Fall 2009
The Academic Balance Program - Sixth Grade
(Students are required to choose two courses - one in humanities and one in math/science. Please pick two classes. One from group A and B OR one from group C and D.
All courses offered on Saturday or Sunday unless otherwise noted.
(ABS01) Mathematical Logic & Probability: This course is designed to strengthen students' conceptual understanding of mathematics and developing ability in problem solving techniques. Students working individually, and in small groups, will be provided with a variety of problem situations that can be approached by several modes of solution using probability studies, strategy games, word problems, and puzzles. Emphasis is on presentation of enjoyable problems that provide opportunities for intuitive and inductive reasoning, mathematical discovery, reasoning skills, creativity and originality of thought. Instructor (Saturday): Cynthia Sanchez Instructor (Sunday): Abby Hersch
(ABS02) Introduction to Algebra: Begin to explore the world of algebra in this class. Become familiar with the basic operations of signed numbers, algebraic language, linear equations, and operations with polynomials and factoring. An excellent introductory course for students who have not yet had algebra. Instructor (Sunday): Franc Lacinski
(ABS03) Experimental Chemistry: Students experience and observe the chemical and physical behavior of atoms and molecules through hands-on experiments and demonstrations. Students use laboratory equipment to gain real-life knowledge of chemistry. Experiments introduce such concepts as acid-base chemistry, synthesis, purification and analysis, crystallization, distillation and stoichiometry. A great first course for students in the laboratory! Instructor: Hani Awadallah
(ABS04) The Wizard School: Are you a Harry Potter fanatic? Then this is the class for you. Muggle school was never like this! Potions (chemistry), Herbology, Divination (astronomy), Care of Magical Creatures (zoology), Quidditch and a Tri-wizand Challenge are just some of the classes you will attend. This is for advanced wizards only. So put on you robes, bring your cauldron and your passion for all things Potter to this enchanting experience. Instructor: Wanda Rodriguez
(ABS05) Zoology & Veterinary Science: Attention future veterinarians! The animal kingdom is vast and often mysterious. Participants learn the basics of animal biology related to structure and physiology. Students investigate evolutionary mechanisms that lead to the diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. While conducting hands-on and virtual dissections and field work, students identify, compare, and contrast the critical features used to classify animals into major groups. Instructor: Tom Koehler
(ABS06) Marsville -Saturday Only: Space Colonization: Students create a positive vision of the technological society of the 21st century and of their role in making it a reality. Examining and learning from the historical experience of their home planet's development, students will be asked to create a new human world, a multi-national settlement on Mars, and become pioneers of the space frontier. Teams will create specific biological and social systems for their space colony. They will construct a physical habitat to house their systems. Through creative problem solving, cooperative learning and responsible decision-making skills, students will solve a colony crisis. Instructor: Jim Verrengia
(ABS07) Aviation Science - Saturday Only: Explore the exciting world of flight. Learn about the physics that make modern flight possible, through a variety of fun aviation projects. All students build model airplanes that really fly (using paper, styrofoam and balsa wood). By applying a knowledge of angles, control surfaces, weight and balance, force, Newton’s laws, and Bernoulli’s principle, students discover how to effect a desired outcome. We illustrate many facets of aviation, including occupations, history (kites, hot air balloons, dirigibles, gliders, helicopters, planes, rockets and key individuals), plus other practical references that relate their school studies to the activities they enjoy doing. All students will exercise critical thinking and applied understanding to the planes they build (skills that will have applications throughout their lifetimes). We invite individual exploration, and each student will construct and fly a few different airplanes or gliders, including an experimental one of his or her own design. Instructor: Mike Twomey
CLOSED(ABS08) Things that Move - Sunday Only: Students will enjoy being “artistic scientists” when they construct their own toys, mobiles and wind chimes. We will paint, glue, and string creative masterpieces using various materials. When the projects are done, there will be lots of fun… playing with their creations that roll, spin or twirl in the breeze. Instructor: Marcy Madden
