Course Catalog
Found 118 courses.
Committee
3-Way Soccer!
Stefan Gruber, 2nd Semester 11-12
Gruber's Lab, The Dead Rat Field
:
Tue 13:30-14:25
*INACTIVE* PE - Alternative Activities / 0.25
3-Way soccer! Tuesday Committee time
This is an unorthodox sports workshop. We sit down for a pow-wow at the end of each game to talk about what rules we want to add and subtract to a constantly changing sport. 7 years of fine tuning in this way has produced a game that uses 3 teams on a circular field and a huge yoga ball that you dribble on the grass with your fist, or kick. It feels a bit like a bizarre circus act crossed with a blend of many familiar sports aspects. Meet at Stefan’s room to keep your bag safe, then we head over to the Dead Rat Field.
Budget
Susan Barth, 2nd Semester 11-12
Susan's Room Nova 7 (34)
:
Thu 13:25-14:30
None assigned
Deal with the finances of running a school. Increase interpersonal relationships. Problem solving. Conflict resolution.
Council of Minstrils
The Dark Knight Batman, 2nd Semester 11-12
Band Room
:
Thu 13:40-14:25
UE - Student Activity / 0.2
This committee meets to discuss and make improvements to both the band room and the music program at Nova.
Day to Day
Adam Croft, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 33
:
Tue 13:30-14:25
UE - Leadership / 0.15
Participate in Nova’s decision-making processes.
Fire Spinning Committee
Susan Barth, 2nd Semester 11-12
Cafetorium
:
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
None assigned
Work with your peers to learn and improve techniques for poi, staff, and hoop.
This may be used as an extra hour a week to add towards full credit in the class.
Green Projects
Adam Croft, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 33 and beyond
:
Fri 13:30-14:25
UE - Leadership / 0.15
This committee is co-sponsored by Joe. This is the place to transform our building and operations into a sustainable place that can serve as an example for all other schools in the District. Come with your ideas and energy for change!
Guatemala Commitee Second Semester
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Joe's Room
None assigned
Plan and conduct fundraising activities to support our Guatemala Social Justice Program, practice Spanish, learn about Guatemalan history and culture, read and compose letters from our Guatemalan pen pals, prepare for our April 2012 trip.
Listen to this record!
Bryan Morris, 2nd Semester 11-12
Thu 13:30-14:25
None assigned
listen to music
discuss musicians’ lives, passions, inspiration, etc.
Mad Scientists
Jen Parker, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 46
:
Tue 13:30-14:25
None assigned
Mandatory BBQ
Becky Laird, 2nd Semester 11-12
Becky's Room (43)
:
Wed 12:00-13:25
None assigned
This is a meeting time for students with IEPs to connect with their IEP case manager. We will meet weekly for check-ins, socializing, and community building.
Queer Group
Debbie Cherniak, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 35 - Debbie's
:
Tue 13:30-14:25
None assigned
- support for LGBTQ students and family members and their allies
- learn to communicate in group settings
- explore theory, stereotypes, soncial norms, “other”, human nature, and the self
activities:
*weekly check-in
*weekly discussion
Soccer committee
Bryan Morris, 2nd Semester 11-12
Nova
None assigned
improve dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques.
Improve physical fitness
Volleyball
Jen Parker, 2nd Semester 11-12
Little Gym
:
Thu 13:30-14:25
None assigned
Elective
Designing Happiness (Ukiah)
Stefan Gruber, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 50
:
Tue 12:00-13:25
Electives / 0.25
In this class, we will be examining the nature of happiness and satisfaction, as well as how we can implement games in our lives and societies to maximize positive experiences. We will be discussing, learning about and designing games with the purpose of improving human experience. Students will learn not only abut game design, but about revolutionary concepts such as positive psychology and happiness hacking. If you are interested in videogames, this is not a programming class, but it will expand your mind as a designer.
Traffic Education
Susan Watters, 1st Semester 11-12
#33
:
Wed 09:00-11:00
UE - Traffic Education / 0
Facilitated by SPS Instructor – Donald Conner
Students will receive .25 Traffic Education credit.
Fine Arts
BandT
The Dark Knight Batman, 2nd Semester 11-12
Monster Room 41 & Bandroom
:
Tue/Fri 14:30-15:55
ART - Band-Concert / 0.5
Prerequisites: A willingness to play music with a group of people. Music talent or instrument not required. Sign up early. The class is limited to 8 bands.
Level: What you make it.
Description: This is a class in which you will create music groups and asked to come up with a 10-15 minute set of music. Your band will also be required to play a “cover” that you will randomly select from a hat of songs. We will also really try to record some of your songs this year. If you have always been or have even recently become interested in knowing what it is like to be in a band this is your chance. You do not have to have an instrument and you do not have to have had any prior musical training to be in this class. You only have to have a love of music and the willingness to participate in creating it. Please understand it is up to you to get into a band and stay in it. I will not be placing you in a band.
Assessment Criteria
1) Volunteer for at least one show at the Vera Project during this semester
2) Create a 10-15 minute set of music with your band
3) Play the cover that you select from the hat of songs
4) Record at least 1 of your band’s songs for a compilation, or 10 minutes – if we are able
5) Play 1 show
6) Write at least a one paragraph music autobiography of yourself
Ceramics
karen kosoglad, 1st Semester 11-12
Art Room #31
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
ART - Ceramics / 0.5
This class is for all levels. Students will be introduced to basic techniques of working with clay. Learning how to center and make pottery, hand building and sculpture will be explored. Many different glaze applications will be introduced. Students will learn about function and form through their exploration of clay and process.
Ceramics
karen kosoglad, 2nd Semester 11-12
Art Room #31
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
ART - Ceramics / 0.5
This class is for all levels. Students will be introduced to basic techniques of working with clay. Learning how to center and make pottery, hand building and sculpture will be explored. Many different glaze applications will be introduced. Students will learn about function and form through their exploration of clay and process.
Printmaking
karen kosoglad, 2nd Semester 11-12
Art Room #31
:
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
None assigned
Facilitate and introduce a variety of printmaking techniques and produce individual portfolios. Exploration of a diverse approach to printmaking through, mono prints, collographs, linoleum block, dry point, silk screen, reduction prints, 3 color blocks and image transfers. Through a combination of many printing techniques students can combine and alter their final images..
Studio Art-Art Survey Application
karen kosoglad, 2nd Semester 11-12
Art Room #31
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
ART - Art Survey / 0.5
This is an art survey class of both 2 and 3 dimensional design. Students will be invited to explore many art mediums and techniques. Printmaking ,drawing, painting, and sculpture will be offered. There will be a focus on the foundations of visual art and design.
Students can choose to take this class for Fine Arts credit or for a non CTE Occupational Education credit. Please let me know within the first 5 weeks.
Symbols Typography and Books
karen kosoglad, 2nd Semester 11-12
Art Room #31
:
Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
ART - Multimedia 1 / 0.5
This is an art studio class of 2 dimensional design. Students will be invited to explore many art mediums and techniques.. The focus will be on making Books, exploring different mediums and transforming recycled books. This class is designed to help students build a portfolio and explore different mediums. We will explore symbols from other cultures and create original symbols that represent our unique individuality. Typeface will be a focus looking at the graphic components of letters as symbols and language. Sketch books are required .
Tuesday Evening Ceramics
karen kosoglad, 2nd Semester 11-12
Art Room #31 Class Time 7 PM to 9 PM
:
Tue 19:00-21:00
Fine Arts / 0.5
Beginning and on going ceramics. This is a studio based class with a focus on hand -building, sculpture and wheel throwing. This class meets once a week for 2 hours.
Health
Health
Susan Barth, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room #34
:
Mon/Thu 10:00-11:25
HE - Health Education HS / 0.5
Becky and Susan will be co-teaching this class. We will be exploring healthy concepts through the following competencies: Creation, Inquiry/Analysis, Identity, Community,Justice, and Evolution.
We will be doing projects, research, reading and discussing of health topics to meet the competencies of this class. Attendance is vital as participation is part of your credit. We will focus on communication in all aspects of health. We will create and carry out experiments which will help you to figure out what aspects you need to work on in your life, and how you can approach them. Each person will focus on themselves and how to create a healthier environment for their own lives.
IEP
Battling Entropy (T/F)
Becky Laird, 2nd Semester 11-12
Becky's Room - 43
:
Tue/Fri 8:30-9:55
Electives / 0.25; IEP - General Study Skills M / 0.25
This is a course designed to support students with IEPS with skills in organization, goal setting, and communication in order to support and promote academic success.
Understanding your IEP and advocating for your accommodations (including technology based ones) is critical for you to get the most out of school. Learning to lead your own IEP meetings and understanding the components of your IEP profile will also be addressed.
You will also have time during this class for regular guided study.
This course meets the IEP requirements for students who need organization and transition skills.
Bicycle Maintenance
Karen Stringer, 2nd Semester 11-12
Karen's Room #45
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
IEP - Basic Math 1B M / 0.25; IEP - Pre Voc Training M / 0.25
General Ed students may earn .5 elective credit in Student Activity OR in Personal Growth.
demonstrate knowledge of basic bicycle maintenance and repair
demonstrate knowledge of the tools required for effective bike upkeep and repair
demonstrate knowledge of inspecting bikes, fixing flats, maintaining brakes and shifters and replacing defective partts
demonstrate knowledge of the various types of bicycles and their uses
solve problems involving measurement conversions
use different degrees of precision in measurement and explain the reason for using a certain degree of precision
apply formulas for arc length and area of a sector of a wheel
know, prove and apply basic theorems relating wheels to tangents, chords, radii, secants and inscribed angles
Consumer Math / Life Skills
Karen Stringer, 2nd Semester 11-12
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
IEP - Consumer Math 1A M / 0.25; IEP - Life Skills M / 0.25
General Ed students who take this class will receive .5 elective credit.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of basic economics concepts and structures by explaining that choices often have long-run unintended consequences.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the role of producers and consumers in a market economy by identifying the role of entrepreneurs.
