Former WAC Class Descriptions
Middle School English
(recommended for 7th & 8th grade)
This class also connects language skills to life, but delves deeper into the skills of critical thinking, logic, and argument while adding the study of diction, speaking, and persuasive writing. Instruction prepares students for success in higher-level language arts courses and skills while inspiring them with the understanding of how these skills relate directly to life. If knowledge is power, the ability to express is influence – and the ultimate measure of influence is persuasiveness.
Reading and Writing instruction takes on the additional study of structure, genre, and literary device, teaching how to use these elements to identify and express theme while increasing the full persuasive power of presentation. Grammar skills continue to deepen, building upon previous knowledge.
Required Text:
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Reading Strands: Understanding Fiction ISBN-10: 1888344164/ISBN-13: 978-1888344165
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Writing Strands, Level 4: ISBN-10: 1888344091/ISBN-13: 978-1888344097
1.5”-2” binder (exclusively for Language Arts, these will be set up on our first day of class) with dividers, Post-it notes, and index cards
Freshman/Sophomore High School Honors English
(recommended for 9th & 10th grade)
This course more deeply connects language skills to life, influence, and civic involvement by adding instruction in rhetoric and casual academic debate to the mix of instruction. Students will learn the fundamentals of self-expression and exercise them in both writing and speech. Study of literature will focus on classics, examining skills and ideas through the words of history’s great writers and teachers.
With its study of rhetoric and strong emphasis on cross-curricular connections, this class gives students the keys to powerful self-expression; students cannot help but find this emerging power exciting! Of course, it also equips them for success in higher-level endeavors and courses both academically and personally. With high value placed on one’s ability to think critically, students find the ability to filter all information through their own personal worldview. Emphasis on articulate expression allows them to persuasively and powerfully communicate their own, unique thoughts.
Required Text and Materials:
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The Elements of Style (4th edition) by Strunk & White. ISBN-13: 978-0205309023/ISBN-10: 020530902X
1.5"-3” three-ring notebook (exclusively for Language Arts, these will be set up on our first day of class), 7 dividers, 1 spiral-bound writing notebook, Post-it notes, index cards.
Junior/Senior High School Honors English
(recommended for 10th & 11th grade)
This course more deeply connects to previous studies while placing emphasis on testing and college readiness. Course includes instruction, practice, and feedback in practice timed essay writing. Students will learn the fine points of self-expression and exercise them in both writing and speech. By the end of their senior year, the student will have a strong sense of how these skills support all other academic, personal, and professional endeavors as well as civic involvement.
With its emphasis on testing and college-preparedness, this class is best-suited for students intending to further their studies in college. Students complete college-level work in a highly-supportive high school environment. Students can adjust to the grading, testing, and time management demands of college while gaining experience in the types of writing tasks they will be expected to master. The result: capable, confident college candidates!
Required Text and Materials:
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The Elements of Style (4th edition) by Strunk & White ISBN-13: 978-0205309023/ISBN-10: 020530902X
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On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser ISBN-13: 978-0060891541, ISBN-10: 0060891548, Edition: 30th Anniversary Edition
1.5"-2” three-ring notebook (exclusively for Language Arts, these will be set up on our first day of class), 9 dividers, 1-2 spiral-bound writing notebook(s), Post-it notes, index cards.
Creative Writing
(recommended for 6th- 8th grade students)
This class connects language skills to life. Students will receive instruction in Spelling & Word Study, Grammar, and Writing. Students familiar with writing programs such as IEW, Rod & Staff, or Wordsmith will incorporate and build on these skills, while students who have not done these programs will be able to jump right in! This class prepares students for success in higher-level language arts courses and skills while inspiring them with the understanding of how these skills relate directly to life. If knowledge is power, the ability to express is influence!
With its creative nature and focus on finding individual voice, this class is equally well-suited for hesitant writers and at-level students, serving as an introduction to whole-group literary study for all. Writing assignments allow students to work to their level, while structured instruction in grammar, spelling, and vocabulary support growth in written expression. This class imparts competence, instills confidence, and inspires creativity– giving students a reason to want to read, write, and speak better while preparing them to do so!
