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Level Four

Approximate Grade Levels 10-12

P.E.

Class time will consist of age-appropriate exercises and active games.  All ages will be together for PE.     

BIOLOGY

Good science instruction should draw students upward into the adult world of scientific inquiry. Novare texts utilize a proven mastery-learning paradigm: through a carefully crafted program, students continually learn and build on their learning, reencountering key concepts and practicing scientific skills so that they become settled in the student’s mind. The book starts at the atomic level and progresses to ever-larger scales: cells, genes, microorganisms, plants, animals, and human organ systems. The final chapters of the book survey ecology and the theory of evolution. To learn how these books approach the subject of evolution, please read the Novare Science FAQ that is linked on this page. All reading and writing assignments will be completed at home. Class time will be used for discussion and hands-on scientific inquiry. 

INFORMAL LOGIC

Logic is something we use every day, though few of us have been trained in logic so that we can quickly detect bad reasoning, attach names to fallacies we encounter, and articulately form our own reasoned arguments. By studying informal logic, as well as rhetoric, students will gain and learn to apply these vital skills. During the first semester, "The Argument Builder" will teach students to build compelling and persuasive arguments of their own through combined use of logic and rhetoric. Students first study the logical structure of good arguments, and then learn how to use several lines of argument, such as examples, analogy, comparison, testimony, and statistics. During the second semester, through use of "Everyday Debate and Discussion", students will employ the techniques they have learned to analyze and debate current topics.  Each student will complete a semester-long research study on a topic of their own interest.  The culmination of the project will be delivery of a persuasive speech. This class is open to all students grade 7-12. 

ENRICHMENT

All students will be together for Enrichment classes.  Students may choose from one of the following: 

first semester

Students will experience the styles and techniques of the great masters, from the Renaissance to the Present. A brief biography of each artist is included with a fully illustrated, child-tested art activity, featuring painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, architecture, and more. Includes such greats as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Picasso, Van Gogh, Dali, Matisse, Pollock, and O'Keeffe.This class is ideal for grades K-6, and is open to all students

Students will engage in guided practice in the five foundational skills of drawing. They will explore wide-ranging subject matter—still life, landscape, imaginative drawing, portraits, and the figure—and gain experience with various mediums, such as pen and ink, charcoal, and Conte crayon, as they master the art of drawing. After each week's technique lesson, students will use class time to work independently on a structured assignment.  This will be a quiet time to focus and work on honing of skills. This class is ideal for grades 7 and up.
 

This class is exactly what it sounds like!  Students will be teamed up, given a box of junk, and then cut loose to work on that week's challenge.  Scores will be compiled throughout the semester, and winners will be announced at the end.  This class is ideal for all grade levels. Students must be prepared to work cooperatively with all ages and skill levels.
 

second semester
 

Learn the basics of overnighting!  Bear bags, wilderness showers, telling the temperature by counting the cricket chirps, gathering gear, building a shelter, cooking dinner under the stars... it's all here. Students will also learn basic first aid and wilderness survival. This will be a fun, active, outdoor class ideal for all grade levels.

Additional Enrichment choices for 2nd semester are TBD.
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