Introduction to the 2025–2026 School Year (11th Grade)

This year, our goal is to promote depth of understanding, foster independence, and prepare students for real-world challenges. Through our School-At-Homers approach, students will integrate computer-based coursework, classic textbooks, and hands-on projects to develop a comprehensive 11th-grade portfolio. Weekly Adventure Days will extend learning beyond traditional methods, and students are encouraged to add two online courses each quarter to personalize their educational journey.

Our focus for the 11th grade prioritizes college- and career-aligned skills, including advanced STEM applications, research-driven humanities, data and media literacy, and leadership/civic engagement. Essential skills such as writing across the curriculum, presentation abilities, and authentic assessments (labs, debates, design/build projects) will anchor the academic year.

To support diverse learning needs, we offer optional block scheduling that is friendly to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This allows students to focus on one core subject per day while adhering to set due dates. Early submissions are encouraged to provide opportunities for deeper exploration or enrichment.

Calendar at a Glance:

First Day of School: September 8, 2025

Quarters: September to June (with Winter Break in December and Spring Break in March)

Weekly Rhythm: Core studies from Monday to Thursday; Adventure/Field Lab on Friday

Assessments: Monthly tests on the second Tuesday; Quarterly Reviews on the last Friday of November, February, April, and June; Final Exams during the third full week of June

Summer: At least 20 days of hands-on learning (July to August)

Our curriculum continues to emphasize design-thinking and "imagineering" principles, channeling creativity into purposeful projects that connect science, technology, history, literature, and the arts. This is a year to think critically, create boldly, and prepare confidently for the future.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Course focus.
An integrated, lab-first program that blends physics, chemistry, engineering design, and applied math. Students investigate real problems, build and test prototypes, analyze data, and communicate results—building a portfolio that’s ready for college and careers.

What You’ll Learn

Scientific Inquiry: experimental design, variables, controls, error analysis
Engineering Design: problem scoping, prototyping, iteration, safety & ethics
Applied Math: Algebra II/Precalculus tools, statistics, modeling & graphing
Tech & Data: spreadsheets, sensors/phone data, optional microcontroller basics
Communication: lab notebooks, technical writing, visuals, and presentations

Semester Outline

Semester 1 — Motion, Energy & Measurement

Big ideas: systems, forces, energy, and reliable data.
Topics & skills

Kinematics & forces (motion maps, free-body diagrams), energy transfers
Intro circuits (basic DC), measurement precision & uncertainty
Data skills: regressions, residuals, error bars; spreadsheet modeling
Milestone (Q1–Q2): Data-to-Design Lab
Plan and build a simple measurement system (e.g., timing gate, temperature logger, or drop-test rig), collect data, fit a model, and present a 3–4 page lab report with visuals.

Semester 2 — Materials, Reactions & Sustainable Systems

Big ideas: matter and energy in real designs; performance vs. trade-offs.
Topics & skills

Chemical reactions & rates, energy/thermo basics, materials selection
Electricity/magnetism applications; power, efficiency, and safety
Design economics: bill of materials, constraints, and testing plans
Capstone (Q3–Q4): Build-Test-Improve
Choose a challenge (e.g., bridge or truss, water filtration, solar/thermal device, or greenhouse controller). Deliver a working prototype, test data, an engineering brief (4–6 pages), and a final presentation.

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly Checks (2nd Tuesday): skills quiz or mini-practical
Quarterly Reviews (last Fri of Nov/Feb/Apr/Jun): portfolio conference + rubric
Finals (3rd full week of June): capstone demo + technical talk
Lab Notebook: updated weekly (procedures, data tables, reflections)

Supports & Materials

Block Scheduling (ASD-friendly): one core area per day; firm due dates; early submissions welcome
Materials: lab notebook, ruler/tape, scale, stopwatch/phone sensors, household lab supplies; optional microcontroller kit (Arduino/Pico), simple tools, and safety gear (glasses, gloves)

Adventure Day Ideas (tie-ins)

