This high school biology class builds on concepts and skills developed in the first semester, picking up where prior learning ended. Using lecture, discussion, and hands-on labs and projects, students deepen their understanding of core biological concepts. Emphasis is placed on applying previously learned ideas to more complex systems, designing investigations, analyzing data, and using scientific evidence to explain how living organisms function and interact with one another and their environment. This is a graded course that can be added to college application transcripts - even if your student is in middle school. As such, students should expect to spend 3-5 hours outside of class time each week preparing for class. *There will be a $25 class fee for this class Topics covered in this course include: ● Biochemistry ● Ecology and ecosystems ● Cell Biology ● Genetics and heredity ● Biotechnology ● Evolution ● Classification ● Anatomy and physiology Students will have the opportunity to conduct their own research experiments. There will be an option for dissection for students who choose to participate. Dissections are not required to take this class. Required Materials ● Miller & Levine Biology, ISBN: 978-0328925124, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller. ● A basic calculator - does not need to be a graphing calculator ● Computer access for Google Classroom ● binder or notebook for notes ● 1 subject spiral notebook for lab notebook

This course approaches chemistry through real-world application rather than isolated memorization. Students explore how chemical principles show up in everyday systems—such as food, materials, energy, medicine, and the environment—and use those examples to build a solid understanding of foundational chemistry concepts. The class adapts to student interests, using their questions as starting points for learning core ideas. Instruction emphasizes discussion, explanation, and applied thinking, helping students understand not only what happens in chemical processes, but why it happens. The goal is for students to leave with a practical understanding of chemistry and the ability to connect scientific concepts to the world around them. Logistics: High school level chemistry class, basic science understanding recommended, computer and internet required overall but not required in class, 1-2 hours of outside class needed, instructor will provide materials if needed, grades optional - provided per request

This life science class builds on concepts and skills developed during the first semester, picking up where prior learning ended. Through lecture, discussion, and hands-on labs and projects, students deepen their understanding of living systems, including cells, organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Students apply prior knowledge to more complex topics such as growth and development, energy flow, reproduction, heredity, adaptation, and interactions among organisms, using investigations, models, and evidence-based reasoning to explain patterns and processes in the living world. Grades are provided for this course. Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours a week outside of class doing assignments, watching videos, and working on projects. There will be an option for dissection for students who choose to participate. Dissections are not required to take this class. *There will be a $25 class fee for this class Topics covered in this course include: ● The Scientific Method ● Characteristics of Living Things ● Cell Biology ● Genetics and heredity ● Evolution ● Classification ● Anatomy and physiology ● Biochemistry ● Ecology Required Materials ● Holt Science & Technology Life Science, ISBN: 978-0030462245, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller. ● goggles, ANSI standard Z87.1 approved (safety goggles will NOT work) ● A basic calculator - does not need to be a graphing calculator ● Computer access for Google Classroom ● binder or notebook for notes

Teachers: Deanna Fahey (Tuesday, period 4) and Emily Lawson (Thursday period 2) Assignments will be different for each class with the same topics covered. This class will be a continuation of the Earth Science and Astronomy course from last semester. Students will continue readings from the (already purchased) Holt textbook. Class time will include lecture and hands-on activities that demonstrate concepts. Students will have weekly homework that includes reading, videos and discussion questions. Projects will be assigned monthly. Units for the spring semester will include: Reshaping the Crust, Atmospheric Forces, Oceans and Space Communication will be done through Google Classroom. *There will be a $25 class fee for this class Required Materials ● Holt McDougal Earth Science, ISBN: 978-0554005393, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller. (Same text from fall semester) ● ANSI standard goggles ● A basic calculator ● Access to Google Classroom (parent and student) ● binder or notebook for notes and writing utensil

3rd-5th Grade - In this fun and hands-on math class, kids will learn new math skills and put them to use in real-life projects! For example, they may team up to plan a dream vacation, figure out measurements for cooking, or even design a garden. The focus is on learning by doing, so there won’t be much homework—just a little practice now and then to help new skills stick. No extra supplies are needed, just a curious mind and a willingness to explore how math connects to everyday life!

