Colossal Course Offerings
6th
6th Grade Language Arts A: Identity and Society This course explores identity, societal influence, and change through four main units. Students study literary elements, point of view, characterization, and various writing styles including personal narratives and persuasive essays. The curriculum incorporates reading, writing, speaking, and analytical skills.
6th Grade Math A: Ratios, Number Systems, and Visualization This course covers three main units: ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, and visualizing numbers. Students learn about rates, percentages, fractions, decimals, and integers. The curriculum includes operations with various number types, understanding the coordinate plane, inequalities, and absolute values.
6th Grade Science A: Physics: From Atomic to Astronomic Explore the structure and properties of matter, forces and motion, and planets in space. Students learn about topics like states of matter, atoms and elements, motion graphs, forces, collisions, simple machines, gravity, and celestial bodies. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications and scientific principles.
6th World History B: Classical Civilizations, Middle Ages, Global Society Explore the evolution of human societies from classical antiquity through the early modern era. Students examine the rise and fall of major civilizations, cultural exchanges, and transformative intellectual movements. Topics include ancient Greece and Rome, medieval Europe and Asia, African kingdoms, the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment. The course emphasizes critical analysis of historical events, cross-cultural comparisons, and understanding global interconnections.
6th Grade Language Arts B: Conflict and Communication Explore conflict and communication in society. Students explore external and internal conflicts, cause and effect, and their representation in fiction and poetry. They develop skills in informative and literary writing, multimedia presentations, and poetry analysis. The course culminates with an introduction to the research process and paper composition.
6th Grade Math B: Equations, Geometry, and Statistics This course covers expressions and equations, geometry and statistics and probability. Students learn about exponential expressions, variables, equations, inequalities, area, volume, polygons, 3D figures, and statistical concepts. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications and includes lessons on interpreting data sets and statistics.
6th Grade Science B: Geology, Ecosystems, and Weather Explore the history of Earth ecosystems, weather, and climate. Students learn about the rock cycle, plate tectonics, Earth's changing surface, ecosystem relationships, and collecting weather data. Key skills developed include scientific understanding, data analysis, and critical thinking about Earth systems.
7th
7th Grade Language Arts A: Storytelling and Change This course explores change, communication, and audience through literature. Students learn about characters, setting, plot, the writing process, personal growth, main ideas, poetry, drama, film adaptations, tone, purpose, and structure in nonfiction. Key skills developed include literary analysis, writing, presenting ideas, and understanding audience.
7th Grade Math A: Ratios, Rational Numbers and Applications This course covers ratios, proportional relationships, rational numbers, and expressions and equations with rational numbers. Students learn about unit rates, constants of proportionality, graphing proportional relationships, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing rational numbers, linear expressions, equivalent expressions, and solving real-world problems. Key skills include proportional reasoning, rational number operations, and algebraic thinking.
7th Grade Science A: Cells, Life Cycle and Energy This course covers topics in biology, focusing on cells, the life cycle, nutrition and energy. Students will learn about scientific methods, cell structure, organism development, reproduction, sensory receptors, and photosynthesis. The course aims to develop skills in scientific inquiry, understanding biological processes, and analyzing the interconnectedness of living systems through various lessons and activities.
7th US History A: Colonial America, Revolution, A New Nation This course covers colonial America, the American Revolution, and the formation of the new nation. Students explore Native American cultures, European exploration, slavery, the causes and events of the Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. The course emphasizes critical analysis of historical sources, chronological thinking, and visual interpretation.
7th Grade Language Arts B: Conflict, Identity and The Search For Meaning This course explores conflict, identity, and personal journeys through literature. Students learn about point of view, internal and external conflict, persuasion, public speaking, the role of place and heritage in identity, research skills, character goals and development. Key skills include literary analysis, persuasive writing and speaking, introspection, and understanding character journeys.
7th Grade Math B: Geometry, Statistics and Probability This course focuses on geometry, statistics, and probability. Students will learn about scale drawings, geometric constructions, data distributions, probability concepts, and compound events. The course aims to develop skills in spatial reasoning, data analysis, and understanding chance through various lessons and tutorial assignments.
