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| Course Descriptions |
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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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| Fantasy Fiction Fun (J03): |
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Period 2
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| What would the world be like without Harry Potter and other fictional characters that make us love reading? Immerse yourself in the genre of fantasy
fiction, explore and celebrate what makes it unique, then create your own fictional characters and the worlds in which they live. You could be the next J.K. Rowling! |
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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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| Anticipating Algebra (J05): |
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Period 5
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| “When will I ever use algebra?” you ask. Here’s one way. Introduce yourself to pre-algebra through this class that focuses on applications of algebra in the world. In addition to tackling concepts of linear equations, polynomial functions and factoring, you may also have time for fun with games, tessellations,
and probability. |
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| Chemistry: The Essential Element (J07): |
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Period 4 - CLOSED
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| Welcome to the laboratory that is the world in which you live. Experiment with domestic chemicals, environmental
materials, foods, and living organisms to discover the chemical nature of substances, their properties, reactions, and uses in daily life. Design a series of experiments to test your hypotheses about the reaction of substances. |
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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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| The Search for Life in Outer Space: Astrobiology to Xenobiology (J09): |
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Period 5
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What would life look like on a glacial planet? A gaseous
one? How do you think life evolves to endure extreme planetary conditions? What are the implications of the latest findings on Mars? Debate these questions and more, as you search the universe for the existence of life. |
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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 - CLOSED
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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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| The Proof is in the Logic (J15): |
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Period 1
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| Do you reach your conclusions using a logical and organized process? Would you like to improve this skill? If so, this course in developing logic skills will help you organize your ideas, sharpen your scientific
thinking, and sort out the complexities of social relationships. You’ll learn to construct and refute arguments using symbolic as well as numerical
data. Learn how logic is closely associated with philosophy, mathematics, computer science, and law. |
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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 - CLOSED
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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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| Roots of Human Behavior (M21): |
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Period 5
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| What are the theories behind why we act as we do? Study the psychology of human behavior to help you understand more about yourself. This course will survey past and current theories in human development,
mental health, and social relationships. You’ll examine the roots of personality and behavior
as seen through the theories of Freud, Skinner,
Maslow, and Erickson. You’ll have a chance to evaluate the validity of the theories in the light of your own life experiences. |
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| Inquiring Minds (M22): |
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Period 3
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| What is the meaning of life? This class will focus on basic logic skills, critical and creative thinking, and creating a community of inquiry. You will learn how to ask and answer life’s big questions and read excerpts written by others who have thought deeply about the same philosophical issues. |
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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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| 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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| Robot Rendezvous (M30): |
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Period 2
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Did you know that robotics experts study the movement of insects and birds and mimic it in the movement of the robots they design? This class will explore machines, types of forces and structures, motion and performance analysis. You’ll be a part of a team to simulate designs and constructions of robots that fulfill specialized functions.
You will also engage in discussions about the future
of robotics and the ethical considerations to their design. |
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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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| Business Basics (M37): |
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Period 1
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| What should be on a business card? How do you determine if there is a market for your product or invention? This class will walk you through the process
of making a business plan and implementing it. You’ll learn how to market a business successfully,
while learning how to be a smarter consumer at the same time. |
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| Sensational Chocolate: Centuries of Salivation and Salvation (M39): |
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Period 3
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| Did you know that chocolate has played an important
role in economics and culture throughout history? Today, Americans eat about 12 pounds ofchocolate per person a year! Uncover the history of chocolate, learn how cacao is grown and manufactured, and investigate the cultural interactions and conservation concerns arising from the cultivation and consumption of cacao and chocolate. Create an original recipe using chocolate. |
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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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| Global Climate, Global Change (M42): |
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Period 4
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| Humanity’s need for natural resources is insatiable. We have burned up fossil fuels at a much faster rate than that at which they were created, upsetting the carbon cycle. How do we strike a balance between the consumption of resources
and the environmental effects of this consumption?
