Engineering A to Z for 4th & 5th graders

When we think of every day life most of us take a lot of daily conveniences for granted. Take for instance the toaster you use to toast your bread in the morning. Have you ever thought about the electricity that makes it work or how it gets all the way to your house? Or what about the road you take to go to school in the morning? What about the car that you ride in? The music that you listen to in your CD or MP3 player, the airplane you fly on to go on vacation, sending an email to a friend and a myriad of other things that are just “part of your daily life” are all in some way or another associated with at least one field of engineering. When you think about it, engineers impact your life on a daily basis. Who are these Engineers? What do they do? How do they do it? How do I become one? In this course students will have the opportunity to explore the many different engineering disciplines, their applications, learn basic applied science and math principles used in the different fields and work on projects that will reinforce the concepts learned from each field. At the end of the course, the student will have a more clear understanding about engineering and the diversity that the field offers.

Freaky Things in Space: The Solar System and Beyond for 3rd graders

Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered how stars are formed, or why the sun shines so brightly? Be the explorer to discover the many amazing freaky things in space. Through research, experiments, and movement exploration you will travel through the solar system and beyond. Stars, meteors, comets, and black holes are only a few of the freaky things that you will investigate. If you're ready for an exciting journey through space, this is the class for you!

Math in The Arts for 4th & 5th graders

If you love math or not, this course will allow you to look at math in a different way. Math is considered to be the science of structure, measurements, operations, formulas, as well as numbers and their properties. It is used in a variety of fields such as medicine, social sciences, engineering and economics, to name a few. We are going to use the skills and creativity of math to make a connection to various disciplines in the arts such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, music, photography and artwork. This course is going to inspire you to look at math not only scientifically and numerically, but to see math as beauty all around us.

Science as a Photographical Art for 6th & 7th graders

Many of us have looked at photos, but have you ever wondered how the photo came about? Through various fields of science we will examine photography. How is the propagation of light used? What about reflection and refraction with lenses? How about field stops and aperture with a camera? In this course students will learn the answers to these questions. They will also be introduced to the Periodic Table and simple chemical reactions to create cyanotype photographs. They will also get to make kaleidoscopes and pin-hole cameras to further some of their investigations. Individuals will have the chance to use their knowledge of science to take exceptional photographs and create beautiful prints in class. Let’s go beyond a photo and experience science as a photographical art.

Body Detectives: Looking Inside the Human Body Systems for 3rd graders

From walking down the street to fighting off diseases the body is responsible for hundreds of functions everyday. Like a machine the body works together allowing us to think, breathe, eat, and sleep. But just how does all this happen? Be the body detective and discover the inner workings of the body: its functions, organs, senses, and processes. From head to toe every part of you has a function. Through research, experiments, and movement exploration discover the ways in which the body's systems work and how those systems interact.

Computer Graphics and Animation for 4th & 5th graders

Computer generated images are everywhere. The ability to create computer images becomes a more and more desired skill, a key to powerful presentations at school, and the cornerstone of new forms of creativity. Throughout the course the students will be introduced to a variety of digital image and animation formats, the role sound plays in animation, design of a web page, setup of a web site and user navigation tools. The students will work with the latest digital imaging HTML code to develop their own web site and learn how to publish it when it is completed. This course is open to students who have the ability to operate a keyboard and other common input and output devices, retrieve and save information remotely, and communicate independently via E-mail and the Internet.

Creative Writing for 4th & 5th graders

This course provides students with the opportunity to work with a practicing writer in a high-expectation, small-group setting in order to create vivid and compelling creative writing. The students will explore the genres of poetry, the prose poem, and flash fiction through a series of guided writing exercises, discussions and workshops. In order to develop and enhance key dimensions of their projects, students will study the work of published authors, read and respond to (both written and verbally) the work of their peers, submit their own work for peer review, complete writing exercises designed to reinforce key concepts introduced in class, and revise their work for publication. Above all, this course values original thinking and writing, and all activities, exercises, discussions, and critiques are designed to achieve that end.

