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1. What is Blackburn Essentials?

Blackburn Essentials for grades 3 – 5/6 are enjoyable classes that instruct students in skills necessary for academic success and then provide consistent opportunities for daily/weekly practice in order to help students master those skills. Blackburn Essentials classes are designed to be taken each of the Grammar level years and will teach students the following:

  • English grammar (parts of speech, sentence structure, grammar jingles, and more)
  • Math facts (addition/subtraction fact families, times tables, and more)
  • Spelling (grade appropriate vocabulary, phonics, and more)
  • Cursive writing (letter formation, connection, and speed which are important for fine motor development, note taking, and the ability to read original source documents, among other things)

Home assignments for Blackburn Essentials generally do not require at-home instruction, only a bit of practice for those skills taught in the classroom. Blackburn Essentials provides your student with the opportunity to learn and practice English grammar, spelling, math facts, and cursive in a fun environment with their friends.

2. What is the relationship between math and science courses?

Your student MUST be in at least Saxon 76 (or its equivalent) DURING Grade 6/7 at BSC in order to have the math skills needed for BSC Science classes.

MATH/SCIENCE CONNECTION

In order to progress into Chemistry, a student has to have completed Algebra 1. So, it is important to be aware of your student’s math progress as he/she ages. This is especially important if your student is on the younger end of the dual-grade class. If you desire for your child to take advanced science at Blackburn, he/she should fall into this pattern:

  • 6/7 - Saxon 76 and General Science
  • 7/8 - Pre-Algebra and Physical Science
  • 8/9 - Algebra 1 and Biology
  • 9/10 - Geometry and Chemistry
  • 10/11 - Algebra 2 and Physics
  • 11/12 - Pre-Calculus and Advanced Chemistry
  • 12 - Calculus and Advanced Science

3. Why is Astronomy taught at BSC?

Astronomy is part of the Classical Quadrivium and is a wonderful science for the upper grades as it reveals the grandeur of our Creator God and, in addition to learning about the universe, deepens students’ understanding of elements of mathematics, physics and other scientific disciplines

WHEN IS ASTRONOMY OFFERED? Astronomy is offered every other year in the same year that Grades 10-12 can take Physics (Astronomy is NOT offered every other year when Chemistry and Advanced Chemistry are taught)

WHERE DOES ASTRONOMY FIT IN THE BSC SCIENCE TRACK? There are 4 natural places to work Astronomy into your student’s science education: 

  • 8th Grade during 8/9 – MOST 8/9 students should take Biology in order to stay on the BSC science track, but if your 8th grader plans to leave BSC for grades 9-12 (e.g. for your local public school) and Biology will be his/her 9th grade science at the new school, then Astronomy is a good choice
    • Looks like: Astronomy (8th during 8/9); then new school’s track (9-12) 
  • 10th Grade during 10-12 – Students in 10th grade during 10-12 at BSC may choose between Physics and Astronomy; the option not chosen may be taken in 12th Grade
    • Looks like: Biology (8th during 8/9); Chemistry (9th during 9/10); Astronomy (10th during 10/11); Advanced Chemistry (11th during 11/12); Physics (12th during 10-12)
  • 11th Grade during 10-12 – If a student does not want Physics as part of his/her high school science track 
    • Looks like: Biology (9th during 8/9); Chemistry (10th during 9/10); Astronomy (11th during 10/11); Advanced Chemistry (12th during 11/12) 
  • 12th Grade during 10-12 – Students on the younger end of the grade divide who have already completed Biology (8th), Chemistry (9th), Physics (10th) and Advanced Chemistry (11th) in Grades 8-11 at BSC may take Astronomy as their 12th grade science option