student hot glues a crystal to a staff, table top game, backlit biology experiment, students stands holding a foil, FPV goggles, transmitter and tiny whoop drone, cooking utensils, student's handing w Score and rehearsal for Babes in Toyland during the Spring 2019 semester a whisk in a bowl of frothed liquid from How to Boil Water during Spring 2019 semester two PHS students practice Ballroom Dance during Spring 2019 Semester money and worksheets from Japanese during Spring 2021 semester fencing gear including foil, glove, and helmet sit on the floor next a PHS student during a spring 2019
 

Middle School Courses at Planet Homeschool | Spring 2023 To Publications / Articles - Middle School Courses at Planet Homeschool | Spring 2023

Posted 11/7/22
PHS Leadership Team | News & Updates

Middle School Courses at Planet Homeschool | Spring 2023

Middle School Courses

for 5th–8th grades = ages 10–14 years

Fridays, 6 January–5 May 2023 at Planet Homeschool

16 weeks — no classes on Fri 17 Feb or Fri 7 Apr

2nd Period (10:35 AM–11:50 AM)

The different colors of bromothymol blue (from left to right: blank, pH 4, 6.2, 6.6, 7.2, 7.5, 8, and 12).Middle School Chemistry

Dr. Tom Anderson

This fun hands-on class will give students a chance to learn about the natural and man-made materials in the world around them. We’ll also introduce skills in making careful measurements and observations in regular lab activities.

This course is offered as two independent semesters with different material and activities covered each semester. Students may take the spring semester course without having taken the fall semester course.

Learn More   Register

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3rd Period (12:30 PM–1:45 PM)

a brick rests atop a bridge modelDesign, Build, Test: Structures

Peter Hoh

Use the engineering design process to explore materials and structures. We will work collaboratively to build structures out of various materials such as paper, cardboard, and wood. Then we’ll test our structures to see how they respond to forces. We will analyze what works and what doesn’t to learn how we can make better structures.

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“Double-Digits” Courses

for 5th–12th grades = ages 10–19 years

Fridays, 6 January–5 May 2023 at Planet Homeschool

16 weeks — no classes on Fri 17 Feb or Fri 7 Apr

1st Period (9:15 AM–10:30 AM)

Light spectrum across outstretched palms.Backyard Ballistics, Optics, and the Science of Sound

Rebekah Jorgensen

This course will teach practical physics applications. Topics will include ballistics and projectile motion, optics and light, and acoustics and sound. Through hands-on activities, exercises, and virtual labs and examples, students will explore how physics concepts are used in daily life.

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A jumble of multicolored LEGO bricks.Principles of LEGO Design

Dr. Tom Anderson

Want to take your LEGO-building skills to the next level? In addition to plenty of free-form activities to exercise students' creativity, this class will explore construction techniques and the design process, including the use of free computer-based tools.

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A Spring 2019 Planet Homeschool Fencing class with Maria Benford.Fencing

Maria Benford & Kailan Benford of Minnesota Sword Play

Classical fencing emphasizes the practice of the sword as an art, a science, and a recreational activity. Learn the basics of fencing with minimal rules and lots of play. You will learn at a comfortable pace and fence with others of all levels in a fun, safe, active environment.

All fencing equipment is provided.

Learn More   Register

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2nd Period (10:35 AM–11:50 AM)

Link at Igromir 2012.Cosplay Weapon and Prop Design

Ann Angle

Have you ever wanted to look like your favorite anime character? Have you ever wanted to have that cool sword or shield from your favorite video game? Have you always wanted to make the same things as your favorite YouTubers but didn’t have the tools or space for it? Then this class is for you!

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3rd Period (12:30 PM–1:45 PM)

The Schloss Pfaueninsel, or Peacock Island Castle.Topsy Turvy Tales - Collaboration in Theater and Writing

Rebekah Jorgensen

Students in this course will have the chance to work collaboratively to create an original play based on a familiar tale. By focusing on teamwork in the performing arts, everyone will have the opportunity to provide creative input and use their strengths in creating the final product - whether that’s by brainstorming ideas, writing, acting, costume and prop creation, or a combination of roles. The class will start with a basic fairy tale or legend, explore different versions of that story, and then create their own, updated version, with the goal of performing their interpretation of the tale at the end of the semester.