The student will demonstrate knowledge that many factors affect income by
a) examining the market value of a worker’s skills and knowledge.
The student will demonstrate knowledge that many factors affect income by c) explaining the relationship between a person’s own skills and knowledge and his or her resulting income potential.
The student will develop consumer skills by demonstrating comparison-shopping skills.
The student will develop consumer skills by maintaining a filing system for personal financial records.
The student will develop consumer skills by accessing reliable financial information from a variety of sources.
The student will develop consumer skills by examining precautions for protecting identity and other personal information.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of planning for living and leisure expenses by describing the process of renting housing.
Goal Management
Quinn Rose, 2nd Semester 11-12
Quinn's room
:
Tue/Fri 8:30-9:55
IEP - General Study Skills M / 0.5
Learn how to set goals, keep a planner, break the goals down into manageable parts, track progress towards goals, and keep planner up to date.
It's Not Just You
Becky Laird, 2nd Semester 11-12
Becky's Room (43)
:
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
Electives / 0.5; IEP - Life Skills M / 0.5
Watch videos, discuss with a group, and journal about how to work towards a successful and happy life through difficulties that will arise as a natural result of living in a world filled with other people. Learn how to get along with others, communicate your needs, and develop empathy and compassion for others as they are experiencing similar difficulties. Learn emotional self care.
Reading/Writing Workshop
Bryan Morris, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 38
:
Mon/Thu 8:30-9:55
IEP - Language Arts M / 0.5
The first objective is to enjoy reading and writing. We will carry our joy of reading and writing through our semester as we learn to disect a text and discuss/write about the connections and questions we have as we read. You will learn how to write a research paper as well as a critical analysis of a text, and/or music
In our class, you will increase your skills in reading and writing using assignments based on your personal interests and goals. Students will demonstrate mastery of reading strategies
-Visualizing
-Questioning
-Making Connections
-Synthesizing
-Determining Importance
Reading/Writing Workshop
Quinn Rose, 2nd Semester 11-12
Quinn's Room
:
Tue/Fri 14:30-15:55
IEP - Language Arts M / 0.5
Write about your experiences, identity, and opinions. Come up with questions and proposals for growth. Journal or reflect on these experiences in a variety of different styles. Read and evaluate opinion pieces, news stories, book chapters, poetry, and short stories to discuss their relevance to your life and the author’s perspective.
Reading/Writing Workshop section 1 8:30
Bryan Morris, 1st Semester 11-12
Room 38
:
Tue/Fri 8:30-9:55
IEP - Language Arts M / 0.5
The first objective is to enjoy reading and writing. We will carry our joy of reading and writing through our semester as we learn to disect a text and discuss/write about the connections and questions we have as we read. You will learn how to write a research paper as well as a critical analysis of a text, and/or music
In our class, you will increase your skills in reading and writing using assignments based on your personal interests and goals. Students will demonstrate mastery of reading strategies
-Visualizing
-Questioning
-Making Connections
-Synthesizing
-Determining Importance
Reading/Writing Workshop section 2
Bryan Morris, 1st Semester 11-12
Room 38
:
Fri 12:00-13:25
IEP - Language Arts M / 0.5
The first objective is to enjoy reading and writing. We will carry our joy of reading and writing through our semester as we learn to disect a text and discuss/write about the connections and questions we have as we read. You will learn how to write a research paper as well as a critical analysis of a text and/or music
In our class, you will increase your skills in reading and writing using assignments based on your personal interests and goals. Students will demonstrate mastery of reading strategies
-Visualizing
-Questioning
-Making Connections
-Synthesizing
-Determining Importance
Language Arts
Black Studies
Barbara Osborne, 1st Semester 11-12
#28
:
Mon/Wed/Thu 12:00-13:25
Language Arts / 0.5; World History / 0.5
Black Studies class will be a survey of African-American and African history, literature, film and music, explored through the lens of different kinds of music including hip-hop, funk, rhythm and blues, jazz, blues and gospel. We will start with hip-hop and move backward in time, discussing and learning about why or how the various genres of music evolved out of what came before, for instance, how Ray Charles took gospel patterns and used them in love songs; how trains became a symbol of freedom to people who had been enslaved and/or were held in bondage by the sharecropping system; how decisions based on greed by some landlords created urban problems that were sung about in rap. Among the films we may look at are “Hip-hop, Jails and Hospitals”, “Standing in the Shadow of Motown”, “Wattstax”, “Roots”, “Four Little Girls”, and a variety of documentary and feature films. Among the books we will look at are “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop”, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X”, “Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine”, short stories of Alice Walker, plays of August Wilson, poetry of Lucille Clifton, Maya Angelou and others. This being a survey course, there will be a whirlwind of activities, topics and options. If you want to listen to Miles Davis’ albums and learn to imitate his trumpet style, do collages in the style of Romare Bearden or paintings in the style of Jacob Lawrence, research Malian folk myths or LA superheroes, civil rights or the great migration, read the works of Senegalese authors or watch Kenyan filmmakers, learn African dance or drumming, make a documentary about rap groups from Seattle or record your own rap using a variety of geographic styles (e.g. West Coast, East Coast, Southern, French, Nigerian), this is the class for you. There will be guest speakers and artists, panel discussions, intense class discussions and celebration.
Books to Film spring 2012
Debbie Cherniak, 2nd Semester 11-12
Debbie's Room 35
:
Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
Language Arts / 0.5
In this class, we will be reading books, short stories, and novellas and watching the films made from them. Tristan & Debbie have chosen some of the books/movies and early on in the class, we will all confirm the choices for the semester.
Of course we will be examining what makes a good film; what do scriptwriters and producers and directors perserve from books and why; what do they take out; what makes you crazy in the translation; and, what do we love about movies and books.
This class will be co-taught by Tristan and Debbie.
Creative non-fiction spring 12
Debbie Cherniak, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 35 - Debbie's Room
:
Mon/Thu 10:00-11:25
LA - Expository Writing / 0.5
This course is designed for anyone who wishes to write more powerful, interesting, and thoughtful essays of all types: expository, narrative, persuasive, compare/contrast, analytical, and more. Before writing we will engage in activities that will enhance and inform the writing process. We will read published essays and consider issues of qualities (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, theses, transitions, and more). Each week we will practice some aspect of essay writing, consider the techniques of published writing, and share our own works in progress. Note: For credit you will write six polished essays and complete in-class writing and reading assignments, and perhaps seminar a published essay.
Knot
Debbie Cherniak, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 35
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
Language Arts / 0.5
This is not like any class you have taken before. This is a class to take apart the knots, and forge/bond/create/tie new ones with education. We will create the class together, no pre-conceived knots. What is everything you wanted to know and didn’t get taught? Come share, explore, and learn about voice.
Requirements include, but are not limited to: research paper, essay, book project, presentation, participation.
We hope you will learn how to navigate Nova and your own education. We trust that you will take part in creating the curriculum, the meaning, the direction, and the voice. We look forward to working with you as individuals and as a group.
Nora (Nova student) and I will be co-teaching.
Know
The Dark Knight Batman, 2nd Semester 11-12
Monster Room 41
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
Language Arts Honors / 0.5
You are the experience.
Expect to work toward understanding your life.
Expect to speak a great deal in this class.
Expect to move.
Expect to read.
Expect to be there.
Kurosawa
The Dark Knight Batman, 2nd Semester 11-12
Monster Room 41
:
Mon/Thu 10:00-11:25
Language Arts / 0.5
Akira Kurosawa was one of the greatest directors of motion pictures. His films, techniques, and story lines have been imitated, copied, stolen, and honored for decades. This class will give you the opportunity to go in depth into his films – both the making and meaning of them. Whether we are watching one of his many samurai pieces or detective films you will get a glimpse into the mind of a true artist and boundary pusher. We will also watch a couple of the remakes made by Hollywood so you can see what a difference in quality exists between something that reflects little and that which is actually art.
Some of the films we will be viewing, but are not limited to, are:
The Bad Sleep Well
Throne of Blood
The Seven Samurai
Ran
High and Low
The Hidden Fortress
Rashomon
Ikkiru
Dreams
Yojimbo
Las Vegas
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Joe's Room
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
None assigned
This will be student led class designed to help students to develop skills around personal and family relationships, individual growth, coping with grief and frustration, as well as how to do better in school.
Students can earn credit in a number of different areas including Language Arts, health ( based upon meeting health competencies to the satisfaction of instructors certified in this area) as well as various types of elective credit including personal growth depending on the assignment that they complete.
Part of the class will involve students talking to each other concerning issues that are very important in their lives.
We will bring in outside speakers, adults trained in the issues we will be discussing in the class. They will listen to the students and help lead discussion and make suggestions of how to work on the issues that concern our students.
We will also watch movies and read short articles that related to the issues of the class in order to facilitate student discussion and personal/group exploration and growth.
Musicals Theory
Melissa Park, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 30
:
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
Language Arts / 0.5
Leila C. and Melissa are your co-facilitators for this class!
Explore the literary form of musical theater, through study of the concept, process, and techniques used in the creation and performance of a musical play. We will be watching and analyzing musicals, and possibly going on field trips to local theaters. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own works of musical theater as an assignment.
Naked Truth - Spring 2011
Melissa Park, 2nd Semester 11-12
Rm #30
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
Language Arts / 0.5; Social Studies / 0.5
Chelsey (a fantastic performance poet) and Melissa will co-facilitate the class this semester! Returning Naked Truth students from past semesters will co-teach and/or lead activities. Students may earn 0.5 LA or history credit for this 2-day a week class.
What is so exciting and powerful about Naked Truth is learning that you’re a poet, when you didn’t even know it. In this class you will create and hold space to honor each others’ and your own truths as complex and creative beings. We will move, sing, draw, shout, role-play, lead, discuss, write, read, reflect, spit poetry, and share what we’re thankful for.
