2023-2024 Grade 6-8 Course Descriptions
Please click Class Schedule tabs to view At-a-Glance 2023-2024 Class Schedules
**Monday classes run for 15 weeks.**
***Classes must meet their Minimum Enrollment Numbers to run.***
Mid Sch Early Us History w/ Lit Middle School Math/Pre-Algebra Drama & Theater
Physical Science w/Labs Biology Labs Beg Sewing & Quilting
Cell Phone/iPad Photography Living Skills Speech/Public Speaking
Art: Drawing & Sketching Conversational Spanish
CORE ACADEMIC CLASSES
Early US History w/ Literature Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 6 students
Class Time: W 12:45-2:00 Class Fee: $288 per semester
Middle School students will use the Focus on US History series and hands-on and group activities to explore and learn about early US History from the first inhabitants of North America to the Civil War while reading two time period historical fiction novels per quarter! Learn about Native American tribes, then build a model Native American dwelling! Discover which outside countries came to North America first and what their influence was then and now. See for yourself how early governments formed in the British colonies and why that makes a difference today! Enter the Civil War times and build a cotton gin or salvage a ship wreck! These are just some of the many things that will be a part of this class as well as student literature project presentations every 4 weeks.
Weekly Schedules and List of Assignments plus any needed resources/worksheets will be emailed to parents and, upon request, students.
Curriculum: Focus on US History: Please buy the following workbooks available on Amazon for $25 each. We will us one per quarter.
Exploration & Discovery, Colonization & Settlement, Revolution and Nation Forming, Civil War and Reconstruction
Middle School Math Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Time W 10:00-11:15 Class Fee: $288 per Semester
Pre-Algebra Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Time M 2:15-3:15 Class Fee: $270 per 15 wk Semester
The traditional approach of mathematics education is to teach the students "HOW" to get answers by doing the correct steps in the right way. However, mathematics is much more than just working like a calculator by memorizing and repeating the steps that yield the right answers. Today's world requires that students also understand "WHY" mathematics works. At its foundation, mathematics is purely an exercise in logical thinking. That is why I teach my students to think first, using a multitude of exercises involving logic puzzles and games of strategy. What we do in class is a mental workout that teaches the children clear, logical, critical thinking so that they can grasp mathematics concepts easily. Students will be given daily assignments to complete at home. Parents will have the answer key and test booklet for ease of grading.
Curriclum: Teaching Textbooks Scroll down to Textbook and Answer Key https://www.teachingtextbooks.com/discs-and-books
Middle School Math Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks, Level 7 $43.95
Pre-Algebra Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks, Pre-Algebra $64.95
Curriculum: Teacher-created materials and online resources
Physical Science Labs Instructor: Martha Desmond Grades: 6-10 Class Minimum: 6
Class Time: M 1:00-215 Class Fee: $330 per 15-week Semester includes lab fee
How does this world, this universe work? What holds things together and keeps them going? This comprehensive class involves learning the laws of physics by intensive hands-on inquiries supplemented by scientific terminology and questions students answer to come to the conclusions of the laws of physics by their own observations and experimentation. Since the sciences are overlapping branches of discovery, aspects of chemistry, astronomy, and general science will naturally intersect these modules. We will also look at at how the laws of physics are being applied today in new and exciting ways!! At times, students may be asked to bring items from home, such as jars or cardboard.
Curriculum: No curriculum purchase necessary. All lab supplies included.
Biology Labs Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 6 Grades: 6-10
Class Time: W—2:00-3:15 Class Fee: $352 per Semester (Materials Included.)
This class will provide Biology labs to go with any textbook. Students will be given a syllabus listing the order of the concepts that will be explored in the labs and can complete the corresponding parts of their textbooks independently. Some labs will include using a microscope and viewing and/or making slides. Students will create a lab book with diagrams, tables and answers to lab questions. Lab fee will cover all lab materials and supplies. Students may be asked to bring some items from home, eg. empty jar. Due to insurance and rental restrictions, labs will not involve any dangerous chemicals or heating of any kind. In addition, the only dissection will be a simulated frog dissection kit. A list of labs is available upon request.
Curriculum: All lab supplies included.. Textbook of your choice to be completed independently at home. Suggestions upon request.
ELECTIVES
Drama & Theater Instructor: Teresa Orr Class Minimum: 6 Grade Level: 6-12
Class Time: M 11:15-12:15 Class Fee: $270 per 15-week Semester
Do you agree with Shakespeare that “All the world’s a stage,” then join the Drama and Theater class!! Mrs. Orr will guide you through theater games which will bring you into rare acting form. Gain confidence in your ability to be in front of any group while having fun exploring what it might be like to be a character similar to yourself but in a new circumstance, or a character that is completely different than the person that is you! Learn to memorize lines by “becoming” a character. Develop the ability to recognize what good theater is all about! As a final project, at the end of each semester, you will be performing for family and friends!!
