Classes 2008-9

  Click on Class for Details

Science

Biology - This one-year course is one of the primary high school sciences. Students wishing to pursue pre-med and/or scientific studies in college will find themselves well prepared. However, students pursuing non-science majors will not find it too difficult. All students will acquire a solid foundation in understanding the wonderful living world around us, and hopefully come away from the course amazed at God's creative genius!

The course provides the student with a strong background in the scientific method, classification, microscopy, biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, evolution, dissection, botany, and ecosystems. It also provides a complete survey of the five kingdoms in creation.

Classes will consist of lecture, topic related activities and laboratory experiments. Dissection labs will be included. In order to accommodate home school lifestyles, both the class and lab time are scheduled on the same day. The curriculum is from Apologia Educational Ministries and has a Christian worldview.

In addition to the coursework presented in the textbook, additional activities and topics are provided to enrich the curriculum. For example: human anatomy is not covered in the text, but we cover it in this course. We also do extra activities in the genetics unit to help students gain a better grasp of this sometimes-difficult subject. Finally, we do go on field trips so that students can see how biology applies to the real world.

This course is equivalent to 1 credit of science.

 

Instructor: TBA
Class time: TBA (Probably - Wednesday, 8:30AM - 11:00AM)
Cost per Semester: $180 tuition + $60 lab fee/semester
Class size: 8
17-week semester
Level: High School
Required text: Exploring Creation with Biology   Must be 2nd Edition book set.

(student text + solutions & tests)

Science Roots: Latin and Greek Roots for Biology and Life Science Note: There is also a set of cards you can also purchase to cut down on the amount of time required to make the vocabulary cards. The cards are optional. The book is required.

The Human Anatomy Coloring Book

 by Margaret Matt and Joe Ziemian

 

Top of Page

.

 

Chemistry - This one-year high school chemistry course is designed to prepare students for college level study. It may be taken either before or after biology. Students will acquire a solid foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry and will find themselves well prepared for higher levels of study. This course is suitable for science and non-science majors alike.

The course provides students with a strong background in metrics, atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, the kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions, equilibrium and reduction/oxidation. Students will become adept at use of the periodic table. Chemistry is an intense integration of mathematics and science, so mathematic applications are integral to the course.

Classes will consist of lecture, topic related activities and primarily laboratory experiments. The foundation of the curriculum is from the Apologia Educational Ministries' text, which has a Christian worldview. To complete the course, I have added additional laboratory work and content. Wherever possible, real world application and experimentation is added to the class.  This is a two-semester course is equivalent to 1 credit of science.

 

Instructor: Caroljeanne Phillips

Class time: Thursdays, 10:00 AM - 12:30ish PM.

Cost per Semester: $180 tuition + $60 lab fee

Class size: 8

Semester length: 17-weeks

Level: High School

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Required text: Exploring Creation with Chemistry

                        student text + solutions & tests

 

Assignments and Resources

Top of Page

 

 

 

 

Junior High Science –The theme for the fall is Geology.  The theme for the spring semester is undetermined. Class time will be hands-on activities and experiments with class discussion and minimal lecture. Some of the planned activities include determining the hardness of minerals and rocks; creating crystals from various substances; building sea floor, fault line and volcano models; reconstructing fossils, creating a seismograph and mapping volcanic activity related to tectonic movement, transforming natural rocks into beautiful gems, and creating their own geology field guides. The students will have assigned reading from provided supplements and/or research each week to prepare for class. Homework assignments are hands-on as often as possible. More than any other subject, science receives the greatest benefit from group interaction. As experiments are performed, new questions and ideas arise and the resolution thereof brings benefit to the entire group. Doing science with a group of junior high students is an energizing and exciting experience!

Instructor: Biology: Sheila Williamson

 

Class time:     Tuesday, 11:15 AM - 12:30PM for LA/Geo. students

 

Required texts: TBA if necessary

Cost per Semester: $150 tuition + $60 lab fee

Class size limit: 8

Semester length: 15-weeks

Level: 6th – 8th grades

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top of Page

 

 

Language

Latin I Part 1 – Did you know that Latin is NOT a dead language? Dead languages are not in use, and you use Latin every day. English and all of the romance languages are based on Latin. No other study helps in more areas of learning than Latin--except of course the Bible! Students who take Latin do better in every area of schooling, especially literature, science, language and history. This is a course that is a vital part of anyone’s education.

Artes Latinae is one of the best Latin curricula on the market. The course consists of the programmed text, which students read independently, memorization of basic sentences, vocabulary and scripture (in Latin) and translations from the Reader. The independent work requires approximately one hour and fifteen minutes per day on non-class days (slightly longer the second year). It is a simple straightforward program, which I have now used for ten plus years. In addition to using the supplements I have written, students create language notebooks declining every noun and adjective they learn as well as conjugating all of the verbs. English diagramming is also practiced throughout the course. When they complete the course they have not only learned a very useful language, they have compiled an incredible reference tool. This course is preparatory to all future language studies and foundational to reading classical English literature. Students who complete level 1 consistently score higher on standardized tests.

