All our Friday Courses are listed below.
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FRIDAY COURSE OFFERINGS (2024-2025)
WRITING I:
This course uses the Excellence in Writing, Level B curriculum, targeting students in middle school. The Schoolhouse Review Crew 2015 Blue Ribbon Awards calls IEW curriculum the “#1 pick for English composition.” Divided into nine units, structure includes: note taking, summarizing from notes, narrative stories, references, writing from pictures, research reports, inventive writing, formal essays, and critiques. Stylistic techniques encompass a combination of a variety of writing enhancements, taught one by one, making the skills doable for every student. Style checklist rubrics guide students, providing frameworks for writing and promoting editing skills. Plan on 3+ hours of homework per week. Students need a 2-inch binder and thin markers. Required: $10.00 to Purchase the SWI level B PDF directly from IEW for $10.00, in keeping with their copyright policy. Instructions provided after registration. Copies: $20.00 Taught by Julie Shorey.
INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE:
This middle school class will present students with a variety of genres of literature and will read several classic and modern novels during the year. Please note: Since many students take the Introduction to Literature class for two consecutive years during middle school, the books are rotated every other year. In this fun, discussion-based class, students will be challenged to look beyond the surface of the story as we analyze character, setting, plot, conflict, theme, point of view, symbols, and figurative language. They will learn about the authors and their world views. We will examine the universality of literature, how we can see the common themes in literature in our world today. They will have the opportunity to share their views and discuss them in a safe environment, building confidence for the future when the audience might not be so friendly. Students should expect 40-50 pages of reading per week. Additionally, they will have weekly homework assignments consisting of discussion questions to answer, short writing assignments, and dialectical journaling. There will be two projects/presentations, one per semester, and tests for each unit we study. Deadlines for work will be strictly enforced. Students and parents will receive a list of expectations at the beginning of the year. The instructor will provide a complete list of books and materials to purchase. Required: the ability to access my Google Classroom, a Gmail account, AND the use of Google Docs for turning in homework! This class won’t work without the use of these communication outlets. All work will be submitted and graded on Google Classroom. Copy fee: $10.00. Taught by Tammy Bankston.
AMERICAN LITERATURE:
The purpose of this high school course is to familiarize students with American literature and its authors and worldviews. The literature selections for this class include such works as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Scarlet Letter, The Crucible, Alas Babylon, Fahrenheit 451, and The Glass Menagerie. In addition, we will analyze classic short stories and poetry and will end the year with a fun analysis of political agendas in Dr. Seuss’ stories. Students will receive a complete list of books and materials to purchase; and should expect 50-75 pages of reading per week, as well as study guides, dialectical journals, creative projects, and literary analysis essays. They should also be prepared to participate in lively class discussions! Prerequisite: It is assumed that students who take this course have successfully completed a high school level introductory or fundamentals literature course. Required: ability to access tutor’s Google Classroom, a Gmail account, AND the use of Google Docs for turning in homework! This class won’t work without the use of these communication outlets. All work will be submitted on Google Classroom. Copies: $7.00. Taught by Tammy Bankston.
INTRODUCTORY COLLEGE WRITING (AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION):
This class will be remote, on Tuesdays at 1:00, enabling students from Attleboro and Cranston to participate together. This is an introductory college-level writing course to prepare high school juniors and seniors for the AP English Language and Composition examination in May. Students will read and analyze a wide variety of primarily non-fiction works with an emphasis on the study of rhetoric, the art of effective or persuasive speaking and writing. We will focus on how language works and why writers use language as they do. Weekly reading assignments will be from a range of letters, articles, essays, speeches, product advertisements, and political cartoons and ads. Assignments will feature personal, analytical, expository, and argumentative texts. Students will use skills learned to improve their own writing. Writing assignments will include expository, narrative, persuasive and descriptive writing in the form of journal entries, formal and timed essays, and several major creative projects with presentations to the class. Learning to write well is the primary objective of this class, so students should expect to write frequently! The class will be a lot of work, but the writing instruction will be invaluable, the reading fascinating, and the discussions lively and entertaining! Also, students passing the AP exam receive college credit. What a great way to get dual enrollment. Students will receive a list of books and materials to purchase. Taught by Tammy Bankston.
US HISTORY (1½ hour tutorial):
This high school course is based on BJU Press’ United States History, and is a chronological study of the major events in U.S. history, from the culture of the Native Americans to the early days of the Trump presidency. The course helps students see the past through the corrective lens of a biblical worldview, giving special attention to the rise and growth of secularism. It leads students to propose solutions to social problems, make informed decisions about local, state, and national issues, and to evaluate people, events, and movements from a biblical worldview. Students will study history from multiple perspectives on significant U.S. historical events by analyzing and interpreting primary and secondary resources. In-class lectures, discussions, and activities will help students to enjoy history and learn how to do history. Required Text: United States History Student Text (BJU Press, Fifth Edition). Copies: $15.00. Taught by Julie Cote.
