Course Descriptions 2011-2011
Middle School
Art Department
Art 5/6
Art projects in this course are integrated with the historical content of the 5th/6th grade humanities course. Student focus on aesthetics and art production as they explore original ideas through a variety of media and develop a portfolio of class projects to be included on their website.
Art 7th/8th
The Middle School art courses integrate the study of history with the study of art. Students study historical periods and concepts in humanities, and then integrate that knowledge as they produce works that reflect critical thinking about the place of art in history. Although the majority of time in class is spent in art production, students also participate in lecture and discussion, demonstrations, and field trips. Students explore original ideas through a variety of media and develop a digital portfolio of class projects.
Drama 7th/8th
Bridges Middle School Drama classes develop the disposition of the performing artist and nurture imagination and creativity. In the course sequence, building relationships is key. Relationships--between an actor and the physical and spatial environment, an actor and other actors, an actor and the director, and an actor and audience--are explored through movement, song, improvisation, adapted short stories and original scripted material. Opportunities are created for those who demonstrate above average ability, task commitment, and creativity in the various sub fields of performance. The end of each semester is dedicated to developing the understanding of the planning and collaboration necessary to produce a successful production.
Humanities Department
5th/6th Humanities
Fifth and sixth grade Humanities students explore theories about the origins of human beings and the emergence of early civilization. Using a multi-discipline approach that incorporates literature, drama, philosophy, politics, visual arts, music, sciences and technology (among others), students examine how early humans learned to organize themselves and live together in communities. Using reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, students examine the contributions of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome to see what we can learn in order to live more fully and conscientiously in the 21st Century.
7th Humanities
The 7th grade Humanities curriculum covers four major units over the course of the academic year: Early Humans and the Rise of Civilization; Culture and Kingdoms of West Africa; Europe During Medieval Times; Europe’s Renaissance, Reformation and Enlightenment. Using a variety of resources, students examine the connections among geography, technology, art, literature, social structures, education, economics, government, and belief systems in the development of civilization. Each unit includes lessons that emphasize reading comprehension and writing as well executive functioning skills.
8th Humanities
The 8th grade Humanities course covers the breadth and depth of the human experience in American History and Literature from the time Spider Woman crawled out of the underworld through the enthusiasms of the 19th century. Along the way, students visit primary sources--essays, pamphlets, stories, poems, plays, songs, letters, speeches--as well as current events that help guide their exploration of what it means to be human—and how humans have evolved and changed through history. Skills that focus on analyzing information, working cooperatively towards a common goal, and finding effective means of expressing ideas are emphasized in several project-based assignments.
Math (5-8)
Math in the Bridges Academy Middle School is a project-based, inquiry-centered curriculum designed to help students not only master the basic and intermediate math “skills” they will need to be successful in higher level math classes, but also to develop fluency with problem solving strategies, skill building, reasoning and proofs, and communication of math knowledge. Students develop “essential understandings” around math and draw connections between the study of math and the world around them. In addition to the development of these “procedural” and “conceptual” math skills, our project-based curriculum affords students many opportunities to work in groups where they develop appropriate social skills while working towards a shared construction of knowledge. Students in 5th-8th math study the following “strands”: Numbers and Operations; Geometry; Measurement; Algebra; and Data analysis and Probability. Students return to these “big ideas” each year with increasing depth and complexity. Student work in math is dually differentiated so that needs are met for those who require scaffolded instruction and for those who thrive on challenge.Media Technology Department
Media Tech 7
This course is designed to nurture student passion for media and technology. Students will gain a solid base understanding of computer hardware and software packages that are important to their educational, creative, and organizational development. A wide variety of software packages and technologies will be covered including: Microsoft Office applications, animation, basic web page design with HTML and CSS, and video game creation.