CLOSED(ABH01) daVinci Mode - Sunday Only: Leonardo da Vinci had ideas and inspiration that made him much more than an artist – he was also an engineer, inventor, scientist, and, some people thought, a magician! He left us some wonderful notebooks that show us what a brilliant man he was. He invented many kinds of machines, including war tanks, gliders, a kind of camera, a copying machine and even a kind of ancient computer that have been built into working models by today’s scientists and engineers. So let’s take a walk through the life of Leonardo and learn about stretching our imaginations to envision a picture of the future by using Leo’s methods and ideas. We’ll make our own paint, create a “Secret Notebook” like Leo did, learn how to make portraits like the Mona Lisa and even paint a great big “Last Supper” of our own, showing our favorite foods and self portraits. We’ll also design our own futuristic machines and in the process make some amazing discoveries of our own! Instructor: Eyleen Faust
(ABH14) Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club:-Saturday Only: Enter a world where aliens, space exploration, vampires, monsters, wizards and magic become part of our class. This course will focus on the many aspects that make up the science fiction genre. Students will explore fantasy, science and horror by doing critical readings and analysis of the subject matter. Reflective journals will be used for exploratory introspection and critical thinking based on the readings. Some of the authors will include J.R.R. Tolkien, Ray Bradbury, J.K. Rowling, Terry Brooks, and Orson Scott Card. In addition to reading, the course will include samples of film, technology, creativeness and lots of fun. Come and explore wondrous worlds and fantastic creatures where only your imagination is the limit! Instructor: Brian Saccomanno
CLOSED - SUNDAY ONLY: (ABH02) Verbal PSAT/SAT: The new SAT verbal test places greater emphasis on the reading comprehension and sentence completion sections of the test. Success on the test, like success in school work, requires solid skills in critical reading and critical thinking. This revised verbal SAT preparation course emphasizes those analytical language skills. There is significant carry-over to all other subjects studied in school. Instructor: Joanne Owens
(ABH03) Ancient Civilization: The Science of History - Saturday Only: Technology, Science and History unite to create a dynamic exploration of ancient civilization. Students, acting as ancient people, will tackle complex technological and logistical challenges. Traveling to Egypt, students analyze approaches to move a large stone overland from a dig site to the river bank for transport? Students will experiment with sand and water to solve this ancient problem. How will they lift the heavy granite blocks as they construct the pyramid? Students will prepare a site for the construction of a pyramid and discover ways of lifting the stone blocks using mobile lifting engines. As ancient Romans, students will build a ten foot long, eight foot high, three tiered ached arcade which is the everlasting symbol of the Roman aqueduct. The Romans are historically applauded as the ancient world’s best bridge builders. Using two water stations, students will build a floating ‘pontoon’ bridge and a stick built, 'pile' bridge. Very detailed teamwork and communication, using task booklet instructions, guide them to success in these challenges. Model soldiers, horses, and carts pose as logistical questions for movement from one shore to another. The Infantry capabilities of the Roman Army were the foundation of all massed troop warfare, making the study of their troop formations and battle tactics essential to understanding the power and grandeur of the Roman Legions. Students, dressed in replica uniforms, are arranged and massed as legionnaires in formations, are taught to march in battle order, and use large wooden shields and faux spears to simulate battle techniques. Instructor: Lawrence Kenny
CLOSED (ABH04) Arabic: This course will give the student the opportunity to converse, read and write the fastest growing language in the United States. It is designed to introduce students to the Arabic language and culture simultaneously. By the end of the course students will have the basic knowledge to carry on conversations and write short texts in Arabic. Instructor: John Soeid
CLOSED (ABH05) A Writer's Journey: Multi-Genre Writing - Saturday Only: Come embark on a journey to discover and develop your writer's voice! Learn from classic (Hawthorne,Poe) and contemporary masters (Roethke, Cummings) and translate the modeled tools and techniques into individual and creative works of fiction and poetry. Experiment with hybrid forms like the Fibonacci and Japanese Tanka. Learn the power of metaphor, memory, and form while gaining the courage and confidence as writers and speakers of your personal stories. Instructor: Rachel Kim
(ABH06) Legendary Figures - Saturday Only: Find out what Robin Hood, King Arthur and Indiana Jones were really like. From the high sea adventures of the Vikings, to the forest of Sherwood, on to the battlefields of Europe with Richard the Lion Hearted, to the scary Transylvania home of the real Count Dracula; the Middle Ages provides us with the most interesting and fascinating people, places and events in history. Through extensive use of film, literature, folklore and the professor’s collection of medieval weapons, incredible stories of mystery, intrigue, romance and adventure will come to life. Instructor: Jim Woods
