2021–22. Middle School Courses
History: Restoration, Expansion, & Civil War (Mr. Haymond)—This course begins with a study of Colonial America. You will learn who the first American were and why they felt the pull to settle in this new land. You will learn about the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of the United States as explorers and pioneers moved West. You will learn how the spirit of freedom led to the Civil War and the end of slavery in the United States. The freedom in the United States led to people immigrating to the United States. You will learn about these immigrants, why they left their countries, and how they contributed to the growth of their new country.
Literature: Strengthening Character (Mr. Haymond)—The literature in this course will show people becoming stronger through their experiences, their trials, their joys, and their decisions. You will start the year studying Lehi’s vision of the Iron Rod and how holding to the rod will give you the strength to “press forward” and partake of the fruit. You will learn of strengths and weaknesses in characters from Greek and Roman mythology and enjoy the poetry of Emily Dickinson. In Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice you will discover the strengthening power of love, mercy, and forgiveness. The biography Carry on, Mr. Bowditch will introduce you to Nathaniel Bowditch, a self-taught mathematician, ship’s captain, and Christlike man. Then in A Little Princess you will meet Sara Crew, who learns to be a princess in thought and deed, even in destitute and cruel circumstances.
Language Arts: Real-World Writing (Mrs. Wright)—The course will focus on narrative, opinion, and persuasive writing in real-world applications. We will study how writing is used in FamilySearch, blogs, podcasts and Ted Talks.
Geography: South America (Mrs. Melecio)—Come explore the continent of South America! Experience the extreme geographic features of this continent. As you study and learn you will imagine looking into The Devil’s Throat, climbing the Andes Mountains, meeting people who live on floating islands, exploring ancient Inca ruins, dancing with the beautiful señoritas and more! In this course we will use mathematical, physical and political geography to learn more about the world in general and then specifically about the geography of South America. As you take this journey, the world will come alive and the continent of South America will feel closer than ever. You will come to appreciate the diversity of the cultures of the earth, and you will develop greater love and understanding for your brothers and sisters worldwide.
Science: Zoology (Dr. Pablo)—In zoology, you will explore the great diversity among animal life on Earth, from tiny insects to massive whales. You will learn about vertebrates and invertebrates and how they are similar and different. You will learn about the divine design of animals and animal adaptations that have occurred to help them thrive in their respective environments. You will experience some of the aspects of a bird’s life in order to gain a greater appreciation for this amazing vertebrate. You will investigate habitats and biomes, learning about the variety of living conditions that exist on Earth and the essential components for animal life, and the children will create a habitat model to demonstrate their learning. You will also learn about the different kinds of interactions that animals have—some helpful, and some that are harmful. In addition, you will talk about why God created animals and about our responsibility to respect and care for them.
Music: Impossible to Silence (semester) (Mrs. Burton)—This course introduces musicians through the centuries some of whom are determined, patriotic, handicapped, passionate, and brilliant. You will learn who is the “King of the Orchestra.” (Hint: He/she plays a percussion instrument.) You will study about “America’s choir” and hear them sing songs from the musical drama, Fiddler on the Roof—a work highlighted in this course. When a nation is in crisis and her citizens don’t know exactly where to turn or what to say, it seems composers are compelled to break the silence with music (with or without lyrics) that brings people together. You will learn about some of these times; and will end the course by assimilating songs yourself that may come back to you at inspired times when words won’t do and “it is impossible to be silent.”
Art of the Reformation & Dutch Golden Age (semester) (Mrs. Burton)—The Reformation Era and the Dutch Golden Age during the 16th and 17th centuries includes the study of master artists, such as Durer, Rembrandt and Vermeer. You will study the impressive architecture of Versailles and Baroque builders. Your studies will include art from many countries, including Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Japan, and Netherlands. You will delve into art technique in portraiture, light, and shadow.
Computer Science Discoveries (Mrs. Hill)—Computer Science Discoveries, an introductory course by Code.org, empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. Students will learn problem solving and computing, web development, animations and games, the design process, data and society, and physical computing.
Master Project (Mr. Haymond)—In this transformative experience, or hero-journey course, students will choose to study the life of a person who emulated the character of Jesus Christ and moved the cause of Christ forward in the world. Students read biographies, complete word studies, record timeline events, create an extensive Master Project notebook, and prepare an oral presentation to celebrate the life and work of their hero.
French (Mrs. Karlinsey)—This language course is available.
Spanish (Mrs. Melecio)—This language course is available.
German (Mrs. Jensen)—This language course is available.
Experiential Learning (Mrs. Cooley)—In this course, students choose their own learning experience and adventure. This course can be taken any time, multiple times, choosing different learning experiences. For example, if the family is making a trip, the student and the learning coach prepare a list of experiences to do during the trip and how to demonstrate learning. Or students can choose from a variety of learning experiences they can perform right from home.
