Academic Courses
Mathematics
The math curriculum is divided into two major components: 1) a classical and rigorous math education and 2) a hands-on and applied math curriculum. Our goal is to not only teach the math concepts and skills, but also how math is applied and shapes the world we live in. Through applying math to meaningful problems learners grasp concepts and truly internalize them to see them for what they are. Giving them a depth of understanding to identify mathematical problems and apply mathematics and, at times, technology to solve them.
The first component of the math curriculum is the traditional math sequence. Using Stanford University's Educational Program for Gifted Youth rigorous online math courses, each student will have the ability to work through math at his or her own pace. This will allow students to speed up or slow down as needed based on their individual strengths and needs. Additionally, this allows students to go as far as they need to in math with the teacher acting as a mentor and there when they reach a topic that requires additional review or explanation. Students must take a pre-assessment for placement into the appropriate math level. For students requiring additional practice in multiplication and division, we use Aleks QuickTables.
The second component of the math curriculum is the hands-on and applied math curriculum. We believe all students should have the opportunity to see math in action. Students will see math concepts applied to life through real-life studies, both past and present, of areas such as cryptography, 3D modeling, game theory, spatial analysis, and historical contributions of mathematicians. Our students also participate in the AMC8, MOEMS, Math Kangaroo and MATHCOUNTS math competitions to be exposed to different types of math problems and activities, as well as a gentle way to practice test-taking skills.
Requirement: Students are required to take a full year of Math each year.
2016-2017 Math Electives
Sciences
We believe that a solid foundation in the sciences and a scientific way of thinking prepares children to understand how we fit into the world. Our science classes cover the classical study of the science (e.g., kinematics or the periodic table of elements) as well as the modern findings (e.g., quantum mechanics or advances in biotechnology) through investigations, experimentation, engineering challenges, independent research and problem-based learning. Students will use the appropriate level of math to support the study of the science. Language arts are incorporated into the science curriculum as students are expected to communicate their work in both written format and through oral presentations.
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Science each year. Year 1: Oceanography, Geology, Atmosphere and Weather (4th or 5th Grade; 1 year)
Year 2: Ecology, Wetlands, Energy, Climate, Planetary Science (4th or 5th Grade; 1 year)
2016-2017 Science Electives
Humanities: History, Civics and Language Arts
Students learn about history and the English language through a combined humanities course. Our various humanities courses are set up this way in order to show students the deep, natural connection between history and reading and writing. Students learn and practice the historical inquiry skills of sourcing, contextualizing, corroborating, and close reading. Students also write for a variety of purposes, including both analytical and creative writing. Grammar is taught using a game-based method, developed at Ideaventions Academy, that strengthens the individual student's area of weakness in grammar, while introducing new concepts and is complemented by NoRedInk. Field trips and historical re-enactors are incorporated into the study of the time to provide a fully immersive experience.
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Humanities each year.
2016-2017 Humanities Electives
Computer Science
We believe Computer Science should be taught in all schools. Our curriculum aims to teach the art and science of problem solving using computational thinking. Our goal is for students to practice computational problem solving from both mathematical and engineering perspectives through challenges where they learn and master how to solve a variety of challenges using different technologies.
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Computer Science each year.
2016-2017 Computer Science Electives
Maker's Engineering Lab
In an increasingly digital world, our ability to make and work with our hands is being lost. This class teaches the ability to create physical objects and see how they come together using the Engineering Design Process. Students will work on a variety of long-term projects aimed to solve a challenge. Students will have the ability to work on both group projects as well as individual projects.
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Engineering each year. The classes listed below are the classes for the 2015-2016 school year. Additional classes will added for subsequent years when they have been finalized.
2016-2017 Engineering Electives
Visual and Performing Arts
The arts present an opportunity for students to express themselves as individuals and also provide students a way to show others how they view their world. We believe students should have an opportunity to learn different methods and media for self expression. The arts will be split between musical and theater education and appreciation (1.5 hours per week) and visual or fine arts (1.5 hours per week) education and appreciation.
2016-2017 Elective
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Arts each year.
The math curriculum is divided into two major components: 1) a classical and rigorous math education and 2) a hands-on and applied math curriculum. Our goal is to not only teach the math concepts and skills, but also how math is applied and shapes the world we live in. Through applying math to meaningful problems learners grasp concepts and truly internalize them to see them for what they are. Giving them a depth of understanding to identify mathematical problems and apply mathematics and, at times, technology to solve them.
The first component of the math curriculum is the traditional math sequence. Using Stanford University's Educational Program for Gifted Youth rigorous online math courses, each student will have the ability to work through math at his or her own pace. This will allow students to speed up or slow down as needed based on their individual strengths and needs. Additionally, this allows students to go as far as they need to in math with the teacher acting as a mentor and there when they reach a topic that requires additional review or explanation. Students must take a pre-assessment for placement into the appropriate math level. For students requiring additional practice in multiplication and division, we use Aleks QuickTables.
- 4th-6th Grade Math
- Pre-Algebra (7th Grade Math)
- Algebra 1 - A & B
- Algebra 2
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus
- AP Calculus A, B, C
- AP Statistics
The second component of the math curriculum is the hands-on and applied math curriculum. We believe all students should have the opportunity to see math in action. Students will see math concepts applied to life through real-life studies, both past and present, of areas such as cryptography, 3D modeling, game theory, spatial analysis, and historical contributions of mathematicians. Our students also participate in the AMC8, MOEMS, Math Kangaroo and MATHCOUNTS math competitions to be exposed to different types of math problems and activities, as well as a gentle way to practice test-taking skills.
Requirement: Students are required to take a full year of Math each year.
