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Sample Academic Goals

Art Appreciation

Foreign Language

Health

Occupational Education

The student will…

Art Appreciation

…learn the names of famous paintings and artists.

…learn the major schools of art and be able to place paintings within the correct school.

…given a famous painting (or reproduction/photo of it), identify the name of the painting and the artist.

…given a famous artist’s name, be able to discuss the life of that artists and identify major works.

…evaluate all works of art in light of Scripture.

…have basic drawing skills.

Foreign Language

... learn the basics of classical Latin

... learn the basics of Koine Greek

... learn the basics of Hebrew, if desired

... have an introduction to the main languages spoken throughout the world

... prayerfully select (at least) one major world language in which to become fluent

Health

Health Care

... maintain basic hygiene

... properly care for their teeth

... know emergency first aid

… know basic fire safety

Anatomy

... know the names of the major bones in the body

... know the names and functions of the body’s major systems

... know the names and functions of the body’s major organs

... know the names of the main groups of muscles, and have an understanding of how they work

Nutrition

... be able to apply nutritional theory in planning menus for the family’s meals

... know the nutritional theories prevalent today, and be familiar with the scientific data (or lack thereof) supporting those theories

Physical Education

... know the benefits of exercise and apply that knowledge by maintaining an active lifestyle that exercises their bodies to maintain good health.

... play on community sports teams (baseball, basketball, etc.), as interested.

... participate in individual sports (ballet, gymnastics, karate, etc.), as interested.

... have an exposure to the sports common in our country, and be able to play them well enough to contribute to the team when participating in pick-up games.

... be able to swim well.

History

... know about major civilizations in history, and know key people and events pertinent to those civilizations.

… in a discussion of any major historical event or figure, be able to carry on an informed, intelligent conversation.

... study the history of the United States.

... study the history of Washington State.

… apply lessons learned from history to current events.

… apply Scripture to historical events and people to understand God’s view of, and involvement in, history.

Language Arts

... speak, read, and write the prestige dialect of American English.

... learn the basic parts of speech and other rules of English grammar.

… given a list of words, alphabetize them.

… given polysyllabic words, syllabify them.

… when information is needed, select an appropriate reference book and use it (Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Atlas, phone book)

... know how to use a library.

... know common abbreviations.

... know the meanings of common English prefixes and suffixes.

... know the general outline of a well-constructed speech and apply this knowledge by writing and making speeches.

Mathematics

Arithmetic

... demonstrate the ability to count to 300 by ones, to 100 by twos, fives, and tens; to 2000 by hundreds.

... memorize basic addition facts to 20+20, as well as their corresponding subtraction facts.

... memorize basic multiplication facts (and corresponding division facts) to 12x12.

... memorize perfect squares to 20²

... demonstrate knowledge of place value and apply basic addition facts to solving multi-digit equations.

... demonstrate an understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages.

... apply appropriate arithmetic functions in determining area and volume.

... be able to read a table to obtain information (i.e. bus or television schedule).

… given raw data, produce charts, graphs, and tables to illustrate that information. Produce these charts/graphs/tables in more than one format to illustrate that the manner in which information is presented can be misleading.

… given charts/graphs/tables, analyze the data to determine an accurate understanding of the information contained.

Math

Study and be able to apply the fields of algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, and statistics. If desired, the fields of differential equations, number theory, and linear algebra will also be studied. Specific goals for these subjects will be written as the subjects are studied (at the time of this goal-writing, the oldest child was five years old)

Probability & Statistics

Specific goals for the study of probability and statistics will be written when studied.

Logic

... know the names of the common logical fallacies.

... be able to construct a logically valid argument.

... be able to analyze the reasoning of others to determine whether arguments being presented are valid or fallacious.

Music Appreciation

... learn common musical terminology.

... learn basic music theory.

... learn about different styles of music.

... evaluate music in light of Scripture.

... learn the names of famous classical composers and become familiar with their work.

... learn to play the piano and the recorder.

... learn to play at least one other portable musical instrument.

Occupational Education and Life Enhancement

... be exposed to a wide range of the occupations available in our society.

... be able to touch-type.

... be proficient in using common computer software and business machines

... learn basic office etiquette

... learn how to operate a small business

... learn basic accounting

... learn basic home economics

... learn basic carpentry and wood shop skills

... learn mechanical drafting

... be able to draw (sketch)

... learn to sew and design their own patterns.

... learn auto mechanics and be able to perform routine maintenance

... know how to build a computer. They will be able to perform basic diagnostics and repairs.

... play golf.

… learn test-taking strategies.

Reading

... enjoy reading.

... read fluently (testing at or above age level in elementary grades; at college-level thereafter).

... know the basic structure of a book (title page, table of contents, chapters, glossary, appendices, index)

Science

Biology

... learn about genetics; understand dominant and recessive genes and be able to explain this information to others.

... study taxonomy - memorize the seven levels used for classification.

... know the five kingdoms into which living things are classified.

... know the thirty-four phyla into which animals are classified.

... know the twenty-one orders of mammals, as well as some of the families within those orders.