Media Tech 8
This course is designed to nurture student passion for media and technology. Students learn how to use software programs to produce complex texts, illustrations, photographs, sound, videos, and animations. Students use class time to build their own websites. Student websites will serve as digital portfolios where students showcase their creativity and store assignments from their academic classes. Course content includes keyboarding skills, web development, 2D and 3D animation, sound and video production.
Physical Education (5th-8th)
The Bridges Middle School Physical Education classes teach students the benefits of physical activity and promote skill development, improved self-confidence and self-esteem, self-discipline, stress reduction, improved judgment, and strong peer relationships. Students learn the importance and benefits of deep-tissue stretching and improved hand-eye coordination.
Science Department
5th grade Science
Students in Bridges 5th grade science--Examination: Earth--explore the intricate patterns that exist in particle physics and chemistry and use this knowledge to understand “earth-ologies”-- meteorology, geology, and ecology. At the beginning of the school year, students research elements and periodicity to gain an in depth understanding of the building blocks of our planet and its atmosphere. Students apply this knowledge to the natural world around them as they study meteorology and its impact on local geologic formations. After thoroughly investigating each of the earth science disciplines, students end the year with the study of San Fernando Valley geology, using prior knowledge to interpret the history of local geological and meteorological formations and transformations. Students learn the material in this course through technology-infused experiments and hands-on projects.
6th Grade Science
Students in Bridges 5th grade science--Budding Biologists-- continue their study of scientific systems by expanding their knowledge of the intricate patterns existing within particle physics and chemistry and apply that knowledge in an examination of biology, biodiversity, anatomy, genetics, and nutrition. Students examine these challenging concepts through a series of hands-on and technology-infused experiments, discoveries, and presentations. At the beginning of the school year, students research organic elements and periodicity to gain an in depth understanding of the building blocks of life on our planet. They use that knowledge later in the year to explore the design of organisms and their biological systems (organs and systems), biological communities within biomes, and the biological code that contributes to the structure and characteristics of all living systems. Students will end the year by organizing and creating a comparative biological study of micro-ecological systems.
7th grade science
Students in 7th grade science—Phun-damentally PHysics --experience a lab-based curriculum, designed to expand their present understanding of the mechanics and energy transfer systems in the universe. Using hands-on investigations, discussion, data analysis, and presentations, students explore the mysteries of Newtonian Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Wave Dynamics, Optics, and Astronomy. The class is designed to challenge the idea that our universe is governed by a series of systems comprised of matter and energy, controlled by patterns of interactions, resulting in observable, measurable changes.
8th Grade Science
Students in 8th grade science—Scientific Possibilities—explore problems using the scientific methodology they have learned in the 5th-7th grades. In the fall term, students make hypotheses about how Catalina Island was formed. Using classroom experiments and data gathered during a three-day camping trip on the island, students interpret results, selecting and defending the most probable creation scenario. Students apply principles from geology, ecology, biodiversity, biology, and meteorology to complete this rigorous investigation which culminates in a forum to which the community is invited.
In the spring, 8th grade students explore the feasibility of converting the science classroom into an “energy independent zone.” Students research and design wind turbines and photovoltaic cells in search of the most economical and efficient means of generating classroom energy. Further, they are challenged to find ways to improve their own energy efficiency at home and create a presentation supporting or refuting the importance and adoption of such activities by the population at large. They apply their knowledge and understanding of Newtonian Mechanics, wave dynamics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, circuits, and simple machines through these demanding experiments. The spring term culminates in a formal presentation to peers and parents.
HIGH SCHOOL
English Department
English/Communications 9
In 9th grade, students will explore how ideas are effectively communicated. The first semester will begin with a Media Literacy Workshop designed to enhance students’ understanding of the techniques used in effective verbal communication. In a Writer's Workshop students will creatively explore the writing processes and explicitly practice the steps needed to produce excellent written communications. In the Reader's Workshop, students will analyze, appreciate, and be enlightened by short stories written by contemporary masters of the form.
