Curriculum Middle School
Silverdale Baptist Academy Middle School partners with families to provide academic excellence with a biblical worldview. Every course in middle school is designed to equip students academically while creating an environment that encourages spiritual and personal growth as well. Along with an excellent education, our courses aim to grow the whole child through the lens of SBA’s expected student outcomes.
We desire for each SBA student to be:
An Engaged Learner
A Servant Leader
An Effective Communicator
A Faithful Disciple
6TH GRADE COURSES
BIBLE
In sixth-grade Bible, students dive into the Inductive Bible Study method using their very own school-issued NASB study Bible. They will explore key topics and themes such as the timeline of the Bible, Old Testament covenants, and introduction to the Prophets through the books of Exodus, Deuteronomy, and 2 Samuel. Students will deepen their understanding of Scripture and reflect on how it relates to their personal lives with many hands-on and interactive activities!
ENGLISH
In sixth-grade English, the primary goal is to help students become more effective and confident communicators. We use the Shurley English method to grow students’ writing skills, alongside an introduction to MLA formatting. This course includes a poetry study and novel analysis. Formal curriculum: Growing Your Vocabulary: Learning From Latin and Greek Roots and Shurley English.
HISTORY
Tennessee history takes center stage in this course, with a special focus on how our state's story intersects with the broader national narrative. Students will explore Tennessee’s history and learn how geography, expansion, and culture influenced its development. This class fosters a deeper understanding of Tennessee, the nation, and Christianity’s impact on both. Formal Curriculum: Tennessee Through Time.
MATH
Sixth-grade Math uses McGraw Hill Reveal Math Course 1 (Volumes 1 & 2) to connect essential math concepts through an integrated approach, including algebra, geometry, measurement, proportional reasoning, statistics, probability, and problem-solving. The course helps students appreciate the mathematical order God has established in the world. Formal curriculum: McGraw Hill Reveal Math Course 1 (Volumes 1 & 2)
SCIENCE
Sixth-grade science provides students with a deeper understanding of God's intricate creation by exploring the complexity and order of the natural world. Through the detailed study of ecosystems and the principles of energy, students examine how various components of the environment interact and sustain life. Additionally, students calculate and analyze different forms of energy to gain insight into the mechanisms that shape our world. By the end of the course, students will recognize the remarkable design and precision with which God has created the earth, reflecting His wisdom and intentionality.
LATIN
This course will expose students to the Latin language and culture. Students will discover the fundamentals of Latin pronunciation, vocabulary, and the study of English derivatives coming from Latin vocabulary words that appear most often on standardized tests.
MUSIC
Our 6th Grade Music class allows students to enjoy the art of music. In this course, students learn the basics of vocal music including how to provide proper breath control, how to sing in the correct vocal range, and how to blend. Students will be exposed to a variety of fun, interesting music covering a wide range of genres.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.)
Physical Education classes are a place for students to develop skills and enjoy activities that will help them physically, mentally, and socially. This class is designed to keep students active and growing.
Note: Traditional PE uniforms do not need to be purchased since this is a short rotation. The PE teacher will communicate what to wear in class.
THEATRE
In Theatre, students will get an introduction to the exciting world of acting through fun and engaging activities. They'll learn essential acting skills and enhance their creativity and quick-thinking abilities through improv. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper appreciation for theatre and a sense of accomplishment in their theatrical skills.
7TH
GRADE COURSES
ENGLISH
Literature Anthology - Students will read amazing literature and engage in creative and reflective writing while applying new vocabulary and correct grammar usage. Integration of biblical principles will be applied and examined in literature.
GEOGRAPHY
National Geographic: World Geography and Cultures- Students will be able to locate the countries they study and discuss how the land, environment, social background, and history influence culture. We will compare other cultures with their own in order to understand how we can best carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY
Old Testament Kings and Prophets studies of Biblical books including Obadiah, Joel, Jonah, II Kings, II Chronicles, Zephaniah, and Daniel. (Precept) - The objective is to teach students proper theology and apply Old Testament studies and times to our current culture and worldview.
07 PRE-ALGEBRA
McGraw Hill - Reveal Math Course 2- Students will explore why and how to successfully solve problems with the following topics: Proportional Relationships, Percents, Integers, Rational Numbers, Expressions, Equations, Inequalities, Volume and Surface Area, Probability, and Statistics. We will also explore how math is a product of God's creation.
