Tomball Classes - Course Descriptions

Tomball Classes for Home-schoolers
Meeting at Tomball Bible Church
Course Descriptions

Algebra 1/2, 1,2, Advanced Math and Calculus Classes- Janet Deschamps
All courses will be taught using the Saxon curriculum and Dr. Shormann's DIVE CD's. At home during the week, the student will watch the daily lessons taught by Dr. Shormann on the CD, work the homework lesson, correct it, and then once a week take a test. Parents are responsible to see that the student gets this done. In class, the students will take a quiz over the new material, grade their tests, and turn in homework. I will then go over any problems they need help with. Students will need to purchase the Saxon Home study packet, and the Solutions Manual, if available for your class. Also the Dive into Math CD's from Dr. Shormann, which are $50 per course. To place an order for the CD, go to www.diveintomath.com or call 936-372-9216 for more information. Tuition for all classes is $30 a month for 10 months.

The Calculus book – second edition -- is now 148 lessons and is a 3 semester book. New lessons include using the graphing calculator and more advanced Calculus topics. Because Advanced math can also be taught as a 3 semester book, the two books will be taught using the following 3-Year schedule:

Year 1 -first 2/3 of the Advanced Math book supplemented with more geometry work.
Year 2-last 1/3 of Adv Math and first third of the Calculus book.
Year 3- finish the Calculus book. After finishing the Calculus book, students should be able to take the AB and BC Calculus placement tests.

For students who only have one year of high school left and want to take Advanced Math, we will get through about 95 or so lessons in the book, leaving 30 lessons to be finished. These could be completed during the summer on their own.

WRITING WORLD – CLASSES TAUGHT BY SUSAN MONEY

5/6^th Literature & Composition
This class includes structured writing and poetry. After learning how to write a basic paragraph, the students will learn how to use it in many different ways. They will then advance to parts-ordered paragraphs and two-paragraph papers. Writing assignments will often correspond with the current reading material. The curriculum, created by the teacher from several sources, will be provided. A list of suggested book editions and supplies will be provided upon registration. Parents will supply the following books: The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz, Old Yeller by Fred Gipson, Carry on, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham, Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare, and Poems for Memorization by Rod and Staff. Students should expect to spend one hour a day on homework, which is given in a daily lesson plan format. During the first semester, they will be required to write in cursive and in ink. For the rest of the year, they need to know basic word processing. Vocabulary quizzes will be given throughout the year. Comprehension quizzes will be added during the second semester. Memory work will include one twelve-line poem and a few scripture verses. Biblical worldview is woven throughout the course. Parental involvement is very important. Please consider this class a commitment for the entire school year. Prerequisites: ability to write in cursive and ink, basic word processing, and basic understanding of sentence structure. Class time is Thursday 1:15 – 2:45. Class minimum is 8; maximum is 16. Tuition is $40/month for ten months payable at the first class each month.

7/8^th Literature & Composition
This class will prepare students for high school English. Structured writing includes basic and parts-ordered paragraphs, two- and five-paragraph papers. Creative writing will be taught through poetry and short stories. Writing assignments will often correspond with the current reading material. Words taken from the reading will be used for vocabulary quizzes. Memory work will include one sixteen-line poem and several scripture verses. Biblical worldview is woven throughout the course. The curriculum, created by the teacher from several sources, will be provided. Parents will supply the following books: The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare, Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, The Journeyman by Elizabeth Yates, Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and Poems for Memorization by Rod and Staff. A list of suggested book editions and supplies will be provided upon registration. Students should expect to spend 1 to 1½ hours a day on homework. Class discussions will be encouraged, creativity will be enhanced, and academic ability will be challenged. Students will be required to write in cursive and in ink for the first semester. For the rest of the year, they will need to know basic word processing. Please consider this class a commitment for the entire school year. Prerequisites: ability to write in cursive and ink, basic word processing, and basic understanding of sentence structure. Class time is Thursday 11:45 – 1:15. Class minimum is 8; maximum is 16. Tuition is $40/month for ten months payable at the first class each month.

