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NexGen academy
A complete science and pre-engineering curriculum for independent high school students.
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- A comprehensive 8th-12th grade, hands-on science and pre-engineering curriculum for homeschool, charter, and private high school students living in the San Diego, California area. Please see the current class list, below.
- Classes use a combination of labs and projects, live webinar instruction, and modern online learning tools. The schedule follows the typical September-to-May calendar.
- 2020-2021: You have the option of in-person labs -OR- 100% online labs.
- Courses are designed to meet U.S./California standards. They are not watered-down science classes. They are high school-level classes, structured so that students are moving at the same pace as their brick-and-mortar high school peers, but with the advantages of a homeschool environment.
- Homework and grades are hosted on Canvas Instructure. Canvas is a 'learning management system' used by many colleges. Parents have real-time access to homework, teacher comments, and grading; and students gain practical experience using a well-known college system.
*NEW* for 2020-2021
- I'm working on moving Principles of Engineering and Civil Engineering & Architecture to a 100% online format. Scroll down below for the new online course outlines.
- Covid-19 planning update: Lectures will take place via live webinar this Fall. If you want the regular, "full-strength", in-person labs, they will be conducted with recommended precautions in accordance with state and local guidelines
- There will be a new course Digital Electronics with lots of hands-on circuit building and beginning theory.
- I am offering AP Biology and AP Physics 1 as add-on courses this year. These courses will be certified by the College Board Audit Committee so you can claim them on your transcripts and take the Spring AP exams for college credit if you desire.
2020-2021 Classes (this list will be refined based on demand)
- Biology
- AP Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- AP Physics 1
- Digital Electronics
- Principles of Engineering
- Civil Engineering & Architecture
2020 Summer Lab Intensives
Environmental Science Lab with "Direct Carbon Capture"
August 5th-7th, 9:00-12:00, Wednesday through Friday: 3-Day Environmental Science lab intensive with "Direct Carbon Capture" technology. Make and test the gases of the atmosphere - oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane - using full-strength old-school chemistry glassware and supplies. Then, strip CO2 directly from the atmosphere using modern Direct Carbon Capture technology, and convert the CO2 gas to solid crystals of Calcium Carbonate, a harmless substance used in industry. This lab seminar is designed to create interest in chemistry and environmental science, as well as teach basic lab process and safety. This intensive also fulfills a lab requirement for either AP Chemistry or AP Environmental Science if the student plans to be enrolled in either of these classes. Email me with questions or to reserve a seat. Once we reach 6 seats, I will require a deposit.
August 5th-7th, 9:00-12:00, Wednesday through Friday: 3-Day Environmental Science lab intensive with "Direct Carbon Capture" technology. Make and test the gases of the atmosphere - oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane - using full-strength old-school chemistry glassware and supplies. Then, strip CO2 directly from the atmosphere using modern Direct Carbon Capture technology, and convert the CO2 gas to solid crystals of Calcium Carbonate, a harmless substance used in industry. This lab seminar is designed to create interest in chemistry and environmental science, as well as teach basic lab process and safety. This intensive also fulfills a lab requirement for either AP Chemistry or AP Environmental Science if the student plans to be enrolled in either of these classes. Email me with questions or to reserve a seat. Once we reach 6 seats, I will require a deposit.
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Class Outlines & Parent Testimonials
Here is a brief overview of each class in the curriculum. The class lineup changes a little from year to year, so please consult the class list above.
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Physical ScienceThis is an 8th/9th grade introductory laboratory science course which teaches lab skills, the metric system, observing and collecting data, measuring, graphing, and using scientific equations. The first semester focuses on introductory-level Chemistry and the second semester on introductory-level Physics. Textbook: BJU Physical Science. Prerequisites: completed or currently enrolled in Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1.
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Biology
This is an introductory Biology course with hands-on labs. The class covers a complete high school Biology curriculum, including chemistry of life, cells, photosynthesis, genetics, DNA and RNA, bacteria & viruses, body systems, ecosystems, and related topics. Prerequisite: Completed Physical Science, and completed or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1. Textbook: BJU Biology
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology students will be assigned additional lab and study materials to meet the requirements of the AP course.
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ChemistryAn introductory Chemistry course with hands-on labs. The course covers a complete high school Chemistry curriculum, from matter & atomic structure through organic chemistry. Labs have been carefully designed to illustrate the key concepts. Textbook: BJU Chemistry. Prerequisites: completed Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1.