... be able to contrast the theories of creation and evolution. Discuss the main flaws in the theory of evolution and apply the study of formal logic in analyzing the arguments of evolutionists. Explain how the theory of intelligent creation resolves the problems inherent in the evolutionist model.

... complete both years of Apologia’s biology courses.

Chemistry

... know the elements, and be able to use a periodic table.

... know properties of the elements, and be able to explain why different elements are grouped together.

... understand the information contained in the periodic table.

... conduct experiments/demonstrations to learn about chemistry and how it affects our lives.

... complete both years of Apologia’s chemistry courses.

Computers

... know the names of the parts of a computer.

... be able to perform simple diagnostics to troubleshoot computer problems.

... be able to perform simple computer repair.

Nature Studies

-Anatomy – see health

-Astronomy

... know common terminology used in astronomy (planet, star, galaxy, etc.).

... know the names of the planets, and the order in which those planets appear.

... be able to identify major constellations found in the Northern hemisphere.

-Atmospheric Science

... know the names of the different types of clouds, and apply this knowledge by accurately identifying clouds they see in the sky.

... know the types of weather that occur in this region (names of different types of precipitation). They will also know the types of weather which occurs in other areas (hurricanes, typhoons, etc)

… use equipment to monitor conditions and make accurate weather predictions

-Botany

... identify plants which commonly grow in the area where we live.

... be able to discuss local plants and the habitat in which those plants are likely to be found.

... apply their knowledge of local plants in harvesting edible berries and avoiding poisonous ones.

-Geology

… know different ways that mountains are formed (volcanic mountains, folded mountains…)

… know how seismic activity affects the earth’s crust

… know the types of intrusions that magma makes into the earth’s crust

… know the three main types of rocks

… know how weather and water affect the earth’s topography

… be able to read a topographic map

-Zoology

... know the names of animals native to the Pacific Northwest; know the habitat of those animals and be able to discuss the animals’ habits.

... be able to identify major animals of the world (tiger, elephant, etc.)

Entomology: ... be able to identify common insects and bugs found in the region.

Oceanography: ... be able to identify animals and plants found in the Puget Sound. They will know uses to which those plants and animals can be put.

Physics

... know what a magnet is and be able to discuss the properties of magnets; apply those properties in using magnets when appropriate to do so.

... know what electricity is; construct simple circuits in series and parallel. Conduct further demonstrations, such as building radios, clocks, lamps, computers, etc., as interest dictates.

... have a general understanding of energy and work, the theory of relativity, the laws of thermodynamics, and other common physical properties observed in God’s creation.

... complete both years of Apologia’s physics courses.

Scripture

... demonstrate general knowledge of Bible structure by writing a general outline, including in that outline all books of the Bible and their authors. Spelling counts.

... demonstrate general knowledge of Biblical content by summarizing the contents of every book.

... memorize Scripture, quantity to depend on age and ability.

... discuss the history of the Bible, including how the Canon was determined.

... also discuss Scriptural authenticity and explain the controversy perpetuated by the King-James-Only sect.

... spend time daily in God’s Word. Lessons learned will be shared with the family, and with others at God’s leading.

… apply Scriptural commands and principals to daily life.

Social Studies

Civics

... learn the rights and responsibilities of a citizen (civics).

Constitutions

U.S. Constitution

... memorize the preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

... know the Bill of Rights.

... know the titles of all amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

State Constitution

... study the state constitution.

Cultures

... learn about the people who live and have lived in different cultures throughout the world. Be able to identify the languages spoken, major religions, and monetary system of all cultures studied. Also be able to discuss the impact of missions on those cultures.

... adopt a missionary, learn about the culture in which that missionary is working, support that missionary in prayer, and otherwise as God leads.

… given a listing of the major Native American Indian tribes, identify the part of the country in which the tribes traditionally lived. Intelligently discuss the practices of those tribes.

Geography

... memorize all the U.S. states and capitals.

… given a blank map of the world, identify all continents and oceans.

… given a blank map of any continent, identify all countries, mountain ranges, and major bodies of water.

… given a blank map of the United States and Canada, identify all states/territories, capitals, mountain ranges, and major bodies of water.

… given a blank map of Washington, identify all counties, county seats, mountain ranges, major mountains and bodies of water, and main cities.

... learn how to read a map. Give clear directions in assisting people who wish to find a designated location.

… given a blank piece of paper, sketch longitude and latitude lines, then produce an accurate map of any region of the world.

Spelling

... select the appropriate word and spell it correctly when a homonym is used.

... accurately spell the 1000 most commonly used words in the English language.

... accurately spell all words they write.

... accurately spell the books of the Bible.

... accurately spell the elements of the periodic table.

... accurately spell the science and technical vocabulary encountered their studies.

... accurately spell the names of the countries, oceans, and mountains of the world.

... accurately spell our country’s states and capitols.

... accurately spell the names of great composers and artists.

Writing

... have legible penmanship.

... demonstrate the ability to legibly write dictated material (sentences, paragraphs, or lists).