2016-2017 Math Electives
- Math and Engineering with Drift Boats (4th-8th Grade; .5 year)
- Board and Card Game Design (4th-8th Grade; .5 year)
Sciences
We believe that a solid foundation in the sciences and a scientific way of thinking prepares children to understand how we fit into the world. Our science classes cover the classical study of the science (e.g., kinematics or the periodic table of elements) as well as the modern findings (e.g., quantum mechanics or advances in biotechnology) through investigations, experimentation, engineering challenges, independent research and problem-based learning. Students will use the appropriate level of math to support the study of the science. Language arts are incorporated into the science curriculum as students are expected to communicate their work in both written format and through oral presentations.
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Science each year. Year 1: Oceanography, Geology, Atmosphere and Weather (4th or 5th Grade; 1 year)
Year 2: Ecology, Wetlands, Energy, Climate, Planetary Science (4th or 5th Grade; 1 year)
- Molecular Chemistry (6th or 7th Grade; 1 year)
- Exploring Our Biological World: Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology and Biodiversity (7th or 8th Grade; 1 year; Prerequisite: Molecular Chemistry)
- Algebra-Based Physics (8th Grade; 1 year)
2016-2017 Science Electives
- Backyard Brains (6th-8th Grade; .5 year)
- Culinary Chemistry: Experimental Cooking (4th-8th Grade; .5 year)
- CSI Chemistry (6th-8th Grade; .5 year)
Humanities: History, Civics and Language Arts
Students learn about history and the English language through a combined humanities course. Our various humanities courses are set up this way in order to show students the deep, natural connection between history and reading and writing. Students learn and practice the historical inquiry skills of sourcing, contextualizing, corroborating, and close reading. Students also write for a variety of purposes, including both analytical and creative writing. Grammar is taught using a game-based method, developed at Ideaventions Academy, that strengthens the individual student's area of weakness in grammar, while introducing new concepts and is complemented by NoRedInk. Field trips and historical re-enactors are incorporated into the study of the time to provide a fully immersive experience.
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Humanities each year.
- Foundations of U.S. History (4th-5th Grade; 1 year)
- Science Throughout History (4th-5th Grade; 1 year)
- U.S. History - Perspectives and Analysis (6th-8th Grade; 1 year)
- Civics and Government (6th-8th Grade; 1 year)
- World History (6th-8th Grade; 1 year)
2016-2017 Humanities Electives
- Storytelling with Stop Motion (4th-8th Grade; .5 year)
- Creative Writing with Druidawn for Reluctant Writers (4th-8th Grade; 1 year)
- From Page to Screen (4th-8th Grade; .5 year)
- Literature: The Evolution of the Hero (6th-8th Grade; .5 year)
Computer Science
We believe Computer Science should be taught in all schools. Our curriculum aims to teach the art and science of problem solving using computational thinking. Our goal is for students to practice computational problem solving from both mathematical and engineering perspectives through challenges where they learn and master how to solve a variety of challenges using different technologies.
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Computer Science each year.
- Principles of Computer Science (4th-5th Grades; 1 year; keyboarding, Scratch and robotics)
- Computational Design (4th-5th Grades; 1 year, Scratch, robotics and introduction to Python)
- Computer Science in Action (6th-7th Grades; 1 year, Python, advanced robotics (land) and web development)
- Computer Science: Physical Computing (6th-7th Grades; 1 year, Python with Raspberry Pi and advanced robotics (underwater))
- Computer Science On the Go (7th-8th Grades; 1 year, advanced Python, wearable tech and mobile app development)
2016-2017 Computer Science Electives
- Android Mobile App Development (4th-8th Grade; .5 year)
- Video Game Development (4th-8th Grade; .5 year)
Maker's Engineering Lab
In an increasingly digital world, our ability to make and work with our hands is being lost. This class teaches the ability to create physical objects and see how they come together using the Engineering Design Process. Students will work on a variety of long-term projects aimed to solve a challenge. Students will have the ability to work on both group projects as well as individual projects.
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Engineering each year. The classes listed below are the classes for the 2015-2016 school year. Additional classes will added for subsequent years when they have been finalized.
- Engineering is Elementary (EiE, Engineering Everywhere and Engineering Adventures) (4th-5th Grade; 1 year)
- Engineering the Future (6th-8th Grade; 1 year)
2016-2017 Engineering Electives
- Aerospace Engineering (6th-8th Grade; .5 year)
- Engineering Extreme Structures (4th-5th Grade; .5 year)
Visual and Performing Arts
The arts present an opportunity for students to express themselves as individuals and also provide students a way to show others how they view their world. We believe students should have an opportunity to learn different methods and media for self expression. The arts will be split between musical and theater education and appreciation (1.5 hours per week) and visual or fine arts (1.5 hours per week) education and appreciation.
- Music: Drumming for Concepts with Master Drummer Kofi Dennis is at the core of Ideaventions Academy's music education, Drumming teaches students the ability to feel rhythm and the ability to maintain a steady beat in a fun and playful manner, which aids students in all aspects of music they may do outside of school.
- Visual and Fine Arts: The Visual Arts program at Ideaventions Academy with artist Suzy Scollon, provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding and appreciation for art. Through lessons and projects, students will acquire technical abilities that will empower them to express themselves more fully and gain confidence in creative problem-solving. Students will experiment with a variety of media, participate in critiques, and be exposed to a range of art styles and artists. They will also come away with a deeper understanding of the creative process and discover more about themselves.
2016-2017 Elective
- Theater (4th-5th Grade; .5 year): Transform yourself into whoever you want to be by taking part in the in the most dramatic class of all! This class will require you to call upon your inner theatrics as you explore different acting techniques and learn about the history of the performing arts. Your main project will involve writing and performing your very own play!
Requirement: Students are required to complete one year of Arts each year.
