Course Descriptions & Schedules
Courses for Students Who Have Completed Fourth Grade in June 2009
| Course # | Course Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2941 | Energy (AM) | 8:30 - 12:00 |
| 2942 | Energy (PM) | 1:00 - 4:30 |
| 2944 | Mathematical Investigations | 1:00 - 4:30 |
| 2945 | Writers' Circle (AM) | 8:30 - 12:00 |
| 2946 | Writers' Circle (PM) | 1:00 - 4:30 |
| 2947 | Fluid Physics (AM) | 8:30 - 12:00 |
| 2948 | Fluid Physics (PM) | 1:00 - 4:30 |
| 2949 | Going Global: Geograpy, Art, and Culture | 8:30 - 12:00 |
All courses are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Energy
| 2941 | Sarah Dornisch & Peter Stewart | $525 | 8:30 - 12:00 |
| 2942 | Sarah Dornisch & Peter Stewart | $525 | 1:00 - 4:30 |
In this course, we will discuss the concept of energy and the law of conservation of matter and energy. We will explore different types and forms of energy, including kinetic vs. potential, mechanical, chemical, electrical and solar. Through hands-on laboratories, we will explore the properties and transformations of these various forms of energy. Through writing and classroom discussions, we will develop critical thinking skills by taking an inquiry approach to learning about everyday uses of energy. Class projects include making a battery, creating electric circuits, designing and making a solar racecar, and designing an advertising campaign to encourage the use of renewable energy.
Mathematical Investigations
| 2944 | Richard Kleine | $505 | 1:00 - 4:30 |
Mathematical Investigations is designed to allow students to swim deeply in a rich mathematical pool. We will take big ideas in statistics and probability, geometry, and number theory and examine them from many perspectives through active problem solving and games. We will study different problem solving strategies and create connections between math strands and applications to children's lives. In addition, there will be a daily Math Workshop where students get to choose from a variety of mathematical challenges and work on them with the support of others who share their interests. Our emphasis is on the fun and excitement that comes with discoveries in math.
Writers' Circle
| 2945 | Richard Kleine | $505 | 8:30 - 12:00 |
| 2946 | Manuel Herrera | $505 | 1:00 - 4:30 |
Using imagination and creativity, we will develop our thoughts and ideas to make them come alive on paper. We will learn how to paint a picture with words when describing a character, setting, or scene. We will sample and analyze the creativity of both published authors and our own writing, learning and discussing what each has to say. Then we will apply what we've learned about expressing our thoughts and ideas in writing by producing our own stories, poems, and more!
Fluid Physics
| 2947 | Bob Fabini | $515 | 8:30 - 12:00 |
| 2948 | Bob Fabini | $515 | 1:00 - 4:30 |
In this class, we will discover the amazing world of liquids and gases. By studying density and Archimedes' Principle, we will then find out how and why concrete boats and hot air balloons float. We will design and build our own model concrete boats and compete in The Great Concrete Boat Race. We will also make our own hot-air balloons. By studying surface tension, we will learn how water spiders can live on the surface of a pond and why bubbles act bubbly. We will investigate the shapes of bubbles and produce waves on a bubble. Also, we will study Bernoulli's Principle and investigate how air flows around objects like cars and airplane wings.
Going Global: Geography, Art, and Culture
| 2949 | Lily Aguas | $505 | 8:30 - 12:00 |
Our global adventure will take us to all seven continents. On our way, we will learn about physical and cultural geography through projects and activities, which will include crafts, drawing, games, music and writing. We will learn about the maps and isolines, the four cardinal directions, landforms, bodies of water, biomes, as well as ancient civilizations, world cultures, games, foods, and celebrations. We will explore and learn about the people, places, and animals found all over the world. A few of the many cultures we will explore are the Maya of Guatemala, the Yoruba of Nigeria, and the Aboriginal dreamtime artists of Australia. Activities will include creating relief maps, exploring Chinese printing and papermaking, and making a thaumatrope to amuse our family and friends.