Trillium Charter School 2007-08 School Year
Q2 HIGH SCHOOL Course Offerings
Course Title: Advanced Physics Part 2
Grade Levels: High School
Instructor: Eddie
Credit Areas: Science and Science Lab
Pre-Requisites: IMP 2
Description: Learn, discover, and question what makes the universe work! Why are things the way they are, or are they just because we perceive them that way? This is a year-long lab integrated course covering the gamut of physics: starting from conservation of energy, motion, forces and gravity and ending with waves, magnetism, quantum physics, and relativity. Class work will be hands-on based. Second term will have a heavy focus on student designed experiments and projects.
Course Title: Advanced Game Programming
Grade Levels: 6-12
Instructor: Nick Fenger
Credit Areas: Engineering and Technology
Description: This is an opportunity for students to use the lab to pursue work in programming computer games. Students taking this class must have previous experience using a game design software program that requires creativity and technical challenge. Game design environments include, Alan Interactive Fiction, Game Editor, RPG Maker. Students may also create their own static and animated graphics for games using image editing programs. Students may propose another game design program so long as it meets the requirements of requiring creativity and technical challenge.
Course Title: Books You Should Read in High School, Part 2
Instructor: Kurt Maier
Grade Levels: 9-12
Credit Areas: Language Arts
Pre-requisites: Students should be able to understand and discuss texts that at or above
grade level. Enrollment in Q1 class.
Description:
This is a two Quarter long (Semester) class. There will be required daily reading to occur out of class (a.k.a. homework) and all students will complete a novel of their choice as an independent reading assignment outside of the other required texts.. The class will read both novels and short stories. Students will write at least four papers (3-6 pages) with the required length based on grade level. Students will also be required to produce at least one piece of “artistic expression” as a response to the texts we have covered in class. Possible texts include The Scarlet Letter, Jazz, The Crying of
Course Title: Beginning Spanish
Grade Levels: 6-12
Instructor: Andréa Márquez-Horna
Credit Areas: World Language
Description: By 2010, the U.S. Latino population will reach 42 million and will become the largest minority group in the
Course Title: Civil Rights Movement & Beyond
Grade Levels: 9-12
Instructor: Elizabeth Johnson
Credit Areas: Social Studies and Language Arts
Description: It’s all about People Power! This class takes an in-depth look into the Civil Rights Movements of the 1950s and 60s and their further evolution into the Liberation Movements of the 1970s like the Black Panthers, Young Lords, Brown Berets, Weather Underground, and American Indian Movement. While we will seek inspiration from well-known heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr. we will go further and deeper into the forms of oppression people were organizing against and their various strategies for making social change. Ever hear of SNCC? Freedom Summer? How about Fred Hampton, Angela Davis or Dolores Huerta? Prepare to be filled with anger at injustice and hope in humanity. Ready yourself for intellectual thinking and intense issues. Seek out connections between issues of the past and issues still facing us today…. For example, is there racial equality in public school education 50 years after the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling? Student projects choices will include reading from a selection of memoirs and non-fiction from the era, designing and facilitating learning activities like plays and children’s books with younger students, research and writing/speaking on a topic of interest, or studying the role of music or art in the movements and preparing a performance or presentation.
Course Title: College Workshop and Writing Workshop
Grade Levels: 9-12
Instructor: Eddie
Credit Areas: Elective or Language Arts
Description: This is a two-in-one class: it is a continuation of College Workshop, but will add on Writing Workshop for those who wish to develop and refine their writing skills. In writing workshop, we will focus on essay writing: narrative, personal, persuasive, etc. In College Workshop, we will continue developing our college search as well as work on college essays. In addition, other areas such as interview skills, college counseling, resume building, and SAT prep will continue for those who need it. We will also begin scholarships and financial aid searches. Classes will be both in workshop and individual meeting format.
Course Title: Conceptual Physics
Grade Levels: High School
Instructor: Eddie
Credit Areas: Science
Description: This is a two-term course introducing students to the exciting world of physics! Learn what makes the world work, why the universe is the way it is, and how it is actually immensely weird! We will also discuss the philosophies in physics – is it for real? Or is all reality determined by perception? Focus will be on conceptual and hands-on explorations of the theories of physics.
Course Title: Elections, Re-Elections, and Impeachment
Grade Levels: 9-12
Instructor: Will Watts
Description:This class will combine civics lessons and events in recent history to give students a broader understanding of what we mean when we talk about democracy. Voting systems from around the world will be compared and contrasted to the
researched and discussed
Course Title: Experimental Science
Grade Levels: High School
Instructor: Eddie
Credit Areas: Science
Description: This course is all about answering questions and curiosities! This is a lab-based course where the class will form a panel of researchers: Students will form research teams to design and carry out their own experiments using the scientific method, and the teams will write up as well as present their findings. Lab reports will be archived for future student use and research. Twice a year, this class will go on a field trip to OHSU to visit the neurology lab, present their research, and take part in critiquing research presentations by professional scientists. Areas of study include physics, biology, and psychology depending on student interest.
