Math 160 (Everyday Math©)

The experiential approach designed by the University of Chicago uses hands-on activities to develop mathematical concepts such as probability, geometry, and algebra as well as the basic operations using whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.

 

 The six areas covered are Oceans, Electromagnetism, Desert Ecology, the Human Body, DNA and Genetics, Plants of Our World. The students' natural curiosity about the world allows their active participation in the scientific process. A hands-on activity, a discussion, and a written synthesis of thoughts and ideas are part of the daily classroom routine.

 

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor are required reading as well as several short stories, poems, and outside reading of specific genres.

 

Students study the major world regions, primarily non-European, such as China and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.  The focus is on geography, population, culture, the development of nations, transportation, communication, utilization of resources, environmental footprint, conflict and cooperation.

 

This one-semester, introductory course focuses on French language and francophone culture. In order to encourage use of the language, the course is taught using a communicative approach which requires the participation of students in role-plays, skits, games and projects.

 

This one-semester, introductory course focuses on Hispanic language and culture. Students practice writing, listening, reading, and speaking, simple everyday words and phrases. A wide variety of teaching techniques is used to accommodate different learning rates and styles of learning.

 

Using Hansel and Gretel by Englebert Humperdinck, Billy the Kid by Aaron Copland, Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg, and Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Moussorgsky, students study how composers tell a story using the elements of music such as dynamics, pitch, rhythm, timbre, texture, and tempo. Reading and notating music are taught using the Theory Time workbook series and those skills are practiced on the guitar and piano.

 

The visual elements of line, shape, and texture are the focus of the studio work, as students engage in drawing, paint, print-making, metal, and ceramic constructions in assignments that are related to the art of various cultures. The students are encouraged to consider the question, “What influences a culture's art, how do they compare, and what do we communicate with the art of our culture?”

 

Students explore their imagination through storytelling, pantomime, observation, improvisation, public speaking, blocking, stage business, scene reading, and analysis.

 

Students engage in physical activity in the form of team sports, individual sports, rhythms, and health education to promote fitness, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle beyond the classroom. Some of the activities include badminton, strength training, softball, team handball, volleyball, swimming, track and field, tennis, aerobics, dancing, basketball, and flag football.