Science 4 E1  brings science alive by providing students a combination of virtual lab investigations (with options for hands-on learning), interactive lessons, and an array of e-books that capture students’ attention and grow their interest in science. Students engage in science and engineering practices as they explore topics such as weather, climate, earth’s place in the universe, organisms, ecosystems, waves, information transfer, motion, and forces. Throughout the course, students conduct investigations using digital tools and simulations. Some labs also include alternative investigations that use household materials.

This course calls for the following household materials, though they are optional, since digital versions of most labs are available. Other times, students will design their own investigation and choose their own household materials:

· Science Notebook (required)*

· pencil or pen (required)

· crayons or markers (optional)

· notebook paper (optional)

· pot (optional)

· pot holders (optional)

· ice cubes (optional)

· stove (optional)

· string or twine (optional)

· instrument, string (optional)

· water (optional)

· large plastic tub or bathroom sink (optional)

· plastic object or toy that floats, like a rubber ducky

· 1 rock or stone (1inch in size) (optional)

· 1 rock or stone (2 inches in size) (optional)

· 1 rock or stone (3 inches in size) (optional)

· large plastic tubs or containers (optional)

· clear glass (optional)

· plastic cup (optional)

· flashlight (optional)

· piece of wood or wooden surface (optional)

· mirror (optional)

· prism (optional)

· tap water (optional)

· magnifying glasses (optional)

· drinking glasses (optional)

· can, aluminum (optional)

· hand drum or appropriate substitute (optional)

· tape (optional)

· coin (optional)

· scissors (optional)

· stopwatch (optional)

· meterstick (optional)

· ball (optional)

· bat, or other long-handled implement (optional)

*Students may also keep a digital Science Notebook.

Students in History of the United States E1 explore United States history, geography, economics, and government. This is done by focusing on the influence of physical and cultural characteristics on national origins, growth, and development. Students study Indigenous cultures, European exploration, colonization, settlement, the American Revolution, the founding of the Republic, the early years of the United States, the Civil War, and the 20^th Century in the United States. Students learn about citizenship and the major components of the government as outlined in the United States Constitution. The course emphasizes critical thinking skills, including questioning, examining fact and opinion, analyzing and evaluating sources of information, contrasting and comparing using primary and secondary sources, and conducting research using a variety of resources. Additional social studies skills are integrated in the lessons including reading and analyzing maps, creating and interpreting charts and graphs, identifying relationships, engaging in debate, writing persuasively, and developing thinking and independent study skills.

This course requires the following household materials:

• composition book, notebook, or binder with loose-leaf paper to use as a History Journal
• crayons, markers, or colored pencils

The English Language Arts 1 program comprises two courses, ELA 1 and Phonics 1. The program provides a well-balanced approach to literacy that integrates phonics, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and handwriting.

Phonics prepares students to become independent readers through teacher-led, systematic, multisensory instruction in a developmentally appropriate manner. Students review phonological awareness and learn advanced decoding skills and sight words. Letter tiles, a variety of interactive games and activities, and decodable readers (brief stories that consist entirely of words students can read independently) support multimodal learning. Spelling instruction begins in the second half of the first semester in ELA 1, building on the foundation of letter-sound knowledge previously mastered in Phonics.

The English Language Arts 1 program comprises two courses, ELA 1 and Phonics 1. The program provides a well-balanced approach to literacy that integrates phonics, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and handwriting. Students develop comprehension, build vocabulary, and gain a lifelong interest in reading. Thematic units in literacy contain workshops in which instruction is anchored by a focus text. Through a combination of teacher-led instruction (either live or via embedded video within the course) and independent practice (both online and offline), students build knowledge by exploring both classic and contemporary works in different genres and formats—fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction, trade books, magazines, and e-books. Beginning in the second semester, students complete focused grammar activities and write a variety of compositions by following the writing process.

Phonics prepares students to become independent readers through teacher-led, systematic, multisensory instruction in a developmentally appropriate manner. Students review phonological awareness and learn advanced decoding skills and sight words. Letter tiles, a variety of interactive games and activities, and decodable readers (brief stories that consist entirely of words students can read independently) support multimodal learning. Spelling instruction begins in the second half of the first semester in ELA 1, building on the foundation of letter-sound knowledge previously mastered in Phonics.