9/10^th Literature & Composition
This class is designed for students ready to earn a high school English credit. Writing and reading assignments will be given each week with an emphasis on learning vocabulary, studying authors’ style, and applying new knowledge to their writing. Structured writing will include basic paragraphs, parts-ordered paragraphs, two- and five-paragraph papers, and a research paper. Writing topics will challenge students to think on a higher level. Creative writers will especially enjoy the poetry unit and writing a short story. Inspirational novels will be used to teach current writing styles and a Biblical worldview. We will also compare one author’s fiction writing style with a non-fiction selection. Titles are Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare, The Next Fine Day by Elizabeth Yates, Safely Home and The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn, In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, and The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Poems for Memorization by Rod & Staff will be used for the poetry unit. Writer’s Inc. will be a required text and used for reference. Students should expect to spend 1½ to 2 hours a day on homework. They will be required to write in ink for class work. Papers will be typed. Internet access is very important. Memory work will be ongoing though out the year. Please consider this class a commitment for the entire school year. Prerequisite: 7/8^th Literature and Composition or equivalent. Class time is 3:00 – 4:30. Class minimum is 8; maximum is 16. Tuition is $45/mo for ten months payable at the first class each.

All classes will be held at Tomball Bible Church .

CLASSES TAUGHT BY BONNIE ROWE
Latin I II and III
Click here for more details at the Legacy Arts website
Legacy Arts Latin 1 and 2 use the Legacy Arts curriculum. Latin 3 uses The Latin Road to English Grammar. Supplemented with numerous other resources, some of them online. Students may participate in the National Latin exam ($4). Students may join the Legacy Arts chapter of the Junior Classical League ($3.50), and may qualify for the National Latin Honor Society ($2). Any student who wants to complete three years of Latin study may count on the commitment of the instructor for that period of time. Internet access is required for some activities and a few resources. Excellent SAT preparation. Overall grounding in word sense, analytical processing, and vocabulary enrichment. Students become puzzle solvers, with a new appreciation for the intricate challenge of translating classical works into modern English. Students translate excerpts from sources ranging from classical mythology to Caesar's Gaelic Wars. The three year program progresses from the grammar level through the dialectic level. Some English grammar knowledge needed before Latin may be acquired, but Latin 1 students need only have the parts of speech memorized to begin. 7^th grade and up. $45 - 50/month + materials.

American Literature and Composition
Click here for more details at the Legacy Arts website
A survey of American literature, some read in whole, others in excerpt. Online and in-class discussion. All compositions submitted online in a shared workspace. Academic essays are rewritten after instructor feedback. Research method and Modern Language Assoc. documentation is stressed in the writing process. All composition is evaluated for elements of purpose, audience, strategy, organization, voice, support, and writing precision. Students learn to use their writing to explore their own thinking as well as that of noted authors. Students also learn self-reliance, problem solving, and collaborative responsibility. Four year literature rotation: World Literature, British Lit. to 1800, American Lit. to 1800, Modern English Literature. Rhetoric level – collaborative study. Designed for 11^th and 12^th grade students with an interest in academics, though accomplished 10^th graders may apply. Reliable Internet access is a must. $600/year or $60/month, + materials. Limit 12 students. This is a full academic year commitment, and students are encouraged to take the English Language Advanced Placement exam in May, for which most colleges and universities will award credit for the 1st Freshman English composition course. Click here to see the guidelines we will use to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement exam in May, 2008..

Introduction to Logic - Systematic guidance in principles of logic: definition of statements, consistency, arguments, truth and validity, universals and particulars, categorical relationships, syllogisms, fallacies. Students confront current political and cultural commentary and each other in lighthearted debate to apply principles. Students will also review the various forms of logic study and their history. Online workspace for weekly discussions. Text: Introductory Logic by Douglas J. Wilson and James B. Nance - Logos School. Additional readings from various sources. Internet access required for online quizzes, homework submission, and forum discussion. 8th - 12th grade - grammar will be briefly reviewed at the beginning of the year. . Limit - 14

