Trinity Tutor
Private Tutoring

2023-2024 Course Descriptions

Math

5th & 6th Grade Math

Pre-Algebra

Algebra

Geometry

Algebra 2

Pre-Calculus

Calculus

Business Math

Science

Physical Science

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Anatomy & Physiology

Physics is Phun (3rd - 7th)

Humanities

British Literature & Writing

Government & Economics

MS Soc. Studies & Writing

Spanish 1

Honors Classes

Electives

Culinary Arts

Architectural Drafting

SAT/ACT Prep

Python & Electronics


Math

5th & 6th Grade Math

Students build a solid math foundation that will help them to do well in higher-level math. This class covers the basic math operations, fractions, percentages, exponents, scientific notation, unit conversions, Roman numerals, solving basic equations, and geometry.

Pre-Algebra

This course introduces the student to algebraic thinking and gradually builds equation-solving skills. The curriculum consists of problems that use integers, decimals, rational numbers (fractions), percents and square roots. Students will learn to graph basic functions. A review of basic geometry, area and volume is included. Statistics and probability are introduced at a very understandable level. This course is designed to help the student make an easy transition to Algebra 1.

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 sets the foundation for higher level math. Students learn the fundamental concepts of algebra. The topics covered include: relations and functions, graphing, linear equations, systems of equations, radicals, exponents, factoring polynomials, rational equations, and quadratic functions. Students will learn how to solve equations and how to translate word problems into equations. A graphing calculator is required for this class.

Geometry

I strongly recommend that students take Geometry before taking Algebra 2. It gives them a year to practice the skills they've learned in Algebra 1 and it teaches them how to work logically through a complex problem. They need that skill in Algebra 2. The Geometry course covers the basic elements of geometry, proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, the coordinate plane, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, trigonometry, congruence and similarity, surface area, and volume. The textbook for this class has an algebra review at the end of every chapter so they will maintain their problem-solving skills throughout the year. It also includes many SAT prep problems to help them prepare for standardized tests.

Algebra 2

Algebra 2 prepares students for college-level Algebra. Students learn to work with a variety of functions: linear, linear systems, quadratics, exponential, logarithmic, rational and irrational. At the beginning of each unit, the basic concepts from Algebra 1 are reviewed and then new concepts are built on them. Students will also learn about imaginary numbers, regression analyses, sequences and series, probability, and conic sections. Students need a graphing calculator.

Pre-Calculus

In this class, students are introduced to higher order functions, matrices, trigonometric functions and identities, polar and parametric functions, the concept of limits, and basic differentiation and integration rules. Upon completion of this course, the student should be prepared for the math portion of the SAT and ACT exams.

Calculus

Students who take this course will learn about all the concepts include on the AP Calculus A/B exam. Topics include: limits and their properties, differentiation and applications of differentiation, integration and applications of integration, and differential equations. This course covers material typically included in Calc 1 and Calc 2 of most college calculus courses. Calculus is counted as an honors class.

Business Math

Business Math gives students the skills to manage a business, investments, banking, and income taxes. Students will learn about accounts receivable and payable, bookkeeping, stocks and bonds, and small business loans. Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Top of Page

Science

Physical Science

Physical Science is an excellent introduction to the basic principals of physics and chemistry. Students will do experiments and learn about matter, scientific measurement, laws of motion, work and energy, electricity and magnetism, sound and light waves, the periodic table, and basic chemical reactions.

Biology/Honors Biology

Biology is the study of living things. Students will learn about organisms in all the biological kingdoms, from microscopic life to the human body. Topics covered include: genetics, biochemistry, and ecology. Students will perform lab activities and projects, such as using the microscope to examine cells and completing four dissections (worm, crayfish, fish, frog). Students have the option of taking this as an honors class. To earn honors credit, extra assignments must be completed.