Makerspace prototyping session • Science center lab • Watershed or energy site visit • University/industry lab tour

Cross-Curricular Links

Entomology/Natural Sciences: field sensors, environmental data
Geography: map-based data stories (heat, flood, transit)
Coding/Roblox: physics prototypes, UI for data displays
Entrepreneurship: cost/benefit, materials choices, pitch brief

Natural Sciences: Entomology

Course focus (11th Grade).
Students investigate insect anatomy, behavior, ecology, and conservation through fieldwork, data analysis, and scientific writing. Labs emphasize ethical observation/collection, statistics, and clear communication—building a portfolio-ready mini field study.

Semester Outline

Semester 1 — Foundations

Taxonomy & morphology; life cycles & metamorphosis
Field methods: transects, quadrats, pitfall/light traps; microscopy basics
Data skills: counts, averages, simple diversity indices; lab notebooking
Milestone: Local Biodiversity Survey with photo IDs (or sketches) and a short methods/results report.

Semester 2 — Systems & Impact

Pollination networks; pests & beneficials; vectors & public health
Climate and habitat change; conservation strategies & native planting
Science communication: figures, captions, and short talks
Capstone: Insects & Humans project—impact brief + public-facing artifact (poster, PSA, or mini-site).

Assessment & Supports

Monthly checks (2nd Tues): skills quizzes or specimen/photo reviews
Quarterly Reviews: portfolio conferences with rubric
Finals (June): practical ID + short presentation
Block scheduling option (ASD-friendly): one core area per day; firm due dates; early submissions encouraged

Materials (flexible)

Field notebook, hand lens (10×), phone/camera, ruler/thermometer, insect boxes/jars & forceps; optional: microscope, DIY pitfall/light-trap supplies.

Adventure Day Ideas

Park or garden bioblitz, museum entomology visit, extension office/farm tour, evening light-trap observation.

Note: Photography-only alternatives are available for students who prefer non-collection work. Safety protocols include allergy awareness, minimal handling, and habitat respect.

U.S. History

Course focus.
Students investigate the United States from Reconstruction to the present, connecting pivotal events to today’s civic and cultural landscape. Emphasis is on primary sources, argument writing, media literacy, and cause-and-effect across politics, economics, technology, and social movements.

Skills You’ll Build

Analyzing primary/secondary sources (sourcing, contextualization, corroboration)
Writing historical arguments (thesis, evidence, counterclaim)
Interpreting data (maps, graphs, legislation, court opinions)
Public speaking & presentation (briefings, debates, mini-lectures)

Semester Outline

Semester 1 — Rebuilding & Redefining (c. 1865–1929)

Reconstruction & Its Aftermath: Amendments 13–15, federalism, civil rights limits, Jim Crow
Industrialization & Immigration: Labor, urbanization, technology, environmental change
Populism & Progressivism: Reform movements, journalism, regulation, women’s suffrage
The U.S. on the World Stage: Spanish–American War, WWI, diplomacy vs. isolation

Milestone (Q1–Q2):
Reform Dossier — choose a 19th/early-20th-century problem (e.g., labor safety, monopolies, voting rights). Produce:

Issue brief (2–3 pages, cited)
Primary-source packet with annotations
5-minute policy pitch (slides allowed)

Semester 2 — Crisis, Cold War, and Contemporary America (c. 1929–present)

Great Depression & New Deal: Economic policy, constitutional debates, social safety nets
WWII & Home Front: Mobilization, civil liberties, science/tech, global alliances
Early Cold War: Containment, Korea/Vietnam, McCarthyism, domestic impacts
Rights Revolutions: Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, AIM, LGBTQ+ activism, immigration reform
From the 1970s to Today: Deindustrialization, globalization, tech, media, and polarization

Capstone (Q3–Q4):
Then & Now Inquiry — pick a contemporary issue (e.g., voting access, privacy & tech, media trust, public health) and trace its historical roots. Deliver:

Research paper (6–8 pages, MLA/APA with primary sources)
Public product (podcast episode, mini-documentary, or op-ed)
Presentation + Q&A during finals week

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly Tests: 2nd Tuesday (DBQ/LEQ/SAQ rotations or unit quizzes)

Quarterly Reviews: Last Friday of Nov/Feb/Apr/Jun (portfolio conference + progress report)
Final Exams: Third full week of June (capstone presentation + source analysis practical)
Weekly Journal: Short reflection/notes to build writing stamina and emotional check-ins

Supports & Options

Block Scheduling (ASD-friendly): One core area per day with firm due dates; early submissions encouraged for extended exploration.
Choice Boards: Alternative products (exhibit label set, timeline website, interview project) for major assignments.
Honors/AP Extension (optional): Extra DBQ practice, Supreme Court case briefs, historiography article reviews.

Materials (flexible)

Notebook or binder, access to a slideshow/doc tool, printed primary sources or tablet, atlas or online maps; optional: microphone or phone camera for media projects.

Adventure Day Ideas (tie-ins)

Local history walking tour & photo-mapping, courthouse or city-council observation, museum/archive visit with document study, oral-history interview with a community elder.

Sociology

Course focus.
How do groups, institutions, and cultures shape what we think and do? In this course, students learn to ask good questions, gather real data, and explain social patterns—building college-ready skills in research, argument, and presentation.

What You’ll Learn

Core concepts: culture, socialization, norms, deviance, inequality, institutions
Research methods & ethics: observation, interviews/surveys, content analysis, basic stats
Data literacy: sampling, variables, coding qualitative notes, charts & cross-tabs
Communication: concise briefs, visualizations, presentations, and reflective writing

Semester Outline

Semester 1 — Foundations of Social Inquiry

Big ideas: How sociologists think; culture & identity; groups, norms, and social institutions.
Skills & topics

Research design 101 (questions, hypotheses, ethics & consent, privacy)
Field methods: structured observation; interview basics; reflexivity/positionality
Institutions: family, education, economy, media, government; socialization and roles
Milestone (Q1–Q2): Mini-Ethnography
Choose a public setting (e.g., library, park, café).
Collect field notes (2–3 short visits), code patterns, and connect to concepts.
Deliverables: 3–4 page report with 1–2 figures + 3-min talk.

Semester 2 — Inequality, Change, and Civic Life

Big ideas: Stratification (class, race/ethnicity, gender), social movements, policy & community impact.
Skills & topics

Surveys & basic analysis (frequencies, cross-tabs), data visualization
Media/content analysis (news, social platforms, ads)
Policy & community engagement: reading local data, meeting stakeholders
Capstone (Q3–Q4): Issue-to-Action Project
Pick a local or national issue (e.g., food access, teen work, transit, digital well-being).
Gather at least two kinds of evidence (small survey/interviews + secondary data).
Deliverables: 5–7 page brief, one infographic, and a 5–7 min presentation during finals week.

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly Checks (2nd Tuesday): quick concept quiz or methods/applications task
Quarterly Reviews (last Fri of Nov/Feb/Apr/Jun): portfolio conference + rubric scores
Finals (3rd full week of June): capstone presentation + methods/principles practical
Weekly Journal: 1 reflection or data note (builds writing stamina & metacognition)

Supports & Options

Block Scheduling (ASD-friendly): focus on one core area per day; firm due dates; early submissions welcome for deeper exploration
Choice Boards: format options (op-ed, podcast segment, mini-doc, poster) for major deliverables
Honors/AP Extension (optional): deeper readings, additional datasets, longer lit review, and stronger methods section

Materials (flexible)

Notebook or binder, clipboard for field notes, spreadsheet/slideshow tool; optional: phone recorder (for interviews), simple charting or survey tool.

Adventure Day Ideas (tie-ins)

City council or school board observation (public meeting notes)
Museum or local history center (culture & change)
Neighborhood walkability or transit audit (data tally + map)
Community org visit (youth services, food bank, cultural center)

Ethics & Safety (quick guide)

Use public spaces or interviews with informed consent; no sensitive/private topics without approval.
De-identify names and locations in written work.
Follow adult supervision guidelines for any off-site activity.