Middle School Spanish I has been carefully aligned to national standards set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Students in Middle School Spanish I focus on the four key areas of world language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language-learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, interactive activities that reinforce vocabulary and grammar, and frequent assessments during which language progression can be monitored. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students have many opportunities to practice and master the vocabulary and grammar before moving to the next unit. In this course, students explore greetings; school; adjectives; colors; continents, countries, and numbers; telling time; –ir, –er, and –ar verbs; and days, months, and seasons.

Middle School Spanish I has been carefully aligned to national standards set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Students in Middle School Spanish I focus on the four key areas of world language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language-learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, interactive activities that reinforce vocabulary and grammar, and frequent assessments during which language progression can be monitored. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students have many opportunities to practice and master the vocabulary and grammar before moving to the next unit. In this course, students explore greetings; school; adjectives; colors; continents, countries, and numbers; telling time; –ir, –er, and –ar verbs; and days, months, and seasons.

This introductory Spanish II course provides a fun, interactive experience for a student’s early exposure to the Spanish language. The content for each unit is based on an authentic story, myth, or legend from a Spanish-speaking culture. This course, designed specifically for younger students, focuses principally on vocabulary acquisition through stories, games, songs, and practice activities. In addition to vocabulary, students are introduced to grammar concepts, which will help them to better understand vocabulary and provide them a foundation for more extensive grammar study in later Spanish courses. Students also practice Spanish pronunciation through reading short passages taken from the authentic stories presented in each unit. Students are exposed to the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures in a fun environment where they can explore meanings, and begin to express themselves through simple words and phrases. The Elementary Spanish II course is designed to align with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards.

Middle School Spanish II has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Students in Middle School Spanish II continue to focus on the four key areas of world language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language-learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, interactive activities that reinforce vocabulary and grammar, and frequent assessments during which their language progression can be monitored. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit with many opportunities for practice to allow students to master the vocabulary and grammar before moving to the next unit. In this course, students explore hobbies and pastimes, food, family, places, animals, shopping, and weather.

Middle School Spanish II has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Students in Middle School Spanish II continue to focus on the four key areas of world language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language-learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, interactive activities that reinforce vocabulary and grammar, and frequent assessments during which their language progression can be monitored. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit with many opportunities for practice to allow students to master the vocabulary and grammar before moving to the next unit. In this course, students explore hobbies and pastimes, food, family, places, animals, shopping, and weather.

This introductory Spanish course provides a fun, interactive experience for a student’s first exposure to the Spanish language. The content for each unit is based on an authentic story, myth, or legend from a Spanish-speaking culture. This course, designed specifically for younger students, focuses principally on vocabulary acquisition through stories, games, songs, and practice activities. Students are exposed to the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures in a fun environment where they can explore meanings and begin to express themselves through simple words and phrases.

The Elementary Spanish I course is designed to align with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards.

The Level 2 French course is the second year of introductory French for students in grades 3-5. The content of each unit is based on an authentic story, myth, or legend from a French-speaking culture. Each story provides a framework for students to learn vocabulary, acquire basic grammar principles, practice pronunciation, and explore cultural topics. Story and song animations, practice activities, games, and assessments encourage students to engage with the French language in a rewarding, low-stress environment. As students move through the course, they will become more comfortable with the sounds and rhythms of French. They will learn simple French phrases related to each theme, and continue to read, write, speak and listen for meaning. They will also come to recognize some of the history, practices, and products that define French-speaking cultures around the world.

Students are introduced to Mandarin Chinese through a series of dynamic and engaging animations based on authentic Chinese stories. These stories share an aspect of Chinese culture and language from famous myths to historical tales familiar to all Chinese children. Each story introduces key vocabulary words and phrases that are then practiced through a series interactive games and activities. In addition, other video and media materials are used to further demonstrate culture and daily life in China. Students are introduced to simplified Characters throughout the course and targeted character based activities help to prepare students how to read and write Chinese characters. Students are challenged with comprehension quizzes at the end of every unit, as well as teacher-graded assignments where they will be able to speak Mandarin Chinese. All of the materials in the course are designed to familiarize students with Chinese culture, characters, vocabulary and simple phrases.