The Naked Truth On Stereotypes uses theater and storytelling to expose and debunk socially constructed myths of identity and stereotypes, while building community and sharing our truths with each other. Students will build leadership skills and compose and perform your own poetry in a culminating performance for the school at the end of the semester, which may also include an additional performance outside of Nova.
Competencies and other details to be posted asap.
Nanowrimo, (novel writing)
Debbie Cherniak, 1st Semester 11-12
Room 35
:
Tue/Fri 14:30-15:55
LA - Creative Writing / 0.5; Language Arts / 0.5
National Novel Writing Month
Students will write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November, and spend the months leading up to November practicing writing skills and looking for a plot line for a full length novel.
This is a class for people who like to write, whether you believe yourself to be a good writer or not. The goal is to be able to say at the end that you have written a novel. The months after November will be spent editing and improving upon it.
Nanowrimo is an international program, nanowrimo.org . While being in the class does not mean you have to register at the website, it is encouraged.
Nanowrimo will be taught by Deirdre and Max D. and facilitated by Debbie.
NovaKnows.com spring 2012
Debbie Cherniak, 2nd Semester 11-12
Computer Lab
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
LA - Electronic Journalism / 0.5
Create and maintain a journalism program at Nova. Specifically, we will decide what we want to put on the website, and then we will study how to do it (both literally and figuratively) and then we will do it!
Check out novaknows.com and come and make it more of what it is, or something completely different.
Poetry Writing
Barbara Osborne, 2nd Semester 11-12
room 28
:
Mon/Wed/Thu 12:00-13:25
Language Arts / 0.5
Students will meet 3 times a week to write and share poetry
Students will learn imagistic tools of poetry such as metaphor, simile, allusion, hyperbole, paradox, oxymoron.
Students will learn sound tools of poetry such as assonance, alliteration, end, internal and imperfect rhyme
Students wil learn structural tools of poetry such as line and stanza breaks.
Students will have the opportunity to perform and publish poetry.
Students will hear and read poems by established poets.
Students will be encouraged to bring in works they discover on their own.
Senior Lit
Barbara Osborne, 1st Semester 11-12
#28
:
Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
Language Arts Honors / 0.5
Students in Sr.Lit. will consider many books, films and stories in a seminar format intended to engender deep exploration of literature and prepare students for college level classes. This semester we will read, talk about or view some or all of the following: Gilgamesh, The Kite Runner, 1000 Splendid Suns, Nine Parts of Desire, Bastard Out of Carolina, Nickeled and Dimed, The Beans of Egypt, Maine, All Over But the Shoutin’, Deer Hunting With Jesus, Antigone, the Nasty Girl, Oedipus, the Orestia, Ajax, Big Fish, The Gospel at Colonnus, the Iliad, the Odyssey, Beowulf, Grendel, the Divine Comedy, The Things They Carried, Johnny Got His Gun, and others, then talk about what we have read, heard or seen. Students will be asked to write one essay about an original idea based on their reading and thinking. This is an honors level class and students will be expected to complete a substantial amount of specific reading during the semester. This class is open only to students who are juniors and seniors.
Set Phasers to Learn
Debbie Cherniak, 2nd Semester 11-12
Rm 35 - Debbie and Tristan's room
:
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
None assigned
science fiction taught by Tristan Conley (student teacher who co-taught World Mythology first semester).
In this course we will be exploring various philosophical concepts using the Science Fiction genre. We will read published philosophical texts and examine how they relate to science fiction literature, films, and our lives. Each week we will explore these relationships through our readings, in class discussions, and both academic and creative writing assignments. Note: For credit you will write two academic essays, two creative writing assignments, two book projects, along with completing in-class writing and reading assignments. email Tristan with questions tristan@novafolios.com
Sherlock Holmes ( The Empty House)
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
The Auditorium
:
Tue/Fri 14:30-15:55
LA - Drama / 0.5
Nova will be doing a modern day adaptation of a Sherlock Holmes story- the Empty House. We need actors and technical help. Both actors and those who provide can obtain .50 credit in Drama-LA. We will be having auditions on Friday the 27th and Monday the 30th from 10:30- 11:30. Please talk to Gabriell Beatty ( the student facilitator) for more information.
The Firebugs
Stefan Gruber, 2nd Semester 11-12
Animation Portal
:
Mon/Thu 16:00-17:00; Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
LA - Drama ADV / 0.5
(not available during sign ups)
A short multimedia performance based on Max Frisch’s Firebugs.
Theater Arts
Karen Stringer, 2nd Semester 11-12
Karen's Room #45
:
Mon/Thu 8:30-9:55
LA - Drama / 0.5
understand the elements, techniques and foundations of theater
gain knowledge and skills needed to produce theatre within the given educational theatre setting
gain knowledge and skills necessary for creating, performing, and responding to theatrical works
gain knowledge and skills of communication tools in theater
understand and analyze dramatic literature from historical and contemporary eras within a variety of cultures, genres and periods
Up, Up, and Away
The Dark Knight Batman, 2nd Semester 11-12
Monster Room 41
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
Language Arts / 0.5
In this class you will turn yourself into a superhero and tell your story through various mediums. We will explore the many aspects of the hero archetype and incorporate what we find into our stories. We will also watch a couple of movies to help us with this exploration. Comic books, graphic novels, your imagination, and the desire to become the hero(ine) you have always known you were are important aspects to wanting to be in this class. My great hope is that we will produce an anthology of our stories and art to sell for the charity of our choice.
Note – You may not make yourself into a villain, or eventually turn into a villain. You will make up villains (or use some of the ones that are with us now) but it will be up to you to vanquish their evil desires.****
Mathematics
A Second Look at Algebra A
Jen Parker, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 46
:
Wed 12:00-13:25
None assigned
This class is going to take the major skills for Algebra A and assign them a class period for review. this will be an opportunity to review for the EOC, credit completion for Algebra A, or just get a better understanding of things you kinda know, but don’t quite remember. Credit will depend on student need.
Algebra 2B - 8:30 and 12:00
Doug Mitchell, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 40
:
Tue/Fri 8:30-9:55; Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
MA - Algebra 2B / 0.5
The main focus of this class will be to have students learn how use functions in real-life situations.
The following functions will be studied in this class:
- Exponential Functions
- Logarithmic Functions
- Power Functions
- Trigonometric Functions
- Quadratic Functions
Algebra A
Christina Wright, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 27
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
MA - Algebra 1A / 0.5
This is a hands-on, socially constructed course in fundamental Algebraic concepts. We will explore introductory data analysis, proportional reasoning and problems solving, and solving equations. However, the heart of the semester will be spent on getting comfortable and competent with the concept of a linear relationship. What situations does it model? What does it look like when it’s a graph? an equation? a table? What is a slope, how do you calculate or estimate it, and what does it convey? Of what practical use is a slope or a linear equation? What is a y-intercept and how does it relate to real life? How does finding the crossing point of two functions help with decision making?
In addition to the mathematics content, students are expected to
- listen with respect to another person’s explanation;
- provide help when asked;
- ask for help when needed;
- play an active role in sustaining a safe and encouraging learning space for one another; and
- treat all materials gently so that they may be reused.
Algebra B
Jen Parker, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 46
:
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 14:30-15:55
MA - Algebra 1B / 0.5; MA - Algebra Lab 1B / 0.5
Chapter 6—Exponents and Exponential Models
Essential Question: How do we model and solve real problems of exponential growth or decay and how are those models different from those of linear data?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Model exponential growth or decay using the form y=ab^n
Apply properties of exponents, including multiplication, division, and power properties to simplify exponential expressions and solve exponential equations.
Use scientific notation to represent large or small numbers
Find starting value, multiplier, and nth term of a geometric sequence.
Chapter 7—Functions
Essential Question: How do we determine whether a graph, equation, or data set represents a function and what type of function a graph, equation, or data set represents?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Determine whether a relationship or set of data is a function; identify components such as domain, range, independent and dependent variables.
Model functions with multiple representations, including graphs, tables, words, and symbols (using function notation).
Identify, model and use specific types of functions such as absolute value and quadratic.
Chapter 8—Transformations
Essential Question: How do transformations of a function affect its equation, graph, or table of values?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Describe and apply four ways of transforming a function or a figure-translating, reflecting, stretching/shrinking, and rotating, through graphs, words, symbols, and equations.
Write an equation that represents graphical transformation of a parent function (linear, absolute value, or quadratic).
Chapter 9—Quadratic Models
Essential Question: How can we use graphs, words, tables, and different forms of equations to model quadratic relationships and solve problems?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Write, solve, and graph problems using vertex, factored, and general form of the quadratic function.
Change a quadratic function from one form (factored) to another (general) and justify when and when such a change should be made.
Use multiple representations to model quadratic functions
Use the quadratic formula, factoring, and completing the square to solve equations.
Chapter 11—Operations with Roots
Essential Question: How can we apply algebraic equations to geometric situation?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Simplify radical expressions, and explain the value of using the exact value vs an approximation
Use the Pythagorean Theorem or distance formula to solve problems modeled with right angles.
AP Statistics B
Christina Wright, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 27
:
Mon/Thu 10:00-11:25; Wed 12:00-13:25
MA - AP Statistics B / 0.5
This is a year long course open to all students who earned full credit the first semester. We have agreed to meet three times a week between Jan 30 and May 17, the day after the AP Statistics Exam. The course will conclude at this point.
In keeping with the philosophy of this school, we will be engaged in a process of group investigation and exploration. We will conduct activities individually, in small groups, and as a class. We will work to share insights with one another. End of unit reviews will be required of each student, but there will be a choice of modality (e.g., Power Point presentation, graphic organizers by hand (“foldables”)or by computer (Inspiration)). There will be homework required for nearly every class, but it will be discussed and shared, rather than collected. Class will meet twice a week for 90 minutes each class. Lab time will be scheduled within as well as outside this time.
