Summer Learning

List of 7 items.

• Algebra 1

  This first-year course introduces the fundamental concepts of algebra. Its aims include mastering basic algebraic skills and developing competence with the graphing calculator. Students are introduced to variables, order of operations, algebraic expressions, functions, and equations. Properties of signed numbers and other axioms lay the foundation for solving first-degree equations and systems of equations. Students study linear and quadratic functions, their solutions and graphs, and investigate word problems modeling these functions. The year concludes with a study of polynomials, inequalities, and the properties of exponents.
  

• Algebra 2

  This course reviews the basic skills of Algebra 1 while building on the notion of a function. Problem-solving and graphing the following types of functions are emphasized: linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational. Topics first introduced in Geometry and Algebra 1 are further developed. The graphing calculator is used regularly to enhance and support comprehension.

                      

  Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry

• Pre-Calc/Calc Honors

  Pre-Calc/Calc Honors (NOTE: course begins June 23 and runs for six weeks; tuition is $4900)

   

  This especially intensive course is intended for students who have just completed Algebra 2 Honors and wish to take AP BC Calculus the following fall. Because this course covers four semesters of work at an honors level, students will start one week sooner than other SOCC classes (June 23) and meet on Zoom for longer sessions.

   

  Prerequisites: Algebra 2H

• Computer Programming and Coding

  This course follows the AP Computer Science A curriculum and assumes no prior programming experience. Students will learn to code in Java, a general-purpose programming language that is one of the most popular in use today. For the first unit, students will work in the JKarel programming environment, a stepping stone to Object-Oriented Programming. From there, we will move on to Java, where students will be introduced to the core principles of objects and classes. Java objects can be used to represent everyday real life objects, such as a car, while classes are like blueprints for making a specific model of that car. 

  
  

  As students master the syntax and vocabulary specific to Java, they will learn general software principles applicable to any programming language, including Python and Ruby. An emphasis will be placed on algorithms, general methods or step-by-step recipes used to solve a specific task. 

  
  Students will have nightly reading assignments from the text and exercises corresponding to the topic covered that day. To supplement these assignments, students will also view 8-10 minute videos which summarize the day’s lesson. Weekly problem sets, consisting of longer programming activities, will be due each Monday. 
  
  

  At the conclusion of the five week session, students will be well prepared to transition into the full-year AP Computer Science course.

• Introduction to Creative Writing

  This course is open to motivated students in grades 9-12. It is intended for students who are interested in generating their own work but are unable to take the full-year course in Introduction to Creative Writing offered by the English department during the regular school year. We will read a variety of texts to serve as models for our original work, but the vast majority of class and prep time will be devoted to composing, revising and discussing student-generated texts. Classes will meet three times per week for 90-120 minutes per session, and students will be expected to produce several new pages every week in addition to providing peer feedback. We will study a variety of genres, but the course will have the flexibility to emphasize the particular interests of the students enrolled in the class.

• Geometry

  This course consists of the study of shapes in two- and three-dimensional space using the formal language of definitions, postulates, and theorems. Students develop inductive and deductive reasoning skills and learn to construct two column proofs. The properties of parallel lines, congruent and similar shapes, ratio and proportion, the Pythagorean Theorem and right triangle trigonometry, special quadrilaterals, circles, geometric probability, and areas and volumes of plane and solid figures are the primary topics in the course. Alongside this agenda, there is also an ongoing review and enhancement of algebra skills. Specifically, we focus on solving linear and quadratic equations and systems of equations, manipulating and operating on fractions and radical expressions.

   

  Prerequisite: Algebra 1

• Pre-Calculus

  This course reviews the functions studied in Algebra 2, deepening student comprehension of these functions and their applications. The course thoroughly investigates polynomial and rational functions, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions, as well as power models, with a focus on transformations and graphing. The graphing calculator is used extensively throughout.

   

  Prerequisite: Algebra 2