Scientists no longer debate whether climate
change will have serious effects on the earth, but rather, how we are facing the challenges of that change. Who will take the lead in combating the adverse effects of global warming? What are the responsibilities of the industrializers to developing
countries? Join your peers to confront these problems. |
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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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| Guiding Principles of Philosophy (S45): |
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Period 5
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| Now more than ever, the western and eastern parts of the world must strive to understand each other. Survey the major philosophical traditions of Eastern and Western civilization and analyze important social
and political issues from various perspectives. Study some of the famous philosophers such as Lao-Tze, Confucius, Socrates, Plato, Hume, Kant, and Nietzsche. Develop a philosophy of your own. |
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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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| MULTI-DISCIPLINARY |
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| Globalization: The Cash and Clash of Civilizations (S60): |
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Period 3
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| Globalization--the integration of capital, technology,
and information across national borders -- is creating a single global market. Globalization is as old as the human race, but its magnitude is unique to this century. How will this changing world economy impact your future? Here is an opportunity for you to understand your future as it is affected by globalization’s impact on culture, the environment, politics, business, and standards of living around the world. |
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| College Preparation Course (S79): |
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Period 2
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| What you really need to know about the college application
process from the test taking, to the essay, to the campus visit, to the interview. Learn how to write an essay that will impress the reader with its unity and coherence. Gain valuable test-taking strategies. Create a resume that describes the real you. Practice interview questions and behaviors that will make a lasting impression. Gain the confidence
to improve your chances for acceptance into the most highly-regarded colleges. |
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| Visual and Performing Arts Courses |
| Lock, Pop, and Hip Hop (A63): |
| Period 2 |
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| Bring your sneakers and your soul! It’s all about having fun and feeling healthy. You’ll learn the most up-to-date dance moves while you get a great aerobic workout! Learn body rolls, arm rolls, moonwalking and more! Experience imaginative choreography and improve your stage presence. Create a new dance form. |
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| 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 - CLOSED |
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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 |
| Getting in the Swim of Things (R71): |
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Period 5 - CLOSED
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| Expert swimming instruction will be given at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. A certified swimming instructor will help you improve your swimming skills. What a great way to chill out in the summer while you’re getting in shape! Bring your goggles! |
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| Volleyball Vitals (R72): |
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Period 4
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| The increasingly popular sport of volleyball encourages
teamwork, flexibility, and strength. You’ll also need quick thinking as you participate in this international sport. Progress to tournament play as you master serving, volleying, and strategizing. Both beginners and experienced players will enjoy this class. Kneepads recommended. |
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| Sports Spot (R73): |
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Period 2
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| If you love to be physically fit through all kinds of organized team sports, you’ll enjoy this sports bonanza. Engage in old favorites such as softball, touch football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Try your hand at Ultimate Frisbee. |
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| Awesome Archery (R74): |
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Period 1 - CLOSED
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| The sport of legends, come and see if it is as easy as it looks to hit a target! Practice the finer points of archery on a full sized range while you learn this time-honored sport. Bows and arrows will be provided. |
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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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| DanceSport: Dance Your Way to Fitness (R78): |
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Period 3
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| The true equalizer, DanceSport is one of the few sports where male and female athletes compete against each other at the same time on the same surface. It also holds great fascination for viewers of such shows as Dancing with the Stars and So, You think You can Dance. Learn the finer elements of timing, rhythm, movement, footwork, and floorcraft, as you dance the waltz, tango, foxtrot
and quickstep. Fitness is only a dance away! |
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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. |
| Highlights of Algebra II with Trigonometry (S48): |
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Period 4
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Come hit the highlights of Algebra II and trigonometry,
such as quadratic and cubic polynomials, the binomial theorem, the Principle of Mathematical Induction,
irrational expressions, complex numbers, and exponential and logarithmic functions. A scientific
calculator is recommended. (Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry) |
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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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