HOMESCHOOL COURSES
Plastics and Polymer Chemistry in Everyday Life
Starts: August 15, 2022 | Meets: Mondays, 11 am – 12 pm
(Co-op classes meet when the University of Mobile is in session. If UM is out for a break, co-op is also out.)
Cost: $170
Ages: 12 and up
Instructor: Wanda Jones, PhD, Professor of Chemistry
This class will focus on learning about polymers and it subclass plastics. All plastics are polymers, but not all polymers are plastic. Plastic is a specific type of polymer. Plastics are synthetic and do not occur naturally. With this in mind, we can dig a little deeper into the definitions. We are going to know the differences. The terms polymer and plastic are not the same. Plastic is a specific type of polymer comprised of a long chain of polymers. Polymers, on the other hand, are made up of uniform molecules that are smaller than plastic molecules. Polymers can be either natural or synthetic and are created when small molecules, also known as monomers, combine chemically to form a larger network of connected molecules. The term is derived from the Greek prefix “poly-,” which means “many,” and the suffix “-mer,” which means “parts.” We will talk about this interesting group of chemistry and do several labs making these materials.
Physiographic Regions of the United States
Starts: August 15, 2022 | Meets: Mondays, 12 – 1 pm
(Co-op classes meet when the University of Mobile is in session. If UM is out for a break, co-op is also out.)
Cost: $170
Ages: 12 and up
Instructor: Steve Carey, PhD, Professor of Biology, retired
This class is an exploration of the physiographic regions of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. The course will begin with an introduction to the different physiographic regions of the U.S. and a quick overview of plate tectonics. The location, geology, major landscapes, climate, characteristic flora and fauna, and how each region has influenced human historic and economic development will be discussed. Special attention will be made of the different physiographic regions of Alabama. A course syllabus will be provided which will include homework assignments.
Creative Writing
Starts: August 15, 2022 | Meets: Mondays, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
(Co-op classes meet when the University of Mobile is in session. If UM is out for a break, co-op is also out.)
Cost: $170
Ages: 12 and up
Instructor: Michael Rands, PhD, Assistant Professor of English
Have you ever dreamed of writing a best-selling novel? Or, what about writing an Oscar-winning screenplay? You may be interested to learn that many of the fundamental principles of storytelling apply across genres and mediums. In this course we’ll begin by looking at narrative patterns, and archetypal characters, that can be found in stories from ancient myths to modern block buster movies. Then we’ll consider the ways in which writers working in different genres use and bend the conventions to achieve their artistic goals. We’ll also consider techniques of character, plot and theme development, world-building, and narrative structure, to help writers develop more complex stories. Each student will have the chance to work on a story throughout the semester. Students will be introduced to the “writer’s workshop,” in which they will have their stories read and critiqued by fellow writers and the instructor. The course is designed to help students meet their specific writing goals, and everyone can work in whatever format or genre they feel most comfortable. By the end of the course, all participants should walk away with their writing skills sharpened, and with some creative work they can be proud of.
Algebra I Enrichment
Starts: August 15, 2022 | Meets: Mondays, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
(Co-op classes meet when the University of Mobile is in session. If UM is out for a break, co-op is also out.)
Cost: $170
Ages: 12 and up
Instructor: Troy Henderson, PhD, Professor of Mathematics
The purpose of this course is to briefly cover various topics in a basic Algebra I course. The course will use xyzHomework as its online homework system. An xyz "All Access Pass" (costing roughly $45) gives students complete access to the online homework system, eBook version of the textbook (a printed copy of the textbook is also available), and many instructional videos. Class time will be spent reviewing previous topics, answering homework questions, and covering new material.
There will be no exams in the course.
NOTE: This course is not intended to replace a complete course in Algebra I.
Introduction to Graphic Design
Starts: August 16, 2022 | Meets: Tuesdays, 11am – 12pm
(Co-op classes meet when the University of Mobile is in session. If UM is out for a break, co-op is also out.)
Cost: $170
Ages: 12 and up
Instructor: Meshelle Baker, MFA, Author, “Cocoa and Snow”, 2017 alumna, University of Mobile
This class will introduce students to Adobe Creative Cloud Software: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. The assignments/projects will take them on average 2 or 3 hours a week outside of class. Your student does not need to have any prior experience in this software or graphic design. All ages are welcome; the instructor can adapt to each student's level of interest and talent to help them fully benefit from the course. It is highly recommended that students purchase an Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription during the duration of this semester, which will allow them to practice their technical skills at home and complete the digital artwork projects. The software is $19.99/month. It is a month-to-month subscription and can be canceled at any time.