Required Text and Materials: 1.5"-3” three-ring notebook (used exclusively for the class, these will be set up on our first day of class and serve as a portfolio of student work), 4 dividers, 1 spiral-bound writing notebook, 1 folder, Post-it notes, index cards.
General Science
This class is designed to be a student’s first systematic introduction to the sciences. Topics covered include: the history of science, the scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, paleontology, biology, and human anatomy and physiology.
Mrs. Taylor, the instructor of General Science, will use in-class discussions and many experiments to engage students in learning the concepts listed above. In class quizzes will be given at random. Power point presentations will be assigned at the end of each semester. Lab reports will be part of each lab assignment. Other brief reports/assignments will be scattered depending upon the subject matter.
Required Text and Materials:
Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd Ed.
Note: The text used for this class is a 7th grade text, however, 6th and 8th graders are permitted to register
College ruled composition notebook, 3 ring binder with loose leaf paper and divider pages with pockets.
Optional: Solutions Manual (for parents), Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd ed., audio book
Independent Study: Students can expect to be assigned about 4 hours per week of independent work to be completed throughout the week. This time will be spent reading the text, completing lab reports, answering text review questions, and completing take-home tests. Select labs (those requiring a few hours or a few days to view results) will be assigned to perform at home. It is recommended that students review the study guide and vocabulary in groups prior to each test.
Physical Science
(recommended 8th grade and up)
This course contains one semester of introductory Chemistry and one semester of introductory Physics. We will meet once a week for an hour and a half. New in 2011 will be a concentration on developing the skills necessary to study high school science. We will be spending time learning how to take the multitude of information the text presents and break it down into manageable chunks for studying.
Course topics first semester will include: metric system, proper lab reports and experimental design, matter, atomic structure, the periodic table and chemical reactions. Second semester topics include: work, fluid mechanics, statics, dynamics, and energy. The course will explore these two disciplines using hands on activities, projects, discussions and applications. Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class time on assignments. No prerequisites are necessary, but concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1 is recommended.
Required Text:
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Physical Science: Concepts in Action, by Wysession, Frank, and Yancopoulos. Prentice Hall. ISBN-13 # 978-0-13-362817-3
Composition book, 2" binder with loose leaf paper, colored pencils
High School Honors Biology
Prerequisites: There is no math component to this course. This course is typically taken after physical science and before chemistry, but the order is flexible.
This class will cover major concepts in high school biology as detailed in the Kentucky Academic Expectations for Science as published by the Kentucky Department of Education. These concepts include: basic cell structure, osmosis, diffusion, photosynthesis, classification, Kreb’s cycle, glycolysis, transcription, translation, mitosis, genetics, and evolution. Although evolution is a touchy subject, Mrs. Taylor feels it advantageous for her students to know the concepts so that they may successfully defend or refute them since they will be tested on them in standardized college testing as well as encounter them in the college classroom---not just in science classes. She will approach evolution using the textbook as well as a Christian paperback, Case for a Creator.
Mrs. Taylor, the instructor of Biology, will use in-class discussions and many experiments to engage students in learning the concepts listed above. In class quizzes will be given at random. Powerpoint presentations will be assigned at the end of first semester. Brief reports/summaries will be scattered depending upon the subject matter. There will be in-class finals each semester.
Required Text and Materials:
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Biology, Pearson Prentice Hall, Miller and Levine ISBN# 0-13-036701-X
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Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel, student edition, ISBN# 0-310-24977-5
Students will also need a 3-ring binder with loose leaf and two composition books.
High School Biology Lab at EKU
(recommended 9th-12th grade)
Location: EKU, Richmond Campus
This laboratory is designed to be taken concurrently with Biology. Lab experiments will reinforce concepts covered in the text. The student will gain experience in laboratory safety and proper equipment use. However, there is no required text for this course.
