Summer School 2002

Course Descriptions

This course is a balanced program in which students read, write, listen and speak. Reading and writing are emphasized through the study of core literary works. Culturally significant works of world literature are studied which connect with the time period studied in social studies classes. English students will learn: expository critique, literacy response, analysis and criticism. Study skills, language structure and usage, vocabulary development, spelling and higher level thinking skills are also integral parts of the course.

The main focus for formal development will be on the multi-paragraph essay. As part of the writing process, and to demonstrate proficiency in writing, students will practice writing in the following domains: problem solution, biographical sketch, analysis/speculation, evaluation. Students will have multiple writing experiences in response to literature studied. The core literature studied will connect to the historical period studied in 8th grade United States history.

This class can be taken by students who have failed English 8 and has a teacher recommendation or by other students with teacher recommendation. It is not for students who have passed Reading For Success but not passed English 8. Students will review content standards using textbook materials at grade level. Students will learn basic grammar skills, write complete paragraphs and finish two vocabulary lessons each week. They will also read and analyze poems, short stories, essays and speeches.

Students will learn to: use whole numbers, be able to identify and use prime and composite numbers, use positive rational numbers in fraction form, use positive rational numbers in decimal form, use ratio, proportion and percent, and be able to identify basic geometric terms and figures. Students will also be able to use standard measurements, use measures with plane figures and use probability and statistics.

Each student will learn to: use integers, use rational numbers, use exponential scientific notation, use real numbers, find volume and surface areas, use compass and straightedge for basic constructions, solve linear equations, and work with patterns and functions.

This course has been designed for students who will enroll in College Prep Math in fall of 2001 and is open to current 7th and 8th grade students. Students will study problems involving patterns in geometry and number and use them to develop algebraic expressions. They will use graphs of linear and nonlinear functions to solve applied problems. Although the problems are different from those in CPM Algebra 1, the focus will be on the same key ideas of variables and functions. Students who enroll will have a head start for their first year of algebra and beyond. The class will run for four weeks, June 25-July 20 and will meet for four hours each day.

Earth Science explores the fields of geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, and ecology. An emphasis is placed on active learning as students participate in labs, library projects, and multimedia instruction. In addition, students receive a general introduction to the field of science through the scientific method, measurement and graphing.

In a unit of study of physical science, students will study the scientific method including chemistry and physics. in a unit of study of life science, students will study microbiology, classification, the five kingdoms, evolution and ecology.

This course will examine the social, cultural, and technological changes that have occurred during the period AD 500-1789. The class will introduce geography skills students need to understand the world around them. major civilizations covered will include: the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of Islam, sub-Saharan Africa, Asian Civilizations, Medieval Societies, the Renaissance, the Reformation and Scientific Revolution, the Age of Exploration, Early American Civilizations, and the Enlightenment. Students will also be connecting themes studied to the world today by analyzing current events.

This course emphasizes the history of the United States and Geography. Students will connect with past learning by studying the age of exploration. Topics studied include: the causes which led the American Colonies to split from the British Empire, the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the challenges of establishing a new government, the divergent paths of the American people, the Civil War, Industrial America, and linking the past to the present.

20-day Special Education course: June 24-July 19, 2002.