English
Description
Also known as Writing Beyond High School, this class is for students who are comfortable with the mechanics of writing papers, passionate about the written word, and looking to prepare themselves for college-level and real-world writing.
Our primary focus will be on refining students’ non-fiction academic writing by exploring the types of essays students will encounter in higher education, such as persuasive essays, research papers, literary analysis, and comparison essays. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their creative writing through descriptive and narrative pieces, including personal statements (such as for college applications), fiction and dialog, and in-class stories. Additionally, we will address how to write cover letters and professional correspondence and discuss the importance of quality original writing in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Students should be prepared to write 8-10 papers during the course of the year, with heavy emphasis on multiple drafts and detailed revisions. Workload will also include in-class writing and peer revisions as well as some at-home reading of style books and short works by classic and contemporary authors.
Prerequisites: Completion of English 1&2 plus an additional Cornerstone English/Literature Survey Course.
Curriculum & Resources:
- On Writing Well by William Zinsser
- The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
- The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder 2nd Edition
Description
This course provides a comprehensive survey of American Literature, beginning with early American writings and progressing through modern works. Students will study a wide range of literary forms and styles while gaining an understanding of the historical backgrounds and cultural settings that shaped American authors. Through poems, essays, short stories, and novels, students will become familiar with key voices in America’s literary tradition.
Students will read four full-length novels and build vocabulary through weekly practice. Coursework includes Critical Reading Questions, quizzes on assigned readings and class material, and tests for each major section of the course. Special projects and presentations will also be used to assess student comprehension and analytical skills.
Prerequisite: ELA 2
Curriculum & Resources:
- American Literature, 4th edition: Abeka Book
- Wordly Wise 3000: Book 9 (3rd Edition)
- $15 copy fee due by first class. This can be paid by cash, check, or venmo @Joanna-Snow-7
(following list is tentative)
- The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne: Dover Thrift Study Edition
- Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe: Dover Thrift Study Edition
- Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass: Dover Thrift Edition
- A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain: Dover Thrift Edition
Description
This class serves as an introduction to High School English Language Arts. Students will expand their grammar lexicon, strengthen their writing skills, and apply critical thinking and analysis strategies to literature. The aim of the course is to help students grow as confident, clear, and effective communicators and to inspire them to appreciate various types of literature. This class is the perfect foundation for any subsequent English class at Cornerstone and beyond.
Prerequisites Students must be 12 years old by first class;
Curriculum & Resources:
- Sentence Diagramming, Beginning and Level 1
- The Giver, Lois Lowry
- Second Novel, TBD
- Short Stories and Poetry will be provided as print-outs
ELA Foundations 2
(Grades: 8th-10th)
Tutor: Emily Risner
Description
This class is for students who are comfortable constructing paragraphs and are ready to test their skills with new writing challenges. This class will build upon the skills learned in English 1, focusing on more challenging and independent writing. Students will have more opportunities to analyze literature both in the classroom and in their writing. Individual feedback on assignments will continue to be a mainstay in all assignments.
Prerequisite: ELA Foundations 1. Exceptions can be made at the teacher’s discretion after reviewing writing samples.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Sentence Diagramming Level 2
- The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom
- Butterfly Yellow, Thanhha Lai
- Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare
Literature Survey: Faith and Fairy Tales
(Grades: 10th-12th)
Tutor: Emily Risner
Description
In this class, we will explore the captivating intersections between Biblical narratives and fairy tales. We will read many of the original fairy tales (including Grimms’ and Anderson’s) as well as more modern tales including C.S. Lewis’s Till We Have Faces and A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Join us on a literary journey that seeks to understand the universal appeal of these narratives, celebrating the power of storytelling to convey enduring truths across cultural and imaginative landscapes. Teacher-led, Student-driven class discussion will be the driving force of the class as we seek to apply critical thinking and a Christ-centered worldview to the depictions of society presented in the texts. Along the way, students will be challenged with a variety of writing assignments, both analytical and creative.
Prerequisite: ELA2 and Students must be in 10th grade and feel confident in their academic writing abilities.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Fairy Tales – Grimms Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson
- The Princess and the Goblin, George MacDonald
- Til We Have Faces, C.S. Lewis
- Many Waters, Madeline L’Engle
- Big Fish, Daniel Wallace
- A Monster Calls, Patrick Ness
History, Social Studies, and Theology
Description
A high school geography course explores Earth’s physical features, human cultures, and the interactions between them, using tools to understand global patterns, regional development, and current issues, covering topics from landforms and climates to demographics, economics, politics, and cultural practices across continents. Most importantly, it helps us see the world through God’s eyes. Both in and out of class, students will learn deeply about all regions of the world, with focus on key strategic nations and areas of particular concern.
