2023-2024 Middle School Class Offerings
class size 4-8
STAC CLASSES
Intro to Geometry, fall only
In this class students will endeavor to answer “What are important applications of geometric concepts?” We will look at the roll geometry plays in nature, construction, marketing, and design. In addition, each student will investigate and research independently selected topics and share their findings with the class. The class will culminate with the creation of a geometry workbook with original problems related to the topics we studied. There will be both required and supplementary homework for this class. The required homework will involve research, writing, and solving original math problems. The supplementary homework will be pages out of the Spectrum Geometry workbook.
Suggested Age: 10-11
Intro to Statistics, spring only
In this class students will endeavor to answer “How can statistical analysis be used to better understand raw data?” We will look at the role statistics plays in politics, science, economics, and making predictions. In addition, each student will investigate and research independently selected topics and share their findings with the class. The class will culminate with the creation of a statistics workbook with original problems related to the topics we studied. There will be both required and supplementary homework for this class. The required homework will involve research, writing, and solving original math problems. The supplementary homework will be pages out of the TCR’s How to Work with Probability and Statistics workbook.
Suggested Age: 10-11
Global Math
Looking at math from a global perspective opens up all sorts of exciting opportunities. We will look at number systems and algorithms used by other cultures to solve problems. We will learn about the standard measurement system, compare it to the metric system, and learn about the origins of each. We will study and create art, architecture, and textiles focused on symmetry and geometry. We will compare different regions of the world using statistical graphs and charts. We will use maps as a gateway to the coordinate system and graphing. And we will learn about currency exchange in connection to ratios and proportions.
Pairs well with Misty’s Global Languages and Culture (we will be studying the same countries on the same days)
Suggested Age: 10-13
Outdoor Science
This is a middle school science class based on the outdoor space at STAC (primarily life science). Each week we will learn about a topic, go outside to make observations and take samples, and then study the samples using scientific tools such as chemical analysis, microscopes, and splitting open stuff (like bark, rotting logs, rocks, etc.). Topics we will study include: rocks and minerals, ecosystems, pond life, fungi, plants, animals, classification system, life cycles, and reproduction. Students will maintain a science journal for this class and will be asked to do some basic note-taking. In addition each student will embark on a long-term research project about a topic of their choice.
Suggested Age: 10-13
Pre-Algebra A
This is the first year of a traditional Pre-Algebra course that will be stretched out over two years. Over the course of two years we will cover topics such as fractions, decimals, percents, integers, radicals, order of operations, exponents, expressions, proportions, solving equations and inequalities, graphing lines, geometry, statistics, and probability. In addition, we will learn how to utilize the TI30XS Multiview calculator to assist in computations and problem solving. Weekly classes will include lessons, tips on studying upper level math concepts, real-world applications, and a review of important concepts. At home, students will watch videos reviewing or previewing the information learned in class and complete pages in their workbooks.
Age: 12-13
class size 4-8
STAC CLASSES
Intro to Geometry, fall only
In this class students will endeavor to answer “What are important applications of geometric concepts?” We will look at the roll geometry plays in nature, construction, marketing, and design. In addition, each student will investigate and research independently selected topics and share their findings with the class. The class will culminate with the creation of a geometry workbook with original problems related to the topics we studied. There will be both required and supplementary homework for this class. The required homework will involve research, writing, and solving original math problems. The supplementary homework will be pages out of the Spectrum Geometry workbook.
Suggested Age: 10-11
Intro to Statistics, spring only
In this class students will endeavor to answer “How can statistical analysis be used to better understand raw data?” We will look at the role statistics plays in politics, science, economics, and making predictions. In addition, each student will investigate and research independently selected topics and share their findings with the class. The class will culminate with the creation of a statistics workbook with original problems related to the topics we studied. There will be both required and supplementary homework for this class. The required homework will involve research, writing, and solving original math problems. The supplementary homework will be pages out of the TCR’s How to Work with Probability and Statistics workbook.
Suggested Age: 10-11
Global Math
Looking at math from a global perspective opens up all sorts of exciting opportunities. We will look at number systems and algorithms used by other cultures to solve problems. We will learn about the standard measurement system, compare it to the metric system, and learn about the origins of each. We will study and create art, architecture, and textiles focused on symmetry and geometry. We will compare different regions of the world using statistical graphs and charts. We will use maps as a gateway to the coordinate system and graphing. And we will learn about currency exchange in connection to ratios and proportions.
Pairs well with Misty’s Global Languages and Culture (we will be studying the same countries on the same days)
Suggested Age: 10-13
Outdoor Science
This is a middle school science class based on the outdoor space at STAC (primarily life science). Each week we will learn about a topic, go outside to make observations and take samples, and then study the samples using scientific tools such as chemical analysis, microscopes, and splitting open stuff (like bark, rotting logs, rocks, etc.). Topics we will study include: rocks and minerals, ecosystems, pond life, fungi, plants, animals, classification system, life cycles, and reproduction. Students will maintain a science journal for this class and will be asked to do some basic note-taking. In addition each student will embark on a long-term research project about a topic of their choice.
Suggested Age: 10-13
Pre-Algebra A
This is the first year of a traditional Pre-Algebra course that will be stretched out over two years. Over the course of two years we will cover topics such as fractions, decimals, percents, integers, radicals, order of operations, exponents, expressions, proportions, solving equations and inequalities, graphing lines, geometry, statistics, and probability. In addition, we will learn how to utilize the TI30XS Multiview calculator to assist in computations and problem solving. Weekly classes will include lessons, tips on studying upper level math concepts, real-world applications, and a review of important concepts. At home, students will watch videos reviewing or previewing the information learned in class and complete pages in their workbooks.
Age: 12-13