Independent Study: Students can expect to have an average of 1-2 hrs of independent work to be completed at home each month. This time will be spent reading over the upcoming laboratory experiment, preparing a brief summary of the procedure before class, and completing a full laboratory report at the end of each experiment.
*Note: Parents will be required to sign a waiver for EKU, and students may be charged by the university for any broken or damaged laboratory equipment. Students must wear closed toe/heel shoes and pants (NO shorts or sandals).
High School Honors Chemistry
(recommended 9th-12th grade)
Introductory chemistry will equip the student to succeed at college level chemistry, and will aid in understanding the place of chemistry in our world. Students will learn about matter and the property of substances, the structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding, principles of chemical reactions, different types of chemistry, such as electrochemistry, nuclear, organic and biological chemistry. The aspiring chemistry student will need to master four tasks in order to be successful in chemistry.
A new language, the language of chemistry must be learned. Chemistry has a particular language and vocabulary that must be mastered. A disciplined and very particular way of thinking about chemistry must be learned. This field is governed by well-developed theories, laws, and ideas that are consistently applied. The student will learn how scientists think about chemistry and how they apply chemical principles to their discipline.
Required Text and Materials:
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Chemistry: Connections to our Changing World by LeMay, H. Eugene, Herbert Beall, Karen M. Robblee, and Douglas C. Brower. 2000., 2nd Edition, Student Edition. Prentice Hall. ISBN 9780134347769
2"-3" binder with loose leaf paper, pencils, scientific or graphing calculator
Independent Study: Chemistry is a measurement and problem-oriented discipline. The student must develop the skills of a particular way of solving chemistry problems. A body of facts must be learned to accomplish these tasks. The student should plan to spend 8-10 hours a week, preferably in blocks of 1 – 2 hours daily outside of the class time in order to succeed in the course. Classes will meet once per week for 90 minutes.
High School Chemistry Lab at EKU
(recommended 9th-12th grade)
Location: EKU, Richmond Campus
This laboratory is designed to be taken concurrently with Chemistry. Lab experiments will reinforce concepts covered in the text. The student will gain experience in laboratory safety, proper equipment use, measurement, and studying chemical behaviors.
Prerequisites: Because there is a math component to this course, it is recommended that students have already completed an algebra course or study algebra concurrently. Students who have already taken Chemistry I but need to complete their high school lab requirement may be admitted.
Required Text: There is no required text for this course.
Independent Study: Students can expect to have an average of 1-2 hrs of independent work to be completed at home each month. This time will be spent reading over the upcoming laboratory experiment, preparing a brief summary of the procedure before class, and completing a full laboratory report at the end of each experiment.
*Note: Parents will be required to sign a waiver for EKU, and students may be charged by the university for any broken or damaged laboratory equipment. Students must wear closed toe/heel shoes and pants. (NO shorts or sandals.)
High School Honors Physics
(recommended 9th-12th grade)
Introductory physics is intended to give the student a basic conceptual and mathematical understanding of several physics disciplines. The areas of study include: Classical mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves & Vibration, Optics, and Electromagnetism. Students will learn to view physics as mathematics applied to the motion of our natural world, and as such must have a good understanding of algebra and geometry prior to this class. Select concepts will be reinforced with hands-on activities. These laboratory assignments will be completed outside of class at home with another classmate. Students completing this course will be prepared for post-secondary general physics. Calculus is not necessary for this course.
Course Objectives:
· Gain a conceptual understanding of classical models of mechanics, thermodynamics, waves & vibration, optics, electromagnetism
· Be able to apply quantitative reasoning to physics concepts and observations
· Verify models and develop laboratory skills through experimentation
Required Text and Materials:
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Physics, Holt 2009ed. by Serway & Faughn (published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
Notebook, pencils/pen, calculator (scientific or graphing), graphing paper, protractor, compass
Physical Education
(6th Grade and Up: 2 Options)
The activities and content of this course are aligned with National Physical Education Standards for High School Physical Education. The class will focus on health-related activities to help students become more responsible for their overall health status and to prepare them to demonstrate knowledge and skills that promote physical activity throughout their lives. The one hour class will consist of a fitness component as well as a large group game or activity.
