High School Courses

College Preparation Courses
Computer Science Courses
Mathematics Courses
Science Courses
Health Courses
Art Courses

College Preparation

College Essay Writing Workshop

Each student should expect to produce original, student-generated work of the highest quality – specifically, at minimum, an activities resume and both short and long Common Application essay.

The essay portion of the college application process can be arduous and confusing for students and parents. Most colleges and universities limit their essay word counts to around 500 words, making it very difficult for students to demonstrate their real strengths, talents and achievements. Colleges offer only vague hints as to what they are looking for – “diversity,” “leadership,” “depth of experience” – leaving students and parents to guess at what this means. Run by a teacher with years of experience supporting students through their essay writing, this workshop offers a unique combination of one-on-one conferences and guided revision.

Computer Science

Problem Solving: Karel and Elementary Graphics
(1 unit for credit, two weeks)

This course is for students who wish to explore the problem-solving techniques employed in computer programming. It is open to all students, but recommended for rising sophomores or freshmen with strong analytical skills. The emphasis of this course is on the foundations of programming methodologies for the discipline of computer science, including modular programming, conditionals and loops. These concepts will be applicable to all programming languages studied in the future. The Java language is used in conjunction with a “karel” and graphics package. This course serves as a prerequisite for Java I. No prerequisites are required to enroll except middle school-level computing.
Instructor: John Wizzard

Robotics
(1 unit for credit, two weeks)

In the robotics course, the student experiences the power of designing and programming robots to solve problems. Topics include an overview of robotics, engineering and programming principles, robot mapping, handling environments and objects. Students will be provided with a Lego Mindstorm robotics kit with the RobotC and Java programming languages for use during the three week course. Students will assemble their robots and program them to solve various challenges. Students are expected to work with independence and initiative to complete a significant long-term project.
Instructors: Mr. Haytock, John Wizzard

Mathematics

Math I
(3 units for credit, six weeks)

Math I is a problem-based, student-centered study of core topics in algebra and geometry. Students are active participants in their own learning as they complete a packet of problems through which the following key concepts are learned: the distributive property, order of operations, percent, slope, linear and quadratic relationships, perimeter, area, volume, direct variation, uniform motion, exponents, radicals, the Pythagorean Theorem, angle relationships, and the distance formula. Reading, writing and speaking mathematics are emphasized by requiring students to complete solutions to open-ended word problems and present their findings in class. Real-life applications are explored in the context of word problems and student discourse is fostered in the implementation. Shady Side students enrolled in the course will be prepared for Math II, while non-Shady Side students will receive Algebra I credit.
 

 Trigonometry
(1 unit for credit, two weeks)

This course covers trigonometric functions, triangle trigonometry, circular functions and their graphs, trigonometric identities, inverse functions and trigonometric equations.    
PREREQUISITES: Geometry and Algebra II

Pre-Calculus
(2 units for credit, four weeks)

This course covers elementary functions, including vectors, parametric equations, polar coordinates, polynomials and rational functions and their graphs, limits and continuity, logarithms and exponential functions, and conic sections.
PREREQUISITES: Geometry, Algebra II and Trigonometry 

High School Math Prep

High School Math Prep is an individualized, student-centered course that will help lead students on a path of success in high school math. This two week course is an opportunity for those students who are unable to take the six week Math I course to review for Math I or prepare for the upcoming school year of Math I or Math II. This course will also help students gain insight on the types of math problems featured on the SAT.

Science

Concepts of Physics
(3 units for credit, four weeks)

This laboratory-based course focuses on helping students to achieve an understanding of the nature of science and experimental design in the context of physics topics. The course offers intense lab experimentation, problem solving and projects. Students discover and develop the basic models in physics needed for success in general chemistry and biology sequence. 
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I

Concepts of Chemistry
(3 units for credit, four weeks)

This course presents the fundamental concepts of modern chemical theory, utilizing the laboratory investigation techniques taught in the Concepts of Physics course. The topics covered include: atomic theory and nuclear chemistry; chemical structure and bonding; molecular geometry; stoichiometry and quantitative analysis; gas laws; acid/base chemistry; kinetics; equilibrium; thermodynamics; oxidation/reduction reactions; and basic organic chemistry. The topics discussed will continue to develop the student’s understanding of the particle model of matter, energy and the behavior of electrons, which were first introduced in the Concepts of Physics course.

Biology
(3 units for credit, four weeks)

This course covers topics including ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, and development, plant and animal structure and function, respiration, photosynthesis, and microbiology. The course is taught using modeling techniques.
PREREQUISITE: SSA students must have completed physics and chemistry. 

Health  

Health I

(two weeks, for credit)

Health I will provide full course credit for Shady Side's Health I curriculum. This is a wonderful opportunity to reduce the courseload in a sophomore year!
 

Health II

(two weeks, for credit)

Health II will provide full course credit for Shady Side's Health II curriculum. This is a wonderful opportunity to reduce the courseload in a sophomore year!  The study of health and wellness deals with three related areas: mental, social and physical well-being. The focus of this two-week course is mostly on mental health and CPR certification. The goal is that students will develop the necessary skills to weigh options and make responsible decisions that will promote healthy lifestyles.

Art

Studio Art 2D Foundation

(two weeks, for credit)

Studio Art 2D Foundation is an introductory visual arts course meant to challenge and further develop a student's visualization and conceptualization skills through the use of two-dimensional design, organization and composition.  
 

Studio Art 2D Advanced

(two weeks, for credit)

Students who have successfully completed Studio Art 2D Foundation have the opportunity to enroll in advanced level 2D course focusing on one of the following: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, digital imaging or architecture.

PREREQUISITE: Studio Art 2D Foundation

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