7th Grade Science B: Chemical Reactions, Force Fields and Energy Explore topics in the physical sciences, including chemical reactions, force fields, and energy. Students will explore properties of atoms, synthetic materials, gravity, electricity, magnetism, circuits, and various forms of energy. The course aims to develop skills in scientific analysis, and understanding physical phenomena.
7th US History B: Growing Nation, Civil War and Reconstruction This course focuses on the United State’s growth, expansion, and reunification from the early 1800s through Reconstruction. Students explore key events like the Louisiana Purchase, War of 1812, westward expansion, and the Civil War. The course covers industrialization, reform movements, slavery, and the challenges of rebuilding the nation after conflict, emphasizing critical analysis and historical understanding.
8th
8th Grade Language Arts A: Communication, Conflict and Resolution This course focuses on how communication styles influence our ability to understand struggle and resolve conflict. Students will explore various writing forms including diaries, memoirs, essays, and narratives. They'll also study drama, character analysis, argumentation, and poetry. The course aims to develop skills in writing, critical reading, presentation, and analyzing different literary elements.
8th Grade Math A: Transformations, Equations, Functions This course explores the fundamental concepts of algebraic relationships, focusing on how quantities change and interact within mathematical structures. Students explore geometric transformations, solve linear equations, analyze slopes and proportional relationships, graph systems of equations, and study function properties. The course develops algebraic reasoning, problem-solving, and graphical analysis skills through interactive lessons and guided practice.
8th Grade Science A: Genes, Evolution, Energy and Ecosystem This course explores the foundations of life and Earth systems. Students study genetics, evolutionary processes, and energy in the environment. Key topics include genetic mutations, natural and artificial selection, embryology, fossil evidence, energy flow, and natural resources. The course develops scientific inquiry skills, critical thinking, and understanding of biological and environmental concepts.
8th Grade Language Arts B: Story and Change: Mind, Body, Identity This course explores personal growth and identity through literature. Students learn about maintaining a healthy body image, navigating adolescence, and the effects of screen time. They study poetry, novels, and memoir writing to understand themes, symbolism, and character development. The course culminates with self-reflection exercises on past experiences, present assessment, and future aspirations to shape their identities.
8th Grade Math B: Scientific Notication, Roots, and Pythagorean Th. This course explores advanced number concepts, fundamental geometry principles, and introductory data analysis. Students explore exponents, square and cube roots, real numbers, irrational numbers, angles, scatter plots, and two-way tables. The course develops numerical fluency, geometric reasoning, and data analysis skills through interactive lessons and guided practice.
8th Grade Science B: Climate Change, Waves and Human Impacts This course explores Earth's systems, physical phenomena, and human-environment interactions. Students study climate change mechanisms, wave properties, light behavior, technological impacts on Earth, and ecosystem protection. The course develops critical thinking, data analysis, and environmental awareness skills while examining topics like biodiversity, population dynamics, and sustainable practices.
9th
Algebra 1A: Solving Equations, Inequalities and Graphing Algebra 1A focuses on fundamental algebraic concepts and operations. Students explore equation solving, linear relationships, graphing techniques, systems of equations and inequalities, and polynomial manipulation. Key skills developed include problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical modeling. Specific topics covered range from slope and rate of change to factoring polynomials and graphing linear inequalities.
Biology B: Inheritance, Evolution and Ecosystems Biology B explores advanced concepts in genetics, evolution, and ecology. Key themes include inheritance patterns, evolutionary processes, and ecosystem dynamics. Students learn about meiosis, Mendelian genetics, natural selection, fossil records, taxonomic classification, and biodiversity. The course develops critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific inquiry skills through investigations, modeling activities, and case studies.
9th Grade Language Arts B: Persuasion, Poetry, Romeo and Juliet Focusing on argumentation, poetry, and drama, students develop critical thinking and communication skills through persuasive writing, literary analysis, and creative expression. Key themes include constructing arguments, exploring poetic forms, and analyzing Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." The course enhances research, rhetorical, and interpretive abilities while fostering an appreciation for various literary genres.