Curriculum: Nothing to purchase, but students may be asked to bring costume pieces or props from home.
Living Skills Semester 1 Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Minimum: 6 Grades: 6-10
Time: Fall W 11:15-12:15 Class Fee: $288 per semester
Money…do you know how it all works in this world? Take this course to learn about bank accounts, budgeting, savings, credit, taxes, and investing. We will also talk about what we actually need to live as opposed to fulfilling momentary wants presented to us by the constant ads bombarding us today in our consumer-driven society. Finally, we will talk about both getting a job and charitable giving.
One of the Following both available on Amazon. Official Money Guide for Teenagers (Susan P. Beacham)
or The Complete Guide to Personal Finance for Teenagers and College Students (Tamsen Butler)
Conversational Spanish Semester 2 Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 6-12
Time: Fall W 9:00-10:00 Class Fee: $288 per 16-week semester
This class will help those with some Spanish exposure to further develop and practice basic vocabulary and grammar in a fun, non-threatening environment led by Mr. Macedo, who is a native speaker. Classes will include fun activities and group chatter, all the while polishing your Spanish so that you will find yourself comfortable to speak in situations requiring you to communicate in Spanish!! The visual based workbook will offer further practice and it includes flashcards and sticky vocabulary and an online link.
Curriculum 3 Items
1. Say It Right in Spanish 3rd edition (pronunciation guide)
Amazon $13.07 https://www.amazon.com/Say-Right-Spanish-Third-EPLS/dp/1260116301/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=say+it+right+in+spanish&qid=1678774305&sr=8-1
2. Spanish in 10 Minutes a Day (workbook with flashcards, sticky vocab, and an online link)
Amazon $34.49 https://www.amazon.com/SPANISH-minutes-day-beginning-Bilingual/dp/1931873305/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=spanish+in+10+minutes+a+day&qid=1678774476&sr=8-1
3. Free Duolingo Free Phone App
Public Speaking Semester 1 Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 6 Grades: 6-12
Time: W 9:00-10:00 Class Fee: $288 per semester
Make a difference in the world by developing confidence in public speaking! After observing speeches and breaking them down for effective and ineffective components, you will learn what it takes to make a speech that is compelling and effective!! Types of speech to be explored includes: persuasive, informative, dramatic, entertaining, and motivational! Be the one that has the courage and skills to stand up and address a group!! Curriculum: Teacher-created including online resources.
ART: Drawing & Sketching Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Minimum: 6 Grade Level: 3-12
Class Time: M 1:00-2:00 Class Fee: $262.50 per 15-week Semester (Supplies Included.)
In France there is a saying: Everyone is an artist!! let the blooming artist in your child unfold as they explore the basic art form of drawing and sketching! Students will have the opportunity to work with graphite pencils in varying shades, colored pencils, charcoals, and pastels! Mr. Macedo makes learning the fundamentals of drawing and sketching a fun adventure as he brings in various types of paper, subjects, and lighting!! The goal of the class is to be exposed to various drawing situations (still life, landscape, portrait, close-ups, etc.) and styles (realism, impressionism, fantasy, etc.) so that, ultimately, the student develops his or her own artistic style!
Curriculum: Teacher supplied.
Beginning Sewing and Quilting Instructor: Teresa Orr Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 6-12
Class Time: M—9:00-10:30 Class Fee: $390 per 15-week Semester
Have you always wanted to try sewing projects, but didn’t quite know where to begin? Begin now in the Sewing and Quilting class! You will learn: sewing machine basics, improvement in sewing skills, fabric color matching, how pieces fit together to make a beautiful creation, and more! Depending upon the experience and abilities of the group, project examples range from cloth napkins and table runners, fold up utensil holders, satchels, pillows, quillos, rag quilts, and original quilts! Curriculum: Students will supply their own fabric, sewing machine, and sewing items.
Cell Phone/Tablet Photography Semester 2 Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 6-12
Time: Spring W 11:15-12:15 Class Fee: $288 per 16-week semester
Can Photography be taught at a Learning Center? Yes! If it is Cell Phone/Tablet Photography! Mr. Macedo will show you the basic elements of taking photographs (composition, design, etc.), then, using free or inexpensive apps, the fun begins as you edit or alter your photos to create unique and beautiful finished products! The only limit to your creativity is the bounds of your own imagination!!
Curriculum: a smart phone or tablet, apps