Students will complete weekly textbook readings and demonstrate understanding through completing assigned questions and taking quizzes. Each unit will end with a comprehensive test. In addition special projects/ research will be conducted to apply
knowledge gained throughout the class.
Curriculum & Resources:
- BJU Press Cultural Geography Grade 9 Student Edition (5th Edition)
- BJU Press Cultural Geography Activities (5th Edition)
- $15 copy fee
Description
Students will be introduced to the study of Christian theology, focusing on Scripture, tradition, and lived faith. Students will explore the nature of God, the life
and teachings of Jesus Christ, the structure and authorship of the Bible, the history of the Church, moral decision-making, and the role of faith in personal and community life.
Students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Christianity through discussion, writing, prayerful reflection, and academic study. An
emphasis on critical thinking will equip students to be active defenders of the faith, engaging thoughtfully with a world that challenges their beliefs.
Prerequisite: ELA 2
Curriculum & Resources:
- TBD, but likely to include The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
Description
This course, designed specifically for the energy and attention span of middle school students, will explore history from creation through the fall of Rome from a
Biblical worldview. Over the course of the year, students will make meaningful connections to this time period by defining and identifying themes such as cultural diffusion, human-environment interactions, the impact of conflict, the impact of trade, push and pull factors, and the elements of culture. During class
time, students’ participation in interactive lessons containing thoughtful activities and hands-on learning will prompt engagement while building academic skills
in preparation for high school classes.
Outside of class, students will complete weekly textbook readings and demonstrate their understanding through assigned questions. Each of the classes’ five units will culminate in a project and a test.
Curriculum & Resources:
- TBD
- $20 copy fee
Description
This course provides an analysis and practical-learning approach to studying the history and current policies of the US Government and Politics. An interactive
student government-like application throughout the school year will also be included. Through interactive lessons, games, and hands-on projects, this course
will cover federal, state, and local government through iCivics.org and Crash Course Government, along with our required text. Additionally, we will hold a mock
Presidential race and election, as well as a Mock Shark Tank Presentation, to allow students to develop possible solutions to our country’s current issues. This course is a one-credit course for High School students.
Prerequisites: US History
Curriculum & Resources:
- Notgrass 2023 Edition of Exploring Government
- Notgrass We Hold These Truths
- $20 Copy Fee for Mock Election and Mock Shark Tank Projects
United States History
(Grades: 10th-11th)
Tutor: Erin Freeman
Description
US History covers American history from pre-colonial times to the present, focusing on political, economic, and social developments, major turning points like the
Revolution, Civil War, and World Wars, and the nation’s role in the world, emphasizing how God’s hand has been involved all along in our country’s development.
Students will complete weekly textbook readings and demonstrate understanding through completing assigned questions and taking quizzes. Each unit will
end with a comprehensive test. In addition special projects/ research with be completed to showcase knowledge gained through the class.
Prerequisites: Completion of ELA 2.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story – Text
- A Student Workbook for Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story
- $10 copy fee
Description
This course offers a comprehensive survey of World History, tracing human civilization from ancient times through the modern era. Students will explore major
historical events, influential individuals, and diverse cultures across the globe, gaining an understanding of how societies have developed and interacted over
time. Instruction will emphasize a Biblical worldview, encouraging students to recognize God’s sovereignty and His work throughout history. Students will complete weekly textbook readings and demonstrate understanding through Critical Reading Questions and quizzes. The course is divided into six units, each culminating in a unit test. In addition, special projects and/or presentations will provide opportunities for students to apply historical knowledge, practice research skills, and communicate ideas effectively.
Prerequisites: Completion of ELA 1 and ELA 2. ELA 2 can be taken concurrently.
Curriculum & Resources:
- World History and Cultures, Third Edition, Abeka Book Materials/Supplies
- $10 copy fee
Languages
Description
We will dive into learning everyday “talk” in American Sign Language! We will try to immerse ourselves by keeping a “no-voice” environment (except on designated days). This will help us practice the language and our receptive skills and become better at charades (I promise it’ll be important later!)