Civics Lab - a class in American Government
Using a reading list divided between current events and historic founding documents, students will participate in a weekly online discussion (bulletin board style). The Fall semester will concentrate on election-related issues, as the class tracks the progress of the federal election. In the Spring, students will select an important issue currently in the public political arena and follow that issue through the three branches of government. In both semesters, students will enact mock activities to learn the workings of all three branches.
A hands on learning experience, designed to help students...
1) Become familiar with the founding documents of American government;
2) Learn how these documents originally applied to government activity;
3) Become aware of how American government has evolved to its present state over 2+ centuries;
4) Gain an understanding of today's greatest challenges to the founder's vision for American government;
5) Consider the rights and duties of the American citizen at each level of government: federal, state, and local.

Readings will include primary documents such as the Magna Charta (1215), Mayflower Compact (1620), The English Bill of Rights (1689), The Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Federalist Papers, U.S. Constitution. Readings from David Barton's Original Intent are also recommended.
Discussions will cover topics such as federal vs. state authority, religion in government, individual freedoms, democracy vs. republicanism, majority rule, minority protection.
Costs: $45 per month for 10 months. The American Republic: Primary Sources, edited by Bruce Frohnen - $15, $18 course pack fee for quizzes, tests, online resources.

CLASSES TAUGHT BY BRENDA KAPAVIK
Speech      High School grades
This class teaches the presentation and writing of speeches. Presentation includes being poised and articulate, speaking with and without note cards, and avoiding the use of filler words.  Students will also learn how to develop a topic and think on their feet through frequent impromptu speeches.  Major speech presentations include demonstration, biographical, and motivational speeches, a memorized historical speech, expository speech, debate, and a public forum.
Text: student workbook ($18) ordered Sept 1.   Tuition: $30/mo.            Brenda Kapavik   bkaggie@sbcglobal.net ( 936) 931-3311
Survey of World Philosophies   11th & 12th grades
Can you truly defend your faith? Will you be one of the 60% or more who abandon their faith at college? This challenging course is designed for high school juniors and seniors to be able to compare and contrast TODAY’S worldviews of Biblical Christianity, Islam, Secular Humanism, Marxism/Leninism, Cosmic Humanism, and Postmodernism. Through studying the ten essential disciplines of a worldview: theology, philosophy, ethics, biology, psychology, sociology, law, politics, economics, and history, students will see why the Christian worldview best fits with reality. Discussing current events and social and moral issues will equip students to lead others towards God's truth through their conversations on beliefs and issues. By the end of the year these students will be better equipped to penetrate and influence their culture with Biblical truth (Colossians 2:8).                                                                                  Required summer reading: The Christian in Today's Culture by Chuck Colson (read through Session 4)
Text: Understanding the Times, Revised Edition and Student Manual (from Summit Ministries, www.summit.org)
Tuition: $35/mo. Brenda Kapavik     936-931-3311   bkaggie@sbcglobal.net

Classes taught by Debbie Qualls

Word in Season is a Christian-based, 4-year unit study incorporating literature, history, and composition. Students go through the history timeline together, studying the people and events that shaped the period, and reading some of the most prominent literature of that time. They learn to analyze the nature of the period by holding events and philosophies up to the light of Scripture:
                        * How was God regarded? Was He honored?
                        * What was happening with the true Church?
                        * What worldview did each author promote through his writing?
Writing instruction covers a variety of forms; weekly assignments coordinate with the literature and history. Edited papers give individual tutorial instruction; students rewrite papers, incorporating corrections.

