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Brighton Academy |
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Rom 13:12 …Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. |
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Course Descriptions |
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2007-2008 Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions and Teacher Information
Art
Elementary Art (1-3) & (4-6) : This class will be a general introduction to art. Lessons will be centered on learning the seven elements of design: line, shape, color, texture, space, value, and form. Every 2-4 weeks a new element will be introduced. Students will explore art history and various media in conjunction with each element. Possible media may include pencil, crayon, paint, collage, and sculpture. Students will keep an out of class sketchbook and may have some other out of class assignments.
Jr. High Art (7-8): This class will be similar to the elementary in the way it is structured around the elements and principles of design. Projects will be somewhat more advanced than at the elementary level, however no prior artistic knowledge is necessary. Possible media may include pencil, charcoal, paint, collage, printmaking, fibers, and sculpture. Students will be required to keep an out of class sketchbook and may have some other out of class assignments.
Art-Drawing (Ages 12 and up) This will be an introduction to drawing class. We will be learning all the basic drawing techniques and using primarily pencil and charcoal. Weekly homework will include several drawings—practice makes perfect! The goal of this class is to start developing your drawing skills. Even if you think you have no drawing skills at all, take this class and see just how much you will improve.
Art-General High School (9-12) This class will continue to be structured by projects related to specific elements, skills, and history of art. Students will use a variety of media which may include pencil, charcoal, paint, collage, printmaking, fibers, and sculpture. In addition to keeping a sketchbook for out of class assignments, students will be required to complete a short research paper and various other related assignments. (Access to a library and/or the internet is strongly recommended.) Note: if you have already taken this class, we will be doing different projects and learning new things and your presence is welcome!
Teacher: Christy Leacock Christy is a graduate from UMKC’s Art Education program and is certified to teach by the state of Missouri. She is delighted to be able to continue at Brighton for a second year. Three levels of classes will be offered, elementary, middle, and secondary. In addition to these classes, a drawing class for ages 12 and up will be added this coming year. All general classes will be exploring a variety of media and techniques linked with the basic design elements and art history and no prior experience is necessary. If there is a significant amount of interest, future classes may be arranged to focus on other specific media and skills. She looks forward to meeting new faces at Brighton!
American History
The purpose of this course in American History will be to learn about our nation, the facts and the people who made it great. God places people in positions of leadership so His purposes can be carried out (Romans 13:1) The students will learn about the rise of this great nation from colonization to the most powerful nation in the world today.
The key to learning will be by reading the textbook followed by class discussion. The students will memorize some important facts. History will be the core; in addition there will be map study (Geography) and the biographies of the important leaders. American History is one of the most interesting courses students can study. Of course, I think so. -Richard Shannon
Text required: American History - Bob Jones
Teacher: Richard Shannon
Mr. Shannon has had a long career in education, teaching and administration, first in public schools, then in Christian schools. He retired, and then had the opportunity to be one of the founders of Whitefield Christian Academy. Mr. Shannon’s philosophy of education is that only a Christ-centered Biblical world and life perspective is true education.
American Government
Purpose: Students will learn the 3 parts of the Federal Government, how this system affects them, and how they can be involved.
Students are enamored with rhetoric everyday as to why the United States is evil or charitable; wealthy or in debt; intolerant or a haven of freedom. This course will help students to flesh out these arguments by learning how our Government came to be, the three branches of government, including; their original intent, how they are elected, who they represent, & how we as citizens can affect change. We will also look at the Bill of Rights and examine cases to learn how and why we have the freedoms we do. Students will learn how they can do their part to serve God and their country through our unique system of Government. Text required: Handouts provided by teacher. A copy fee will be announced to cover costs. Economics will be offered second semester
Teacher: Michelle Ranney
Michelle graduated for KSU with a BS in Speech Communication. She currently is on the youth leadership team at EBC and leads the 11th grade girls’ life group. She is passionate about four things, Jesus, teenagers, History, and coffee; get her talking on any of those four subjects and count on it being a long conversation! Michelle passionately believes that to understand our future we must learn from the past and is excited to be a part of the team at Brighton!
