Natural Born Scientists (Physics) with Dr. Brown
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Class Difficulty and Novelty Types:
- Stand-Alone, having the same structured activities each time.
- Leveled, having the same structured activities each time and designed to fit into a sequence of skill building.
- Different challenges or themes term to term.
- Workshop where all levels are accommodated by individualized guidance. For younger children, it may be semi-structured. Work products are that of each individual.
- Collaborative. Structured, but the experience is different each time because of the student dynamic. The work product is a group effort.
Offering Frequency:
- New
- Regularly Offered
- Infrequently Offered
- Offered in Sequence
- Cycled irregularly by teacher among repertoire of often complementary classes
Classes listed in age-range order:
| Morning Classes: 9:30 – 11:30 | Afternoon Classes: 12:30 – 2:30 |
|---|---|
| Get Sparked with ART Ages 4-6 | Cool Chemistry I Ages 4-6 |
| LEGO Mindstorms Robotics 7-9 – FULL | Math Adventures & More 6-7 |
| Scientific Mayhem 7-9 | Little Scientists 7-9 |
| Cool Chemistry II 7-10 | The Sew-Sew Club 7-10 – FULL |
| Crypto: World of Codes & Ciphers 8-11 – FULL | Stop Motion Animation Workshop 8-10 |
| Heroes & Monsters: A Dungeon Master’s Guide to Worldbuilding 8-11 | Heroes & Monsters: A Dungeon Master’s Guide to Worldbuilding 8-11 |
| Be a Podcaster 9-12 | LEGO Mindstorms Robotics 9-11 – FULL |
| Advanced Rocketry 9-14 – FULL | Tactix: Settlers of Catan 9-12 |
| Stop Motion Animation Workshop 10-14 | Filmmaking Boot Camp: Make a Short Film 9-14 – FULL |
| Introduction to Python 10-14 | Master Rocketry 10-14 – FULL |
| Mission Impossible II 11-14 | Writing for Laughs Workshop 10-14 |
| Other: | Super Theater Troupe: Modern Shakespeare 11-14 |
| Teen Community Service Opportunities 13-18 | Natural-Born-Scientists: Float & Fly with Physics 12-14 |
| Become A Teacher 18+ |
Class descriptions in alphabetical order:
Morning Classes: 9:30 – 11:30
Advanced Rocketry
Ages: 10-14 PREREQUISITE: Prior rocketry experience.
Instructor: Ryan Cheng
You mastered beginner rocketry! Explore Mid-Power, Multistage, Helicopter, Glider, and Spining Models. Use B to F engines. Soar to 2000 ft! Bring and build three of your favorite rockets based on your skill level (intermediate to expert). *Must purchase own kits, engines, and use hobby knives. Skill Level 2+, Cycled, Activity Level 2
Be a Podcaster
Ages: 9-12
Instructor: P. F. Wilson
Lab Fee: $0*
You, our newest podcaster, will learn how to make your own internet radio show, also known as a podcast. From choosing what the show will be about to recording, editing, and posting – you will learn the medium from the ground up. *Please bring a device with audio recording abilities. Stand-Alone, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 2
Cool Chemistry II
Ages: 7-10
Instructor: Barbara James
Lab Fee: $40
Measure, mix, swirl and pour into the world of chemistry as we explore reactions that make volcanoes, density bottles, color, slime and much more. Explore with us in this fun, hands-on class. Stand-Alone, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
Crypto: World of Codes & Ciphers
Ages: 8-11
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Lab Fee: $0
Cryptography, the art and science of secret writing, is as old as the pharaohs. Equal parts math and linguistics problem solving, this class will challenge you in many dimensions as you solve and encode some of the cleverest ciphers ever devised. Each week we decipher hidden messages, encipher our own, and go on a cryptographic treasure hunt. Stand-Alone, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 2
Get Sparked with ART
Ages: 4-6
Instructor: Priscilla Oehlschlaeger
Lab Fee: $40
Get your creative side going! Make a Treasure Tin for art supplies. Work on color blending, paper bag puppets, a Bottle Buddy, costume design, and collages. Draw a puzzle design and fill in with markers and scraps. There is a lot of freedom within each day’s activity, so kids enjoy taking this class more than once. Workshop, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 1
Heroes & Monsters: A Dungeon Master’s Guide to Worldbuilding
Ages: 8-11
Instructor: John Hennessy and Melanie Simkins
Lab Fee: $30
Have you ever played a game like Dungeons and Dragons, imagining a fantasy world made exactly how you wanted it to be? We will work together to visually create our own fantasy world and collaborate to creatively write a story to fit. The classes’ collective creation will be turned into a playable Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Collaborative, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 3
Introduction to Python
Ages: 10-14
Instructor: Nitin Kulkarni & Dr. Daniel C. Hennessy
Lab Fee: $0
Introduction to Python programming language. Learn to understand Python’s fundamental terms, definitions, logic, and structure. We will introduce literals and variables along with different numeral systems. Our goal is to prepare you to take the Python certification exam conducted by Python Institute. This is a world recognized certification. *Students must bring a computer capable of editing Python script. Level 1, Offered in Sequence, Activity Level 2
LEGO Mindstorms Robotics
Ages: 7-9
Instructor: Janet Bockey
Lab Fee: $60
