Class Descriptions – TECH Homeschool Co-op

2022-2023 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

TECH’s priority is to provide classes in Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Sciences. All classes need 4 students to be offered. Please remember teachers have until July 1st to decide on the textbook they will be using for the upcoming year.

SEQUENCE OF CLASSES

MATH

Math 7/Pre-Algebra 7th – 8th Grade

Algebra 1 8th – 10th Grade

Geometry 9th – 12th Grade

Algebra II 9th – 12th Grade

Pre-Calculus 10th – 12th Grade

SCIENCE

Science 7 7th – 8th Grade

Physical Science/Lab 8th – 9th Grade

Biology/Lab 9th – 10th Grade

Chemistry/Lab 10th – 11th Grade

Physics/Lab 11th – 12th Grade

Botany/Lab 11th – 12th Grade

LANGUAGE ARTS

Jr. High School Grammar 7th – 8th Grade

Writing and Literature 1 7th – 8th Grade

Writing and Literature 2 8th – 9th Grade

Composition and Literature 9th – 10th Grade

American Literature 10th – 11th Grade

British Literature 11th – 12th Grade

UTT High School Writing Class 11th – 12th Grade

Spanish I, 2, & 3 7th – 12th Grade

SOCIAL SCIENCES

Geography 7th – 12th Grade

World History 8th – 12th Grade

American History 11th – 12th Grade

Finance 11th – 12th Grade

Government 11th – 12th Grade

UTT 11th – 12th Grade

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

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MATH CLASSES

Important Math Information:

1. Noted prerequisites are met by receiving a passing grade from a TECH teacher or by passing a placement test.

2. A placement test may be required in addition to a passing grade.

3. Algebra 1 is the prerequisite for Geometry and Algebra 2.

4. Geometry is not a prerequisite for Algebra 2 or Advanced Math/PreCalculus.

5. Our math teachers choose their texts.

MATH 7/Pre-Algebra

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 10

Teacher: April Marsh

Textbook: Saxon 8/7 homeschool 3rd edition (ISBN-13: 978-1-591-41320-2) AND Non-reproducible Tests and Worksheets book (ISBN: 978-1-59-141324-0). Both books are paperback with yellow and purple covers.

Pre-requisite: understanding of multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction

Summer Homework: forthcoming

Estimated preparatory hours: 45 min – 1 hour daily

Description: This class will focus on solidifying previously learned math skills while introducing students to pre-algebra concepts with some geometry. We will utilize the computer program, Xtramath to strengthen students’ math fact accuracy and speed during the first semester. If you’d like to determine if this course is a good fit for your student, please download the Saxon math placement test for middle grades https://learningthings.com/free-teaching-resources/free-saxon-math-placement-tests/

Required supplies: 2 pocket folder for turning in homework assignments, 2inch binder with loose leaf paper, 4 binder tabs, graph paper, compass, protractor, ruler

ALGEBRA 1

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 15

Teacher: Beth Piazza

Textbook: Prentice Hall Algebra 1 ( 2009) (Can be found on amazon.com) Subject to change

Pre-requisite: Skills Assessment Test (see TECH-HS website) Estimated preparatory hours: 4 to 5 per week Summer Assignment: (see TECH-HS website) Required supplies:– Pencils- Colored pencils/pens- 3 Ring binder- Lined and graph paper- Calculators (Scientific calculators are sufficient. We will begin to explore using graphing calculators but one is not necessary for class. Parents may use their discretion concerning use.) Algebra I covers a wide variety of topics including rational numbers, solving equations, polynomials, factoring, functions and graphs, linear equations, solving systems of equations, and radical expressions. Homework is essential to learning mathematics and will require a minimum of 5 hours a week. This is a fast-paced course so it is essential that incoming students be ready for Algebra I. It is essential that the students are sound in the basic math fundamentals.

GEOMETRY

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 15

Teacher: Abi Osborne

Textbook: Prentice Hall Geometry

Pre-requisite: Algebra 1, skills assessment

Estimated preparatory hours: 3-4 hours per weekRequired supplies: 1.5-inch Three Ring Binder, Graph paper, Filler paper, Ruler, Compass, Protractor, Graphing Calculator, Pencils

This course will encourage students to internalize geometric properties using physical models as well as mathematical procedures. Using concepts of inductive and deductive reasoning, students will be introduced to theorems. They will use construction of and measurement of figures, examination of patterns and properties, and discussions of their findings with their classmates to further enhance their understanding of the concepts covered in the course. Parallel and Perpendicular Lines, Congruent Triangles and Relationships within Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Area, Similarity, Introduction to Trigonometry, Surface Area, Volume, Circles, and Transformations are topics that will be explored.

