Rising Phoenix:
Envision’s Middle Grades Group for ages 11-14
We structure our curriculum around 4-week block rotations focusing on one particular subject at a time. This focused approach allows for in-depth exploration, enabling students to develop a profound understanding of the material and cultivate a love for learning. Our curriculum is designed to foster holistic development, integrate academic learning with artistic expression, provide practical skills, and evolve social-emotional growth. This approach not only enhances academic achievement but also encourages creativity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for knowledge.
The Daily Flow
9:30-10am
Arrival and Independent Work
This rolling arrival provides students with time to meet and talk with Guides and/or work on homework and projects before class starts. It is a great time for asking questions and receiving independent mentorship and guidance.
10-11
We start each day with techniques intended to help ground and warm-up our minds and bodies for learning. This may include a short journaling activity, sharing a quote, a short game or physical practice to engage both sides of the brain.
Math practice and math lesson for the day.
11-11:10
Class snack break and recess. Students have access to games and movement on campus.
11:11- 12:35
Main Lesson - this portion of the day corresponds to the block rotation plan for the year (scroll to see details on next year’s plan below) and the main subject area of focus changes every 4-5 weeks.
The subject is presented to students with drawings and corresponding notes and writing. For this age group students are encouraged be creative and take authority over how they choose to organize and put together their notes pages. Sometimes the guide will read passages that correspond to the lesson, facilitate a game, preform a demonstration or share visuals to help bring alive the content of the lesson.
Students will keep and compile a book of all the main lesson drawings and writings so they can share what they are learning with their families. Families are encouraged to inquire and check-in on these notebooks regularly.
12:35-1:00
Lunch break and recess.
1:01-3:00
Field Study or Project Based Learning. Afternoons are when we bring the lesson to life in an experiential exploration of the world around us! Often times students will have a project or field study they are working on that corresponds to the main lesson. This in class time is used to help guide students through this real-world experience.
Our school has a 15-passenger van and we are very passionate about taking classes out of the school room and into the community to interact with experts and see first-hand the application of concepts we learn about in our studies. Whether it be outings to parks and rivers to observe and interact with the environment, or visiting groups and institutions that compliment our current educational block, we believe these outings greatly add to students' educational experience.
Subject Rotation (Block Rotation) for 2024-25
Fall
Meteorology & Maps:
In this block, students will explore the complex relationship between geography and weather. They will learn how the Earth's diverse landscapes play a crucial role in shaping local weather systems, including the formation of rain shadows, ocean currents, and temperature variations. Students will also study how geography influences world-wide weather patterns, such as the impact of mountain ranges on global atmospheric circulation and the development of weather phenomenon like El Niño and La Niña. The class will delve into economic geography as well, examining how weather conditions can have a significant impact on industries like agriculture, tourism, and transportation.
Additionally, students will explore the history of meteorology within the context of the age of exploration and discovery. They will learn how early explorers like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan navigated the seas by observing the stars and predicting weather patterns, and how advancements in mapmaking and navigational tools revolutionized our understanding of the Earth's weather systems. By the end of the class, students will have a deeper appreciation for how geography, weather, and history are all intricately connected in the study of meteorology and maps.
Renaissance:
The Renaissance was a transformative period in history marked by a revival in art, architecture, and culture. This class will explore the evolution of Renaissance architecture, from the grandeur of Florence's Duomo to the harmonious proportions of the Palladian villas in Venice. Students will also study the works of pioneering artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, whose masterpieces continue to captivate audiences centuries later.
In addition to examining these artistic achievements, the course will delve into how the Renaissance impacted the age of exploration and colonization in the Americas. The spirit of innovation and discovery that characterized the Renaissance also fueled European expansion into the New World, leading to significant cultural exchanges and shaping the course of history.