Athletic Performance (Dr. Pablo)—In this course, students will learn teamwork, sportsmanship, honesty, tolerance, flexibility, attitude, cooperation, self-discipline, and determination through a variety of sports and games of their choice. Students will demonstrate their understanding of these topics by planning with the learning coach how they are going to actively participate in their chosen sport (such as ultimate Frisbee, soccer, flag football, basketball, baseball, table tennis, frisbee golf, golf, swimming, gymnastics, etc.); game (such as four-square, dodgeball, kickball, capture the flag, chess, etc.); or activity (such as running, jogging, walking, swimming, hiking, yoga, etc.). Students report their progress to the learning coach during regular one-on-one coaching sessions.
Artistic Performance (Mrs. Cooley)—This course is designed for students who want to start or are already learning an artistic discipline. Students plan with their teacher and learning coach how to actively participate and progress in their chosen art. Options: a musical instrument, voice, choral performance, ballet, drawing, painting, graphic design, sculpting, and so on. Students and teachers report progress and plans to the learning coach during regular, individual coaching sessions.
2021–22 High School Courses
US History: The Founding Era (Mrs. Merrill)—During this history course, students will see how God prepared the world for the Restoration of the gospel by preparing a land that provided a government of freedom, especially freedom of religion. They will study the events leading to the American Revolution and following the American Revolution to include the writing of the United States Constitution, the presidency of George Washington, and the War of 1812.
Literature: Examining Conscience (Mrs. Starley)—There are few things more enjoyable than reading a good book! Students will experience this joy as they read and learn about the good literature featured in this course. The course will teach students to evaluate plots, themes, characters, settings, and literary approaches according to the standards of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Students will learn to read carefully, in order to discern the results of following or not following Godly principles and commandments. Instruction is given to help students to recognize the qualities of good writing, and to learn how to emulate those qualities in their own writing. The readings introduce themes of compassion, understanding, imagination, and refined judgment. This year we will read Julius Caesar, The Scarlet Letter, and Crime and Punishment.
Written Portfolio II (Mrs. Starley)—This course will help students along the path to becoming an excellent writer. Language is a gift from Heavenly Father that occurred when his children were placed on the earth. They could speak and think and write immediately—and were commanded to do so. Students in the Written Portfolio II course will develop their thinking potential by solving complex analogy problems and improving their vocabulary. They will practice the skills of writing, learn several new types of writing, and incorporate important elements of style that will make writing a pleasure and reading it even better.
Health (Mrs. Buer)—With an emphasis on application, this course is designed to empower you with the skills and understanding to choose and enjoy wellness. You will learn the “what” about health topics like sugar, anxiety, and cardiovascular fitness, but more importantly, you will uncover “why” the information matters to you, personally, and “how” to use it to navigate your life. Faith, fitness, food, and fortitude are explored with recurring themes of resilience, relationships, and personal power. (Reproductive health resources are provided for parents and are not taught in this course.)
Biology (Dr. Pablo)— The theme for this course comes from Moses 2:26 in which gives us purpose and perspective for studying the creations of our Heavenly Father. In this scripture, we are given the specific instruction to have “dominion over the fishes of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and overall the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” We have a great responsibility, and in order to fulfill that responsibility, we must be willing to understand the way in which life works. This course orients students to make informed and wise decisions regarding the impacts—both environmental impacts and social impacts—of modern biological science and related policy issues.
(This course requires a $49.00 fee for the lab simulation software and the textbook Concepts of Biology https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology?Book%20details an Open Educational Resource, so students can access it online, download a free PDF, or order a print copy for $29 (ISBN-13: 978-1938168116). If you order the print version, please order the Hardcover (new or used) because it is full color. The paperback version is B/W and would probably not be the same value.
Chemistry (Mr. Adams)—In this course, students will learn about the elements, interactions of the elements, chemical equations, and properties of chemical reactions. They will engage in lectures, hands-on experiments and labs, assessments, and student-created reports and projects. Students will explore certain key thematic questions. What models can help us understand the composition, properties, and interactions of matter? How can scientific skills and principles improve our lives? Besides discussions on their learning, students will demonstrate their understanding of these topics by creating a student notebook, an experiment lab book, and word studies.
Financial Literacy (Mr. Haymond)—In this course, students will learn to be wise stewards of the material blessings the Lord provides by gaining a solid understanding of financial principles and learning to apply them to a gospel-centered life. Course material and content include best practices for sound financial management and counsel of the prophets, apostles, and other church leaders. The primary method of instruction will be through reading materials. Specific topics include, but are not limited to, budgeting, goal setting, cash management, credit, loans, debt, and much more. Students will demonstrate their understanding through the 4-Rs (research, reason, relate, and record) methodology through realistic assignments, short papers, quizzes, and a final exam. For many students, the most challenging part of the class is to create and apply a realistic budget. The principles learned in this course can be of value every day of their lives as they understand how to apply sound financial principles.