Word in Season IV – Romanticism to Modernism: 1800 – present   ***this is the year when we pull it all together, reviewing the philosophies of the past centuries, and seeing how they’ve led up to our culture today!
History: American history using the Bob Jones textbook, pulling in other countries as they relate to events in America
Literature: novels Les Miserables, Frankenstein, Tom Sawyer, The Great Gatsby, Animal Farm, To Kill a Mockingbird; also poetry, selections from Dickens, American short stories, and a missionary biography
Writing: weekly assignments include an 8-wk. short story (creative) unit, review of essay, and a senior project of student’s choosing (equivalent of a 1-9-1 essay); focus on documentation

Can new students join in this last year? Yes, but contact teacher to see if it’s the right fit for your student. We will meet once before classes begin to go over the format of the program.
Curriculum: individual novels; BJUP American history text

Word in Season III
HISTORY – Renaissance and Reformation (fall); Age of Reason, or Enlightenment (spring).{Leonardo, popes, and the printing press & Luther, Calvin, and Henry VIII} and {Sir Isaac Newton, Puritans, and Thomas Jefferson.}
LITERATURE – biography of Martin Luther, Faerie Queene, Macbeth, Pilgrims Progress and portions of Paradise Lost, Don Quixote, and various history readings. Gulliver’s Travels, “She Stoops to Conquer”, Puritan writings, Declaration of Independence and political speeches.
COMPOSITION – 1-3-1 essays, creative writings, iambic allegory, news articles, dialogue, and a 1-9-1 essay. Read and discuss Elements of Style writing handbook.

Earth Science – Michelle Lanz (7^th-8^th grades) – Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Physical Science 2^nd edition.
This course includes the study of God’s creations of astronomy, meteorology, geology and the hydrosphere. Each week the student will complete assigned reading and homework. They will attend class once a week for an hour to turn in homework, ask questions and complete a laboratory investigation. The lab is designed to reinforce the concepts introduced that week. Tuition is $35 per month for 10 months and includes grading and laboratory materials.

Physical Science – Michelle Lanz (9^th grade) – Bob Jones The Physical World textbook, student activity manual, and tests 1^st edition; DiveintoMath Physical Science CD.
This course introduces the student to the physical sciences in preparation for upper level laboratory courses. Each week the student will complete assigned reading and homework and listen to the CD lecture. They will attend class once a week for an hour and fifteen minutes to turn in homework, ask questions and complete a laboratory investigation. The lab is designed to reinforce the concepts introduced that week. Tuition is $40 per month for 10 months and includes grading and laboratory materials.

Biology – Michelle Lanz (10^th grade) – Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Biology, 2^nd Edition and solutions manual.
This course covers the science of life, organisms, and human life; and includes topics such as cell structures, genetics, Biblical creationism, zoology, human anatomy and physiology. . Completion of this course and Biology II will prepare the student for the AP exam. Each week the student will complete assigned reading and homework. They will attend class once a week for an hour and fifteen minutes to turn in homework, ask questions and complete a laboratory investigation. The lab is designed to reinforce the concepts introduced that week. Tuition is $45 per month for 10 months and includes grading and laboratory sessions. There will be a one time specimen fee of $25 due at the beginning of the year.

Biology II or Advanced Biology-- Michelle Lanz (11^th or 12^th grade) – Apologia Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and solutions manual. This course is an advanced biology course. It covers both the anatomy and physiology of the human body’s 11 organ systems. This course will not only allow the student to take the college AP biology exam upon completion, but will also help the student to understand and implement a healthy lifestyle based on the body’s processes. This course is probably one of the most practical courses that a student can take, and is also a great course for students that do not wish to continue the more mathematical science route of Chemistry and Physics. Each week the student will complete assigned reading and homework. They will attend class once a week for an hour and fifteen minutes to turn in homework, ask questions and complete a laboratory investigation. The lab is designed to reinforce the concepts introduced that week. Tuition is $45 per month for 10 months and includes grading and laboratory sessions. There will be a one time specimen fee of $25 due at the beginning of the year.

Chemistry – Michelle Lanz (11^th grade) – Bob Jones Chemistry Textbook, 2^nd Edition and Lab Manual – 2^nd edition and test booklet. Diveintomath Chemistry CD.
This course will teach concepts such as atomic structure, periodic properties, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, nomenclature, reactions, solutions, and kinetic theory. Laboratory procedure and techniques will be stressed. Algebra II is a prerequisite (you must have taken it or be currently enrolled in it). . Each week the student will complete assigned reading and homework and listen to the CD lecture. They will attend class once a week for an hour and fifteen minutes to turn in homework, ask questions and complete a laboratory investigation. The lab is designed to reinforce the concepts introduced that week. Tuition is $45 per month for 10 months and includes grading and laboratory sessions. There is a one time laboratory fee of $25 due at the beginning of the year.