As part of the class experience, students will participate in group activities using the Developing Proof strand in the text. Additionally, they will be exposed to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning models so that all learners are able to succeed. The course will also include real-world applications in order to help students see the relevance of the material, retain what they are learning, and apply the principles learned to other fields of study.

ALGEBRA 2 (not offered 2022-2023)

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 15

Teacher: Beth Piazza

Textbook: Algebra 2, Glencoe, 2003, ISBN-13: 978-0078656095 or ISBN-10: 0078656095 **(see note)

Pre-requisite: Algebra 1.

Estimated preparatory hours: 4 – 5 hours per week

Course Description: This course is designed to build upon linear concepts learned in Algebra 1. Additionally, it will provide a thorough treatment of advanced algebraic concepts such as; Polynomial and Radical Expressions, Quadratic Functions and Inequalities, Conic Sections, Polynomial Functions, Rational Expressions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Probability, Trigonometric Functions of General Angles, and Laws of Sine, Cosine, and Tangent. Throughout the year we will cover all concepts on the SAT.

Summer requirement: Students will be required to complete online Glencoe ALG2 tests (chapters 1, 2, and 3) prior to beginning this class in the fall. Each test can be retaken until the student receives a score of 90% or higher. Parents must verify test results and submit them to the teacher.

Required supplies:

– pencil

– notebook

– graph paper (for certain chapters)

– a calculator; TI83, TI84, or TI84 Plus is highly recommended but not mandatory.

Note: Tech owns 7 copies of the textbook in fair condition. Please contact Mrs. Piazza via email to borrow a book for the year. Please return it at the end of the school year.

PRE-CALCULUS & TRIGONOMETRY (not offered 2022-2023)

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 15

Teacher: TBD

Textbook: Teaching Textbooks Pre-Calculus 2.0 (but also contains Trigonometry)

– currently not available on Amazon but can be purchased on the Teaching Textbooks site. Student text and answer key is all that is required. DVD’s show how to complete all homework problems (which could be helpful for parents) but is not required.

Pre-requisite: Algebra 1 & 2

Estimated preparatory hours: 5 or more per week

This course will cover: Function Basics, Polynomial Functions, Rational Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Radical Functions, Power Functions, Triangle Trigonometry, Trigonometric Functions, and Trigonometric Identities.

Required supplies: TI-83 or above graphing calculator

This course will continue the mathematical development begun in Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Students will practice the fundamental skills of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry while advanced topics are introduced and practiced. It is designed to prepare the student for calculus and other upperÂ-level mathematics courses.

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SCIENCE CLASSES

Science Information

Science 7, Physical Science, and Physics are based on the Bob Jones University (BJU) curriculum. Biology and Chemistry are based on the Apologia curriculum written by Dr. Jay Wile. Students will conduct experiments, write up lab reports, answer review questions, and take chapters. Each class that has a lab, has an additional lab fee. Only Life Science meets on just Tuesdays. All others meet twice a week.

Science 7

Cost: $150 + $20 lab fee

Class size limit: 12

Teacher: Tessa Wemlinger

Textbook: Life Science, 4th Edition (BJU Press)

Estimated preparatory hours: 3-4 hours

Course Description: Bacteria! Diseases! Viruses! Gross stuff like worms, insects, and frogs. Why do we have them and what is God’s purpose for them all? Why is my hair brown and my eyes green but my brother’s hair is blonde and his eyes are blue? What evidence do we see of the great flood spoken of in the bible in life today? How does it all work together and why?

These are the kinds of questions that we will answer in a compelling and collaborative environment that will include a hands-on lab component.

Utilizing the 4th edition of Life Science primer from BJU press, students will learn the science of life from a full-color textbook that will grab their attention from the very first day. Each chapter of Life Science includes well-researched material written at grade level, colorful images to reinforce text content, boxes with fun facts and helpful explanations, a list of key terms, a chapter summary, thought-provoking review questions, and extra questions to prepare students for standardized tests. Class lectures will supplement the text and actively involve students in an equally engaging manner.