Creative Writing for 6th & 7th graders

In this course, students will study and apply to their own work the elements of creating original, character-driven narrative fiction. Key concepts to be covered include developing three-dimensional characters, writing believable dialogue, controlling narrative point of view, and revising for publication. Students will study the work of published authors, read and respond to (both written and verbally) the work of their peers, submit their own work for peer review, complete writing exercises designed to reinforce key concepts introduced in class, and revise their work for publication. At the conclusion of this course, each student will have his or her work published in a class anthology.

Exploring Robotics for 4th & 5th graders

The Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity landed on Mars to explore the Red Planet. In this exciting hands-on course, students will explore the world of robots as they are used to explore other worlds! During the three week course, students will test and calibrate motors which are the “driving” force behind the ability of robots to complete their tasks. They will learn about, characterize, and calibrate actuators (sensors) used to gather data. Students will learn how to program their robots using the software provided. The final project will be to design, test, and launch their own robotic vehicle to explore an unknown terrain. Please note: Students will not be able to keep the designed robot at the end of the course.

*The Erector kits have been donated by Erector, Inc.

Fast-Paced Algebra I for 6th & 7th graders

Developing a structure for higher mathematics is essential in today’s society. This course provides the mathematical base necessary for students to pursue studies in a full-year Algebra I course. Through computer-guided tutorial instruction supplemented with instructor-led lectures, students will work at their own pace. The students will study the real number system and its sets, the concept of algebra, the rules of algebra, the operations of signed numbers, and the solution process for linear equations and linear inequalities. Throughout the course students’ skills are continually monitored so that further instruction focuses on new and more complex problems and topics. Students taking this course should be proficient in the pre-algebra skills of working with the four basic operations of whole and rational numbers and basic number theory. Students should also have some familiarity with exponents, square roots, and order of operation. In this course, students must be capable of working independently.

Fast-Paced Pre-Algebra for 4th & 5th graders

In this course students will focus on the computational, critical thinking and problem solving skills characteristic of pre-algebra mathematics. Through computer-guided tutorial instruction supplemented with instructor-led lectures, students will work at their own pace. The students will study fractions, decimals, number theory, ratios and proportions, percents, data analysis, integers, exponents, geometry, and the real number system. Throughout the course students’ skills are continually monitored so that further instruction focuses on new and more complex problems and topics. In this course, students must be capable of working independently.

Gateway to Mandarin & Culture for both 4th - 5th and 6th - 7th graders

Gateway to Mandarin and Culture is a unique and exciting course designed to teach and provide students the chance to personally experience the beauty and strength of language and culture. Students will learn through hands-on activities to gain global perspectives, understanding, skill, knowledge and appreciation of diversity through speaking, writing, listening, and reading Mandarin. Students will also truly discover and enter the world of culture from learning Chinese calligraphy, painting, music, paper folding, paper cutting, traditional dough arts, yo-yo, kung fu, dance and arts and crafts. Students will achieve awareness and wisdom of Chinese history, tradition, heritage, customs, virtues, zodiacs, inventions and festivals. This course will give students the precious opportunity to voyage into Mandarin Language and Culture.

Learning To Program Using Ruby for 6th & 7th graders

We use computers everyday, and they are not just sitting on our desk. They’re in the game console, the cable box and the TV in our family room, in the microwave and the coffee machine in the kitchen, in the cell phone and iPod. A computer helps run the car’s engine, and some people now have a computer navigation system in their car. There are computers at the store where we buy groceries and at the bank where we withdraw money. Computers are even at the fitness center where we exercise. Computers are everywhere, but a computer cannot do anything if someone does not write a program for it. It’s easier than ever before to learn how to program a computer. In this course, students will use Ruby, a modern, dynamic, open source programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity. The final week of class will culminate in the students creating their own interactive game. Learning to program is a valuable skill for anyone who wants to be computer literate.