English/Communications 10
The primary focus of tenth-grade English is communication. Writing, speaking and other media are the vehicles through which one’s wonderful, creative and insightful ideas come to life. Developing a process to make that happen is important not only for high school and college students, but for anyone living in a society where people often size each other up based on how effectively they communicate. Students will participate in writing, reading and media literacy workshops throughout the year.
English/Communications 11
English 11 will focus on the various modes through which people communicate in their daily lives. The course will use a variety of written communication forms, including poetry, short stories and non-fiction, to further understanding of how literature communicates in many of the same ways as our popular media. Units include a Reader’s Workshop, focusing on improving critical reading and note-taking, and a Writers Workshop, focusing on different writing styles, including critical, reporting, advertising, fiction, non-fiction, and creative.
English/Communications 12
English 12 begins with a workshop on cultural literacy, then moves into Readers' and Writers' workshops. As they explore specific literary devices and conventions in short stories and novels from around the world, students will improve reading skills such as summary and inference. As they explicitly learn the steps of the writing process, students will develop skills such as brainstorming ideas, focusing their content, crafting their opinion, planning their paper, incorporating expert sources and opinions, revising their paper and presenting their paper to an appropriate audience.
History Department
Ancient and Medieval History
This two-semester survey course of Western ancient and medieval history covers the time from the Classical era of Greece to the empire of Charlemagne, i.e. from around 750 BCE to ca. 1000 CE. The course follows a broadly chronological pattern, but also includes units on ancient and medieval societies, religions, cultures, governments and militaries. Some of the main objectives of this course include the use of history as a repository of past human experience and as an academic discipline to follow patterns of continuity and change, to learn working with diverse sources, to form and test hypotheses and to draw well-founded conclusions about the past and the present.
American History 10
This is a survey course of American History, concentrating on the 20th century. The course is conducted chronologically for the most part, although it contains two topics that form a foundation for many of the issues important to 20th century America--The Constitution & The Civil War/Reconstruction Period of the 1860s and 1870s--before moving on to the Progressive Era and the 20th century.
20th Century US History 10 - Honors
The course examines America in the Twentieth Century, from about 1900 to 1990, with a concentration mostly on American culture and society, though the political and economic material serves as a foundation for understanding societal issues. There is a heavy emphasis on the use of primary source material, such as advertising, music, art, film and television. To achieve honors credit in this class, students must fulfill the Honors requirements on projects assigned throughout the semester.
History and Culture of Food (11/12)
This elective history course covers the history of food production, distribution and consumption through the lens of the development of human civilizations. It also looks at a wide range of food-related topics such as industrial vs. organic/local agriculture, health issues, genetically-modified foods, food economics (individual, national and global), access to food, and cultural food identity.
Art/Music History (11/12)
This class examines the development of both art and music in Europe from the beginnings of the Renaissance to modern times. The focus will be in two major areas: (1) familiarizing students with the major artists and composers of the period as well as the styles and genres they developed and worked in; and (2) using our analysis of the works themselves to better understand the society that produced them, thereby constructing a cultural narrative of European history.
Comparative Ideologies 11/12
A yearlong course of meta-history explores big-picture trends across epochs and civilizations, following the rise and fall of many societies. The purpose of the course is to explore the correlations between the systems of ancient and modern states and their efficacy in responding to various challenges. In studying such correlations, students will develop their skills of critical thought, work with a variety of sources, write concise and coherent narratives, debate issues with their peers and make strides toward becoming informed and active citizens
Economics and Government
This course will examine how economics and government interact and relate to each other in American society, which has been described as a “capitalist republic.” For the first semester, we will focus on topics relating to personal participation in both the economy and the political community. In the second semester, we will focus on topics related to both structure & theory dealing with both economics and government. The goal of the class is to prepare students to become independent, intelligent & active participants in both the American economy and political system.
History of the Cold War 11/12
This course examines the main political, economic, social and ideological developments in the West from ca. 1914 to 1991 through the prism of the Cold War, with foundational study of the Industrial to the Russian Revolution.