We will not only focus on the language alone, but also Deaf history and culture. We will gain a basic knowledge of different forms of sign languages out there and how American Sign Language is different from those.
We will have Deaf visitors to teach on important topics, for exposure to the language and norms as well as interpreters. It will be highly encouraged to attend at least one Deaf social or event.
Prerequisite for ASL 2: Completion of ASL 1.
Curriculum & Resources:
None Required
Description
This course provides students with effective strategies for beginning Spanish language learning while exploring various aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures. Emphasizing the four fundamental language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—students will develop essential vocabulary, phrases, and concepts necessary for everyday communication.
Students will engage with key topics such as greetings, numbers, common verbs, and daily expressions, gaining confidence in constructing basic sentences. The course covers essential grammar, including the present, preterite, imperfect, and simple future tenses. Through interactive activities, novel studies, cultural explorations, and engaging exercises, students will build a strong linguistic foundation. By the end of the course, they will be able to introduce themselves, ask and answer simple questions, describe people and places, and participate in basic conversations.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Breaking the Spanish Barrier, Level 1 Beginner
Spanish 2
(Grades: 8th-12th)
Tutor: Amanda Kauffmann
Description
This course builds upon the foundational skills developed in Spanish 1, further enhancing students’ abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will expand their vocabulary, refine their grammar, and deepen their understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Students will review and strengthen their knowledge of the tenses learned Spanish 1 while being introduced to new grammatical concepts such as commands, the future and conditional tenses, object pronouns, and other more complex grammatical concepts. Emphasis will be placed on increasing fluency and accuracy in communication through more complex sentence structures and interactive speaking activities.
Through engaging exercises, cultural studies, novel studies, and real-world applications, students will develop greater confidence in expressing ideas, describing experiences, and participating in conversations. By the end of the course, they will be able to discuss past and future events, give opinions, and communicate effectively in a variety of everyday situations.
Prerequisite: Pretest required.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Breaking the Spanish Barrier, Level 2 Intermediate
Spanish 3
(Grades: 8th-12th)
Tutor: Amanda Kauffmann
Description
This course deepens students’ understanding and usage of the Spanish language with a major focus on conversation and translation. Spanish 3 offers a more complex look into the grammatical tenses we have learned and introduces the subjunctive mood. Through a variety of exercises, novel studies, culture moments, and real-time practice, students will develop greater confidence in conversing and translating in Spanish. The advanced book makes certain that every student has all the rules needed to engage confidently in the Spanish language.
** Much of this course will be taught entirely in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Pretest required.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Breaking the Spanish Barrier, Level 3 Advanced
Mathematics
Description
This course covers traditional Algebra 1, including the following: functions and graphs, equations in one and two variables, solving systems of equations, exponents, polynomials, factoring, algebraic fractions, operations on square roots/radicals, solving quadratic equations, and inequalities.
Prerequisite: Pretest required.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Copy Fee: $20
Description
This is a 30-week high school level Algebra 2 class meant to prepare students to be suited for math on the collegiate level. Students will also gain the skills
needed to prepare for college placement exams (The Accuplacer) and standardized achievement and content exams (SAT and ACT). Topics will include
equations and inequalities, linear, quadratic, and exponential models, polynomial, quadratic, rational and radical functions, exponential and logarithmic
functions, complex numbers and basic matrix operations and solutions.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1. Pretest required.
Curriculum & Resources:
- BJU Press Algebra 2 Student Text 3rd Edition ISBN-13: 9781646264759
- graphing calculator or smart phone with graphing calculator app,
- Copy Fee $20 payable by Cash app or cash.
Geometry
(Grades: 9th-12th)
Tutor: Amy Jenkins
Description
This course covers classic Euclidean Geometry, with an emphasis on reasoning skills through proofs and the building of an axiomatic system. Topics include: deductive reasoning, points, lines, planes, rays, angles, congruent triangles, geometric inequalities, properties of parallel lines, quadrilaterals, isometries, area, similarity, right triangles and trigonometric ratios, properties of circles, regular polygons, geometric solids, and coordinate geometry. While algebra will not be explicitly taught, algebra review problems are included in most chapters.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 & pretest required.