LEGO enthusiasts will have a blast learning to design and build robots using LEGO Mindstorms NXT and EV3. Students will work in pairs to build robots that drive, lift, and interact with obstacles as they master weekly challenges and compete in games! A favorite highlight will be combining all of the skills they’ve learned to create their ultimate robot for an epic Battling Robot competition! Stand-Alone, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 1
Mission Impossible II
Ages: 11-14
Instructor: Dr. Mia Burnett
Lab Fee: $40
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to solve problems others deem impossible. Use creative problem-solving techniques and group cooperation to tackle tasks involving physics, forensics, the environment, your senses, service, nutrition and more. Challenges change each term. Novel Challenge, Cycled, Activity Level 1
Scientific Mayhem
Ages: 7-9
Instructor: Lisa Bacu & Monica Hennessy
Lab Fee: $40
Let’s have some fun with science! We will explore, build, test, and mix all kinds of things. How tall can I build this tower? What will happen if I mix these two things? What does this look like on the inside? How does this work? Join us and discover something new each term! Novel Challenge, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 2
Stop Motion Animation Workshop
Ages: 10-14
Instructor: Korin Mattei
Lab Fee: $50*
Bring your imagination and master stop motion animation fundamentals while making fun videos. We will work with LEGOs, clay, and paper while you learn to use basic software and bring your own characters to life! Build your sets, create your backgrounds, sculpt your models, and we’ll see what you can do in this highly individualized class. *Students must bring a tablet or smart phone capable of using Bluetooth and with the app Stop Motion Studio installed per emailed instructions. All Skill Levels, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
Afternoon Classes: 12:30 – 2:30
Cool Chemistry I
Ages: 4-6
Instructor: Barbara James
Lab Fee: $40
Come measure, pour, mix and swirl into the world of chemistry as we explore reactions that make volcanoes, density bottles, color, slime, sidewalk chalk, and much more. This totally hands on class is both fun and educational. Stand-Alone, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
Filmmaking Boot Camp: Make a Short Film
Ages: 9-14
Instructor: Nathan Anderson and Evan Holzman
Lab Fee: $5
From every YouTuber to the biggest Hollywood directors, filmmaking is a universal language anyone can speak. If you’re interested in writing, directing, photography, editing, or being creative, this class is for you. We will cover a new topic each week while making our own short, high-quality films. The final class will be a screening and award ceremony of everyone’s films. Stand-Alone, New, Activity Level 2
Heroes & Monsters: A Dungeon Master’s Guide to Worldbuilding
Ages: 8-11
Instructor: John Hennessy and Melanie Simkins
Lab Fee: $30
Have you ever played a game like Dungeons and Dragons, imagining a fantasy world made exactly how you wanted it to be? We will work together to visually create our own fantasy world and collaborate to creatively write a story to fit. The classes’ collective creation will be turned into a playable Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Collaborative, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 3
LEGO Mindstorms Robotics
Ages: 7-9
Instructor: Janet Bockey
Lab Fee: $60
LEGO enthusiasts will have a blast learning to design and build robots using LEGO Mindstorms NXT and EV3. Students will work in pairs to build robots that drive, lift, and interact with obstacles as they master weekly challenges and compete in games! A favorite highlight will be combining all of the skills they’ve learned to create their ultimate robot for an epic Battling Robot competition! Stand-Alone, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 1
Little Scientists
Ages: 7-9
Instructor: Dr. Mia Burnett
Lab Fee: $40
Budding scientists will run experiments involving chemical reactions that produce diffusion, acids, bases, and fun responses. We’ll also touch on forensics and focus on safety. New Challenges, Cycled, Activity Level 2
Master Rocketry
Ages: 10-14*
Instructor: Ryan Cheng
Lab Fee: $20**
Explore level 4 or 5, mid-power, pro-series, 3-stage and turbo-spin rocket models. Prep for rocketry competition and Junior High Power Certification (age 14). Soar to 2500 feet! Use C-I class motors. Build two rockets based upon your skill level (Advanced to Master). *Requires prior advanced rocketry experience. **Must purchase own kits and engines. Dayton/Cedarville High Power launch site on 4/12 & 4/26. Level 3, NEW – Offered in Sequence, Activity Level 2
Math Adventures & More
Ages: 6-7
Instructor: Gina Baldwin
Lab Fee: $20
Explore mathematical fiction, solve puzzles, and challenge your brain. Visit with Sir Cumference, solve math mysteries, and experiment with numbers, geometry, and art. Join us on this adventure! Novel Challenge, Cycled, Activity Level 3
Natural Born Scientists: Float & Fly with Physics
Ages: 12-14
Instructor: Dr. Ken Brown
Lab Fee: $50
Join fun experiments while exploring phisics. We will make giant bubbles, micro kites, model airplanes, electric circuits with LEDs, and launch balloons and rockets. Join us as we study the physics of flight. Stand-Alone, NEW, Activity Level 2
The Sew-Sew Club
Ages: 7-10
Instructor: Priscilla Oehlschlaeger
Lab Fee: $40