On The Move To Algebraic Thinking for 3rd Graders

In this course, students will gain access to the big ideas and concepts basic to algebraic thinking, like variable, constant, expression, and equation, by strategically moving manipulatives to solve linear equations. Using a visual, hands-on system that consists of game pieces and numbered cubes, students will be able to physically represent and find solutions to linear equations. As students learn to create concrete representations of algebraic symbols, they will begin to develop the thinking and skills needed to transition to the more abstract, formal processes of solving algebraic equations. Each day a new lesson will be presented that will build upon the concepts taught the previous day. Students will be assessed to ensure comprehension of concepts, and homework will be assigned to promote retention of the lessons covered in class. Students will also participate in classroom activities that will enhance and highlight the big ideas of solving equations.

ABC's of Computer Keyboarding

The future of technology lies in computers. The ability to process information becomes a more desired skill, a key to powerful presentations at school, and the cornerstone of new forms of creativity. The students will be introduced to the fundamentals of “touch typing” which has its roots in basic business and communication skills. Although the typewriter is now virtually extinct, the computer keyboard is not, and the students will work in further developing their typing proficiency. The class will culminate with instruction on managing file structures and word processing competence. The students will learn to operate a keyboard and other common input and output devices, retrieve and save information remotely, and communicate independently via e-mail and the World Wide Web.

Art Up Close: History Through the Language of 20th Century Artists

Ever wonder how to decipher the meaning of a painting or poem, or what a piece of music represents, or what the emotions in a dance are trying to say? The role of art in society is to represent the world's social and cultural changes. Art of all kinds can express a variety of themes such as emotion, political views, fantasy, or dreams. The art fields of visual arts, music, dance, and creative writing all have similarities in their representation of history and cultural change. Through this class students will learn history of the 20th century through the eyes of such artists as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Martha Graham, John Cage, Jackson Pollock, Frank O'Hara, Merce Cunningham, Salvador Dali and others. Students will learn to understand art, discover and try their methods, and learn how to express their own voice.

Astrobiology: The Search for Life in the Universe

Humans have always looked up into the night sky and wondered if Earth is the only planet with life. How did life on Earth begin? Are there other thinking beings in the Universe? This course will introduce students to astronomical and biological topics related to the origin of life on Earth and the possibility of life elsewhere. Students will explore the formation of stars and planets, the life cycle of stars, the evolution of planets in our Solar System and the discovery of planets around other stars. From an exploration of the history of life on Earth, students will also uncover clues about what scientists expect to find in other places in the Solar System and on planets around other stars. The course will end with a hypothetical search for life on planets around another star. In this exercise, students will apply their knowledge of life on planet Earth to new and exciting possibilities on alien worlds!

Breaking Away: The Literature of Escape

From Mark Twain to Toni Morrison, a powerful theme in literature has always been “escape.” Authors frequently write characters who must flee to save themselves physically and emotionally. More often than not, these characters end their journeys, not only in a different place, but as a different person. What makes literary characters take to the road in the first place? What happens out there? What do they learn and how does it shape who they are? In this course, students will study short works of fiction to explore these questions and others in order to make connections to the world around them. They will investigate themes attendant to escape, such as alienation, isolation, discovery, and developing identity or sense of self. The development of the ability to read, analyze, and synthesize ideas found in literature is an important higher-order thinking skill crucial to academic growth. In this course, students are not only expected to read literature produced by writers from a variety of backgrounds, but also discuss and write about the ideas they encounter.

Earth’s Wares: Ceramics Through the Study of Science and Indigenous Cultures

Earth’s Wares is a course for students who seek the academic, physical, and artistic challenge of working with clay. Experiences will range from humble pinch pots and crazy coil creatures to wheel throwing and tile relief. In this course, students will learn about glaze calculations (chemistry), the physics of kiln firing (the mixture of air, earth, fire & water), and the constitution and selection of clay (geology). Students will also study a variety of traditions: Native American pottery, Japanese pottery, and Inuit story knifing. No previous instruction in ceramics is needed.

