Visions Virtual Math & Science Center

Course Catalog

School Year 2020 – 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT VISION VIRTUAL MATH & SCIENCE CENTER ..................................................................................................................... 3

MISSION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................................................. 3

COURSE OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3

MATHEMATICS SEQUENCES/PATHWAYS .......................................................................................................................... 4 SCIENCE SEQUENCES/PATHWAY ........................................................................................................................................ 4

MIDDLE GRADES (6-8) COURSES .................................................................................................................................................. 5

MATHEMATICS COURSES, MIDDLE SCHOOL ................................................................................................................... 5 6th Grade Math ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 7th Grade Math – Fundamental of Math .................................................................................................................................... 5 (8th Grade) Pre-Algebra ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Algebra 1 Honors ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5

SCIENCE COURSES, MIDDLE SCHOOL ............................................................................................................................... 6 6th Grade science ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 7th Grade science – Life Science ................................................................................................................................................. 6 (8th / 9th Grade Science) – Earth/Environmental Science ........................................................................................................... 6

HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12) SEQUENCES/PATHWAYS ............................................................................................................... 7

MATHEMATICS SEQUENCES/PATHWAYS .......................................................................................................................... 7 SCIENCE SEQUENCES/PATHWAYS ................................................................................................................................................. 7

HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12) COURSES ....................................................................................................................................... 8

MATHEMATICS COURSES, HIGH SCHOOL ......................................................................................................................... 8 Algebra 1 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Algebra 1 Honors ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Geometry .................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Geometry Honors........................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Algebra 2 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science ............................................................................................................................. 9 Consumer Math ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Pre-Calculus Honors .................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Statistics .................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Calculus (AB and BC) Honors .................................................................................................................................................... 10

SCIENCE COURSES, HIGH SCHOOL .................................................................................................................................. 11 Physical Science ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Physical Science Honors ............................................................................................................................................................ 11 Biology ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Biology Honors .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Chemistry .................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Chemistry Honors ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Physics Honors .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12

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ABOUT VISION VIRTUAL MATH & SCIENCE CENTER

Visions Virtual Math and Science Center (VVMSC)was created in 2020 during the COVID-19

pandemic as a result of educators and students turning to virtual instruction for the last few months

of the 10/20 school year. Many school systems were caught off guard and scrambled to

incorporate virtual instruction as an alternative way of delivering educational content to students

while sheltering in place.

The founders of VVMSC are both highly qualified educators with prior engineering careers who

have experience teaching virtual, synchronous courses, and embrace the associated technology

required to deliver meaningful, engaging, and often fun instruction. All VVMSC classes are

delivered via the Zoom ® platform by fully licensed NC math and science instructors synchronously

so that students and teachers interact in real-time. If students have questions, they simply raise

their hand, send a chat via Zoom, or open their microphone and ask for clarification, as necessary.

We recommend that students have access to a stable internet connection, a computer or device

with the Zoom App, and a webcam/microphone combination and speakers/headphones to hear the

instructors. An optimal set up would include a device with touch screen capability so students may

show their work in real-time.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to prepare and motivate our students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing

world by providing them with high quality, real-world project-based math and science instruction. We

plan to enhance their critical thinking skills and knowledge to allow them to be successful in all of

their future endeavors in the 21st Century.

COURSE OVERVIEW

All math courses are year-long courses. Course instruction is on a 4-day schedule, Monday

through Thursday, with Friday’s available for additional help or office hours. One of the 4

instruction days will be 90 minutes in length, and the remaining three days are 60 minutes. Course

schedules will be issued to each student upon enrollment. We will make a concerted effort to

accommodate schedule conflicts if requested in advance.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8) SEQUENCES/PATHWAYS

MATHEMATICS SEQUENCES/PATHWAYS

The following are the typical course sequences/pathways for the completion of the mathematics requirements for middle school.

SCIENCE SEQUENCES/PATHWAYS

The following is the typical course sequence for the completion of the science requirements for middle school.

No. 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Comments/Notes

A

6th Grade Math 7th Grade

Fundamentals of Math

8th Grade Pre-Algebra

For those students who are NOT interested in a STEM career, it is

suggested that Pathway A be selected.