Parts 1 and 2 are only be offered in alternate years.

Parents should note that Latin I requires one and two thirds years to complete. While it is an honors level course, because of the depth and thoroughness it is still considered 1 credit of language. Latin II begins immediately after Latin I is completed.

 

Instructor: Caroljeanne Phillips

Class time:  Tuesday 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Cost per Semester: $170 tuition + $15 materials

Level: 7^th grade and up

Semester length: 17-weeks

Class size: 10

Required texts: Trivium Pursuit. Order by phone 309-537-3641

 

Artes Latinae Level I, Part 1 textbook

Artes Latinae Level I reader (Lectiones Primae)

Artes Latinae Level I test book

Audio Units 1&2, 3&4 - Rent from Caroljeanne

Basic Sentences Audio CD - $5 purchase from Caroljeanne

 

Top of Page

 

 

 

Latin I Part 2 –  This is the second half of Latin Level I (See Part 1 for description - Scroll UP )

Not Offered in 2008-09, will be offered in the 2009-10 school year.

 

Instructor: Caroljeanne Phillips

Class time: TBA

Cost: $170 tuition +$15 materials /semester (Part 2 is 2 semesters)

Level: 7^th grade and up

Class size: 10;

17-week semester

Additional Required texts:

Level I, Part 2 textbook

Latin / English Dictionary

Additional Text :  TBA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latin II  –  Students will complete foundational Latin grammar and then focus on application of skills through translation of intermediate texts. Wheelock's classic Latin text and Julius Caesar's "Gaelic Wars" will be the backbone of the program.

 

Instructor: Caroljeanne Phillips

Class time: TBA

Cost: $170 tuition +$15 materials /semester (Part 2 is 2 semesters)

Prerequisite: Latin I Parts 1 and 2 and the beginning material covered at the end of Latin 1 Part 2

17-week semester

Additional Required texts:

Additional Text :  TBA

Shakespeare/Drama – This course is intended to cover the Shakespeare portion (½ L.A. credit) of high school Language Arts and the Fine Arts requirement (½ Drama credit) as well. Students will be reading and viewing many of William Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, and tragedies. We will delve into plot and character development, character types, poetry, themes, setting, the nature and history of Elizabethan drama, costume, and the stage. Students will prepare for and present scenes from various Shakespeare plays at the end of the semester. In addition to regular class time, students should expect to give extra rehearsal time in the latter half of the semester.

Students will write four short research papers for this course. Students, who have not taken year-one of the LA/Geography course or Writing the Research Paper course, must take the IEW/MLA course designed specifically as an add-on for this class. IEW/MLA course is lecture information and class time practice; there are no additional assignments.

The main assignment list is available by using the Assignment and Resources link below. Students should begin this early in order to spread out the viewing of as many videos of Shakespeare plays as possible. (This is one area to earn extra credit!)

Not Offered in 2008-09, will be offered in the 2009-10 school year.

Instructor: Caroljeanne Phillips

Class Time: Spring Semester Only, Wednesday, 10:00-11:30ish AM - ending time will vary.

IEW/MLA Class Time: Spring Semester Only, Wednesday, 11:30ish AM - 12:ish PM- ending time will vary.

Required Texts:

Additional Text - TBA

MLA Handbook (6^st ed. Or later)

Students will also need a dictionary and thesaurus

Costs: $170 tuition + $25 materials

IEW/MLA Costs: $50 tuition

Class size: 14

17-Week Semester; One semester

Level: High School

Assignments and Resources

Survey of American Literature AND Academic Writing – This combined high school level course is designed to be both an overview of American literature and to give students an opportunity to learn the skills necessary for writing research, compare and contrast, persuasive, and argumentative papers. Research Writing covers the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) method (which includes some grammar), the MLA format and use, and research tools and methodology. This is the same language arts material covered in the two years of Geography Language Arts. Students who took that course in junior high will improve and expand their writing skills as well write the quantity and quality of material necessary to use it for high school credit. Paper topics will principally be drawn from literature being read in order to count for both courses. 

Literature will focus chiefly on the American novel but will include some non-fiction works and poetry as well. Students will do assigned reading and study guides at home. There will be at least one literature related project each semester. Class time will be given mainly to discussion but will also include instruction in character, plot, themes and various other aspects of literature.

 

Students taking this yearlong course will complete the equivalent of two English credits. 

Geometry – This honors level course covers the high school  geometry material that follows Algebra I or Algebra II. Geometry is a two-semester course. The Discovering Geometry curriculum is an intensely hands-on program. The compass and straight edge are always in use. The curriculum operates as if the students are Euclid trying to solve geometric problems. Along the way they truly discover the principles, postulates, and theorems as they work their way to proofs. Topics covered include: inductive and deductive reasoning, line and angle properties, properties of triangles, polygons and circles, area, volume, trigonometry, logic and proofs.