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Physics
This is an introductory Physics course with hands-on labs. The course covers the standard high school curriculum including classical Newtonian mechanics, heat & thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, optics & light. This is not calculus-based Physics. Textbook: BJU Physics. Prerequisites: Completed Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1, and concurrent enrollment in Geometry or Integrated Math 2.
Advanced Placement (AP) Physics students will be assigned additional lab and study materials to meet the requirements of the AP Physics 1 course.
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Human Anatomy & PhysiologyA High School level course that investigates the structure and function of the human body to include several dissections. You will cover statistics in physiology, chemistry of life, cells & tissues, integumentary (skin) system, muscular-skeletal movement, neurophysiology, heart & cardiovascular, human nutrition, and related topics. Textbook: Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology, by Tortora, 12th Edition. Prerequisites: Introductory Biology is recommended, plus basic knowledge of Chemistry is helpful.
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Principles of EngineeringAre you interested in technology? Do you enjoy working with computers? Are you curious about complex machines, wind turbines, solar power, and how things are designed? Are you planning on pursuing a career in science, engineering, or the technical trades? If this describes you, I highly recommend enrolling in this class.
In this course, students develop problem-solving skills and apply the principles of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, document their work, and communicate their solutions. The course includes an introduction to AutoDesk® CAD software (free download). Textbook: Principles of Engineering, by Handley. Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1. *This course will be offered 100% Online for 2020-2021
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Civil Engineering & ArchitectureAre you interested in architectural design or construction engineering? Do you enjoy working with computers? Do you have an aptitude for art and design concepts?
In this course, high school students are introduced to the design and construction of residential & commercial projects. They apply math, science, and standard engineering practices to design both residential and commercial projects and document their work using 3D architectural design software. Utilizing project-based-learning (PBL), students will progress from simple structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1 *This course will be offered 100% Online for 2020-2021
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Economics & U.S. Government
This is an Introduction to the Principles of Economics that apply to the individual, the business firm, the government, and the economic system as a whole. We will cover the traditional high school Micro-and-Macro Economics curriculum, including an introduction to Civics/U.S. Government. The course uses classroom simulations & games to illustrate many of the main concepts in a fun and memorable way. Prerequisites: completed or enrolled in Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1.
Textbook: Economics, by Gwartney, Stroup.
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Business Management & Ownership
If you have ever wondered if you are interested in a career in business or are just curious about why things happen in the economy or in your place of work, I highly recommend enrolling in this class. This survey course covers a wide range of topics that will aid you in understanding business functions and the world around you. There will be lots of discussion and constant reference to what is currently happening in the real world. Prerequisite: Students should be able to manipulate basic numbers and use Excel. Completion of Algebra 1 is recommended.
Textbook: Entrepreneurship, Owning Your Future, 11th, by Mariotti.
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**New 2020-2021** Digital Electronics
In this course, students will build a variety of circuits ranging from simple to medium complexity, and learn beginning electronics theory. In the process of building circuit projects they will learn the function of transistors, diodes, integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, switches, timers, and relays - as well as learn soldering and breadboarding techniques common to the electronics field. Along the way, they will learn electrical symbols and how to draw circuit diagrams. Completion of Algebra 1 is recommended.
Textbook/Workbook: Make: Electronics, 2nd, by Charles Pratt Course outline will be posted here. |
Testimonials from parents and former students
I want to thank you for all that your class is doing for my son, _______. It has opened new thought processes for him, it has showed him how to apply physical principles to practical problems, and given him a glimpse of the trial and error aspects of real engineering.
Scott Y.
I cannot thank you enough for teaching these two classes for _______. I wasn’t sure if he would be able to handle the load of 2 high school science classes but thought it would be a good test to see if he really wanted to study astrophysics or another STEM major. God has truly used your classes to solidify and clarify even more his desire to study science. We are very grateful for your investment in our son!
Many thanks,
Leslie W.
Thanks again, Kris! It's a great progress report! Thanks so much for being ________ teacher!
Praising Him today!
Lynne S.
Thank you so much for generously sharing your talents and expertise with our children! Joyfully,
Brook M.
I'm very thankful for your class! We appreciate all you are doing for our students!
Debbie V.
Thank you for the tremendous amount of work you do for this excellent class.
Mary B.
When I realized I needed a recommendation, I immediately thought of you. Your class inspired me to pursue engineering in my further studies. You showed to me the many different facets of engineering that interested me in so many different ways. Thank you so much for your help!
Mitchell K.
Scott Y.
I cannot thank you enough for teaching these two classes for _______. I wasn’t sure if he would be able to handle the load of 2 high school science classes but thought it would be a good test to see if he really wanted to study astrophysics or another STEM major. God has truly used your classes to solidify and clarify even more his desire to study science. We are very grateful for your investment in our son!