History/Geography-Elementary
The Elementary History class will be a year-long class covering the early modern times from Elizabeth the First to the Forty-Niners. We will be using Story of the World, Volume 3: Early Modern Times, by Susan Wise Bauer. The class will be a hands-on period with craft activities that reinforce the lessons learned from the reading throughout the week. We will have some social studies and geography aspects incorporated into the lessons with possibly special guest speakers in costume from time to time. Tests will be available for the parents to give their students if they so choose. Students will be keeping a history review scrapbook, and will receive a small, three-ring binder for the class.
Text required: Story of the World, Volume 3: Early Modern Times, by Susan Wise Bauer. Activity pages will be supplied by teacher. Only need to purchase text.
Teacher: Leigh Hanson
Leigh is a home school mom with a 4th, 2nd, K-5, and preschooler. She has taught private and small group art lessons in her home for the past nine years. She has taught two semesters of elementary physical education and has much experience teaching the children's hour of worship and Patch the Pirate programs for children in their home church. Leigh taught high school art in the public school system for a year and a half after obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in art education and her teacher's certificate.
Writing
Elementary: Writing 1 (Grades 1-3) During the first semester, we will spend time going through various short texts, learning to outline using both written and oral speaking. We will begin to write short paragraphs in our own words from various texts. By the second semester we will learn how to “dress-up” short paragraphs making them more interesting. Along the way, we will review and learn basic grammar that is necessary in the writing process. I will be using Excellence in Writing, The Elegant Essay, and many other bits and pieces of resources I have found in teaching over the years. We may do just a bit of “structured” creative writing in between papers for a change of pace.
No text required: Supply list to be announced.
Writing 2 (Grades 4-6)
The goal of this classical composition class is to START to learn and master the BEGINNING skills of composition, both written and oral. In a successful composition the grammar is correct, ideas are logical and clear, and the expression is engaging and pleasing. Together we will work through the first stage + of the Progymnasmata model. My hopes are that your child has an average to above average understanding of grammar at his or her grade level.
Text required: Workbook to be ordered by teacher. Price to be announced
Teacher: Jill Kapple (see Bio below)
Jr. High –Writing Composition (Grades 8th-9th)
The goal and vision of this classical composition class is to master the skills of the composition, whether written or orally. In a successful composition the grammar is correct, ideas are logical and clear, and the expression is engaging and pleasing. Together we will work through stages to reach these goals. It is highly recommended that parents use or have thoroughly used grammar and spelling curriculums such as Shurley Grammar, ABeka, Wordly Wise, etc. Curriculums used with this course are as follows; Excellence in Writing (an extension of), The Elegant Essay, and the Progymsasmata.
Text required: Workbook to be ordered by teacher. Price to be announced
Teacher: Jill Kapple
Jill Kapple graduated from KSU in Elementary Education, certified K-9 in 1995. She taught 2 years at Whitefield Academy where she worked alongside and married Casey Kapple, Emmanuel Baptist’s current youth pastor. Jill and Casey have 4 children; Jack- 9, Bea- 6, Wini-5, and Vivi- 1. Jill has taught grammar and writing classes in her home for the last 8 years. She thoroughly enjoys being able to teach a little and be a mom at the same time!
High School Writing Classes
Writing Literature Class
This class will focus on various types of literature including novels, plays and poetry. The exact list is still being developed, however, the literature studied will be different from the 2006-2007 school year, so students can repeat the class. We will look at the ways culture influences literature and vice-versa. Themes, character development, plot, setting and morals will be discussed. Students will be expected to read assignments outside of class and be ready for discussion. Each class period will also include instruction in writing as well as time for writing exercises. Students will learn to present their ideas about the literature discussed in a clear manner. While some writing technique will be taught, it is also expected that students will receive the majority of their grammar instruction outside of class.
