Open to students in grades 9 – 12. The course is project based and projects are assigned based on a student’s skill. Students come from different backgrounds, some will be absolute beginners, others can be quite familiar with programming robots. Projects chosen are geared to teach students new concepts in algorithmic, electronic and mechanical design. Languages used are Scratch and Python. All software is in the public domain. Students progress at their own pace; when one project is done, they will be assigned the next. Learning is through guided self-exploration. When a project is completed, students are required to present their design and solutions in the form of a technical presentation or design review to the class. Students will need a laptop for class to program the robots. Debugging can be time consuming, frustrating and character building. Robots and equipment are provided and the cost is included in the tuition. Robotics 2 is for those who have completed Robotics 1. Projects are more advanced and involve more detailed algorithmic, electronic and mechanical design.
Author: Mr. Taylor
20th Century World History
Open to students in the 10th – 12th grades. A high school level survey of 20th – 21st century world history. Unique in all human history, the 20th century is the first to be documented, not just in word, but also in images. This period saw unprecedented change in many areas of our lives including the way we travel, communicate, entertain, and resolve conflict. Focusing on the 20th century and into the beginning of the 21st century, we see the formation and basis of conflicts and philosophies that affect our world today. Resources include one core text covering events of the 20th century, biographies, historical fiction, and the internet. Students are required to give 2 oral presentations on relevant current topics or trends that have historical context complete with PowerPoint slides to accompany their presentation. Apart from facts and events the class will also delve into causes and effects. Why did Oskar Schindler spend his entire war fortune to save the lives of 1200 Jews? Why did John Rabe, a Nazis, create a war free zone in Nanking, China in 1937, saving the lives of 250,000 people? Why did Hitler inexplicably stop his advance on the trapped soldiers at Dunkirk, allowing British citizens using any sea-worthy boat available to cross the channel and ultimately rescue the lives of 338,000 men – known as the miracle of Dunkirk. Why did the Great Depression, despite the herculean efforts of Roosevelt and his many welfare programs continue unabated until 1941. The answer has to do with isolationism and tariffs. In a more light-hearted vein, why would Pepsi have the 7th largest submarine fleet in the world in 1989. We will discuss these and other events and persons in the light of the God’s sovereignty. Texts are loaned to students for the year.
Physics
Prerequisite: This college-prep physics course is designed for students who have completed Algebra 1 and Geometry. This course views God’s creation as ordered, understandable and the product of intelligent design. It covers aspects of motion in multidimensions, free fall, Newton’s Laws, momentum and their circular motion equivalents, simple harmonic motion, work and energy, periodic motion, waves, optics, circuits, electrostatics, magnetic induction, motors, special relativity, quantum mechanics and more. The course emphasizes hands- on, quantitative physics. A concerted effort is made to correlate theory with measurement. Mathematical concepts, not necessarily covered in an Algebra 2 course will be taught in class. The course will introduce students to vectors, trigonometry, vector fields, periodic and circular functions and other material as needed for modeling physical concepts. Curriculum is based on BJU Physics. A textbook is provided as well as equipment to perform all experiments. Students will need a cell phone as we use its sensors to make physical measurements.