Fall
Courses
All courses offered Saturdays and Sundays - unless otherwise specified
The Academic Gateways Program (Grades 1-3)
| 1 The Magic of Chemistry
2 Gee! Gee! Geometry and Analogies 3 Explore the World's Culture Through Storytelling |
10 Neckbone Connected...Biology & You! |
1. The Magic of Chemistry (GS01)
No elaborate equipment necessary. No expensive chemicals required. Your kitchen becomes your laboratory. Al l materials are easily found in the home. Combine common household materials and observe their chemical reactions as you discover basic principles of chemistry.
2. Gee! Gee! Geometry & Analogies (GM16)
This study of shapes and designs enables you to see the world’s patterns in new and creative ways. You will use geo-boards to learn geometry through manipulation, improving visual thinking, spatial reasoning and problem strategies. Design 3-D figures and create shapes and patterns from any imaginable materials. Spaghetti curves, pretzel rectangles, prisms, gum drop pyramids and more will have you gobbling up math.
3. Explore the World’s Culture Through Storytelling (GH21)
Storytelling is a favorite tradition around the world. Many stories have a moral, such as how people should treat each other, or explain a natural occurrence or historical event. Stories carry histories, map moral laws and beliefs, and teach lessons of survival. Students will literally “travel” from one country to another, from one continent to another, and in each place they will pick something new as well as leaving something behind. The stories carefully chosen will address humanity and compel the students to look at the different world’s cultures in a new perspective. (Available 2nd period only)
In this course you will become an author as you write, illustrate and “publish” your own book. Putting together all elements of creative writing in this effort will result in a life-long treasure … your first published book.
5. Kids are “Konsumers,” Too (GM05)
Real world mathematics and applications will be the focus of this “economics class.” Earning, spending, banking, checking, saving, stock market, shopping, traveling, kitchen measurements and bargain hunting will be featured in this course. All activities will relate to everyday, practical life. Become a wise consumer! (Available 1st period only)
6. Our Fascinating World (GS07)
Why does wood float? What happens when animals hibernate? What are molecules? What happens when “elements” combine? This course offers fun learning through hands-on experiments to unlock some “secrets” of our world. Animals, chemistry and earth science will be the focus of this course.
Measure bubbles, build geodesic domes, learn matrix logic and strengthen every math problem-solving strategy you know, while having fun at the same time … A real hands-on math experience.
The mysteries of physics are solved as you explore them here – and you will be just like a scientist with your own laboratory. Learn about gravity, friction and static electricity. Make a glider that flies where you want it. Shock your friends when you make tap water bend. Learn the secrets of Egyptian engineering. Phantastic!
Use PowerPoint to create a computer presentation. Use Yahoo, Excite and web search engines to explore the World Wide Web and the newest coolest sites. Use paint and draw programs to create your own computer art. Learn how to scan a picture to make a computer image. Through these hands-on activities students will be able to use these computer applications and tools in school and at home. (Available 2nd period only)
10. Neckbone Connected … Biology and You! (GS14)
What do you and a smelly sardine have in common? What does fur do for animals? Create an intestine and a brain model. Discover what makes up the majority of your body. Learn about the protective camouflage that animals use. You will experience dissection as a learning tool.
Be in a magic show! Become a practicing wizard as you wave your wand and make rubber bands flip, paper clips link, ball change places, coins disappear, flowers appear and wands fly. Have fun, learn magic tricks and amaze your friends as you explore the exciting world of the magician. (Available 1st period only)
Don’t forget your wands and imagination as we bring Hogwarts to life in this hands/wands-on class. Brew polyjuice and other potions, grow a flesh eating plant in herbology and learn all about the care of magical creatures in a course that will enchant the mind and ensnarl the senses. Of course extracurricular activities include the popular quidditch, wizard’s chess and a feast featuring your own chocolate frogs.
13. Insects and other Creepy Crawlers (GS02)
Did you know there could be more than 90 million insects in the world? That insects have been around since before the time of dinosaurs? That many insect species haven’t been discovered or named yet? If you want to learn more about these fascinating animals, then this is for you. You will be able to see a caterpillar turn into a beautiful butterfly, a silk worm become an interesting moth, and much more.
14. Detective Mystery Club (GS16)
How do detectives solve a mystery? What kind of clues do they search for? Take this course to solve the case of the stolen chocolate recipe and more. Use your deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills to solve a variety of “Whodunit” mysteries and crimes.
15. You Can Be an Engineer! (GS10)
The purpose of this program is to assist students in discovering our fascinating world. Through a literature-based approach, students will utilize math, science and children’s engineering to design solutions to everyday problems. This means they will gain knowledge by using their creative ideas to build and experiment. In turn, the students will witness their inventions magically come alive in front of their own eyes.
16. Drawing I – Beginning (GH19)
This is an introductory course which emphasizes the study and application of art elements and principles of perception through assignments focused on the development of individual drawing skills to realistically represent natural and manmade forms using dry drawing media while providing training in the coordination of hand and eye. Students will look at these forms through Leonardo da Vinci eyes and experience his amazing power of observation and skills as an illustrator, inventor and scientist. (Available 1st period only)