Teacher: Sheri Thompson (see bio below)
Writing Composition Class
The purpose of this class is to teach students to write effectively and for various reasons and audiences. They will learn to present ideas clearly and with different purposes. The ultimate goal is that students will be able to write for every area of their curriculum. They will present essays regarding history, write technically on a scientific subject, persuade a reader on a current event topic and compare and contrast characters, authors, world leaders, and ideas. This class will also include a research paper. Students will learn how to break the work down into manageable pieces, collect research from various sources and present their findings in a concise, clear and enjoyable way for the reader. This class aims to prepare students for much of the types of writing that they will need to know for college entrance exams and well as college classes themselves. Because students grow in their writing abilities, it is suggested that they take this class more than once. While students will learn writing techniques and will be expected to use proper grammar and spelling, it is expected that they will receive the majority of their grammar instruction outside of class.
Teacher: Sheri Thompson Sheri has been home schooling her children, Peter an 8th grader and Jessica, a 5th grader, for four years. She is a former public school teacher and has worked with high school students through a ministry called Happening Ecumenical since 1987. Sheri enjoys working with high school age youth and is an avid reader and writer herself. Sheri believes that students must learn to communicate effectively through writing and that it is a skill they will need for the rest of their lives. She is looking forward to combining several of her passions through the writing comp class and the writing literature class. Science (Apologia Series)
Two levels: Elementary 1st-3rd and 4th-6th
FIRST SEMESTER
The book begins with a lesson on the nature of astronomy, and then it covers the major structures of our solar system. The student will learn details about all the planets in the solar system. Along the way, the student will also learn about earth’s moon, the asteroid belt, and the Kuiper belt. After that, the student will move outside our solar system and learn about the stars and galaxies that make up God’s incredible universe. Finally, the student will learn about space travel and what it takes to be an astronaut! Most importantly, of course, a creationist world view is stressed throughout. Time and time again, God is glorified as the Master Creator of all that the students are studying. In addition, sections entitled "Creation Confirmation" provide evidence for young-earth creationism in the context of the topic that the students are studying.
Text required- Exploring Creation with Astronomy, by Jeannie Fulbright
SECOND SEMESTER
The book begins with a lesson on the nature of botany and the process of classifying plants. It then discusses the development of plants from seeds, the reproduction processes in plants which make seeds, the way plants make their food, and how plants get their water and nutrients and distribute them throughout the body of the plant. As students study these topics, they also learn about many different kinds of plants in Creation and where these plants belong in the plant classification system. Most importantly, of course, a creationist world view is stressed throughout. Time and time again, God is glorified as the Master Creator of all that the students are studying. In addition, sections entitled "Creation Confirmation" provide evidence for young-earth creationism in the context of the topic that the students are studying.
Text required- Exploring Creation with Botany, by Jeannie Fulbright
Teacher: Glenda Hester
Glenda Hester is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She spent 12 years working in the field as a certified hand therapist. Glenda and her husband have 5 daughters. She began home schooling in 1994. The oldest 2 have graduated and are attending college. Her third daughter will graduate in May of 2007. She continues to home school her youngest two. Glenda has always loved working with children and has a passion for sharing the wonders of science with them. She has been involved in teaching children in a variety of ways including: 4-H project leader and community leader, Sunday school teacher, teacher at Southland Academy in preschool, elementary grades and high school biology, as well as teaching in several home school science clubs and book clubs. Glenda looks forward to the coming year as we continue to learn about God’s creation through science.
(Junior/Senior High)
General Science This course is designed to give junior high students an introduction to several different science disciplines. The binding thread used in connecting all of these disciplines is the process of the scientific method. Using the scientific method, the students will work in small groups to conduct many hands on experiments that demonstrate how scientists have drawn conclusions and made more hypotheses. During class, we will discuss various outcomes and how experimental variables can affect those outcomes. This class will also be involved in many outside projects, including creating simple machine movers, dinosaur fossils, and classification systems.