Math Department
Algebra 1
Algebra is the study of how to solve problems that can be described with numbers. The emphasis of the this class is solving, graphing and applying to real life problems linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations. The course also examines rational and irrational expressions and equations.
Algebra 1A
This course is the first year of a two-year Algebra I course that is project-based and focuses on real world examples of Algebra. It involves the review of algebraic symbols, ratios and proportions, and adds more steps to the solving of equations. It includes graphing linear and quadratic equations and introduces graphing on a calculator.
Algebra 1B
This course is the second year of a two-year Algebra I course that is project-based and focuses on real world examples of Algebra. It involves multi-step equations, manipulating radicals, factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations and operations with rational expressions. Students will also learn how to program on their calculators.
Algebra 2
Algebra II delves deeper into the algebraic processes. It examines the relationships between geometry and algebra such as seen clearly in conic sections. The class also covers exponential and logarithmic equations, and if time permits, trigonometry.
Geometry
In this class, students will do multiple experiments and use inductive reasoning in order to find characteristics and properties of various different shapes. Once they have learned these different properties, students will then work on using deductive reasoning in order to prove Geometric statements.
Pre-Calculus
In the first half of this course students will build on their Algebra 2 skills by working more in-depth on the topics of imaginary numbers, logarithms, and functions. The focus of the second semester is on Trigonometry in which students learn about the unit circle, vectors, and trigonometric laws they can use to prove trig statements.
Math Analysis & Differential Calculus
The first part of this course, Math Analysis, covers parametric equations, vectors, matrices, complex numbers and polar coordinates. The second part, Calculus, covers limits and continuity, differentiation and its applications, and if time permits integration and its applications.
Probability and Statistics
This course is designed for the user of statistics, not the creator of statistics. Students do many hands-on projects in order to learn about statistics. Topics include probability theory, normal populations, sample – how to create a sample, how to ask questions of a sample how to create an experimental sample. It also includes correlation, linear regression and expected value.
Science Department
Anatomy and Physiology
Students will examine the form and function of each body system. The major organs will be examined with an emphasis on the morphology and functional features of their cells and tissues. In addition, students will examine common pathologies associated with each body system. The focus of the class is the connection between the form and function of the human body.
Biology
This course will familiarize students with the basic knowledge and concepts that are the foundation of modem biological science through a molecular/cellular approach. The topics covered include the nature and process of science, the structure and function of cells, basic biochemistry, molecular genetics and mechanisms of heredity, evolutionary biology, and ecosystem structure and function.
Physical Sciences 9
Students will study objects and their motion through space over time, and they will investigate how matter changes in a given environment. Students will be asked to be inquisitive, critical, knowledgeable and open-minded throughout our science journey, while learning the “How To’s” in a laboratory setting with “Hands-On” demonstrations.
Physics
This is an advanced level college-prep physics course. We will focus on mechanics (forces and motion) in the first semester, and on electromagnetic phenomena (light, electricity and magnetism) in the second semester.
Chemistry
This course is an introduction to the study of the properties and changes in matter. The course emphasizes topics such as classification of matter, chemical shorthand, structure of atoms and compounds, the mole, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, solids, liquids, and gas behavior. A special section on organic and nuclear chemistry is included.
Genetics
Students will learn the basic principles of genetics such as heredity and variation in living organisms. Laboratory exercises will illustrate the principles of genetics, with emphasis on Mendelian inheritance in multicellular eukaryotes.
World Languages Department
Japanese 1
The course is designed for those beginning the study of the Japanese language--complete Hiragana, Katakana, and simple Kanji. Students learn basic grammar and vocabulary as well as basic writing and conversational skills. The course also introduces students to Japanese customs, literature and history.
Japanese 2
Students will learn complete Hiragana and Katakana alphabets, and basic Kanji. Students will expand their horizons by learning to express themselves in a Japanese-speaking community. For example, students will be able to order food at a Japanese restaurant, handle a part-time job in a shop using Japanese, or give directions in Japanese. The course will also introduce and demonstrate Japanese customs, literature, and history.