Every student will take the AP Statistics exam in May. This is part of the journey we are undertaking. While the primary goal of this course is to understand the beauty and power of statistics, we are also preparing seriously to take the AP exam. We will learn the rubric for the free response questions on the exam, and will use it to score our own free responses to questions from previous exams. We will regularly attempt the multiple choice questions from previous exams as they pertain to the unit we are studying.
A goal we most earnestly share with the AP Stat exam goals is that of clear and effective communication. This is not a course in number crunching and a resounding, “So there!” Rather, it is one in which words are used with care and skill to describe the scope of a response, its relative strengths and weaknesses, and the context in which it occurs. It’s more of a “Hey, check this out!”
We will endeavor to share our developing resources and expertise with the school community. For example, as we learn about bias and data collection procedures, we can help student committees to create surveys on Fathom. Furthermore, we can write reports of the results in a scholarly way, publishing these in the on-line school newspaper.
Calculus B
Doug Mitchell, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 40
:
Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
MA - Calculus B / 0.5
Students will learn and demonstrate the following concepts:
- Average change v. Instantaneous change
- Derivatives
- Limits
- Definite Integral
- Indefinite Integral
Financial Algebra: Applied Math IIB
Christina Wright, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 27
:
Tue/Fri 14:30-15:55
CTE - Career Choices (.25 CR) / 0.25; MA - Applied Math 2B / 0.5
This course may be taken as mathematics credit (.5) or as CTE credit (.5). Though this is the second semester of the course, Financial Algebra, the semesters may be taken in any order, or independent of each other. In addition, students may choose to earn an additional .25 credit in Career Choices should they complete a job readiness portfolio.
Banking, Credit, employment, income taxes
Geometry A
Jen Parker, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 46
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
MA - Geometry A / 0.5
Chapter 1—Introducing Geometry
Essential Question: How are geometric definitions and notation used to classify and differentiate geometric figures and to verify measures?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
- Write a definition to Classify and Differential terms
- Use appropriate geometric notation
- Use geometric tools to measure lengths and angles
- Write congruence statements
- Identify Corresponding parts
- Construct isosceles, equilateral, and right triangles
Chapter 2—Reasoning in Geometry
Essential Question: How can inductive and deductive reasoning allow us to make and prove conjectures and to solve problems?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
- Use inductive reasoning to find the nth term.
- Generalize linear and geometric patterns to find the nth term.
- Write a conjecture using inductive reasoning.
- Apply angle relationships to solve for an unknown.
Chapter 3—Using Tools of Geometry
Essential Question: How can we use constructions to verify shapes and the relationships between the various parts of these shapes?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to construct:
- Copies of Angles and Segments
- Angle and Segment Bisectors
- Perpendiculars, Altitudes, and Medians
- Parallel Lines
Chapter 4—Discovering and Proving Triangle Properties
Essential Question: How can we use inductive and deductive geometric reasoning to make and prove the conjectures about triangles?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to prove and apply properties of triangles listed below using paragraphs, flowcharts, and two-column formats:
1. The Triangle Sum Conjecture
2. Isosceles Triangle Conjecture and its Converse
3. Triangle Inequality Conjecture
4. Side-Angle Inequality Conjecture
5. Triangle Exterior Angle Conjecture
6. Shortcuts to Triangle Congruence
7. CPCTC
Chapter 5—Discovering and Proving Polygon Properties
Essential Question: How can the properties of polygons be used to identify and prove theorems?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
- Determine the sum of the measures of the interior angles of any polygon and the measure of each angle in a regular polygon.
- Apply the knowledge that the sum of the exterior angles of a polygon is constant at 360 degrees.
- Identify, prove, and apply the properties of general and special quadrilaterals.
Geometry A
Christina Wright, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 27
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
MA - Geometry A / 0.5
This is a hands-on, socially constructed, introductory course in Geometry, the second semester of which will be offered in the fall of 2012. All students who have completed Algebra I are welcome in this class. (If you are an exception to this, come and speak to me before registering.) As this class is the first course of formal Geometry, we will begin learning how to define and classify. In other words, how are things named in a way that makes sense? There are some new symbols to learn and some new terms to assimilate.
We will take a trip into the world of logic, where you will learn skills that will help you construct and rebut arguments in other aspects of your life. We will explore reasoning with some grand explorations into figurative numbers (square numbers, triangular numbers, etc.)
We will embark on an historical journey into the art of constructions with compass and straightedge. You will learn how Islamic tessellations (tilings) have been founded on the a handful of simple techniques, all of which you will know how to do!
We will draw, construct, and measure angles and explore dynamically how they are formed and how one angle can affect another. For this portion of our investigation, we will be using Geometer’s Sketchpad, an exciting geometry software which is loaded on all of our school computers. The conversation about angles will develop into a conversation about triangles. We will ask (and answer questions) about individual triangles (i.e. If you know the lengths of two sides, can you say anything meaningful about the third side? If two sides of a triangle are equal, are you privy to any information about its angles?) Finally, we will learn what conditions need to be met before we can conclude that two triangles are congruent.
We will learn how to construct geometric arguments, which are similar to supporting a thesis in a research paper. We will do this through formal proofs, flowchart proofs, and paragraph proofs. You will be encouraged to create your own version of what makes sense as a way to prove something conclusively.
We will expand our study of triangles to polygons. We will investigate quadrilaterals very closely.
In addition to the mathematics content, students are expected to
- listen with respect to another person’s explanation;
- provide help when asked;
- ask for help when needed;
- play an active role in sustaining a safe and encouraging learning space for one another; and
- treat all materials gently so that they may be reused.
Geometry B
Jen Parker, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 46
:
Mon/Thu 10:00-11:25
MA - Geometry B / 0.5
Chapter 6—Discovering and Proving Circle Properties
Essential Question: How can the properties of circles be used to identify and prove theorems?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Identify the basic structure of a circle.
Identify, prove, and apply the properties of circles:
Angle conjectures (Central, Inscribed, Interior, Exterior, Tangent-Secant, and tangent-Tangent)
Angles inscribed in a semicircle
Relationships between circumference, diameter, radius, and pi.
Chapter 7—Transformations and Tessellations
Essential Question: How do basic transformations impact position and size of shapes in the plane?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Recognize and apply simple isometries in the plan and on a coordinate system using the correct algebraic notation.
Chapter 8—Area
Essential Question: How can you use properties of regular polygons and circles to determine their areas?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Determine the area of regular polygons and different sections of a circle.
Determine the surface area of prisms, pyramids, cylinders, and cones.
Chapter 9—Pythagorean Theorem
Essential Question: How can the Pythagorean Theorem be applied to real-world situations?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Apply the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse to:
Real world situations
Finding distance on a coordinate grid
Circles
Chapter 10—Volume
Essential Question: How can you use properties of three-dimensional shapes used to determine volume?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Determine the volume of solids.
Identify
Parts of 3-D shapes including prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones, and spheres.
3-D shapes from their nets.
Chapter 11—Similarity
Essential Question: How is similarity related to dilation and how does dilation affect area and volume?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Identify, prove, and apply the properties of similar polygons.
Identify, prove, and apply the properties of similar triangles.
Use the properties of similarity to determine the measure of corresponding parts and their impact on the area and/or volume of shapes in 2 and 3 dimensions.
Chapter 12—Right Triangle Trigonometry
Essential Question: How can the relationships between the sides of right triangles help us solve real-world measurement problems?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
Define three important ratios between the sides of a right triangle.
Use trigonometry to solve problems involving right triangles.
Pre-Calculus A and B
Christina Wright, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 27
:
Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
MA - Pre-Calculus A / 0.5; MA - Pre-Calculus B / 0.5
This is a concentrated course where two semesters of preCalculus have been combined into one. While students are invited to four class sessions per week, they are required only to attend Monday and Thursday at 2:30.
This is a great course for those who have completed (or mostly completed) Algebra II. We will begin this course with a rigorous review, so if you are hesitant because you can’t remember your early Algebra, don’t fret. This is a yearlong class designed to bridge the gap between Algebra II and Calculus. It is a year to explore, extend, and play with functions, frolicking among the various function classes, including polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions.
This will not be a “bells and whistles” course. Rather, it is an opportunity to study fundamental and often already familiar concepts deeply, turning them over and around and exploring them with care and true understanding. Our work will often entail use of the TI 84+ calculator, and there will be considerable opportunity to practice sketching graphs, manipulating equations, and writing/talking about how concepts work and relate.
This course is being taught as a workshop. That has two implications. First, there will be less memorization and more thinking required of everyone. Second, time in class will be time on task, completing the work together to explain, question, and compare our results.
I will be implementing the technique of “flip teaching” in this course, where students will watch short videos of new material (always less than 10 minutes each) outside of class and will complete problem sets inside class with one another as resources.
This is a yearlong course, but students are welcome to take the first semester as a stand-alone course.
Pre-Calculus B
Christina Wright, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 27
:
Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
MA - Pre-Calculus B / 0.5
This is the second semester of a yearlong course for those who have completed (or mostly completed) Algebra II. We will begin this course with a rigorous review, so if you are hesitant because you can’t remember your early Algebra, don’t fret. This is a yearlong class designed to bridge the gap between Algebra II and Calculus. It is a year to explore, extend, and play with functions, frolicking among the various function classes, including polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions.
This will not be a “bells and whistles” course. Rather, it is an opportunity to study fundamental and often already familiar concepts deeply, turning them over and around and exploring them with care and true understanding. Our work will often entail use of the TI 84+ calculator, and there will be considerable opportunity to practice sketching graphs, manipulating equations, and writing/talking about how concepts work and relate.
This course is being taught as a workshop. That has two implications. First, there will be less memorization and more thinking required of everyone. Second, time in class will be time on task, completing the work together to explain, question, and compare our results.
I will be implementing the technique of “flip teaching” in this course, where students will watch short videos of new material (always less than 10 minutes each) outside of class and will complete problem sets inside class with one another as resources.
