A Snapshot of History

Missions to Modern Marvels gives students a narrative look at modern American and church history within a worldwide context.  It provides a fascinating chronicle of the spread of modern missions, the Gilded Age, World War I and II, the rise of Communism, the Space Race, the Cold War and more.  With a unique blend of living books, engaging activities, and a biblical perspective, Missions to Modern Marvels shows how the gospel of Jesus still meets the needs of an ever-changing world.

• Join devoted pastors, teachers, writers, and missionaries in Christian Heroes Just Like You, Christian Heroines Just Like You, and Hero Tales: Volume II and III.  Be inspired by faithful men and women who persevered in every culture!
• Enjoy stories of noteworthy people and places in The Story of the World: The Modern Age, and listen to award-winning audios as you continue your audio tour of history with What in the World: World Empires, World Missions, and World Wars.
• Discover the context and impact of important American events in All American History:  Volume II, and read compelling accounts of significant dates in Great Events in American History.
• Research the lives of the presidents of the United States using two different resources, and complete an entry on each president within the full-color President Notebook.
• Teach retelling skills with Charlotte Mason-style oral narrations.  Key words from the reading –  such as names, places, and events – are provided for students to include within the narration.
• Complete a beautiful history notebook filled with historical photographs, primary source documents, a colorful timeline, historical sketches, written narrations, copywork of quotes and more – a keepsake to treasure for years to come!
• Examine images of period memorabilia linked to the history reading and ponder questions that provide historical context. Add captions, quotes, and excerpts to historical photographs and newspaper articles.
• Read historical letters, journal entries, and speeches in the Book of Great American Speeches for Young People, and discuss them using Socratic-style questions.
• Learn to sketch with Draw and Write through History.  Draw the Titanic, a Sherman Tank, Amelia Earhart, Apollo 11 and more!
• Bring history to life with enjoyable projects like creating a Japanese family crest, baking Tollhouse cookies, and experimenting with a paper airplane.
• Include older students by using our optional Extension Package. This set of living books adds a fascinating layer to the history study and was chosen for older, independent readers.

A Collection of Read-Alouds

Experience stirring historical fiction, thought-provoking biographies, inspiring nonfiction, and classic literature as read-alouds.  Enjoy reading to your child each day as you make connections in a heartfelt way.

• Read living books linked with your journey through history. Overcome tragedy and famine in Ireland, forge a new life in a Russian Tsar’s palace, survive the Holocaust with Anita Dittman, set foot on the moon with Apollo 11, and bring aid to the poor with Teresa of Calcutta – all just a sampling of what awaits you!
• Build retelling skills through Charlotte Mason-style oral narrations.  As students sift and sort information, they will make connections with the text and draw their own conclusions.
• Practice higher-level evaluation skills through bookmark-style written responses. Select quotes from the readings to copy and comment on, use quick sketches to provide visual commentary, and make meaningful connections through clarifying questions and written reflections.

A Trek Through Geography

Missions to Modern Marvels helps students map their way through history, bringing the time period from the 1890s through modern times to life! As students study geography and practice mapping skills, they will learn about the places behind historic events.

• Use the Map Trek CD to print a variety of colorful maps for students to complete.  These maps illustrate major time periods, historic events, and important locations across the globe.
• Map changing boundaries, significant locations, political movements, and the shifting balance of power in the United States, Europe, Russia, China, India, the Middle East and more. Map events like the First and Second World Wars, the Great Depression, the spread of Communism, and the Cold War.
• Use the United States History Atlas to cross-reference maps of major historical events.  Color-coded maps provide coverage of American events at home and abroad during the time periods studied in Missions to Modern Marvels.

A Foundation of Scripture

Missions to Modern Marvels helps students learn the lifelong habit of digging into Scripture for God’s truth.  As students inductively study the Word, memorize Scripture, develop a biblical worldview, and spend time in prayer, they will discover truths that will help them grow into Godly young adults.

Bible Quiet Time

• Enjoy independent Bible lessons from Explorer’s Bible Study: Quest – Faith at Work. This in-depth study of Romans, Galatians, and James helps students learn to think, evaluate, understand, and apply what God is communicating in His Word.
• Keep a daily prayer journal using “Preparing Your Heart for Prayer” questions and pray through the four parts of prayer:  adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.
• Make Scripture memorization a joyful experience by using recitation, repetition, and copywork to memorize all of Romans 12 and James 4.
• Learn 12 of the greatest hymns ever composed with Hymns for a Kid’s Heart: Volume Two. This beautiful full-color book and fully orchestrated CD set includes richly orchestrated music, hymn writers’ stories, heartfelt prayers, Scripture verses, and printed sheet music.