Many thanks,
Leslie W.
Thanks again, Kris! It's a great progress report! Thanks so much for being ________ teacher!
Praising Him today!
Lynne S.
Thank you so much for generously sharing your talents and expertise with our children! Joyfully,
Brook M.
I'm very thankful for your class! We appreciate all you are doing for our students!
Debbie V.
Thank you for the tremendous amount of work you do for this excellent class.
Mary B.
When I realized I needed a recommendation, I immediately thought of you. Your class inspired me to pursue engineering in my further studies. You showed to me the many different facets of engineering that interested me in so many different ways. Thank you so much for your help!
Mitchell K.
Our son ______ is currently taking both of your classes and he has learned so much about what he would choose as major in University. We would like to know if you are planning to teach any or both classes again next year.
Noemi O.
Thank you for teaching. I enjoyed your class and the challenges that came with it.
Ezra S.
Your class is a lot of work, but _____ is enjoying it and likes the project format which integrates so many skills. We appreciate your expertise, extensive time on this and professionalism. This is such a blessing to our 9th grade school year.
Brian W.
Your engineering classes are the best experience and opportunity ever for our students. Your expertise and instruction to guide these students are impeccable, I pray that you are able to teach this class for awhile. Thank you for this great opportunity.
Deborah M.
He REALLY enjoys engineering. I think he didn't realize till he got into it. It may be where he would like to pursue as a career.
Diane Y.
THANK YOU for the wealth of info which you are imparting to our children! I've had an opportunity to look through the project submissions and enjoy the 'learning-by-doing'. Thank you for the time and work put into these classes.
Blessings in Christ,
Ardy L.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering. We are deeply grateful for your expertise, creativity, and professionalism. Your instruction has been a great asset to _______ education. Thank you for allowing God to use you in this way.
Warmest regards,
John & Chris J.
Thank you so much for a wonderful class. __________ learned a lot. I hope he can take other classes with you next year.
Blessings,
D.R.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering and Civil Engineering. I really enjoyed both and learned a lot.
Ryan Z.
Noemi O.
Thank you for teaching. I enjoyed your class and the challenges that came with it.
Ezra S.
Your class is a lot of work, but _____ is enjoying it and likes the project format which integrates so many skills. We appreciate your expertise, extensive time on this and professionalism. This is such a blessing to our 9th grade school year.
Brian W.
Your engineering classes are the best experience and opportunity ever for our students. Your expertise and instruction to guide these students are impeccable, I pray that you are able to teach this class for awhile. Thank you for this great opportunity.
Deborah M.
He REALLY enjoys engineering. I think he didn't realize till he got into it. It may be where he would like to pursue as a career.
Diane Y.
THANK YOU for the wealth of info which you are imparting to our children! I've had an opportunity to look through the project submissions and enjoy the 'learning-by-doing'. Thank you for the time and work put into these classes.
Blessings in Christ,
Ardy L.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering. We are deeply grateful for your expertise, creativity, and professionalism. Your instruction has been a great asset to _______ education. Thank you for allowing God to use you in this way.
Warmest regards,
John & Chris J.
Thank you so much for a wonderful class. __________ learned a lot. I hope he can take other classes with you next year.
Blessings,
D.R.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering and Civil Engineering. I really enjoyed both and learned a lot.
Ryan Z.
Attached is my bombardier beetle report. This was actually a really fun assignment! I loved learning about the side effects of Benzoquinone and the chemical reactions involved in making it.
Ethan W.
____________ has learned so much under your instruction and I feel that this class has been very valuable for him!... He has learned so many valuable lessons and was challenged to think "outside the box" and problem solve in many different ways. You are offering an excellent course.
Thanks again!
Karla B.
Thank you for showing me so much mercy during this whole year… This was one of the hardest subjects for me to learn and I’m so grateful for your patience. I am walking away from your class with a better understanding of not only the economy, but the basic functions of our government as well.
Best wishes,
Julia H.
Thanks for teaching such a great class. _____ really enjoys and never complains about the work load; just gets to work. You have really made a difference in _____ high school life, and Bruce and I thank you.
In Him,
L.S.
Thanks for your excellence in teaching all year long – and keeping the standard high. The Architectural Design class was an exceptional experience for _____ and our family. The projects were so interesting & required a lot of skills from _____. We appreciate the time and guidance you gave to ____.
Thanks!
Kim G
Thank you for all of your hard work that you put into this class, I really enjoyed it!