9th Grade World History B: Cultural Intersections: Empire, Revolution, War This world history course explores global interactions, revolutions, empires, and modern conflicts. Students examine absolute monarchies, the Enlightenment, major revolutions, industrialization, imperialism, world wars, the Cold War, and contemporary issues. The curriculum develops critical thinking, historical analysis, and understanding of global interconnections from the 17th century to the present day.
Biology A: Life: Cells, Energy, and Replication Biology A explores fundamental life processes and cellular biology. Key themes include organism characteristics, cellular structures, energy flow in organisms, and growth and development. Students learn about organelles, biomolecules, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, DNA structure, and cell division. The course develops scientific inquiry skills, critical thinking, and understanding of biological systems through various investigations and modeling activities.
9th Grade Language Arts A: Communication: Letters, Informational, Storytelling Learn about the power of communication, and storytelling. Key themes include analyzing letters and speeches, crafting emails, and developing fiction. The course enhances critical reading, effective writing, character development, and creative storytelling skills through various lessons and activities.
9th Grade World History A: Civilizations: Dawn, Expansion, and Globalization This world history course examines human civilization from ancient times to the early modern era. Students explore the rise of cultures, religions, and empires globally. Key topics include early civilizations, major faiths, medieval societies, and the Renaissance. The course develops critical thinking through historical inquiry, source analysis, and cultural understanding.
10th
10th Grade Language Arts A: Fact and Fiction, Using Time, Commenting on Society This course focuses on exploring fact and fiction, narrative writing, and social commentary. Students develop critical reading, creative writing, and analytical skills through studying historical events, crafting personal narratives, and examining satirical works. Key themes include distinguishing reality from fiction, effective storytelling techniques, and using literature to critique society. The course enhances research, composition, and interpretive abilities.
Geometry A: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Polygons This course covers fundamental concepts including coordinate geometry, lines, angles, triangles, polygons, and transformations. Students learn skills such as graphing, calculating slope, constructing geometric figures, and analyzing shape properties. The course emphasizes problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and applying geometric principles to real-world situations through projects like paper airplane design.
Life Science A: Cells, Life Cycles and Genes This course covers fundamental concepts in cellular biology, life cycles, and genetics. Key themes include cell structure and function, organism growth and development, reproduction, genetic traits, and evolutionary processes. Students engage in hands-on activities like examining cells, studying plant reproduction, and exploring genetic traits. The course develops skills in scientific inquiry, observation, and understanding biological processes from the cellular to the organism level.
10th Grade Language Arts B: Knowledge, Human Nature, Writing for Change This course focuses on knowledge creation, literary analysis, and argumentation. Students explore research methods, essay writing, and Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" to develop critical thinking and writing skills. The course emphasizes creating original content, understanding human nature through literature, and constructing persuasive arguments.
Geometry B: Trigonometry, Circles, Measurement, Proofs This course explores trigonometry, circles, measurement, and logical reasoning. Students learn trigonometric ratios, circle properties, area and volume calculations, and proof techniques. The course emphasizes practical applications through projects like using clinometers and creating art with conics. Key skills developed include spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and applying geometric concepts to real-world situations.
Life Science B: Evolution, Energy Flow, and Ecosystems This course focuses on evolution, energy flow in ecosystems, and ecosystem interdependence. Key themes include evolutionary evidence, photosynthesis, nutrition, ecosystem relationships, and biodiversity. Students engage in activities like fossil studies, classifying organisms, and building biomes. The course develops skills in scientific observation, ecological understanding, and analyzing the interconnectedness of living systems and their environments.
Electives
Garden Studies This course explores plant science, ecology, and sustainable food systems through hands-on gardening experiences. Key themes include plant life cycles, soil health, ecosystems, composting, and environmental stewardship. Students participate in planting, cultivating, harvesting, and maintaining garden spaces while studying the relationship between humans and the natural world. The course develops skills in observation, responsibility, systems thinking, and understanding ecological processes.