Students will study cell biology, genetics, the history of life, microbiology, botany, zoology, ecology, and human anatomy and physiology, all within a biblical framework. The lab component will augment classroom learning in a fun and collaborative environment.

Earth SCIENCE/LAB

Cost: $150 + $20 lab fee

Class size limit: 15

Teacher: Jennifer Erick

Textbook: Berean Builders – Discovering Design with Earth Science ISBN-978-0-9962784-3-0

Pre-requisites: None

Estimated preparatory hours: 5-7 hours per week

This is a lecture with hands-on laboratory earth science course. Lab reports will be required for this course. An informal lab report will be taught and then as the course progresses the lab reports will move toward using parts of an APA format.

This course covers the general properties of the earth’s geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Students learn about all the sections of the geosphere (such as core, mantle, crust, etc.) and then they study each in more detail. When studying the earth’s crust, they learn about minerals, rocks, and the rock cycle. Plate tectonics is then covered, which leads to a discussion of seismic waves, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Students then learn about fossils and how both uniformitarians and catastrophists interpret those fossils as well as the sedimentary rocks in which they are found. A discussion that compares uniformitarianism and catastrophism follows, in which the strengths and weaknesses of each view are covered.

After that, the hydrosphere is discussed. Students first learn the properties of water such as polarity, the ability to hydrogen bond, and heat capacity. That leads to a discussion of the hydrologic cycle and residence time. Students then learn about the waves, currents, and tides in the ocean. They then move on to the ice reservoirs on the earth and then the freshwater reservoirs. Water in the air is the last part of the hydrosphere that is covered. The atmosphere is then discussed, including the composition of air, the sections of the atmosphere, temperature gradients, and pollutants. This leads to a discussion of weather. The course ends with two chapters on space, one that covers the solar system and one that covers the universe as a whole.

BIOLOGY/LAB

Cost: $150 + $40 lab fee

Class size limit: 12

Teacher: Jennifer Erick

Textbook: Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Biology

Pre-requisite: none

Course Description: Apologia Biology takes the student on a quest to understand Godâ??s living world, from the microscopic world of the cells to the macroscopic world of plants and animals. Students will gain an understanding of the basic biological world that surrounds them each day of their lives so that they can appreciate the real-world relevance of the scientific inquiry. This course includes an introduction to classification, biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and much more, with an emphasis on the vocabulary of biology so that students are properly prepared to have scientific discussions and a strong background in the scientific method so that students are trained for laboratory sciences in other high school science courses.

CHEMISTRY (not offered 2022-2023)

Cost: $150 + $50 lab fee

Class size limit: 10

Teacher:

Textbook: Discovering Design with Chemistry by Dr J. L. Wile ISBN: 978-0-9962784-6-1

Pre-requisites: Algebra 1

Required Supplies: Lab notebook, Lecture notebook, Textbook, 4X6 notecards

Estimated Preparatory Hours: 5 – 7.5 per week. The student enrolls in this class with the understanding that he/she will commit to the 1 – 1 1/2 hours of DAILY work in Chemistry. There are daily assignments that must be completed; Chemistry is not limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Course Description: In this introductory chemistry course, students will explore chemistry and learn how it influences our daily lives. Lessons focus on the scientific method, theories, and scientific laws; matter and change; scientific measurement; atomic structure and the periodic table; electrons in atoms; ionic, metallic, and covalent bonding; chemical names and formulas; and chemical quantities. Students will engage in laboratory experiments that can be conducted at Tech on Tuesdays.

Course Objectives:

At the end of this course, students should be able to accomplish the following:

Describe the traditional divisions with the study of chemistry and distinguish between pure and applied chemistry.
Describe how matter is classified and measured.
Understand the structure of atoms and the role of electrons chemical bonding.
Be able to read and use the Periodic Table of Elements to predict chemical properties of elements.
Differentiate between ionic and covalent bonding.
Distinguish between ionic and molecular substances.
Name a compound when given its chemical formula.
Predict outcomes products of chemical reactions.

Summer Homework: Algebra 1 proficiency test due by 8/15. Emailed to parents as they register.

