infinite series, conic sections, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and differential equations. The statistics portion of the course exposes students to four broad conceptual themes: exploratory analysis, planning a study, modeling using probability and simulation, and testing hypotheses using statistical inference. The second semester final exam in the course involves two AP exams, AP Calculus BC and AP Statistics. Those students with high scores on the AP Calculus BC exam can earn credit for two semester of college calculus. Those students with high scores on the AP Statistics exam can earn credit for one semester of college statistics. Students are expected to do work at a college level. A TI-89 calculator will be an important tool for this course. Pre-requisite: AP Calculus AB 

SCIENCE
Biology I – Grade Nine 
Biology I is an introductory level study of living organisms, metabolic processes, and ecosystems. The course emphasizes the use of higher-level thought processes, reasoning skills, and problem-solving techniques which will be helpful in further study in the sciences. 
Chemistry I – Grade Ten 
Chemistry is the study of the structure and properties of matter. It is one of the fundamental sciences, with many applications in technology, industry, and the professions. The principles of chemistry will be developed with attention to the underlying scientific method and the mathematical basis for chemical properties will be explored. 
 
Astronomy 
Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences. It includes study of the solar system, including the sun, the planets, their moons, the asteroids and the comets. It also examines stars, their nature and differences, and their life cycles. Although astronomy is a branch of physics, this course is designed to be a survey course focusing on the wonder of exploration and deemphasizing the mathematical underpinnings (students with an interest in this are recommended to take general physics first). It is hoped that the students in this course will come away from it with a greater appreciation of the massive scope of this science and an enthusiasm for its wonders. 

AP Biology II 
Advanced Placement Biology is a college-level study of living organisms, metabolic processes, and ecosystems that has, as one goal, the level of understanding needed to score well enough on the AP Biology exam to merit college-level credit for the student in this course. Accordingly, the course builds upon introductory high school biology to achieve a deeper understanding of the principles that govern life. 

AP Chemistry 
The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is a second year high school chemistry course, intended to be equivalent to a first-year college course. In the process of working through the recommended AP Chemistry curriculum, students should learn to self-assess their own mastery of the material which they acquire through their use of a variety of available learning tools. Students explore the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry through lectures, laboratory investigation and group problem solving. They are assessed by AP questions and standards at all phases of the course. Topics such as atomic theory, molecular bonding, kinetic theory of matter, chemical equilibria, reaction kinetics, acid-base chemistry and thermodynamics are presented in depth and at a rapid pace. The course prepares the student for the Advanced Placement exam in May. 

Physics 
Physics is the study of the nature of our universe. It is one of the fundamental sciences, with many applications in technology, industry, and the professions. This course is non-calculus based, using algebra and trigonometry. Topics to be addressed include: kinematics, force, work and energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, angular motion, torque, angular momentum, fluid dynamics, heat, thermodynamics, waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, optics, quantum theory, particle physics, and elementary nuclear reactions. The principles of physics will be developed with attention to the underlying scientific method. Physical concepts will be explored using a rigorous mathematical approach.   
 
 
SOCIAL SCIENCES 
American History – Grade Nine
The course reviews the historical significance of the North American continent and begins with the arrival of the Europeans. A thorough study is made of the Cold War and the modern era. Attention is focused on the major conflicts involving America with particular emphasis placed on the Civil War, WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, and the other wars of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Particular attention will be placed on critical thinking, writing, and map skills.  

 
Western Civilization – Grade Ten 
Western Civilization is a broad overview of historical events that have occurred since approximately 1500 as different peoples went from conditions of servitude (feudalism) to representation (parliament) and independence (nationalism). Students complete the year with a better comprehension of “the West” and how the events of history shaped the various countries. 

Government – Grade Twelve 
This is an introductory course covering the creation, growth, adaptation and innovation of the American governmental system. Topics range from the basic principles of government to our unique form of democracy. The ideas and function of political parties, election processes, judicial branch, legislative branch, and executive branch are addressed. In addition, discussions regarding our Nation's foreign policy and role as an international peacekeeper are included. Emphasis is placed on the study of the Constitution and its role as a fundamental body of law. 

Economics – Grade Twelve 
This course introduces basic economic theory and principles. Students are presented with a study of economics concentrating on the following: supply and demand, the free-enterprise system, competition and markets, banking and the Federal Reserve, the functions of money, investing, market trading, and personal finances. Students also participate in a stock market trading simulation in cooperation with LeTourneau University. 

  
AP European History-Grade Eleven
The purpose of this course is to develop the ability to comprehend European History in an analytical manner and not just a purely factual manner. Learning to analyze and interpret primary sources including documents, maps, pictorial and graphic evidence will be a main goal of this class. The course will begin with a prelude to the modern world and continue through the modern era of European History.   

