Minimum Class Size: 

Maximum Class Size: 

Class Time: 2nd hour (9:35-10:30)

Required Materials or Books:

• God’s World News: News Current- This will be provided as part of the materials fee.
• 3-ring binder with 8 clear page protectors
• Pencil

Just as muscles can be strengthened with workouts designed to increase power and stamina, so our minds can be built up.  This class will incorporate various disciplines of thinking skills on a weekly rotation that are designed to workout the minds that God has given us:  

• Thinking About the Past:  Using Drive Thru History America:  Foundations of Character, we will examine some of the key influential characters from the foundation of our country to explore the lives of these brave men and women in order to understand their character, faith, accomplishments and principles.  Each student must research one assigned key early-American individual and give an informational and engaging report.
• Thinking About the Present:  We will use the weekly periodical God’s World News: News Current to balance news and current events with a Biblical perspective as we integrate social studies, the Bible, science and geography to develop a Biblical worldview.
• Thinking Critically:  Critical thinking is a skill that students can apply to enhance their educations and their lives.  Deeper analysis produces deeper understanding, which influences higher thinking, better grades and higher test scores.   Exercises, worksheets and questions from The Critical Thinking Company and other sources will be the backbone of this unit.
• Thinking Scientifically or Methodically:  Using Developing Critical Thinking through Science, students will watch and participate in scientific experiments that will help them to learn physical science principles and the scientific method of investigation.  These activities combine hands-on learning with two key elements (critical questioning and practical application) to guide students to investigative learning and help them connect what they are learning to the world around them.

Teacher Information:

Corina Kaul is the mother of four children and has been home schooling for 9 years.  She loves learning and has a 5 year history of teaching various co-op classes.  She is passionate about teaching children and developing their heart for God and the world which He has made.  One of her beloved hobbies is reading great children’s literature to herself and also to her family.  Corina has enjoyed being a pastor's wife for the past 14 years.

Susan Price graduated from Baylor University in 1992 with a BBA in Marketing and Quantitative Business Analysis.  She is the homeschooling mother of three and has also taught in public schools for 2 years.  This is her third year at the Brazos Valley Co-op.  Susan is active in the various children's ministries at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church .  With a commitment to providing children with a classical Christian education, Susan wants to prepare them to live out God's plans for their lives in the time and place He has put them.  While enjoying teaching piano for 17 years, Susan’s other favorite hobbies include singing, playing and listening to music, camping, hiking, and studying classical literature