LEAP CO-OP

Stellar Universe

 Instructor: Mrs. Leahy

 

Class Description:

This class will use a NASA-released middle school curriculum to introduce students to the study of our universe in a way that also incorporates an introduction to chemistry (atoms and the periodic table) and physics (the study of light waves). We will explore the stars beyond our solar system with exciting hands-on projects and activities that will surely ignite student interest well beyond this class! 

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There will be a virtual field trip (just for our class), hosted by a guide from NASA Goddard. Please plan for your student to participate via Zoom- Tuesday, March 22 at 10am. 

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Special Notes:​

•  Additional cost for class is $5 to cover material fees for several projects.

•  See note in description on Virtual Field trip (3/22, 10am)

 

Syllabus:

Week 1 – Build your own working spectroscope, and complete a science lab to see the “fingerprints” of visible and invisible light sources.

Week 2 – Complete a universe-in-a-bottle sandart project, after learning about the universe's elements in the periodic table.

Week 3 – Start a diorama on the life-cycle of stars. Learn about main sequence stars and nuclear fusion.

Week 4 – Finish the life-cycle of stars project. Learn about star giants and do a hands-on experiment about how black holes are formed.

Week 5 – Everything there is to know (and lots we don’t know!) about black holes.

Week 6 – Constellations, perspective of space, and a project on modeling galaxies. 

Week 7 – Astronomy from a Christian perspective. We will be assuming the young-earth model in this class.

Week 8 – Wrapping up. Discuss our virtual field trip at NASA.

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Creative Faith Journaling Class

 Instructor: Mrs. Bishop

 

Class Description:

In this class we’ll learn the basics of Bible/Faith Journaling. During our time together, we’ll choose a verse or passage from scripture and reflect on the scripture as a group. Then we’ll walk through the simple steps to create a personal, meaningful journaling page using various art supplies. Projects will be completed in our journals; we’ll record favorite scriptures, prayers, hymns/songs. Students can express themselves as simply or creatively as they like in their personal journals. The overall goal of our class is to engage with God’s Word, grow in our relationship with Jesus, and encourage one another in a creative setting. 

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Special Notes:

• A $5 class fee will be collected for materials. 

• The schedule may be adjusted depending on class needs and preferences. 

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Syllabus:

Week 1- Intro to Bible Journaling

Week 2- Special Project 

Week 3- Lettering, Doodling, & Templates

Week 4- Special Project 

Week 5- Scripture, Prayer, Gratitude Pages

Week 6- Using Watercolors

Week 7- Special Project 

Week 8- Faith Journaling Finale + Party

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My Maryland: History, Geography, and Ecology

Instructor: Mrs. Duffy

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Class Description:

Learn all about this amazing state! Maryland has been called "America in Miniature" because so much is packed into its 10,460 square miles of land and water. We will build a timeline of important events and historical figures that impacted our state and nation. Then we will explore Maryland's geography, topography, natural wonders and waterways. Finally we will learn about Maryland’s diverse ecological habitats including mountains, forests, grasslands, caves, coastal bogs, marshes, Chesapeake Bay tidal zones and barrier islands. Each student will create a binder all about their home state.

 

Special Notes:

• There will be optional short reading assignments and videos shared occasionally for homework. This is optional, but will add to the students' enjoyment of the class.

• We will conclude the semester with a possible field trip in May, depending on availability.

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Syllabus:

Week 1 – Maryland History Timeline: St. Mary’s City, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, etc.
Week 2 – Maryland History Timeline continued: Historical Figures: Francis Scott Key, Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Banneker, Babe Ruth and more.
Week 3 – Maryland Geography, county-by-county commerce and agriculture.
Week 4 – Maryland Geography, Topography and Waterways
Week 5 – The Chesapeake Bay: A National Treasure
Week 6 – Ecology: mountains, forests, caves
Week 7 – Ecology: marshes, tidal zones, and barrier Islands
Week 8 – Wrapping it up with unique Maryland facts : Chincoteague ponies, horseshoe crabs, Fort McHenry and more.

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Making Bank – Intro to Personal Finance

Instructor: Mr. Majka

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Class Description:

Everybody likes making bank, but many do not have the basic fundamental knowledge of how to manage money. This class will provide the basic overview of some of life’s important money topics through the lens of saving, giving and
spending.

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Special Notes:

• Class will include occasional homework

• Class will include some parental involvement

 

Syllabus:

Week 1 – Saving and Budgeting
Week 2 – Interest
Week 3 – Debt
Week 4 – Investments
Week 5 – Income and Benefits
Week 6 – Taxes
Week 7 – Paying for College
Week 8 – Cumulative Review

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Refugees: God’s Heart for the Foreigner

Instructor: Mrs. Huguenin

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Class Description

More than 25 million people are refugees today. They have fled their homes, risking their lives on dangerous journeys. What made them flee? Where can they go? How can welcoming countries support them? We will answer these questions after exploring how God cared for refugees throughout history. Students will work together weeks 7 and 8 to answer the big question, “How can I help?”

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Special Notes:

• There is an optional book study for this class with 8 response activities. This is a great opportunity to tie in language arts. Simply let Mrs. Huguenin know if you would like the book list and activities to complete outside of class.

 

Syllabus

Week 1 – What if? 

Week 2 – Aliens in the Bible, part 1

Week 3 – Aliens in the Bible, part 2

Week 4 – Modern Refugees

Week 5 – Child Refugees then and now

Week 6 – Guest speaker

Week 7 – How Can I Help? project

Week 8 – How Can I Help? project

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Intro to Songwriting

Instructor: Mrs. Weber

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Class Description

Why do we like certain songs more than others? Do you have a song wanting to come out of you? We will work together to answer these questions and have much fun doing it!

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Special Notes:

• Class will include occasional homework

 

Syllabus

Week 1 – Know your Tunes, know your Terms, know your Team.
Week 2 – Let’s dissect some ditties! (focus on analyzing lyrics)
Week 3 – What is it about that song?! (focus on melody)
Week 4 – Let’s add richness and depth. (focus on chords and harmony)
Week 5 – Workshop 1: Let’s write one altogether!
Week 6 – Workshop 2: Start one together, finish on a team.
Week 7 – Workshop 3: How can I help you with your original song?
Week 8 – Workshop 4: How can I help you with your original song?