Course Descriptions 2011-2012
Classes are intentionally kept small. Classes are limited to 15 students each. Be sure to sign up early.
Art
Art/Drawing/Painting- Studio Class
1 year/ 1.0 credit. Grades 7-12 (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the 1.0 Fine Arts Credit requirement.)
This study of art includes an overview of art topics from a Biblical worldview. We will look at attitudes and misconceptions about art, ethics, copyright, authenticity, and some art history. The following will be covered with an emphasis on personal drawing/ painting development in each area: media, style, sketching, classical drawing, line, value, light, negative space, perspective, composition, proportion, form, color, and technique. The class is offered as a Restricted Arts credit that will involve 5 hours of work per week including the class time, or it may be taken without homework as an enrichment class for no credit.
There is a $50 materials fee for the course.
Please note: If this class does not fill due to other course conflicts, it will be offered at an alternate time according to the schedule of the teacher and students. Anne also offers Art as an independent study course for credit if desired.
Instructor: Anne Olwin
Thursday 10:05-12:05
Tuition: $800
Biblical Worldview and Life Practicum
Biblical Worldview
Half year/ 0.5 credit. Grades 9-12. (This course fulfills 0.5 credit of the 0.5 credit Biblical Worldview requirement.)
The objective of this course is to provide the student with an analysis of authentic Christianity and the biblical perspective on personal, religious, and contemporary issues. The years between the ages of 15-25 have been referred to as the “Critical Decade”. Most of the key decisions made during this time will set the direction of a person’s life. This course is meant to provide students with insights and principles to aid in the making of these critical choices.
Required Text: Biblical Worldview Course Notebook; other resources required will be provided at the first class meeting
Instructor: Laurie Geeslin
Thursdays 12:45-2:45
1rst Semester
Tuition: $250
Life Practicum
Half year/ 0.5 credit. Grades 9-12. (This course fulfills 0.5 credit of the 0.5 credit Life Practicum requirement.)
The objective of this course is to encourage high school students to consider and prepare for several critical and practical areas of adulthood including: maturity and positive character traits, financial issues, time management, relationship skills, career preparation, etc. This course offers sound biblical principles and practical exercises to help prepare students as they move into adulthood.
Required Text: Life Practicum Course Notebook; other resources required will be provided at the first class meeting
Instructor: Laurie Geeslin
Thursdays 12:45-2:45
2nd Semester
Tuition: $250
Drama
Drama & Improv
1 year. Grades 6-12. (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the 1.0 credit Fine Arts requirement).
In this course, students will have the opportunity to discover their God-given imagination and creativity, and learn how to effectively communicate ideas while gaining confidence in a small group setting. Through the use of fun theatre games, improvisation, monologues, and skits, students will explore the basics of stage, script and character development.
Students will perform a variety of short drama sketches throughout the year, including biblically based sketches for use at chapel time. Depending on class size, a short auditioned play may be a goal for second semester.
Students will also learn about the historical background of the theater, dramatic elements, important terminology and forms of drama. Weekly homework is assigned and some memorization is required.
Instructor: Becky Hedman
Thursday 12:45-2:45
Tuition: $400 ($200 per semester)
Materials fee: $15
Elementary Level
Early Elementary Focus
1 year. Grades 4-6
Elementary students will be given group instruction that will include both Language Arts and U.S. History. Reading, writing and vocabulary will be emphasized in a positive and encouraging learning environment. Students will be instructed in paragraph construction as they engage in expository and creative writing. Teacher-created material along with Institute for Excellence in Writing will be the curriculum used in class. Basic grammar will be included. Spelling and handwriting will also be included, yet self-graded. U.S. History will focus on the Civil War Era through the Present Day. The books will support and enhance the U.S. History theme.
Instructor: Jenny Montgomery
Tuesdays 12:30-2:30
Tuition: $800
Mad Scientists (Elementary Science)
1 year. Grades 4-6
Our adventures in science this year include a trip through simple machines, understanding the dynamic processes of the earth, a trip though the human nervous and immune systems and an interesting introduction to how cells work! Mad Scientists offers a hands-on approach to science with weekly activities designed to inspire wonder at the world that God has created. Each student will participate in our school science fair with a personal project.