Geography

Course focus.
How does place shape people—and how do people reshape place? Students study physical and human geography together: landforms, weather/climate, ecosystems, populations, migration, urban planning, resources, and risk. The emphasis is on spatial thinking, data storytelling, and real-world decision making.

What You’ll Learn

Map fundamentals: scale, projections, coordinates, relief, thematic maps
Physical systems: landforms, watersheds, biomes, weather & climate patterns
Human systems: population & migration, culture, development, cities & transportation
Geospatial skills: collecting location data, analyzing patterns, and building clear map visuals
Risk & resilience: natural hazards, climate impacts, resources, and sustainability trade-offs
Communication: concise briefs, data visualizations, and spoken presentations

Semester Outline

Semester 1 — Foundations & Spatial Inquiry

Big ideas: Read the landscape; connect physical patterns to human choices.
Skills & topics

Map literacy + field mapping (compass/phone GPS basics, sketch maps)
Climate & biomes; watersheds and land use; human settlement patterns
Intro to “GIS-lite”: using simple tools to layer data and tell a story

Milestone (Q1–Q2): Map Story Portfolio
Choose a local issue (e.g., heat islands, food access, transit, flooding). Produce:

2–3 thematic maps with captions
1–2 pages of analysis explaining the pattern and likely causes
3-minute briefing with a recommendation

Semester 2 — Global Systems, Cities & Change

Big ideas: Interconnected economies, migration, urbanization, and environmental resilience.
Skills & topics

Urban geography & planning: zoning, housing, transportation networks
Development & globalization: supply chains, resources, conservation strategies
Hazards & adaptation: wildfire, storm surge, drought, sea-level rise

Capstone (Q3–Q4): Place & Policy Brief
Pick a city/region and a challenge (e.g., flooding, transit gaps, housing). Deliver:

4–6 page brief with maps, one chart, and cited sources
Public-facing product (poster, one-pager, or 90-second explainer video)
5–7 minute final presentation during finals week

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly Checks (2nd Tuesday): quick map/skills quiz or data task
Quarterly Reviews (last Fri of Nov/Feb/Apr/Jun): portfolio conference + rubric
Finals (3rd full week of June): capstone presentation + practical map read
Weekly Journal: one short field note, sketch map, or “map of the week” reflection

Supports & Options

Block Scheduling (ASD-friendly): one core area per day; firm due dates; early submissions welcome
Choice Boards: op-ed, infographic, mini-doc, or interactive map for major products
Honors/AP Extension (optional): deeper datasets, projection analysis, and a longer lit review

Materials (flexible)

Notebook, clipboard, ruler/scale, printed base maps or atlas, access to a slides/spreadsheet tool; optional: phone/camera for field mapping, simple GPS/compass, and basic geospatial web tools.

Adventure Day Ideas (tie-ins)

Urban transect walk: sketch land use, count shade/trees, note transit stops
Watershed field stop: trace storm drains to creek/river; simple water observations
Neighborhood services audit: map groceries, parks, clinics; propose improvements
Museum/Planning Dept visit: talk with a planner or review historical maps

Cross-Curricular Links

Sociology: neighborhood equity, mobility, and public services
Natural Sciences/Entomology: habitat mapping and biodiversity corridors
English: policy brief writing and public speaking

Coding and Programming

Course focus.
Students learn programming and game design by building, testing, and polishing games in Roblox Studio. The year emphasizes Luau scripting, systems and level design, user experience, and digital business ethics. Monetization is taught in simulation (no real purchases) so learners understand virtual economies, fair pricing, and player-first design while keeping projects classroom-safe.

