Sunshine Learning Center

The table below lists all of the subjects that are taught at the Sunshine Learning Center. Click on the subject of interest for both general information about the subject as well as specific information about each class in that subject.

General Description for Math Classes

In general, the math classes are challenging. Fortunately, there is plenty of extra help available to the struggling student. In addition to helping struggling students, the classes can help average math students become great math students. When done alone, math can be dull and lack relevance to everyday life. When done in a group, math is usually much more fun and easier to learn.

In an organized class, it is less likely that the student will fall behind or forget past material. Students are more likely to keep up with their homework when they know they will be quizzed on it constantly, and every class reinforces previous materials. Parents are kept informed of student’s progress throughout the year with written progress reports.

Arithmetic
Arithmetic is the first step towards math understanding. It is literally the language of mathematics. The skills learned in this class will be used in every math class to come. We have had students in this class as young as 7, and as old as 13. The purpose of the class is to learn and practice basic math skills. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, ...), fractions, and decimals are the major focus. We also spend time with percents, rounding, word problems, and other basic arithmetic skills. Students should already have a basic understanding of the times table before attending this class although mastery is not a prerequisite.

Prealgebra
This is a very important class. Standardized tests such as the SAT, PSAT, and ACT are difficult without a mastery of algebra. These tests directly affect scholarship potential and college possibilities in the future.

A solid Prealgebra class can make all future math classes virtually effortless. The skills learned in this class will prepare students for Algebra I and Algebra II. In order to attend this class, the student must be comfortable with basic arithmetic. In most cases if the student can add, subtract, multiply, and divide well, and has an understanding of fractions and decimals, he or she can be very successful in this class.

The average student in the public school system takes Prealgebra in the 7th or 8th grade. We have had mature 5th and 6th graders excel in this class in the past! Remember that the classes are small, and there are many opportunities to receive extra help if needed. A student that wants to do Prealgebra can definitely do it!

Algebra I
This class focuses on algebraic concepts such as solving quadratic equations, working with rational expressions, and word problems with critical thinking. We use an Algebra textbook published by McDougal littell which is used commonly in public and private schools. Its color pages, fantastic explanations, and real life applications make learning a lot easier than some other homeschool math curricula. In order to attend this class, students must have a firm grasp of Prealgebra.

Geometry
We use the textbook Geometry by Larson et al. It is a common Geometry book used in high schools. Most students find this class much easier than Algebra I or Algebra II. The book is laid out well, and doesn't go into heavy detail with regards to proofs and other abstract concepts. Much of the material learned in this book is directly applicable to the SAT.

SAT Math Prep
This class may be the important your student can at the Sunshine Learning Center. This is a year long SAT class designed specifically for homeschoolers. We use the Official SAT Study Guide, published by The College Board. The book contains real SAT’s that were used in the past. These questions serve as the focus of the class. Each week, we work with students on their standardized test taking skills such as process of elimination, timing, and other strategies. All year, students do SAT questions for homework.

This class is certain to increase your students SAT score, as well as his or her algebra and geometry skills. Since the SAT also has elements of Algebra II it is suggested (but not required) that your student take an Algebra II class if this was not already done. With all of the extra help available, taking Geometry and Algebra II at the same time should not be too difficult.

This class only deals with the Math portion of the SAT. The English portion of the SAT are dealt with in our High School English Classes

Algebra II
This class can be taken either after Algebra I or Geometry. It can also be taken at the same time as Geometry especially if the student has taken Algebra I and did well. We use an honors Algebra II textbook written by Lial and Miller. We always make sure to emphasize concepts that are covered on the SAT, and other standardized tests.

Precalculus / Trigonometry
This class follows Algebra II and is an honors class. We use a college level textbook written by Swokowski and Cole. This is the same class your student will take at BCC later on. Concepts covered include functions of the polynomial, rational functions, exponential, and logarithmic variety. Also included are 3 chapters of Trigonometry including trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, and applications of trigonometry. Matrices, sequences, series, analytic geometry, and probability are also covered.

