From the vastness of the universe to the tiniest details on Earth, we’ll explore how everything in creation reflects intentional design. Through hands-on activities and creative crafts, students will see the math — His math — woven into nature’s beauty. By modeling natural patterns such as spirals, symmetry, and fractals, students will discover deep mathematical ideas in an engaging, organic way. Even before they’re ready to solve equations on paper, this class will spark curiosity and excitement for math, helping students recognize its elegance and purpose in all of creation.
This hands-on math class will utilize "Beautiful Discovery". Most of the classes include the use of some the following types of materials: natural materials, (like honeycomb, snail shells, live flowers) use of Instruments (like hand lens, stereoscope, brushes, hammer, protractor), and lab supplies.
Requirements:
Assistants:
I may have Oliver help me in here if his schedule allows.
Christianity could be defined as a “cold case”: it makes a claim about an event from the distant past for which there is little forensic evidence. Christianity has a rich evidential history, but many Christians seem ill-prepared to make the case for what we believe. This course will utilize the Cold-Case Christianity DVD curriculum by J. Warner Wallace. He uses his nationally recognized skills as a homicide detective to help students assess the evidence and eyewitnesses behind Christian beliefs. This course will inspire students to have confidence in Christ as it prepares them to articulate the case for Christianity, help them to embrace their duty to defend the truth, and become better communicators by learning the skills of professional case makers. 1 Pet. 3:15. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that you have.
Requirements:
Students taking this class are expected to be able to read the Bible. Students should also be able to understand and follow directions to participate in classroom activities, such as reading aloud, speaking when requested during the class, respectful listening, contributing to class discussions, and participating in simple in-class writing. Homework will consist of writing one paragraph per week plus worksheets from the book. Also required are pens in black or blue ink and white notebook paper.
Color Theory will take you to a new level of understanding how to mix colors. Each of you will get a standard color wheel but as the weeks progress, you should be able to understand how colors work without it. We will be using different supplies to blend colors together to make our own color wheels as well. We’ll also be doing new projects each week using our new knowledge of color relationships. You will get a soft pastel set and sketchpad to go with your color wheel. Our projects will not be hard to draw as this is all about color! I will provide other mediums to work with as well such as watercolor and oil paint to play around with.
Ever dreamed of telling a story with pictures, speech bubbles, and just the right punchline? In this class, students will learn the foundations of creating a comic character. From character design and panel layout to writing dialogue and pacing a story. We'll explore classic and modern examples, brainstorm original ideas, and bring stories to life one panel at a time. Reference materials written by Stan Lee will be used in class.
Requirements:
A desire to create this is a basic level art class and only requires a desire to learn about the process of storytelling with art.
Purpose: To teach the basics of sequential art storytelling that can be used in comic books, comic strips, or storyboarding.
Philosophy of Art: Art is an opportunity to connect with our Creator through the creative process. Art is not only a personal expression, but one to be shared, evaluated, and experienced.
Requirements:
This class does not require any previous skill level or knowledge of drawing. Students will be required to participate in Art critiques and weekly homework. All grading will be based on attendance, weekly homework, participation, and the final project.
Wednesday - Science Lab - 127: 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Description:
Join us as we explore the world of comic strips. We will look at the history of comics, the work of notable past cartoonists, and comics today.
Students will learn strip layout, lettering, and character design. Each student will create their own comic strip with a week’s worth of finished samples that will be showcased at the end of the class (yes, people will get to read your comic strips; there isn’t much point in doing this if you don’t let people read your work).
Concise writing is important for a good comic strip. Students will work to develop brevity in their writing, since comics are confined within tight spatial limits. A well-written comic can succeed despite mediocre artwork, but exceptional drawing skills cannot rescue a poorly-written strip.
Finally, we will look at current avenues for comic strip publication.
This class will run for one semester. Students will have homework, but the amount will vary each week.
Students will need to furnish their own pens, pencils, erasers, and drawing pads. Students should have access to a computer, since comics today are often created digitally. A number of assignments will require students to download and print pictures for writing and drawing exercises.
Communication Arts Projects (CAP) has five main purposes: 1) To challenge students to use the talents and gifts God has given them for His Glory and His purposes. 2) To help students build their knowledge and skills by producing professional quality marketing and illustration projects. Students will learn to be creative, use technology, and exercise logical thinking as they produce exciting and persuasive media. 3) To help students to recognize logical fallacies and unethical ways of thinking and persuasion. 4) To help students use logical and honest persuasion methods. 5) To encourage students to explore how to reach out to people through hands-on work. Students can apply visual design and media skills to create projects ranging from posters and booklets to websites, campaigns, promotions, and even greeting cards.