What You’ll Learn

Programming (Luau): variables, conditionals, loops, functions, events, ModuleScripts, client/server basics
Roblox Systems: parts & physics, Humanoid tools, checkpoints, leaderboards, RemoteEvents/RemoteFunctions
Game Design: mechanics, difficulty curves, progression, feedback loops, playtesting
UX & Polish: UI (ScreenGui), input handling, audio/SFX, particles, lighting, performance basics
Production: game design docs (GDD), sprint planning, bug tracking, patch notes, presentation skills
Virtual Economies (simulated): value mapping, sources & sinks, store UX, transparent pricing, player well-being
Ethics & Safety: privacy, respectful communities, age-appropriate features, clear disclosures

Semester Outline

Semester 1 — Foundations in Roblox Studio

Big ideas: think like a developer; build readable code and fair mechanics.

Topics & skills

Studio setup, Explorer/Properties, playtest modes; parts, constraints, physics
Scripting 101: events (Touched, ClickDetector), functions, tables, ModuleScripts
Player systems: spawns, checkpoints, simple NPCs/obstacles; non-persistent stats (leaderstats)
Economy Basics (simulation): identify sources (quests/time/achievements) and sinks (cosmetics/upgrades); write clear store copy (no pressure loops)

Milestone (Q1–Q2): Obby+ Skill Build
Create a short obstacle game with 3 distinct mechanics and a timed leaderboard, plus a one-page Economy Map showing how rewards, cosmetics, and progression would work (simulation only).
Deliverables: GDD, annotated scripts, demo clip (30–60s), economy map.

Semester 2 — Systems, Monetization UX (Simulated) & Publishing

Big ideas: iterate with feedback; design transparent, player-friendly systems.

Topics & skills

Client vs. server; RemoteEvents for multiplayer interactions; basic anti-exploit practices
UI & feedback: menus, health/inventory, sound design, particles; performance & lighting polish
Monetization UX (simulation): prototype a store (Game Pass/Developer Product placeholders) in Studio test mode, price comparisons, confirmation flows, and clear disclosures
Team workflows: Team Create, version snapshots, issue tracker, playtest surveys; preparing a closed-alpha build (Private/Friends-only)

Capstone (Q3–Q4): Feature-Complete Game
Ship a closed-alpha of a small game (e.g., co-op adventure, tycoon-lite, or survival mini). All monetization remains disabled or simulated in alpha.
Deliverables: playable link (Private/Friends-only), trailer (60–90s), README + patch notes, Monetization & Ethics Brief (1–2 pages describing value, fairness, and safeguards), and a live demo + code walkthrough.

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly Build Checks (2nd Tuesday): short coding task, mechanic review, or store-UX simulation check
Quarterly Reviews (last Fri of Nov/Feb/Apr/Jun): portfolio conference + rubric scores
Finals (3rd full week of June): capstone demo, code review, and postmortem
Weekly Dev Log: 3–5 bullets (what I tried, bugs found, next steps)

Supports & Options

Block Scheduling (ASD-friendly): one core area per day; firm due dates; early submissions welcome for deeper exploration
Choice Boards: pick your mechanic set (movement, physics, collection, narrative), UI style, or theme
Honors Extension (optional): state machines, basic pathfinding, lightweight analytics, or modular UI kits

Materials (flexible)

Computer (Windows/Mac) with Roblox Studio and a Roblox account (use Private/Friends-only for playtests); optional headset for audio tests; simple tracker (sheet/Trello/Notion); screen recorder for trailers.

Safety & Ethics (built-in)

Classroom projects use simulation only for purchases; no real-money transactions.
Clear store disclosures (“cosmetic only,” “optional,” “no competitive advantage”).
Respect privacy; keep playtests Private/Friends-only; follow age-appropriate features.
No dark patterns: avoid pressure timers, loot-box mechanics, or gambling-like loops.

