SKILLS PROGRAM (OPTIONAL)

June 13 - July 21, 2011

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Skills courses supplement the enrichment program in teaching the kinds of skills necessary to perform well in school. Students must be enrolled in the Enrichment program in order to enroll in a Skills class. Classes are designed and taught by mentor teachers who are assisted by student teachers. Students work in small groups developing and using the thinking, problem-solving, and processing skills of scientists, historians, mathematicians, writers, artists, and researchers. Classes are held from 8:00 AM to 8:50 AM, Monday through Friday. Enrollment in a skills class is optional, however, enrolled students are expected to attend according to the attendance policies established for the enrichment program. These courses are open to all grade levels unless otherwise indicated.

41 - Algebra I Review. Have you already taken Algebra I, and is Algebra II in your near future? In this course you will strengthen your background and practice the skills presented in first-year Algebra. This course will emphasize equation solving, linear equations, absolute value equations, and quadratic equations. Prerequisite: Algebra I. FULL/CLOSED

42 - Algebra II. Second-year algebra often serves as a bridge to higher mathematics. In this course you will focus on topics from Algebra II such as functions, quadratic equations, rational equations, polynomials and logarithms. Prerequisite: Algebra I. FULL/CLOSED

43 - AP English Reading Lab. Get ready for AP English! Learn the critical thinking and reading skills necessary for success in AP English Literature and Composition or AP English Language and Composition. Analyzing literature, poetry, and essays, students will learn a variety of strategies to help them dig deeper to find meanings and rhetorical strategies behind works of authors including T.S. Eliot, Toni Morrison, and Malcolm Gladwell. Through annotation, dialectical journals, and in-depth discussions, learn to look at literature the way your AP class will demand! FULL/CLOSED

44 - The “Art” of Learning French. (Beginning French) If you want to know the secrets of successful language learning, listen to great music and learn a lot about French art, then this is the course for you. This is an introductory course that will help you learn French with ease.

45 - Basic Algebra. If you have not yet taken Algebra I, this is the class for you. You will get a headstart on learning important concepts such as expressions, equations, and functions with an emphasis on real-world applications, cooperative learning, and problem solving. Open to all students who have not completed Algebra I. FULL/CLOSED

46 - Blood and Guts. Have you ever wondered how everything works inside a living thing? What exactly is blood and what does it do? How are the heart, blood vessels, and lungs involved with blood? Then there are guts. What is their role in the life of an organism? Explore the digestive systems of selected invertebrates and vertebrates through observations and dissection labs. Discover how your blood and guts and other stuff inside you are affected by choices you make. Open to students in grades 10 - 12.

47 - Calculus. Whether you are planning on taking calculus later and want a head start or you just want to see what it is all about, this course is for you. You will learn important calculus concepts such as limits and derivatives as well as how to apply them to real world situations in areas such as physics, chemistry, engineering and business. Prerequisite: Algebra II. Open to students in grades 9 - 12.

48 - Electrifying Science. Why can you survive 50,000 volts of electricity but be injured if you stick a fork in a 120-volt outlet? Come learn the fundamentals of how and why electricity flows as you gain an understanding of circuits, capacitors, electrostatics, electromagnets and generators. FULL/CLOSED

49 - Fitness and Conditioning. Increase your flexibility, strength, and endurance through calisthenics, stretches, and exercises. Practice these newly learned skills as you work your way into better shape.

50 - From Colony to Superpower: Foreign Policy in American History. Are alliances with foreign powers necessary for a nation’s survival? George Washington, in his farewell address, warned Americans “to avoid alliances with foreign powers.” Within months of his departure from office alliances were formed and continue to be formed today. From George Washington to Barack Obama, you will explore foreign policy in American history and the impact it has on the economic, social, and political aspects of our nation.

51 - ¡Hablemos en español! (Beginning Spanish) Do you want to be able to establish a basic conversation in Spanish about daily life situations? Come and develop your listening and speaking skills as you learn how to order food, make reservations at a hotel, ask for and give directions, and best of all, understand the rich Spanish culture by exploring the customs and traditions. This course will emphasize vocabulary and basic grammar structures.

52 - Intermediate Computer Programming with Java. If you have prior experience in computer programming, come attempt this challenging class. You will learn intermediate program design in an object-oriented environment using the Java programming language. You will create classes that solve problems ranging from the most basic math problems to advanced database design. By the end of this course, you will be adept at solving problems in a quick-fire method and in a project mode as well. Prerequisite: previous enrollment in Beginning Java at Rice Summer School or completion of a first-year high school computer science course.

53 - Paint Yourself in History. In this course you will learn all about art history by doing it. You will paint self-portraits through different historical styles until arriving at contemporary art. You will make your own path in history. Some drawing experience recommended.

54 - Paper Craft. Come explore the amazing world of paper! We will create stained glass windows, weavings, collage, sun prints, scratch art and so much more as we explore a variety of papers and techniques.

55 - Scientific Research and Design. Considering a career in science one day? In this class you will explore four major themes of science to gain an intimate understanding of scientific research. Investigate current topics and recent discoveries to see how they affect our modern world and what role new ideas and innovation play in the continuing process of science. This course will give you the opportunity to follow your curiosity in the investigation of a variety of topics. Special emphasis will be on creating your own unique research project that you can develop into a science fair exhibit for your school next year.

56 - Thriving in the AP Social Studies Classroom. Are you overwhelmed by class lectures, drowning in your college level text or baffled by FRQs and DBQs? This class will teach you various note-taking strategies, reading comprehension techniques, and writing tips as we practice the skills needed in the high school social studies AP classroom. Open to students in grades 8 -10.FULL/CLOSED