Happy New Year to one and all! Next week we will be reviewing for the social studies midterm exam, but this week we are continuing to work on new content. Review packets will be linked at the end of this week.

6th Social Studies

This week the students will be learning about Ancient China- the geography, early dynasties, and the culture that developed.

6th Religion

In religion, we are currently studying stories from the book of Numbers. We will start with the report from the 12 spies and Korah’s rebellion, and then we will learn about Moses trying to get water at Meribah. Each lesson will focus on the fact that God’s people disobey Him, but He is merciful to forgive us, even though there might be a negative consequence for our actions. The memory verse is Psalm 103:2-4, which is on page 43 of the student book.

7th Social Studies

This week the students are learning about the root causes of the American colonies eventually becoming an independent country. We will start with the French and Indian War and then learn about the taxes the British levied to pay for this war, followed by the repercussions of the colonists rebelling against the British taxes. After the midterm we will get into the American Revolution.

8th Social Studies

In eighth grade the students are learning about how the U.S. emerged as a major world power, for better or for worse. We will be looking at the long term consequences of foreign trade (China, Japan), intervention in other countries (the Spanish American War, the Panama Canal), and the idea of American expansionism (the annexation of Hawaii and the purchase of Alaska). As we all know, the consequences of these actions are still very much evident today.

8th Religion

This week we are getting into the Book of Judges. The students will learn about the conquest of Canaan, and then Israel under the leadership of Deborah and Gideon. A major theme this week is how God uses unconventional methods and circumstances to accomplish His will, and that we need to just trust His plans. The memory verse for this week is Joshua 1:9, which is on page 53 in the student book.