Core Academic Course Descriptions for Session 3, 2024-2025
ELA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS for 6th-8th SYLLABUS HERE
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This two-day, full year core course is broken into four sessions, can accommodate a range of skills, and focuses on reading and composition. High-interest articles, essays and book excerpts will be enjoyed, with time for discussion, evaluation, and writing. Scholastic SCOPE or similar materials will be used for analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies/current event topics are often incorporated into lessons, with a range of activities to be expected (group presentations, reader’s theatre, etc.). The focus of Session 3 will be persuasive/ argument writing; Session 4 will be narrative/ creative writing. Students should expect to complete at least one final draft essay per session. Basic conventions, mechanics and editing will be practiced weekly. Additional independent reading will be assigned, as well as extra writing practice as needed. Materials required: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week) Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. This is a full-year course of study. The 9:00 class is recommended for levels 6th/7th. The 11:00 class is recommended for those at 7th-9th level. It is also recommended that students enrolled in ELA also take an ELA Study Session. One time course fee includes subscription to Scholastic SCOPE Magazine. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 per class.
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ENGLISH COHORT I
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This one-day, full year core course is broken into four sessions, can accommodate a range of skills, and focuses on reading and composition. High-interest articles, essays and book excerpts will be enjoyed, with time for discussion, evaluation, and writing. Scholastic SCOPE or similar materials will be used for analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies/current event topics are often incorporated into lessons, with a range of activities to be expected (group presentations, reader’s theatre, etc.). The focus of Session 3 will be presuasive/ argument writing; Session 4 will be narrative/ creative writing. Students should expect to complete at least one final draft essay per session. Basic conventions, mechanics and editing will be practiced weekly. Additional independent reading will be assigned, as well as extra writing practice as needed. Materials required: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week) Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. This is a full-year course of study. It is also recommended that students enrolled in ELA also take an ELA Study Session. One time course fee includes subscription to Scholastic SCOPE Magazine. *Please note: Our English Cohort I on Friday is a modified version of our ELA M/W course that was specifically arranged to accommodate a cluster of 7th/8th students who requested ELA. Please refer to the ELA syllabus above for more information on the weekly focus. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 7.
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FOUNDATIONS OF MATH SYLLABUS HERE
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This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 6th grade but is open to 6th–8th graders who need a solid foundation in middle school math skills. With lessons both online and hard copy provided, students will practice foundational skills including basic algorithms of multiplication and division. They will also explore relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages, and perform all operations involving decimals and fractions. Word problems, games and activities will be used to enhance understanding. The course uses the text
Everyday Math, Book I.
It is recommended that students enrolled in Foundations of Math also take the Foundations Math Games course on Tuesday and/or at least one MAYL class. Materials required: spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil.
Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10.
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PRE-ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE
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This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 7th grade but is open to
6th–8th graders who are ready for this level. Students will be provided instruction specifically targeting pre-algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying proportional relationships; rational numbers; algebraic expressions and linear equations; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts. This course is designed to prepare students for Middle School Algebra. The format of lessons given are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning. The course uses the text Everyday Math, Book 2, as well as lessons from Glencoe aligned with 7th grade standards. Materials Required: folder with pockets, one single subject lined notebook, loose leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler. Pre-assessment is required for placement. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. Instructor: Rachel Ameche. Max: 8 per class
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MS ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE
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This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 8th grade but is open to 6th- 8th graders who are ready. Through in-class, hard copy, and online lessons, students will be provided instruction specifically targeting algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying rational numbers; algebraic expressions; linear equations and functions; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts. This course is designed to prepare students for 9th level Algebra 1. We will be using the Glencoe Pre-Algebra text as well as other sources for this 8
th grade level class. The format of lessons given are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning.
Materials Required: 1 subject spiral bound notebook, folder, ruler, loose leaf lined paper, pencils & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested),
and access to a computer at home. Pre-assessment is required for placement.
Independent work is expected; about 3-4 hrs./wk. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8
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MONEY MATTERS I SYLLABUS HERE
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Money Matters is a course designed to introduce students to essential financial concepts that will get them started on their journey to financial literacy. Through engaging activities, they will discover the world of banking, work on budgeting skills, and explore the basics of investing. With collaborative projects, discussions and games, students will build foundational knowledge needed to understand how money impacts the world around them and their own relationship to it
. Light independent work may be assigned, up to up to 30 min./wk. Instructor: Rachel Ameche. Max: 8
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MAPPING THE WORLD SYLLABUS HERE
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This
full year course will allow students to immerse themselves in world geography, starting at any level. By the end of the year (IF attending all four sessions and completing all assignments and independent practice), students will be able to draw a map of the world by heart
, on an equirectangular grid, and (dependent on their starting point of knowledge) will include most of the world’s countries, major bodies of water, and major landforms. Like anything, the final product is determined by the time and effort put into this course, which begins in August! Session 1 will focus on major world regions and the Americas, with an independent country study project started. Lessons are taken from David Smith’s “Mapping the World by Heart” curriculum, teacher-developed curriculum, video, and other resources. Each lesson will help students build understanding of various maps, regions, climate, GPS, the spatial relationships of countries and continents to one another, and regional/cultural and historical information about MANY countries. Materials needed each week include a spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen (optional: personal set of sharpened colored pencils). Materials required: National Geographic “Kids” Student World Atlas, Fifth Edition (2019). National Geographic Kids World Atlas, Sixth Edition (2021) may also be used, but the 5th edition (“Kids”) is recommended as it aligns better with the maps we use in class.
Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, with several projects. Instructor Lori Peters. Max: 12
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MEDIEVAL TIMES I SYLLABUS HERE
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Delve deep into the fascinating
(and sometimes disgusting) world of the Middle Ages! We’ll follow the thread of history from the Roman Empire through the barbarian invasions, feudalism, the Crusades, and the plague until we reach the bright spark of the Renaissance. Along the way we’ll learn about Knights and Castles, heraldry, Vikings, Samurai warriors, and the advancements in the arts, science, and technology that provide the foundation for our current understanding of the universe. We’ll bring the learning to life with various hands-on projects including art, games, engineering, and even a little bit of explosives! An independent research project into a topic of choice will end the unit in Session 4. Independent work is expected, up to about 1 hr./week; the course will culminate with student presentations on a topic of their choice. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 8
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VIEWPOINT II SYLLABUS HERE
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This course will look at a few current and historical events that have been met with controversy and a broad range of viewpoints. We’ll start with a lesson on media literacy, what constitutes fact-based news and propaganda, as well as the political bias ranking on various journalism news outlets. Through discussion and research, students will determine their own viewpoint on the subject after carefully weighing many sides. This will not be a debate class as much as it is a discussion class, and an opportunity to share informed perspectives with maturity and a willingness to hear others. A range of opinions is expected and welcomed! Topics in
Session 3 will focus on United States’ involvement in foreign affairs: the Louisiana Purchase, the Panama Canal, the Philippine-American War, and the League of Nations. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8
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BIOLOGY: ANATOMY I SYLLABUS HERE
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Part 1 of 2. Learn about the anatomy and physiology of mammals (including humans), from the smallest cells to the largest organ in the body! Study the structure and function of each organ system and learn how they work in concert with each other to keep us alive and healthy. Class will include hands-on STEAM activities, including microscope work and dissections of various animal organs such as an eye, heart, brain and kidney. Lab fee includes the cost of specimens and tools. Independent work is expected, about 30 min./wk. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 8
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PHYSICS IN NATURE SYLLABUS HERE
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Part I of this physical science series introduced students to the foundational concepts that explained how the observable universe behaves. In Session 2, we explored the physics of energy and how we use it to power our lives. In Session 3, Physics in Nature will introduce students to the captivating world of physical science phenomena found in nature. From electric currents generated by eels to fluid mechanics in plants, there is much to discover when we look to our natural world to see physics in action. Students will explore foundational concepts in physics by participating in interactive demonstrations, creative projects, and collaborative experiments. Through this course, students will grasp key physics concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and engage their curiosity about the science that shapes our world.
Independent work is minimal if at all, but attendance is a must.
Instructor: Rachel Ameche. Max: 9
WILDLIFE III: WEATHER EXTREMES SYLLABUS HERE
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Part 3 of 4. Fires and floods, winds and drought –Oh my! These weather events are a constant threat in Southern California, and the Ventura County wildlife have evolved in diverse and fascinating ways to survive them! In this immersive class, we will explore and discover the natural history of local species and the unique SoCal weather systems that drive their behaviors. We will venture outside to see how our diverse local habitats are affected by these weather phenomena; discuss why they happen (and why they may be happening more frequently); and learn how wildlife has adapted to survive and thrive in these environments.
Session 4 will be all about the Channel Islands, their natural history, and the species that thrive there. (We will take a trip to Santa Cruz Island at the end of the year as well.)
Instructors: Rachel Ameche with Jenni Buchanan assisting.
Max: 10. *
Parent permission is required to transport your child.
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BODY TALK I SYLLABUS HERE
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This popular and unique OSA course has been offered annually, to rave reviews by kids AND parents! Students learn about the physical, emotional and social changes experienced during puberty in an age-appropriate, safe environment. It’s not just about puberty and sex… the course deals with media, pressures, and gender roles. Level 1 is for 6th/7th students, or older students who have not yet taken human development classes. (Level 2, for older students or those who have taken Level 1, will be offered in Session 4). There may be some light homework assignments, although returning them is not expected. The assignments are for students’ own personal growth and interest and usually involve talking to parents or other trusted adults about the topic discussed in class. Although the course is effectively taught with boys/girls together, classes dealing with puberty are split by gender, and will have a male adult with the boys. Instructor Robin Lindsey has taught human sexuality classes to teens for many years. Melanie Ware will assist. Max: 10.
CHEMISTRY R US II (NANO-SCIENCE SERIES) SYLLABUS HERE
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This
four-part molecular science series (nano science) is designed to engage middle school students in the joys of chemistry and biology. The course will review 5th – 8th grade California chemistry and biology standards in a fun and interactive way that is bound to leave students with a lifelong appreciation of the sciences. The class will reveal insights and connections with real life as chemistry and biology is all around us and within us. Most students who take this class will look forward to high school science. This series of 32 molecular science classes include the following sessions: Shapes of Nature, Chemistry “R” Us Part 1, Chemistry “R” Us Part 2, and the Biological World. The classes in this series are equal parts lectures, videos, hands-on experiments, and discussion. Please note: a $100 annual course fee is due prior to the first session.
Please note: a $100 annual course fee is due prior to the first session. Light work may be expected, such as reviewing handouts, up to 30 min./wk. Instructor: Dr. Steve Yoshinaga. Max: 12
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