Course Title: Focus Friday… Film Studies
Instructor: Eddie
Description: This class is all about
Projects: Students have the option of pursuing projects based on individual interests. Examples are:
- Create a short fictional film
- Create a documentary
- Paper analyzing the 50’s culture through film
- YouTube projects
- Exploration of journalistic approaches
- Trillium weekly news report
Course Title: Focus Friday…Global Studies
Grade Levels: 9-12
Instructor: Elizabeth Johnson & Will Watts
Subject Areas: Social Studies, Language Arts
Course Description: As part of the FOCUS FRIDAYS program, the Global Studies class seeks to further Trillium’s missions of constructivist learning, project based classroom experiences, and preparing students to be global citizens. Literature, the arts, economics, public health, geography, current events, and film will be the mediums through which students will encounter the world with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking. As they prepare for and return from international travel our students and teachers can integrate and share their experiences. Our exchange students can nurture their cross-cultural exchange. Relationships with organizations serving the global community like MercyCorps can provide innovative opportunities. The international community of
Course Title: High School Math 1
Teacher: David Ayer
Grade Levels: 9-12
Subject Area(s): Math
Pre-Requisites: Middle School math or equivalent
Course Description: HS Math 1 is a continuation of last quarter's class titled IMP 1. The class addresses high school math needs at each student's individual level. On-time attendance and participation are essential requirements of the class.
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Course Title: Introduction to Algebra
Teacher: David Ayer
Grade Levels: open to MS and HS
Subject Area(s): Math
Pre-Requisites: Middle School math or equivalent
Course Description: Introduction to Algebra is a continuation of last quarter's class titled IMP 1. The course covers pre-algebra essentials and various topics in algebra, geometry, and probability. Class participation is an essential requirement of the class.
Course Title: IMP 2
Grade Level: HS
Instructor: Jess
Credit Areas: Math
Prerequisite: IMP 2
Description: This is a continuation of the Integrated Math sequence. Students should have successfully completed IMP2 Q1 before taking this class. Students should also have access to a TI 83 graphing calculator. We will be doing a unit on exponents, factoring and distribution. There will be a focus on graphing these equation, interpreting graphs and using appropriate technology. There will be nightly homework that maybe done during class. There will also be unit assessments consisting of Problem of the Weeks, quizzes and tests. In addition, a portion of your grade will be determined by your portfolio and participation in group work and class discussions.
Course Title: IMP 2/3
Grade Level: HS
Instructor: Jess
Credit Areas: Math
Prerequisite: 2/3 Q1
Description: This is a continuation of the Integrated Math sequence. Students should have successfully completed IMP 2/3 Q1 before taking this class. Students should also have access to a TI 83 graphing calculator. We will be doing a unit on imaginary numbers, polynomials, roots and solving polynomials. We will continue to improve our set notation. There will be a focus on graphing these equation, interpreting graphs and using appropriate technology. There will be nightly homework that maybe done during class. There will also be unit assessments consisting of Problem of the Weeks, quizzes and tests. In addition, a portion of your grade will be determined by your portfolio and participation in group work and class discussions.
Course Title: IMP ¾
Grade Level: HS
Instructor: Jess
Credit Areas: Math
Prerequisite: IMP 3 /4 Q1
Description: This is a continuation of the Integrated Math sequence. Students should have successfully completed IMP 3 /4 Q1 before taking this class. Students should also have access to a TI 83 graphing calculator. We will be doing a unit on proofs and logic, focusing on geometry and sets. There will be nightly homework that maybe done during class. There will also be unit assessments consisting of projects, quizzes and tests. In addition, a portion of your grade will be determined by your portfolio and participation in group work and class discussions.
Course Title: Focus Friday… Internships
Grade Level: Junior or Senior (or with permission)
Instructor: Jess
Credit Areas: Internship
Prerequisite: None
Description: The Trillium Charter School Internship Program connects academic life with professional experience by providing high school students with the opportunity to develop their skills alongside working professionals in the community. By actively engaging their education and passions in the workplace, students in the program will be better prepared for employment, more confident in their skills and more knowledgeable of opportunities following high school. Students will research, apply for and obtain an internship at an organization of their choice. Complete an Internship Contract, intern for the equivalent of 3 months for 4-6 hours per week, meet regularly with their internship advisor and complete evaluation forms.