Fall: Science Fair – this semester we will explore and learn the scientific process. We will examine the principles of the scientific method and complete in-class investigations using the principles. As a class, students will complete a multi-week group experiment with weekly observation and class presentation board. Each student will be coached in finding a science fair topic and complete the initial write up of their experiment in class. Science Fair projects and presentation boards will be the final project for the semester and will be completed at home. There will be an AAC science fair day at the end of the semester and qualifying projects will have the option of presenting at the city-wide Elementary fair in February. Spring: Science and Art – this semester we will focus on Earth Science including biomes, weather, climate, climate change, geology and oceanography. Students will complete experiments and projects in class including art related to scientific topics. The final project will be a fact-based article (research and writing completed at home) which will be compiled into a scientific newspaper. Communication will be done through Google Classroom. This class is NOT for a grade.

Fall: Science Fair – this semester we will explore and learn the scientific process. We will examine the principles of the scientific method and complete in-class investigations using the principles. As a class, students will complete a multi-week group experiment with weekly observation and class presentation board. Each student will be coached in finding a science fair topic and complete the initial write up of their experiment in class. Science Fair projects and presentation boards will be the final project for the semester and will be completed at home. There will be an AAC science fair day at the end of the semester and qualifying projects will have the option of presenting at the city-wide Elementary fair in February. Spring: Science and Art – this semester we will focus on Earth Science including biomes, weather, climate, climate change, geology and oceanography. Students will complete experiments and projects in class including art related to scientific topics. The final project will be a fact-based article (research and writing completed at home) which will be compiled into a scientific newspaper. Communication will be done through Google Classroom. This class is NOT for a grade.

This class uses real criminal cases as a way to explore how forensic science works outside of a textbook. Along with teaching foundational science, students focus on how scientific thinking is applied in real situations—how evidence is examined, how conclusions are formed, and how science can both clarify and complicate our understanding of events. Cases are used as context to spark curiosity and discussion, helping students see science as an active process. The goal is to help students develop critical thinking, clear communication, and a deeper appreciation for how science shows up in the real world. Logistics: For upper middle school and high school students interested in the science of crime, basic science understanding recommended, computer and internet required overall but not required in class, 1-2 hours of outside class needed, instructor will provide materials if needed, grades optional - provided per request

This course is designed to strengthen key middle school mathematics fundamentals through consistent practice, cumulative review, and explicit instruction, while developing confidence across all core mathematics areas. Students will build and consolidate core skills across: fractions/decimals/percents, ratios and proportional reasoning, integers and order of operations, expressions and equations, graphing and introductory functions, and essential geometry and measurement (including area, volume, and coordinate skills). Emphasis is placed on accurate methods, math vocabulary, multi-step problem solving, and applying skills to word problems. Students will complete weekly lesson reading to prepare for class. Lessons will be reviewed and key math concepts taught in class, with guided practice and clear modeling of methods. Students will complete weekly problem sets and fact practice. A daily group discussion / warm-up routine will be used to develop reasoning, perseverance, and mathematical confidence. Tests and quizzes will be completed in class to monitor progress and retention. Communication will be done through Google Classroom. This class is GRADE OPTIONAL per student/family request.

Algebra I is a high school math course designed for students who have completed a middle school sequence of math. Pre-Algebra is not required for Algebra I, but will be helpful for students who need to strengthen the foundation before jumping into Algebra. While it is a high school level course, it is also open to highly motivated and mature middle school students. This is a graded course that can be added to college application transcripts—even if your student is in middle school. As such, students should expect to spend 3–5 hours outside of class time each week working on assignments for class. Text used: Saxon Algebra 1: An Incremental Development (Third Edition) by John H. Saxon, Jr. Oak Meadow+1 Course coverage for this term: Lessons 53–120 (the second half of the book). Oak Meadow+1

In this class, middle and high school students explore how scientists, engineers, and designers study nature to solve real-world problems. Students examine examples of biomimicry—such as Velcro inspired by burrs or energy-efficient buildings modeled after termite mounds—and learn how organisms adapt and innovate to survive. After studying these models, students work in teams to identify a modern challenge and design a solution based on a natural system or organism. The class emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, ecological understanding, and real-world application of biology and engineering principles. www.youthchallenge.biomimicry.org