Home Economics This course focuses on practical life skills needed for independent living. Key themes include personal organization, budgeting, time management, household management, and basic care skills. Students engage in real-world tasks such as planning meals, managing expenses, and organizing personal responsibilities. The course develops skills in decision-making, responsibility, financial awareness, and everyday problem-solving.
Chess This course uses chess as a tool to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Key themes include planning, pattern recognition, logic, and foresight. Students engage in gameplay, analysis of positions, and strategic challenges. The course develops skills in concentration, patience, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.
Project-Based Learning This course centers on interdisciplinary projects that integrate academic content with real-world application. Key themes include inquiry, research, design, collaboration, and reflection. Students engage in long-term projects driven by questions, challenges, or community needs. The course develops skills in critical thinking, communication, project management, and applying learning across disciplines.
Independent Projects This course allows students to pursue self-directed learning based on individual interests. Key themes include goal setting, research, creativity, and reflection. Students design and complete independent projects with guidance from educators, documenting their process and outcomes. The course develops skills in self-management, inquiry, perseverance, and ownership of learning.
Civic Engagement This course focuses on active participation in community and civic life. Key themes include citizenship, community needs, social responsibility, and democratic processes. Students engage in service projects, community partnerships, and discussions about local and global issues. The course develops skills in collaboration, ethical reasoning, leadership, and meaningful community contribution.
Forest School This course emphasizes experiential, nature-based learning in outdoor environments. Key themes include ecological awareness, problem-solving, risk-taking, and collaboration. Students engage in hands-on exploration, nature observation, shelter building, tool use (as developmentally appropriate), and reflective practices. The course develops skills in adaptability, teamwork, resilience, environmental understanding, and learning through direct experience.
Culinary Arts This course introduces students to fundamental cooking skills, nutrition, and food preparation. Key themes include kitchen safety, measurement, recipe reading, food science, and cultural connections to food. Students engage in hands-on cooking activities, meal planning, and collaborative food preparation. The course develops skills in organization, problem-solving, teamwork, and applying mathematical and scientific concepts in real-world contexts.
Entrepreneurship This course introduces students to entrepreneurial thinking and business creation. Key themes include identifying problems and opportunities, product and service design, marketing, budgeting, and ethical business practices. Students engage in developing business ideas, creating prototypes, and presenting plans. The course develops skills in innovation, critical thinking, communication, and applying academic knowledge to real-world ventures.
Physical Education This course promotes physical health, movement, and overall wellness. Key themes include fitness, coordination, teamwork, and personal goal setting. Students engage in individual and group physical activities designed to build strength, endurance, and healthy habits. The course develops skills in physical literacy, collaboration, self-awareness, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Financial Literacy This course introduces students to essential personal finance concepts. Key themes include budgeting, saving, earning, spending, investing, and understanding financial systems. Students engage in real-world simulations, budgeting exercises, and financial decision-making scenarios. The course develops skills in financial planning, numeracy, responsibility, and informed decision-making.
Surf and Skate Studies This course explores movement, physics, and environmental awareness through surfing and skateboarding. Key themes include balance, motion, force, risk assessment, and personal goal setting. Students engage in skill-building activities, practice techniques, and reflect on progress and perseverance. The course develops skills in physical coordination, resilience, self-regulation, and understanding the relationship between movement, environment, and body mechanics.
Everglades Studies This course examines the Everglades ecosystem as a living classroom for interdisciplinary learning. Key themes include wetlands ecology, biodiversity, water systems, conservation, and human impact on natural environments. Students engage in field observations, data collection, research, and conservation-focused projects connected to local ecosystems. The course develops skills in scientific inquiry, environmental literacy, systems thinking, and stewardship of natural resources.
Career Exploration This course provides students with real-world exposure to careers, workplaces, and professional skills through field experiences and applied learning. Key themes include career pathways, workplace expectations, communication, problem-solving, and professional identity. Students engage in site visits, job shadowing, interviews with professionals, skill-building workshops, and reflective activities connected to their interests and goals. The course develops skills in professional communication, self-awareness, adaptability, and applying academic learning to real-world career contexts.