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| Course Descriptions – Session 2 |
Typically, students choose two or three academic courses, one
or two arts and/or recreational courses, and one study/tutorial.
There are five seventy-five minute periods (Periods I - V) in the
daily schedule Monday through Friday. Students select from the course
listing, choosing courses from the appropriate level.
Please note: Although a very high percentage of the courses listed
below will run at the campus, we cannot guarantee a given course
will run. Students should select alternate courses when registering
for courses. |
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In this section:
Courses
for students currently in grades 4, 5 & 6
Courses
for students currently in grades 7 & 8
Courses
for students currently in grades 9, 10 & 11
Visual
and performing arts courses (all grades, unless noted)
Fitness
and recreation courses (all grades, unless noted)
Study/Tutorials (all grades) |
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| Courses for students currently in grades
4, 5 & 6 |
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| HUMANITIES |
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| Speaking of Writing (J01) |
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Period 1
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| Creative writing and eloquent speech-making join forces in this course. Evaluate and improve your writing skills and then deliver your written word through public speaking practice. Work on precision of language, imagery, figures of speech, and the revision process. Then, learn the skills required for professional speech-making. Learn how to move audiences with your written and spoken word. |
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| Going to Court (J02): |
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Period 2
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| “All rise for the honorable judge….you!” Through the process of enacting trials, you will experience the justice system of the United States. You’ll take on the roles of judge, jury, prosecutor, defender or witness. Through active involvement in the courtroom
drama, you will learn to organize facts, develop
your speaking and questioning abilities, and understand the concepts of justice through jury deliberation. |
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| MATH AND SCIENCE |
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| Creative Math Paths (J04): |
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Period 4
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| Develop your math problem-solving ability as well as your real-life problem-solving strategies. Challenging
problems will provide opportunities for intuitive and inductive reasoning, mathematical discovery, reasoning skill, insight, creativity, and originality. Expand
your thinking through mathematical activities, and discover multiple methods to solving a problem. It’s great preparation for real-life problem solving. |
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| It’s a Blast Off! (J08): |
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Period 3
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| “Five, four, three, two, one…” Blast off to the fascinating field of airplane design and rocketry. Celebrate over one hundred years of flight. Learn about motion and propulsion, space, and space exploration as you build your own working models of airplanes, rockets, and space rovers. |
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| Zest for Zoology (J10): |
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Period 5
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| Did you know that a gorilla adopted an orphaned kitten and nursed it back to life? Did you know that pigs are the third smartest land mammals? Do you wonder why dogs are man’s best friend? You’ll explore
these questions and more in the fascinating realm of zoology. Discover the similarities and differences between vertebrates and invertebrates. Choose your favorite animal to research. |
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| MULTI-DISCIPLINARY |
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| Spying: Secrets, Surveillance, and Science (J13): |
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Period 3
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| Did you know that the newest satellite technology can look into your living room from thousands of miles away in space? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a spy and monitor this technology? Did you know that some of the gadgets from James Bond really exist? Come discover how spies keep—or uncover— secrets. Get an inside look at the science behind the spy’s tricks of the trade. Create an original spy gadget and persuade your peers of its usefulness. Analyze the relationship
between spying and the invasion of privacy. |
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| Move Over Sherlock (J14): |
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Period 4
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| HHow do real detectives solve mysteries? Come examine
how modern crime investigators use cutting-
edge scientific discoveries to search for evidence,
gather clues, and analyze data. Participate in a simulated mystery where you become the detective
as you learn skills in logic, inductive and deductive reasoning, data collection, and analysis. This is a great way to practice using your scientific problem solving skills! |
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| Future City Design(J17): |
| Period 2 |
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| Explore the challenges of the future! Take on the roles of chemical, mechanical,
electrical, aeronautical, and civil engineers as you develop a vision for a future city. Construct a scale model that evidences your ideas for future architectural design, transportation, communication,
recreation, environmental concerns, and the health and safety of your future citizens. |
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| Courses for students currently in grades
7 & 8 |
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| HUMANITIES |
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| The Writer’s Palette (M18): |
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Period 1
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| Learn how to create a masterpiece of characterization
and setting. Gain experience and practice writing effectively and creatively by analyzing and editing your own work. Discussions about style, the structure of fictional pieces, and reader involvement
will help you understand the functions of writing as entertainment, documentation, and creative expression. |
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| Journey into Jurisprudence (M24): |
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Period 3
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“Hear ye, hear ye… the trial is about to begin.” Mock courtroom drama will unfold as you become the players in a series of exciting simulated trials that depict the way our legal system functions. The structure of our court system, the functions of judge and jury, basic trial procedures and the strategies that attorneys use to win cases will be explored. Study the cases that have fascinated law students for decades. Develop your abilities to organize
