Hope College is offering the following homeschool classes, including an AP level Chemistry Lab, this fall. If interested, copy and paste the bottom of this post into a word processing program, print it out. Then you can fill out the necessary information and mail it in with your payment. If you need additional space, let me know and I’ll forward you a copy with more open space.
Special thanks to Hilary for sharing the information! If anyone is interested in setting up carpools, feel free to leave a comment on this post.
Because science (and most especially biology and environmental classes) can present such bug-a-boos, I contacted the administrator of this program and this is what he said,
Although we don’t teach the homeschool classes intentionally from a fundamentalist or reformed Christian perspective, we intentionally do NOT teach from an evolutionary/big bang perspective nor do we bring up or get into the debate of those issues. I would consider our offerings “taught by Christians from a neutral perspective.” Personally I am strongly a creationist, sanctity of life kind of guy but the classes are not used to address those issues. We are here to provide homeschooling families a fun, hands-on science enrichment experience that is highly educational but neutral on issues.
I just want everyone to be on the same page about what may, or may not, be covered in these classes. I really don’t see this being a problem at the grades offered, but I thought it best to make everyone aware about the foundation of the program and its instruction. As Tod mentioned, these classes should be considered at the enrichment – not core curriculum – level of instruction. Previous parents of participants have noted that these classes are similar to a fun “lab” experience but are not complete courses unto themselves.
Classes are taught by Hope College students (science, kinesiology and education majors) except the AP level Chem which will be taught by Tod Gugino (Chem Lab Director and Instructor at Hope). The classes are held in Hope College’s Schaap Science Center (35 E. 12th St.) and Dow Center (168 E.13th St).
Biology
Mondays: 12-1:30 for 11 weeks
Grades: 1-4 and 4-7 (if 4th, pick one)
Fee: $78
Dates: Sept 14,21,28 Oct 5,12,26 Nov 2,9,16,30 Dec 7
The main idea covered during the first semester is the diversity of life. We have lots of posters, hands-on models and equipment (especially microscopes/ slides) to help augment the lab process. We’ll begin with an intro to what is Biology and learn about the molecules of life. Then we will explore the structure and function of cells, both plant and animal. Genetics will follow with an emphasis on DNA and how it is distributed/replicated. Classification systems and how we identify organisms will then lead us into ecology and ecosystems – how living things interact with their surroundings, including: energy, food chains, habitats and climates. For future reference, second semester will cover plants and animals in detail and include a couple of dissections for comparative anatomy. Each week will entail background information followed by hands-on activities and experiments designed to bring the background to life in a fun way.
Lego Engineering
Wednesdays: 11:45-1:45 for 7 sessions every other week
Grades: 2-4
Fee: $63
Dates: Sept 16,30 Oct 14,28 Nov 11,25 Dec 2
This class will explore the world of Physics and Engineering with Lego’s. We’ll begin by studying the 6 simple machines and how they interact. The students will build several compound machines using the simple machines they learned. We’ll be using gears, wheels and motors to explore motion and more complex machines as well as expand on the compound machines they built earlier. Lastly, we’ll use the knowledge gained from the previous weeks to build the fastest vehicle we can. The second semester of this class will get into programming the controllers as well as building more complex robots while learning about the construction of motors and the mechanics of motion.
Earth/Environmental Science
Fridays: 12-1:30 for 11 weeks
Grades: K-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-9
Fee: $76
Dates: Sept 18,25 Oct 2,9,16,30 Nov 6,13,20 Dec 4,11
First semester will cover more of the Earth Science side while second semester will focus more on the Environmental side – but the two are obviously intertwined throughout. We’ll begin with the Earths’ composition and explore the materials used to create it. The general progression will be rocks and fossils, surface structure, forces, water and the atmosphere. Either at the end of first semester or the beginning of second semester will cover the earth as a part of the universe. Each week will entail background information followed by hands-on activities and experiments designed to bring the background to life in a fun way.
PE/Sports Sampler (min. 18 students needed)
Fridays 1:45-2:45 for 11 weeks
Grades: 3-8
Fee: $88
Dates: Sept 18,25 Oct 2,9,16,30 Nov 6,13,20 Dec 4,11
This class will cover basic positions, strategy, drills and rules for soccer, volleyball/walleyball and basketball first semester. Second semester will cover racquetball/badminton, kickball/dodgeball, softball/baseball and swimming.
Saturday AP Level Chemistry Lab
Saturdays: 9a-12p for 6 sessions
Grades: 9-12
Fee: $180
Dates: Sept 26 Oct 10,24 Nov 7,21 Dec 5
This class will be 6 sessions each semester that teach the basic lab concepts of safety, ions, solubility, ionic and net ionic equations, stoichiometry, acid/base titrations and spectroscopy in the first semester. The second semester will probably cover colligative properties, more stoichiometry and mole ratios, limiting reagents, more titrations, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. The labs have enough flexibility that all students can be challenged at their current level without being overwhelmed. Each session will include a short pre-lab (week one the pre-lab will be longer), experiment and post-lab discussion. Lab reports will be assigned as homework, but turning them in is optional. There will be no grades or credit for this class. Microsoft Excel at home is very helpful, but not required.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Tod directly by email or telephone: 616-395-7640
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Home School Classes
Registration Form
Fall ‘09
Children’s names and which class(es) they’ll attend (including grade range preferred):
Children’s Grade for Fall ‘09:
Home Phone and Emergency Contact Info:
Parent name(s):
Email address:
Return with check payable to Tod Gugino. If mailing, send to: Hope College, 35 E. 12th St., Holland 49423
Try any one class FREE –