Rubric Snapshot (used at reviews)

Code Quality: readable, modular, commented; passes tests
Systems Design: coherent mechanics and progression; balanced difficulty
UX & Polish: clear UI, feedback, stability, performance
Production Discipline: GDD quality, sprint/issue tracking, patch notes
Ethics & Economy: transparent store UX (simulated), fair pricing rationale, player well-being
Communication: demo clarity, trailer/readme quality, reflective postmortem

Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy

Course focus.
Build real-world money smarts and maker skills. Students learn personal finance (budgeting, credit, taxes, saving/investing) and entrepreneurship (value proposition, pricing, cost, margins, break-even). We’ll dovetail with the Roblox game-economy unit—monetization stays simulated—to practice ethical, transparent design.

What You’ll Learn

Personal finance: budgets, emergency funds, credit reports/scores, taxes basics, investing 101
Business fundamentals: product/market fit, pricing, cost of goods/services, revenue models
Financial modeling: unit economics, contribution margin, simple cashflow
Communication: one-pagers, pitch decks, short demos

Semester Outline

Sem 1 — Personal Finance & Idea Lab

Budget build, needs vs. wants, debt & interest, saving/investing basics
Micro-venture brainstorms; value mapping; simple pricing
Milestone: Household Budget + Savings Plan and a 1-page venture concept.

Sem 2 — Venture Modeling (with Roblox Simulation)

Unit economics, price tests (simulated), store UX, fair monetization, policy & ethics
Pitch practice; basic ops (tasks, timeline, risk)
Capstone: Mini-Venture Pitch with financial model + Roblox store (simulated) and an Ethics Brief.

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly checks (2nd Tue) • Quarterly reviews (last Fri of Nov/Feb/Apr/Jun) • Finals (capstone pitch + model).
Weekly Journal: money mindset + venture progress notes.

Supports & Materials

Block scheduling option (ASD-friendly); early submissions welcome.
Calculator or spreadsheet; slides tool; optional screen recorder for demos.

Adventure Day Ideas

Local small-business visit, makerspace costing lab, credit union/bank Q&A.

College & Career Prep

Course focus.
Plan your next step with confidence. Students learn test strategy (SAT/ACT), application essays, résumés & LinkedIn, scholarships, and interview skills, producing a polished planning portfolio.

What You’ll Learn

Testing: question types, pacing, error analysis, practice plans
Applications: activity lists, recommendations, timelines, scholarship searches
Communication: personal statements, supplemental essays, interviewing
Career tools: résumé, LinkedIn, portfolio highlights, email etiquette

Semester Outline

Sem 1 — Strategy & Story

Test plan + diagnostics; strengths/weakness targeting
Personal narrative: brainstorming, drafting, revising a core essay
Milestone: Testing plan + final personal statement.

Sem 2 — Applications & Launch

Résumé & LinkedIn; short-answer supplements; interview practice
Scholarships & financial-aid basics; college list building or career pathway plan
Capstone: Application/Opportunity Packet (résumé, essay, list, 2 supplements, interview clip or mock).

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly checks (2nd Tue) • Quarterly reviews • Finals (packet presentation + mock interview).
Weekly Journal: progress tracker + reflection.

Supports & Materials

Block scheduling; early submissions.
Docs/slides tool; optional video for mock interviews.

Adventure Day Ideas

College tour or virtual info session, career fair, employer site visit.

Foreign Language

Course focus.
Third-year students build Intermediate-level proficiency using Duolingo for daily practice, then apply that language in short conversations, readings, and public-facing work. By year’s end, students should comfortably handle everyday situations, narrate in past/future, give opinions with reasons, and present information clearly to an audience.

Primary app: Duolingo (mobile or web). Teacher dashboards track progress, streaks, and skill mastery.
Target proficiency: ACTFL Intermediate Mid–High (moving toward Advanced Low on strong strands).