and interpret facts, to ask questions, and to make effective decisions. |
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| MATH AND SCIENCE |
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| Geometric Highlights (M27): |
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Period 5
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| For math lovers who have not yet studied geometry,
here’s a chance for you to explore this fascinating
field of math. Learn the secrets of the Golden Rectangle and the Divine Proportion. Investigate the power of symmetry. Topics may include the notion of proof, congruent triangles, perpendicularity, parallelism,
geometric inequalities, similarity, circles and spheres, area and volume, and vectors. Pre-requisite:
Algebra I |
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| Bonding with Chemistry (M28): |
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Period 1
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| Gain entry into the chemist’s world by exploring some of the abstract concepts of chemistry that provide the basis for studying higher levels of this subject matter. You’ll study topics such as chemical formulas, equations, stoichiometry, the chemistry of metals and nonmetals, chemical bonding, polarity, and acid-base chemistry. A pocket calculator is required. |
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| Biology Basics (M29): |
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Period 2
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| Discover the secrets of the building blocks of life! Come get acquainted with some of the fundamental principles and processes of biological systems. You will be introduced
to basic chemistry, metabolism, photosynthesis, cellular energy processes, reproduction and genetics. Gain insight into how living things co-exist. |
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| MULTI-DISCIPLINARY |
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| Thinking Outside and Beyond the Box (M35): |
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Period 4
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| How is the circulatory system like a circus? Thinking
outside the box will help you make creative connections between seemingly disparate aspects of life. Those who are able to make unique parallels
will become our future problem-solvers. This class helps you prepare for that role. Learn strategies
and gain multiple perspectives that will assist you in applying creative solutions to problems now and in a future world. |
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| Graphic Arts as a Marketing Tool (M36): |
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Period 4
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| Why are the colors red and yellow used so frequently
in marketing logos? How is the design of a billboard different from a magazine ad? Take a look at the commercial applications of art and design as you develop and expand your aesthetic perception,
acquire knowledge of the technology that supports graphic illustration, and survey careers in the graphic design field. Design brochures, flyers,
posters, newsletters, and an original product of your own. |
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| Down with Disease! (M40): |
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Period 5
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| Germs are not stopped by airport security! They have no boundaries, and so, global health is local health. Millions in the world lack access
to basic sanitation, clean water, and nutritious food. These conditions create breeding grounds for infectious diseases. Explore social and economic indicators such as life expectancy, wealth, and education,
and learn how they compare to the distribution
of the world’s deadliest diseases. Determine what your responsibility to worldwide wellness is. |
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| Courses for students currently
in grades 9, 10 & 11 |
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| HUMANITIES |
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| Word Origins for SAT Success
(S43): |
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Period 4
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| The etymology of words is a fascinating study in unlocking
the complexities of linguistic relationships. This class will improve your vocabulary and understanding
of word origins. You’ll have the chance to practice taking sample tests, learn test-taking tactics, and improve your verbal confidence. You’ll employ your new vocabulary as you practice writing
for the current SAT writing component. |
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| Writing Matters (S44): |
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Period 5
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| Do you want to move people with your words? This intensive workshop in reading excerpts from the varied styles of contemporary authors and in developing your own writing style will challenge and motivate you. You’ll gain invaluable practice in communicating your thoughts, feelings, and knowledge, vividly and expressively through the written word. |
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| Psychological Perspectives (S47): |
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Period 1 and 2
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| This course introduces the student to the study of human behavior from various perspectives across the life span.It covers a wide range of topics, which include biological foundations, perception, motivation
and emotion, learning, memory and thinking, individual differences, intelligence, personality, development, and behavior disorders and their treatment. Conduct research that critically evaluates
one theory of personality development. Analyze
the relationship between the study of psychology
and the fields of teaching, business, and law. (Double Period Class) |
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| MATH AND SCIENCE |
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| Jump Start Your SAT Math Score (S50) |
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Period 3
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Don’t sweat those Math SATs; prepare for them. This class is designed to help you improve your math scores on standardized exams. Using past sample practice tests, you’ll gain the confidence and skill you need to score well on standardized tests. Bring your scientific calculators. (Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry) |
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| Applications of Chemistry (S52): |
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Period 2
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This chemistry class will look at the theories and laws of chemistry. You will study stoichiometry, chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, organic chemistry, equilibrium, and redox reactions. A pocket calculator is required. |
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| MULTI-DISCIPLINARY |