Requirements:
The software we use is available for free and hopefully students will be able to use it on their home computers. Students that are considering a career in web design or graphic design should consider purchasing a laptop computer.
In this beginning-level writing class, students will discover the joy of writing while learning to communicate clearly, creatively, and with purpose. With a focus on mastering the paragraph, they will practice crafting both factual and fictional pieces, while developing essential skills in organization and note-taking. Grammar and writing mechanics are gently integrated into each lesson through engaging stories that make learning both fun and effective. By year’s end, students will be confidently writing full reports and imaginative stories—laying a strong, Christ-honoring foundation for future academic success.
Most importantly, this class reminds students that writing is a gift from God. Together, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about words, character, and how we can use our writing to honor Him and serve others. Each child is encouraged to progress at their own pace and to do their best as they learn to write for God’s glory.
Requirements:
Students should already be comfortable reading independently and able to write a complete sentence. To fully benefit from classroom instruction, students must also be able to follow directions, read aloud, speak when called upon, listen respectfully, and participate in simple in-class writing activities.
Each week, students will be assigned one paragraph to write at home, reinforcing the skills taught in class. Families are expected to support their child by ensuring this weekly writing assignment is completed, along with reviewing and correcting the paragraph together. Occasional worksheets may also be assigned to reinforce grammar, organization, or mechanics. Consistent family engagement is essential to student success in this course and is a core part of the learning process.
Students must bring a 3-ring binder to class for handouts and resources, including lined notebook paper. Also required are pens in black, blue, and red ink.
In this beginning-level writing class, students will discover the joy of writing while learning to communicate clearly, creatively, and with purpose. With a focus on mastering the paragraph, they will practice crafting both factual and fictional pieces, while developing essential skills in organization and note-taking. Grammar and writing mechanics are gently integrated into each lesson through engaging stories that make learning both fun and effective. By year’s end, students will be confidently writing full reports and imaginative stories—laying a strong, Christ-honoring foundation for future academic success.
Most importantly, this class reminds students that writing is a gift from God. Together, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about words, character, and how we can use our writing to honor Him and serve others. Each child is encouraged to progress at their own pace and to do their best as they learn to write for God’s glory.
Requirements:
Students should already be comfortable reading independently and able to write a complete sentence. To fully benefit from classroom instruction, students must also be able to follow directions, read aloud, speak when called upon, listen respectfully, and participate in simple in-class writing activities.
Each week, students will be assigned one paragraph to write at home, reinforcing the skills taught in class. Families are expected to support their child by ensuring this weekly writing assignment is completed, along with reviewing and correcting the paragraph together. Occasional worksheets may also be assigned to reinforce grammar, organization, or mechanics. Consistent family engagement is essential to student success in this course and is a core part of the learning process.
Students must bring a 3-ring binder to class for handouts and resources, including lined notebook paper. Also required are pens in black, blue, and red ink.
This course continues where Level 1 ends, guiding students from solid paragraph writing into more advanced composition skills. In Level 2, students will begin crafting longer fact-based and fictional pieces, learning to structure 3–5 paragraph compositions. This process is approached one paragraph at a time to prevent overwhelm and to build confidence.
As students strengthen their paragraph structure and organizational skills, they will also be introduced to advanced “dress-ups” that enhance style and expression. Grammar, editing, and writing mechanics are gently incorporated through engaging, story-driven lessons.
The theme of this course is Character Traits. Each writing assignment focuses on a godly virtue, e.g. diligence, patience, and respect, as illustrated in Scripture, and examples from nature. Students will be reminded that writing is a gift from God, meant to be used for His glory and the good of others.
Requirements:
Students enrolling in this class should be able to take a Key Word Outline, retell the content orally, and then write a paragraph from their notes. They should also be familiar with the basic “dress-ups” (e.g., strong verbs, quality adjectives, and -ly adverbs) and know how to use them in a sentence. In addition, students should be able to write a cohesive paragraph. They must also be able to follow directions, participate respectfully in classroom activities such as reading aloud or speaking when called on, and complete simple in-class writing tasks.
Weekly homework is required. Assignments typically include writing one paragraph, revising or editing a previous paragraph, and occasionally completing additional worksheets to support grammar or mechanics instruction. Reading short stories will be included at times. Families are expected to support their students by helping ensure that homework is completed, corrected, and brought to class.
Students must bring a 3-ring binder to class for handouts and resources, including lined notebook paper. Also required are pens in black, blue, and red ink.