Note: It is STRONGLY recommended that students taking this course also take Logic. Because of the nature of this Geometry course, the two courses go hand-in-hand and are a great benefit to each other and consequently enhance the students' understanding as well as application abilities. Scheduling necessitated scheduling Geometry and Logic simultaneously this year. If your child hasn't taken Logic, we recommend enrolling in Logic and taking Algebra II / Trigonometry this year and then taking Geometry next year.

 

Instructor: Caroljeanne Phillips

Class time: Thursday 8:30 - 10:00 AM

Class size: 10

Semester length: 17-weeks

Level: High School

Cost per Semester: $170 tuition + $15 materials fee

Additional Cost: $30 supplements fee (one-time)

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Recommended: Logic

Required text: Discovering Geometry 2nd ed.(1997)

This will lead you to an ISBN Search)

    Note: This edition is no longer in print. I have several rental copies for $10/year

Economics - This course is applied mathematics on the upper level. The meat of this course will be the hands-on projects and field trips. Students will plan their wedding, funeral, and the cost of feeding and clothing themselves, learn how to purchase a car and a home and deal with a mortgage, gain an understanding of insurance, calculate living expenses, and research salaries based on planned career, etc. We will visit a realtor, perhaps do a little house hunting, meet with a banker, go to a funeral home and meet with a director, meet with someone in investments, go to car dealer, etc. This is by far one of the most useful math courses I teach. The kids have a lot of fun but it is sobering to learn the real cost of living as opposed to that found in the "Game of Life"!

 

Parents need to plan on taking turns transporting students on the many field trips.

Top of Page

Logic - This one year course covers the essentials of formal logic. Topics covered include informal fallacies, categorical syllogisms, propositional logic, and tests for validity. The course will introduce students to diagramming arguments, and to graphical techniques for examining the validity of arguments, such as Venn diagrams and the Square of Opposition. Lively classroom discussion will include logical puzzles and opportunities to apply the techniques learned to arguments given in Scripture and literature

 

 

Instructor: Troy Riggs

Class time:  Thursday 8:30 - 9:45 AM

Cost per Semester:  $160

Semester length: 16-weeks

Level: 7^th grade and up

Class size limit: 10

Required texts:

Introductory Logic   (textbook only)

Intermediate Logic  (textbook only)

 

 

Top of Page

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Algebra II/Trigonometry – This course covers the high school math material that follows Geometry. These excellent textbooks are written in the programmed text style and are designed for the independent learner. No regular classes will be held, but students may have tutoring assistance as needed. The instructor will distribute, collect and correct tests based on a published timetable. Algebra II covers 1 credit of mathematics and Trigonometry covers ½ credit.

Instructor: Cara-Anne Phillips

Class Time: Independent Study

Required Texts: Applied Algebra II and Applied Trigonometry

(This will lead you to an ISBN Search)

Cost per Semester:  $60 tuition + $7 materials

Class size: 8

NOTE: this course requires two 18-Week Semesters;

students must begin the week of August 7^th.

Level: High School

Pre-requisites: Algebra I and Geometry

Assignments

Top of Page

Fine Arts -  Debbi is offering three very exciting possible options for art classes this fall. If you are interested in enrolling your child in art, please send an email to Cj@RaeAnneEducationCenter.com with your preferences. Once folks have made their preferences known, interested families will be notified which course has been selected. All three options can be taken for 0.5 Credit of Fine Arts

Crafts In-depth – Explore a number of different craft materials and processes as well as crafts history and their place in art. Four craft types will be studied in-depth; each type will be comprised of a 4-hour, hands-on, introductory class, a 1.5 hour studio session and two weeks to complete projects (no classes held those weeks). Possibilities: Fabric art, printing, basketry, brushwork...

Hands on Art History –Learn the history of art by making not just listening. Five Art periods are examined and an art project centered on that period will give the students the chance to explore the history in a hands-on approach. For example: Rather than just look at Monet paintings, students will paint a pastel impressionistic snap shot. Class 1.5 hours once a week. Five lectures and five projects (projects will take two weeks each).

Drawing – This is an upper school level introduction to drawing. This drawing class is for those who are committed to improving their drawing skills. It is not a “just for fun, creativity” class, but rather it is a skills class and as such, requires a significant amount of practice time at home—just as one would expect from a violin or cello class. The key text will be Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.

The table of contents can be view using this link: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.  (scroll to the first and third pages inside the book). Material from Kimon Micolaides and Mona Brookes will also be covered. This course is 0.5 Fine Arts credit on the high school level.

Instructor: Debbi Wagner

Class Time: Fall Semester, Wednesday, exact times to be announced

Required Texts: none

Cost:  $160 tuition

Class size: 8

Level: 7^th Grade and Up

Required Text: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. (For the Drawing Class; other classes TBA)

Materials: A supply list will be provided.

 

Top of Page