Shakespeare ConquestPREREQUISITES: 12 Years and older
CONTENT: William Shakespeare and the Renaissance Shakespeare Conquest is the first Practice Scholar Project in the LEMI continuum. The objective of each Practice Scholar Project is to motivate the scholar to do the hard work of learning through: inspiring mentors, positive peer pressure, a culminating activity, outward motivations to choose (competitions and rewards), completing the project, and by planting seeds of determination to do hard work. During the first semester, scholars become familiar with the challenging language of Shakespeare by studying a Shakespearean tragedy. The scholars will further be challenged to give an oral presentation on medieval life and history, watch or read at least 7 of Shakespeare’s plays, memorize a passage from a play, and participate in a Medieval Family Fair. The second semester focuses on actor training and implementing everything learned about language and human nature by preparing and performing a Shakespeare Comedy for performance in the spring. As all the hours of labor for the play are volunteer, families should be prepared to assist in some way to help make this a grand experience! Scholars can also look forward to earning the right to be crowned, going to a Shakespeare play, and attending Shakespeare camp at the end of the school year. It is estimated that scholars will study 5-10 hours per week preparing for this class, with additional time demands in preparation for the play in May. Key of LibertyPREREQUISITES: 13 years and up
CONTENT: The American Revolutionary Era and the Founding, Constitution Key of Liberty is a Practice Scholar Project in the LEMI continuum. The objective of each Practice Scholar Project is to motivate the scholar to do the hard work of educating themselves through: inspiring mentors, positive peer pressure, a culminating activity, and incentives. As practice scholars begin their journey into the Revolutionary Era, they are asked to imagine what their lives would be like without freedom as they learn about the effects of totalitarianism in the Cultural Revolution of China. They will study the lives and sacrifices of our Founders, recognize their own role in good government and freedom, and study original documents like The Mayflower Compact and The Declaration of Independence. In the second semester, each scholar will write a paper about one of the Founders and study The Constitution of the United States of America in-depth. As they re-write the document in their own words, they will gain understanding and greater respect for our nation. The culminating experience is a Constitution Bowl where scholars will compete with their knowledge of The Constitution. Scholars are expected to read and discuss eight assigned books, write and submit opinion papers, prepare and share a presentation on a chosen Colonial Era topic, participate in simulations, and earn awards by completing specific requirements. It is estimated the scholars will study 5 - 10 hours per week preparing for this class. Pyramid ProjectPREREQUISITES: 14 years and up
CONTENT: Math and Habits of a Scientist Pyramid project is a Transition to Apprentice Scholar Project on the LEMI Continuum. Scholars will learn HOW to think, not WHAT to think. The four corners of the pyramid represent Logic and Reasoning, Truth, Habits of a Scientist, and Newtonian Math (which is the math everyone usually learns to hate!) We are connecting math and science to the world around them in a holistic way helping them to see their relevance. Developing the habit to log one’s study is emphasized as they learn to emulate Nathaniel Bowditch and his amazing self-education depicted in Carry on, Mr. Bowditch. We will learn how great scientists of all times learned to wonder, see patterns, and ask the right question. During the second semester, scholars will study the great philosophers of the past. They will delve into the sciences of Logic, Reasoning, Mathematics, and Geometry. Throughout the course there is a growth in the scholars’ ability to think logically and to measure things they encounter in the world against their core book (which may be scriptures or any other book that the scholar and their family uses as a foundation of truth). Scholars will read great classics, be introduced to many new ideas and views, develop the skill to test those ideas/views for truth, and develop the habits of a scientist. Principles Project
PREREQUISITES: 13 and older, or Mentor approval
Scholars will study principles of light, liberty, and public virtue throughout this course. They will discover their own place on the scholar continuum as well as begin to realize the responsibility they have for educating themselves. They will be supported by caring mentors who will meet them where they are and inspire them to put in the effort to learn and develop the character of authentic leaders needed in the world today. Scholars will participate in many opportunities for growth and learning, including but not limited to: simulations, reading and discussing classic works, biographies, self improvement books, writing papers, noticing and sharing patterns discovered in their daily lives, hands-on projects, mentoring and service opportunities. They will be challenged and if ready, given the chance to tailor their own program to fit with their individual mission and interests. Depending on their phase, scholars should plan to study 10-30 hours per week for this class.
ACT REAL PREREQUISITES: 16 and older, or Mentor approval
This class is designed for the self-directed scholar, approximate age is 16 and older. We will be learning the basic principles of Responsibility and what it means to be 100% responsible in the following categories; Education, Emotional Resilience, Relationships, Finance, and Personal Health. Each of these topics will be covered in 4-6 week units. We will be reading articles, fiction, non-fiction, and an in depth study of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and the Tuttle Twins Free Market Rules Curriculum. The class will rely heavily on reading and discussion and will also include projects, writing, guest speakers, and simulations. This class is a personal leadership and growth class so it will cover leadership principles as well as financial literacy. |
Sword of Freedom/
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