Biblical Self-Image

• Minister to your child’s heart and help him/her view the world from a biblical perspective in Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here?  Read stories of children with differing worldviews, seek wisdom from Scripture, and discuss thought-provoking questions – all while learning essential beliefs of the Christian faith!
• Discuss what you believe as you study Biblical self-image and God-given purpose. Encourage students to see themselves the way God does by using Scripture as a lens.
• Help your child develop godly character based on what he/she has learned, and give your child the tools to put that learning into practice in daily life.

A World of Economics

Missions to Modern Marvels makes economics both accessible and applicable, as students learn the basics of our free enterprise system. With living books at the heart,  Missions to Modern Marvels weaves economics, history, current events, social studies, government, math, and a little science into a delightfully revealing look at the foundations and inner workings of our monetary system.

• Develop a real sense of economics with Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? These clever letters from “Uncle Eric” will introduce students to the concepts of recession, inflation, the demand for money, government spending, investment cycles, velocity, and more.
• Learn sound judgement and basic business principles with Common Sense Business for Kids. As students read, they will learn the simple truths behind salesmanship, market potential, fixed and variable cost, price strategies, and more. Even though business success seems complicated, in the end it really is just common sense!
• Make connections with the text while writing simple summaries of economic principles gained from the reading. As students read, they will record these principles in the Missions to Modern Marvels Student Notebook.

A Stroll Through Nature

Explore God’s Creation and read classic poetry about the great outdoors in our inspirational, one-of-a-kind approach to nature study! Missions to Modern Marvels provides a unique combination of nature-themed poetry and painting, using art to illustrate scenic poetry. In this year of study, students will gain a fresh appreciation of nature as they bring descriptive poetry to life through watercolor paintings.

• Learn to sketch and paint with nature illustrator Rosalie Haizlett as your guide in Watercolor in Nature! Alongside these beginner-friendly step-by-step tutorials on painting the natural world, Haizlett shares her very own nature journal entries that are sure to inspire. Haizlett’s colorful illustrations, inspirational descriptions, photographs, and copies of her own paintings help students visualize and create their own Charlotte Mason-style nature journals!
• Combine poetry and painting in Paint Nature’s Palette! Designed to accompany the “Nature Painting” plans in Missions to Modern Marvels, this notebook provides scenic poetry from classic poets, vivid photographs of woodland wildlife and botanicals, and a place for students to showcase their completed watercolor paintings.

A Journey Through Literature

Jump straight into the heart of reading with Drawn into the Heart of Reading, our literature program designed to help readers enjoy and evaluate great literature from a Christian perspective.

• Savor a wide scale of engaging literature while learning about different genres, story elements, and literary concepts.  Choose books to read from your own library, or pick one of our amazing literature packages filled with character-building selections and time-tested classics that fit perfectly.
• Weigh characters by their actions and measure their decisions against the standard provided in the Bible. As students analyze literature from a biblical perspective, they will learn to recognize Godly character traits and apply them in daily life.
• Enjoy thought-provoking discussions and exciting projects tied to fascinating literature. As students dig beneath the surface of what they read, they’ll complete graphic-organizer style pages to solidify what they’ve learned.

Note: If you’d like to learn more about Drawn into the Heart of Reading, you can find more information here.

A Look at Grammar, Writing, and Spelling

Heart of Dakota teaches foundational language arts skills through a unique combination of Charlotte Mason-style dictation exercises, a choice of grammar options, and a variety of creative writing approaches.  You can use your own resources for grammar and writing, or use our time-tested selections as planned in Missions to Modern Marvels.

• Practice spelling using the Charlotte Mason method of studied dictation.  Using passages provided in Missions to Modern Marvels, your child will study a passage and then reproduce it as you dictate the passage aloud. This process quickly builds writing skills while teaching spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
• Enjoy thorough grammar and writing lessons with Progressing With Courage. This comprehensive, God-honoring text is easy-to-use and teaches key concepts of grammar, mechanics, and writing.
• Get ready for a rip-roaring ride through the world of creative writing with the Writers Gold Mine (for boys) or Writers Roundup (for girls)! These inspirational, Christian writing workbooks provide young authors with everything they need to know about writing stories! As students complete each lesson, they will learn fundamental writing techniques and use them as they write. Ten short, optional video lessons enrich the writing lessons. A two-part “bonus” video on formatting and uploading stories is also included. Whether students simply write a short story or choose to write a novel, this creative writing program benefits all!

A Structure for Mathematics

Missions to Modern Marvels offers a choice of Principles of Mathematics, Mastering Essential Math Skills, Understanding Pre-Algebra, or Understanding Geometry. Or, you can use your own math. For your convenience, daily schedules for both Principles of Mathematics levels are provided in the Missions to Modern Marvels guide. Schedules for Mastering Essential Math Skills are included with purchase.

