The following is an overview of our core subjects. This may read as a course list, however we do not host classes at Sora. Each of the subjects and units are broken down into standards for students to master (in any order) with their projects. 

Math is a continuous journey of practice and application at Sora. The following “buckets” will be covered through project-based learning and guided online platform work like Khan Academy. 

Algebra I (optional)

This is a set of standards that cover the foundations of Algebra. First year students may enter Sora with prior credit in this subject area. Topics covered include functions, linear equations, roots, quadratic equations. 

Algebra II

Algebra II standards at Sora cover linear, quadratic, higher-degree polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise functions. A major component is a focus on problem-solving, which by definition involves investigating unfamiliar situations. Students will be asked to apply ideas, tools, and reasoning from across their project and educational experience to address real world problems. 

Geometry/Trigonometry

Topics covered include solving right and oblique triangles, properties of polygons and circles, surface area and volume of three-dimensional geometric solids, and the properties and notation associated with various geometric transformations. Students will also learn and apply the law of sines and cosines. 

Pre-Calculus

Topics covered include mastery of vectors, scalars, matrices, the unit circle, and graphing. This set of standards is meant to prepare students with foundations for college-level Calculus as well as practical skills to graph and interpret scientific data. 

Statistics

This emphasizes student explorations of statistical problems in the real world. Major themes are exploratory analysis of data; design of data collection, including experiments and observational studies; probability as a descriptor of the patterns that emerge in random phenomena; and statistical inference as implemented both in hypothesis tests and in confidence procedures. 

Calculus (optional)

Emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus with concepts, results, and problems expressed geometrically, analytically, numerically, and verbally. Standards cover limits, the concept of the derivative, computational techniques, and interpretations and applications of derivatives. Upon completion, students are prepared for the subsequent integral calculus portion and additional topics covered in AP Calculus BC.

Students are welcome to pursue the following Math AP exams.

AP Calculus AB

Emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems expressed geometrically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Skills cover limits, the concept of the derivative, computation and applications of derivatives, techniques and applications of anti-differentiation, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, separable differential equations and slope fields, interpretations, properties and numerical approximations of the definite integral, and applications of integrals. All students take the AP Calculus AB Exam.

AP Calculus BC

This covers all the topics of AP Calculus AB starting with applications of the derivative. In addition, this covers the calculus of polar, parametric, and vector forms, differential equations, slope fields, Euler’s Method, more advanced techniques of anti-differentiation, improper integrals, and power series. All students take the AP Calculus BC Exam.

Science is at the core of every student project at Sora. From neuroscience to ballistics, students incorporate skills from the following buckets throughout their journey with us.

Biology

This set of standards revolve around virtual laboratory-based experiments that emphasize an exploration of scientific inquiry, developing experiments, analyzing data, and writing effectively. Students engage actively in the process of scientific inquiry and discovery while simultaneously mastering the basics of biological chemistry, cell physiology, energetics, molecular biology, evolution, genetics, reproduction, and animal physiology. In addition to virtual labs and workshops, students are encourages to incorporate Biology skills into their project-work.

Chemistry

Includes the following topics: atomic structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, gas laws, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear and organic chemistry. There is a focus on higher-level analytical problem-solving.

Physics

This is a rigorous set of standards including all or most of the following topics: kinematics, Newton’s laws, gravitation, energy, torque, electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetism, sound waves, light, optics, and topics in modern physics. There is a focus on higher-level analytical problem-solving with student projects.

Physical Science

This is a less rigorous set of standards revolving around Newton’s laws, gravity, force, energy, and waves. Students build core skills to construct projects revolving around kinematics and energy transfer.

Planetary and Earth Science

This variety of standards cover core Earth science topics such as volcanic activity, earth’s core and climate change. Students will also study and apply concepts in orbital mechanics, star energy and form an understanding of the importance of water.

Students are welcome to pursue the following Science AP exams

AP Biology

Topics of study and virtual lab work (and observation) fall within four themes required for a deep understanding of the biological sciences. These themes include evolution, cellular processes, genetics and information transfer, and interactions. Additionally, these standards are designed to enhance critical thinking and inquiry, including designing experiments and analyzing project data. Must take AP Biology exam in the Spring.

AP Chemistry

For highly motivated students with a genuine interest in chemistry. Must take College Board AP exam in the spring.

History is contextual at Sora. Students can cover history topics in their projects from relevant time periods, all the way up to present day 2020. The following are the three main “buckets” of skills covered at Sora. We also place a huge emphasis on empathy and understanding of other cultures and perspectives. This theme is clear in our workshops and advisement on projects.

History of the Ancient World

Topics range across the period (4th century BCE-15th century CE) and include the society and politics of republican and imperial Rome, the Islamic Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and medieval Europe. Students are also responsible for analyzing macro trends in ancient history such as early language, cities, agrarian societies, trade, etc.

History of the Modern World

Topics cover the post-15th century CE period in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and include the rise of Western political and military power, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, imperialism and colonial empire building, revolutions and reactions, industrialization and technological development, international conflict, the benefits and costs of economic growth, the spread of and resistance to democracy, and the challenges of modern globalization.

United States History

Covers a range of topics in American history, from the Columbian 15th century and European colonization to the Revolutionary and early-national periods, Jeffersonian and Jacksonian democracy, the Civil War, industrialization and urbanization, becoming a world power, the impact of liberalism and conservatism, the challenges of the post-Cold War world, and present day civil rights.

English at Sora is a continuous journey that includes mastering the following:

• Storytelling: Student’s ability to confidently share a compelling narrative.
• Active Listening: Student’s ability to hold eye contact, follow the conversational path, and intelligently respond to drive the discussion forward.
• Leading Group Discussion: Student’s ability to guide a group conversation while still respecting and engaging every participant.
• Citing Sources: Utilize textual evidence or direct quotes to support an argument or claim.
• Themes and Tropes: Determine a theme or central idea of text and closely analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details.
• Character Development: Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
• Writing Techniques: Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise.
• Analyzing Multimedia: Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person’s life story in print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.
• Critical Reading: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.
• Primary Source Analysis: Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating how each version interprets the source text. (Include at least one play by Shakespeare as well as one play by an American dramatist.)
• World Literature Analysis: Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early twentieth-century foundational works (of American Literature, British Literature, World Literature, or Multicultural Literature), including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.
• Informative Writing: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
• Narrative: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
• Research: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
• Sourcing and Integration: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and over-reliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.

Students receive 4 units of English Language/Literature through this continuous structure that spans project, research, professional, and humanities work.