CLOSED(ABH07) Psychology of Magic - Saturday Only: This course is designed to familiarize the student with the psychology of magic and how this science is used and incorporated everywhere in our everyday world.It is an introductory study of the science of presentation, utilizing the performance art form we call " magic". While learning sleight-of hand and enhancing dexterity the student also develops a unique and creative thinking process. Using direction, misdirection, and aesthetics, this hands-on course teaches diverse techniques and ancient skills which can be incorporated into marketing, teaching, and employed within any profession or social event. The student will study the basic psychological rules used in the performing arts as well as in the corporate world. Learn the history of this fascinating and scientific structure used throughout the ages. Instructor: Beverly Suzan
CLOSED - SUNDAY ONLY: (ABH08) Thinking on your Feet - Saturday Only: Public speaking with eloquence and confidence -- The ultimate on-camera commercial training, public speaking, improvisational training, all rolled into one. If you have ever had secret ambitions of starring in national TV commercials, want to wow them as a public speaker in your school, or perform an acting scene without a script, this is your changce. The instructor acted in national commercials and Broadway Shows to backup his extensive teaching and training background. Instructor: Gary Martin
CLOSED(ABH09) Creative Writing - Sunday Only: Some of the greatest authors and poets of the world may have started their writing careers in a creative writing class. Students will be inspired to write through exposure to various genres, including fantasy and poetry. Emphasis is placed on strategies for creative idea development. Miriam Hlawatsch
(ABH10) Critical Reading: Science Fiction - Saturday Only: This course will focus on the many components that make up the science fiction genre. Students will explore and critically analyze readings of science fiction writing from famous authors, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Ray Bradbury, Orson Scott Card, and more. Students will be challenged to use critical thinking and problem solving analysis of the text by identifying metaphorical prose, underlying themes. They will then discuss their findings among peers. The course will also use reflective journal writing in order to allow students to explore their own thoughts and analysis of the texts. In addition to reading, the course will include samples of film, technology, creativeness and lots of fun. Come and explore wondrous worlds and fantastic creatures where only your imagination is the limit! Instructor: Brian Saccomanno
(ABH11) Historical Mysteries - Sunday Only: A course guaranteed to fascinate and challenge both history and mystery lovers alike. Subjects covered include the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, the explosion of the Hindenburg, the “death” of Beatle Paul McCartney, the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the mysterious life of Princess Anastasia, the true meaning of the “Wizard of Oz” and, of course the J.F.K. assassination. In short, we will investigate the most fascinating and thought-provoking events of all time. Armed with film, speculation and actual historical artifacts, this course promises to be an entertaining and unique opportunity to study, learn and enjoy the pursuit of historical truth. Instructor: Jim Woods
CLOSED(ABH12) Take a Stand! - Sunday Only: Have a passion for making your point? Come and find out how to effectively argue your points and show the world your ideas. This course focuses on the two basic types of academic argumentation: policy debate and Lincoln-Douglas debate. Students will engage in developing solid arguments and building debate cases. Actual debates will focus on current events and issues of importance to the students. Effective listening is critical to effective speaking — a persuasive communicator needs both skills. Persuasion & Debate is grounded in rhetorical tradition, modern theories and practices in the language arts. Students address topical issues through persuasive essays, speeches and debate rounds, and learn the use of Socratic seminar techniques through structured controversy. This course focuses on the principles and practices of effective communication in all speaking situations that students encounter in school and later in life as adults. Instructor: Gary Martin
(ABH13) Graphic Novels - Sunday Only: Award-winning author/illustrator of the graphic novels Blindspot and Katman, both published by Henry Holt for Young Readers, Kevin C. Pyle, will teach you how to create characters, build worlds and tell your stories with words and pictures. This class will introduce students to all the narrative tools unique to graphic novels and take them through the process of creating their own self-published mini-comic. Special focus will be spent on the visual representation of complex emotions, the identification and use of literary devices, and classic three-act plot structure. All drawing levels are welcome as comics provide an excellent foundation for budding writers, animators and film makers. Instructor: Kevin Pyle
(ABH15) A Picture is worth a Thousand Words-Saturday Only: Create written works of art from art! Develop stories and poems from the inspiration of different art forms (paintings, illustrations, music, dance, etc). Delight your senses and explore the power of the "muse" while discovering what inspires your best writing! Instructor: Rachel Kim