Two options are available for the 2015-2016 class:
Option 1: For high school students who are taking the class as a high school physical education requirement.
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participate regularly in physical activity.
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identify and apply rules of behavior and fair play in a variety of physical activities, sports and games.
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explain how the systems of the body (e.g., muscular, skeletal, nervous, respiratory, circulatory) respond to exercise.
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participate in three fit test assessments throughout the year.
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design, implement, assess and refine a personal fitness plan.
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design and implement a group leadership activity.
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complete a personal assessment that reflects on and assesses progress toward meeting their fitness goals.
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receive a personal end-of-year assessment from instructor that also includes copies of all work completed in the course.
Required Materials: Gym shoes and appropriate clothing for physical activity.
Option 2: For middle and high school students who are NOT taking the class for physical education credit.
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participate regularly in physical activity.
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identify and apply rules of behavior and fair play in a variety of physical activities, sports and games.
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explain how the systems of the body (e.g., muscular, skeletal, nervous, respiratory, circulatory) respond to exercise.
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participate in three fit test assessments throughout the year.
Required Materials: Gym shoes and appropriate clothing for physical activity.
High School Spanish I
This class will provide students both the necessary grammar instruction and oral practice to gain a solid foundation in the Spanish language. Living Language Spanish (Complete Edition) will likely be the primary text for the class supplemented by a number of free online resources. Classes consist of going over new material, weekly quizzes, midterm, final, speaking/reading exercises, and group skits with fellow classmates.
Students will be able to:
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Demonstrate effective communication skills in Spanish through their ability to listen, read, write and speak clearly.
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Understand Spanish that is spoken at moderate conversational speed and that deals with everyday topics
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Engage in simple conversations with speakers of Spanish in everyday situations.
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Read non-technical Spanish in non-complex, familiar texts on various aspects of Spanish culture.
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Write simple sentences correctly on the topics and activities presented in the course
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Formulate answers to personalized questions related to the cultural practices of daily life such as family, housing, shopping, dining, and travel.
Independent Study:
Students should expect to spend 4-5 hours a week outside of class listening to Living Language CDs, memorizing vocabulary, completing homework, and working on group assignments.
High School Spanish II
2019-2020
This class will continue to build on the Spanish foundation that students acquired in Spanish I. The class will include further development in all four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Classes will consist of going over new vocabulary and grammar concepts, quizzes, midterm, final, speaking/reading exercises, and group dialogues with fellow classmates.
Course Objectives:
Students will be able to:
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Understand Spanish that is spoken at moderate conversational speed and that deals with everyday topics
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Engage in intermediate conversations with speakers of Spanish in everyday situations.
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Read non-technical Spanish in non-complex, familiar texts on various aspects of Spanish culture.
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Write simple and complex sentences correctly on the topics and activities presented in the course using the present, preterite, and imperfect verb tenses and appropriate vocabulary
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Use formal and informal commands
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Respond to questions related to the cultural practices of daily life such as family, housing, shopping, dining, and travel using appropriate vocabulary and syntax
Independent Study:
Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours a week outside of class practicing concepts and vocabulary covered in class, completing homework, and working on group assignments.
Required Materials:
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Three-ring binder and loose leaf paper
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Online access (in order to use a Spanish dictionary and view various tutorials)
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Index Cards, if desired, to make vocabulary flashcards
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Colored pencils
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We will not use a textbook
Tuition: $325per year + $45 supply fee
Introduction to Rhetoric- 1.5 hour class
(Recommended: 8th & 9th grade) This will be a 32 week course.
