Core Academic Course Descriptions for Session 2, 2023-2024
Syllabi available by October 13.
ELA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS for 6th-8th SYLLABUS HERE
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This two-day, full year core course of study is broken into four sessions and will focus on reading and composition and can accommodate a range of skills. High-interest articles, essays and book excerpts will be enjoyed, with time for discussion, evaluation, and writing. Scholastic SCOPE or similar materials will be used for analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies/current event topics are often incorporated into lessons, with a range of activities to be expected (group presentations, reader’s theatre, etc.). The focus of Literary Response; students should expect to complete at least two final draft essays. Basic conventions, mechanics and editing will be practiced each week. Additional independent reading will be assigned, as well as extra writing practice if needed. Materials needed: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week) Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. This is a full-year course of study. The 9:00 class is recommended for levels 6th/7th. The 11:00 class is recommended for those at 7th-9th level. It is also recommended that students enrolled in ELA also take an ELA Study Session. Subsequent sessions will focus on argument/persuasive and narrative/creative writing. Course fee includes subscription to Scholastic SCOPE Magazine. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 students per class.
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ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION SYLLABUS HERE
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This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 9th grade but is open to 8th-10th graders who can proficiently write varied genre of essays and read at or above an 9th grade level. The Monday class will focus on the main lesson, and Wednesday is a recommended guided Study Session (unless Monday is a holiday). The themes of our selected novels will help students analyze human behavior and power structures in societies, while making relevant connections to their world today. Over the year, students will complete at least four classic novels (selections may include novels by Bradbury, Golding, Orwell, Hinton, Buck, Lee, and/or Steinbeck), several classic short stories or poetry (selections may include writings by Maupassant, Hemingway, Jackson, Whitman, Angelou, etc.), and or/relevant articles and/or speeches. Selections are dependent upon the pace of the group. All reading will be accompanied by in-class reflection, discussion, note taking, critical analyses, and historical and cultural connections. At least two essays per session will be completed and assessed. Lessons in composition skills (summary and literary analysis) will be included. Materials needed: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, assigned reading, and pencil/pen. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. Course fee doesn’t include the cost of required novels (in hard copy).
Instructor: Lori Peters & Jenni Buchanan. Max: 8 students.
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FOUNDATIONS OF MATH SYLLABUS HERE
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This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 6th grade but is open to 6th–8th graders who need a solid foundation in middle school math skills. With lessons both online and hard copy provided, students will practice foundational skills including basic algorithms of multiplication and division. They will also explore relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages, and perform all operations involving decimals and fractions. Word problems, games and activities will be used to enhance understanding. The course uses the text
Everyday Math, Book I.
It is recommended that students enrolled in Foundations of Math also take the Foundations Math Games course on Tuesday and/or at least one MAYL class. Materials required: spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil.
Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. Instructor: Laura Erlig with Rachel Ameche assisting. Max: 12.
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PRE-ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE
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This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 7th grade
but is open to 6th–8th graders who are ready for this level. With lessons both online and hard copy provided, students will be provided instruction specifically targeting pre-algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying proportional relationships; rational numbers; algebraic expressions and linear equations; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts. This course is designed to prepare students for Middle School Algebra. The format of lessons given are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning. The course uses the text Everyday Math, Book 2. Materials Required: 1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler. It is recommended that students enrolled in Pre-Algebra also take at least one MAYL class. Pre-assessment is required for placement. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. Instructor: Laura Erlig with Rachel Ameche assisting. Max: 12
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ALGEBRA 1 SYLLABUS HERE
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A high-school level class in the language and practice of math, aligned with the Common Core Standards for 9th grade Algebra. This class will prepare students to successfully demonstrate their mastery of elementary algebra skills on high school placement tests. Equally important, this class will prepare students to use algebra to understand and solve real-world problems in math, science, and life.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Text included (likely Glencoe Algebra 1 2014 edition, ISBN: 9780076639236) and a graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus).
It is recommended that students enrolled in Algebra 1 also take at least one MAYL class. Pre-assessment is required for placement into class. This is a full year course of study.
Independent work is expected; about 3-4 hrs./wk. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8
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MAPPING THE WORLD SYLLABUS HERE
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This
full year course will allow students to immerse themselves in world geography, starting at any level. By the end of the year (IF attending all four sessions and completing all assignments and independent practice), students will be able to draw a map of the world by heart
, on an equirectangular grid, and (dependent on their starting point of knowledge) will include most of the world’s countries, major bodies of water, and major landforms. Like anything, the final product is determined by the time and effort put into this course, which begins in August! Session 1 will focus on major world regions and the Americas, with an independent country study project started. Lessons are taken from David Smith’s “Mapping the World by Heart” curriculum, teacher-developed curriculum, video, and other resources. Each lesson will help students build understanding of various maps, regions, climate, GPS, the spatial relationships of countries and continents to one another, and regional/cultural and historical information about MANY countries. Materials needed each week include a spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen (optional: personal set of sharpened colored pencils). Required: National Geographic “Kids” Student World Atlas, Fifth Edition (2019). National Geographic Kids World Atlas, Sixth Edition (2021) may also be used, but the 5th edition (“Kids”) is recommended as it aligns better with the maps we use in class.
Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, with several projects. Instructor Lori Peters. Max: 10
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THE BIG HISTORY PROJECT SYLLABUS HERE
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ASKING BIG QUESTIONS, MAKING CONNECTIONS, AND SHARING THOUGHTS. This science-based history class will span four sessions. It takes on big questions that originate with the dawn of time and gives students a framework to understand the story of humanity’s place in the Universe. It weaves insights from many disciplines to form a single story that helps students develop a historical framework to organize and connect what they’re learning both in and out of school. Using primary sources and the tools required for problem-solving and critical thinking, in this class students will not only learn about history from manydifferent angles, but also consider where we came from, what causes change, and where we are heading. Students who take all four sessions will achieve many of the same outcomes of a middle school world history, world geography, or world civilizations course. The Big History Project is a joint effort between teachers, scholars, scientists, and their supporters to bring a multi-disciplinary approach to knowledge to lifelong learners around the world. (Read more here.) Students will keep a detailed notebook, and the course will culminate with a Little Big History Project at the end of Session 4. Recommended for students in 7th grade and above; should read proficiently at 6th level or above Independent reading expected, up to 1 hr./wk. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 8
- Session 1/Part 1: Formation of the Universe & Planets; Foundational Tools for exploring history
- Session 2/Part 2: Life, Evolution, and the Environment; Extinction Events make way for more life
- Session 3/Part 3: Early Humans and Civilizations
- Session 4/Part 4: The Modern Revolution & What the Future Hold
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VIEWPOINT II SYLLABUS HERE
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This course will look at a few current and historical events that have been met with controversy and a broad range of viewpoints. We will start with a lesson on media literacy, helping students understand what constitutes fact-based news, fake news, and propaganda. Students will also discuss why learning about history matters. Through discussion and research, students will determine their own viewpoint on the subject after carefully weighing all sides. This will not be a debate class as much as it is a discussion class, and an opportunity to share informed perspectives with maturity and a willingness to hear others. A range of opinions is expected and welcomed! Topics in Session 2 will be Brown v. Board of Education, Japanese Internment, Equal Rights Amendment, and the Farmworkers’ Movement.
Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./wk. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8
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ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS Part II SYLLABUS HERE
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Our societies today build on the knowledge and discoveries made by those who came before. In this class, we’ll go back in time to ancient Egypt, India, China, Rome, and more to learn about the cultures and scientific breakthroughs that form the foundations of our modern societies and technology. Students will acquire a broad overview of ancient history, with opportunities for more in-depth study of culture and technologies. The lessons follow what is typically taught in 6th grade, but the course is open to 6th-8th graders (especially those who say they can’t remember what they learned in history class!). Each week students will “visit” important early civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, China, India, Greece, and Rome– finding commonalities, differences, and connections. We will go in-depth into each civilization, with readings, discussion, and video, to be followed by a STEM project-based exploration of one key technology or advancement from that civilization to bring the learning to life. Ancient world religions (polytheistic and monotheistic) may also be explored as related to the civilization being studied.
Independent work is expected, about 1 hr./wk.; the course will culminate in Session 2 with student presentations on a specific subtopic from a civilization of their choice (from a topic list). Students’ reading level should be 6th grade or above.
Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 8
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BIOLOGY: ZOOLOGY SYLLABUS HERE
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Part 2 of 2. Study life science up close by examining the anatomy of several different animals (from worms to starfish to frogs and more) in this Biology of Zoology class! Students will deepen their understanding of the animal life cycle of many different phyla, classes, and species of animals. We’ll learn about the varied and specialized organs and systems of vertebrates and invertebrates alike, and study preserved animal specimens through hands-on dissections every other week. This is a fascinating and memorable way to see how internal systems and organs fit and work together, as well as understand the most basic similarities and differences between various animals. Students will be expected to keep detailed lab books which are turned in weekly. Lab fee includes the cost of intermediate dissection kits, one per student. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./wk. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 8
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LEGO PHYSICS I: SIMPLE & POWERED MACHINES SYLLABUS HERE
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Who doesn’t love building with Legos? Students will explore, experiment, build, and create using Legos to understand scientific concepts of simple and powered machines. Students will develop an understanding of how gears, pulleys, levers, axles, cams, wheels, motor power, and wind power work. They’ll explore each science concept by building an example, do an experiment or test, build different working examples using builder plans in cooperative groups, and then create their own idea to solve a problem with their own invention. This class will have notes, hands-on STEAM work, reading, and a lot of problem solving
. Independent work is expected, about 30 min./week. Instructors: Melanie Ware and Jenni Buchanan. Max: 10
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CHEMISTRY R US SYLLABUS HERE
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This
four-part molecular science series (nano science) is designed to engage middle school students in the joys of chemistry and biology. The course will review 5th – 8th grade California chemistry and biology standards in a fun and interactive way that is bound to leave students with a lifelong appreciation of the sciences. The class will reveal insights and connections with real life as chemistry and biology is all around us and within us. Most students who take this class will look forward to high school science. This series of 32 molecular science classes include the following sessions: Shapes of Nature, Chemistry “R” Us Part 1, Chemistry “R” Us Part 2, and the Biological World. The classes in this series are equal parts lectures, videos, hands-on experiments, and discussion. Please note: a $100 annual course fee is due prior to the first session.
Please note: a $100 annual course fee is due prior to the first session. Light work may be expected, such as reviewing handouts, up to 30 min./wk. Instructor: Dr. Steve Yoshinaga. Max: 10
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SEEDS & SPROUTS SYLLABUS HERE
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This class is held at the Las Flores Community Garden. Students will be actively involved in the upkeep, development, and harvesting of their plot at the community garden. Weekly gardening responsibilities will be integrated with the research topic of the week; scavenger hunts in the garden regarding different types of plants and critters, guest speakers; and art and craft activities related to the garden. Research topics include soil, compost, microclimates, annual vs. perennial plants, seeds, vermicompost, and water. Please note: Parents will need to drop off and either pick up, or transport can be arranged to OSA (with advance notice and request, and parent permission) for students
attending an 11:00 class. Instructor: Laura Erlig and Deneen Cienfuegos. Max: 9 students.
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