Chemistry/Honors Chemistry

This course covers all the concepts in high school chemistry in an easy to understand format. Students will learn about atomic and molecular structure, energy and calorimetry, chemical and physical changes, working with chemical equations, solutions, acids and bases, gas laws, thermodynamics, reaction rates, equilibrium, and redox reactions. Students have the option of taking this as an honors class. To earn honors credit, extra assignments must be completed. Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Physics/Honors Physics

Physics introduces the student to the laws of motion and energy. Students will study one and two-dimensional motion, vectors, circular motion, work and energy, momentum, periodic motion, waves, optics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, fluid mechanics, and relativity. Students have the option of taking this as an honors class. To earn honors credit, extra assignments must be completed. Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2

Anatomy & Physiology/Honors A & P

In this course, students will study human anatomy and physiology in great depth. They will learn the structure and function of the eleven organ systems in the human body. Labs include dissections and microscope labs. This is an excellent course for students interested in a career in nursing, physical therapy or other health professions. Students have the option of taking this as an honors class. To earn honors credit, extra assignments must be completed. Prerequiste: Biology.

Phun with Physics

Phun with Physics is a great "hands on" science class that teaches kids the basics of physics. Students will learn about the laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, light, sound, and much more. They will get to do labs and build projects. Each week, students receive a brief homework assignment that reviews or adds to the material covered in class. Answers for the homework are emailed to the parents after each class. (3rd - 7th Grades)

Top of Page

Humanities

British Literature & Writing

This year, students will be studying British Literature. They will read outstanding works by Shakespeare, Austen, Shelley, and more. The books are chosen to keep their interest while they learn about literary elements and styles. Students practice writing short paragraphs, narratives, creative writing assignments, and essays to develop their writing skills. Students have the option of taking this as an honors class.(9th grade and up.)

Government & Economics

In the fall semester, students study economic systems and learn about consumer economics and investing. In the spring semester, they study the US Constitution. They learn how our government was designed to work, and they learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizens. (9th & up)

Middle School Writing & Social Studies

To write well, students need something interesting to write about. In this class, students will learn about great scientists and engineers who changed our world, famous artists and musicians who inspire us, exciting places around the world, as well as literature and mythology. It includes hands-on projects and a wide variety of writing assignments to keep student imaginations sharp. We start with the basics and gradually work up to writing longer papers. Grammar rules are included in the lessons.

Spanish 1

Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the world, and it is useful to know. This class's emphasis is on developing four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It also provides them with an introduction to Spanish culture, vocabulary, and grammar. (7th grade and up.)

Top of Page

Electives

Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts is more than a cooking class. Students learn the science behind the cooking. What makes a good loaf of bread? Why do chefs temper chocolate? Why does that sauce taste so good? What is the science behind gluten-free food? Students will get to make recipes from around the world, and they will learn how to create their own recipes. They will also work on plating and presentation. The last Friday of each month, the class will prepare a delicious meal to share with others. A little science, a lot of delicious, and a whole lot of fun. (9th grade and up.)

Architectural Drafting & Design

Students will learn how to design a house and draw all the plans using AutoCAD, the industry standard for drafting. They learn about construction techniques and terms for residential construction. Students will also get to make scale models and a 3D virtual model of a house. (8th grade and up.) Students will need to bring a laptop to class.

SAT/ACT Test Prep: Fall Semsester Only

Students will review and practice material for all sections of the SAT and ACT tests. We will cover grammar and writing rules, do a complete math review, and build vocabulary and reading skills. This class is offered in the Fall semester only.

Python Coding & Electronics: Spring Semester Only

This is a great elective for creative techy teens! Students will make several smart home automation projects to learn about switches, LEDs, sensors, circuits, and Python coding. All kinds of electrical equipment can be controlled by mobile phone and, in this class, students will learn how. The class meets in the Spring semester only. (8th - 12th grades)

Honors Classes

In Honors Classes, students do additional assignments that are challenging and help the student prepare for college courses. These courses include material that is on the AP and SAT Subjects tests. Because honors courses carry more weight, they can increase a student's grade point average (GPA) on their high school transcript. When a student completes honors classes, it shows colleges that the student is capable of working at an advanced level. All students are welcome to start a class on the honors track, but they may change to the regular track at anytime if they decide not to pursue the honors credit.

Top of Page