Quarter(s): 2

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 5

From Stalingrad to Berlin, the downfall of Nazi Germany. This quarter will cover the climactic urban battles of the Eastern Front in Europe, or as the Russians call it, The Great Patriotic War. The Eastern front is often sidelined in Western history, but it was quite possibly the most brutal theater of war in human history. The Germans invaded Eastern Europe to wage a war of extermination, and instead found themselves hunted like rats in the cities they destroyed. This is not the Blitzkrieg, where a modern German army used fancy new tactics to destroy larger armies. This is the rat warfare, brutal attrition more akin to the 1st World War, with the trenches swapped for bitter street fighting, where each side was literally fighting in their own homes, for everything they had. Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, and historical maps, students will each form a 10" X 16" shaped, foam diorama with landscape elements (hills, buildings, rivers, bridges, vegetation, fences, etc) to represent a scene of a famous historical engagement. Students will each receive 1:72 scale miniature soldiers to populate their scene. Once individual projects are constructed, students will combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to approximate the larger battlefield terrain. Students will spend the remainder of the quarter learning about the tactics and outcomes of the military engagement while playing a table-top strategy game. Student strategists will use a simplified version of the Fire and Fury historical war gaming rule system for moving troops and equipment. Along with their classmates, students will see how this battle progressed and test different outcome scenarios that might have occurred with different battlefield choices. The instructor will use maps and visual presentations to explain the historical background and circumstances leading up to the specific battle. Course documents, such as period maps, game rules and all other instructional media will be available via a Google Drive link which will be emailed to parents. Topics in this series include: Operation Torch/North Africa (Quarter 1), Battle of Stalingrad (Quarter 2), Iwo Jima (Quarter 3), and Philppine Sea (Quarter 4). There is a $25.00 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

Quarter(s): 2

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 2

Discover geography and diverse cultures in this interactive, imaginary tour of the world. Each quarter, students will take a classroom journey to two distinct nations. They will locate the highlighted countries on the world map and complete a map project before buckling in for a fictional flight to the featured locales. Once they have "arrived" in the country, they will begin with an introduction to home and school life by meeting a child through a story or video. Students will learn to recognize similarities and appreciate differences when they compare that child's home, clothing, food, town, daily activities, and school to their own. In subsequent weeks, our Globe Trotters will learn about the culture and traditions of the country through songs, games, projects, and activities that highlight elements like folktales, customs, celebrations, distinct features, language, points of interest, or native species. Second quarter, students will journey to Mexico and Sweden. Discover why Sweden experiences "midnight sun" and aurora borealis (northern lights). Meet wolverines (not the comic book character) in Sweden's boreal forests and discover the Sami people and their reindeer herds in the Lapland. Learn that a dala horse is a painted, wooden folk horse, not something to ride. Journey to Mexico to meet the ancient Aztecs and learn about the country's Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. See the art of famous Mexican painters Diego Rivera and Frida Khalo and explore cuisine like tamales and tortillas. Example projects from these countries may include: a Swedish tomte gnome, straw ornaments, paper picado (elaborate punched/perforated designs), paper "flowers" or painted skulls. Students will be excited by geography and culture when approached through this engaging, multi-disciplinary exploration of diverse countries of the globe! Topics in this Series include Indonesia and Morocco (Quarter 1), Sweden and Mexico (Quarter 2), Ireland and Japan (Quarter 4), Peru and India (Quarter 4)A supply fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Please note: This instructor only accepts cash payments.

Quarter(s): 1,2

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 4

Objections. Impeachments. Accusations. Contempt. Courtrooms can be filled with drama, though not always as seen on popular television portrayals. Trial advocacy is an engaging introduction to the legal world for high school students. Teens will step into the dynamic and thrilling world of trial advocacy, portraying the roles of witnesses and attorneys for the prosecution and defense in a mock criminal case. Throughout the semester, they will be instructed on how to analyze, strategize, and prepare a legal case. First semester, students will learn the challenging art of crafting opening statements, closing arguments, and eliciting witness testimony through direct and cross-examinations in a persuasive, winsome, and compelling manner. The class will be taught federal rules of evidence by real attorneys and coaches who have collectively over 15 years of experience in mock trials at the high school and collegiate levels. Students will learn courtroom etiquette and strategize with their classmates to construct a clear, organized, and passionate argument for their client. Students will also have the opportunity to hone their acting skills and creativity, stepping into vital roles as witnesses, and testifying in support of either the prosecution or defense. Throughout the semester, they will develop and sharpen their critical thinking and public speaking skills. This class will bolster a student's confidence to advocate for themselves, introduce and deepen their knowledge of trial advocacy and procedures, and so much more. Students do not need prior experience in trial advocacy, mock trials, or interest in law school to participate: no matter what career path a student is on, Trial Advocacy will provide students with enhanced written and oral communication, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism that will last a lifetime. High School Mock Trial Team: Selection of mock trial competition team members is by audition in the spring. Enrollment in this course is required of all members of Compass's mock trial competition team. Those who are curious about high school mock trial, higher education in law, or a career in the criminal justice system are welcome and encouraged to enroll. Students who are enrolled in the class only may be invited to meet with the competition team as an alternate, scrimmage partner, or full member, if recommended by the Instructors. Class Format: This class will meet at a virtual, synchronous lecture. Students are expected to be seated at a desk or table and have their cameras and microphones on to participate in class. Workload: Students who are enrolled in the class only should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class working on writing, collaborating with other students, and memorizing their presentations. Students who are enrolled in the class and are competing members of the mock trial team have an additional, 2-hour in-person weekly team meeting, partner work, scrimmages, rehearsals, and regional and state competitions, for an estimated 5-6 additional hours of work outside of class. Assignments and Assessments: Students will receive feedback on all assignments. There are no exams in this course, but there will be pop quizzes and points assigned for completed assignments, presentations, and participation. Textbook/Materials: The case packet and course documents will be posted to an online classroom management system by the instructors. Credit: For a student who is enrolled in the class only, the homeschool family may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Humanities, Civics, or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript. For a student who is enrolled in the class and a member of the competing mock trial team, the homeschool family may wish to count this course as a full credit at the honors level.