Instructor: Beth Linder
Tuesdays 9:30-11:00
Tuition: $850 ($50 is for the lab supplies)
English
Jr. High English/History
1 year. Grades 6-8
This class is the second Writing/U.S. History series; however, there is no prerequisite. The Institute for Excellence in Writing along with other teacher created material will be the curriculum implemented in class. Students will be instructed in the writing process with the goal of developing skills in expository, persuasive, and creative writing. Poetry and oral communication skills will also be included. The class will emphasize literature and students will engage in analyzing and critical thinking based on reading assignments. The history focus for the year will cover the Civil War to the present day. Novel-reading supporting the history focus will be required. Students will receive weekly grammar instruction. An independent study of vocabulary will also be required.
Instructor: Jenny Montgomery
Thursdays 9:30-12:00
Tuition: $1000
English Composition with Journalism/Logic components (Grades 9-12)—Regular English and Honors Options
1 year/ 1 credit. Grades 9-12 and qualified 8th graders. (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the 3.0 credit English requirement.)
This course covers various types of writing with an emphasis on analytical skills. Students will read and analyze literature with a book of the Bible. Writing instruction will focus on developing grammar skills, vocabulary and usage, and style through writing persuasive essays, expository essays, a research paper with citations, a creative writing unit, and articles for the Beacon, Hill Creek’s newspaper. The course also integrates the study of logic through which students will learn the art and science of right thinking both orally and in written form, including topics such as: worldviews, the laws of logic, building and evaluating arguments, and evidence. Throughout the course, oral presentations and in-class discussions are expected.
Special note about grammar: Some grammar instruction is included in each English class, however, it is assumed that at High School level, students have a grasp of the basic grammar concepts. For review and expansion, grammar work from a text will be assigned each week. $50 of the course fee goes toward student access to a Grammar Lab on Tuesdays. The lab will include a short workshop followed by individual tutoring per students’ individual needs. Parents not wishing to take advantage of the Grammar Lab may sign a waiver exempting them from the fee, however students must return completed work to their teacher each week.
Instructors: Anne Olwin and Allison Geeslin
Thursdays 8:00-10:00
Tuition: $850
English Composition with American Literature
Link Option: Current Issues/Civics
1 year/ 1.5 credits. Grades 9-12 and qualified 8th graders. (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the 3.0 credit English requirement. Students will also receive a 0.5 Speech credit.)
This course offers students the opportunity to appreciate the wealth of American literature and its relationship to U.S. history and government and U.S. cultural heritage. A variety of literary forms including nonfiction, short stories, novels, drama and poetry will highlight the literary study. The composition component emphasizes the writing process and refinement of editing, grammar, vocabulary, research and oral presentation. Using the Socratic approach, emphasis will be placed on the development of critical and analytical thinking skills through classroom discussion and various forms of expository writing. Oral communication will focus on speech content and delivery as well as informal debate. Outside reading and the study of vocabulary will be required.
Note: This class includes a grammar lab to enhance student mastery of grammar introduced in the regular class, and to prepare the student for college entrance tests. $50.00 of the course fee goes toward student access to the lab on Tuesdays. The lab will include a short workshop followed by individual tutoring per students’ needs. Parents not wishing to take advantage of the Grammar Lab may sign a waiver exempting the student from the fee; however, the student is responsible for returning completed grammar work to the classroom teacher each week.
Instructors: Patty Huey and Beth Linder
Thursdays 8:00-10:00
Tuition: $850
History/Social Studies
Current World Problems w/ Honors Option
One half year- 1st semester/ 0.5 credit. Grades 9-12. (This course fulfills 0.5 of the 1.5 Contemporary World History credit requirement).
Current World Issues gives students an in-depth look at the problems and decisions that the United States Government faces this year. The curriculum covers a range of subjects dealing with the economy, education, public policy, foreign relations and other exciting issues. Students will analyze news coverage, debate controversial issues, and will above all learn how to stand up for their beliefs and ideas in a complicated and darkening world.
Instructor: Beth Linder
Thursdays: 12:45-2:45
1st Semester
Tuition: $250
Civics: The Rights and Duties of Citizens w/ Honors Option
One half year- 2nd semester/0.5 credit. Grades 9-12. (This course fulfills 0.5 of the 1.5 Contemporary World History credit requirement).
Civics analyzes the United States government and all of its intricacy as well as the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. At the end of this course students will have a clear picture of state and local governments, federalism, and balance of power. The class will visit our state capital and will have various opportunities to meet with and learn from people working in our government.