B

6th Grade Math 7th Grade

Pre-Algebra 8th Grade Algebra 1 For those students who ARE

interested in a STEM-related career, it is suggested that either Pathway B

or C be selected

C

6th Grade Math 7th Grade

Pre-Algebra 8th Grade

Algebra 1 Honors

No. 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Comments/Notes

A

6th Grade Science 7th Grade Science – Life Science

Earth/Environmental Science

The 8th Grade Science is a high school level course that counts towards the

NC graduation requirements for Earth/Environmental science

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MIDDLE GRADES (6-8) COURSES

MATHEMATICS COURSES, MIDDLE SCHOOL The following are the descriptions, prerequisites and textbooks associated with the various mathematics courses offered for middle school students in grade levels 6-8. All students are required to take a math pre-assessment upon entering VVMCS to ensure correct placement of the student in the appropriate math level.

6th Grade Math Course No.: MA 60 Grade Level: 5 and 6 Prerequisite: 5th Grade Math Textbook: Math 6 Student Text (3rd ed.) by BJU Press

This course is the natural follow-on course to the successful completion of 5th Grade math. It includes a review of adding and subtracting, multiplying by a whole number, dividing by a whole number, fraction theory, adding and subtracting fractions, plane figure geometry, multiplying fractions and decimals, dividing fractions and decimals, equations, perimeter, area, volume, ratios, proportions, percents, measurement, statistics and probability.

7th Grade Math – Fundamental of Math Course No. MA 70 Grade Level: 7 Prerequisite: 6th Grade Math Textbook: Fundamentals of Math Student Text (2nd ed.; copyright update) by BJU Press

This course is the natural follow-on course to the successful completion of 6th Grade math. It includes a review of whole numbers, decimals, number theory, fractions, forms of rational numbers, percents, measurement, introduction to geometry, area, volume, probability, statistics, integers, introduction to algebra, numerical relations and functions.

(8th Grade) Pre-Algebra Course No. MA 80 Grade Level: 7th or 8th Prerequisite: 6th Grade Math Textbook: Pre-Algebra Student Text (2nd ed.; copyright update) by BJU Press

This course follows the successful completion of 7th Grade math and is considered to be the standard math class for 8th graders. This Pre-Algebra course includes a review of integers, expressions, basic equations and inequalities, number theory, rational numbers, percents, applying equations and inequalities, relations, functions, statistics, probability, geometry and polynomials.

Algebra 1 Honors Course No. MA 90H Grade Level: 8, 9 and 10 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: 7th Grade Pre-Algebra Textbook: Algebra 1 Student Text (3rd ed.; copyright update) by BJU Press This course not only addresses the same topics and content as noted in the description for the standard Algebra 1 class but also explores a number of these concepts in more depth and rigor. Additional projects related to the more rigorous content are explored in this class. The prerequisite for this class is a demonstrated understanding of the various concepts covered in 7th Grade Pre-Algebra.

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SCIENCE COURSES, MIDDLE SCHOOL

The following are the descriptions, prerequisites and textbooks associated with the various science courses offered for middle school students in grade levels 6-8.

6th Grade science Course No. SC 60 Grade Level: 6 Prerequisite: 5th Grade Science Textbook: Science 6 Student Text (4th ed.) by BJU Press

This course is the natural follow-on course to the successful completion of 5th grade science. It includes an introduction to: 1) earth science (earthquakes, volcanoes, weathering, erosion, natural resources), 2) cell biology (plant and animal cells and classifications), 3) basic chemistry (atoms and molecules), 4) basic physical elements (electricity, magnetism, motion and machines), 5) basic astronomy(stars and the solar system) and basic genetics (plant and animal reproduction, heredity).