Text required: Exploring Creation with General Science by Dr. Jay L. Wile. Teacher will supply necessary lab supplies.
Teacher: Merrilee Berndt (See Bio below Physical Science)
Physical Science
Physical Science discusses such topics as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, Newton’s Laws, gravity, and astrophysics. There are many hands-on experiments that will be completed in class. This course is designed to prepare the student to take a college-prep high school science curriculum. We will complete all experiments in the Wednesday class and focus on the main concepts in the modules that are reinforced by the experiments. Students will be required to read and solve problems outside of class.
Supplies Needed: Textbook: Exploring Creation with Physical Science
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra
Teacher: Merrilee Berndt Merrilee Berndt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in math from Missouri Western State College. She has been certified in Missouri and California, where she taught 5th and 6th grade in a private school. She has been homeschooling her own four children for the past 9 years. She taught music at Heartland Christian Academy and also substitute taught for several of the teachers. For the past 6 years, she has taught Physical Science, General Science, and more recently, Biology. Merrilee is actively involved in both the children's ministry and women's ministry at her church. She has directed VBS programs, been co-director of Sunday School Ministries, and has written Sunday School curriculum. She and her husband have been leading worship for 15 years. She is very excited about this opportunity to teach your children. Science is definitely one of her favorite subjects. She believes learning is exciting, and it should be challenging. She has a great desire to inspire a love for learning and critical thinking. learning is exciting, and it should be challenging. She has a great desire to inspire a love for learning and critical thinking.
Biology
This course is designed to be the student’s first high school science course. Exploration Creation With Biology is a college-prep biology course that provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general biology. Heavily emphasizing the vocabulary of biology, it provides the student with a strong background in the scientific method, the five-kingdom classification scheme, microscopy, biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular & Mendelian genetics, dissection, and ecosystems. It, also, provides a complete survey of the five kingdoms in Creation. Please note that this course does not contain a discussion of human anatomy and physiology. Students who take this course will be very well-prepared for a tough university biology course. In class, we will complete all hands-on activities and discuss major concepts in each module. Students will be required to read and complete paperwork outside of class.
Supplies needed: Text: Exploring Creation with Biology , Second Edition by Dr. Jay L. Wile. The teacher will provide slides, dissecting tools, microscopes, and specimens.
Teacher: Faye Coughennower
Faye Coughennower is excited about returning to teach classes this Spring after joining the Brighton Academy team this past Fall semester. Faye has a degree in Biology and Chemistry and she is also a RN, BSN from CMSU. During her time of study there she was able to teach lab classes for Chemistry and spent time working in the Pharmacy. Since then, she has worked as a nurse on a Cardio-Thoracic, Pulmonary for 3 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and then also spent 3 1/2 year working as a nurse on an OB/GYN unit- where she also served as a charge nurse with their Labor and Delivery, Post-Partum and Nursery units in Troy Michigan.
Upon returning to Kansas City 5 years ago, Faye worked at Quintiles in the Pharmacovigilence department. This allowed her to work as the liaison between pharmaceutical research study trials and the Pharmaceutical companies sponsoring the projects. Most recently she has dedicated her time to raising her two daughters who are 9 and 6. By doing so she now works for the Martial Arts studio where she and her daughters are all students, and teaching at Brighton Academy.
Faye is excited about making learning fun for the students in the Brighton Academy and feels blessed to be a part of the team. Advanced BiologyThis is our advanced biology course. Combined with Exploring Creation With Biology, it gives the student the equivalent of a university biology course. In other words, these two courses together cover the entire "advanced placement" (AP) curriculum. In order to take this course, the student MUST have completed a first-year biology course AND a first-year chemistry course. It covers both the anatomy and the physiology of the human body’s 11 organ systems in detail.
Supplies needed: Text: The Human Body - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made! by Dr. Jay L. Wile and Marilyn M. Shannon. The teacher will provide slides, dissecting tools, microscopes, and specimens.
