Course Descriptions

Adv. Math: (1 credit)

Course Covers: Negative Numbers, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division; Whole Numbers, Integers, Number Line, Exponents, Place Value, Expanded and Exponential Notation, Negative Numbers: Exponents, Roots and Radicals, Solve for an Unknown with Additive Inverse, Pythagorean Theorem, Associative Property, Commutative Property, Distributive Property, Solve for an Unknown with Multiplicative Inverse, Solve for an Unknown with Order of Operations, Surface Area of a Solid, Transform Celsius to Fahrenheit, Transform Fahrenheit to Celsius, Absolute Value, Ratio and Proportion, Similar Polygons, Prime Factorization, Least Common Multiple, Greatest Common Factor, Polynomials: Addition, Volume of a Cylinder, Polynomials: Multiplication, Adding and Subtracting Time, Same Difference Theorem, Volume of a Cone and a Pyramid, Military Time: Addition and Subtraction, Measurement: Addition and Subtraction, Irrational Numbers, Square Root Formula, Real Numbers.

Course focuses on the standard topics of algebra: signed numbers, exponents and roots, the evaluation of such expressions, scientific notation, unit conversions, solutions with one unknown, algebra of polynomials and rational expressions, word problems, graphing solutions of simultaneous equations, and the Pythagorean theorem are taught.

Material used: Advanced Math (Math-U-See)

Art: (1 credit)

This course teaches a strong foundation in ART: learning the fundamentals of drawing, especially drawing from life. Subjects include: beginning drawing, anatomy, portraits, pen and ink, nature studies, perspective, graphics and more.

Material used:  How Great Thou Art

Biology/Lab: (1 credit)

Course Covers: Study of Life; Kingdom Monera; Kingdom Protista; Kingdom Fungi; Chemistry of Life; Cells and Cellular Reproduction; Genetics; Evolution; Ecosystems; Invertebrates of Kingdom Animalia; Phylum Arthropoda, Chordata; Kingdom Plantae: Classification/Anatomy/Physiology/Reproduction; Reptiles, Birds, Mammals

Materials used: Exploring Creation with Biology textbook by Dr. Jay Wile, Marilyn Durnell, and Lab book.
(Tests/Grading: Lab Reports and Study Guides = 35% of grade; all module tests and comprehensive exams = 65% of grade)

English: (1 credit)

Intro to Composition: (.5 credit)

This course is a comprehensive introduction to writing, from the intricacy of sentence structure to the complexity of the sestina. Writing assignments include Composition (48 days-focuses on word choice, sentence structure, style, punctuation and more), Fiction (15 days--character development, dialogue and point of view, etc.), Poetry (10 days--practice in variety of forms, from the sonnet to song lyrics, etc.), and Writing in Action (27 days--nonfiction forms such as letter writing, speech writing, technical writing, journalism and advertising, etc.)..

Material used:  Writing for 100 Days (.5 credit)

Intro to Literature:

This course covers setting, characters, conflict, sub-plots, inciting force, point of view, exposition, etc., on a chapter by chapter basis. In working through this study, students will know how to approach all novel reading.

Material used:  Analyzing the Novel (National Writing Institute)

Spelling:  Splashes From The River and Marie Rackham’s On-Line Course

Vocabulary:  Words integrated into the science and history course work.

Material used: 

German: (1 credit)

An interactive computer-based approach, students are immersed in a new language through pictures, hearing native speakers, and seeing and writing written language. The unique speech recognition feature allows the student to compare his or her own voice to that of the native speaker to insure proper pronunciation in the new language. Includes Exercises for Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Voice Record/Speech Recognition, and Dictation/Spelling.

Material used:  Rosetta Stone

World History/Geography (300AD-1600AD) (1 credit)

History of the Middle Ages  (.5 credit)

The course covers historic facts, stories, and poems from the period 300 - 1500 A.D. Four major population centers in the Middle Ages are covered: the town, the castle, the monastery and the manor farm. A survey of Medieval Literature, A Medieval Festival, Heraldry & Coats of Arms, Artists & Arts, Making Costumes and Armor, Historic Overview, The Castle: Lords & Ladies, Knights & Chivalry, and merchants, Crusaders, pilgrims and students, Medieval paintings, stained glass and sculpture are among the topics studied. World geography is covered as it applies to this time period.

Materials used:  Picture the Middle Ages (Golden Owl Publishing)

Supplemental Materials: Various works of literature

History of the Renaissance:  (.5 credit)

The course highlights period artists, architects, writers, craft workers, philosophers, scholars and public officials. Historical facts and examples are provided on matters of importance and interest in social studies, history, literature, music and art. Selected stories, literature and primary sources document the major movements and thinking of the period. Major architectural, paintings and sculptures, and scientific discoveries are highlighted. Architecture and Architects, Exploration and Explorers, Inventions and Inventors, Literature and Authors, Paintings and Painters, Science and Scientists, are among the topics covered. World geography is covered as it applies to this time period.

Materials used:  Picture the Renaissance (Jackdaw Publications)

Supplemental Materials: Various works of literature

Orchestra: (1 credit)

The course covers proper technique, music history, rhythm, performance skills, ear training, music theory, ensemble experience.                                                                                 Fossil Creek Strings, private lessons                                          

Survey of the Old Testament, Part I: Creation, Judges and Kings: (1 credit)

The Old Testament of the Bible is read in chronological order.  Theme and symbolism are explored as the message is considered for today’s reader.  Ancient Middle East history is reviewed as it relates to the lives of the patriarchs and prophets.

Materials used:  Bible, various resources