SOME CORE COURSE EXAMPLES

Math:

Kitchen Mathematics ... Math in the kitchen? Believe it or not, math can be very tasty. Add one to two eggs, X cups of flour, Y cups of sugar and PRESTO! you have the basis for most desserts. In this class, we will learn how to measure, incorporating the use of fractions to double or triple a recipe or to cut it in half. We will also practice multiplication and division when analyzing the different recipes. So get your apron ready and prepare to make mathematical masterpieces in the kitchen!

ESPN Math ... In every math class, the following question inevitably pops up: when am I ever going to have to use this in real life? The primary goal of this course is to show you that every math skill and concept has practical applications, and among these are sports and games. Through the lens of sports and games and actual participation in different athletic activities, you will learn and practice fundamental skills that are necessary in order to progress in math, with a particular focus on the analysis of the data that you collect.

Private "I" Math ... The human brain is the most powerful computer that is known to exist in the whole universe, and it is so complex that our best scientists still haven’t figured out how it works! This class will put your brains to the challenge as we work as a team of top-notch investigators to solve mysteries using the brain’s best tools: logic, geometry, statistical analysis, and even the Ancient Art of Al-jabr (known today as algebra). After collecting clues, searching for suspects and catching crooks, you’ll be able to tackle any problem that comes your way, mathematical or otherwise!

English:

Pirate Legends and Literature ... Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a pirate? How about a cowboy or a knight? This class will give you a chance to find out what it would have been like to sail the high seas, ride the open plains, or fight for your king’s honor. We will read books about famous legends and try to find the truth behind the myth, and then you will get a chance to write stories of your own.

The Graphic Novel ... This class will introduce you to the new and exciting genre of the Graphic Novel, which combines the story telling elements of a novel with those of a comic book. We will spend the course reading a great book about a middle school student struggling with his identity. Students will study the way that graphic novels use both words and images to develop characters, advance the plot and deal with both comic and tragic elements in the story. By the end of this class you will have created your own graphic story alone or in a pair using photos, drawings and the computer.

Gumshoe English ... Becoming a detective in this class means that you will experience six weeks of detective training, as we explore the mysteries of literature. By the end of your detective training, you will have produced your own “English Evidence” scrapbook that will include items such as drawings, writings, journal entries and other class projects that will mark your progress during your six-week training session. Be ready to dive right into hands-on activities such as clue gathering, crime scene re-enactment, and investigations. Teamwork and cooperation are absolutely essential in order to solve the suspenseful mysteries that lie before us!

Science:

Exploring the Mississippi River ... Get ready to take a hands-on approach to exploring the Mississippi River from its beginning to its end! Through collaborative observation, analysis, and questioning we will answer questions like: how does pollution affect the river? What is the habitat of the river and why is it important? How does the water cycle play a role in the river? How does the river’s water differ from here in St. Paul to that of New Orleans? Is it safe to swim in the river? Be ready to get down and dirty as we experience first-hand the form and function of the Mississippi River!

Breakthrough CSI ... Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a crime scene investigator? In this class we will explore the diverse field of Forensics. Apart from analyzing a crime scene, we will learn the scientific method by exploring fingerprints, analyzing blood splatter, comparing hair and fiber and many other aspects of scientific techniques used by a criminalist.

Watery World ... Every living thing uses water. A lot of living things actually live in water. In fact, there is so much water on Earth that some scientists actually call this “the water planet.” Earth’s oceans are home to the biggest animals in the world, and the smallest. Water creates tsunamis, floods, weather, and incredible structures like the Grand Canyon. The ocean actually produces most of the air we breathe. But just like water affects people, people affect water—so we’ll use geology and ecology to find out how people affect oceans, lakes, wetlands and rivers.

Social Studies:

Stitches of the Past: he History of the Hmong ... Nyob zoo! Hello! (in Hmong) This course provides students the opportunity to learn about one of the most populous ethnic groups in Saint Paul. Students will learn about the Hmong history, how the Hmong came to the United States, and the traditions of the Hmong people. Sampling a taste of the Hmong culture, students will engage in playing Hmong games, and making Hmong food and clothing. Students will analyze Hmong story cloths and create a story cloth of their own family’s history. Engaging and inspirational, students will be awed by the story of the Hmong.

Picture This: US History through Photographs ...Click! Have you ever heard that a picture is worth 1000 words? In this class, we will use famous photographs as an entry point to learn about important events in US history, and about how the media represents historical and contemporary issues. Whether they are war photos, famous portraits, landscapes, fashion or current events, the photographs we will look at in this course all revolutionized the way we think about the world.

Law and Order: BSP ... Guilty! The jury has just sentenced you to 6 weeks of exploration and learning about the legal system. You will learn everything from how many people are on the Supreme Court to what kinds of evidence can be used in trials. During the six weeks you will explore the ins and outs of law and order in America. In addition, you will be taking the driver’s seat and performing several mock trials. Bring your evidence, your closing arguments, and your positive attitude… you will need all of them if you are going to defend your client or convict your criminal.

Take a look at our entire 2008 course catalog!
Summer 2008: Math & Science Courses
Summer 2008: English & Social Studies Courses