SCIENCE
HMH Tennessee Science - The Seventh Grade Integrated Science course, by HMH, is organized according to four major strands of Science. Students will have the opportunity to use the knowledge they have gained and apply it to the knowledge of these strands of Science: Physical Sciences, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering, Technology, & Applications of Science. Students will not only learn about Science but experience it. Numerous labs and projects will be completed throughout the entire course to reinforce concepts studied in class with an emphasis on Outdoor Education and increasing our understanding of how God created this world. Topics covered will include the properties of matter, atoms and the periodic table, chemical reactions, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, ecosystems, cell division, genetics, body systems, and Earth's atmosphere. Connections will continually be made between the principles of Science and the Word of God, highlighting how God's creation and the study of it inherently points us back to Him.
7TH GRADE ELECTIVES
BEGINNING BAND
(PRIMARILY 6TH; 7TH BY REQUEST IF STUDENT’S FIRST YEAR OF BAND)
Beginning Band provides students in 6th grade with an introduction to reading music and playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The class is designed to take beginning students to performance level by Christmas with the goal of building a life-long enjoyment of playing their instrument. Students will learn basic skills, recognizable tunes, and songs of their choice throughout the year. No prior music experience is needed.
INTERMEDIATE BAND (7TH & 8TH GRADE COMBINED CLASS)
Intermediate Band is a performance-based course where students build on their knowledge of playing brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments. Covering essential skills and teamwork, students explore various musical styles, fostering a strong musical foundation. This course aims to ignite a passion for instrumental music and equip students with valuable skills for their musical journey. Performance opportunities occur throughout the year in marching band, pep band, and concert band settings. (Instrument rental or ownership is required)
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR (7TH & 8TH GRADE COMBINED CLASS)
Middle School Choir helps students discover and develop their singing abilities. The focus of this course is on fundamental vocal skills, like pitch and tone, while also building teamwork in a joyful choral environment. Students participating in Middle School choir will have various performance opportunities throughout the year, both on and off campus. Students will also participate in numerous off-campus learning experiences. No prior experience required.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.)
In this Physical Education course, students will engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance physical fitness, develop motor skills, and promote lifelong wellness. Students will participate in individual and team sports, fitness routines, and recreational games, all aimed at fostering personal growth, teamwork, and healthy living.
DANCE FITNESS
This course can be taken in lieu of P.E. or as an elective in addition to P.E. If taken in lieu of P.E., you can still choose another elective for the year (either a year-long elective or three different quarter electives). In Dance Fitness, students are introduced to different genres of dance movement, technique, and conditioning/stretching and develop an enjoyment of dance. Students learn choreography and perform dance combinations in class and continually learn to create and improvise dance movements through different genres of dance using the theater principles of dance: rehearse, perform, reflect, and replay.
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE
In this 7th Grade theatre class, students will explore the exciting world of acting through fun and engaging activities. They'll learn essential acting skills, including voice projection, body language, and character development. Through improv exercises and theatre games, students will enhance their creativity and quickthinking abilities while building confidence. The class will also introduce students to the fundamentals of storytelling and scene work, allowing them to collaborate with peers. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper appreciation for theatre and a sense of accomplishment in their theatrical skills.
STEAM
This one-quarter STEAM course is designed around collaborative inquiry for students interested in a handson, active learning environment. With an emphasis on critical thinking, students will brainstorm, develop, build, and create to explore knowledge. Discussions and activities will focus on the engineering design process, inquiry-based knowledge, and project-based learning.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
This course equips students with essential computer skills, focusing on both hardware and software applications. Emphasizing proper keyboarding techniques, students will improve typing speed and accuracy while integrating technology into daily life, academics, and future careers. Through hands-on activities, students will explore Google Workspace applications—including word processing, slide presentations, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing—to enhance communication and problem-solving skills. Rooted in a biblical perspective, this course encourages students to use technology wisely and purposefully as they strive to share Jesus with others. Offered every quarter, 07 Technology fosters digital literacy, teamwork, and creative expression through technology.
VISUAL ART
This course will allow the students to experiment with a variety of media to create visual art. The elements of art will be woven into two and three-dimensional work. Students will begin to apply the principles of design in their art-making processes. Appreciation for the visual arts and exposure to various painting styles from the modern art era will also be studied. Looking at God’s creation will reinforce nature studies using Charlotte Mason philosophy.
8TH GRADE COURSES
ENGLISH
8th Grade English is a genre course that focuses on Elements of Fiction and Nonfiction writing. The selected texts used in the course’s literature component are designed to develop students’ analytical skills in reading and interpreting texts. Vocabulary lessons focus on words that are of Greek and Latin origins. The Autobiography unit is both historical and literary in scope by reading Corrie Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place. The Research Unit begins with an introduction to the MLA format followed by a research essay with a carefully crafted thesis statement. Research, rough draft, revision, and published draft are the focus in this unit’s writing process. All units and lessons are designed with a Biblical foundation since the creative God, who has chosen to communicate His attributes, has created us in his image.