Physics – Michelle Lanz (12^th grade) – Apologia Exploring Creation with Physics and Solution Manual; Diveintomath Physics CD. This course will teach concepts such as Newton ’s laws, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, optics, waves, electromagnetics and special relativity. This book is designed to provide great success with the Advanced Placement examination, though it is also very appropriate for those students just desiring a physics overview. Laboratory procedure and techniques will be stressed. Advanced math is a prerequisite (you must have taken it or be currently enrolled in it). Each week the student will complete assigned reading and homework and listen to the CD lecture. They will attend class once a week for an hour and fifteen minutes to turn in homework, ask questions and complete a laboratory investigation. The lab is designed to reinforce the concepts introduced that week. Tuition is $45 per month for 10 months and includes grading and laboratory sessions. A one time lab fee of $25 will be due at the beginning of the year.

Life Science (alternates with Earth Science) – Michelle Lanz (7^th-8^th grades) – Apologia’s Exploring Creation with General Science and Solutions Manual. This course includes science and its relationship to God’s Word and examines the attributes of life, classification, cells and Biblical creation. There will be concepts in botany, microbiology and zoology presented. Each week the student will complete assigned reading and homework. They will attend class once a week for an hour to turn in homework, ask questions, and complete a laboratory investigation. The lab is designed to reinforce the concepts introduced that week. Tuition is $35 per month for 10 months and includes grading and laboratory materials.

Marine Biology - Michelle Lanz (11^th or 12^thgrade) – Apologia Exploring Creation with Marine Biology and Solutions Manual. This course will look at the many aspects of life in our world’s oceans. Included will be the requirements of life in the sea, the ocean ecosystem, a review of the 1^st 4 kingdoms, and an in-depth look at marine invertebrates and marine vertebrates. Various saltwater communities including estuaries, intertidal zones, coral reefs, the continental shelf and the deep oceans will be studied. We will conclude with the effects we have on the oceans. Each week the student will complete assigned reading and homework. They will attend class once a week for an hour and fifteen minutes to turn in homework, ask questions, and complete a laboratory investigation. The lab is designed to reinforce the concepts introduced that week. Tuition is $45 per month for 10 months and includes grading and laboratory sessions. There will be a one time $25 lab fee due at the beginning of the year.

CLASSES TAUGHT BY BETH MUNNERLYN
Spanish I
This class is for students with little or no background in the Spanish Language. Class time will include oral exercises and conversational activities, as well as learning vocabulary and grammar. Cultural notes will also be included. The goal of Dos Mundos, as well as my own personal goal, is for students “to acquire the language, not just learn it.” Along with the text we will be using a workbook and audio cassettes. Weekly assignments will focus on grammar and workbook activities. Students should plan on about 3 to 5 hours of homework per week. Class size will be limited. $35 per month/10 months. Dos Mundos is a higher education curriculum that covers more than two years of High School Spanish.

Spanish II
This class is a continuation of Spanish I using the Dos Mundos curriculum. Spanish I is required. Those who have not used Dos Mundos for Spanish I need to contact the teacher. $35 per month/10 months.

Spanish III
While finishing the remaining chapters of Dos Mundos, this class puts additional emphasis on the Subjunctive Mood. Students will also read a couple of short Spanish selections which will be used as topics for conversation and testing. Entrance requirements. $35.00 per month/10 months

