Core Academic Course Descriptions for Session 3, 2021-2022
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 Session 4 will be creative writing; 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. Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually.
Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). This is a full-year course of study. 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-11th graders who can proficiently read and write at or above an 8th grade level. 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, and Steinbeck), several classic short stories or poetry (selections may include poems by Sandburg, Hemingway, Whitman, Frost, Hughes, Angelou, etc.), and relevant articles and/or speeches. All reading will be accompanied by in-class reflection, discussion, note taking, critical analysis, 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. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. This is a full-year course of study.
Instructor: Lori Peters. 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. Materials required: spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. This is a full-year course of study.
Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8 students.
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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. Materials Required: 1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler. Pre-assessment is required for placement. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8 students
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MIDDLE SCHOOL ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE
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This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 8th 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 algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying rational numbers; algebraic expressions; linear equations and functions; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts. This course is designed to prepare students for 9th level Algebra 1. The format of lessons given are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning. Materials Required: 1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler. Pre-assessment is required for placement.
Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8 students
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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 his/her 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 it, which begins in August! 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. Required: National Geographic Student World Atlas, Fifth Edition (or newer if available).
Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, with several projects. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor Lori Peters has taught this unit many times before, and former students claim was one of the most beneficial projects they ever had. Max: 10 students
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CIVICS & GOVERNMENT SYLLABUS HERE
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This course is highly recommended for 8th and 9th graders, but open to mature younger students who have some knowledge of American history. Using a program called iCivics* as well as related articles, videos, and discussion, this course will improve students’ civic knowledge, civic attitudes, and core literacy skills. Students will learn how our political systems work and will use that knowledge to address real-world issues. Students will grow more informed and curious about being engaged in government.They may step into the role of a Supreme Court or Federal judge, a member of Congress, a community activist, or even a President– and do the job they do. Students gain civic knowledge and skills in a learning experience that is both fun and challenging. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students
*About the program: When Justice Sandra Day O’Connor retired from the Supreme Court in 2006 after nearly 25 years on the bench, her exemplary career was already the embodiment of civic engagement and the American pioneer spirit. An aspiring cattle rancher as a child, Justice O’Connor went on to forge a legal career at a time when few women did, serve in all three branches of Arizona state government, and become the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Over the course of her career, Justice O’Connor grew concerned about a growing lack of understanding about our system of government and the disengagement that inevitably follows. She discovered that civic education had been disappearing from curricula across the country for decades. Where it was taught, it was often dry and uninspiring. So, in 2009, Justice O’Connor founded iCivics with the goal of transforming civic education for every student in America with innovative, truly engaging games and resources. Of all her accomplishments, Justice O’Connor considers iCivics to be her most important work and greatest legacy.
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VIEWPOINT: HISTORY EDITION IV SYLLABUS HERE
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This course will look at a few events and movements in history that were 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, fakes news and propaganda, as well as the political bias ranking on various journalism news outlets. In addition, we will discuss how politics and media sway public opinion. Through discussion and research, students will determine their own viewpoint on the event 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!
This session will focus on scientific controversies and experiments, such as the Manhattan Project, Scopes Trial, Coney Island incubator babies, and STEM cell discovery. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students
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BODY TALK 1.5 SYLLABUS HERE
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This popular and unique OSA course has been offered annually (except for the pandemic years), to rave reviews by kids! It was last offered in Session 4, 2021, and the students loved it! Because we didn’t have enough interest in Body Talk 1 this year and had planned to offer Body Talk 2 in Session 4, this course will “meet in the middle” and be geared toward the level of the students who enroll. However, it is highly recommended for those heading off to high school next year, and who haven’t yet taken a “human growth and development” science class. Students will learn about the physical, emotional, and social changes experienced during puberty in an age-appropriate, safe environment. It’s not just about puberty and sex. The course deals with media, pressures, and gender roles. There will be some homework assignments, although returning them is not expected. The assignments are only for students’ own personal growth and interest and usually involve talking to parents or other trusted adults about the topic discussed in class. Classes are split by gender or age/maturity level, when needed. Classes dealing with puberty are split by gender; boys will have a male adult trained to lead the class. Lead instructor Robin Lindsey* with Melanie Ware assisting. Max: 10
*Robin is happy to speak to any parents who have questions about the course objectives, materials, or methodology. She can arrange a zoom chat for parents who have questions about the course or meet with parents after school on a Tuesday when she is on site for Crochet.
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: LOCAL ISLAND ECOLOGY SYLLABUS HERE
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In this 4th session, we will explore a variety of topics related to the ecosystems of Channel Islands National Park. Key topics include patterns of weather and currents, geological history, invasive species, the ethics of conservation, intertidal ecosystems, and oceanic ecosystems. Classes will include a mix of lecture, lab, discussion, games, maps, and more. The class includes a one-day trip on either Saturday May 7 or Saturday May 14* to Anacapa Island, for hiking, exploring, and applying knowledge. $85 for the trip included in course fee. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/week on average.
Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students
*Final date TBD as we get closer. The trip is open to all students in Local Island Ecology, as well as any IvyTech/OSA students not in the class. At least three parent chaperones/drivers will be needed. An adult ticket purchase for the trip is required.
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ASTRONOMY SYLLABUS HERE
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Students will be provided instruction specifically in the areas of planets, stars, the big bang and history of astronomy and telescopes, asteroids, comets, meteors, galaxies, nebulae, supernovae, black holes, space travel and research. We will even touch on more abstract concepts like parallax, white holes, wormholes, dark matter and dark energy, and the possibility of aliens and other universes. The format of lessons given is direct instruction, diagrams, videos, and project-based learning. With our location at the YMCA, an astronomy night may be arranged in conjunction with the class, but open to more students, to take place at the top of the hill above the Activity Room. Independent work may be assigned, time varies.
Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8
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BUBBLE-OLOGY SYLLABUS HERE
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Bubbles are not only captivating, colorful, and fun to make, they are also excellent demonstrations of scientific phenomena. In this course, students will combine intense enjoyment with important concepts in chemistry and physics through imaginative experiments with soap bubbles. Bubble behavior has attracted and compelled observation by chemists, physicists, mathematicians, and engineers. The search for a deeper understanding about bubbles has yielded intriguing connections in many technical fields. Some of the activities include: the creation of an ideal bubble-blowing instrument; test dishwashing brands to see which makes the biggest bubbles; determine the optimum amount of glycerin needed for the biggest bubbles; employ the Bernoulli principle to keep bubbles aloft and learn how planes fly; use color patterns to predict when a bubble will pop; and create bubbles that last for days. In the process, they learn about light and color, aerodynamics, chemical composition, surface tension, and even technology. Bubble-ology, the study of bubbles, is packed with solid scientific, technological, and mathematical content and learning. Independent work may be assigned, time varies.
Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8
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