Japanese 3
In this class, students learn complete alphabets, and about 200 Kanji. Students will carry on conversations, read sign boards and easy books. Students will be able to manage daily life in Japan. The course also introduces culture, such as Japanese philosophy, daily customs, society, myths, religion, politics, cooking, pop culture and history. Through a developing understanding of Japanese culture, students will begin to compare Japanese and American value systems.
Japanese 4
This class is conducted mostly in Japanese. Students continue learning Hiragana, Katakana and another 300 Kanji, as well as expanding language skills through TV and news shows, reading books, newspapers and magazines, and conversing with native speakers. There is also an emphasis on Japanese customs, literature, philosophy, religion, politics, history and pop culture.
Spanish 1
This is an introductory course for students with little or no background in the Spanish language. The goal is to develop the ability to communicate in Spanish and understand basic Spanish as well as foster an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of the Spanish-speaking cultures of the world. A strong emphasis is placed on using the language in a practical situation, while also helping students grasp the basics of Spanish grammar, syntax, and morphology.
Spanish 2
This is an intermediate course for students with approximately one year of the Spanish language. Like Spanish 1, there is an emphasis on developing all four levels of language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The goal of this course is to continue developing the ability to communicate in Spanish in practical situations, while at the same time exposing students to the Hispanic culture. A strong emphasis is placed on grasping the basics of the Spanish grammar and syntax.
Spanish 3
This is an intermediate to advanced course for students with approximately two years of the Spanish language. The goal is to strength the ability to communicate in Spanish, while at the same time continue experiencing the richness of the Hispanic culture. A strong emphasis is placed on using the language in any given practical situation, while also adding more complex grammatical structures to oral and/or written speech. Subjunctive and indicative mode is used interchangeably as well as present, past and future tenses.
Spanish 4
This advanced course is open to students who have obtained a B grade in Spanish 3. The course is in the form of literature survey and taught exclusively in Spanish. Students are expected to read fiction, poetry, and non-fiction works by noted Spanish and Latin American authors. Since Spanish 4 students have already learned grammar and acquired skills in speaking, writing, reading, and understanding Spanish, this course is designed to refine, perfect, and enhance these skills as well as instill a love of modern Hispanic literature and inspire a desire for self-expression.
Spanish 5
This course is intended both as a stimulus for a conversation and as an introduction to the world of Spanish and Latin-American film. Thus, rather than a conversation course based on a series of “topics of the day,” this class is a content course, a language skills course based on several subjects through the lenses of filmmaking. Students will gain a new appreciation of Spanish-language cinema and Hispanic culture while improving their conversational skills. A variety of directors, scriptwriters, actors, etc. who have been awarded or nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign and Goyas (Spanish Awards) have been selected for their artistic qualities and the culture they reflect.
Physical Education Department
High School PE
The main goal in physical education classes is to help students derive health-related benefits such as fitness, physical competence, and cognitive understanding of body movement. Other benefits of physical activity in school include improved mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning, as they pertain to the development of physical skills. These benefits can help students in all facets of their lives. Each class has three main components: fitness, skill development, and games/activities. Good sportsmanship is a vital aspect of physical education, so it will be emphasized throughout the year. Our fundamental goal is to create a positive environment for students to learn more about the health benefits of physical fitness, and how to make it part of their lives
Basketball
This class emphasizes the value of team and individual play, conditioning and good sportsmanship. It involved improving team and individual offensive and defensive skills, practiced in a variety of situations to prepare for game play.
Cross Country
This course prepares students to compete in cross country events and races within the 5k - 10k range. Students improve their physical conditioning, running techniques, endurance, speed and strength. Daily training involves stretching cardiovascular training, arm and leg strength training, arm and leg techniques for running flats and hills, interval speed training, and endurance distance training.