This is a yearlong course, but students are welcome to take the first semester as a stand-alone course.
What's My Line
Jen Parker, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 46
:
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 12:00-13:25
MA - Algebra 1A / 0.5; MA - Algebra Lab 1A / 0.5
Chapter 1—Data Exploration
Essential Question: How can we model and analyze data to understand real-life situations?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
- Make and use a scatter plot to evaluate the relationship between two variables
- Draw and justify conclusions about a data set, based on graphs
Chapter 2—Proportional Reasoning and Variation
Essential Question: How do proportional reasoning and variation help me determine the relationships between data?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
- Set up, solve, and use proportions to identify an unknown number or to make predictions from data.
- Use direct and indirect variation equations, tables, and their graphs to solve real-world problems, including problems involving units of measure and rates.
- Solve equations using the “undoing” method
Chapter 3—Linear Equations
Essential Question: How do we model and solve problems related to growth and motion with linear equations, graphs, tables, and words?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
- Model a constant rate of change using a table, graph, equation, or words.
- Solve equations using the balancing method
- Model a linear relationship using slope-intercept form
- Calculate the slope of a line using the slope formula
Chapter 4—Fitting Lines to Data
Essential Question: How can we use different forms of linear equations to represent relationships, make predictions, and solve problems about real-world situations?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
- Calculate the slope of a line with slope triangles and the slope formula
- Write and graph equations for a line, using slope-intercept, point-slope, two points or translations
- Write equations for lines of best fit
- Describe correlations of data from scatter plots
Chapter 5—Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Essential Question: How do we select and apply different and effective strategies for solving systems of linear equations and inequalities?
As a result of this unit, students will be able to:
- Solve a system of equations with different methods, and justify use of a specific method in a specific situation.
- Explain why a system of equations has zero, one or infinite solutions.
- Model a system of linear inequalities graphically. Represent a verbal description as a system of equations.
- Solve a system of inequalities with different methods, and make choices about when to use a certain method.
- Solve an equation such as y=mx+b, y=ax+b, or d=rt for any variable.
Occ. Education
Animation Induction
Stefan Gruber, 2nd Semester 11-12
Flipbook Room
:
Mon/Thu 8:30-9:55
CTE - Animation Tech Graphics 1 / 0.5
Open to all people of all levels of artistic talent from none to genius. Animation is a different art form from drawing, so no drawing skills necessary! We’ll be exploring many techniques including 2D puppet, pixelation, sand animation, flipbooks, clay. It’s a lot of fun and really good excerise for the imagination. We’ll also watch a lot of animation in here to get inspiration.
Experimental Animation (Advanced)
Stefan Gruber, 2nd Semester 11-12
Flipbook Room, Computer Lab
:
Mon/Thu 10:00-11:25
CTE - Animation Tech Graphics 2 / 0.5
Experimental Animation is a workshop designed to make the materials and resources available for the independent animator. 1st semester focuses on developing soundtracks before animation, so that lip-synch is possible. We will be able to have a professional style punched-paper animation area, one or two long-term 3-D animation setups; Flash will be available as well. Materials: Most supplies are supplied; some self-budget (probably under $20) may be needed. The finished works made in this class are burned to DVD and shown in a theatrical setting at the end of the 2nd semester.
Nova Farm
Susan Barth, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room #34
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
None assigned
This semester we will be creating more growing areas. We will be building more raised beds, planning our fall gardens and starting seeds. We will be doing upkeep on our current gardens. You will design your own Farm book, do research, and present findings on Horticulture and Botany topics. We will visit local p-patches, the Conservatory, and the Arboretum. There will be in class participation, attendance is crucial to credit. You will also be responsible for at least 2 hours of work a week outside of class to earn full credit. Part of this will be an outside project.
It is possible to get college credit for this course as well. There will be a lot of outside work required for this option.
Open Animation Portal
Stefan Gruber, 2nd Semester 11-12
Nova Animation Portal
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
CTE - Animation Tech Graphics 3 / 0.5
Similar to Experimental animation’s course descriptions, but this is a way to extend your projects from those classes into a bigger project.
Video Editing
Doug Mitchell, 2nd Semester 11-12
Computer Lab
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
Occ. Education / 0.5
Students will learn to:
- Transfer video from cameras to a computer
- Basic editing techniques
- Introducing sound and music to edited content
- Producing a final product (DVD or other digital format)
Physical Education
Bombardment Society
The Dark Knight Batman, 2nd Semester 11-12
The Gym
:
Thu 13:40-14:25
PE - Physical Education HS / 0.15
Students will develop eye hand coordination and learn teamwork through the age old game of dodge ball.
Fire Arts
Susan Barth, 2nd Semester 11-12
Cafetorium
:
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
None assigned
Students from beginning to advanced are welcome and encouraged to try this amazing art. You will learn how to work with fire poi, staff, and hoop. Moves for each tool will be taught, with an emphasis on advancing your skills. You will learn how to move and flow with each tool, and create your own choreography with the tool or tools of your choice. We will be working to bring in new tools this semester like the fire dart, fans, palm torches and flags. You will learn fire safety and there will be an off campus light up at the end of the semester for you to show your skills.
To get full credit in this class, you will need to learn the required skills. To master these skills, you will need to practice at least 45 hours outside of class. You can do some of this in the Friday committee.
Joe's PE Contracts
Joseph Szwaja, 1st Semester 11-12
Gym, Joe's room and the community.
PE - Weight Training/Cond 1 / 0.5
Students will improve their skills and capacity in various types of physical activities.
Supernova Skate Squad
Susan Barth, 2nd Semester 11-12
Gym
:
Mon/Thu 14:35-15:55
*INACTIVE* PE - Alternative Activities / 0.5
This class will be for serious skaters. Plan to skate with quad skates, learn the basic of derby or share and improve the skill you already have. Safety gear is required. The school has skates, pads, and helmets to checkout, but your own gear is preferred. You don’t have to know how to skate, but you must want to learn the derby style.
Tribal Fusion Belly Dance/Student Troupe
Eyva Winet, 2nd Semester 11-12
Cafetorium/Miller Community Center
:
Mon/Thu 8:30-9:55
PE - Rhythms/Dance1 / 0.5
We will also be learning the basics of American Tribal Style (ATS) belly dance, an improv form of dance, with origins in San Francisco in the late sixties. American Tribal Style is a feminist reclaimed belly dance that celebrates women, while honoring the worldwide folkloric roots of this dance. We will also be fusing other dance styles of interest to the students into the traditional ATS style to form what is call Tribal Fusion. Students will be encouraged to bring in what they already know and host mini lessons to add to our improv vocabulary. There will be about a half hour of stretching, conditioning, yoga and about an hour of dancing each class.I have studied with Carolena Nericcio the founder of Fat Chance Belly Dance, Zanbaka and Katrina, owner and artistic director of Skin Deep. I currently facilitate Glitter Tribe, a dance collective and revolutionary movement and I formerly danced in Skin Deep, Wall of Women and Zamani. All genders and skill levels are welcome. This class can be taken for P.E. or fine art credit. Students need comfortable clothes and must be willing to try stretching, dancing, creating a dance belt with help.
Students are also invited to participate in Glitter Tribe which happens on Thursdays and Saturdays outside of the regular school day and will likely lead to performance opportunities for those who are interested.
There will be field trips to see performances that are optional but encouraged. They will fall outside of the regular school day.
Science
Holistic Field Ecology
Adam Croft, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 33 and beyond
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
SC - Ecology 1 LAB / 0.5
In this class credit will be based on first hand experience, and field trips will be frequent. We’ll be learning how to identify local plant life, the history of mainstream ecology, and how our view of nature affects our everyday life and shapes everything we know. We’ll be writing our own climate histories, and seeing what was near your house during the last ice age. We’ll be working to master ecological field techniques, and build a better understanding of the places where we breathe. This class will be optionally year round in order to experience every season in the Puget Sound while being constantly aware and watchful.
How do we live here?
Adam Croft, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 33 and beyond
:
Mon/Thu 8:30-9:55
SC - Science Seminar / 0.5
Students will explore what it means to live in this place. In this pursuit, we will investigate the concept of place, the dynamics of living in a place, and the potential for living in healthy relation with this place.
WA State History credit is available for this course.*
Students will combine learning (Earth science, eco-justice, biology, ecology, history, geography, civics, ethics, etc.) with action (community activism, public education, media outreach, service-oriented traveling, action research, scientific experiments, street theater, the arts, etc.) as we work together in the growing movement to address the changes occurring in this place and its unequal affects upon different communities and life-forms. In all cases, students will be expected to put their learning into action, in this place.
Questions to be addressed by students participating in this course include:
- how have humans lived, in this place?
- how are humans currently living, in this place?
- how could humans live, in this place?
- how does the Earth live, in this place?
- what is the state of the planet and its life today, especially in this place?
- how is health/pollution distributed across the planet today and in this place?
- how has the climate crisis come about, and what is its relation to this place?
- what are/will be the effects of rapid climate change, in this place?
- how are/will these changes affect(ing) communities differently, for example, rich vs. poor, white people vs. people of color, etc., in this place?
- how are/will these changes affect(ing) plants, animals, ecosytems, oceans, and the living planet (Gaia), especially in this place?
- should a healthy environment (climate, water, land, air, food, etc.) be considered a civil right?
- what does environmental justice look like, in this place?
- what does a healthy human civilization living with and upon a healthy planet look like, in this place?
- what actions are available/necessary, in this place?
- how can we make sustainable living more fun than our current harmful civilization, in this place?
- what are we doing?
- what can we do?
Just as all of these questions intertwine, the ways in which we learn and act will be just as integrated. Our only planet and its life are in trouble; our learning is of little use if we don’t put it into action. So, let’s have some fun and get movin’.
