VILLAGE SCHOOL

This is an introductory biology course that includes a 1200 minute laboratory component. The course prepares students for the Living Environment Regents Exam in June. Students learn scientific inquiry, cell structure/function, basic biochemistry, nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, protein synthesis, evolution, classification, plants, animals, systems of the body, ecology, and human impacts on the environment.

This class leads to the NYS Regents Exam in June, but it is anything but a test prep class. The objective is to provide the students with a more honest historical perspective of American history - warts and all; all the while extolling the truly great American virtues of liberty and democracy. The goal is to provide different perspectives fleshed out in seminar-like discussions, forcing the students to think critically and graduating the students into thinking, engaging citizens.

We cover the history of the world, from the beginning of time to the present, over this two year course that culminates in the New York State mandated Regents exam. As we look at events, we also look at the factors that influence what happened, such as the impact of geography.

In their junior years, students take Common Core English, which prepares them for the Regents exam in June. We focus on short stories, poetry, literary criticism, and non-fiction analysis in order to strengthen the skills needed to master the exam.

The course follows the NYS Common Core standards and leads up to the Common Core Algebra I Exam in June. Students cover topics such as understanding how to read and create graphs, Arithmetic with Polynomials and Rational Expressions, Creating Equations, Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities. Manipulatives and computer programs are used to assist students in learning. Concepts lead to Algebra II/Trig in the upper grade levels.

Each fall, students have the opportunity to participate in Writers' Workshop, a class modeled after Gotham Writers Workshop in NYC. They experiment with poetry, prose, and playwriting, and immerse themselves in the revision process. The class culminates with a poetry night and the creation of "The Manifest", Village's literary magazine.

3D Design & Printing is a half year science elective exploring the Third Industrial Revolution, personal fabrication. Powered by Information Age advancements, it is poised to unlock the potential in every person to create, innovate and fabricate. This course utilizes a Problem based Learning approach to maximize student growth and learning; fostering an open-ended student centered instructional environment that will encourage student-generated knowledge through active participation.

This course explores different times, places, and events through the use of both fictional and documentary films. A different theme is explored each semester. Themes may revolve around time periods, historical events, or geographic areas. Students do background research before and during the films, and provide analysis and reactions after the films.

This is a half-year elective class that examines resources from the ocean, with an emphasis on sustainability, as well as different marine habitats. Students leave this class with a clear understanding of marine organisms, aquaria, and how to care for their own aquatic organisms.

This follows the NYS Common Core guidelines, covering topics such as Congruence, Similarity, Right Triangles, Trigonometry, Circles, and Geometric Measurement along with the use of algebraic skills to model and solve problems. Manipulatives and computer programs will be used to assist students in learning.

Inspired by upper-level college courses, the author course is a semester- long intensive study of one author's life and works. It's all about depth over breadth! Thus far, courses have been offered on William Shakespeare, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sherman Alexie, and Oscar Wilde.

More than a current events class, this class encourages students to develop and write persuasive arguments based on data and evidence. By selecting and researching topics in the news, students engage with what is going on in the world while developing an understanding of the values that help shape their opinions.