Curriculum & Resources:
Geometry Seeing, Doing, Understanding (Third Edition), by Harold R. Jacobs and Solutions manual
- Copy Fee: $20
Pre-Algebra
(Grades: 7th-9th)
Tutor: Marjorie Impraim
Description
This 30-week class will be a gradual easing into the world of Algebra. I will start by reviewing some of the basics learned in early middle school/late elementary
school math. Then I will introduce the topics needed to prepare your child for Algebra 1. Topics will include operations with integers, expressions, solving
equations, inequalities, rational numbers, percent’s, decimals, and preliminary cartesian graphing skills.
Students should be prepared to study no less than 4 hours a week.
Prerequisite: Pretest required.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Pre-Algebra 2nd Edition BJU Press (student textbook only) Supplies and Equipment
- Copy Fee $20 payable by Cash app or cash.
Music & Arts
Description
This introductory course develops essential studio art skills, designed to build both technique and confidence. Students strengthen their abilities in areas such as contour drawing, shading, value, composition, and color theory, while experimenting with a range of materials, including graphite, colored pencils, pastels, paint, clay, and mixed media. Projects are connected to major art movements such as Impressionism, Pop Art, and Cubism, helping students understand historical context alongside hands-on practice.
By the end of the course, students demonstrate proficiency in portraiture, landscape, abstract art, and introductory sculpture. Units include Introduction to Drawing, Introduction to Painting, Sculpture, and Mixed Media, preparing students for more advanced study in drawing, painting, digital art, and photography.
Students are required to show their work in a display at the end of the semester in the Study Hall
Curriculum & Resources:
- No text required.
- Copy Fee – $20
Art 2
(Grades: 8th-12th)
Tutor: Therese McDaniel
Description
This intermediate course is for students who have excelled in Art 1 or have been approved for participation by the tutor and parents. This comprehensive studio art course develops foundational skills in drawing, painting, and mixed media while encouraging students to cultivate a personal style and artistic voice.
In the first semester, students focus on drawing techniques, exploring both traditional and nontraditional materials. Projects include still life, charcoal drapery studies, colored pencil, scratchboard, printmaking, and bookbinding.
The second semester introduces painting techniques in acrylic, watercolor, and tempera, along with continued exploration of mixed media. Students build technical proficiency in composition, color theory, and material application while creating a diverse portfolio that reflects growth and creative experimentation.
Students are required to show their work in a display at the end of the semester in the Study Hall.
Prerequisite: Art 1.
Curriculum & Resources:
- No text required
- Copy Fee – $20
Description
The Financial Literacy class will equip students with practical, real-life money skills they can apply both immediately and long term. Topics include budgeting,
saving, banking, credit and debt, investing basics, and making wise financial decisions. The course will be interactive and discussion-based, emphasizing real-world examples and daily intricate assignments that help students develop healthy, sustainable financial habits. Instruction will be guided by multiple trusted, free financial literacy curricula, along with financial knowledge and principles gained through my college-level education.
Curriculum & Resources:
- TBD
- Copy Fee – $20
Description
The class integrates popular-style, classical and guitar ensemble into each lesson. Popular-style skill is developed by learning basic chords and strumming technique in the context of learning popular, mostly classic rock songs. Each song is presented as a song chart so that students immediately begin the music-reading process. By the third lesson, the concept of beats, time signatures and basic rhythms are in place. Students will then begin to learn how to read standard notation, one string at a time, and always in the context of learning and performing teacher/student duets. These duets are important not only to develop
reading skills, but also so that students learn how to listen to another player and to a common beat. Most importantly, duets allow music-reading development to be relevant, engaging and fun. By the second semester, students will be prepared to begin learning classical guitar as well as guitar quartet music. By the end of the school year, students will have learned a substantial amount of skill and musicianship in all three areas.
Curriculum & Resources:
- “Beginning Guitar for the Classroom, a Comprehensive Approach” by Lou Warde (seventeenth edition). The book should be printed and put into a
3-ring binder. It is available at this website for free. - An acoustic guitar or classical guitar. Electric guitars are also acceptable so long as the student brings an amp and ¼” cable.
Description
Designed for 10th – 12th grade students who are looking to begin exploring the fascinating field of psychology, this course will cover the five units of study standard to an introductory undergraduate psychology course: Biological Bases of Behavior, Cognition, Development and Learning, Social Psychology and Personality, and Mental and Physical Health. This class may be taken as either a general interest/survey elective, or at a college level, preparing students to take the AP Psychology Exam in May.