Sarah L
Mr. J reflects a thorough interest in the subject to the students. His teaching style reflects a lot of behind-the-scenes study and research, which is evidenced off and on with his discussion of things that are sparked by the subject matter of the curriculum....It is obvious that Mr. J seeks to light the spark of interest by encouraging students to also think about some of the choices that they have both in college and career with these courses of study. Opening devotional thoughts and prayer also challenges the student to keep a godly perspective in their pursuits.
Emily C.
Thank you so much for being such a great Chemistry teacher... I really appreciate all you put into the class and I am so thankful to have had you as my teacher!
Thanks again,
Nicole L
Hello Mr. J, thank you for being a gracious and attentive teacher! I loved learning chemistry from you this past year. You were always encouraging and taught me to do hard things!
Leilani C
Thanks so much for an amazing year Mr. Johanson, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this class, I will forever remember the experiments and the fun times!!
Thomas A
I want to extend a deep heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you for your involvement in _______ life and our family. _____ has thrived under your studies and it has been fun to see him enthralled by architecture, engineering, and enjoying learning about economics. He is also encouraged and feels able to go do college!
Sincerely,
Sam O
Thank you for teaching Principles of Engineering this year. It was my favorite class. Loved the projects!
Jesse S.
Ethan W.
____________ has learned so much under your instruction and I feel that this class has been very valuable for him!... He has learned so many valuable lessons and was challenged to think "outside the box" and problem solve in many different ways. You are offering an excellent course.
Thanks again!
Karla B.
Thank you for showing me so much mercy during this whole year… This was one of the hardest subjects for me to learn and I’m so grateful for your patience. I am walking away from your class with a better understanding of not only the economy, but the basic functions of our government as well.
Best wishes,
Julia H.
Thanks for teaching such a great class. _____ really enjoys and never complains about the work load; just gets to work. You have really made a difference in _____ high school life, and Bruce and I thank you.
In Him,
L.S.
Thanks for your excellence in teaching all year long – and keeping the standard high. The Architectural Design class was an exceptional experience for _____ and our family. The projects were so interesting & required a lot of skills from _____. We appreciate the time and guidance you gave to ____.
Thanks!
Kim G
Thank you for all of your hard work that you put into this class, I really enjoyed it!
Sarah L
Mr. J reflects a thorough interest in the subject to the students. His teaching style reflects a lot of behind-the-scenes study and research, which is evidenced off and on with his discussion of things that are sparked by the subject matter of the curriculum....It is obvious that Mr. J seeks to light the spark of interest by encouraging students to also think about some of the choices that they have both in college and career with these courses of study. Opening devotional thoughts and prayer also challenges the student to keep a godly perspective in their pursuits.
Emily C.
Thank you so much for being such a great Chemistry teacher... I really appreciate all you put into the class and I am so thankful to have had you as my teacher!
Thanks again,
Nicole L
Hello Mr. J, thank you for being a gracious and attentive teacher! I loved learning chemistry from you this past year. You were always encouraging and taught me to do hard things!
Leilani C
Thanks so much for an amazing year Mr. Johanson, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this class, I will forever remember the experiments and the fun times!!
Thomas A
I want to extend a deep heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you for your involvement in _______ life and our family. _____ has thrived under your studies and it has been fun to see him enthralled by architecture, engineering, and enjoying learning about economics. He is also encouraged and feels able to go do college!
Sincerely,
Sam O
Thank you for teaching Principles of Engineering this year. It was my favorite class. Loved the projects!
Jesse S.
I wanted to thank you for teaching Chemistry. _________ has really enjoyed your class and learned a lot! ...Thank you again for all you put into teaching. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Roxanne K.
Thank you for your kind words and the first semester grade report (very thorough!). You and your class have been a blessing!
Matt and Amila V.
I just wanted to thank you for doing a great job as science teacher. I have really enjoyed being in your class. It's been very exciting!
Jacob C.
Here is my Physics final. Thank you for teaching the class this year! I really enjoyed the challenge and you were extremely helpful with explaining all the different concepts.
Colin D.
_________ has turned out to be such a wonderful young man, and your mentoring has been part of that. Thanks for everything these past couple of years. Your classes have been excellent and enjoyable.
Kim G.
Our very best wishes, and thanks, for all your dedication, hard work, and obedience to what is clearly a spiritual calling.
Blessings,
The H. Family
Thank you so much for teaching this class, Kris. __________ learned so much and really worked hard. Thank you for pushing her and making the class so interesting. Have an awesome summer,
Vicki S.