Course Title: Intermediate/Advanced Spanish Intensive
Instructor: Andréa Márquez-Horna
Grade Levels: 6-12
Credit Areas: World Language
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Beginning Spanish or Instructor approval
Description:
Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world, and is spoken by more than 330 million people worldwide. A person who learns Spanish has the ability to speak 330 million more people than s/he otherwise would! Students will continue to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This course is in partnership with the Intermediate (
Course Title: Japanese 1
Instructor: Yoko Niki-Breyfogle
Grade Levels: 6-12
Subject Areas: World Language
Pre-Requisites: No prior knowledge of Japanese is required.
Course Description: This course is designed for beginners. Throughout this course students will work on the four skills of Japanese language: Listening, speaking, reading and writing. The class consists of lectures (grammar and culture), vocabulary and dialogue presentation, oral drills and exercises. Hiragana characters are introduced. This class will be offered through 4 quarters. High School students in Japanese classes are eligible to join the
Course Title: Japanese 2 + 3
Instructor: Yoko Niki-Breyfogle
Grade Levels: MS and HS
Subject Areas: Foreign Language
Pre-Requisites for Japanese 2: Completion of Japanese 1 and the ability of read + write Hiragana and Katakana are required.
Pre-Requisites for Japanese 3: Completion of Japanese 2 the ability to read and write sentences with a combination of Hiragana, Katakana, and about 50 of Kanji.
Course Description: Development of beginner/advanced Japanese. Continues work on communication skills, including reviewing, listening, speaking, reading, writing, structure, vocabulary and culture. The class consists of lectures (grammar and culture), vocabulary and dialogue presentation, oral drills and exercises. (for Japanese 2: Kanji characters are introduced.) (for Japanese 3: Kanji characters are further explored.) This class will be offered through 4 quarters. High School students in Japanese classes are eligible to join the
Course Title: Martial Arts: Western European Swordsmanship
Instructor: Trent Retallack
Subject Areas: Physical Education
Description: The Western European Medieval Swordsmanship Class as taught by Retallack School of Arms covers the basics of historic swordsmanship training. We begin with an overview of the historical use of the European longsword. Then we move on to actual exercises, which include footwork, balance, body mechanics and blade exercises. As with all martial arts, practitioners discover a system for physical
fitness, focus and discipline.
Course Title: Musicianship
Grade Levels: High School (& middle school w/permission)
Instructor: Kirk Ellis
Credit Areas: Elective, Art and Performance
Pre-Requisites: Instructor approval MAX: 16 students
Description: This is a distillation of all previous guitar, sound, and songwriting classes. The material will be leveled. Instruction will be provided in small groups for more beginning work on guitar and music theory. Peer teaching is encouraged. There will be a unit on musicology and the social study of music in the class (approx. 2 weeks long) that will break up the performance schedule. Two performances are expected; one is an initial song that will mark the students’ ability to work in groups and in public (after 2 ½ weeks into the term), and the other will be a final piece for portfolio (at the end of the 8 weeks, giving roughly 5 ½ weeks to practice). Film, guests, and field trips will be incorporated, including recording opportunities. This is a class for students who want to study music and perform, not for students looking for a place to “jam” and hang out. The Hut will be checked out for that purpose and clear guidelines for its use will be shared and respected.
Course Title: Musical Theater/Dramatic Arts
Grade Levels: High School and Middle School
Instructor: Kirk & Yoko
Credit Areas: Art and Performance
Pre-Requisites: Cast in the play and crew and instructor permission during add/drop period
Description: This is a continuation of a yearlong class that will be the workshop and rehearsal space for staging Trillium’s 5th drama production, Little Shop of Horrors. Yoko, the show’s musical director, will continue to provide vocal coaching and lessons for the cast, and blocking and performing direction will begin as the term gets underway. Commitment and cooperation is essential. Crew will begin to design and build sets and work on fundraising and production of the show, from film to costumes. IF students on the crew (not core cast members) need to take another class, this is the term to do so. Their presence and participation will be essential in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Some drama and acting games and assignments will fill the downtime between projects and scheduled rehearsal times with Kirk and Yoko.
Course Title: Philosophy
Grade Levels: High School
Instructor: Kirk Ellis
Credit Areas: Language Arts, Social Studies
Pre-Requisites: Grade-level reading recommended, assumed maturity around the six rights and responsibilities of the constitution
Description: This class is designed to explore ideas. Every week there will be a menu of topics up for discussion with represented viewpoints of western and eastern thinkers, debatable issues of our current day, voices of pundits and spiritualists, and the work of artists, musicians, and writers. With the help of a teaching assistant, our class conversations will be the main vehicle of understanding the various theories and ideas. Assignments and readings will be given each week on the voted upon topic. There will be formal written reflection(s) included in the course as well. There will also be an opportunity for students to
create their own project on the material of the class for presentation at the end of the quarter.
