Immersion Courses
We recognize the need to offer our own students the opportunity to complete in the summer those courses whose sequence they are unable to complete during a particular academic year (e.g., because of their enrollment in a term abroad program) as well as the opportunity for any talented and motivated students to accelerate their academic programs in specific areas.
| Eligibility | Course Descriptions: Science Language Mathematics |
Eligibility
Immersion Courses are open to any talented and highly motivated students (Choate and non-Choate students) who wish to accelerate their academic programs in specific areas. Students are required to submit an application, application fee, topic essay, current transcript, school recommendation, two teacher recommendations and a graded English paper. At least one of their recommendations must be from a teacher who has taught the student in this particular discipline.
Acceptance for Immersion Courses is a two-step process and is not complete until a student has completed and returned a placement test.
Course Descriptions
Science
PH200 Conceptual Physics
A survey of physics, this full-year course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of fundamental principles governing the universe. Mathematics is used and exposure to an introduction in Algebra I is expected. The course explores motion, forces, energy, waves, light, electricity, magnetism and nuclear physics. An evening lab period is planned for Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Note: This course does not replace the physical science graduation requirement for Choate students, but may allow students to advance in their course placement.
Language
Previous exposure to the language is a prerequisite.
FR100 First Year French
The emphasis in this course is on grammar, oral, aural comprehension, correct pronunciation, and the ability to read and write simple idiomatic French.
LA100 First Year Latin
This course, using the inductive method, concentrates on bringing students quickly to the stage of reading Latin with confidence. It also provides students with some insight into life in the early Roman Empire and provides a coherent word study sequence to improve skills in English vocabulary and grammar.
SP100 First Year Spanish
This course presents an accelerated introduction to the basic elements of the language and to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Emphasis is on basic language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The acquisition of basic fluency and accurate pronunciation is promoted through the use of the video immersion program.
Mathematics
MA100 Algebra I
This elementary algebra course focuses on the development of precise and accurate habits of mathematical expression and the application of the tools of algebra to problem solving. The material includes an emphasis on solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, working with functions, systems of equations, and radical and quadratic equations. Properties of exponents, radicals, informal geometry, probability, data analysis and matrices are also introduced.
MA300 Immersion Algebra II - New for 2008!
This full-year course examines the essential concepts of Algebra II. A brief review of selected topics in Algebra I (students should have a solid background in and have successfully completed a full-year course in Algebra I) leads to study of linear and absolute value equations and systems; translation of graphs; matrix operations; rational functions and expressions and their graphs; conic sections; quadratic functions; graphing techniques; and solving exponential and radical equations. The graphing calculator is used to both enhance understanding of these topics and increase knowledge of its use. Students are required to bring a graphing calculator. (TI 83 plus or TI 84 recommended)
Note: Choate students may take this course for enrichment purposes, but it does not fulfill the Choate graduation requirement.
MA200 Geometry
A survey of geometry, this full-year course examines the fundamental concepts of Euclidean geometry. Students explore and discover concepts that relate geometry to the real world and other mathematical topics. Connections to algebra help students review and strengthen their problem solving skills. The Geometer's Sketchpad, a dynamic software package, is used to highlight important topics. After gaining experience making conjectures and testing hypotheses, students progress to writing formal deductive proofs, using flow charts and paragraphs as well as the two-column format.
MA420 and MA440 Trigonometry and Precalculus
Beginning with the study of trigonometric functions, including graphs and some applications, topics also include the laws of sines and cosines, trigonometric identities, inverse trigonometric functions and trigonometric equations. Precalculus topics include polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions with particular emphasis on their graphs and applications. Sequences and series are studied in a formal manner in this course. Quadratic relations in two variables and their graphs are also studied. This course is designed to give the student a thorough background for further study in mathematics, especially calculus.
Open to students who have completed Algebra II.