Contact Beth at 281-259-9223 or tbmunnerlyn@hotmail.com

CLASSES TAUGHT BY KAREN C. karen@handsuplifted.com
Visit www.handsuplifted.com for more information and a registration form.
Intro. to ASL (American Sign Language), Ages 6-12, 1 hr. class
This is a fun introductory course for students who would like to learn some basic conversational signs through games, signing to songs, role playing, skits, field trips and DVDs. In addition to learning conversational vocabulary, the students will learn how to effectively communicate in ASL grammar through appropriate facial expressions, body language, body shifting, listing, and gesturing. By the end of the school year, the students will have a foundation of ASL grammar and a conversational vocabulary of over 250 signs. There is no textbook. The teacher has made up her own worksheets. To cover the cost of her handmade curriculum, a minor supply fee will be added to the tuition. No previous signing experience needed. Tuition $35 month or $160 each semester (If paid in full by 1^st day of class each semester.) Supply fee $15 for year per student (non-refundable). This is a year course. (2^nd child and/or parents can take the class for $25 month or $110 each semester (If paid in full by 1^st day of class each semester.).

ASL I (American Sign Language I) – Ages 13-adult, 2 hr. class
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
This is a fun way to earn your foreign language credit. Even 7^th graders can use this fun curriculum as high school foreign language credit. Since the curriculum, Signing Naturally I, is used by most high schools and accredited universities, one can earn dual college credit – credit through college examination. The students will learn how to carry everyday conversations with a Deaf person, understand basic ASL grammatical rules (facial expressions, body language, body shifting/direct address, listing, eye gaze, classifiers, and gesturing), begin learning sign to voice interpreting skills, develop an awareness of Deaf culture values, and sign songs translated to ASL. These objectives will be met through classroom instruction, role-playing, DVDs, games and field trips. Very little talking will be permitted in class; most interaction between students and teacher is in ASL. By the end of the year, the students will be able to converse in ASL for over two hours. No previous signing experience needed. There will be tests, presentations, and typed reports. Requires 2 - 2 1/2 hrs. of studying per week. Tuition $55 month or $250 each semester (If paid in full by 1^st day of class each semester.) Texts $100 for DVD/video, workbook, and Deaf culture text. Only one text/DVD needed per family. We'll use the same Deaf Culture book for ASL II. Supply fee $15 for year per student (non-refundable). This is a year course. (2^nd child and/or parents can take the class for $45 month or $200 each semester (If paid in full by 1^st day of each semester.)

ASL II (American Sign Language II )- Ages 13-adult, 2 hr. class
This class is a continuation of the American Sign Language I class (prerequisite ASL I or teacher approval by evaluation). We will continue our study and practice of conversational signing, ASL grammatical rules (including non-manual markers, classifiers, direct address, and gesturing), sign to voice interpreting skills, and knowledge of Deaf culture values. Instead of signing songs translated into ASL, the students will each translate and present their own song in class. In addition, we'll learn Christian vocabulary, develop additional numerical vocabulary (which is very ellaborate in ASL), and learn voice to sign interpreting skills. Communication in the classroom will be in ASL (both by the teacher and students). These objectives will be met through classroom instruction, role-playing, DVDs, games and field trips. Very little talking will be permitted in class; most interaction between students and teacher is in ASL. There will be tests, presentations, and typed reports. Requires 2 - 2 1/2 hrs. of studying per week. Tuition $55 month or $250 each semester (If paid in full by 1^st day of class each semester.) Texts $75 for DVD/video and workbook. Only one text/DVD needed per family. Supply fee $15 for year per student (non-refundable). This is a year course. (2^nd child and/or parents can take the class for $45 month or $200 each semester (If paid in full by 1^st day of each semester.)

COMPUTER EXPLORERS^® Technology Education
www.Computerexplorers.com/NWHouston info@TechEd4All.com 877-468-2823
The success of our program is due to several aspects:

Delivery by a trained teacher who also loves working with children, is enthusiastic and experienced with technology, and supports the mission of the school or group.

A comprehensive, step-by-step process of co-operative learning to develop skills. Research has shown that students who have opportunities to work in pairs and small groups learn faster and more efficiently, have greater retention, and feel more positive about the learning experience. It is a way for students to learn essential interpersonal life-skills, oral communication skills, and to develop the ability to work collaboratively-- a skill now greatly in demand in the workplace. It is a way for students to take turns with different roles such as facilitator, reporter, recorder, etc. In a cooperative group, every student has a specific task, everyone is involved in the learning or project.