General Description for Science Classes

Learning science in a group is much better than learning it alone. In class, students benefit from other student’s questions and insight. Group discussions and projects help students work together as most scientists do. The science classes are described as very fun and educational. Experiments are done to help reinforce the material learned in class, and bring science to life. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving and critical thinking in the science classes.

Memorizing facts is just one aspect of the class; being able to relate these facts to everyday life is the other. Students learn how scientists think, and news ways to approach problems. Material learned in class helps explain things that occur in the student’s everyday life making the information more practical and therefore easier to understand.

Almost all of the science classes use the Apologia Curriculum. Many homeschoolers are already familiar with these books. The only class not to use this curriculum is the Elementary General Science class.

Specific Science Class Descriptions

Elementary General Science
This is designed to be a student’s first formal science class. Students are young, about 7-10, but sometimes older students not ready for a middle school science textbook would benefit from taking this class first. It is really a hands-on science class intended for elementary school aged students. We do a lot of experiments, and the homework is very light. The class is taught from handouts , so the reading is a little easier than other science classes. Students get a very good grounding in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, and Physics.

Astronomy
This class is a favorite amongst 4th and 5th grade students. It is slightly more challenging than the elementary science class, but easier than General Science. 4th and 5th grade students should have no trouble reading the textbook on their own. We use the Exploring Creation with Astronomy textbook. Topics include the planets, stars, space history, and several important physical science concepts such as gravity and atmosphere.

Apologia General Science
This class is a great introduction to middle school level science. The Apologia book is reader friendly, and provides plenty of opportunity for experiments and practice questions. Some major topics include the history of science, the scientific method, how to analyze experiments, and the human body. Click here for more information on the General Science textbook.

Apologia Physical Science
This class is usually taken in the 9th grade, but with some extra help many middle school students with an interest in science will have no problem with it. The Apologia book is reader friendly, and provides plenty of opportunity for experiments and practice questions. During the first half of the year, we go over how the earth works such as its atmosphere, weather, land, and oceans. The other half of the class is a great introduction to physics. Click here for more information on the Physical Science textbook.

Apologia Biology
This is a great high school level / college prep Biology class. We do everything they do in the public schools and more. Students do all the basic dissections such as the worm, frog, crayfish, and perch. We even do extra dissections depending on what the class wants. Some choices are a brain, eyeball, shark, or pig. With my background in medicine, students learn a lot more than they would just reading the book alone. Many other lab activities such as microscope work and filed work will also be done. Click here for more information on the Biology textbook used in this class.

Apologia Chemistry
Chemistry is also a college prep science class, and it really helps explain a lot of things that happen in one’s everyday life. All high school level chemistry concepts are covered in this class. We do all of the experiments in the Apologia book plus more advanced ones that are usually saved for college. Students leave this class with a firm grasp of general chemistry. Many students are surprised to find that this class is really fun, and not that hard when taught correctly. It is important to be taking an Algebra I class along with this class if the student has not done so already. Otherwise, Chemistry is very difficult if not impossible to learn. Click here for more information on the Chemistry textbook used in this class.

Apologia Physics
Physics really helps explain a lot of things that happen all around us. We assume that students have no background in trig, and go over what they need to know for this class. It is helpful if the student is enrolled in a trigonometry class while taking Physics. If the student has poor algebra skills, then he or she is not ready for this class. Click here for more information on the Physics textbook used in this class.

Electronics
Students interested in electronics or circuits will be very excited about this class. It will be the most hands-on class we offer (about 50% lecture / 50% experimenting). Students will be broken up into small teams and spend much time working on circuit boards. Some experiments scheduled are how radios work, making a battery checker, metal detector, led timers, and voltage drop alarms. Students will not only make electronic gadgets but also learn the science behind what makes them work.

There will be 2 electronics classes. One class for students less than 13 and the other for students greater than 13. These 2 classes will not be the same, the older group will be doing more challenging projects, and are expected to complete more assignments. Homework and tests are a part of both classes.