Thank you so much for teaching Anatomy & Physiology at EC2 this year. We're very grateful.... it turned out to be a huge success.
Beth & Melanie
Thank you so much for sending __________ grade. She has enjoyed your class and I appreciate the valuable experience you’ve given her.
May the Lord bless you for your time and dedication in serving.
Dena C.
Thanks so much Kris. Thanks for that extra session and the allowance on the exam submission. You ran a great class and ________ loved all the labs!
Tabitha F.
_________ has learned so much in your science classes. Thank you so much for what you do for the homeschooling community! Your classes were a tremendous blessing for our family. So Grateful!
Monica D.
Roxanne K.
Thank you for your kind words and the first semester grade report (very thorough!). You and your class have been a blessing!
Matt and Amila V.
I just wanted to thank you for doing a great job as science teacher. I have really enjoyed being in your class. It's been very exciting!
Jacob C.
Here is my Physics final. Thank you for teaching the class this year! I really enjoyed the challenge and you were extremely helpful with explaining all the different concepts.
Colin D.
_________ has turned out to be such a wonderful young man, and your mentoring has been part of that. Thanks for everything these past couple of years. Your classes have been excellent and enjoyable.
Kim G.
Our very best wishes, and thanks, for all your dedication, hard work, and obedience to what is clearly a spiritual calling.
Blessings,
The H. Family
Thank you so much for teaching this class, Kris. __________ learned so much and really worked hard. Thank you for pushing her and making the class so interesting. Have an awesome summer,
Vicki S.
Thank you so much for teaching Anatomy & Physiology at EC2 this year. We're very grateful.... it turned out to be a huge success.
Beth & Melanie
Thank you so much for sending __________ grade. She has enjoyed your class and I appreciate the valuable experience you’ve given her.
May the Lord bless you for your time and dedication in serving.
Dena C.
Thanks so much Kris. Thanks for that extra session and the allowance on the exam submission. You ran a great class and ________ loved all the labs!
Tabitha F.
_________ has learned so much in your science classes. Thank you so much for what you do for the homeschooling community! Your classes were a tremendous blessing for our family. So Grateful!
Monica D.
Thank you so much for making these homework videos, they have helped me with homework so much not only to understand the concepts better but also to stress less about homework. I'm really enjoying the class this year, thank you for teaching it!
Gracie M.
The lecture was very informative and I especially appreciated the dialogue on the 15th amendment because I had to give a speech on that topic...
Nathan Y.
Thanks so much for teaching me Chem this year, it was a lot of fun to learn!
Sincerely,
Natalia M.
Thank you for a good Biology class this year! I learned a lot and enjoyed drawing all the diagrams. The SAT Biology test was definitely a challenge; it was my hardest final this year!
Josh G.
Thank you for investing in him. Your classes have provided a stimulating community for learning.
Sincerely,
Darci W.
Thank you for everything you taught my daughter this school year. She enjoyed Physics a lot!
Ruth A.
Gracie M.
The lecture was very informative and I especially appreciated the dialogue on the 15th amendment because I had to give a speech on that topic...
Nathan Y.
Thanks so much for teaching me Chem this year, it was a lot of fun to learn!
Sincerely,
Natalia M.
Thank you for a good Biology class this year! I learned a lot and enjoyed drawing all the diagrams. The SAT Biology test was definitely a challenge; it was my hardest final this year!
Josh G.
Thank you for investing in him. Your classes have provided a stimulating community for learning.
Sincerely,
Darci W.
Thank you for everything you taught my daughter this school year. She enjoyed Physics a lot!
Ruth A.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering. I learned so much about so many things related to engineering and had an absolute blast...
Sincerely,
Ben S.
Thank you, Mr. Johanson. I’m learning a lot from your (Principles of Engineering) class and how to apply it to my little designs at home!
Michael M.
Thank you for everything you taught me in Chemistry, you are an amazing teacher.
May God bless you,
Avery M.
Thank you for teaching Economics this last year! I've enjoyed all of the classes you've taught throughout my high school experience, and I appreciate the investment you have made in my education. Have a blessed summer!
Sincerely,
N. Y.
Sincerely,
Ben S.
Thank you, Mr. Johanson. I’m learning a lot from your (Principles of Engineering) class and how to apply it to my little designs at home!
Michael M.
Thank you for everything you taught me in Chemistry, you are an amazing teacher.
May God bless you,
Avery M.
Thank you for teaching Economics this last year! I've enjoyed all of the classes you've taught throughout my high school experience, and I appreciate the investment you have made in my education. Have a blessed summer!
Sincerely,
N. Y.