What You’ll Learn

Communication: interpersonal (conversation), interpretive (listening/reading), presentational (speaking & writing)
Language control: time & sequence (past/future), description/comparison, cause/effect, connectors & transitions
Fluency habits: pronunciation/clarity, circumlocution (saying it another way), self-correction
Cultural literacy: products, practices, perspectives across regions (media, foodways, customs)

Weekly Rhythm (Duolingo + Off-App Practice)

Duolingo practice: 4–5 days/week (aim for a weekly XP goal or Unit goal that’s right for the learner; typically 400–700 XP/week in Year 3). Include speaking, listening, and Stories/Audio where available.
Conversation burst (10–15 min): quick interpersonal practice (partner, family, or teacher prompt).
Short write or recording (1×/week): 6–10 sentences (or 45–60 sec audio) using target structures.
Cultural clip/read: brief authentic media with 2–3 comprehension checks.

Note: For ASL, swap Duolingo with an ASL platform and keep the same rhythm (signing practice + short signed recordings + Deaf culture media).

Semester Outline

Semester 1 — Consolidation & Fluency

Big ideas: say more with precision; tell clear stories in multiple time frames.
Focus: complete a meaningful set of Duolingo Units/Checkpoints (teacher-set), emphasize past narration, everyday problem-solving, and opinion language.

Milestone (Q1–Q2): Community Snapshot
A 2–3 minute presentation (spoken/signed) + one-page visual on a cultural topic (daily life, music, festivals, local issues). Include 3–5 target structures (past, future, comparatives, because/so).

Semester 2 — Purposeful Language & Public Presentation

Big ideas: use language to inform, persuade, and collaborate.
Focus: tasks like directions/itineraries, reviews, short interviews; integrate Duolingo Stories/Audio for narrative and listening stamina.

Capstone (Q3–Q4): Real-World Project
Choose one:

Travel Guide or Micro-Documentary (video/slides; captions for accessibility)
Interview Project with a community member or language partner (consent + reflection)
Service/Resource Guide (e.g., newcomer tips, museum/park guide)
Deliverables: 4–6 minute presentation, a one-page summary in the target language, and an English reflection.

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly Checks (2nd Tuesday): short interpersonal interview + interpretive quiz (clip/article).
Quarterly Reviews (last Fri of Nov/Feb/Apr/Jun): portfolio conference with Duolingo progress, 1–2 recordings, and a short write.
Finals (3rd full week of June): OPI-style oral interview + presentational task; writing (or signed narrative).
Weekly Journal: brief entries in the target language (3–6 sentences or 30–45 seconds signed).

Duolingo evidence may include: screenshot of Units/Crowns, XP trend, completed Stories/Audio, and error-review notes (“What I keep mixing up & how I’ll fix it”).

Supports & Materials

Block Scheduling (ASD-friendly): one core area per day; firm due dates; early submissions welcome
Choice Boards: dialogues, comic strips, voice/screen recordings, slide decks, sketchnotes, or signed stories
Tools: Duolingo app/web, headphones/mic, notebook; optional leveled readers or phrase cards for conversation bursts

Adventure Day Ideas (tie-ins)

Language lunch with phrase cards • Museum or neighborhood cultural walk • Community event/language meetup (with consent & safety) • Virtual exchange

Cross-Curricular Links

Sociology & Geography: migration, identity, and place
Media Literacy: bias and representation in foreign-language media
English Research & Composition: compare rhetorical moves across languages

English Research & Composition

Course focus.
College-ready research and argument. Students master source evaluation, thesis-driven writing, and MLA/APA conventions while producing a substantial research paper and a public-facing piece.

What You’ll Learn

Inquiry & argument: research questions, thesis, counterclaims
Sources: scholarly/popular, credibility, bias, synthesis
Writing process: outlines, drafts, revision, style, citations (MLA/APA)
Presentation: visuals, speaking, Q&A

Semester Outline

Sem 1 — Inquiry Foundations

Finding/gating sources; annotated bibliography; outlines; short literature review
Milestone: Annotated Bibliography + Prospectus.

Sem 2 — Composition & Publication

Full paper (6–8 pages), visuals/tables, executive summary; op-ed or explainer as public piece
Capstone: Research Paper + Presentation (with MLA/APA) and Public Piece.

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly checks (2nd Tue) • Quarterly reviews • Finals (defense + edits).
Weekly Journal: mini-research logs.