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Blank sketchbook with pencils and pens.Drawing

Kimberly Guedes

Students will learn drawing fundamentals while exploring their personal interests. In-class work will improve drawing skills and help students express their creativity. Each class will have a brief lecture followed by studio work. This class is great for beginning artists as well as more advanced ones.

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4th Period (1:50 PM–3:05 PM)

Red, blue, and yellow meeple figures in the game Merv.Game Club

Get those dice-throwing arms ready! Games are always more fun when played with others, so bring your favorite games from home and join your fellow students for battles of strategy and wits, or games of collaboration and cooperation.

Games of all kinds are welcome, including board games, card games, RPGs, and even video games.

This club is for gamers of all levels and skills, to share their favorite games and discover new ones. Those with more experience will help you learn, and learn from you about your favorites.

Learn More   Register

A top-down photo of a bundle of sharpened colored pencils.Art Club

An afternoon of self-expression and artistic exploration!

Find your voice, explore new artistic mediums, experiment with different styles, expand your portfolio, question everything, develop your techniques, collaborate with other artists, and solve problems as you create and interact with art and a supportive group of fellow artists.

Artists should bring their own art supplies.

This club is for artists of all levels and skills.

Learn More   Register

Multicolored code on a computer screen.Coding Club

A space for hobbyist and semiprofessional programmers to collaborate on club projects, assist each other through problems, and share progress on their personal projects.

This is not a place to learn to program but a mutually supportive co-working space for programming in the company of others.

Learn More   Register

A black transmitter with purple tiny whoop drone.Freestyle Drone Club

It’s robotics-meets-Pinewood Derby-meets-Star-Wars with freestyle drone flying!

Gain a hands-on understanding of the engineering behind this sensational new way to fly. Not only will you learn all the STEM subjects (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, aerospace engineering, video engineering, open source, math, physics, battery science, MacGyvering, and more) but if you can fly these little micro drones you can fly any drone, opening up a growing world of drone-related professions.

This is a cooperative exploration of drones led by parents and guardians. We’ll work together to learn how to build and fly our drones. Parents, guardians, and caregivers of enrolled students will serve as volunteer room monitors or fellow pilots to ensure there are three adults on site every week. They do not need to have any experience with or knowledge of drones.

While there is no tuition, students will need to supply their own drones and equipment:

New pilots should also invest in the VelociDrone FPV Racing Simulator app with the Micro Class Quads add-on (~$30) and plan to spend the first few weeks learning to control a drone in the simulator before flying IRL (in-real-life).

Learn More   Register

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“Double-Digits” Online Courses

for 5th–12th grades = ages 10–19 years

Private lessons online. The day and time are arranged between the individual student and the instructor.

Close up on piano keys.Piano Lessons

Mrs. Angie Szyman

Piano lessons include instruction in note reading on the musical staff as well as ear training and music theory. Students learn piano technique, rhythm, improvisation, and performance preparation. An opportunity for students to share their music with family and friends will be at the end of the school year. Music lessons help students to gain confidence, expression, consistency in working toward a goal, and emotional enjoyment. Students will have fun and work hard to reap the benefits of making music at their fingertips!

Learn More   Register

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Tuesdays, 10 January–9 May 2023 online

16 weeks — no classes on Tue 21 Feb or Tue 11 Apr

1st Period (9:30 AM–10:45 AM)

Three PHS students sign A, S, and LSign Language for Beginners

Tim Hereid

This introduction to Sign Language will walk students through the fundamentals of this dynamic and complex form of communication. Taught just like a first-year course in any language, this class will teach grammar, usage, vocabulary, and “survival” sign language to beginning students. The class will be taught simultaneously in English and Sign Language, providing students with a language-intensive environment in which to learn. Students will leave knowing how to negotiate basic social situations in sign language and talk about themselves, their environment, travel, food, clothing, and everyday tasks, among other topics.

Learn More   only open to continuing students

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Small Group Online Lessons

Photo of lanterns at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan.Japanese

Konnichiwa! Take your interest to the next level and learn Japanese. You will learn to speak and listen through practical conversation you can use daily as well as fun cultural activities and exploration. We will master the complete set of Hiragana and Katakana through writing and reading material relevant to our conversation and cultural exploration. A few key Kanji will be incorporated with a goal of recognition as well as an entry to writing and reading for those who want to extend their studies.

Learn More   only open to continuing students

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