Early American History:
In this class, we will delve into the dynamic and complex history of early United States history. We will explore the expeditions of early American explorers such as John Cabot, Henry Hudson, and Jacques Cartier who played pivotal roles in uncovering the New World before Columbus. We will then examine the events leading up to the American Revolution, including the Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, and Battles of Lexington and Concord. We will also analyze the formation of the US government, from the Declaration of Independence declaring independence from British rule to the creation of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights which laid the foundation for our nation's governance and protection of individual liberties. Through a detailed analysis of these key historical events, students will gain a deeper understanding of the early foundations of the United States and the principles that guided its formation.
Winter
Forensics Speech & Correspondences:
Students will learn research techniques for gathering evidence and information to support their arguments. They will be taught how to distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and how to evaluate the credibility and reliability of each. The class will emphasize the importance of using facts rather than opinions to strengthen arguments and will teach students how to effectively present evidence to support their claims.
Students will also learn about the components of strong correspondences, both in writing and spoken form. They will study the structure and organization of persuasive speeches and essays, as well as techniques for effectively engaging and convincing an audience. The class will cover the art of persuasion, including the use of rhetoric, logic, and emotion to make a compelling argument.
Overall, students in this class will develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate their ideas and influence others through written and spoken correspondences. They will learn how to research, analyze, and present evidence in a logical and persuasive manner, and will leave the class with the tools needed to succeed in forensics speech and debate they can apply to both professional and academic settings.
Physiology & Nutrition:
In this course on physiology and nutrition, students will explore the intricate relationship between the human body and the food we consume. Through a detailed examination of inorganic influences such as fire, acids, and bases, students will gain a deeper understanding of how these factors play a critical role in digestion and nutrient absorption. The course will delve into the components of the digestive system, including the mouth, stomach, intestines, and more, to uncover how the body breaks down food and extracts vital nutrients. Students will also examine lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, learning how each contributes to overall health and well-being. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how our bodies process and utilize nutrients, and how diet choices can impact our overall health
Physics & Simple Machines:
This engaging and hands-on physics course explores the fundamental principles of simple machines and their applications in everyday life and technology. Students will delve into the mechanics of levers, pulleys, wheels and axles, inclined planes, screws, and wedges. Through interactive experiments and projects, students will gain a deep understanding of how these simple machines work and how they can be combined to create complex systems. The course begins with an introduction to simple machines, covering their definition, history, and the six types: levers, pulleys, wheels and axles, inclined planes, screws, and wedges. Students will then explore each type in detail, learning about the different classes of levers, the mechanical advantage of pulleys, the role of wheels and axles in reducing friction, the physics of inclined planes, and the applications of screws and wedges. The course also includes a unit on combining simple machines to create compound machines, analyzing their efficiency and mechanical advantage. In the final unit, students will be introduced to the basic principles of robotics, building simple robots using combinations of simple machines, and programming and controlling these robotic systems. By the end of the course, students will understand the fundamental principles of simple machines and their mechanical advantages, apply this knowledge to solve practical problems, design and build simple machines and robotic systems, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects and experiments.
Spring
Platonic Solids & Technology:
This course delves into the fascinating world of Platonic solids, exploring their geometric properties and their significant applications in modern technology. Students will study the five Platonic solids—tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron—understanding their unique characteristics and the mathematical principles behind them. The course will highlight how these solids are not just theoretical constructs but have practical uses in various fields. For instance, tetrahedrons are widely used in electronics, icosahedrons in geophysical modeling, and polyhedral shapes in designing efficient structures and materials. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on activities, and projects, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these ancient geometric forms continue to influence contemporary technological advancements.
Literature & Short Story Writing
This year’s literature course invites students to explore the rich world of storytelling through a diverse selection of texts and creative writing exercises. Students will read and analyze various genres, including fiction, poetry, and drama, to understand the fundamental elements of literature such as plot, character, setting, theme, and style. A significant portion of the course will focus on the components and techniques for writing short stories. Students will learn about narrative structure, character development, dialogue, and descriptive language, and will apply these techniques in their own writing. Through reading, discussion, and writing workshops, students will develop their analytical and creative skills, fostering a deeper appreciation for literature and enhancing their ability to express themselves through the written word.
Class Play:
TBD
Possibly The Wind and the Willows, Peter Pan or something similar…