Teacher: Faye Coughennower (bio listed above under Biology)
Chemistry
This course is designed to be a first-year high school chemistry course and gives the student a rigorous foundation in chemistry, in order to prepare him or her for a college-level course. The course covers significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, the gas laws, and equilibrium. The students will aslo be learning how to complete the scientific process and complete a lab report.
Prerequisite: Algebra I. Supplies needed: Text: Exploring Creation With Chemistry by Dr. Jay Wile, second edition.
Teacher: Janet Porter
Janet has a BS of Science in Textile Science from Kansas State University, graduating Cum Laude, where she then became a college instructor. Moving into the business industry, she worked at Levi Strauss in the capacity of Chemical Purchasing Coordinator where she managed the chemical formulas for every garment made by Levi Strauss and Levi’s contractors in the United States. Using her administrative and analytical skills she branched into the realm of computer applications. Janet mechanized tracking and operations for a retail chain, training employees on system usage. She then worked with teachers to set up a technology curriculum and how to integrate technology into their classroom curriculum for children. Her most recent position was Software Specialist with AmeriComp where she developed a software purchasing and training program for school districts throughout Kansas and Missouri. Currently, Janet is at home with her children and continues to use her gifts and love or working with children. She has been involved with mentoring at-risk teen-agers, leading a Mom’s in Touch group, and serving as Assistant Childcare Director at her church.
Janet has a passion for science, computers, and teaching. She loves exploring the world of science and finding practical, everyday applications. Janet is looking forward to helping your child discover the fascinating world of chemistry and computer applications. (See Computer Applications class on class listing below)
Math
Math: Math classes will meet twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays
Geometry- We will be using the text Geometry: Seeing, Doing, Understanding, 3rd edition by Harold Jacobs. This is a proof-based text that covers points, lines and planes; rays and angles; congruent triangles; inequalities; parallel lines; quadrilaterals; area; similarity; circles; the right triangle; the concurrence theorems; regular polygons; geometric solids; non-Euclidean geometry; and coordinate geometry. Problems from the SAT are included as well as examples that help show the real life applications of geometry. This is a high school level course that develops deductive reasoning skills. Students will be required to complete problem sets and test outside of class in a timely manner.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Supplies needed: Geometry: Seeing, Doing, Understanding, 3rd edition by Harold Jacobs, student book and teacher’s guide, a compass, a straightedge, and a scientific calculator. (Tests will be provided).
Class meets twice a week on Monday and Wednesday.
Teacher: Christi Gramling (see Bio below)Algebra 1 – Saxon
Algebra II – Saxon
Algebra II covers all topics that are traditionally covered in second-year algebra as well as a considerable amount of geometry. We will focus our class time on presenting a number of examples for the material presented in each lesson beyond what is provided in the textbook. We will attempt to teach each new lesson in a variety of ways so that the students will be able to understand the concepts presented. Students will be required to complete problem sets and tests outside of class.
Prerequisite: Saxon Algebra I or equivalent
Class meets twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays
Teacher: Christi GramlingChristi Gramling is a homeschooling mother and "retired engineer". She has been homeschooling her three sons, ages 8, 11, and 13 for the past eight years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. Before becoming a mother, she worked in technical sales in the electrical equipment industry. She is looking forward to sharing her love and enthusiasm for math and homeschooling with the families of Brighton Academy.
Advanced Mathematics-SaxonAdvanced Mathematics fully integrates topics from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, and mathematical analysis. Word problems are developed throughout the problem sets and become progressively more elaborate. With regular practice, high-school level students will be able to solve challenging problems such as rate problems and problems involving abstract quantities. Conceptually oriented problems help prepare students for college entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT.