HISTORY
Colonial America through the American Civil War (National Geographic) Students will study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that shaped the United States from the founding of Jamestown in 1607 to the end of the Civil War in 1865. Students will analyze texts, visual sources, primary sources, and other historical evidence.
BIBLE
Walking in Truth - Christianity in Action (Summit Ministries); Cultural engagement and life application of the Christian worldview within the discipline of theology, philosophy, ethics, psychology, sociology, biology, and history. Biblical themes include the superiority of Christ, Faith lived out, Humility and Hope, Love, Faith, and the last days.
08 PRE-ALGEBRA
8th Grade Pre-Algebra, using McGraw-Hill Reveal Math Course 3, helps students build a strong foundation in algebraic concepts. The course covers key topics including real numbers, expressions, equations, and inequalities, as well as linear relationships, functions, exponents, and radical expressions. Students will also explore systems of equations, geometry (area, volume, surface area), and data analysis (measures of central tendency and probability). Through interactive lessons and problem-solving, students will develop the skills needed for success in high school mathematics.
Year-Long Electives
INTERMEDIATE BAND (7TH & 8TH COMBINED CLASS)
Intermediate Band is a performance-based course where students build on their knowledge of playing brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments. Covering essential skills and teamwork, students explore various musical styles, fostering a strong musical foundation. This course aims to ignite a passion for instrumental music and equip students with valuable skills for their musical journey. Performance opportunities occur throughout the year in marching band, pep band, and concert band settings.
Instrument rental or ownership is required.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR (7TH & 8TH COMBINED CLASS)
Middle School Choir helps students discover and develop their singing abilities. The focus of this course is on fundamental vocal skills, like pitch and tone, while also building teamwork in a joyful choral environment. Students participating in Middle School choir will have various performance opportunities throughout the year, both on and off campus. Students will also participate in numerous off-campus learning experiences. No prior experience required.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.)
In this Physical Education course, students will engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance physical fitness, develop motor skills, and promote lifelong wellness. Students will participate in individual and team sports, fitness routines, and recreational games, all aimed at fostering personal growth, teamwork, and healthy living.
DANCE FITNESS
This course can be taken in lieu of PE or as an elective in addition to PE. If taken in lieu of PE, you can still choose another elective for the year (either a year-long elective or two different semester electives).
In Dance Fitness, students are introduced to different genres of dance movement, technique, and conditioning/stretching and develop an enjoyment of dance. Students learn choreography and perform dance combinations in class and continually learn to create and improvise dance movements through different genres of dance using the theater principles of dance: rehearse, perform, reflect, and replay.
LATIN I*
The Latin course is designed to give students a working understanding of the Latin language in reading and writing. The course also includes Latin vocabulary and English derivatives and an introduction to the history and culture of the Romans. The Roman Empire at the time of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. is the historical background for the translations in Unit 1. The Roman occupation of Britain and the Romans in Egypt are the focal points in Unit 2.
To be considered for this course, students must meet the following criteria:
Maintain a 90 (A-) or above in each semester in 7th Grade English. The final report card will determine if you meet this requirement.
Excellent attendance.
No repetitive disciplinary issues.
Have an excellent work ethic.
The grade earned for this course becomes part of the high school transcript and is part of your high school GPA. Space is limited to one section.
* Earns one-semester high school credit.
One Semester Electives
COMPUTER SCIENCE*
This Computer Science course provides 8th grade students with foundational knowledge and skills in computer science. Students will explore key concepts such as digital citizenship, computing systems, algorithms, data, and basic programming. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical use of technology in today’s digital world. As students engage with computer science concepts, they will understand that human creativity and logic reflect God’s image. This class will address responsible digital behavior, cybersecurity, and the impact of technology on society, guided by biblical principles of integrity stewardship.
* Earns one-semester high school credit.
CULINARY ARTS
In this hands-on Culinary Arts course, students will explore the exciting world of cooking and gardening, learning how to grow their own ingredients and transform them into delicious meals. The course combines basic culinary skills with gardening techniques, allowing students to cultivate their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs before bringing them to the kitchen to prepare fresh, seasonal dishes. Students will gain knowledge in sustainable food practices, nutrition, and food preparation, all while fostering creativity and teamwork in the kitchen and garden. This course emphasizes healthy eating, environmental responsibility, and the joy of growing and cooking your own food.