Credit Courses

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SIdwell Summer offers a variety of credit courses are offered including different levels of Math, Science, and U.S. History. English courses are offered for students in Grades 9-12 as either credit (for non-Sidwell Friends students) or enrichment. Most students take the credit classes to accelerate their academic work, reduce course load for the coming year, or for review. Credit courses meet 3 ½ hours daily for six weeks and are considered to be the equivalent of a full year of course work.  Students wishing to receive credit should obtain appropriate signatures prior to applying for the course and therefore, only paper applications are permitted for credit courses (no on-line applications are permitted).


For Summer 2008, the following credit courses will be offered. Please click on the title or scroll down to see course descriptions, teacher bios, and text book information.

ALGEBRA 1
First-year high school algebra, through quadratics, is covered in this course, with an emphasis on word problems and preparation for future courses in mathematics.  A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required. The text is Algebra Structure and Method Book 1. Author: Brown, Richard, Edition/Copyright: 5TH 00; Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co.Type:Hardback; ISBN: 0395977223

Laura Taylor, teaches Mathematics at National Cathedral School and is returning summer faculty.

ALGEBRA 2
The second-year algebra course emphasizes solving equations and graphing functions.  Topics include linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational equations (and functions).  A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required. The text is Algebra and Trigonometry : Structure and Method, Book 2. Author: Brown, Richard / Dolciani, Mary / Sorgenfrey, Robert / Kane, Robert. Edition/Copyright: (REV) 00 Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co. Type: Hardback; ISBN: ISBN: 0395977258

Click here for the Algebra II Syllabus

Tom Morris teaches Mathematics at Sidwell Friends School.

ADVANCED MATH (ALGEBRA 3)
This third-year course in advanced algebra and trigonometry includes the following topics: quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, circular, trigonometric, and inverse functions; complex numbers, conic sections, arithmetic and geometric series, and mathematical induction. The text used is Advanced Mathematics: Precalculus with Discrete Math and Data Analysis by Richard G. Brown. Students will need to have the Texas Instruments TI-82 or TI- 83 graphing calculator for this course.

Click here for the Advanced Math Syllabus

BIOLOGY
This first-year introductory course covers ecology, biodiversity, the chemistry and organelles of the cell, cell reproduction, genetics, plant form and function, and human body systems. Students will write research-based reports on laboratory investigations, learn and apply microscope techniques, complete a fetal pig dissection, and prepare group presentations on selected topics. This course requires a basic knowledge of chemistry, lab report writing, and algebraic skills.

Joan Lawrence, a veteran Biology teacher, is a returning summer faculty.

CHEMISTRY
This comprehensive course covers the basic concepts of atomic theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, thermo chemistry, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, and electrochemistry. Problem-solving and laboratory techniques are emphasized. Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or permission of the instructor. The text for the course is Modern Chemistry, published by Holt, Rinehart, & Wilson.

Pam Hepp has been teaching Chemistry at Sidwell Friends School for many years.

GEOMETRY
This course begins with a study of the nature of deductive reasoning. A study of classical Euclidean geometry, with an emphasis on proofs, comprises the bulk of the course. The course ends with a study of areas and volumes of plane figures and solids.  The text is published by McDougal/Littell.

Click here for the Geometry Syllabus

Dr. Olga Voronkova teaches Mathematics at Sidwell Friends School. Shehas taught in the Summer Studies program for many years.

PHYSICS
Introductory Physics studies the physical world on three different scales. The class will begin on the scale of our daily experience by studying classical mechanics. Topics will include vectors, velocity, acceleration, force, work, power, inertia, pressure, momentum, waves and sound. Following a study of mechanics, the class will examine phenomena that exist on a small scale: light, electricity, magnetism, and quantum mechanics. This course finishes in a large scale, examining special and general relativity and their relation to describing the universe. Lab work, a part of most days’ lessons, will illustrate concepts and provide an opportunity to practice problem solving.

Martin Bullock is Freshmen Dean and Physics teacher at Sidwell Friends

UNITED STATES HISTORY
A survey of American history and culture from the Colonial period through Watergate. Emphasis is placed on the study of America as a civilization. Through an examination of social, cultural, and political developments, students are introduced to the dominant ideas, themes, myths, and symbols in the history of the United States. Some selected topics may include American national character, everyday life in the past, and popular culture.  A research paper is required. Classes are centered in daily readings and discussion of the text, American History: A Survey by Alan Brinkley. Open to students who have completed the tenth grade.

Section 1: Dr. Michael Cavey teaches at Stone Ridge School is a returning summer faculty.

 Section 2: Dr. Ellis Turner is the Associate Head of School at Sidwell
Friends where he has taught U.S. History for more than 20 years.