Course Title:
Grade Levels: 9-12
Instructor: Ken Gadbow
Credit Available: LA and/or SS
Course Description: This class will investigate the rise and fall of minority centers of community in
Course Title: Focus Friday…Senior Inquiry
Grade Levels: 12
Instructor: Ken Gadbow
Subject Areas:
Course Description: Senior Inquiry is a required year-long class for all students graduating from Trillium in 2008. This is an integral part of our Friday Focus program. During this class, students will:
- Plan, develop, and carry out Senior Projects.
- Tour
- Investigate career and vocation opportunities after high school.
- Receive timely counseling to ensure satisfactory completion of graduation requirements.
- Develop basic real world life skills like managing money, avoiding debt, and dealing with life on their own.
- Plan for commencement in June.
There is a transportation fee for each of the college trips students choose to come on, roughly $20 each. Scholarships are available. Students should take the College and Career Workshop daily class in conjunction with Senior Inquiry.
Course Title: Tai Chi
Grade Levels: 9-12
Instructor: Ken Gadbow
Credit available: PE
Course Description: Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise focusing on relaxation and power. The exercise, which takes 25 minutes to complete, is designed to facilitate physical, mental, and emotional development. Consisting of 124 movements, Tai Chi is performed in a slow, smooth, and continuous manner. This non-competitive class allows students to progress at their own rate, utilizing one-on-one as well as group instruction. Students should wear loose fitting clothing and socks. Evaluations will be based on individual progress in understanding and performing parts of the exercise. Class is taught as pass/no pass.
Course Title: Tech Support TA
Grade Levels: 8-12
Instructor: Nick Fenger
Credit Areas: Engineering and Technology
Prerequisites: See below
Description: This course includes maintaining the computer and network infrastructure at Trillium. This role primarily includes assisting teachers and students with software and hardware needs. Operating systems in use are Microsoft, Mac and Linux. Hardware tasks include building systems, setting up and networking computers. This course may be taken for elective credit or as an internship or work study. Because of the inconsistent nature of tech support work students must have a project they are working on in the area of computer hardware, microprocessor or computer programming. Students may do projects that build infrastructure such as building a claymation lab upstairs, video editing or other educational related software. Another option is for students to be teaching technology to students by designing a class and teaching it.
Course Title: Trillium Archive
Grade Levels: 9-12
Instructor: Ken Gadbow
Subject Areas: Language Arts, Art, or Elective
Course Description: Investigate, report, and chronicle the days and times of
Course Title: Vietnam War
Grade Levels: 9-12
Instructor: Elizabeth Johnson
Subject Areas: Social Studies and Language Arts
Course Description: The Vietnam War deeply divided our country, gave birth to a powerful anti-war movement, physically and psychologically wounded a generation, changed American media, shed light on unjust government policies, and created a wealth of literature, art and music. Students will take part in social studies learning activities like reading and discussion, current events connections, role play, debate, documentary film, and small group projects in order to understand the complex causes and enduring legacy of this war. In addition, students will choose between two books: Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic and The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. Development of reading comprehension skills and critical essay writing will be directly supported and will be the primary tools to further student learning.
Course Title: Web Design
Grade Levels: 6-12
Credit Area(s): Technology, Elective
Instructor: Will Watts
Description: This class will go beyond simply "pimping your MySpace page", and delve deep into the actual design of a website from the ground up. Beginning with the basics of HTML syntax, and an understanding of base web mechanics, students will learn how to design, develop and maintain their own websites using only the most rudimentary of tools. Students are highly encouraged to map out or concept the site they want to build before the first day of class.
Course Title: West African Drumming
Grade levels: 6-12
Instructor: Kurt Maier
Credit Areas: Art
Pre-requisites: You must be willing and able to tolerate extremely LOUD environments.
Description: This is a learning AND performance ensemble. We will study and learn to play West African rhythms using traditional drums and techniques. In this class you must be prepared to actively participate in every class session with no exception.
PLP Framework Concentrations:
Course Title: “Why Not?” Film Project
Grade Levels: 9-12
Instructor: Will Watts
Credit Areas: Social Studies
Pre-requisites: THIS CLASS IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT OR PREVIOUS STUDENTS INVOLVED IN THE MERCY CORPS PROGRAM.
Description: Through an exciting partnership with Portland Community Media’s “OllieTv” Youth Film Production Program students will work with professional film trainers to design, shot and edit 2-3 short films that will be posted on the “Why Not?” website and shared with our Palestinian counterparts. Students will be encouraged to plan a follow-up community event that highlights their films and the films made by Palestinian youth within an educational forum on the issues involved in this
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