PHYSICS/LAB (not offered 2022-2023)

Cost: $150 + $30 lab fee

Class size limit: 10

Teacher: TBD

Textbook: Exploring Creation with Physics 2nd Edition, Textbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932012427/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_DzxxEb7X5QV7K

Pre-requisite: Prior Physical Science will be a help, but not required; Math through Algebra 2 required; Pre-calc completion or current enrollment will be a help to the student

Estimated preparatory hours: 7 – 10 per week

Physics will include the study of forces, movement, mechanics, energy, electricity, magnetism, and optics. If your student has taken Physical Science in earlier years, many of the same principles will be applied, but in greater depth. Part of that depth will come from the mathematical problem solving required to understand basic concepts of physics. Your student should have at least completed through Algebra 2 and would be greatly helped if they have already or are currently taking Pre-Calculus. This class will also have an optional Honors Physics component that will run alongside the general class. Students taking the honors class will be required to complete an Independent Research Project. This class will meet twice a week for lecture and lab. Your student will be required to purchase the textbook we will be using in class, along with the associated lab manual. I am currently researching which textbook and what edition we will use in the class, but that will be determined shortly so that you will have plenty of time to purchase and prepare.

Summer Homework: Please read chapters 1-2

BOTANY

Cost: $150 Lab Fee: TBD

Teacher: Paula Miller

Textbook: TBD

Course Description: This course provides students with the fundamentals of plant science with special emphasis on plant biology, including anatomy, plant physiology and plant taxonomy. It emphasizes microscopic and macroscopic examination of vascular plants. Also to provide the student with the fundamental principles of identification and culture of commonly grown indoor plants and outdoor trees/shrubs.Labs will include field trips, propagation, and germination experiments.

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LANGUAGE ARTS CLASSES

Language Arts Information

The goal is to equip the students to be able to present their reasoned thoughts in a creative, but organized manner so they may communicate the truths God wants them to share in their best possible way.
Each English course, excepting Grammar Labs, expects to work on the 5Â paragraph essay. Comp I will build up to it, future classes will begin with it, refine it in its different forms, and use it to work with different writing techniques and styles. With this in mind, the minimum grade is listed, but older students may take the classes as indicated. Classes, or equivalents, should be completed in order.
Grammar is an important part of writing well. It may be taken in conjunction with any English classes.
Integrated into the Compositions and Literature classes are fullÂ-length book studies, covering a number of genres and exposing them to the classics.
Some classes have pre-requisites.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING Jr. High School (7th – 8th)

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 8

Teacher: Sarah Braun

Textbook: OLT Elements of Language, 2007, Second Course (Red book)

(available from thriftbooks.com for $6.09)

Pre-requisite: None.

Estimated Preparation Hours: 1.5 – 2 per week.

Jr. high school level English Grammar is designed to support and augment your student’s success in his/her writing and literature assignments. It targets Grammar elements, usage, and mechanics, while improving writing abilities and sentence structure.

This course can be taken in conjunction with any other English course. It can also

Materials required:

· Textbook: HOLT Elements of Language, Second Course (Red book) @2007

· Multicolored pens or colored pencils (at least 8 different colors)

· Basic clip board

· Regular pencils, erasers

· A College Ruled Composition Book – 100 pages (for weekly assignments)

· A 1/2 inch binder for storing your loose work. (Syllabus, Spelling, other work-pages ?)

WRITING AND LITERATURE I

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 15

Teacher: Susan Rebeiz

Textbook: The Write Foundation: Paragraph Writing and the Paragraph Writing worksheets

Pre-requisite: None.

Estimated Preparation Hours: 4 -5 per week

Reading Books:

1. The Magician’s Nephew, by C.S. Lewis

2. The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare

3. Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli

4. Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls

5. God’s Smuggler, by Brother Andrew

Geared for 7th-grade students, we plan to cover basic composition skills like note-taking, poetry writing, formal outlines, paragraph formation, descriptive writing, narrative writing, and the five-paragraph essay.

There will be only one research paper to cover its format. Students will use The Write Foundation: Sentence to Paragraph Student Worksheets as the primary writing textbook. We will read and discuss various types of literature, including poetry, the short story, novel, historical fiction, non-fiction, and biography. As we discuss, we will look at each piece from a Biblical perspective.

WRITING AND LITERATURE 2

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 10

Teacher: Megan Boesch

Textbook: Following Narnia Volume 1: The Lion’s Song from IEW

Pre-requisite: None.

Estimated Preparation Hours: 5 per week

Reading Books: TBD

Description of class:

Following Narnia: The Lion’s Song will prioritize the writing process while using familiar Narnia stories. Rather than starting from an intimidating blank page, students will have a solid base of sources from which to write while learning and practicing the following IEW structural models: taking notes from a source text, making outlines, writing from notes, retelling narrative stories, summarizing references, writing from pictures, inventive writing and formal essays. Themes include Narnia references, history and science related to C.S. Lewis and the historical time period. Students will work on public speaking skills throughout the year as they read their outlines and final drafts aloud.