7th Grade science – Life Science Course No. SC 70 Grade Level: 7 Prerequisite: 6th Grade Science Textbook: Science 7 Life Science Student Edition (5th ed.) by BJU Press This course is the natural follow-on course to the successful completion of 6th grade science. This course includes a review of 1) cell biology (cellular structure and function, DNA and cell division), 2) genetics (heredity, inheritance, traits, plant and animal reproduction and populations), 3) natural selection and the evolution debate, 4) bacteria, viruses, protists and fungi, 5) the plant and animal kingdoms and their classifications, behaviors and functions, 6) the human body anatomy, systems and physiology and 7) the biosphere.

(8th / 9th Grade Science) – Earth/Environmental Science Course No. SC 80 Grade Level: 8 and 9 High School Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: 7th Grade Science Textbook: Science 8 Earth Science Student Edition (5th ed.) by BJU Press This course is the natural follow-on course to the successful completion of 7th grade science. This course includes a review of 1) matter, forces and energy, 2) maps and mapping, 3) geology, mountains, earthquakes and volcanoes, 4) fossils, rocks, minerals and ores, 5) weathering, soils and erosion, 6) the hydrosphere (oceans, lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater), 7) the atmosphere (weather, climate and storms), 8) astronomy (solar system, stars, galaxies, universe and space exploration.

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HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12) SEQUENCES/PATHWAYS

MATHEMATICS SEQUENCES/PATHWAYS

The following are the typical course sequences for the completion of the mathematics requirements for high school. Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and a 4th math course from those listed below must be completed. The choices for the final (4th) math class for each pathway are shown below in the white shaded blocks. Green shaded blocks indicate Middle School level classes.

No. (Middle School)

9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade Comments/Notes

A

8th Grade Math

Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2 -Consumer Math -Discrete Math for CS

For those students who are NOT interested in a

STEM career, it is suggested that Pathway

A, B or C be selected.

B

8th Grade

Math

Algebra 1

Honors

Geometry Honors

Algebra 2 Honors

-Precalc Honors -Statistics -Discrete Math for CS

C

Algebra I H

Geometry Algebra 2

-Pre-Calculus -Consumer Math -Statistics -Discrete Math for CS

D

Algebra I Honors

Geometry

Honors

Algebra 2

Honors

Precalculus

Honors

(5th Class-Elective)

Calculus AB/BC

Statistics

For those students who ARE interested in a

STEM-related career, it is suggested that either

Pathway D or E be selected

E

Algebra I Honors

& Geometry Honors

Algebra 2 Honors

Precalculus Honors

(5th Class-Elective) -Calculus AB/BC

- Statistics

Science Sequences/Pathways

The following are the typical course sequences for the completion of the science requirements for high school. A total of three (3) science courses from those listed below must be completed.

No. 9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade

Comments/Notes

A

Physical Science

Biology

(4th Class Elective) Chemistry or Physics

For those students who are NOT interested in a STEM career, it is suggested that Pathway A be selected. The

8th grade science, Earth/Environmental, counts towards the NC high school science requirement.

B

Physical Science Honors

Biology Honors

Chemistry Honors

(Elective) Physics Honors

For those students who ARE interested in a STEM-related career, it is suggested that Pathway B be

selected

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HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12) COURSES

MATHEMATICS COURSES, HIGH SCHOOL The following are the descriptions, prerequisites and textbooks associated with the various mathematics courses offered for high school students in grade levels 9-12.

Algebra 1 Course No. MA 90 Grade Level: 8, 9 and 10 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra Textbook: Algebra 1 Student Text (3rd ed.; copyright update) by BJU Press This course continues the study and extends the concepts covered in Pre-Algebra. It includes a review of solving equations and inequalities, solving and applying proportions, general functions and their graphing, linear equations and their graphs, systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratic equations and functions, radical expressions and equations and introduction to rational expressions and functions. A handheld and/or online graphing calculator will be used in the analysis of the various functions and equations.

Algebra 1 Honors Course No. MA 90H Grade Level: 8, 9 and 10 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra Textbook: Algebra 1 Student Text (3rd ed.; copyright update) by BJU Press This course not only addresses the same topics and content as noted in the description for the standard Algebra 1 class but also explores a number of these concepts in more depth and rigor. Additional projects related to the more rigorous content are explored in this class.