Supports & Materials

Block scheduling; early submissions.
Docs/slides tool; citation guide or manager (optional).

Adventure Day Ideas

Library/archive visit, guest editor talk, public reading/salon.

Media Literacy & Digital Citizenship

Course focus.
Be a savvy, ethical creator and consumer. Students analyze bias and sources, practice fact-checking, learn online safety & privacy, and apply creator ethics—including AI use, copyright, and fair use.

What You’ll Learn

Media analysis: framing, rhetoric, data visuals, misinformation tactics
Verification: lateral reading, source trails, image/video checks
Citizenship & safety: privacy, digital footprints, community standards
Creator ethics: copyright/fair use, attribution, AI disclosure, ad/monetization literacy

Semester Outline

Sem 1 — Decode & Verify

Bias/claims, fact-checking routines, case studies
Milestone: Media Audit Portfolio (3 analyses + verification notes).

Sem 2 — Create & Disclose

Responsible production: disclosures, accessibility, sourcing; optional AI policy for projects
Capstone: Public PSA or Explainer (video, podcast, or article) with source notes & accessibility checklist.

Assessments & Rhythm

Monthly checks (2nd Tue) • Quarterly reviews • Finals (PSA + rationale).
Weekly Journal: media log & reflection.

Supports & Materials

Block scheduling; early submissions.
Docs/slides tool; optional simple editing software.

Adventure Day Ideas

Local newsroom or communications office, museum exhibit on media/propaganda, public meeting live-tweet (class account).

Fine Arts Credit — choose one track

Track A: Art & Music Integration

Course focus.
Create and curate. Students pair studio practice (visual art and/or music) with arts literacy, producing a small portfolio and a public showcase tied to a theme from history, science, or community life.

What You’ll Learn

Technique & process (media, form, composition or rhythm/harmony)
Arts analysis: critique language, era/context, artist intent
Curation & presentation: artist statements, exhibit/set design

Milestones

Sem 1: Mini Portfolio (3 works + reflections)
Sem 2: Showcase Project (series or performance) with artist statement & display plan

Assessments/Rhythm
Monthly checks • Quarterly reviews • Finals (showcase).
Materials: sketchbook or notebook; chosen media/instrument (flexible).

Adventure Day Ideas
Museum/gallery field notes; concert or rehearsal observation; public art walk.

Track B: Film Studies 11

Course focus.
Watch smarter, create better. Students study film language (shot types, composition, sound, editing) and produce a video essay or short.

What You’ll Learn

Analysis: narrative, genre, cinematography, sound design, editing
Production basics: shot planning, recording, simple cuts/titles, sound

Communication: critique writing, pitch, and screening talkback

Milestones

Sem 1: Scene Analysis Portfolio (2–3 films/scenes)

Sem 2: Short or Video Essay (2–5 min) + director’s statement

Assessments/Rhythm
Monthly checks • Quarterly reviews • Finals (screening + Q&A).
Materials: phone or camera, simple editing app, headphones.

Adventure Day Ideas
Art-house screening, museum film exhibit, soundstage/AV club visit.

Admin/ Website

Welcome to the Admin & Website Hub—your one stop for how our homeschool runs day-to-day. Here you’ll find everything families need for the 2025–2026 year in one clear place: our calendar and .ics feed, grading and assessment policies, credit & transcript guidance, attendance and portfolio expectations, and our ASD-friendly block-scheduling option. You can also access required forms, tech & safety guidelines, and contact information. Bookmark this page and check it each week for quick updates, downloads, and any policy changes—so planning stays simple and learning stays front-and-center.

What’s inside

Calendar & .ICS: monthly view + subscribe link
Grading & Assessments: tests, quarterly reviews, finals
Credits & Transcripts: how each course maps to credit
Attendance & Portfolio: journals, labs, Adventure Day logs
Block Scheduling (ASD-friendly): how it works + due dates
Forms & Downloads: permission slips, syllabi, rubrics
Contact & Office Hours: how to reach us and response times

Page updated

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