Additionally, we will discuss in depth The Horse and His Boy as well as three separate novels: The Giver, A Christmas Carol and The Hiding Place. We will discuss literary techniques, character development, moral lessons and Biblical themes within each book.

Reading Books: (any version of these books is fine)

Magician’s Nephew-C.S. Lewis

The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe-C.S. Lewis

The Horse and His Boy-C.S. Lewis

A Christmas Carol-Charles Dickens

The Hiding Place-Corrie Ten Boom

The Giver-Lois Lowry

COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 15 students

Teacher: Jennifer Dodson

Pre-requisite: Students are expected to be familiar with MLA format.

Estimated Preparation Hours: 5 plus per week

Textbook: WORDSMITH Craftsman, by Janie B. Cheaney 3rd edition

Reading Books:

Most of these are inexpensive in paperback; I suggest that students either write in the book or add sticky notes in the text to increase their reading comprehension.

1. Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold, by C.S. Lewis

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, by Tolkien

The following books may be found at the library if you prefer to not purchase them:

3. Five Heavenly Emperors: Chinese Myths of Creation, by Song Nan Zhan

Borrow a copy from Mrs. Stibbards. The book is no longer in print. Call her at home to arrange a time to pick up the book over the summer.

4. Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of the Iliad, by Rosemary Sutcliff

5. In Search of a Homeland: The story of the Aeneid, by Penelope

6. D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths, by Ingri D’Aulaire, Edgar Parin D’Aulaire

This course focuses on improving student’s academic writing skills. Writing will include the different requirements for narrative, expository, persuasive, or descriptive writing; methods to break down a research paper into manageable pieces; collaborative writing projects for presentations; as well as smaller skills like letter writing, note-taking, and writing presentation. The mythology readings will provide much of the material for writing the papers and mythology is the source for the on-going vocabulary-building program. Students will learn to analyze their own work and the relative value of all phases of papers from rough drafts, re-writes, to final drafts. Writing is, after all, the expression of our God-given spirit!

AMERICAN LITERATURE (not offered 2022-2023)

Cost: $150.00

Class size limit: 10

Teacher: TBD

Textbook: American Literature: Classics for Christians Abeka Fourth Edition (2012), by Jan Anderson and Laurel Hicks. ISBN: 978-1432117450

Barron’s EZ 101 Study Keys: American Literature by Francis E. Skipp.

ISBN: 978-0812046946

Texts for Student Reading:

Benjamin Franklin: The Autobiography and Other Writings edited by L. Jesse Lemisch

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Prerequisite: Solid writing and grammar skills

Estimated preparatory hours: 3-4 hours per week

Required supplies:

Two-inch three-ring binder

25 Tab-dividers

Loose-leaf paper (150 sheets to start), several fine point pens, one red fine point pen, one green fine point pen, and a mechanical pencil with erasers.

Daily planner for the academic year with enough space to make assignment notes. Should include daily pages and a monthly calendar for the 2019-2020 academic year.

This course will cover stories from Mark Twain, Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe, and many more. We will examine short stories, poems, and five full monographs so that students get a representative overview of American Literature. The course will cover literary trends in early American literature up through the 20^th century.

There will be a variety of assessments including vocabulary quizzes, end-of-chapter essay questions, and two larger writing assignment one in the fall and one in the spring. The larger writing assignment will be an incremental research paper on a topic chosen by the student with instructor approval. This assignment will walk students through the process of critical analysis of a text, how to plan and execute a research project, and the process of editing and revising their work. In addition to written assignments, students will participate in class discussions, presentations, and group projects to support retention and understanding of major literary themes in American History.

BRITISH LITERATURE

Cost: $150

Class size limit: 12 students

Teacher: Beth Piazza

Textbooks: See below.

Pre-requisite: Students are expected to be familiar with MLA format.