Geometry Course No. MA 100 Grade Level: 9, 10 and 11 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Textbook: Geometry Student Text (4th ed.) by BJU Press This course covers the concepts of geometric reasoning and proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships with triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity of triangles, right angle trigonometry, surface area and volume, circles and transformations. Appropriate technology, including graphing calculators and third-party graphics software will be used regularly in this course.

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Geometry Honors Course No. MA 100H Grade Level: 9, 10 and 11 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Textbook: Geometry Student Text (4th ed.) by BJU Press

This course addresses the same topics that are covered in the standard Geometry course but explores several of these critical concepts in more depth and rigor. Additional projects related to this more rigorous content are explored in this class.

Algebra 2 Course No. MA 101 Grade Level: 10, 11 and 12 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Geometry Textbook: Algebra 2 Student Text (3rd ed.) by BJU Press This course follows the completion of Geometry and involves the study of general functions, equations and their graphing as well as linear systems, quadratic functions and equations, polynomials and polynomial functions, radical functions and rational exponents, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, quadratic modeling of real world situations, sequences and series, probability and statistics and trigonometric functions. Emphasis is placed on practical applications and modeling of the various functions studied. The graphing calculator (either handheld or online) will be used extensively in the review and analysis of the various functions studied.

Algebra 2 Honors Course No. MA 101H Grade Level: 9, 10 and 11 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Textbook: Algebra 2 Student Text (3rd ed.) by BJU Press

This course addresses the same topics that are covered in the standard Geometry course but explores several of these critical concepts in more depth and rigor. Additional projects related to this more rigorous content are explored in this class.

Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science Course No. MA 102 Grade Level: 10, 11 and 12 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Textbook: Discrete Mathematics: An Open Introduction (3rd Ed) by Oscar Levin

Discrete mathematics is the study of mathematical structures that are countable or otherwise distinct and separable. The mathematics of modern computer science is built almost entirely on discrete mathematics, such as logic, proofs, and graphical theory. At most universities, an undergraduate-level course in discrete mathematics is required for students who plan to pursue careers as computer programmers, software engineers, data scientists, security analysts and financial analysts.

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Consumer Math Course No. MA 103 Grade Level: 10, 11 and 12 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Textbook: Consumer Math Student Text (2nd ed.; copyright update) by BJU Press

Consumer math is a 4th math alternative typically available to seniors who have completed Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 and who are not going to pursue a STEM-related career. This course covers general math skills, income analysis, budgeting, personal banking, debt and borrowing, purchasing decisions, insurance and leisure. This is also an entry level course for those individuals who want to pursue a career in the finance, investment, marketing and banking areas. The prerequisite for this course is Algebra 2.

Pre-Calculus Honors Course No. MA 104H Grade Level: 10, 11 and 12 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Textbook: Precalculus Student Edition (2nd ed.) by BJU Press

This course builds upon the study of algebra, functions, and trigonometry topics covered in previous mathematics courses. The areas of study include a deeper review of the properties and graphing of functions (polynomial, power, rational, exponential, logarithmic, logistic, piecewise and trigonometric), unit circle, function compositions, polar coordinates and equations, parametric equations, vectors and conics (parabola, circle, ellipse and hyperbola). This course is designed for students pursuing careers in STEM-related fields where calculus is required in college.

Statistics Course No. MA 105 Grade Level: 11 and 12 Credit: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 2 Textbook: Statistics – High School Student Edition (1st Ed) by openstax

Statistics introduces students to the major statistical concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students will observe patterns and departures from patterns, decide what and how to measure, produce models using probability and simulation, and confirm statistical models. A handheld or online graphing calculator will be used to calculate various statistical parameters in this course.

Calculus (AB and BC) Honors Course No. MA 106 Grade Level: 11 and 12 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors Textbook: Calculus of a Single Variable (8th Ed) by Ron Larson, Robert Hostetler and Bruce Edwards

Calculus (AB and BC) introduces students to the fundamental concepts of calculus (functions, graphs, limits, derivatives and integrals). This course provides numerous examples and problems associated with the application of calculus concepts to the real world. The AB and BC courses cover the geometric, numerical and analytical expressions of these real-world applications. This course is designed for students pursuing careers in STEM-related fields in college. Either a handheld or online graphing calculator is required to analyze and solve various problems encountered in this course.

