Upper School Summer Studies Credit Classes

CAMP LOCATION:
Upper School

Reading for Understanding Grade 9 June 8-19  Room 506

Description: Students are expected to have started the required reading book for their grade level and may be required to keep a journal. The first week, students will review the text while focusing on writing basics, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Students will also discuss essential pre-writing steps (ideas, brainstorms, outlines and maps), while also establishing what it takes for quality writing. Students will complete a series of small writing assignments for practice and finish the second week with a five-paragraph essay regarding the summer reading book. A complete syllabus will be provided to each student for the two-week session. This class offers a great opportunity for students to “chip away” at their required summer reading for their grade level.

Trigonometry (Summer Course Only by invitation) June 1-June 19th 8:30-1:30 p.m Upper School Room 511 Teacher: Joel Hunt

Description: This half-credit course provides the study of trigonometry, focusing on the algebraic, graphic and numerical properties of trigonometric functions.  It covers right triangle and unit circle approaches, graphs, identities, equations, inverse functions, and solving trigonometric equations.  Working with trigonometric identities, sum/difference formulas, and double angle formulas will be emphasized. The course emphasizes modeling real-world problems and prepares students for AP PreCalculus in the fall term.  Successful completion of the course and earning a B or higher on the final exam will earn the 1/2 credit.  Prerequisite: An A in Algebra 2 with data, along with a Semester exam with a B+ or above.  Honors Geometry with an A, along with getting a 80% on the Honors Algebra 2 final exam. 

 

Introduction to Computer Science Dates: June 1-June 19 8:30-1:30p.m. (Entering grades 9-12) Upper School Room 403   Teacher: Rich Soviero

Description: This 3-week  Introduction to Computer Science class satisfies the Innovation credit required for graduation. This course provides an introduction to computational thinking and problem-solving. Students will be able to apply elementary programming and coding concepts, including variables, I/O, conditionals, loops, lists, functions, data types, and an introduction to object-oriented concepts. Most of the course will use block-based coding environments like Scratch, MIT App Inventor, and VEX Code to allow students to learn computational thinking without being encumbered by syntax. There will be an introduction to text-based programming with Python in the final unit.

Intro to Government- June 1 – June 19 8:30-1:30p.m. (Entering grades 10-12)     Rm. 525 Teacher: Mr. Boray

 Description: This 3 week course is an introduction to the basic principles and institutions of our government that examines theories of government, individual rights, elections, congress, the presidency, and the court system, as well as current events and issues. Students debate, discuss, analyze, research, and write with an eye toward being engaged citizens in a democracy.

Introduction to Graphic Design Dates: June 22-July 10 (Entering grades 9-12)  Upper School Room 404  Teacher: Maxwell Mittman

The 3-week Introduction to Graphic Design class satisfies the Visual Art OR Innovation credit required for graduation.  The course uses the computer as a medium for artistic expression and visual communication. Students explore the elements and principles of design such as line, shape, color, composition, and typography while working with industry-standard Adobe software. Through a series of engaging, project-based design challenges, students create illustrations, posters, publication layouts, digital editing, and branding materials. Emphasis is placed on visual thinking, problem-solving, and the clear communication of ideas as students move from concept development to final execution, gaining experience in real-world applications such as branding and publication design.  *Students should have a laptop computer, no Chromebooks.  The classroom does have desktop computers for use.

Introduction to Photography Dates: June 1 – June 19 8:30-1:30p.m. (Entering grades 9-12)   Teacher: Lauren Demary Room 404

The 3-week Introduction to Photography class satisfies the Visual Art credit required for graduation. Introduction to Photography is a fine art–based course that builds strong foundations in seeing, thinking, and composing digital images. In this class, you’ll learn the essentials of digital camera use and editing while focusing on the principles of composition and design that give photographs meaning and impact. Through close observation, guided practice, critique, and reflection, you’ll begin to understand photography as a form of visual storytelling rather than just a way to document moments. Emphasizing the iterative process, growth, creative problem-solving, and thoughtful decision-making, this course prepares you for more advanced photography.  *Cameras will be provided.  Students may bring their own digital camera.

    

Conceptual Physics June 1st– June 26th and July 6th-17th (6 weeks) 8:30-1:30p.m. (Entering grades 9-12)   

Description: This 6 week course satisfies a science graduation requirement and presents a study of the theories and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy and the forces of nature. Subjects include measurements, kinematics, energy, power, sound, heat, wave characteristics, light, electricity, and magnetism. Demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and computer simulations allow exploration, amplification, and reinforcement of the course contents. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding rather than performing algorithmic computations. Prerequisite: must be a rising junior or senior who successfully completed Algebra II.