Business Technology (Mr. Haymond)—In this course, students will learn computer technology skills and their application from a Gospel-centered perspective. These skills include Efficient retrieval of information from Internet resources; Mastery of personal productivity and communication tools; and Content evaluation for quality and Gospel harmony. Skills will be developed using the Internet, Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Google Docs, operating system file management, and email. The primary methods of instruction will include research, in-depth functionality training, and tutorials. Students will be given opportunities to relate and apply their acquired skills in course assignments and projects. Students will make application of these skills throughout their life in continued education, work, and Church service.
Family Science (Mrs. Burton)—In Family Science, students will explore thematic questions such as:
- What factors contribute to enduring, happy marriages and families?
- What small and simple things can families do that will make a big difference in family happiness?
- What do Christian teachings, social science, and case studies reveal about successful children, parents, and family relationships?
- What life lessons can students apply in their lives now and in the future?
The principles from The Family, A Proclamation to the World are the foundation for this class. We will come to understand from a biological, social, family law, and eternal perspective, why the natural family, with marriage between a man and woman at its core, is the fundamental unit of society. Various principles of healthy and productive family relationships will be taught. Students will use the 4-R methodology (research, reason, relate and record) to apply these principles in their own lives. Each student will learn skills and principles which will enable them to be Christ-centered children, siblings, and eventual husbands, wives, mothers, and fathers. Topics to be studied include Communication skills, conflict management, personal financial management, dating standards and skills, college and career planning, gender roles and responsibilities, and general human development stages. Any lesson plans dealing with human sexuality, including gender roles and human development stages, are available to parents. Parents are always invited to attend and participate in the live classes, at their discretion.
French (Mrs. Karlinsey)—This language course is available.
Spanish (Mrs. Melecio)—This language course is available.
German (Mrs. Jensen)—This language course is available.
Computer Science: Python Development 1 (Mr. Hill)—This course is based on the BYU IS course we have available. It is the first in a series of two Python development courses.
Experiential Learning (Mrs. Cooley)—In this course, students choose their own learning experience and adventure. This course can be taken any time, multiple times, choosing different learning experiences. For example, if the family is making a trip, the student and the learning coach prepare a list of experiences to do during the trip and how to demonstrate learning. Or students can choose from a variety of learning experiences they can perform right from home.
Athletic Performance (Dr. Pablo)—In this course, students will learn teamwork, sportsmanship, honesty, tolerance, flexibility, attitude, cooperation, self-discipline, and determination through a variety of sports and games of their choice. Students will demonstrate their understanding of these topics by planning with the learning coach how they are going to actively participate in their chosen sport (such as ultimate Frisbee, soccer, flag football, basketball, baseball, table tennis, frisbee golf, golf, swimming, gymnastics, etc.); game (such as four-square, dodgeball, kickball, capture the flag, chess, etc.); or activity (such as running, jogging, walking, swimming, hiking, yoga, etc.). Students report their progress to the learning coach during regular one-on-one coaching sessions.
Artistic Performance (Mrs. Cooley)—This course is designed for students who want to start or are already learning an artistic discipline. Students plan with their teacher and learning coach how to actively participate and progress in their chosen art. Options: a musical instrument, voice, choral performance, ballet, drawing, painting, graphic design, sculpting, and so on. Students and teachers report progress and plans to the learning coach during regular, individual coaching sessions.
2021–22 Mathematics
Mathematics (Mrs. Larsen)—Students will complete one year of Saxon Math on their particular level: Math 8/7, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, or Algebra 2. Students should plan to complete one math lesson each weekday, one test per week, and end-of-term exams. Students may progress ahead of schedule to complete their math course.
Pre-Calculus (Mrs. Hill)—This course is designed to help you learn and practice various concepts and prepare you for calculus and for college math courses. Some students taking this course may have had, or know of someone who has had, trouble in math classes before. Because of this you may be apprehensive about taking this course. This may be because it’s often difficult to decide which mathematical principle or formula to apply, or because it may be hard to translate a problem from words into symbols. This course is designed with these ideas in mind. With careful study and practice, you’ll begin to make mathematical connections between the different concepts. These connections will help you see math in ways you never have before.
Geometry Honors (Mrs. Melecio)—Reasoning Through Classical Mathematics: In this unique learning experience, students will learn how to reason in a logical, disciplined way through the study of classical mathematics. Students will read the first four books of Euclid’s The Elements of Geometry, Archimedes’s On the Measurement of the Circle, and Abbott’s Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. Students will demonstrate their learning and reasoning by recreating proofs, solving new problems, presenting their proofs, and constructively critiquing their own work. In an era when arguments are driven by emotions and memes—and when logical reasoning has been forgotten—this course is extremely necessary, useful, and fun.
