UTSA Academic Year 2015-2016
Course Descriptions
As of April 8, 2015 – subject to change
Please see the instructor for information on any classes not listed.
Advanced Biology – High School:
- The Human Body 2nd Edition from Apologia Science
- Topics: 11 organ systems, examine slides, type own blood
- Dissections: cow eye, sheep heart & fetal pig
- Lab Fee: $30 due first day of class
- Dissections specimens & blood typing kit: $45 due with January 2016 tuition
- Prerequisite: first year Biology course AND first year Chemistry course
Alternative Biolgoy Lab only:
- class will be primarily home-based; studetns will meet at UTSA once a week
- Biology labs performed under qualified teacher supervision
- learning activities to clarify the more difficult textbook material
- class will involve much more parental involvement at home than the regular biology course
Advanced Math – High School:
- Saxon Advanced Mathematics, 2nd Edition.
- Prerequisite: Saxon Algebra I and Algebra II with a grade of C or better
- Saxon Geometry recommended but not required
- fast-paced course for students with a strong math background
Advanced Math Lab:
- students need to have completely memorized the multiplication facts and be working on 6-7 grade math level
- the courses endeavors to show students the relationship of mathematic concepts to the real world.
- lab fee of $10 (for the year) due the first day of class.
- students will not receive grades for this course
Algebra I- Middle/High School:
- Saxon Math: Algebra I, 3rd Edition
- recommended that student have had Pre-Algebra with a grade of C or better
- also a placement test to see if students are ready at http://www.sonlight.com/saxon-placement-tests.html
Algebra II:
- Saxon Algebra II, 3rd Edition
- prerequisite: Algebra I
- two lessons taught each class period
Analytical Grammar – Middle/High School:
- Analytical Grammar, Student Workbook by Robin Finley
- course will study the fundamentals of English grammar, including parts of speech, sentence structure and punctuation.
- includes sentence diagramming
- parents encouraged to watch video describing the course at www.analyticalgrammar.com
Art Classes (Elementary Art and Jr. High/Art I and II):
- the goal of this class is to offer a broad-based art curriculum taught from a Christian perspective.
- topics will focus on the elements of art, principles of design, art history, and art methods, painting and drawing techniques,
how to sculpt using hard and soft materials, and current trends in the art world.
Bible A-Z:
- this year we will be taking a Journey Through the New Testament.
- for each book we will learn the author, geographic location, theme, and a character trait to go with it using an assortment
of worksheets, crafts, skits, etc to help enforce what is learned.
- $10 lab fee
Biology – High School:
- Exploring Creation with Biology, 2nd Edition by Apologia
- Prerequisite: General Science
- Labs include microscope work and dissections
- Lab fee of $20 due with first month's tuition
- Dissection specimen kit – due spring semester
Busy Bees:
- for children age 2 ½ to 3 ½ years old
- crafts and stories reflect the seasons and holidays of the year
Beginning Clarinet/Saxophone:
- Essential Element Book
- this is a beginning clarinet and saxophone class where students will learn how to play and read music.
- student will need to provide instrument, textbook and reeds
Elementary Picture Book:
- this course is geared towards elementary students and will touch on the basics of grammar, punctuation, and creative
writing
- students will learn how to write a creative short story, lay it out and illustrate it.
- $10 lab fee
Reading Club 2/3:
- class will focus on enjoying children's literature using both picture books and chapter books.
- cooking activites, note-booking activities, crafts and much more will be incorporated into the lessons
- $10 lab fee each semester
Elemenatry Spanish II:
- purchase of child kit from www.funclase.com necessary (La Clase Divertida)
- conversation based introduction to the Spanish language and culture
- complete early level curriculum that covers everything from vocabulary to cooking
Elementary VA History (3rd – 5th grade):
- VA SOL 4th grade history information will be used as a guide along with in-class activities, projects and videos.
- one time $20 supply fee due the first day of class
Freelance/Journalism – Middle/High School:
- course will focus on writing short pieces, query letters and articles for magazines.
- students will also put together a UTSA newspaper
- book purchase required – see teacher for more information
Future Homemakers – Elementary:
- focus for 2015-2016 will be sewing – specifically quilting
- no sewing machines needed – done by hand
- supply fee of $10 with additional materials needing to be purchased during the school year
Geometry:
- Saxon Geometry
- prerequisite: Algebra I
- it is recommended the solution manual be purchased to help students understand homework assignments
- 2 lessons will be taught each class period along with labs and investigations
German I – Middle/High School:
- Schaum's Outlines German Grammar 5th Edition
- German-English, English-German Dictionary
- German: Translated and adapted by Kelly Morris for Middle/High School (will be supplied by teacher - $9)
- emphasis of course is to lay a strong foundation of the German Grammar
Government – High School:
- Exploring Government by Ray Notgrass
- note packet will be provided for each student - $5 printing cost due at orientation
- Class focus: backgrounds to American government, Congress, electoral college, etc.
