Core Academic Course Descriptions for Session 3, 2022-2023
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 3 will be argument 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. 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. Subsequent sessions will focus on argument/persuasive, literary response, 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-11th graders who can proficiently write varied genre of essays and read at or above an 9th 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 writings by Maupassant, Hemingway, 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. 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. Materials required: spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil.
Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. 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. 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. Pre-assessment is required for placement. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. 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. 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 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! 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 Student World Atlas, Fifth Edition (2019). National Geographic Kids World Atlas, Sixth Edition (2021) may also be used, but the 5th edition is recommended as it is geared toward older students.
Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, with several projects. 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: 12 students
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WOMEN IN HISTORY (TEAM) SYLLABUS HERE
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This course includes history lessons, public speaking, and confidence development– with this year focusing on
Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, as well as a few women featured on the American Women Quarters™ Program. The Women’s History Project is part of AAUW, formerly the American Association of University Women, and seeks to highlight issues in gender discrimination against women and girls globally. Students will commit to taking on the role of one important woman from history, study a first-person script, create a costume and props, and present her speech in first person on the evening of Wednesday, March 8th (a public performance at the Thousand Oaks Library), and potentially one other public appearance that month, dependent on public health considerations. There is a mandatory dress rehearsal on Tuesday, March 7th (during class time). In the weeks leading up to the event, students will develop the confidence to perform, fine tune their public speaking skills, learn about all five notable women, and bond as a team. This experience for public speaking in front of a large audience truly changes and inspires our future female leaders! Independent work expected, about 1 hr./wk. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 5 or more* students
*Please note: Students can take this course as a history class, although 5-6 students are needed to portray the women from history and perform at the March event. If more students want to join the team, we can add up to two one scripts (there are currently six selected scripts, per AAUW, for 2023). Students might also split scripts or performances, coach a peer, or attend just as a public speaking and history course.
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VIEWPOINT III 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’ll review lessons on media literacy, what constitutes fact-based news and propaganda, as well as the political bias ranking on various journalism news outlets. Through discussion and research, students will determine their own viewpoint on the subject after carefully weighing many 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 3 will be the 14th Amendment, Affirmative Action, Obamacare, and Citizens United
. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./wk. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students
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OUR AMERICAN STORY SYLLABUS HERE
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Highly recommended for 8th
graders. * Students will acquire a general overview of the 8th grade social studies standards. Students will be introduced to the development of American democratic institutions, founded on English parliamentary traditions, particularly the shaping of the Constitution. They will trace the development of American politics, society, culture, and economy, and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences. Main lessons will include English settlements, the events leading to the founding of our nation, the documents that forged a nation, the challenges facing a growing nation, and the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War. They will make connections between the rise of industrialization, and contemporary social and economic conditions. Each class has a different focus, with information being presented through PowerPoint, video, discussion, maps, reading, and note taking of BIG ideas. Participants should read proficiently at a 7th grade level. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk.; the course will culminate with student presentations on a specific American history subtopic of their choice (from a topic list). Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 8 students
*This course time will be followed by
Civics & Government in Session 4, also recommended for 8th
graders, to prepare them for high school and beyond!
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GLOBAL DISCOVERIES IN HISTORY SYLLABUS HERE
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Students in this course will explore some of the most groundbreaking
discoveries, innovations, or archeological finds in history. Using high-interest TED Talks and other sources, students will learn from experts in their fields. Each presentation will lead students to engage in discussion, problem solving, and critical thinking. Students will be provided an outline for notetaking during each class, with a short follow up reflection. Some of the topics include Gutenberg’s printing press, the steam engine, moving pictures, the airplane, the city of Pompeii, and the Rosetta Stone! Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./wk. with a small presentation at the end regarding a historic topic of choice. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students
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MONSTERBOTS SYLLABUS HERE
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Get ready for a fun STEAM-Y class! Students will start off building a variety of MonsterBots from a kit, while building their own understanding of simple circuits. This will lead them to develop their own creative designs and see if they can create a bot that meets criteria to be decided upon by the group. They will need to test and modify their bots to improve them and maintain a scientific journal of their work. Students will appreciate the different creative designs and see which bot is the fastest, can travel best in a straight line, is most practical, and other tests.
Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min./week.
Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8
Lab Fee: $50 includes a specialized kit for each student and other materials needed for the projects.
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ZOOLOGY BIOLOGY SYLLABUS HERE
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Study life science up close by examining the anatomy of several different animals in this Zoology Biology 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 anatomy of vertebrates and invertebrates alike, and study preserved animal specimens through hands-on dissections. This is a fascinating and memorable way to see how internal organs fit together as well as understand the most basic differences between various animals. Lab fee includes the cost of an intermediate dissection kit, one per student. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./wk. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 8
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STORIES IN STONE SYLLABUS HERE
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In this geology class, students will find and collect interesting rocks and minerals, observe them with magnifying lenses and compare different samples, how they change and are related to each other. In addition, students will conduct simulations and experiments to find out more about how rocks and minerals are formed. Students will learn about the rock cycle and the different classifications of rocks. Some scientific concepts include the formation of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks; the composition of the Earth’s crust; and properties of rocks, minerals, and crystals. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./wk. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8
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ANATOMY SYLLABUS HERE
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Take a tour of the human body! Students will be provided specific instruction about the eleven systems of the human body, and their organs and functions, and cells and tissues. These systems are: Integumentary, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, nervous, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, endocrine, and reproductive. Special assignments will include artwork and/or creating models. The format of lessons given is direct instruction, diagrams, videos, and project-based learning. Independent work is required (about 30 min./wk.), including an independent project at the end. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8
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NUTRITION: BLUE ZONE, POWER OF FIVE SYLLABUS HERE
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With all our new gardens, the Food Fascination course has included more lessons on nutrition, longevity, and how to view health as more than diet. The one problem? Time! Cooking takes time, and our nutrition component takes time. Some of our Food Fascination chefs took this course last year, but for those who didn’t, this class is highly recommended for everyone who wants to be a bit healthier. Students will learn about National Geographic journalist Dan Buettner’s groundbreaking research of the healthiest, longest-living people on earth, in the Blue Zones. Students will explore the five locations (Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Nicoya, Costa Rica) that have similar patterns in their diet and lifestyles, resulting in happier and healthier lives. Students will journal weekly about how they are working to improve or maintain their positive health choices through guiding questions, some which will create wonderful discussions as a family. Topics will include moving naturally; what gives us a sense of purpose and what does that look like; ways to downshift and destress; the 80% rule and how to listen to our body’s needs and only eat to be satisfied, not stuffed; eating more plants (we will explore different recipes); investing in putting our family first and caring for our elderly; and creating the right tribe to have for a lifetime. Independent work may be expected (about 30 hr./wk.). Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8. NOTE: Special rate of $180 is for students also in Food Fascination. Others may join (if there is room) at the $225 class rate.
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GLOBAL DISCOVERIES IN SCIENCE SYLLABUS HERE
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Students in this course will explore modern day discoveries, innovations, events, and issues in science. Using high-interest TED Talks and other sources, students will learn from experts in their fields. Each presentation will lead students to engage in discussion, problem solving, and critical thinking. Students will be provided an outline for note taking during each class. Topics will relate to modern global discoveries and present scientific solutions to various human rights and global issues. For example, students may learn about the case for eating insects, the plight of bees, and NASA’s Artemis program. Independent work is expected (about 30 min./wk.), with a small presentation at the end regarding a scientific topic of choice. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8
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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, art and craft activities related to the garden. Research topics this session 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 the YMCA (with advance notice and request) for students
attending an 11:00 class. Instructor: Laura Erlig, with Deneen Cienfuegos assisting. Max: 9 students.
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