The Academic and Leadership Program: July 5 - 31, 2010
A Co-ed Boarding/Day Program for Students Entering Grades 8 - 11
Students will select one of the Core Courses listed below for credit or enrichment.
Students may select any one of the electives as their second class. Electives are taken in addition to the Core Course and give students creative outlets or further enrichment in their studies.
Students who wish to enroll in two Core Courses or are interested in receiving credit for two courses must contact the Director of the Summer Program. These requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Core Courses
English 9/10
Familiarizing students with literary concepts such as plot, character, setting, theme, conflict and irony coincides with the study of grammar and vocabulary. The initial goal is to ensure that all students understand what constitutes a proper topic sentence and paragraph, while emphasizing the objective of perceptive reading and thinking. Short essays, a term paper utilizing MLA citations, and reading assignments are the requirements for successful completion of this course. The following texts may be used: Macbeth, To Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm, The Catcher in the Rye, Lord of the Flies, The Elements of Style.
English 11
This course will investigate two major texts from the canon of American literature and is meant to coincide with the student's study of US History. Vocabulary study, creative thinking and persuasive writing are taught to supplement the required reading. The texts may include The Crucible, Cat's Cradle, The Dharma Bums, Into the Wild or A Prayer for Owen Meany. Students will be expected to write several short essays and one comprehensive paper utilizing MLA format in order to successfully complete this course.
Algebra 1
Students are introduced to algebraic concepts including recognizing constants and variables, equations and inequalities with one and two variables, etc. The pace and the number of topics introduced are determined by the ability levels of the participants. The coursework includes a required lab component. In addition to using software to solve algebraic problems, students will be taught the various functions of a TI-83/84 calculator.
Algebra 2
The main algebraic concepts for this course include in-depth exploration of graphing and linear equations, solving polynomials, and completing equations containing radicals. In addition, students will solve quadratic equations, examine parabolas and learn the processes for solving various word problems. The lab component of this course relies heavily on the use of TI-83/84 calculators. Students enrolled in this course are required to have a TI-83/84 calculator and a basic understanding of its use.
Geometry
The course covers the essentials of plane and three-dimensional geometry, with some exposure to analytical geometry. Topics include points, lines, planes and angles, deductive reasoning, parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, inequalities, similar polygons, right triangles, etc. Students will utilize Geometer's Sketchpad in small labs to help build their knowledge of and confidence in the course material.
Biology
This is a lab-based class intended to review the general topics of Biology. Cell structure and reproduction, genetics, plant studies, and evolution are the major themes of the course. Students can expected many hands-on labs to review content, in addition to outdoor exploration of our local flora and wetlands.
Global History
Global History is a survey class for 9th- and 10th-grade history students. This course reviews the interaction between Asian, African, European and American cultures since the 1500s. Cultural comparisons, interdependence of the environment, health, economy, and geopolitics are highlighted to emphasize social patterns of the past and present. Research projects, debates, presentations and papers are utilized to help students investigate their areas of interest.
US History
The United States History class is an 11th-grade survey course that covers events from the discovery of the Americas through the Vietnam War. While the entire timeline of American history cannot be covered, some of the topics that are reviewed include Colonial America, the Revolutionary War, the Constitution, slavery and the Civil War, westward expansion, the Gilded Age, reform movements, and the twentieth century. In addition to regular reading assignments, students will be expected to contribute through debates or presentations.
English Language Learning (ELL) Courses
The ELL program for the Summer Program offers beginner and intermediate levels, ELL 1 and ELL 2 respectively, allowing for appropriate placement for students with varying degrees of English proficiency. Students are placed in these courses based on their proficiency rather than by age or grade level. Placement depends on the admissions interview and the student's score on the Second Language English Proficiency (SLEP) test, which is administered by Summer Program staff before classes begin. Progress is measured when students retake the SLEP test at the end of the program.
Students enrolled in ELL 1, the beginner level, concentrate on basic reading, vocabulary, writing and grammar through science, history, or cultural exposure in the curriculum. Students enrolled in ELL 2 focus on more advanced literature, and academic and creative writing utilizing US History or cultural exposure in the curriculum. Pending ability level, ELL students may be permitted to enroll in two ELL courses while enrolled in the Summer Program.
Electives
Wild On Math
This 100% project-based math class will improve and enhance a student's understanding of mathematical concepts and their use. Utilizing a real-world, real-fun approach to math, students will be immersed in large projects such as measuring slope ratings of hills using GPS units, or determining the probability of selecting colored candies from bags of M&Ms. Other projects include account balancing, measuring reaction rates, and computers programs and simulators to build confidence and knowledge through exposure. Though not required, it is recommended that students have laptops with Microsoft Excel installed, as well as TI-83/84 calculators, for this course.
Creative Writing and Composition
The goal of the Creative Writing element of this course is to teach students how to open themselves to the creative writing process and to their own creative inner voices. Recognizing that each student has a unique learning style, the focus is on different techniques of stimulating creativity. In order to develop the creative "right side” if the brain, class exercises stimulate the visual, kinesthetic, and auditory senses. Students learn to critique and constructively comment on each others work through in-class readings. Each student's work is collected in a portfolio. The Composition work for this class focuses on enhancing students' academic writing skills and abilities. The course reviews the process of writing and idea generation, as well as how to organize those thoughts. Students then practice writing persuasive arguments, five-paragraph essays, journal articles and a short research paper. This course may require students to do work in addition to their nightly homework.
Exploratory Science
Students enrolled in Exploratory Science are exposed to many different types of lab and field research. While the goal of this course is to educate students in the importance of scientific investigation, it also serves to enhance a student's note-taking and inferential skills. In the protected open land and beautiful natural environment of Marvelwood's campus, students investigate wetlands and watershed management, go bird banding, or learn the basics for plant and animal identification using taxonomic keys. Lab studies may include, but are not limited to, soil testing, distillation, chromatography, and use of software such as Vernier Lab Probes and Microsoft Excel for data analysis. Though an elective, students are exposed to scientific writing and may be asked to complete a paper or presentation while enrolled.
Introduction to Photography
Introduction to Photography engages students with little or no experience using a 35mm camera in its operation and functionality. Students are also given instruction on basic darkroom procedures and techniques for developing their own photographs. Exposure to modern photographic artists supplements this predominantly hands-on course. Students are asked to select photos to be hung for display for the end of the program. Students enrolled in this course are required to have their own 35mm camera.
Introduction to Studio Art
Students are given time each day to explore and develop their personal interests in studio art. Students work on innovative and creative art projects while focusing on aesthetics and the creative process. While students may be introduced to many different projects and media, painting, drawing and sculpture are the primary elements of the course curriculum.
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