Estimated Preparation Hours: 5 per week

Books:

Leaf by Niggle – Tolkien
Beowulf – Heany
Hamlet – Shakespeare
Macbeth – Shakespeare
Olaudah Equiano – Equiano
A Christmas Carol – Dickens
The Great Divorce –

2-3 inch binder with 7 tabs to organize

This year we’ll use a combination of texts, books, and handouts to promote our
classroom discussions. We’ll write three (3) thesis papers and one (1) capstone paper for
a final. In order to keep everyone on the same page I purchased a few texts in advance
which require reimbursement from you. In addition please purchase Abeka English
Literature 4th edition. It’s $57 + shipping at www.abeka.com. Please purchase the
printed version. TECH does not permit the digital version in class.
https://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=301086&childSbn=1
08456

.pdf

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SOCIAL SCIENCE CLASSES

GEOGRAPHY

Cost: $150 + $30 material fee

Class size limit: 14

Teacher: Andrea Schattl

Textbook: Merriam-Webster’s Student Atlas, New Edition, 2020- Amazon. Binder with curriculum provided.

Students will also need: 8 dividers to keep work, colored pencils, pencils. 2 different colored highlighters. Pre-requisite: none Estimated preparatory hours: 3 hrs per week Summer Assignment: See TECH-HS website

The ultimate goal of this Geography class will be for each student to have a mental map of the world such that if they heard of a natural disaster or a skirmish between two countries they would know the location of that place and what it is like there topographically. We will explore cultures, food, sports, architecture, and history. We will also view videos, make projects and sample ethnic foods.

WORLD HISTORY

Cost: $150 + $15 project fee

Class size limit: 25 students

Teacher: Jennifer Dodson (dodson123@hotmail.com)

Textbook: See below (If you have multiple children in this class they may share texts.)

Pre-requisite: None but see Summer Assignment

Estimated Preparation Hours: 2-3 hrs. per week

This class is taught in a three-year cycle: Ancient, Middle Ages, and Modern. For the year 2021-2022, Middle Ages History (Year 2 of the 3-year cycle) will be offered. You may enroll without having had the class the previous year.

The course grade will be based on 25% Homework, 43% Tests, 25% Projects and 7% Quizzes

Homework: Homework requirements will include writing papers (2-3 pages long), worksheets on Bible passages, and 1 project each semester. (Projects are to be determined buy may include a making a newspaper or a video). Students have one week to make up late homework; afterward, it will receive a 0.

Ancient History: Creation through the Fall of Rome (1 of a 3-year cycle)

Textbooks:

1. In Search of the Mountain of God by Bob Cornuke (recommend buying used on Amazon@$13) OR The Gold of Exodus by R. Blum (longer version and it contains language but it is a more exciting read)

2. The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt by Elizabeth Payne

3. Famous Men of Greece by Rob Shearer (Greenleaf Press)

4. Famous Men of Rome by Rob Shearer (Greenleaf Press)

5. The Holy Bible (Choose your own version but it must include the Old and New Testaments)

This course will begin at the beginning: Creation. We will be using the Old Testament extensively as we examine early history including the Great Flood, the Tower of Babel, the Ancient Egyptians, and the formation of Israel as a nation. We will learn about the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the Persians and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As we study about Greece and Rome, we will examine important individuals who lived at that time. There will be some examination of Greek Mythology and religion. As we learn about the Roman Empire, we will be able to put the birth and death of Christ in context in history. Learning about the Roman Empire will help students better understand many New Testament Scriptures.

Middle Ages History: Fall of Rome through the Reformation (2 of a 3-year cycle)

Textbook:

Famous Men of the Middle Ages by John Haaren
Famous Men of the Renaissance by Robert Shearer

The course begins with the fall of the Roman Empire and the subsequent fall of the Byzantine Empire. Then we move on to the Middle Ages and even have a medieval feast. We cover the Crusades and the Renaissance. During the Renaissance unit, we will cover some Art History and have a project which encourages students to become a modern Renaissance man/woman. We end the year with the Reformation and possibly a look at some of the European monarchs, depending on time.

Modern History, French Revolution through the Persian Gulf (3 of a 3-year cycle)

This course is the third year in the World History rotation, so we will begin with the French Revolution. During the first semester, we will discuss Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution, Crimean War, Impressionism, Franco Prussian War and Russian History. Before Thanksgiving, we will be making our own Faberge eggs. After Christmas break, we will start with the Titanic, move to WWI, Fascism and then to WWII. We will end the year with the Cold War, Berlin Airlift, Israel, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. Depending on the time, we should get to 9/11.

AMERICAN HISTORY

Cost: $150 + $40 materials fee

Class size limit: 15 students

Teacher: Mick Staton

Textbooks: See below in the course description.