- Expected work includes: tests, papers & projects
Home Economics – Middle/High School:
- focus for 2015-2016 will be sewing – specifically quilting
- no sewing machines needed – done by hand
- supply fee of $10 with additional materials needing to be purchased during the school year
Math Lab 4/5:
- grades 4-5
- this class is an extension of individual home instruction, seeking to solidify the fundamental foundation of basic operations
while introducing more advanced concepts in the areas of geometry, fractions and word problems.
- class is appropriate for students working at math grade levels 4-5
- no grades will be given for this class
- lab fee of $10 due first day of class
IEW A:
- this class will focus on teaching elementary students to write in an organized manner, to construct strong and interesting
sentences, and to clearly express their ideas.
- students will need a parent to help through som eof the assignments and to encourage their writing ability
Kinder Class:
- children must be 5 no later then Dec. 31, 2015
- hands on class exploring God's Creation and connecting it all to Character Building concepts.
- Supply fee of $15 due with first months tuition
Language Arts 1-3:
- this course will equip students with a solid foundation in Language Arts in order to help them succeed in all subjects
- concepts will be taught through fun games, hands-on activities, projects and some competition.
- $10 lab fee per semester
Lapbooking 2/3:
- students will explore 4 or 5 topics over the course of the year and create a lapbook on each topic
- class time consists of reading books, research, discussion and hands-on activities.
- $10 material fee due first day of class
Literature and Composition 1 (grade 7-9):
- Lightening and Literature program by Hewitt Homeschooling
- reading and writing assignments will be given as well as discussion and class activities that correspond with the reading.
Literature and Composition 2 (grade 10-12):
- Lightening and Literature program by Hewitt Homeschooling
- reading and writing assignments will be given as well as discussion and class activities that correspond with the reading.
Mapping the World with Art:
- 60 page history text that tells the story of exploration and ampping from ancient Greece through the 1800's
- step by step drawig lessons that teach how to draw the world from discovery
- there will be short reading assignments, review games in class, and maps to be practiced daily
- grades assigned by the parent
Middle School History:
- introduction to World History
- textbook will be required and used as a guidealong with in-class activities, projects and videos
- $10 supply fee due the first day of class
- no grades will be assigned for this class
Mystery of History Vol. II:
- this curriculum not only teaches what is going on around the world during a specific time period but also incorporates how
God interevenes in our lives na dhas throughout history.
- students will create a timeline book, notecards for every lesson, maps and will work on a project each semester
- quizzes and reviews will be sent home to work on during the week
- $10 supply fee
Personal Finance – high school:
- this class is designed to teach basic money management using the DVD course Foundations in Personal Finance by Dave
Ramsey
- in addition to the DVD coursework, students will learn to set up an actual budget, keep a check register, balance their
checkbook, along with various other life prep activities.
- students will need to purchase the student workbook for this coursework
Physical Education (PE):
- the object of this course is to have fun while getting some physical fitness
- in addition to exercise, there will be discussion about good nutrition and making healthy choices, body systems and
anatomy and how they relate to physical exercise
- $20 supply fee due the first day of class
Physics:
- Exploring Creation with Physics, 2nd Edition by Apologia
- Prerequisites: working knowledge of trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, and tangent); completed Algebra II and be
enrolled in or have taken Advanced Math or Trigonometry
- scientific calculator required
- $40 lab fee
Primary Learning:
- language arts class for first and second graders using Five in a Row curriculum
- writing will be incorporated using the Four Square Writing Method
Reading Club 4/6:
- students will read 3-4 novels over the school year while learning more about literary elements.
- class time will incorporate discussion, games, projects, and other hands-on experiences while the reading will be done
mainly at home.
- $10 material fee due first day of class
Spanish I, II, and III:
- classes will incorporate traditional Spanish language, grammar, culture and vocabulary
- students will learn how to read the Bible and share the gospel in Spanish
US History – High School:
- Exploring America: Vol. 1 and 2 by Ray Notgrass
- $5 printing cost for note packet
- students should expect reading every week and 1 or 2 take-home tests per month
Write A Novel:
- each week students will learn one aspect of writing a longer piece of work
- by the end of the year, students will have completed a novel
- this course will enable students to apply what they have learned in regards to grammar and writing to a longer piece of
work
Young Entrepreneurs:
- 2 courses offered, one for Jr. High and one for Sr. High
- topics include creating a business plan, choosing a business structure, registering your business, obtaining licenses and
permits, business law and regulations, financing your business, filing & paying taxes, choosing your location and
hiring/retaining employees
Young Explorers – grade 2-3:
- this course will cover 6 different Social Studies units pertaining to elementary students
- there will be many hands-on projects, as well as oral reports and reinforcement activities to be done at home with the
parent
- $10 lab fee per semester