(ABH16) Balloon Sculpture - Sunday Only: This class is designed to give the students a fun way to express their creativity and explore part-time income possibilities. Learn the skill to bring excitement to parties and create sculptures limited only by your imagination. Have fun twisting balloons into animals and sculptures by creating and locking basic balloon bubbles. You'll learn how to create: a dog, rabbit, cat, octopus, starfish, mouse, giraffe, swan, bumblebee's and hummingbirds. Create a parrot on a swing, palm trees with coconuts, flowers, swords, hearts, baskets and more! The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and skill level. Instructor: Beverly Suzan
(ABH17)Study Skills: Improving your grades may not require you to spend more time studying: you may only need to study more efficiently. This course will offer a wide variety of study skills, with an assortment of useful strategies, while directing students toward academic self-sufficiency. Learn to manage time, improve concentration and remember more of what you study. Note-taking techniques, test-taking skills, memory tricks, presenting effective oral and written reports and winning strategies for specific kinds of classes are among the topics that will be covered. Instructor (Sunday): Kathryn Kuebler, Instructor: (Saturday): Miriam Hlawatch
CLOSED(ABH18) Will America Accept You? The Ellis Island Experience - Sunday Only: This course is a history-infused-theatre-residency exploring the passage that millions of immigrants endured on their way to the United States. By using theatre improvisation exercises this interactive experience will take participants through a personal Ellis Island journey that provides an understanding of the people who lived it.
Will America accept you? Do you have what it takes to enter the land of the free? Today is April 17, 1907. It will be remembered as the busiest day in Ellis Island history. Your bags are packed. Your family is with you. You are one of 11,747 people attempting to gain citizenship on this day alone. Put on the shoes of an American immigrant and journey with us, through the ELLIS ISLAND Experience. Instructor: Margo Hammond
CLOSED(ABH20) Playwriting-Sunday Only: Have you ever seen a play and wondered what it would be like to write one? In this course, students will be taken through the process of playwriting with step-by-step exercises such as table readings, character games and in class writing workshops. Students will receive one-on-one help and will learn new writing skills and techniques along with a new understanding of playwriting. Students will be able to see their work come together with a theatrical reading at the end of the course. Instructor: Morgan Gertler
(ABS09) Algebra I and Technology - Saturday Only: Explore concepts in Algebra I using computer software such as Geometer's Sketchpad, Excel and graphing calculators. Emphasis will be placed on selected topics in algebra, while introducing the major capabilities of the software. Topics will include: the fundamentals of algebra, linear algebra, parabolas and quadratic equations, functions, and transformations and vectors (A graphic calculator is required.) Instructor: Mary Wiley
(ABS10) Algebra I - Sunday Only: This course is designed as a first course in formal algebra. Students will acquire fundatmental algebra concepts and skills necessary for the study of higher mathematics. Topics include order of operations, properties of real numbers, evaluating and simplifying algebraic expressions, the law of exponents and operations with polynomials. Instructor: Nicole Zayatz
CLOSED - SUNDAY PERIOD 2 ONLY: (ABS11) Algebra Part II - This course will provide students who have algebra experience with a strong foundation for the study of higher mathematics. The focus will be on developing proficiency and conceptual understanding of algebra. Topics include graphs, and functions, factoring and solving equations, and systems of equations. Instructor: Nicole Zayatz
(ABS13) Chaos Theory and Mathematics - Saturday Only: We will study the applications of chaos theory through fractals, tessellations, pi and Fibonacci numbers. In science we will study the butterfly effect and “chaos” in nature. In addition we will apply chaos theory to stock market predictions, pop culture and play with Sonic on the Wii or the Xbox. Chaos theory deals with the behavior of nonlinear systems that under certain conditions exhibit a phenomenon known as “chaos”, which is characterized by a sensitivity to initial conditions. These systems are especially sensitive to tiny changes in starting conditions, such that a slight change in the initial conditions will result in drastically different outcomes. For example systems like the atmosphere and the solar system and other areas such as plate tectonics, turbulent fluids, economies, and population growth are very dependent on the initial conditions. Chaos theory is a way to mathematically and scientifically describe and predict these types of events. Instructor: Lavina Sequeira