Marine Biology
Susan Barth, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room #34
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
None assigned
In Marine Biology you will be exposed to various aspects of the ocean and life in it. This will include the morphology of various marine animals, and the study of many ecosystems. We will study local organisms, and visit the Aquarium. This is a great opportunity to view the full scope of the ocean, along with all the various problems which stand in the way of society and cleaner seas. You will examine the effects of global warming and pollution and gain greater understanding of how to change your lifestyle to save the our oceans and their life.
Physics
Eyva Winet, 2nd Semester 11-12
32
:
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 12:00-13:25
SC - Physics 1 / 0.5; SC - Physics 2 / 0.5
Description: This is one year of physics in an intense semester. There will be math, labs, research projects and philosophical and ethical seminars. If you hate these things this is not the class for you. If you like theories of the universe, time travel, questions of reality and perception, energy, movement, matter and MATH, then this is the class for you. Priority will be given to students who need this class to get in to college and are graduating seniors. If you just need science credit to graduate and do not love physics please see Eyva to set up an independent science credit or take a different science class.
Seminar
Freshfolks S'more
Eyva Winet, 2nd Semester 11-12
TBD
:
Mon/Thu 10:00-11:25
HE - Health Education HS / 0.25; LA - 9A Intro to LIT & COMP / 0.25; SC - Science Seminar / 0.25
This seminar will be designed and co-facilitated by staff (Eyva and Adam, primarily) and students and will thus take shape around the interests of all participants. The particular focus of this class will be Intelligence: what is it? how does it work? what creatures are intelligent? how do we use our own intelligence? does intelligence exist within communities or just individuals? how is intelligence discussed and used in our society? how does the mind work? This is a year long course dedicated to deep exploration of the competencies of Identity, Community, Justice, Evolution, Inquiry, Analysis and Creation/Action. Students will follow their passions while learning and refining some of the basic skills needed for a successful Nova career. Most importantly students will investigate themselves, their power, privilege and oppression, how they learn and how to affect change in themselves and their communities. At the end of the year course students will have a combination of LA, Health and Science credit (ideally .5 of each).
Gender Seminar
Eyva Winet, 2nd Semester 11-12
Adam's Room
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
HE - Health Education HS / 0.25; SC - Science Seminar / 0.25
This seminar will be designed and co-facilitated by staff and students of multiple genders and will thus take shape around the interests of all participants. This seminar is designed to facilitate a discussion of gender, sex and sexuality and their inherent relationships to power and privilege. Students can make their interest projects to get health, science, LA or history credit. There are different competencies for each type of credit so students need to arrange what they are working toward early in the semester with Eyva or Adam. LA and History proposals will be reviewed by the appropriate teachers in order to give these types of credit.
Intelligence (Freshfolks Academy)
Adam Croft, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 33 and beyond
:
Tue/Fri 8:30-9:55
HE - Health Education HS / 0.25; LA - 9A Intro to LIT & COMP / 0.25; SC - Science Seminar / 0.25
This seminar will be designed and co-facilitated by staff (Eyva and Adam, primarily) and students and will thus take shape around the interests of all participants. The particular focus of this class will be Intelligence: what is it? how does it work? what creatures are intelligent? how do we use our own intelligence? does intelligence exist within communities or just individuals? how is intelligence discussed and used in our society? how does the mind work? This is a year long course dedicated to deep exploration of the competencies of Identity, Community, Justice, Evolution, Inquiry, Analysis and Creation/Action. Students will follow their passions while learning and refining some of the basic skills needed for a successful Nova career. Most importantly students will investigate themselves, their power, privilege and oppression, how they learn and how to affect change in themselves and their communities. At the end of the year course students will have a combination of LA, Health and Science credit (ideally .5 of each).
Social Justice Community
Action Faction and Beyond
Eyva Winet, 2nd Semester 11-12
32
:
Wed 13:30-14:25; Wed 14:30-15:55
UE - Leadership / 0.25
Action Faction Mission Statement:
As an all-inclusive committee, we work to create a safe and respectful community for all genders and sexualities. We combat sexuality and gender identity oppression by creating positive actions in Nova and beyond. Positive actions include maintaining safe spaces for discussions, resources and events. We believe that any social justice movement must work towards inclusion of other social justice goals. We recognize that all oppressions are connected and in no way do we want out actions to propagate other forms of oppression.
We welcome all.
Beyond Action Faction: Imagine this mission but beyond the Nova Community!
Partner Organization: The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Camp Ten Trees (potential for long term internships), Allyship and the Homeless Queer Youth Coalition, Bailey-Gatzert, Home Alive and any other groups folks want to work with.
Action Faction at Nova:
cares for the bathrooms to create safe gender space for all users and maintains the walls space
has resources for trans youth city wide
hosts gender fluidity week
political actions and education for Nova
Beyond Action Faction will also:
support joint fund raising efforts with our partners
support projects that our partners are doing
arts and social justice, murals and public space
karen kosoglad, 2nd Semester 11-12
room31
:
Wed 14:30-15:55
None assigned
Collaboration through visual arts. Looking at community spaces at Nova to bring visual art murals installations and mixed media projects. Elements of design and process of working together to build consensus through art.
Beginning - Advanced Knitting
Debbie Cherniak, 1st Semester 11-12
Room 35
:
Wed 14:30-15:55; Wed 13:30-14:25
None assigned
If you know how to knit, create; and if you don’t, learn how to knit (occ ed credit offered if you document your work and learning) and then share your individual and group creations with the linus project and/or SBOC families, and/or other agencies or persons in need of some hand-knit creations.
Beginning - Advanced Knitting
Debbie Cherniak, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 35
:
Wed 14:30-15:55; Wed 13:30-14:25
CTE - Apparel & Textiles I / 0.5; Service Learning / 0
If you know how to knit, create; and if you don’t, learn how to knit (occ ed credit offered if you document your work and learning) and then share your individual and group creations with the linus project and/or SBOC families, and/or other agencies or persons in need of some hand-knit creations.
Eco Justice at Noa
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Joe's Room
:
Wed 13:30-14:25
None assigned
We will work to make Nova as eco-friendly as possible via collecting rain water with a cistern we can install , turning off lights and computers, working towards more light sensors being installed etc.
Hollow Earth Radio
Stefan Gruber, 2nd Semester 11-12
Walking Field Trip to HER (6 blocks away), Gruber's Lab
:
Tue 14:30-15:55
UE - Leadership / 0.25
Hollow Earth Radio is the Pacific Northwest’s freeform online radio station that presents a forum for underrepresented music, sounds and perspectives.
They are brand to to the community and need a lot of help with chores, flyering, merch design and creation, and old fashioned on the street journalism and audio creation. For those who pitch in the best, some shadowing of DJs is available.
Freeform Radio: HER is a freeform radio. Freeform radio is a programming format in which the DJ is given total control over what music to play, regardless of music genre or commercial interests. Freeform radio stands in contrast to most commercial radio stations, in which DJs have little or no influence over programming structure or playlists.
Nondiscrimination Policy: HER does not condone discrimination. As a volunteer, we expect you to be respectful (off-air at the station and in the community when representing HER and on-air) of all people no matter the age, race, gender, sexual orientation, size, ethnicity, political stance, socioeconomic status disability, etc.
(group limited to 14, gatekeeping assignment TBD)
Interlaken Park Restoration
Adam Croft, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 33 and Interlaken Park (five blocks north of here)
:
Wed 14:30-15:55; Wed 13:30-14:25
UE - Student Activity / 0.25
Students and participating staff will work with a community volunteer in the ongoing effort at Interlaken Park to remove invasive species and plant native plants. Students and participating staff will also have the opportunity to partner with other local organizations, including EarthCorps, the SCA, Nature Consortium, and the Seattle Parks Department to enact similar work at other Seattle Parks. Our work is part of the larger effort toward environmental justice in our urban communities as we improve the health of Seattle’s green spaces. Improving the health of our city parks provides access to green spaces for all Seattle residents, helps to clean our local air and water, and improves habitat for our more-than-human neighbors. Students will also gain skills working in participation with local service organizations, a valuable skill applicable to any volunteer experience.
Quilting
Susan Barth, 2nd Semester 11-12
Susan's Room 34
:
Wed 14:30-15:55
None assigned
Making quilts for donation.
Reading with Kids @ Leschi
Melissa Park, 2nd Semester 11-12
Leschi Elementary School
:
Wed 13:30-14:25; Wed 14:30-15:55
Service Learning / 0.25
Chelsey and Melissa facilitate this weekly project for Nova students to read with elementary school students. More details TBA.
Science Geeks @Bailey Gatzert
Eyva Winet, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 32/Bailey Gatzert/Field Trips
:
Tue 13:30-14:25; Tue 14:30-15:55
SC - Science Seminar / 0.25
Mission: Love the Science! Share the Science!Fight the power!
Tasks: Come share science with rad second graders at Bailey-Gatzert. You can learn and share how to make almost any household product with safer and more environmentally sustainable ingredients, develop cool building challenges and share any part of science you are excited about with kids!
Social Justice: Science is power! Science education is not emphasized and often cut out of schools that “don’t perform well on high stakes testing” to make more time to teach to the test. This means that students with the least amount of societal privilege are further punished by not getting to learn, love and explore science! Boooooooo! Fight the isms by helping me bring science to the people!
Social Time with Lowell Elementary Students
Bryan Morris, 2nd Semester 11-12
Lowell Elementary
:
Wed 14:30-15:55; Wed 13:30-14:25
None assigned
These wonderful children have disabilities that physically differentiate them from “typical” looking people and in our society. These students are in constant danger of marginalization and need friends and allies . Having friends and allies from Nova will strengthen our community and create lasting friendships. The outcome of this experience will be a passion for advocacy, a greater depth of empathy, and a connection with new friends that will last a lifetime.
This social justice activity will be a social experience with students who have special needs. The students in this class have disabilities that require that they use a wheelchair to sit upright and get around. They are typically non-verbal communicators meaning they use pre-programmed electronic switches to communicate. They also use non-verbal physical cues and facial expressions to communicate.