Pre-requisite:

Estimated Preparation Hours: 4- 5 hours

Course description:

This is a college prep American History course for upper-level high school students. It will require students to complete up to 5 hours of work per week. The requirements will push the students to learn historical details and be able to respond and reflect on these events and situations through discussion, writing, projects, and quizzes or tests. The class will cover historical events starting with the discovery and colonization of America, how our nation was founded, and how we have grown as a nation through both turmoil and triumph.

We will use the textbook United States History – 4^th Edition from BJUPress. Students do not need to acquire the associated Student Workbook
We will also be using various historical documents that will be provided to the students throughout the year.

Materials needed:

Large spiral note pad or notebook paper and pens/pencils for taking notes.

Folder or pockets within spiral note pad for class handouts.

Large 3 ring binder to keep at home and file returned homework.

Summer Assignments:

Read Chapter 1 in United States History and be prepared to discuss.

Be ready to discuss your thoughts on why you believe it is important to study American History.

FOUNDATIONS IN PERSONAL FINANCE (not offered 2022-2023)

NOTE: Tuesdays: 1:20 – 2:30 (Second Semester)

Cost: $75 Class size limit: 10

Teacher: Judi Porter

Textbook: Foundations in Personal Finance Homeschool Student Text ISBN 97819369481922014 Edition (Rainbowresource.com, CBD.com, or Amazon.com) Pre-requisite: tbd Estimated Preparation Hours: 1-2 Dave Ramsey’s Personal Finance Course meets all the State of Virginia standards for personal finance; this course provides sound financial principles that will guide your student into adulthood. This video course will teach students how to save money and build wealth, negotiate great deals, establish a budget that works, identify different types of investments, set financial goals, become an aware consumer, and learn the dangers of debt and the joy of giving. Students will have opportunities to apply what they are learning to their real lives. We will also utilize guest speakers for various specialized topics.

GOVERNMENT (not offered 2022-2023)

Cost: $75

Class size limit: TBD

Teacher: Paula Miller

Textbook: See below.

This is a one-semester high school course that provides 1/2 credit in government. Lessons cover the federal, state, and local government and also contemporary issues in government. Special emphasis is placed on the Biblical basis for government and on the U.S. Constitution. We will be covering these subjects using a curriculum that is divided into fifteen units. Each unit is broken down into 5 daily reading assignments and questions that follow. Completing one daily lesson should take 30-60 minutes. In addition to the daily lessons, each student will need to complete additional papers, current event articles, and other projects as they are assigned throughout the semester. I want this class to be full of lively discussion and debate, so being prepared each week is a must!

Required books:

– Exploring Government, by Ray Notgrass (New 2016 Edition- Not same as used in past years)

– We Hold These Truths, a collection of historic documents, essays, and speeches in American government. https://www.amazon.com/Notgrass-Exploring-Government-Curriculum-Hardcover/dp/1609990986/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488304043&sr=8-1&keywords=notgrass+government

The cost is $54.95 for the set. You do not need to purchase the quiz and answer booklet.

UTT (Understanding the Times)

Cost: $150 + Class Fee of $30.00

Class size limit: Minimum of 8 needed to form a class of good discussion.

Teacher: Paula Miller

Textbook: Understanding the Times, A Survey of Competing Worldviews Volume 2 2015 (Can be found on Amazon, Rainbow Resource, or Summit.org) Student Manual: Understanding the Times Student Manual ISBN – 5th edition (Can be found on Rainbow Resource or Summit.org)

Pre-requisite: See TECH-HS website

Estimated Preparation Hours: 4 – 6 per week

This course will help students clearly understand the tenets of the Christian worldview, and how they compare with the tenets of the leading Western worldviews of our day: Islam, Secular Humanism, Marxism, New Spirituality, and Postmodernism. Some of the issues covered include abortion, apologetics, the arts, biotechnology, critical thinking, cults, euthanasia, leadership, radical feminism, the problem of evil, religious pluralism, scriptural reliability, steps to take to transform culture, thinking and speaking clearly, entertainment, technology, religious freedom and persecution and more.Reserved for our oldest students, this class is intended to initiate debate and discussion about what they believe. Students will be challenged to defend their beliefs and be able to communicate them to nonbelievers. THIS IS WHY WE HOMESCHOOL! We want to instill a Christian worldview in our children. This course is highly recommended for students as they prepare to move on to a college campus.

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