Instructor: Mr. Kris Johanson
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I consider myself fortunate to have been able to homeschool our 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 finance, and spent many years working in public and private companies at an executive level 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 and business curriculum to homeschool and charter 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
Each class consists of 36 weeks of coursework, from September to May (the typical U.S. school year). Each science 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 will be assigned from each chapter. Typical homework for this class consists of standard end-of-chapter questions and short Internet research assignments. I go over the homework questions carefully on the Internet to provide additional support (included in the course). Students should read the chapter ahead of time and be prepared to take notes and participate in class discussion. Estimated homework and study time for upper-level high school science courses is usually at least 5 hours per week.
Teaching Pedagogy
The courses use a combination of hands-on labs and projects, classroom instruction, and a combination of webinars and customized Internet homework videos which build on the actual lectures.
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.
UC/CSU subject matter "a-g" approval
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics students can satisfy the UC/CSU subject matter "d" requirements by taking a simple, 1-hour test following the completion of their course. The $22 test is offered several times throughout the calendar year, and can be taken more than once. Test preparation is built-in to the course throughout the year. I recommend this for UC/CSU-bound students.
Course Requirements
Class Overview
Each class consists of 36 weeks of coursework, from September to May (the typical U.S. school year). Each science 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 will be assigned from each chapter. Typical homework for this class consists of standard end-of-chapter questions and short Internet research assignments. I go over the homework questions carefully on the Internet to provide additional support (included in the course). Students should read the chapter ahead of time and be prepared to take notes and participate in class discussion. Estimated homework and study time for upper-level high school science courses is usually at least 5 hours per week.
Teaching Pedagogy
The courses use a combination of hands-on labs and projects, classroom instruction, and a combination of webinars and customized Internet homework videos which build on the actual lectures.
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.
UC/CSU subject matter "a-g" approval
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics students can satisfy the UC/CSU subject matter "d" requirements by taking a simple, 1-hour test following the completion of their course. The $22 test is offered several times throughout the calendar year, and can be taken more than once. Test preparation is built-in to the course throughout the year. I recommend this for UC/CSU-bound students.
Course Requirements
- Attend the classes (including both in-person and webinar sessions). Be on time.
- Take notes and ask relevant questions during the lectures
- Participate in the class labs
- Turn in your homework assignments by the due date
- Don’t fall behind in your work. Do not procrastinate!