Instructor: Beth Linder
Thursdays 12:45-2:45
2nd semester
Tuition: $250
Washington State History/History Day
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 7 -12. This course fulfills 0.5 Washington State History credit and 0.5 Research Skills credit. Qualified 7th and 8th graders may receive high school credit for WA State History. In addition, for 9th - 12th grades, this course will meet the requirements for the Research Competency needed for graduation.
Students will explore the fascinating story of Washington State through literature, text work, primary source analysis, and biographies of Christians who played an influential part in our past. In addition, each student will have an opportunity to choose a topic specific to Washington State History and create a research project for the 2012 National History Day Contest. The students will go to the UW Library, National Records and Archives Administration, and the Washington State Archives, to conduct their research. Projects will be completed for the regional contest held in March. Success at the regional contest will require participating in the state contest in May, and perhaps the national contest in June.
Instructor: Patti Deal
Thursdays 2:50-4:50
Tuition: $800
U.S. History
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 8-12. (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the 1.0 credit U.S. History requirement).
This course covers US History—Exploration and Settlement, the Colonial Period, the American Revolution (emphasis on the Constitution), the post Revolutionary period, the Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrialization, WWI and WWII, advances in the 20th Century, and the Modern Era. The class looks at the cyclical nature of problems in history and examines US history through the lens of Biblical principles focusing on “God’s ways vs. Man’s ways” and learning from our history, applying the lessons learned to today’s world problems. Readings: Bob Jones US History text and additional primary and secondary sources. Projects will be assigned rather than BJ tests.
Instructor: Beth Linder
Thursdays: 10:05-12:05
Tuition: $500
Mathematics
Math Fundamentals/Pre-Algebra
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 7-12 (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the required 2.0 math credit requirement for high school students).
This course reviews and builds on basic arithmetic skills while developing an understanding of beginning algebra concepts. Students will be given a skills inventory at the beginning of the year along with regular assessments throughout the year, and materials will be tailored to fit the needs of the class. Topics include: number theory and integers; fractions, decimals and percent; ratio and proportion; negative integers; algebraic expressions; measurements; graphing functions; and real-life applications of mathematical principles. Students should already have good addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills.
Class is taught with a creative, hands-on approach to learning, and an emphasis on real-life applications.
Students should plan to attend all scheduled classes AND labs to ensure the best possible learning experience.
Instructor: Becky Hedman
Class: Thursday 8:30-10:00
Lab: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 8:30-9:25am
Tuition: $800
Materials fee: $10 for Hands-On Equations student set
Algebra I
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 8-12 (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the required 2.0 math credit requirement).
This course covers what is typically taught in first year high school algebra. Students will review basic operations involving positive and negative numbers, explore various kinds of functions, study linear equations, polynomials, radicals, and learn to solve systems of equations, quadratic equations and inequalities. The overall emphasis of this course will be on understanding the “why” of algebra through mastery of concepts and skills and application to real world problems.
REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra or the equivalent (as determined by the instructor)
Instructor: Allison Geeslin
Tuesdays 8:00-9:30 and Thursdays 10:05-12:05
Tuition: $800
Geometry
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 9-12 (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the required 2.0 math credit requirement).
This course examines two and three dimensional geometric figures and their properties, and is strongly dependent on logical thinking, the development of formal proofs and compass/straightedge constructions. Major topics include points, lines, planes, rays, angles, parallel lines, the proof writing process, theorems, postulates, congruent triangles, circle, transformations, similarity, special triangles, regular polygons, area, volume, geometric solids and coordinate geometry. Periodic algebra review is also included. Students will need a straight-edge, compass and protractor for this class. A graphing calculator, such as the TI-84 (or TI-83) is recommended, but not required.
Class is taught with a creative, hands-on approach to learning, and an emphasis on real-life applications.
REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of Algebra 1 or the equivalent (as determined by the instructor).
Students should plan to attend all scheduled classes AND labs to ensure the best possible learning experience.
Instructor: Becky Hedman
Class: Thursday 10:05-12:05
Lab: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 9:30-10:30 am
Tuition: $800
Algebra II
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 9-12. (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the required 2.0 math credit requirements)
This course continues the student’s study of Algebra. It will cover the following areas: operations with polynomials, absolute value equations and inequalities, graphing functions, solving and graphing quadratic equations, systems of equations, radicals, complex numbers, and an introduction to trigonometry. Student’s should complete either Algebra I, or have the instructor’s permission before taking this course.