Art Department
Studio Art
This course covers an introduction to art theory and application in drawing, conceptual design, painting and color theory; and the completion of projects within each of the five content strands of the visual arts standards: artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural contexts, aesthetic valuing, and connections, relationships and applications. Students create portfolios in a variety of media, both within the classroom and in independent projects.
High School Drama
Students are introduced to an array of theatrical literature. After developing a literary understanding of the material, students take those scripts from the page to the stage, honing their performance abilities during acting workshops. Ideally, they can apply what they learn about the scripts during literary analysis – dissecting characters and major themes – as they bring the plays to life as actors. Students have the opportunity to explore playwriting, and comedic and dramatic acting in various workshops.
Photography
This course introduces a range of photographic techniques and concepts, from traditional darkroom processing and printing to digital photography. It also covers an extensive history of photography and many important photographers and techniques from the past.
Playwriting
This course teaches the physical form and limitations of plays, the function of the individual elements of the play format, the broad concepts of theme, subtext, character development and plot, and how to effectively apply those concepts in a full-length written piece to be produced in the spring semester.
Technology Department
Computer Programming (9-12)
This course will give students an introduction to computer programming using the Python programming language. This course will give students an excellent base for more advanced studies in computer science. By the end of the course students will be able to use their programming skills to create applications that solve real world problems.
Advanced Computer Programming
This is an advanced course in computer programming. The subject being covered through the majority of the year will be an immersion into Object Oriented Programming (OOP). Frameworks for creating GUI elements, graphics, and video games will be introduced (time pending) as well. This course will prepare students for further, more advanced studies in computer science.
Web Design
This beginning web development course covers the basics of extensible hypertext markup language (XHTML) and cascading style sheets (CSS), and will continue on at each student's pace, eventually covering the basics of creating dynamic, data-driven web sites with PHP/MySQL or modularized dynamic platforms such as Joomla and WordPress.
Animation
The animation course nurtures student passion for traditional and computer animation. Students will learn how to use software programs to produce basic to complex animations that integrate illustrations, photographs, sounds and movies, and a library of work that showcases individual creativity while demonstrating course objectives.
Homework Support
In the high school, students have a Homework Support class as part of their two-day schedule. This allows them time to complete short- and long-term homework assignments, work on projects, collaborate with other students, meet with advisors, the school counselor or educational therapist, and get help from faculty.
After-School Music Program
Percussion Ensemble
This class focuses on group drumming, world rhythms, and basic musicianship, emphasizing listening skills, basic beat patterns, improvisation and fun. The focal point is on African and Latin American hand drums, with some limited exposure to the drum set. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in group field trips to the REMO Drum Circle. Think STOMP meets The Blue Man Group meets Bridges! No previous drumming or musical experience required. This class meets once a week and performs once annually.
Blues Band
This class is designed for students who are beginning their instrumental experience in a band setting. The musicianship areas explored in this class will be listening skills, the basic musical structure of the blues, styles, chord changes, rhythms, and how to approach accompanying other musicians. Minimal experience is required, and concurrent enrollment in private lessons is highly encouraged. This class meets once a week and performs once annually.
Rock Band
This class uses rock music to teach fundamental musicianship and the skills of group playing. This is a performing ensemble. Some experience required, and concurrent enrollment in private lessons is highly encouraged. Rock Band rehearses twice a week and performs three times annually.
Advanced Band
This class works with a wide variety of challenging and fun music to teach fundamental through intermediate music theory and improvisation. Experience is required for this ensemble, which rehearses twice a week, and performs four times annually.
Beginner Guitar Workshop
The beginning guitar workshop focuses on fundamental guitar skills involving several aspects of playing. Right and left hand technique, as well as basic rhythm and melody sight-reading are addressed. The development of improvisation is also encouraged in a variety of musical styles including rock, blues, and funk guitar. The goal of the course is to offer students a fun and challenging environment to develop their musical talent. This class meets once a week and performs once annually.