When we think of every day life most of us take a lot of daily conveniences for granted. Take for instance the toaster you use to toast your bread in the morning. Have you ever thought about the electricity that makes it work or how it gets all the way to your house? Or what about the road you take to go to school in the morning? What about the car that you ride in? The music that you listen to in your CD or MP3 player, the airplane you fly on to go on vacation, sending an email to a friend and a myriad of other things that are just “part of your daily life” are all in some way or another associated with at least one field of engineering. When you think about it, engineers impact your life on a daily basis. Who are these Engineers? What do they do? How do they do it? How do I become one? In this course students will have the opportunity to explore the many different engineering disciplines, their applications, learn basic applied science and math principles used in the different fields and work on in-class projects that will reinforce the concepts learned from each field. At the end of the course, the student will have a more clear understanding about engineering and the diversity that the field offers.

Exploring Mars Odyssey

This is Rocket Science. In this course, students will explore Mars from the perspective of a graduate student. Research on the Red Planet will be undertaken in two phases. In Phase I, students will use archived image data to expand the base knowledge of Mars, research an overarching project question about Mars, and engage in group discussions. They will read the literature on Mars, analyze and synthesize image data, and consult with university geologists and other scientists in order to write a Phase I research report. In Phase II, students will utilize NASA’s 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft to gather and analyze real data about Mars. Students will write a comparative report based on the real data. Research generated during this project will serve as literature for subsequent projects. In addition, students will be required to attend a half-day colloquium conducted at ASU on Wednesday, July 12. Students must have basic computer skills as a foundation for instruction in PhotoShop and other computer programs.

Fast-Paced Geometry

This is a course in plane and solid Euclidean geometry. Throughout the course, algebra will be emphasized as the major means of solving geometric problems through algebraic symbolism, equations, and proofs. Students will focus on the skills identified by their diagnostic assessment as areas in which they need to work. Students who need work in the same areas often work together. As they progress, their skills are continually monitored so that further instruction continues to focus on new and more complex problems and topics. Homework will be assigned, however, it is designed to be stimulating and challenging rather than repetitious. Students applying for this course must submit a report card or transcript showing that they have completed or are currently enrolled in Algebra I.

Fiction Workshop

Students who apply to this course should have an interest in developing their skills as fiction writers. In this course, students will hone their critical reading and writing skills in order to create vivid and compelling narratives. The theme of this course is "writing your world." To this end, students will explore more "realistic writing," shying away from genre fiction such as sci-fi, fantasy, horror, etc. Students will read short fiction and discuss its parts as well as its whole. In addition, students will develop one key dimension of their narrative projects. Finally, they will spend a third of the class time engaged in rigorous peer critique.

Fundamentals of Pre-Algebra

In this course, students will focus on the computational, critical thinking, and problem solving skills characteristic of pre-algebra mathematics. Topics of study include fractions, decimals, ratios and proportions, percents, data analysis, geometry, and the real number system. The format of the course provides general lectures on key concepts, group activities, and discussions. Students’ skills are continually monitored so that further instruction continues to focus on new and more complex problems. Stimulating and challenging homework will be assigned.

Fundamentals of Algebra II

Building on the higher mathematics structure positions students for future success in mathematics and science. This course provides the mathematical base necessary for students to pursue studies in a full-year Algebra II course. Students who take this course develop insight into mathematics content beyond the scope of introductory algebra. It reviews and extends the concepts studied in Algebra I and introduces more advanced topics such as real and complex numbers and operations involving these numbers. The content stresses the manipulation of algebraic expression and equations, graphing techniques, and solving various types of equations. Problem-solving techniques are taught as an integral part of this course. The course emphasizes abstract thinking and analytical skills. The format of the course provides a general lecture on key concepts, group activities, and discussions. Students’ skills are continually monitored so that further instruction continues to focus on new and more complex problems. Students will be assigned stimulating and challenging homework. In addition to the admission criteria, students applying for this course must submit a report card or transcript showing that they have completed Algebra I with a grade of B or higher. If this documentation cannot be provided, the student must score at least 70% on the Algebra I diagnostic test prior to being admitted to the course. There is a $10.00 testing fee.