The study of each technology area is completed by the creation of a project to reinforce skills learned in the lab as well as in other core areas

COMPUTER EXPLORERS began over 20 years ago and is constantly developing programs to stay at the forefront of technology education

Grade: 1-3 - 1 hour classes/ 1 year course/ Sign up per semester
Semester 1
Keyboarding - develop speed, efficiency and correct finger placement
Basic Computer Operations – use Control Panel, open, close, adjust windows, open files from different drives, desk accessories, installing, registering programs, legal/safety issues
Word Processing - learn some basic word processing skills. Open a word processing application, use the mouse to position cursor, type and edit text, save a document to a disk, open a document from a disk, print the document, exit an application and use toolbars. Create an original story with hand drawn pictures.
Graphic Design - Learn how use a very unique graphics program. Use a number of graphics tools including solid and hollow rectangles, ovals and polygons, line, paintbrush, spray can and bucket tools, plus clear, copy and move tools. Create a masterpiece using patterns, gradient colors and color cycling. Create and print a unique project to illustrate a topic you are studying.
Multimedia - Create pictures and use them to make a slide show. Draw and fill shapes, add, move, resize and delete stamps, stickers, backgrounds and animations. Insert text and sounds to pictures. Insert their completed pictures into a slide show presentation to show what you have learned about a topic you are studying.

Semester 2
Keyboarding - develop speed, efficiency and correct finger placement
Basic Computer Operations – use Control Panel, open, close, adjust windows, open files from different drives, desk accessories, installing, registering programs, legal/safety issues
Spreadsheets - Using a child-friendly software students will learn how to create spreadsheets that include text, numbers, graphics and sounds.
Database - Learn how to use a database program. How to setup the fields in a record, change the design of the record, and enter, search and graph the data. Produce a database, vertical bar graph and pie chart.
Internet – First we focus on Internet Safety. Then we learn about Web sites and the Internet. View a Web site and learn how to move around within it. Learn how to type in a URL address to find a desired Web site.

Semester 1
Keyboarding - develop speed, efficiency and correct finger placement
Basic Computer Operations – use Control Panel, open, close, adjust windows, open files from different drives, desk accessories, installing, registering programs, legal/safety issues
Word Processing - Work on a word processing program. Develop word processing skills that will allow him/her to create interesting and appealing documents. Create a report, letter, invitation, or flyer using the new skills.
Graphic Design - Learn how use an amazing graphics program. Create with a number of graphics tools including text tools and symmetry tools. The symmetry tools are especially amazing as creations will look like a vision from within a kaleidoscope. Changing the gradient styles and stamp settings will also be exciting additions to the graphic artist’s toolbox. These tools will be used to create a unique project.
Multimedia - Use an exciting multimedia program to create a computer presentation. Learn how to create cards (slides) with text, graphics, and sounds, create Buttons to move among the cards, add transitions, and move and reorder slides. Creating an original presentation using the skills learned.

Semester 2
Keyboarding - develop speed, efficiency and correct finger placement
Basic Computer Operations – use Control Panel, open, close, adjust windows, open files from different drives, desk accessories, installing, registering programs, legal/safety issues
Spreadsheets - Learning to plan and create an original spreadsheet using a student-friendly software. Create spreadsheets that include text, numbers, graphics and formulas.
Database - Learn how to use a database program. Setup many different kinds of fields in a record, change the design of the record, and enter, search and graph the data. Then use the searched data to create different kinds of charts and answer questions about our database.
Internet - Introducing intermediate skills of using the information superhighway! First we focus on Internet Safety. Then, how to write, send and receive e-mail, how to use and protect a username and password and how to use search engines to get information on a particular topic. Skills of bookmarking a site, using hypertext links to maneuver through web sites, and how to narrow a search by using the appropriate keywords.

