- Computer Animation: Extending Children's Drawing and Reasoning Capabilities
- Our Dynamic Earth*
11:20 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Lunch & Outdoor Recess
- Chemical Detectives*
- Art & Artists: Beyond the Stroke of Genius
- Build an iPad App
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- Advanced Inventions: How Things Work*
- Law: TV Courtroom Drama
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PERIOD 3 |
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12:20 - 1:15 p.m. |
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- Archaeology: What is Past is Present
- Math & Architecture: Why do Building Stand Up?
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- Oceanography: Undersea Adventures*
- Law: Whose Fault is it Anyway?
- Writers Workshop: Creating Short Stories
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- Advanced Mathematical Challenges
- Advanced Rocketry & Space Science*
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PERIOD 4 |
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1:25 - 2:20 p.m. |
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- Math & Architecture: Why do Building Stand Up?
- Archaeology: What is Past is Present
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- Speaking & Debating for Leadership
- Rocketry & Space Science*
- Mathematical Problem Solving
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Recreation |
- Writing Heroes & Villains: From Lady Macbeth to Harry Potter
- Advanced Oceanography: Undersea Adventures*
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Recreation
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* A lab fee of $30 per science class will be charged for any student taking science classes.
**Courses subject to change |
SUMMER 2012 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Grades 2-3
Students in grades 2 and 3 will be assigned to the following four courses during each day:
ARCHAEOLOGY: WHAT IS PAST IS PRESENT
An archaeologist is a combination of detective and historian. Students will examine artifacts discovered on campus and learn about the relationship between the artifact and the culture that produced it. Students will learn about earlier and ancient cultures as well. As part of the course, students will participate in a simulated surface dig.
COMPUTER ANIMATION: EXTENDING CHILDREN'S DRAWING AND REASONING CAPABILITIES
Children learn to draw at a very young age. Computers can greatly extend those capabilities and in the process enhance reasoning. Students will work in four programs that are free downloads: Logo, which was originally designed by Seymour Papert of MIT; Scratch, also developed at MIT; SketchUp, a 3D program from Google; and Alice, developed at Carnegie Mellon University. For the final project, students will make a choice to work in a 2D environment (Logo or Scratch) or a 3D environment (SketchUp or Alice).
MATHEMATICS & ARCHITECTURE: WHY DO BUILDINGS STAND UP?
How are ideas in mathematics related to architecture? The design of most major architectural projects is dependent upon laws and principles of mathematics. This course will explore how the combination of architecture, numbers, and shapes helps buildings to stand up. Students will have an opportunity to develop individual architectural projects.
OUR DYNAMIC EARTH
The emphasis of this curriculum is Earth Science. Children's curiosity will be stimulated as they learn about the most fundamental natural occurrences. Children will participate in activities that will expand their understanding of the earth, minerals, water and weather.
Grades 4-6
Students in grades 4-6 choose four courses during each day. Students in grade 6 may choose courses for either grade levels 4-6 or 6-8 without being restricted to either age group.
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTERS
BUILD AN IPAD APP
Apps for sale? Well, not exactly. But learning to build an app for the iPad is kid friendly and exciting for young technology enthusiasts. This course invites students to design an app for the iPad. No preexisting programming skills are needed: just the desire to create something new in the realm of education and/or entertainment.
MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING
Students will participate in activities that will help them develop and enhance their problem solving abilities. They will learn to analyze and solve non-routine mathematical problems, identify key words, and use diagrams and tables. They will also identify patterns and develop estimation and deductive reasoning skills. Daily activities include short presentations on key techniques followed by small group and individual practice sets designed to challenge students and improve their critical thinking skills. Computer-generated questions are utilized in this course. New problems are selected for the summer semester. Special attention will be provided to meet the needs, interests, experience and ability of each student.
SCIENCE
CHEMICAL DETECTIVES
This course is designed to allow students to explore the world of Chemistry. They assume the role of “detectives" as they investigate the area of chemical reactions. The course will also demonstrate how the basics of Chemistry help to play a role in our daily lives. Fundamental chemical principles will be studied and applied. Correct laboratory techniques are emphasized and safety procedures carefully supervised.
INVENTIONS: HOW THINGS WORK
When Albert Einstein was 5 years old, his father gave him a compass. Young Albert became fascinated with the invisible forces that enabled the compass needle to find its way to magnetic north no matter which way he turned. This simple toy was, perhaps, the spark that triggered Einstein's lifelong inquiry into the “something behind things, something deeply hidden" that ultimately led to his incredible insight into the workings of our universe. In this course, we will explore the simple beginnings of invention that have since blossomed into the technological wonders we often take for granted. The primary focus of this course will be to foster informed curiosity, creativity, the joy of tinkering, and perhaps even a sense of direction in the minds of our future scientists.
OCEANOGRAPHY: UNDERSEA ADVENTURES
The ocean is a vast ecosystem that is in constant dynamic equilibrium. Students will study the many branches of science that work together to maintain the balance in this ecosystem including biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, physics and geography. Students will perform various experiments to investigate the destructive and constructive forces that act on the ocean.
ROCKETRY & SPACE SCIENCE
From hot air balloons to the outer edge of space, we will investigate the pathway that led us from our dream of flight to our first lunar steps. Students will design, build, and launch lighter-than-air vessels. The principles of aerodynamics and rocketry will be explored, as they design, build, and launch their own rockets. Safety procedures will be stressed throughout the program.