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| Two Heads Are Better Than One: Comparing the Male and Female Brain
(S55): |
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Period 3
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| Behavioral and neurological differences between men and women have long been an area of fascination
and heated debate. But, just what are the differences between male and female brains and where are these differences located? Discover what studies have revealed about total brain size, the corpus callosum, and the hypothalamus of men and women. Conduct research in the areas of perceptual speed, object displacement, mathematical
calculation, spatial perception, and disembedding
ability. Construct your own views based on research about whether brain differences have a neuroanatomical basis. |
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| The Secrets of Symbols (S57): |
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Period 5
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| Symbolism is humankind’s oldest form of visual communication. Long before the advent of written language, humans used symbols to convey ideas, beliefs, and profound feeling. The use of symbols can be found in every culture and historical period. Discover the significance and meaning of symbols from cave drawings to Egyptian
tombs to master works of art. Develop a true understanding of this rich, mysterious, and deeply complex non-verbal language and its relevance to your own communication. |
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| Crime Scene Investigation (S61): |
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Period 1
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| Learn fingerprinting, hair analysis, handwriting analysis, and the importance of chain of custody when solving a crime. This introduction to forensic science will cover evidence collection guidelines, photography, profiling, and career training. Crime scene investigators draw upon their knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, entomology, botany, and computer science to solve their mysteries. Investigate
whether this could be a career for you. Create a mystery for your peers to solve. |
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| Visual and Performing Arts Courses |
| Singing Sensations (A64): |
| Period 3 |
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| Do you think of yourself as a potential American Idol? Find the entertainer inside and know the audience
outside. You’ll learn how to expand your range, employ breath control, interpret lyrics, use good singing posture, take care of your vocal instrument,
use a microphone, and do warm-up exercises.
In addition to increasing vocal power, this course will help you develop your image, make the most of your talent, nail an audition and investigate a potential career in the entertainment industry. |
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| Laugh Tracks (A65): |
| Period 4 |
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| Humor is associated with great intelligence. This introduction to comedic improvisation will help you gain confidence in your ability to perform spontaneously.
You can make the most of your comedic talents while learning to loosen up, think quickly, and develop humorous characterizations. Great practice for developing intuition and teamwork skills too! |
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| Broadway Beckons (A66): |
| Period 5 |
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| Sing! Dance! Act! The show will go on! Learn vocal techniques, dance and movement exercises, and character acting skills-all pertaining to a selected production. The class will present a mini-musical presentation at the end of the three weeks. Some recreation hour rehearsals may be required. |
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| Two and Three-D Media: Drawing and Sculpting (A68): |
| Period 1 |
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| Express yourself in pencil, ink, or three dimensions. Develop your techniques in perspective,
light, and shading. Learn the fundamentals of positive and negative space. Create an original, displayable work. |
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| Fitness and Recreation Courses |
| Tennis, Anyone? (R70): |
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Period 2
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| Learn the basics of scoring, strokes, volleys and serves. For those students who have already developed
intermediate level playing skills, this class will give you the opportunity to perfect your strokes, learn new strategies, and improve your game play by competing against other experienced players in the class. Bring your tennis racquet to camp! |
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| Fencing: Foils to Epees (R75): |
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Period 1
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| Fencing-the mental prowess of chess, the grace of the athlete! Develop basic technique, form, finesse,
and balance essential for success as a fencer. Refine your skills as you are paired with others of similar ability. The foil technique will emphasize
a strong defense and body attack. Those who possess the skills will work with epees and sabers. Basic equipment will be provided. |
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| Meditation: Mantras, Mandalas, and Mindfulness (R76): |
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Period 3
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| All meditation traditions share the core elements of attention, awareness, understanding and compassion.
Meditation makes your brain stronger, builds concentration and creates the ultimate natural high. Practice various meditation techniques and discover how meditation reduces stress and helps in healing. Learn how using mantras, mandalas, and visualization techniques increases mindfulness
and self-awareness. |
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| Self-Defense Sense (R77): |
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Period 4
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| Self-defense strategies are important, not only in self-protection, but also in building physical and mental discipline. This class will help you present
a commanding presence as you gain control and confidence through such strategies as awareness
of your surroundings, wrist escapes, defense against body holds, and blocking. A healthy lifestyle
is built on self-discipline, fitness and goal setting-
the foundations of effective self-defense! |
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| Study/Tutorials |
| Most students choose to have a study/tutorial as one of their courses
during the five-period academic day. All students have a supervised evening
study/tutorial. In the study/tutorial, students work on projects, do research,
and complete assignments. |
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| Academic Program |
| Courses cover humanities, sciences
and mathematics, visual and performing arts, and fitness and recreation. |
| Find out more |
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