Semester 1
Keyboarding - Improve accuracy and build WPM. Use correct finger placement for all letter, punctuation, and symbol keys. Use the correct shift keys with coordinating letter and symbol keys as well as work toward their Adjusted Words Per Minute (AWPM) goal using Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing.
Basic Computer Operations – use Control Panel, open, close, adjust windows, open files from different drives, desk accessories, installing, registering programs, legal/safety issues
Word Processing - Advanced word processing skills. Learn to use and set tab and indent markers and to use formatted numbering to create an outline. How to use an outline to write a story, book report or research report.
Graphics - Advanced graphics skills. Learn to insert a graphic image, ungroup, regroup and group images, change the stacking order of images, use ruler guides, align images, rotate and flip images, change lines and fill colors and add and format text boxes. Create several pictures that will include both predesigned images that have been altered and original graphic images.
Multimedia - Learn how to create slide show presentations using the computer. Create slides with text, graphics, videos and sounds, use animation, add and customize transitions, and move and reorder slides. Produce an original presentation related to an area of study.

Semester 2
Keyboarding - Improve accuracy and build WPM. Use correct finger placement for all letter, punctuation, and symbol keys. Use the correct shift keys with coordinating letter and symbol keys as well as work toward their Adjusted Words Per Minute (AWPM) goal using Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing.
Basic Computer Operations – use Control Panel, open, close, adjust windows, open files from different drives, desk accessories, installing, registering programs, legal/safety issues
Spreadsheets - Learn some of the mathematical uses of a spreadsheet. Manually format a spreadsheet, align data within a spreadsheet, add borders and shading, enter formulas and functions, and create and edit a chart using spreadsheet data.
Databases - Learn how to create and edit a database that contains several related tables of data. Create and edit fields, gather data, input and edit records, create a form for inputting data, sort data, search using a query and combine data from more than one table by creating a relationship. Use this knowledge to create an original database that includes several tables of information. Gather appropriate data and design and create several tables to display the data.
Internet – Learn how to create a Web page using template-based software. Learn how to change the design and layout and how to add images and hyperlinks. EXPLORERS will now use all of this knowledge to create an original Web page.

It’s Your Business! - Grade 7+
Calling all entrepreneurs! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own your own business? Do you need to supplement your allowance? In this class students will experience just that! They will start from scratch by brainstorming different business opportunities. Students will then use their technology skills to get their business up and running. From designing a logo and web site to creating income statements, students will do it all. Its never too early to start honing your business skills!

Digital/Graphic Arts – Comic Books Beginning Level - Grade 1-3
BE A COMIC BOOK STAR!
Leap tall buildings in a single bound! Write, illustrate and star in an out-of-this-world production! You and your friends will be the leads in your own comic strip or comic book in this class focusing on digital art and computer adventures.

Digital/Graphic Arts – Comic Books Intermediate Level - Grade 3-6
BE A COMIC BOOK STAR!
Leap tall buildings in a single bound! Write, illustrate and star in an out-of-this-world production! You and your friends will be the leads in your own comic strip or comic book in this class focusing on digital art and computer adventures.

Cinenosin Film Academy - taught by Robert Brayton Students collaborate to write and produce a short independent Christian film suitable for entry in the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival ( www.IndependentChristianFilms.com ). Subjects covered include:

This class is open to Christians 9^th grade and up with a burning desire to produce quality Christian films. Students must be up to the challenge of learning and applying difficult technical and demanding artistic concepts of film production. The class meets once per week for 1.5 hours. Expect medium to heavy homework load. When filming is in production, students may be required to work into the night for up to two weeks (Sundays will always be optional). Certain hand-picked non-Christian professionals may be hired for filming. Parents are welcome to help with the filming. The class size is limited to 10 to 20 students. Several films are required viewing on DVD: Time Changer, Facing the Giants, Flywheel, and Sheffey. The students may borrow, rent, or purchase them. Students must have access to a PC or Macintosh with a word processor, printer and Internet. Students must have a video or still camera available for homework assignments, or be a good artist. The cost is $75 per month. A supply fee (for blank media, worksheets, etc.) of $50 is due at registration. Prize winnings and earnings will be divided equitably as determined by the instructor.