HUMANITIES
ART & ARTISTS: BEYOND THE STROKE OF GENIUS
Experience the wonder of Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night, the playfulness of Monet's beach scenes, the intriguing contrasts of Seurat's Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the mysteries of Picasso's Blue Period, and many other astonishing works of art from the 1900s to today. Students will explore the life and work of some of the greatest artists of the past two centuries. After careful exploration of these artists and their work, students will complete their own works of art inspired by the style and techniques of each unique period in history.
EXPLORING THE ROARING 20s USING THE INTERNET
Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, flappers, World War I, the Great Depression, Art Deco, and the Harlem Renaissance… These are just a few of the cultural, literary, political, and economic events and trends of the 1920s that students will explore through interdisciplinary study using quality Internet-based sources. Students will use their knowledge of this fascinating era to create a multi-media presentation.
SPEAKING AND DEBATING FOR LEADERSHIP
What you say and how you say it can make a major difference in your life. Students in this course will learn important techniques to communicate their ideas as they practice how to construct and deliver a speech with poise, confidence, and even humor.
LAW: WHOSE FAULT IS IT ANYWAY?
Students enrolled in this course will be introduced to the world of civil law. Basic cases involving negligence law will be the main content of the course. A manual will be supplied to each student for the purpose of instruction. Students will role-play as attorneys and witnesses in interesting and challenging trials. New cases are chosen each semester based upon the age and readiness level of the class.
WRITER'S WORKSHOP: CREATING SHORT STORIES
Starting with the first short stories (fables and fairy tales), we will study the basic elements of short story writing: character, conflict, point of view, setting, descriptive detail, climax, resolution, and theme. Model short stories - modern or classic, funny or serious, fantasty or realistic - will inspire our own.
Students in grades 6-8 choose four courses during each day. Students in grade 6 may choose courses for either grade levels 4-6 or 6-8 without being restricted to either age group.
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTERS
MEMORY TRAINING: DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY REQUIRED
How does memory play into thinking? How do students use their internal brain and external technology to remember and to think? These are fundamental questions worth addressing head on. The course cultivates two approaches to memory training: the classic one using mnemonic devices to develop internal memories, and a new one using technology to externalize memories. For either approach, students have to learn how to disassemble information and reassemble information into lasting forms. The course makes this mental manipulation kid friendly, engaging, and, most importantly, significant for their continuing growth as thinkers.
ADVANCED MATHEMATICAL CHALLENGES
Students will become acquainted with challenging topics in mathematics through exploration and problem-solving situations. Activities and projects will help students come to a clearer understanding of mathematical concepts that will prepare them for further study. Areas of exploration will include: conic sections, math modeling, logic, probability and game theory, inductive and deductive reasoning, number systems and imaginary numbers. Mathematical material chosen will be dependent upon student interest and ability level.
SCIENCE
ADVANCED INVENTIONS: HOW THINGS WORK
In our daily world, we are surrounded by the practical applications of science and technology. Many of the comforts and conveniences that we have come to enjoy started out as basement projects of creative individuals who took joy in tinkering. In this course, using concepts of heat, light, sound and motion as starting points, students will have the opportunity to look inside some of the products of science to understand how things work. From digital alarm clocks and motion detectors to scuba diving and satellite technology, air bags, bicycles, and solar-powered cars, students will learn how the concepts of science have become intricately woven into the fabric of their daily lives. As a culminating activity, students will work individually and in small cooperative groups to design and develop their own inventions.
ADVANCED OCEANOGRAPHY: UNDERSEA ADVENTURES
Students will study a variety of topics in this course including marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics, ocean currents and waves, plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor, and changes of various chemical substances and physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries. These topics reflect the many forces and interaction that act on the ocean at any given time.
ADVANCED ROCKETRY & SPACE SCIENCE
This course will be a study of the exploration of space, including aerodynamic principles and rocket propulsion. Students will build and launch multi-stage rockets and use triangulation techniques to ascertain altitudes. Experienced rocketeers will be given more advanced projects and will discuss and develop selected aspects of projectile motion. Safety procedures and rules will be stressed throughout the program.
CHEMISTRY: NEW RESEARCH TOPICS I
This course will provide an opportunity for students to explore the world of modern Chemistry as they learn how matter is composed and how new substances are created. Investigations involving analysis of chemical composition, chemical reactions, chemical changes, and other related topics will enrich students' understanding of fundamental chemical concepts. Laboratory activities will be carefully supervised, and safety procedures will be emphasized.
HUMANITIES
LAW: TV COURTROOM DRAMA
"You are there" as we explore the background of famous trials, indictments, courtroom testimony, cross-examination, verdicts, and sentences involving historical cases of major significance. Great lawyers and their courtroom tactics, crime detection, and investigation make criminal trials and current legal issues interesting material for developing historical perspectives about crime. Questions about law, morality, and justice will be analyzed in this course.
WRITING: HEROES & VILLAINS
Adventure, mystery and dramatic stories are driven by heroes, villains, and antiheroes. What are their similarities and differences? Students will consider how such protagonists and antagonists as Harry Potter, Lady Macbeth, and Frankenstein have been created by their authors. They will employ similar techniques in developing characters for their own stories.