DESIGN ENGINEERING:
For students in 5th-7th grades. This is a hands-on science class that will lead students through the Design Engineering Process that helps develop research & analysis, teamwork, and communication skills. Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical/ Aerospace Engineering,Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering will be covered in units during class with homework that supports each unit. Students will use an Engineering Design Notebook (provided) for their weekly reading, research assignments and at-home design challenges. Supplies will be provided and recycled materials will be used as much as possible. In addition, students will be asked to write 6 biographies on assigned famous engineers. Curriculum was developed using a variety of resources including Teachengineering.org, Design It!, Middle School Engineering Projects and online videos. Please note Engineering Units are rotated between two years, so students may take Engineering for two years without repeating units. Materials/Copies: $45. Taught by Shaun Greenwood.
GENERAL SCIENCE:
This Apologia junior high school level course is the foundation for all the upper level Apologia high school science courses due to its introduction to areas of biology, chemistry, physics and anatomy and physiology in a simple and approachable manner. Labs and fun projects will be done in class while bi-weekly tests will be proctored at home. Students will learn to interpret science through the lens of Scripture using examples of research conducted by scientists who hold to a creation worldview. Apologia science courses follow a routine and rhythm that helps the students, and that routine is established effectively in this foundational course. Required Materials: Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd edition, by Jay Wile; 3 ring binder with section divider and a single subject notebook or notebook paper. All homework will be assigned through Google Classroom. Materials/lab fee: $40.00. Taught by Shaun Greenwood.
CHEMISTRY (1½ hour tutorial):
This Apologia high school chemistry class provides each student
with an introduction to measurement, matter, atomic structure, chemical equations, acid and base
chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics and reduction/oxidation reactions. A basic knowledge of
algebra is needed to master the mathematical equations. The experiments include building
models, measurement, and observing changes in matter. Classes include lectures, experiments,
and games. Homework includes a written study guide and test for each unit. This course is suited
for mature high school students who can manage work independently. Required Materials: (1)
Apologia – Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd edition. (hardcover or now also available in
softcover), (2) Apologia – Exploring Creation with Chemistry Student Notebook, 3rd edition.
(softcover), and (3) calculator (Christian Book Distributors offers competitive pricing for
books.) Required Communication: Each student (or parent) must have an email account for
weekly updates and submit work and view assignments on Google Classroom. This process
will be explained in the class. Materials/Lab fee: $25.00. Taught by Renee McInnis.
FORENSIC SCIENCE:
This high school level lab science explores the exciting field of crime scene investigation, covering topics in biology, chemistry, and physical science. Students will use a unique hands-on program to perform intriguing investigations weekly. Topics include blood detection, blood spatter analysis, evidence processing, footprint analysis, questioned document and handwriting analysis, fingerprinting, bite mark analysis, hair analysis, fabric and fibers analysis, and drug testing. In addition to the labs, there will be reading and workbook assignments, quizzes, and short oral reports about historical crime cases. The main textbook for the class will be available to the students online or through handouts from the instructor. Students should purchase Cold Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace, which will be used as a supplement. Required: ability to access tutor’s Google Classroom, a Gmail account, and the use of Google Docs for turning in homework! This class won’t work without the use of these communication outlets. All work will be submitted on Google Classroom. Due to the lab intensive nature of the course, there is a $100 lab fee. Copy fee: $15. Taught by Tammy Bankston.
ART AND DESIGN I - Elements of Art and Drawing: (1½ hour tutorial) (1st semester):
This beginner art course, for students ages 12-18, will introduce students to the Elements of Art; line, shape, form, value, texture, space and color. Through this course students will develop technical drawing skills both in class and at home. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes, and materials such as pencil ink, charcoal, clay, and collage. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is a more important requirement than a student’s talent or previous experience. Students will be required to keep an art journal throughout the course and can expect to do artwork at home throughout the week. This beginner class will also benefit students with prior art instruction/experience by helping them further develop skills and understanding. Some art supplies will be recommended/required. Materials and copies: $25.00. Taught by Julie Cote.
ART AND DESIGN 2 - Composition and Painting (1½ hour tutorial) (2nd semester):
For students ages 12-18, this more advanced art class expands upon the elements of art by teaching composition and the principles of design. Our focus this semester will be on utilizing mostly acrylic and watercolor paint to create works of art that demonstrate an understanding and application of good composition . This course is designed for the highly motivated art student, and will consist of a more in-depth study of art criticism, aesthetics, and art history. Students will develop an ability to talk about their work and the work of others in classroom critiques. Students will learn how to observe art and see creation through the eyes of an artist. They will have an opportunity to visit the RISD art museum as well as showcase their artwork at an exhibit night at the end of the semester. Students interested in applying for art scholarships or art competitions will be offered opportunities, guidance, and assistance throughout the semester. Prerequisite: Exploring Art and Design I OR portfolio review. Some art supplies will be recommended/required. Materials and copies: $35.00. Taught by Julie Cote