Our friends from Lowell will want to spend time with Nova friends who enjoy hanging out in their classroom listening to music, working on art projects, playing basketball, going for walks around Capitol Hill, and being social.
This group of students is vibrant and they enjoy social time. They are a cool and fun group to hang out with. Please join us if you are interested!
Bryan
Room 38
Teaching Music to KIds
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Band Room
:
Wed 14:30-15:55
None assigned
We will teach SBOC students instrumental music and learn from them as well. This will be led by Jessie , Miles, and other Nova students.
Understanding Occupy
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Computer Room
:
Wed 13:30-14:25
None assigned
Understand some of the principles, tactics, goals and actions of the Occupy Movement. Get involve in activities you believe in that promote social justice.
Social Studies
A trip down Ganges: Eveything India
Patrice DeLaOssa, 2nd Semester 11-12
Patrice's room #26
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
None assigned
“India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.” – Mark Twain
Take a spectacular trip down the Ganges this semester. Learn about the incredible richness and diversity of India’s people, cultures and landscapes. Learn about the intense drama of its past and the originality and continuing of its ideas.
Focus on the five components of culture for India: Geography, Language, Values, Norms and Symbols.
This will be a survey course that appeals to all senses and abilities. We will learn basics about India and then have the opportunity to delve in-depth and explore your own questions of this great country.
American Studies
Melissa Park, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 30
:
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8:30-9:55
SS - American Government & Economics / 0.5; SS - US History 11A / 0.5; SS - US History 11B / 0.5
Credits: 1.0 U.S. History 11a/11b OR a combination of U.S. History AND American Government and Economics. This is a demanding 4 day-a-week class recommended for juniors and seniors only.
To paraphrase Tuvan throat singer, Kongar-ol Ondar, “We are the heirs to our ancestors’ wisdom and their struggle.” What IS “our” wisdom? What ARE “our” struggles? What truths and inspiration are in the actions people before us took (and people now are making) to creatively change our country and our world?
This project-, theme-, and inquiry-based course is co-created with students from our questions about our past and our present, e.g.
How do opinion and history interact?
Who are represented by “we” and “our?”
Why are things the way they are for different people in “America?”
What changes in our lives, what stays the same—and why?
How do we make sense of the constant barrage of stories and information that hit us every day?
How do we learn who we are and how we relate to others?
This course on American history has strong emphasis on building history skills and research practices to “do” history. Students will identify, explore, and analyze major issues, events, and social movements throughout the history of the United States and its place in the world. Initial areas of study may include, but are not limited, to the following:
• The multicultural heritage of the United States.
• Patterns of settlement and change.
• The growth of political institutions, ideologies, and cultures beginning with Native structures and early colonial governments.
• The revolutionary war and the confederation.
• The growth, change, and evolution of U.S. foreign policy.
• Territorial expansion and the issue of slavery.
• Sectionalism, secession, and the civil war and reconstruction.
• Immigration and migration.
• Political philosophies and movements, including labor movements.
• Black/African-American, Native, Asian, Puerto Rican, Latino, women’s and lesbian/gay history and perspectives.
• Issues of gender, class, and sexual orientation as they relate to the political and cultural growth of the U.S.
In addition, all students generate, create, and produce independent research projects based on personal interests connected with themes, concepts, and time lines developed in class.
Civil Rights History
Melissa Park, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room 30
:
Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
Social Studies / 0.5; SS - American Government & Economics / 0.5; World History / 0.5
This class will examine past and continuing struggles in American civil rights movements, and those of other countries around the world. Expect to work with stories, art, music, poetry, film, words, and ideas in learning about people fighting for basic human rights, including the right to participate in their societies.
We’ll focus closely on the origins, events, people, and organizations of the civil rights movement of the 1950s-1970s, and examine topics such as (but not limited to): the complexities of and obstacles to building people’s movements, nonviolent resistance, self-defense against brutality, allyship and coalition-building, Black Power movements, Brown Power movements, American Indian movements, Asian Pacific Islander movements, women’s rights movements, gay rights movements, environmental justice and food justice movements. We’ll also cover past and/or ongoing civil rights struggles in countries such as (but not limited to): South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Liberia, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, India, Guatemala, Chile, and Mexico.
Alice Walker said, “One of the most common ways people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” This class seeks to uncover some of the power each person has and express it through art, learning, and activism.
Explore The World /Change the World Semester Two
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Joe's Room (and for some Guatemala for 2 weeks)
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
None assigned
Coordinators please note that students can still take this class and earn credit in History or Spanish even if they do not go to Guatemala – they can study Guatemalan History and Spanish and and fundraising to support the trip. A number of students have done this successfully, so if they are interested in the issues related to the class don’t let the fact that they can’t go to Guatemala this semester to be a barrier. Taking this class may also be a good idea to do this semester if they think they may wish to travel to Guatemala or East Timor next year ( we plan to take trips to both places- funds permitting)
Learn about another culture while embarking on a great adventure
Travel to Guatemala, the land where the magnificent Mayan culture has stayed strong
Link up with people in Guatemala struggling for justice and a decent, dignified life
Learn Spanish from native speakers who are kind, funny and skilled
Earn credit in World History. Spanish or both plus service learning and Nova Hours
Live with a family that will patiently help you practice your Spanish and cook you delicious food
See the Guatemalan Highlands with beautiful sites during one week in the city and one in the countryside
Take lots of side trips to natural and historical sites
Learn about the fascinating history of a brave and resilient people
Get involved in repairing a bit of the terrible damage done by our government
Have the time of your life while making a commitment to something larger than yourself
Gaming the Past: History using Gaming
Patrice DeLaOssa, 2nd Semester 11-12
Patrice's room #26
:
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25; Tue/Fri 14:30-15:55
None assigned
This is a .75 credit course that covers all of U.S. history in one semester. Students will use various historical simulations to explore the past. These simulations (a mix of video games and board games) are similar to works of historical fiction or films; the simulations are based on a mix of primary and secondary sources and present a narrative. The advantage of simulations is that they help to make abstract concepts more concrete than any non-interactive media could. In a simulation, a student can take on a role of a political, military or business leader to understand the conditions they under which they operated. Due to the nature of the simulations available on the market, much of the emphasis in this course will be on political, economic and military history.
Beyond the simulations, students will use a mix of primary and secondary written sources. These will be used to help the students analyze the simulations for accuracy and access information not present in the games.
Students who are not comfortable playing video games should consider taking another class for US History credit.
US history meets at two separate times on the same day Tuesday/Friday. This course is for Juniors/Seniors only.
Hogwarts, A History
Patrice DeLaOssa, 2nd Semester 11-12
Patrice's Room #26
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
None assigned
The Harry Potter book series became a phenomenon that influenced our modern mythology and how we envision such abstract concepts as good and evil. These books also contain and allude to many aspects of history. In Hogwarts, A History, we will study the following:
Mythology and ancient history relating to the practice of magic, mythological creatures, alchemy, and most importantly, how words came to symbolize power. We will also explore how Harry Potter has brought ancient concepts into our own modern mythology.
Social constructs within the world of Harry Potter such as slavery, racism, nobility, blood sport, and technology. We will relate them to practices throughout history and in modern times.
Government in a technical sense; we will study the current government established in the U.K. and explore the concepts of criminal trial and martial law. We will also see how corruption in government is portrayed, as well as the relation between politics and education.
Metaphors are rampant in the world of Harry Potter, and we will be considering such obvious concepts as good and evil, as well as dementors, death, immortality, desire, and most definitely more.
While this class will, hopefully, allow us to discuss and study history in a more imaginative way, it will not be simply about reading Harry Potter. We will study these topics in depth. Also, if you haven’t read the books, you can still take the class and do well. Just beware of spoilers!
Humanities: Out of the Box
Barbara Osborne, 2nd Semester 11-12
Barbara's room
:
Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
Language Arts / 0.5; SS - World History 9B / 0.5
Students will hear, read, think, write and talk about people, ideas and historical events including: mysticism, heresies, doctrinal disputes, Augustine of Hippo, anchorites, Obi-wan-kenobi, the Kabbala, the gnostics, Sufis, various inquisitions, Dante’s Divine Comedy, Jelaluddin Rumi, Pablo Picasso, Charles Burchfield, Michael Pollan, Joan of Arc, Monophysites, Cathars, Bogomils, Nasradin, Coyote, tricksters, Magical realism, orthodoxy, visionaries, the difference between the truth and a truth, Joseph Campbell, light, sound and motion, and Yoda.
Joe's independent World History Contracts
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Joe's Room
None assigned
Joe's Second Semester AGE Independents
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Joe's Room
:
Fri 14:30-15:55
None assigned
Joe's Second Semester World History Independents
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Joe;s Room
None assigned
Know the Law/ Change the Law - AGE
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Joe's Room (Room 47)
:
Tue/Wed/Fri 12:00-13:25
SS - American Government & Economics / 0.5
Use and develop your skills and idealism to make a real difference
Get involved on issues you care about
Speak up for Nova; hold the school district accountable
Learn about the law and how to changed it from attorneys practicing different types of law as well as community activists work in to promote justice and environmental renewal in our community
Get your point across – effectively
Check out different perspectives on power, who has it and why ?
Learn about money, how it has evolved and how it’s used
Investigate important sources of our country’s ideas about government and economics
What’s up with our constitution?
What are other governmental systems which are different from our own? How might we learn from them?
How do the actions of our government and corporations affect other countries and different groups within our own country?
How can we work together to change our system in order to make it more aligned with our values?
These are some of the skills, questions and issues we will work on in this class.
AGE is required for graduation. Seniors will be given preference, though others who have an interest in government and economics may take the class with the consent of the instructor. The level of this class is moderate to challenging. Students will need to attend a minimum of 4 school board meetings during the course of the semester (these meetings are held from 6 -7pm the first and third Wednesdays of the month).
