Instructor: Mr. Kris Johanson
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I consider myself fortunate to have been able to homeschool my own kids through high school, and I am honored to be a part of your family's education goals. My background: I earned Masters Degrees in engineering and business, and spent many years working at an executive level in both public and private companies actually doing the things that we are learning in these classes. My goal with NexGen is to offer an interesting, challenging, and easy-to-access science curriculum to independent high school students, and to hopefully inspire the next generation to get motivated, use their minds, and succeed in college or trade school - or whatever life path they ultimately choose. I am well-known throughout the large San Diego homeschool community - please feel free to read the parent comments/testimonials near the bottom of the home page. |
What are the classes like?
First of all, they're designed to be interesting and fun... All of us are more likely to engage our minds and reach higher when we can make a real connection and see exciting opportunities and possibilities for the future.
Class Overview
2020-2021: You have the option of in-person labs -OR- 100% online labs
MEMO: READ THE LATEST COVID UPDATE ON THE HOME PAGE
Each class consists of 36 weeks of coursework, from September to May (the typical U.S. school year). Each class includes approximately 18 hands-on lab classes, occurring approximately 2x per month throughout the two-semesters. During classes/labs there is typically much lively discussion, and class cohesiveness and positive student-student interaction is encouraged over the course of the year.
Homework
Weekly homework is assigned from each chapter. Typical homework for this class consists of standard end-of-chapter questions and/or Internet research assignments, as well as lab write-ups. Estimated homework and study time for high school science courses is usually at least 5 hours per week.
Teaching Pedagogy
The courses use a combination of labs and projects, live webinar instruction, and a variety of modern Internet tools.
Exams
Yes, exams are necessary for a whole host of reasons. There will be a take-home style, open-book, midterm and final exam, covering material learned that semester. The exams are not burdensome, and you will be given a week to complete each one. Emphasis is on applications, not on rote memorization.
Course Requirements
Please visit the "Policies" page for more information.
Class Overview
2020-2021: You have the option of in-person labs -OR- 100% online labs
MEMO: READ THE LATEST COVID UPDATE ON THE HOME PAGE
Each class consists of 36 weeks of coursework, from September to May (the typical U.S. school year). Each class includes approximately 18 hands-on lab classes, occurring approximately 2x per month throughout the two-semesters. During classes/labs there is typically much lively discussion, and class cohesiveness and positive student-student interaction is encouraged over the course of the year.
Homework
Weekly homework is assigned from each chapter. Typical homework for this class consists of standard end-of-chapter questions and/or Internet research assignments, as well as lab write-ups. Estimated homework and study time for high school science courses is usually at least 5 hours per week.
Teaching Pedagogy
The courses use a combination of labs and projects, live webinar instruction, and a variety of modern Internet tools.
Exams
Yes, exams are necessary for a whole host of reasons. There will be a take-home style, open-book, midterm and final exam, covering material learned that semester. The exams are not burdensome, and you will be given a week to complete each one. Emphasis is on applications, not on rote memorization.
Course Requirements
- Attend the classes (in-person and webinar sessions). Be on time.
- Take notes and ask relevant questions during the lectures
- Turn in your lab reports on time
- Turn in your homework assignments by the due date
- Don’t fall behind in your work. Do not procrastinate!
Please visit the "Policies" page for more information.