Homeplace & Urban Development: An Environmental Documentary Film Study

Apache elders say wisdom sits in places, and that in places there are stories of wisdom. Place stories, they say, help listeners think deeply and thoughtfully about environmental relationships. Homeplace and Urban Development is a unique course combining aesthetic and scientific inquiry methods to explore and tell stories about the different kinds of places that make up a city. In the first investigation, students will analyze satellite images and other spatial information with geographic information systems (GIS) software, and discover how patterns of urban development affect local ecological systems. In the second investigation, students will study image composition and use a variety of techniques to capture the spatial relationships observed in the built and natural environment. Throughout, students will document their understanding using different writing genres; and as a final project, students will edit their collected images and writings into a short impressionistic documentary of the urban environment to share with their friends and family.

Introduction to Classic Forms in Literature

This course will provide students with an introduction to classic forms in literature. Students will explore the rudiments of literary analysis and learn to analyze the characteristics of myths, sagas, fairytales, legends, epics, folklore and fantasy. The course involves reading assignments, writing assignments and discussions. Students will participate in critical thinking activities, cooperative learning and/or hands-on activities. Students in this course should be above grade level in written expression and reading comprehension. Some examples of reading covered in the class are: Robin Hood, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and Beowulf.

Introduction to Physics

The intent of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to explore a few of the fundamental ideas in physics and recognize the role of mathematics in science. During the three weeks they will discover that we live in a dynamic world where everything is in motion. They will discover how motion is quantified and the cause for changing motion. They will also learn that there are inherent limitations to motion and paradoxes associated with it. Subsequently, they will investigate some of the properties of matter, and its available energy, that we utilize to improve our daily lives. They will investigate phenomena related to electricity and magnetism and how these are interconnected.

Latin and Greek Roots in Contemporary Vocabulary

Since much of today’s lexicon is based on Latin and Greek roots, this course will focus on vocabulary development and the breaking down and building up of “big words” derived from Greek and Latin roots. Class activities will include exposure to root lists, vocabulary games and puzzles, dictionary exploration, and generating a root reference resource. These activities will build a broader vocabulary and an understanding of word etymology, which can lead to better composition skills and higher scores on certain tests as well as add to the student’s joy of learning and using new words.

Nothing in life is certain. In just about everything we do we weigh the chances of being successful. In this course, we take a close look at probability and basic statistics. We will look at the chance or likelihood of an event occurring through spinners, dice, and shakers. We will also use these tools to look at samples and study frequency of events, graphs, mode, median, mean, range, and the fundamental principle of counting. It’s one way to think about your world and the decisions you make every day. We are trying things we think we will probably succeed at but we aren’t quite sure. These concepts give you one way to think about these decisions and may help you take control of them. From medicine to weather to sports, probability and statistics is there.

Let Your Fingers do the Talking is a course designed to teach students to “say what they mean” and “mean what they say” using the fourth most commonly used form of communication in the United States - American Sign Language. Students will synthesize the elements of this language to develop meaningful communications through the use of signs, gestures, and facial expressions. At the same time to further understand deafness, students will investigate the basic anatomy of physiology of the human ear. Students will integrate the concepts of art, music, and mathematics, as they explore the movement, patterns and frequencies of sound waves. The art of role playing and dramatization will set the stage for students to examine the culture and history of deaf and hard-of-hearing communities and provide a context for students to make real-life applications and extensions to a variety of everyday situations.

Mathematics as Motion and Change

In this course, students will explore a universal feature of the past and present worlds: change. Students will learn the language of motion and change through real-world models. They will also learn to represent change through graphical or mathematical models and equations. Using models that show rates of change, students will visually examine the big ideas of calculus. An introduction to the fathers of calculus will allow students to connect the mathematical discoveries of the past with mathematical inventions of the future. Students enrolled in this course should be familiar with graphing and solving simple algebraic equations.