AP Psychology 
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are
exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. 

Comparative Religion 
The course in Comparative Religion is designed to help students focus on the goal of understanding. Understanding begins with a sense of what a particular religion means for the people who practice it and live by it. Historical and cultural developments will be studied in religious traditions. This course creates discussion of historical matters with a thematic approach based on general issues that arise out of human experience—questions about personal identity, human existence and wholeness, and the right way to live. Windows are opened toward an understanding of the meaning and guidance people find in their particular religious traditions.

 
FOREIGN LANGUAGES 
Spanish I 
The objectives of this course are to introduce the students to a common vocabulary in meaningful contexts like greetings, questions and answers, members of the family, classroom words, pastimes, clothing numbers, vacations and months of the year. Watching Fotonovela video, the conversations reinforce the vocabulary. It also includes using basic possessive adjectives, the present progressive and direct object pronouns and nouns. With this basic information, we can build the skill for the next step.

Spanish II 
A student must have passed Spanish I to enroll in this course. The objective of this course is to learn more complex grammar concepts, vocabulary and further develop skills in listening comprehension, reading, writing and oral expression. Also included is learning preterit and imperfect tense, double object pronouns, comparison and superlatives, adverbs, familiar and formal commands, and present subjunctive. At the end of the school year, the student is expected to be able to read and understand the main ideas, write paragraphs and engage in basic and simple conversation in Spanish. Since brief reading on culture and costumes are introduced at this level, the students are going to be familiar with some traditions, festival and holidays, historical places, archeology and the economy. 

Spanish III 
A student must have passed Spanish II to enroll in this course. The objective of this course is to have a further broadened skill in listening, reading, writing and speaking. We study complex vocabulary, grammar concepts like the present and past subjunctive, past participle, present, past and conditional perfect, the future, nosotros commands and Si clauses. Also, the students are going to have a conversation in Spanish. The students are to be able to comprehend conversations based on familiar situations, stories and articles of increasing length and
complexity. They will be able to formulate and respond to questions based on the reading selections and also write essays expressing their own thoughts and ideas. 

AP Spanish 
This course is an elective. The objective is to convey the linguistic skills acquired during the three previous years into a coherent and useful means of communication. The students are to be able to read, translate articles (Spanish to English and English to Spanish), speak in Spanish and will have broadened his or her knowledge and appreciation for the culture. 
 
VISUAL ARTS 
Upper School Art 
Upper School students at Trinity continue to work with the elements of art and become more familiar with the principals of art. They expand their working knowledge of balance, rhythm, unity, pattern, emphasis and above all color movement. Becoming familiar with different styles of art and artist enables them to continue to grow artistically and expands the way they view their world and the world of art. 

  
Photography I 
The Photo I class is designed to teach students the basics of black and white photography. They will learn how the camera works, how to develop film, how to create prints in the darkroom and how to mat their finished pieces. In order to get the students to think about photography as something other than a “snap shot”, they will be assigned various types of projects. Taking landscape photographs, action photographs and portraits, just to name a few, will all help the students develop a photographic eye. At the end of every assignment, each student will present his or her work to the class in a formal critique. This develops the student's ability to defend their work and gain useful information from their peers. 

  
Photography II-III
Digital Design is intended to teach students the fundamentals of digital design and digital editing programs. The students will learn many basic skills such as scanning, photo editing and photo manipulation. They will also work on more advanced projects including digital video and animation. By the end of the year, the students will have working knowledge of several programs including Adobe Photoshop, ImageReady, Premiere Pro and After Effects. They will also develop the ability to present their work in formal critique setting. 

  
Yearbook 
Yearbook is a class devoted entirely to the production of the school annual, The Titan . Each student will take on many responsibilities in order to make the yearbook fun, functional and a
successful tribute to the school year. The students will be responsible for selling ads, taking photographs, editing photographs, page layouts, writing articles and meeting deadlines. Because the yearbook is such a big undertaking, everyone is expected to be a team player. The end result is well worth all of the hard work. 

MUSIC 
Upper School Choir 
This course focuses on the instruction of basic vocal, sight-reading, and music skills. Repertoire from various choral styles is learned and performed. Students are graded on active participation, effort, and continued improvement. Students are also required to perform at the conclusion of each semester. Each performance is a test of the students acquired knowledge in the choral area. The Upper School Choir competes at TAPPS during the spring semester. 
 
OTHER COURSES 
Journalism 
This course includes reading and writing proficiency for varied purposes and texts. Students will communicate their thoughts as well as learn effective processes that enable them to generate, organize and connect ideas into a school newspaper. They will use a journalistic style, gathering information through interviews and preparing articles and editorials for newspaper layout. In addition to article/editorial writing, students will write and design headlines and captions, plan and produce photographs, and sell, design and set up ads.