Principles of Mathematics Series

• Help students transition from the upper elementary years to junior high level math with the Principles of Mathematics series.  This two-book math series is designed to be used in grades 7-8 and works well after Singapore’s Primary Math series. The first book of Principles of Mathematics is typically used for 7th grade and the second book is typically used for 8th grade. No matter which book you choose, you can rest easy knowing that both options are scheduled in Missions to Modern Marvels.
• Focus on teaching mathematical concepts along with practical application, teaching your student both the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of math through the engaging, conversational lessons in Principles of Mathematics.
• Lay a solid mathematical foundation – both academically and spiritually – as students explore pre-algebra, build problem-solving skills, and approach mathematics as a tool for exploring and describing God’s universe!
• Prepare students for upper-level math in a logical, step-by-step way by firming up needed math concepts, strengthening critical thinking skills, and helping students see how different aspects of math connect.
• Use the placement tests available at https://www.masterbooks.com/principles-of-mathematics-series to find the right placement for your child.  Year-long schedules for both Principles of Mathematics:  Book 1 and Principles of Mathematics:  Book 2 are provided in the Missions to Modern Marvels guide.

Mastering Essential Math Skills

• Find success in mathematics with Mastering Essential Math Skills and Mastering Essential Math Skills Pre-Algebra, written by talented author and math teacher, Richard Fisher! These new, completely edited versions include award-winning online video tutorials.
• Enjoy short and concise lessons presented in an easy-to-understand format that flows smoothly and logically. These lessons give numerous examples with step-by-step solutions and offer helpful hints for success. Review is built into each lesson, and problem solving ensures that students apply their knowledge to real-life-situations.
• Prepare for Pre-Algebra and Algebra with Mastering Essential Math Skills. This program works well for sixth through eighth grade students who need to firm up foundational skills, or for older students who have struggled with math in the past.
• Tackle Pre-Algebra head on with Mastering Essential Math Skills Pre-Algebra. This course is shorter than typical Pre-Algebra courses, making it easy to learn the key concepts needed for Algebra fast! In addition to the regular lessons, this program includes extra quizzes, a handy glossary, and a resource center.

Understanding Pre-Algebra

• Give students the critical thinking skills necessary to successfully understand and complete Pre-Algebra! In Critical Thinking Company’s Understanding Pre-Algebra, award-winning author Terri Husted puts her 35 years of experience teaching math to excellent use!
• Understand critical thinking concepts and elements that lead to discovery before being asked to problem solve or deeply reason.
• Learn prerequisite skills in a logical fashion that stresses practice and critical thinking. Avoid the mistakes—found in many other math books—of teaching new concepts before students have the prerequisite skills and practice necessary for success.
• Commit to memory math vocabulary with easy-to-follow explanations in a user-friendly glossary.
• Prepare for Algebra I – Understanding Pre-Algebra teaches and develops the math concepts and critical thinking skills necessary for future success in Algebra I.

Understanding Geometry

• Give students the critical thinking skills necessary to successfully complete Geometry in Terri Husted’s Understanding Geometry!
• Use this systematic step-by-step approach to teach students the reasoning behind the properties taught in geometry – instead of merely asking students to memorize them.
• Teach students the basics of geometric proofs and coordinate geometry in a way they can easily understand that better prepares them for standardized testing.
• Utilize the provided glossary of terms to teach students geometric terms that every student must master.
• Use this textbook for seventh through ninth grade students who want a visual Geometry course. Pre-Algebra is recommended prior to starting Understanding Geometry.

An Exploration of Chemistry and Genetics

In Missions to Modern Marvels, students will delve into chemistry, learn about 20th Century scientists, and engage in a study of evolution vs creation – all while using God’s Word as a foundation! Missions to Modern Marvels features a unique, living books approach to science that integrates notebooking, narration, probing questions, vocabulary, and hands-on experiments from fully-equipped science kits.

• Join award-winning author John Hudson Tiner for an intriguing tour through the realm of chemistry in Exploring the World of Chemistry: From Ancient Metals to High-Speed Computers.
• Discover groundbreaking scientists from the 20th Century – learn about the lives and legacies of Marie Curie, Enrico Fermi, and Albert Einstein through fascinating biographies.
• Investigate two opposing views of the origin of life as you compare the theory of evolution with creationism in Evolution: The Grand Experiment. As students read, discuss, and watch their way through this revolutionary study, they will examine current evidence both for and against the theory of evolution. Join Dr. Carl Werner in examining the fossil record, spontaneous generation, natural selections, chance mutations, and more!
• Explore chemistry and study DNA using hands-on experiment kits along with tiered lab forms emphasizing the scientific method. Test electrochemical reactions, isolate DNA from a tomato, breed a bacteria colony, investigate how traits are passed down, examine the composition of hard water, and conduct many other insightful experiments.