Mathematics as Number Systems (Hindu, Arabic, Egypt, Greece, and Mayan)

In American classrooms, mathematics is considered the study of relationships among quantities, magnitudes, properties, and logical operations using the base-10 (or decimal) system. In this course, students will step into new mathematical paradigms to study four number systems. They will investigate the base-2 (or binary) system which is prominently used in today’s computer technology. In the base-10 system of the Egyptians students will discover the unique properties and characteristics of the decimal system. Through the study of the base-20 (or vigesimal) system of the Mayans students will discover new methods for performing the basic arithmetic operations, as well as the invention and evolution of number systems. Students will extend their knowledge of positional value, the additive, and subtractive properties of numbers, and the significance of zero within number systems, including those of the Greeks. Students will develop the ability to move between the different systems and to explore the common and unique properties of the various systems. Using skills of analysis and synthesis, students will develop, present, and defend their own unique number systems. The format of the course will include group activities, discussions and challenging homework.

Mathematics as Patterns

This course examines patterns as the symmetry and regularity of forms, often geometric, which surround us everyday. The course looks at how ancient civilizations used patterns in art, architecture, and textiles, and how patterns, whether distinct or subtle, are used in many aesthetics, mathematical, and technological areas today. Students will learn the correlation between patterns and simple equations, and how equations can generate patterns. Students will also investigate and design tessellations and patterns drawn on mathematical grids.

Mathematics as Reasoning

This course will examine the historical perspective of one of the major components of mathematics – reasoning. Students will learn the general principles of reasoning as a foundation for reasoning with mathematical or quantitative information in later courses. The use of everyday, real world scenarios will provide the basis for the students’ development of good questioning skills and their cultivation of problem solving skills. Students will learn how to analyze the persuasive, and often fallacious, bombardments of today’s media to look for the building blocks of logical arguments. Students will learn to differentiate between deductive and inductive arguments through a variety of investigations.

Mathematics as Shape

When did the study of geometry begin? How did surveyors, architects, and mathematicians of ancient civilizations develop the important ideas and concepts about geometry that are still in use today? This course investigates how these civilizations saw mathematics as shape and developed principles that influence geometric thinking even in the 21st century. The course gives attention to Euclid’s work in geometry and the Greek perspective of mathematics as shape. The course will provide Euclidean and non-Euclidean ideas about geometry. Students will learn to construct geometric proofs.

Mathematics as Space

This course will explore the mathematical meaning of space as interpreted by astronomers and geometers through the ages. Space will be examined from the geometric perspective of finite areas of two-dimensional objects and finite volumes of three-dimensional objects to the astronomical perspective of the unlimited or indefinitely great three-dimensional expanse in which all material objects are located and all events occur. Students will manipulate areas and volumes to determine spatial effects. Some concepts of topology will be addressed.

Mathematics as Tools

In the context of an archeological dig, this course unearths many of the tools that ancient civilizations used to do mathematics. The use of fingers, toes, and pebbles for counting objects, the use of clay tablets and papyrus for recording numbers, the quipu for record-keeping, the abacus for calculating, and the slide rule for computation are just some of the “ancient” tools that will be investigated in this course. Students will learn the features of the abacus and use it to do a variety of calculations. In addition, they will correlate the use of ancient mathematical tools with the use of modern mathematical tools such as the scientific calculator, the graphing calculator, and the computer. Students will also construct a counting and calculating tool.

Northern Skies: Observing Celestial Objects & Contemplating the Structure of the Universe

Most of us now believe that the earth does in fact orbit around the sun, but can we actually prove it? Northern Skies provides students an opportunity to hone their inquiry skills while attempting to answer this question. In this course, students will observe the stars, sun, and moon through the eyes of other cultures and famous astronomers, as well as through instruments students devise themselves. In the STARLAB planetarium, students will gaze upon the stars in the same way ancient European, African, Asian, and Native American civilizations did. Then, beneath the rays of the Sun, students will make their own star observations. From telescopic tubes and optical lenses, each student will construct their very own Galileo-type telescope to measure the movement of sunspots. Based on their observations, students will have to conjecture and defend their own astronomical theories amid a famous 16th century debate on whether the sun circles around the earth or the earth circles around the sun. In the end, students will test their theories about movement of the earth and sun against lunar observations that they collect over a month long period.

