The Science Program, created and led by an energetic, popular, and experienced teacher, is designed to give students the opportunity to build analytical skills utilizing the resources of Lake Winnipesaukee as a learning environment. We will address questions such as what is water, how do we use it, where does it comes from, how does it become polluted, and why is water essential to human existence and progress? Lessons are inquiry based. Many activities are conducted on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and along its tributary streams. Aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science and hydrology are incorporated into the program.

This course, taken for enrichment and enjoyment, provides students with a refreshing new way to approach the discipline of science. There are no "stand and deliver" boring lectures here. It's a get-involved, hands-on, experiential class in which the basic principals of scientific investigation are learned by doing. Students will learn how "knowing" something in science is achieved by constructing a case based on empirical data and careful analysis. Activities stress reading, writing, and investigation. Students are encouraged to undertake independent investigations. The science staff helps interested students develop optional projects, propose hypotheses, conduct investigations and arrive at conclusions.

Computer Graphics

Computer Graphics, also created and led by an energetic, popular, and experienced teacher, will consist of three sections:

In the first we will tackle Adobe Photoshop, an award winning digital imaging program. Students will learn real-world design skills integrating the use of digital cameras and scanning as we progress through a variety of projects.

The second section will be devoted to making short movies using Apple's great new program, iMovie. Students will learn how to use cameras, import to computer, edit, and add titles and sound tracks. Videos will be exported to tape and/or Quicktime formats, including video streaming.

Our final section will introduce Dreamweaver, the current leader of web page programs. Students will learn to create web pages that will display samples of their work, including the incorporation of digital photos and video streaming.

ESL Video Editing

The ESL Video Editing course is based on the multimedia infrastructure of Brewster Academy. The school's renowned educational technology program provides the backbone of the ESL Video Editing course. The state-of-the-art lab is outfitted with digital cameras and powerful computers with extended memory and film editing software. This one-of-a-kind ESL course is managed by a faculty with years of experience both in digital communications and in teaching ESL. The course reinforces the students' knowledge with additional language and communication development during the process of learning how to work on photo images, audio clips, and video footage. Since the projects always involve a language assignment, whether it is preparing for an interview, learning new homonyms or writing and editing script, they further improve the students' abilities in English. Although the classroom is located in the multimedia labs of the school, the lessons rather resemble a language lab -- students work with dictionaries looking for definitions and forms of expression, proofread their scripts, or practice pronunciation for the recording. The combination of language and multimedia instruction offers a unique experience for ESL students.

Instructional Support (IS): Learn How to Learn

What is IS?

Here's what we do in IS. We set up a unique learning environment in which a maximum of two students work for an hour each day with a professionally trained and experienced Brewster IS teacher. First, we make a close study of how each IS student learns, as well as how they organize their time and work space. Then, working in a close collaboration with the student's core classroom teacher (English or math), we guide them through the process of optimizing the learning of important skills being taught in that class. IS is individualized. A student may need writing support, reading comprehension support, and/or time management or organization support. By program's end, each student will know how they learn best; what their greatest strengths are; where they need to adapt to compensate for a particular learning style or work habit and, most importantly, how to do it. At that point, we expect to see a new level of confidence and ability and a new zest for learning.

A unique opportunity to learn how to learn.

Instructional support is not for everyone, but nothing is more important to the future success and happiness of those who need what this course offers and are in a position to benefit from it. Many of our students have learning styles and habits that serve them well. They come to us to jump ahead, to learn exciting new things not available in their school, or to be exposed to important skills they can't get elsewhere. But others who come are seeking a new beginning, a fresh start that will allow them to achieve their true potential.

Who should enroll?

There are many reasons why some students, including gifted kids, may be performing in school at a level below their potential. We can help. Often it's simply a matter of not having established effective study habits. Students who may need extra support with their summer classes or need to improve their study habits should enroll in IS. Sometimes, however, it's that their natural way of learning differs from the predominant method of teaching and learning at their schools. In those cases, there is a great advantage in coming to understand how one learns best; how to take control of that learning style and use it well; and how to adapt and utilize other methods also. Those students, also, should enroll in IS.