*Prerequisite: Completion of Middle School Literature & Composition or satisfactory writing sample
Instructor: Janie Barbosa
Email: WAC.Mrs.Barbosa@gmail.com
This class focuses on academic argument and connects language skills to life. Students delve deeper into the skills of critical thinking, logic, and argument while adding the study of diction, speaking, and a supported introduction to persuasive and argumentative writing. Instruction prepares students for success in higher-level language arts courses and skills while inspiring them with the understanding of how these skills relate directly to life. If knowledge is power, the ability to express is influence – and the ultimate measure of influence is persuasiveness.
Reading and Writing instruction takes on the additional study of structure, genre, and literary device, teaching how to use these elements to identify and express theme while increasing the full persuasive power of presentation. Grammar skills continue to deepen, building upon previous knowledge.
Tuition: $270 per year +$20 supply fee
Supply list:
Grammar101.com - Registration/Seat Fee ($5.50 per student, paid to Mrs. Barbosa who will register students)
The Art of the Argument by Dr. Aaron Larsen and Joelle Hodge ($23.62 at Amazon)
The following books may be purchased or checked out from the library:
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Farmer Boy by Laura Ingles Wilder, Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and Phantastes by George MacDonald
School Supplies: Paper, writing utensils, and Post-it Notes
*Vocabulary Study is provided in electronic form.
Middle School Science: Exploring Astronomy and Electricity
1 hour class/32 week course
Recommended: 6th grade and up)
Instructor: Kimberly Taylor
Email: howardandkimberly@gmail.com
First semester will concentrate on astronomy. One week will be devoted to each planet, stars, constellations, space travel, and black holes. There will be at least two and maybe four field trips to the Hummel Planetarium on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University (maybe not on Mondays). Students may anticipate a night of looking at the sky through a telescope at Mrs. Taylor’s house in the country. There is no text for this course. Websites and projects will be utilized. Planetarium field trips will be an additional cost.
Second semester will focus on electricity and electronics. Students will be learning about electricity and both series and parallel circuits. Students will learn schematic diagrams, resistors, diodes, capacitors, voltmeter, switch, AC, DC, voltage, current, power. We will be making light bulbs light up, fans spin, and drain batteries. Because ALL supplies for this portion of the course must be purchased, the supply fee is somewhat higher.
Tuition: $240 per year +$35 supply fee
High School Spanish I - 1.5 hr
Instructor: Amelia King
Email: amelia.m.king@gmail.com
This class will provide students with the necessary grammar instruction and oral practice to gain a solid foundation in the Spanish language. Classes involve instruction over new material, weekly quizzes, midterm and final exams, and group and individual exercises in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and translating.
Students will be able to:
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Demonstrate effective communication skills in Spanish through their ability to listen, read, write, and speak clearly.
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Understand and engage in simple conversations in Spanish.
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Read and write simple sentences correctly using the concepts presented in the course.
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Cultivate awareness of Hispanic cultural traditions.
Topics covered include:
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Greetings and introductions
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Essential expressions
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Family, the home, and household objects
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Numbers
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Gender and articles
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Subject pronouns
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Conjugating all regular and stem-changing verbs in the present indicative
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Conjugating and using tener in the present indicative
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Conjugating and using ser and estar in the present indicative
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Adjectives
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Time (telling time, days of the week, months of the year, seasons, and time expressions)
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The body and clothing
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Hispanic cultural traditions
Tuition: $295 per year + $20 supply fee
Required Text:
Online or hardcopy access to Spanish dictionary
High School Spanish II-1.5 hour class
Prerequisite: Spanish I (or instructor approval)
Instructor: Amelia King
Email: amelia.m.king@gmail.com
This class will build on the foundation that students acquired in Spanish I and develop more advanced skills in grammar, composition, and conversation. Classes involve instruction over new material, weekly quizzes, midterm and final exams, and group and individual exercises in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and translating.
Students will be able to:
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Demonstrate effective communication skills in Spanish through their ability to listen, read, write, and speak clearly.
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Understand and engage in more complex conversations in Spanish at moderate speeds.
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Read and write more complex sentences correctly using the concepts presented in the course.
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Cultivate awareness of Hispanic cultural traditions.