On the Move to Algebraic Thinking

In this course, students will gain access to the big ideas and concepts basic to algebraic thinking, like variable, constant, expression, and equation, by strategically moving manipulatives to solve linear equations. Using a visual, hands-on system that consists of game pieces and numbered cubes, students will be able to physically represent and find solutions to linear equations. As students learn to create concrete representations of algebraic symbols, they will begin to develop the thinking and skills needed to transition to the more abstract, formal processes of solving algebraic equations. Each day a new lesson will be presented that will build upon the concepts taught the previous day. Students will be assessed to ensure comprehension of concepts, and homework will be assigned to promote retention of the lessons covered in class. Students will also participate in classroom activities that will enhance and highlight the big ideas of solving equations.

Poetry Workshop

This workshop provides students the opportunity to work with practicing poets in a high-expectation, small-group setting. Students read and respond to selected works of poetry and the poetry of their peers, as well as submitting their own work for review. Students study elements of poetry such as sound, rhythm, rhyme, meter, metaphor, metonymy, synecdoche, descriptive language, lyric and narrative poetry, and presentation. At the conclusion of the program, each student will have the opportunity to have his or her work published in 22 Across, an annual anthology of the best fiction and poetry produced by workshop participants over the past year. Students applying for this workshop must also submit a poetry writing sample, no more than five pages.

Present Yourself with POWER: Powerpoint Basics

Present Yourself with POWER: PowerPoint Basics provides a fun and challenging way for students to learn PowerPoint Basics. PowerPoint is a great tool for students of all ages to explore their creativity. The days of overheads and picture slides is coming to an end, and are now rolled into one computer-based program. While exploring their minds and sharing their favorite things with their classmates, students will learn basic computer use and PowerPoint skills such as developing slides, adding text, pictures and backgrounds. In addition, students will learn how to save a presentation, use the internet to gather ideas and graphics, understand the importance of color selection, explore their inner creativity, and gain or enhance their public speaking skills. By the end of the course, students will be able to create a basic PowerPoint presentation.

Read-All-About-It Problem Solving

Using newspaper articles as an investigative connector between the “big ideas” of mathematics and the reading, writing, and speaking skills of language arts, students will examine a wide range of academic disciplines including natural science, biological science, health science, history, geography, and economics. In project teams, students will gather evidence related to a specific problem, make conjectures and inferences about the problem, use mathematical strategies and techniques to formulate algorithmic structures for solving the problem, solve the problem using mathematical constructs, and display their findings and results in a written, oral, and graphical presentation. Students who are highly creative and critical thinkers will be successful in this course. The “big ideas” of the mathematics utilized in this course are geometry and measurement; whole numbers and computation; fractions and decimals; ratios and proportions; rates and functions; algebra and graphing; data analysis and statistics; probability and discrete mathematics; as well as logic and proof. Students in this course must have critical reading and thinking, creative problem solving, and superior communication skills.

Shadows and Mirrors: The Art and Science of Light

Students are illuminated about light as they trace its path in Art and Science through time. They will study the nature and behavior of light through laboratory investigations and readings about light (particle vs wave), reflection, refraction and the elements of optics. This course explores how artists through the centuries depicted their understanding of light and perspective in their works of art, as well as how sunlight provides the world with the food necessary for life to exist. A myriad of “enlightening” subjects will be covered including the analysis of the changing quality of light throughout the seasons, eclipses and optical illusions. The course will end with the construction of “pinhole cameras” and student-produced photographs. Students in this course should be proficient with fractions and decimals and possess strong reading skills.

SkyQuest: An Adventurous Journey Observing Celestial Objects

SkyQuest provides students the opportunity to observe the stars, sun, and moon through the eyes of other cultures and famous astronomers. In the STARLAB planetarium, students will gaze upon the stars in the same way ancient European, African, Asian, and Native American civilizations did. They will observe and compare the stars when viewed from the southern and northern hemisphere. Students will be able to understand why and identify the moon phases. Also, students will journey to Mars and use archived image data to expand the base knowledge of the Red Planet. They will read the literature about Mars, use this information to analyze and synthesize image data. Based on their adventure observing these celestial objects, students will defend their own astronomical theories amid a famous 16 th century debate. In the end, students will test their theories about movement of the earth and sun against lunar observations that they collect over the three week period.