**Please note, this is NOT an official AP course, and any and all arrangements to take the College Board AP Exam are solely the responsibility of the student and parent. “AP” is a trademark of The College Board. This class is not audited by nor affiliated with the College Board. Participation in the AP Exam is not a requirement of this course.**
At either level, students should be prepared to complete extensive reading at home and come to class prepared to discuss the material. For survey-level students, homework will involve short content-review questions each week, while students planning to take the exam should expect to complete additional free-response questions to develop the targeted Science Practices of Concept Understanding, Research Methods and Design, Data Interpretation, and Argumentation essential to a college-level course. Most importantly, this course will approach the study of psychology through the Christian lens, always bearing in mind that our minds are windows to our eternal souls and our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Myer’s Psychology for the AP Course, 4th edition preferred; earlier editions are less expensive and will suffice
- Baron’s AP Psychology Workbook; newest edition is available in July
- Other texts/materials TBD
Description
This course is an opportunity for students to enhance their music performance skills by learning how to read and write music as well as further develop their musical ear through sight reading, notation, and ear training. Over the course of the year, students will learn to perform a variety of rhythmic and melodic examples at varying levels of difficulty, identify intervals by ear and sight, and compose in a variety of keys. As the year progresses, students will learn about scale types, chord types, chord inversions, and cadences. A variety of materials, instruments (including auxiliary percussion and Boomwhackers), and methods will
be used to make our time in class fun!
Prerequisite: a minimum of one year of private lessons or two years of group of vocal or instrumental lessons
Curriculum & Resources:
- The Fundamentals section of Open Music Theory, an online open source textbook, will be used as the spine of this class.
- $20 copy fee
Description
This course teaches the students how to use a Digital SLR camera. There will be discussion of different modes of the camera, including Program, Aperture and Shutter priority but mainly focuses on the manipulation of ISO, Aperture and Shutter in the fully Manual mode. The class concentrates on getting the students to take clear, focused, white balanced images, and explores different types of photos, including close ups, photos utilizing movement of the subject, and topics like adjusting the background and using light in creative ways. Finally, they will learn how to use an adjustable flash to their advantage. The majority of their work will not be printed, as we use Google drive with folders to share weekly assignments, but the goal is to print a few and have a “gallery opening” to show off the best work.
Curriculum & Resources:
Your student will need a 35 mm SLR digital camera. A Canon Rebel is a good choice for serious amateurs, and you can buy them used online at KEH.com or Adorama.com, in excellent condition. About 2 months into the class you will also need an adjustable flash, and I will send a link for one that is reasonably priced. You can get that one, or one that is comparable for the last few weeks of the first semester. For the second half of the year, your student will need to have a laptop so that he/she can work on the yearbook. That laptop must be able to hold a charge for the entire class, or the student must also have a cord and plug so that he/she can actually use it for the duration of the class. The yearbook platform is a website, so there is no charge for that.
World Music
(Grades: 7th-12th)
Tutor: Becky Case
Description
This course is an opportunity for students to perform, experience, and identify music from around the world. Working as a team, students will participate in a hands-on-approach to studying various styles of music from cultures in Africa, Asia, The Middle East, Europe, Spain/Latin America, The Caribbean, The United States of America, and The United Kingdom. Although this is a highly performance based class, there will be no public performances.
Audience – This course is offered in two formats. The half credit option, which is recommended for middle school students and high school students seeking a half credit music course, has limited work outside of class. Outside of class time, half credit students are responsible for submitting their class notes, answering a set of review questions, and practicing any assigned music. In addition to this work, they will complete one longer multi-week project per quarter. The full credit option, which is recommended for high school students seeking a full credit music course on their transcript, will have additional reading, listening, and written reflection assignments that expand on the information covered in class.
Curriculum & Resources:
- No books need to be purchased for this class. Material will come from a combination of Will Schmid’s World Music Drumming, World Music Drumming New Ensembles and Songs, and Global Grooves, Higgins and Shank’s World Rhythms, The Arts Professor’s World Music Bundle, and Andrew Lesser’s Folk Music in World Culture, Past and Present.
- Copy Fee – $20
Science and Health
Description
This is a 30-week high school level Biology class with lab (10- 15 labs in total). This course will prepare students for freshman college science courses. Students will learn about the origin of life and become familiar with applications of the scientific method by writing lab reports. We will learn Biology from a biblical world view in order to prepare students to encounter the widely accepted Darwinian theory of evolution. Topics will include The characters of life, biochemistry, cell theory, cellular reproduction, genetics, Biotechnology, Microbiology, vertebrates and invertebrates, reptiles, birds, mammals, Human anatomy, plants and plant physiology.