Text required: Saxon Advanced Math 2nd Edition Student Edition
Teacher: TBA
Spanish
Elementary Spanish (Age 7 and Up):
This course is designed to be an introduction to the Spanish language. Emphasis will be on listening and speaking skills with written work used only as a support to enhance oral skills. Lessons will be presented using a “spiral” (or “recycling”) method. Material will be introduced in one lesson, practiced in succeeding lessons, dropped for a while, and then practiced again. This has been shown to be very effective in language acquisition, as is the use of TPR (Total Physical Response). Students will listen to the teacher speak in Spanish, and will be able to get up and move in response. Lessons will include teacher-led activities, small group work, games and songs to facilitate language learning. Written work will be minimal and done outside the classroom.
The course goals are to: 1) understand basic vocabulary and useful expressions essential for everyday communication, 2) respond to questions and commands, and 3) become aware of the customs of several Spanish-speaking countries.
Topics will include but are not limited to: Greetings, farewells, introductions Classroom objects Colors Days of the week, months of the year, seasons, weather expressions Numbers, telling time Animals and their sounds Food, ordering in a restaurant Family members Articles of clothing Most common verbs (to go, to be, to want, to have) Expressing feelings Travel vocabulary Celebrations/holidays throughout the Hispanic world
Supplies needed: Learning to Speak Spanish, 2003 Edition, Hayes School Publishing Co., Inc.
Junior High Spanish (6th – 8th grade):
This course is designed to be an introduction to the Spanish language. The first of a 3-level program, this class will provide fun opportunities for middle school students to learn Spanish language skills with role-playing, music, and games. Students will also engage in kinesthetic learning with hands-on activities. Lessons will include teacher-led activities, small group work, games and songs to facilitate language learning. Emphasis will be on listening and speaking skills with written work to be done at home as a support to enhance oral skills. At least one day a week, students will be expected to participate in and complete audio activities at home, reinforcing oral skills obtained during class.
The course goals are to: 1) understand basic vocabulary and useful expressions essential for everyday communication, 2) engage in conversations and real-life situations in Spanish, and 3) become aware of the customs of several Spanish-speaking countries.
Topics will include but are not limited to:
The Spanish Alphabet Greetings/Farewell Expressions Numbers Useful Expressions Days of the Week Months & Seasons Weather Expressions Time Verb Conjugation School Supplies Clothing Colors Description Family House
Supplies needed (tentatively, pending textbook approval): Glencoe Middle School Spanish: ¿Cómo te va? Intro Nivel rojo 2007 edition Accompanying Workbook Accompanying Audio Activities Workbook
Two Secondary Levels (High School)
Spanish I
Spanish I covers all topics in a typical first-year Spanish course. The course will be taught using a communicative approach to language learning through the use of thematic, contextualized vocabulary in real-life situations/conversations and progressive practice and recycling. Students will engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions. They will also understand, interpret and produce written and spoken language on a variety of topics. Students will also be exposed to Hispanic cultures through cultural readings in the target language. Emphasis will be on listening and speaking skills during class, with written work to be done at home. At least one day a week, the student will be expected to participate in and complete audio activities at home, reinforcing oral skills obtained during class.
Supplies needed: Text: ¡Buen viaje! Glencoe Spanish 1, 2005 edition, McGraw-Hill Publishing Workbook/Audio Activities for ¡Buen viaje! Glencoe Spanish 1
Spanish II
Spanish II covers all topics in a typical second-year Spanish course. The course will be taught using the same method as in Spanish I through the use of thematic, contextualized vocabulary in real-life situations and progressive practice and recycling. Students will further their communication skills through the use of more extensive vocabulary and grammar. Emphasis will be on listening and speaking skills during class, with written work to be done at home. At least one day a week, the student will be expected to participate in and complete audio activities at home, reinforcing oral skills obtained during class.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or above in Spanish I
Supplies needed: Text: ¡Buen viaje! Glencoe Spanish 2, 2005 edition, McGraw-Hill Publishing Workbook/Audio Activities for ¡Buen viaje! Glencoe Spanish 2
Teacher: Jennifer Vrablic
Jennifer Vrablic |