Sound and Vision: An Introduction to Multimedia Authoring

In this creative and fun course, students use Hyperstudio to incorporate text, drawings, animation, photographs, audio, and video to create interactive multimedia projects that entertain, inform, and instruct. Students will use graphic and sound editing programs, such as PhotoShop and Goldwave, to create stunning images and snappy sounds. The internet will also be used as a resource to enhance student projects. This course gives students the opportunity to combine their creative talents with today’s technology. By utilizing technology and creativity, students can create dynamic presentations that vividly communicate their ideas. For this course, students must have basic computer skills.

The Body in Motion: The Movement of Human Physiology

Everyday we use our body in many ways. Do we really understand how it works and how everything is connected? This course will explore Human Physiology through creative movement. Students will choreograph movements as they learn about the skeleton, nerves, neurons, body systems, processes of the human body, health and nutrition. In this course, students will have the opportunity to experience an interdisciplinary approach to studying science and movement.

The Science of Color and Beyond…

Students are immersed in the world of color through a journey that exposes students to physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, culture, and the arts. The daily excursion navigates all aspects of color through hands-on activities that include laboratory investigations, computer work, and the design and execution of art projects. This course is designed to stimulate the interests and curiosity of students with well-developed problem-solving abilities and analytical skills. Students will learn about additive and subtractive color theory and their applications; the math of the electromagnetic spectrum and its application; and the chemical analysis of natural dyes and its application in the creation of color agents. Students in this course should be proficient in elementary algebraic content and be able to critically read articles that are written at the 11th grade level. Students should also be able to develop spreadsheets for data gathering and analysis using computersoftware such as Excel.

The Science of Motion: A Journey into the Human Body

Embark on a journey of discovery through an exciting and complex machine-your body. This course is an invaluable guide to the inner workings of the human body. Students will have the opportunity to experience an interdisciplinary approach to studying science. Students will learn anatomy and physiology concepts and connect the principles of the body with movement. Throughout the course students will engage in hands on technology, conduct research and enhance their learning experience through the use of various software such as: The Ultimate Human Body CD-ROM, Kid-Pix, Poetry in Motion, With Eyes Open, and Simple Slide. In addition students will learn about the body’s chemistry, what causes and prevents diseases, and how to create a healthy life-style.

The United States Justice System and You

In general, the media portrays an unrealistic view of the justice system. This course strives to educate students about the justice system and how it applies to their lives. Students will explore the justice system in a variety of ways, including an analysis of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Through that novel, students will gain a historical perspective on the law as well as explore ideas about justice. The novel will also provide a basis for an exploration of legal ethics and professionalism. The Scopes “monkey” trial will also be discussed and its issues debated. Students will also explore the rights of juveniles in society. The course will culminate in a mock trial. In preparation for the mock trial, students will learn to structure direct and cross examinations of a witness, as well as gain knowledge of certain rules of evidence.

Trigonometry: The Amazing World of Triangles

This course introduces the foundation for advanced studies in trigonometry. Students explore the world of triangles by examining their angles and sides, the measurement of their angles and sides, and the relationships between their angles and sides. The course will emphasize the study of right triangle and oblique triangle trigonometry with their corresponding rules, laws, and theorems. The scope of the course includes the study of special-angle trigonometric functions. In this course, students learn the basic terminology, investigate fundamental trigonometric ideas, and become adept in manipulating trigonometric functions in a solution process. The format of the course is a general lecture with individualized work and some group activities. Homework will be assigned that will provide continual practice to solidify the big ideas of trigonometry.

Writing Narrative Fiction

In this course, students will study and apply to their own work the elements of creating original, character-driven narrative fiction. Key concepts to be covered include developing three-dimensional characters, writing believable dialogue, controlling narrative point of view, and revising for publication. Students will study the work of published authors, read and respond to (both written and verbally) the work of their peers, submit their own work for peer review, complete writing exercises designed to reinforce key concepts introduced in class, and revise their work for publication. At the conclusion of this course, each student will have his or her work published in a class anthology.