Prerequisites: Physical Science.
Curriculum & Resources:
- Discovering Design with Biology. By Dr. Paul Madtes Jr. and Dr. Jay L. Wile and the corresponding Answer Key and Test book
- Copy Fee – $20
Description
The chemistry course uses Berean Builders’ Discovering Design with Chemistry text and will cover fundamental topics such as the classification of matter, atomic structure, spectroscopy, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, physical change, chemical change, stoichiometry, solutions, ideal gases, acid/base chemistry, reduction/oxidation reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. This is a college-prep level course with an emphasis on both mathematics and understanding atomic interactions.
About half of the class time will be spent in teaching, and the other half will be spent conducting experiments. Typically, there will be one lab experiment each week. Some of the labs are quantitative in nature, including calculating percent yield, measuring concentration of a solution, acid/base titration, and determining the change in enthalpy for a chemical reaction. Other labs are qualitative, such as performing flame tests, comparing metals to nonmetals, exploring Boyle’s Law, doing litmus tests, etc..
Daily homework is assigned for Tuesday-Friday and will build on material taught during Monday classes. Office hours via zoom are also available.
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Physical Science, and Biology
Curriculum & Resources:
-
Berean Builders’ Discovering Design with Chemistry (and Answer Key book)
- Scientific Calculator
- Copy Fee – $15
Environmental Science
(Grades: 9th-12th)
Tutor: Rachel Hansen
Description
In this high school level Environmental Science course, students will explore the complex relationships between humans and the environment, using Environmental Science: Sustaining Your World as the foundational text. We will use case studies, hands-on activities, and discussion to help students gain an
understanding of environmental challenges and how we can be better stewards of God’s creation. Topics include ecosystems, biodiversity, water pollution, land
development, and sustainability.
This is a lab science, so class time will be spent doing both instruction and labs, and students will learn about
the environment as they prepare for future studies in STEM, missions, policy, or the military.
Students can expect daily homework Tuesday-Friday, which may contain reading, answering review questions, completing lab reports, and studying for tests.
Prerequisite: Physical Science
Curriculum & Resources:
General Science
(Grades: 7th-8th)
Tutor: Rachel Hansen
Description
General science is a middle school science class and the focus is to help students gain an appreciation for the sciences and the world God has made through careful reading, classroom discussion, and hands-on experiments and activities. Topics include weather, ocean science, human anatomy, and astronomy. At the culmination of each quarter, students design and present projects that showcase a science topic that interests them and displays their knowledge through some creative means (such as a poster display, artwork, sculpture, or any number of things!) This course is designed to prepare students for high school science class and lab experiences.
Daily homework is assigned for Tuesday-Friday and will build on material taught during the Monday classes. Quizzes are held during class time and quarterly tests are assigned as part of a student’s homework.
Curriculum & Resources:
-
Master Books General Science 1: books and teacher guide (note: we are not using “The Mineral Book”)
- DK Human Body: A Visual Encyclopedia
- Copy Fee – $20 copy
Description
This course is an introduction to the physical sciences. In the units covering Physics, students will learn about motion, forces, energy, waves, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. In the Chemistry units, students will learn what matter is, how it is classified, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonds and chemical reactions. Students will conduct experiments using the experimental method to better understand the concepts we are studying. Expectations and Goals – We will cover a chapter almost every week. Assignments including reading the text, answering questions, and worksheets will be assigned weekly for the next class period and given out in class and via email. Experiments will be conducted in class, with lab reports completed in class and at home. The class will consist of reviewing the assigned reading and questions for half the class and conducting labs for the rest of class. There are 2 projects/presentations due during the year. Tests will be taken at home and proctored by the parents.
Students are assigned 45 min – 1 hour of homework per day
Prerequisites: General Science and Pre-Algebra is preferred. A Pre-Test will be given for Math competency
Curriculum & Resources:
Technology
Description
This course is intended to provide a high-level exposure to the various computer science topics. This course will serve as a survey that is split into 3 different modules throughout the year. There will be lab assignments, module tests, pop quizzes, and 1 year-long research project.
Curriculum & Resources:
- A working Windows or Mac laptop or desktop device with at least 8GB of RAM and adequate available storage (70+ GB). Your student’s machine must be able to download and run virtualization software, an IDE for programming, and the Python 3.12 programming language.