(ABS15) Green Challenge - Saturday Only:Global climate change and the health of our environment are a major concern. The Green challenge will focus on how to plan for long-term solutions in the green building industry and other related green technologies that promote a healthier way of life. Through the challenge, students will learn about sustainability, and how integrated design and conscientious planning allow for systems to work together maximizing efficiency. The Challenge is intended to bridge connections between students and green professionals, resulting in an exchange of knowledge normally not available in a classroom setting. The academic component will focus on implementing standards and other criteria relevant to school curriculum, which results in powerful collaboration, interdisciplinary, and technology rich experiences. The challenge will also promote higher order thinking skills and enhance student involvement and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In addition, the challenge is intended to help students become aware of the variety of green collar careers that will be available as well as better prepare students with skills and knowledge they will need for the workforce of the future. Instructor: James Verrengia
CLOSED - SUNDAY ONLY: (ABS16) Math PSAT/SAT: This course is geared toward improving scores n the PSAT/SAT math section. Included in the course are test-taking techniques and strategies with reinforcement units in arithmetic, algebra problem solving, basic geometry and quantitative comparison. Instructor (Saturday): Cynthia Sanchez Instructor (Sunday): Abby Hersch
CLOSED(ABS17) Culinary Chemist - Saturday Only: Have you ever wondered why fruit turns brown when you cut it? Why flour makes soup thick? How does pizza crust become fluffy when baked? Explore the chemical insides of food in this hands-on science course. Through cooking, see chemistry in action, with the added benefit that you can eat the results. Instructor: Stephanie Hardwick
CLOSED (ABH22) Physics of Music - Sunday Only: Physics and music are inseparable, yet treated as two distinct subjects. This class will smash the two fields back together with a good deal of noise, theory and experimentation. We will make instruments and know their properties; we will find out how musicians use physics to manipulate sound; we will crack open sound waves; we will see how computers allow us to create, represent and modify music; we will work with the MSU Henry Partch instrument collection. Expect this course to be creative, scientific and loud. Instructor: Scott Spencer
CLOSED(ABH24) Magic- Saturday Only - Magic enables the student to find their individuality and gives the apprentice a means to express their own personality. Be the popular friend that's having fun creating magic and you'll amaze your family and friends. This hands- on course is about the secret ways of the magician. Tricks taught will bring an understanding into this exciting art. You learn what makes magic...magic! Why it happens and how to make it happen.
This is a fun and rewarding course that through the tricks provided you will learn aesthetics, creative ways of thinking, sleight-of hand, magic history, psychology, self-confidence, drama and acting. Instructor: Beverly Suzan
CLOSED SATURDAY ONLY:(ABS14) Zoology: Attention future veterinarians! The animal kingdom is vast and often mysterious. Participants learn the basics of animal biology related to structure and physiology. Students investigate evolutionary mechanisms that lead to the diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. While conducting hands-on and virtual dissections and field work, students identify, compare, and contrast the critical features used to classify animals into major groups. Instructor: Tom Koehler
(ABSD1) Electronics for Kids 1 - Sunday Only: Children, and parents too, will find this class interesting and exciting. Build projects in the classroom with everyday materials while learning about electronics. Students will experience, firsthand, the development of electricity, how sound can be stored and how color television pictures are produced. Build a phonograph speaker from paper that actually works. All these, and lots more fun things to do. Instructor: Jeff Jones
(ABSD2) Electronics for Kids 2 - Saturday Only: This class offers an opportunity for personal observation and experience of how electrical charges can be used to solve practical problems. By constructing basic electronic circuits, applying mathematical procedures that are integral to the study of electronics, and utilizing a variety of electronic components (transistors and other semiconductor materials), students will develop the grounding necessary to pursue an education in Electronics Engineering. Those students who took Electronics-I will remember that the class was a fun, exciting experience.Instructor: Jeff Jones
(ABSD3) 3D Character Animation - Sunday Only: 3D Character Animation and Design – Ever wanted to create a new character or monster for your favorite video game? This course is a hands-on, creative learning experience on how to create a 3D character from scratch. Starting from learning the basics of a major 3D modeling program called Blender, to creating a fully animated character straight from your own minds. We will also learn how to analyze game art in an already existing game, and learn how to create and adapt a brand new character into that game. Instructor: Nicholas Sacino
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