Topics covered include:
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Review and expansion of the present indicative tense
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The future tense
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The past tense (el preterito and el imperfecto)
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Reflexive, direct object, and indirect object pronouns
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Demonstrative and possessive pronouns
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Prepositions (including por and para) and prepositional pronouns
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Verbs like gustar
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Imperatives
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Asking and answering questions
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Regular and irregular adverbs
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Comparisons and idiomatic expressions
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Food, sports, and travel
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Hispanic cultural traditions
Tuition: $295 per year + $20 supply fee
Required Text:
Online or hardcopy access to Spanish dictionary
Intro to English- 1.5 hour class
Recommended: Grades 6th - 8th
Instructor: Kara Crispin
Email: kara.crispin@gmail.com
Beginning English will focus on the skills related to the process of writing, presenting original works in front of peers, English language grammar, and the nuts and bolts of attending a formal class. We will work our way through the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s World History-Based Writing Lessons, focusing on improving vocabulary, understanding grammar, structure, and stylistic techniques. We will take a few breaks along the way to explore creative writing, specifically poetry, plays, and short stories. We will be working on presentation skills throughout the year, as students share their papers and ideas in an encouraging and respectful atmosphere. Great readers make great writers, so students will be required to read thirty minutes a day from a teacher suggested and parent approved reading list.
TEXT AND REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Please bring the first 6 items listed to the first day of class
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IEW World History-Based Writing Lessons - Please download the Student Resource Packet from the IEW website for your student to use. The directions are on the blue page of the World History-Based Writing Lessons.
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Fix It! Grammar: The Nose Tree Student Book 1
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2”-3” three-ring notebook
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Loose-leaf notebook paper
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6 dividers
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Pens and pencils
Novels to be read: Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates, In the Reign of Terror by G.A. Henty, The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.
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Comedy of Errors by Shakespeare
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All short stories will be provided by the instructor.
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Dictionary and thesaurus for at home use
Tuition: $280+ $15 supply fee
College Prep - 1.5 hour class (Wed.)
Instructor: Lisa Roush
Recommended: High School (10th grade and up)
Email: roushfamily@gmailcom
This is a comprehensive course designed to help both students and parents be college-ready. We will devote extensive time to college planning, with an emphasis on the application process, ACT prep (including providing a mock ACT), scholarships and financial aid, and navigating the admissions processes. In addition, we will have guest speakers from local colleges share their experiences about what they wish they would have known prior to attending college, and we will be taking at least 2 college visits as a group. Additionally, we will have parent sessions each semester to make sure parents know where their students stand in the process, and we will provide the most up-to-date information that parents need to know to be ahead of the college game.
Please note the schedule for this class varies slightly: This class will begin until 8/15 with the regular Wed. classes. However, it will NOT meet on 8/22 and will resume on 8/29. In addition, it will meet on Wed., Sept. 5 when other Wed. classes do not. Other than these exceptions, this class will follow the regular Wed. schedule.
Materials:
notebook (required)
In addition to a notebook, this book will be very helpful for the ACT portion of the class: https://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide-2018-19-Online-Content/dp/1119508061/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1532781663&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=act+prep+book+2018&psc=1
Tuition: $375 + $25 supply fee
Consumer Economics & Personal Finance - 1 hour class (Wed.)
Instructor: Kim Short
Recommended: High school (or with instructor approval)
Email: shortx5@gmail.com
In this class, students will spend 8 weeks studying consumer economics and 8 weeks studying personal finance. Consumer economics will cover topics that apply to a general broad-based knowledge of finances like supply and demand, depression and recession, inflation, and national debt. Students will learn about how money works from a community standpoint.
Personal finance will cover topics that are more individual in nature like budgets, banking, credit cards, and stewardship. We will be using Dave Ramsey videos and curriculum to help guide the process. Students will learn about how money works from an individual standpoint.
Tuition: $140/16 week class + $20 supply fee
Text required: Foundations in Personal Finance High School Edition by Dave Ramsey