During the 2007-2008 school year, SLC will offer 9 different English classes. There are 3 English classes designed for elementary school aged students, 3 are designed for middle school students, and 3 English classes are taught at the high school level. Each class is designed to emphasis certain aspects of language arts / literature. All high school English Classes teach and reinforce important SAT skills.

Elementary English I / Middle School English I / High School English I (Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension) – These classes emphasis the foundations of language arts. Students will work hard all year building their vocabulary, learning grammar rules, and strengthening their reading comprehension skills. These 3 skills relate directly to most standardized tests such as the Iowa, FCAT, and CAT. For this reason, a large part of the class will be spent actually taking standardized practice tests. Elementary English I will also have a section dedicated to spelling rules.

Elementary English II / Middle School English II / High School English II (Essays, Book Reports, Short Stories) – Following the Institute for Excellence in Writing curriculum, students will see their creative thinking and writing skills improve as they use stylistic techniques to write essays, reports and creative stories. Grammar skills learned in English I will be reinforced but only in the context of writing papers. Students will not use a formal grammar book rather, the teacher will demonstrate this art by showing the students how to improve their papers grammatically.

High School English II also includes planning for the College Application Personal Essay: overview of what colleges want, analysis of sample college essays, organizational strategies, writing a notable essay. Students will also learn how to write an effective resume. Additionally, time is set aside on how to write a powerful essay for the SAT.

Elementary Level Geography
An interesting and unique approach to learning world geography, while learning solid research skills in the process! Students learn geography, history and culture on a continent-by-continent basis using a program called Around the World in 180 Days. This is not a textbook; rather, a series of questions that the student must research in order to answer. Plenty of resources (available in most public libraries and the internet) are listed to help the student in his or her research, and the teacher is always available for guidance.

Middle School Level Geography
We use the middle school textbook World Geography, by McDougal Littell used in many local schools. The book begins with some basic terminology of geography such as landforms, plateaus, peninsulas. It continues with exploring major physical regions of the world such as Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim along with its political divisions and subdivisions. Naturally, a greater amount of class time is devoted to exploration of North America, with a special emphasis on the United States.

Elementary American History

Textbook to be announced

In addition to going through an age appropriate textbook on American History, students will be involved in 2 skits documenting 2 important events in American history. The skits will be voted on in class, some suggestions will include the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Impeachment of President Johnson, and the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (Armistice Day). Students will also be expected to write 2 short essays during the school year on topics of their choice.

Middle School American History

Textbook to be announced

In addition to going through a middle school level textbook on American History, students will be expected to do 2 research papers during the school year.

Debate

Textbook to be announced

The successful student will distinguish between argument and persuasion. He or she will learn to recognize, and take advantage of, situations where arguments are productive and decisive while avoiding wastes of time, energy and breath. Logical persuasion will replace pleading and cajoling. Finally, the course highlights the relationship between poetry, rhetoric and prose.

Political Science / Applied Law

Textbook to be announced

Students begin to understand the American party-system within the framework of shared authority between the Federal Government and the States. Important concepts, such as mandatory sentencing, agency regulations, and prosecutorial discretion develop beside expansion of the Constitution and the Common Law.

We will be offering the following foreign language classes during the 2006-2007 school year:

Spanish I
We have had great success with a textbook called Spanish the Easy Way. In Spanish I the main focus is building vocabulary, pronunciation, and learning present tense verb conjugation. Other concepts are also explored such as the uses of the articles a and de, the difference between soy and estoy, etc. Conversational skills are also emphasized but are somewhat limited due to a limited vocabulary.

Spanish II
We continue with the textbook Spanish the Easy Way with more advanced concepts such as conjugating verbs in the future and past tenses. Vocabulary is also increased as well as conversational ability. Conversation is more advanced than in Spanish I due to an increased vocabulary. Students are also expected to be able to write in Spanish.

Latin I
For this class, we use the textbook Teach Yourself Latin in 24 Hours. An emphasis is placed on translating lain passages, learning common latin phrases and vocabulary words, and how the Latin language impacts the English language.

Latin II
We continue with the textbook Teach Yourself Latin in 24 Hours. A bit more time is spent on conversational Latin in this class.