Instructor: Patti Deal
Thursdays 10:05-12:05
Tuition: $800
Pre-Calculus
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 9-12. (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the required 2.0 math credit requirements)
This course will cover the following areas: functions (including polynomial, radical, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and trigonometric), trigonometric identities, vectors and polar coordinates, systems, matrices and determinants, analytic geometry, sequences, probability and statistics.
Requirements: Successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
Cost: $1000 includes Thursday class and an additional 2 hour tutoring session one extra day per week. If a student chooses to not attend the study group, a refund will be made to the parent in the form of a waiver.
Instructor: Patti Deal
Thursdays 12:45-2:45
Tuition: $1000
Music
Discover Music
Grades 4-12. (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the 1.0 credit Fine Arts requirement).
In this active music-making class, students will discover the joys of creating and performing music! Students will experience and learn about musical concepts such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and form through participation in singing, playing instruments, active listening, creative movement and composition. African hand drums and assorted percussion, ukuleles, Boom whackers, and recorders are just some of the instruments that will be introduced. Folk music from America and around the world, hymns and classical music will be incorporated into the class.
Instructor: Becky Hedman
1st and 3rd Tuesdays 11:00-12:00
Tuition: $60 per semester (bi-weekly for 8 weeks total)
Materials fee: $15
Science
Mad Scientists (Elementary Science)
1 year. Grades 4-6
Our adventures in science this year include a trip through simple machines, understanding the dynamic processes of the earth, a trip though the human nervous and immune systems and an interesting introduction to how cells work! Mad Scientists offers a hands-on approach to science with weekly activities designed to inspire wonder at the world that God has created. Each student will participate in our school science fair with a personal project.
Instructor: Beth Linder
Tuesdays 9:30-11:00
Tuition: $850 ($50 is for the lab supplies)
Jr. High Life Science
1 year. Grades 6-8
This year Jr. High Science is diving into the crazy, intricate world of living systems! Our course will cover the world of animals and classification, study human cells, DNA, health and diseases; dip into the green, growing, plant community; and unlock the tool chest of the scientific method. This class offers fantastic preparation for high school science, nurtures a love of science as the students learn about God’s creation, and utilizes a hands-on approach to learning. Each student will enter a science project of his or her choice in this year’s science fair.
Instructor: Beth Linder
Tuesdays: 12:30-2:00
Tuition: $850 ($50 is for the lab supplies)
Physical Science
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 8-12. 8th graders may qualify for high school credit. (This course fulfills 1.0 of required 1.0 science lab requirement)
This course will start with a study of meteorology (weather) and oceanography. Then students will be given an introduction to chemistry and biochemistry and then study geology. This course includes extensive labs and will require writing formal lab reports. Students will be required to submit a science project in the annual Science Fair. In addition to the class time, there is a science tutoring time offered on Tuesdays to help students who have questions or need extra help.
Instructor: Amorah Nelson
Thursdays 12:45-2:45
Tuition: $850 ($50 is for the lab supplies and tutoring on Tuesdays)
Chemistry
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 9-12. (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the 1.0 credit science lab requirement)
The course will cover various areas of inorganic and organic chemistry. Subjects may include: structure of atoms, periodic table, types of bonding, naming compounds, types of chemical reactions, acids and bases, gas laws, measures of concentration, solutions, thermodynamics, stoichiometry, biochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Mathematical calculations are involved so students need to have taken or be taking Algebra I. This course includes extensive labs and will require writing formal lab reports. Students will be required to submit a science project in the annual Science Fair. In addition to the class time, there is a science tutoring time offered on Tuesdays to help students who have questions or need extra help.
Instructor: Amorah Nelson
Thursdays 2:50-4:50
Tuition: $850 ($50 is for the lab supplies and tutoring on Tuesdays)
Physics
1 year/1.0 credit. Grades 10-12. (This course fulfills 1.0 credit of the 1.0 credit science lab requirement)
The course will study the following areas: measurement, velocity, acceleration, vectors, laws of motion, work, potential and kinetic energy, gravity, forces, momentum and collisions, simple machines, waves, sound, electric charge, electric fields, electrodynamics, reflection, refraction, types of lenses and light. Mathematical calculations are involved so students need to have taken Algebra I. This course includes extensive labs which will require writing formal lab reports. Students will be required to submit a science project in the annual Science Fair. In addition to the class time, there is a science tutoring time offered on Tuesdays to help students who have questions or need extra help.
Instructor: Amorah Nelson
Thursdays 10:05-12:05
Tuition: $850 ($50 is for the lab supplies and tutoring on Tuesdays)
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