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SCIENCE COURSES, HIGH SCHOOL

The following are the descriptions, prerequisites and textbooks associated with the various science courses offered for high school students in grade levels 9-12.

Physical Science Course No. PS 90 Grade Level: 9 and 10 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Earth/Environmental Science Textbook: Physical Science Student Edition (6th ed.) by BJU Press

This course typically follows the study of Earth Science and is typically taken during the freshman year. It consists of a review of the following topics: 1) understanding and classifying matter, 2) atomic structure, 3) the periodic table, 4) bonding and compounds, 5) organic compounds and organic chemistry, 6) nuclear changes, 7) mixtures and solutions, 8) acids, bases and salts, 9) kinematics and motion, 10) dynamics, work and machines, 11) thermodynamics, 12) energy, 13) fluids, 14) periodic motion and waves, 15) electricity, 16) magnetism and 17) light and optics.

Physical Science Honors Course No. PS 90H Grade Level: 9 and 10 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Earth/Environmental Science Textbook: Physical Science Student Edition (6th ed.) by BJU Press This course addresses the same topics that are covered in the standard Physical Science course but explores several of these critical concepts in more depth and rigor. Additional projects and labs related to this more rigorous content are explored in this class.

Biology Course No. PS 100 Grade Level: 9 and 10 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Earth/Environmental or Physical Science Textbook: Biology Student Text (5th ed.) by BJU Press

This course is typically taught during the student’s sophomore year following the completion of Physical Science but can be taken during one’s freshman year if desired. The course covers the following topics: 1) chemical process of life, 2) ecology, 3) interaction with the biosphere, 4) cellular structure, function and environment, 5) energy and information in the cell, 6) cellular processes, 7) genetics and heredity, 8) classification of life, 9) eukaryotes, prokaryotes, fungi, protists, 10) bacteria and viruses, 11) plant classification and processes, 12) vertebrates and 13) human body systems (skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, digestive, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic and reproductive).

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Biology Honors Course No. PS 100H Grade Level: 9 and 10 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Earth/Environmental or Physical Science Textbook: Biology Student Text (5th ed.) by BJU Press

This course addresses the same topics that are covered in the standard Biology course but explores several of these critical concepts in more depth and rigor. Additional projects and labs related to this more rigorous content are explored in this class. The prerequisite course for this class is Physical Science or Physical Science Honors.

Chemistry Course No. PS 110 Grade Level: 10 and 11 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 mandatory, Algebra 2 concurrent; Physical Science recommended Textbook: Chemistry Student Text (4th ed.) by BJU Press

This course is typically taught during the student’s junior year following the completion of Biology but can be taken during one’s sophomore year if desired. The course covers the following topics: 1) energy and matter, 2) measuring and calculations, 3) atomic structure and elements, 4) chemical bonds and bond theory, 5) chemical reactions and calculations, 6) solids, liquids and gases, 7) solutions, 8) thermodynamics, 9) chemical kinetics and equilibrium, 10) acids, bases and salts, 11) oxidation and reduction, 12) introduction to organic chemistry and 13) nuclear chemistry.

Chemistry Honors Course No. PS 110H Grade Level: 10 and 11 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 mandatory, Algebra 2 concurrent; Physical Science recommended Textbook: Chemistry Student Text (4th ed.) by BJU Press

This course addresses the same topics that are covered in the standard Chemistry course but explores several of these critical concepts in more depth and rigor. Additional projects and labs related to this more rigorous content are explored in this class.

Physics Honors Course No. PS 120H Grade Level: 11 and 12 Credit Earned: 1 unit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 mandatory, Physical Science recommended Textbook: Physics Student Text (3rd ed., Copyright Update) by BJU Press

This course addresses the same topics that are covered in the standard Physics course but explores several of these critical concepts in more depth and rigor. Additional projects and labs related to this more rigorous content are explored in this class. The prerequisite course for this class is Chemistry or Chemistry Honors.