Expect to have fun and get involved in making the world a better place.
Sociology- Get to know your city
Patrice DeLaOssa, 2nd Semester 11-12
Patrice's Room #26
:
Mon/Thu 14:30-15:55
None assigned
Sociology is a history course that studies human society and social behavior. Human relationships are an essential part of a civilized society and how we interact with each other is important so that we can find answers to questions and solve problems in our world.
Sociology is a scientific, systematic way of looking at life and human behavior. This course will cover topics such as culture, socialization, group behavior, social class, inequality, racism, sexism, social control, deviance, poverty, and crime. Field trips, case studies and films will be incorporated into the course.
More specifically, learn how to look at the city you live in from a sociological point of view. Starting thinking like a sociologist and view the world and your own life differently.
Spanish Sword Fighting- Don Quixote de la Mancha
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
The craggy peaks and dusty plains of Spain (and Joe's Room)
:
Mon/Thu 10:00-11:25
None assigned
Credit available in World History and/or Language Arts.
What might we learn about history and human nature by riding a mile or two on the back of Rocinante, Don Quixote’s skinny yet illustrious steed, or the dumpy grey mule of his potbellied sidekick Sancho, all the while flirting with damsels and fighting giants, knights errant windmills and escaped lions? Let’s give it a try!
Called a crazy dreamer, visionary madman, idealistic fool, serious trickster par excellence and a man born too late, Don Quixote de la Mancha is thought by many to be one of the great figures of world literature.
Don Quixote was created in the early 17th century, a time when the Spanish Empire was huge and powerful, yet at the beginning of a long and slow decline. During their mad escapades, the errant knight and his squire probed at some of the contradictions and absurdities of kingdom and empire that may teach us things about their own time and other ones as well.
In this class we will start by attempting some of the hilarious and impressive physical stunts attempted by Don Quixote and Sancho and learn a little bit about the wars, weapons and crucial questions of their time. We will also read and act out portions of the classic novel by Cervantes and other related readings in an attempt to examine some of the great historical and human questions he brings up. Among others, these will include:
How can individuals act on their values in a time and place when they are increasingly ignored?
What are the relationships between wisdom and madness, idealism and practicality, empire and justice, violence and non-violence, the self and the other?
Speak Up! Peoples’ Voices in History
Melissa Park, 1st Semester 11-12
Room 30 and the city of Seattle
:
Tue/Fri 14:30-15:55
Social Studies / 0.5
People fear speaking in public more than they fear death, according to a now infamous study. Yet in shaping this country people have often used one of the first tools available to them—their voices—to rally, to dissent, to inspire, etc. How and when did people speak up at critical moments in history, and what were the consequences of those acts?
This class will examine “voice” through art, activism, scholarship, stories, history, and students being and becoming leaders at Nova and beyond. What are the earmarks of effective communicators? How do we build those skills ourselves? What are the elements of a “good” argument? You will build your own “tool-kit” of skills through various activities: improv, story-telling, interviewing, performance, and activism. Expect to speak and listen in this class, engage with guest speakers, analyze famous speeches and writings, and write and deliver your own original text to an audience. Expect a challenging but fun class in which students will cover public speaking strategies, debate various topics, and participate in open mics, readings, and community meetings. How do we work through anxiety about public speaking (glossophobia)? Practice, practice, practice!
Students may earn elective/speech [Language Arts] or World History credit for this class.
Throwing Balls Around the World/ Basic World History
Joseph Szwaja, 2nd Semester 11-12
Joe's Room, the Gym and the Community
:
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8:30-9:55
None assigned
In this class students can earn full credit in both World History and Phys. Ed.!
We will carry out the class in conjunction with SBOC students and their great PE teacher Doug.
Twice a week we will play different types of PE games with the SBOC students. Some of these will be games from the SBOC student’s home countries. We will make sure that the Nova students and SBOC students play games together and get to know each other.
Twice a week we will work on history. If students have partial credit from other history classes they need to finish or history papers they need to finish form previous semesters this is a good class to take.
To the extent possible, we will use the connections we develop with SBOC students to explore the history and cultures of the regions that they come from. Nova students will link up with the students and interview them and in some cases their families about their countries and the issues that caused them to come to the US. We will share food together and take a few trips together as well
We will also bring in outside speakers for the places and try to learn a little about the food, music and culture of each country. Each Nova student will learn a little about the culture, geography and history of all the countries of the students in the class. They will also do a final project about the history of one particular country.
We hope to use the methods developed by members of Nova’s awesome Naked Truth students to help Nova students (and maybe SBOC ones as well) express what they have learned about history in the class. We invite those students who have been involved in Naked Truth to participate in this class and help us to use their methods of expression.
We hope this class will help us to develop deeper connections with SBOC and to use our connections with this international school to explore both History and PE.
US History
Joseph Szwaja, 1st Semester 11-12
Joe's Room
:
Fri 14:30-15:55
SS - US History 11B / 0.5
We will focus on key issues in US History such as the origin of our key political ideas, immigration, expansion, racism ,economic growth, equality and inequality as well as artistic expression.
Dylan will focus on westward expansion, the US Revolution and different views about it, different views among the founding fathers and how that is viewed today, the origins of US distrust of government.
Viola and Arend will focus on key themes including the Civil War, Reconstruction, Immigration and Industrialization.
Viola is interested in music between the thirties and seventies, as well as money and economics, foreign policy as well as how this connects with music.
World Languages
Advanced French / Preparation for the AP Exam
Lydia Condrea, 2nd Semester 11-12
Room #42
:
Tue/Thu/Fri 14:30-15:55
WL - French 4A / 0.5
Students will deepen listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in various topics. Independent work, including homework, must be done outside of class, for at least three hours per week.
I. Tuesdays: This portion of the course is focused on reading. The homework will consist in reading and some contextualized exercises (see instructional materials I).*
II. Fridays: Communication is the goal of this part of the course, homework will be preparation of the projects as well as some exercises on the content of the class work, classwork is based on materials used in France and around the world for teaching French as a Second Language (see instructional materials II).*
III. Thursdays: Exclusively AP preparation, analysis of complex grammatical structures, practice exercises, simulation of AP test
Each session is designed as independent course, materials are not repeated, so that each part can be taken separately, for respective amount of credit. Students who are planning to take AP test this year are strongly encouraged to take all three sessions.
- Tuesdays and Fridays sessions for this course and for Advanced French course are combined (students work together)
Advanced French, continuing
Lydia Condrea, 2nd Semester 11-12
r.42
:
Tue/Fri 14:30-15:55
WL - French 4A / 0.5
Students will deepen listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in various topics. Independent work, including homework, must be done outside of class, for at least two hours per week.
I. Tuesdays: This portion of the course is focused on reading. The homework will consist in reading and some contextualized exercises. (see instructional materials I)
Fridays: Communication is the goal of this part of the course, homework will be preparation of the projects as well as some exercises on the content of the class work, classwork is based on materials used in France and around the world for teaching French as a Second Language. (see instructional materials II)
Each session is designed as independent course, materials are not repeated, so that each part can be taken separately, for respective amount of credit.
Beginning French, continuing
Lydia Condrea, 2nd Semester 11-12
room 42
:
Tue/Fri 10:00-11:25
WL - French 1A / 0.5
Participants will be exposed to French mostly through songs and reading, assignments and activities all contextualized, students’ role will be switching towards active participation and production
Beginning German, continuing
Lydia Condrea, 2nd Semester 11-12
room 42
:
Mon/Thu 10:00-11:25
WL - German Studies (registrar: use HWL5858 for Latin Studies) / 0.5
The class is being taught by Josh and Sawyer. Lydia will serve a linguistic consultant and an escape for them to tell the students when they do not like something: “Too bad, she make us do it!” (and they have to say it in German!). On a more serious note, the instruction is conducted exclusively in German. During the translation activities only the students may use English, the teachers are to confirm or reject the proposed translations without recurring to English themselves. Participants will explore different aspects of German culture, learning linguistic pattern, and applying them in various situations. Teaching methods used in this course are based on natural approach, whole language approach, targeting language acquisition rather than learning .
Beginning Spanish, continuing
Lydia Condrea, 2nd Semester 11-12
room 42
:
Mon/Thu 12:00-13:25
WL - Spanish 1A / 0.5
Participants will explore different aspects of Spanish culture, learning linguistic pattern, and applying them in various situations. Teaching methods used in this course are based on communicative approach.
Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced Italian, continuing
Lydia Condrea, 2nd Semester 11-12
room 42
:
Tue/Fri 8:30-9:55
WL - Italian 2a (registrar: use HWL5858 for Latin Studies) / 0.5; WL - Italian 2b (registrar: use HWL5858 for Latin Studies) / 0.5
Participants will continue exploring different aspects of Italian culture, learning linguistic patterns, and applying them in various situations. Teaching methods used in this course are based on natural approach.
Intermediate / Advanced Spanish, continuing
Lydia Condrea, 2nd Semester 11-12
room 42
:
Mon/Thu 8:30-9:55
WL - Spanish 2A / 0.5; WL - Spanish 2B / 0.5; WL - Spanish 3A / 0.5
Continue to work on enriching vocabulary, learning grammar in depth and to apply acquired linguistic knowledge in communication, presentations, research, etc. Methods used in this class are based on natural approach, with a particular emphasis on listening and speaking.
Intermediate French
Lydia Condrea, 1st Semester 11-12
room 42
:
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
WL - French 2A / 0.5
Continue to work on enriching vocabulary, learning grammar in depth and to apply acquired linguistic knowledge in communication, presentations, research, etc. Teaching methods used in this course are based on communicative approach.
Intermediate French, continuing
Lydia Condrea, 2nd Semester 11-12
r.42
:
Tue/Fri 12:00-13:25
None assigned
Continue to work on enriching vocabulary, learning grammar in depth and to apply acquired linguistic knowledge in reading, communication, presentations, etc. Teaching methods used in this course are based on communicative approach.