Learn how to sew by hand or with a sewing machine. Learn about fabric texture and weave and weight, seam allowances, how to sew on a button, and how to thread a machine. Design a needle book for your pins and needles, purses, aprons, pillows, dolls, stuffed animals, and accessories for your own style. Design other creations to test and develop your skills. This perennial favorite class is one that past students enjoy retaking to continue developing their skills alongside new students. Workshop/All Skill Levels, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 1
Stop Motion Animation Workshop
Ages: 8-10
Instructor: Korin Mattei
Lab Fee: $50*
Bring your imagination and master stop motion animation fundamentals while making fun videos. We will work with LEGO, clay, and paper while you learn to use basic software and bring your own characters to life! Build your sets, create your backgrounds, sculpt your models and we’ll see what you can do in this highly individualized class. *Students must bring a tablet or smart phone capable of using Bluetooth and with the app Stop Motion Studio installed per emailed instructions. All Skill Levels, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
Super Theater Troupe: Modern Shakespeare
Ages: 11-14
Instructor: Joanna Harm
Lab Fee: $5
Join our cast and help select a play by Shakespeare. As we explore the timeless psychology of key scenes, we’ll collaborate to write a modern adaptation. The last class, we will perform both the original scenes and our own work for family. Theater, Shakespeare, & Elizabethan era facts incorporated. Stand Alone, NEW, Activity Level 2
Tactix: Settlers of Catan
Ages: 9-12
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Lab Fee: $0
Build a civilization using five main resources: lumber, bricks, grain, wool, and ore. Plan ahead, get the right balance, and your settlement can be the first to grow into a city. With the Seafarers expansion pack, you can be the first to cross the strait to Gold Island! Stand-Alone, Cycled, Activity Level 2
Writing for Laughs Workshop
Ages: 10-14
Instructor: P. F. Wilson
Lab Fee: $0
Great comedy doesn’t just happen, it has to be crafted, and that starts with writing. Learn the basic principles of comedy, including satire and parody. Create skits, parody songs, fake newscasts, as well as your own stand-up comedy routine. All Skill Levels, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
Some past classes not scheduled this term:
Adventures in Science I
Ages: 4-6
Adventures in Science II
Ages: 7-10
Instructor: Barbara James
Fossils and Physics and Spiders, Oh My! Get out your spy glasses as we go on adventures in the study of pollution, physics, optical illusions, animals, fossils and sound. Throughout our explorations, we’ll dig for buried treasure, make pop-up books, trace fossils, layers of Earth, rain sticks and much more. This class is packed with hands-on, child-centered educational fun! Stand-Alone, New, Activity Level 3
Art and Science of Superheroes
Instructor: Melanie Simkins
Based on favorite Marvel and DC Comics heroes, learn the applied science of superpowers! From Superman’s incredible alien powers to the genetics of X-Men, science is important to make them believable heroes. Learn the concepts of 2D drawing & layout design that bring our favorite comic books to life! Stand-Alone, Infrequently Offered
Brain Games
Ages: 9-12
Instructor: Todd Calaway
Jeopardy, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Master Minds,…. What do they all have in common? Trivia! There is so much to explore. Come talk about researching trivia, writing trivia, and playing different trivia based games. If you are someone who starts every other sentence with “Did you know that…”, then this is the class for you! We will have a great time and could even prepare you for your high school academic team. All Skill Levels, New, Activity Level 3
Beginning Knitting
Instructor: Karen Anderson
Learn how to knit! We will learn knit and purl stitches, increasing and decreasing, casting on and binding off while making fun projects. Learn the basics while allowing space for creativity and choice of projects. Returning beginning knitting students are welcome to come back. We will review basics the first week, then focus on projects and skills chosen by the student. Perhaps you’d like to to knit a scarf in your house colours or a jumper without the aid of enchanted knitting needles?
Chess: Bootcamp
Ages: 9-14
PREREQUISITE: Students are expected to know the rules of chess and algebraic chess notation.
Instructor: Kevin Coleman
This class is for chess players who would like to improve on their skills and apply those same skills to the real world. We will examine famous games and MUCH more. There will also be prizes and a chance to win a 1-year membership to the United States Chess Federation! Skill Level 2, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
Chess: Little Knights
Ages: 5-9
Instructor: Kevin Coleman
Ever want to skewer your opponent? Learn to win at chess — starting with the basics: how to set up the board, how the pieces move, and what they are worth, checkmate, stalemate, and ‘en passant’. Progress into pins, forks, and skewers, then finish with basic openings, strategies, and tactics. Students will each take home a chess set. Skill Level 1, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 4
Comic Creation Workshop
Ages: 7-10
Instructor: Lee Davis
Character design, story development, page layout, penciling, and inking. Comic pages will be created traditionally with paper, pencils, and pens. Color markers will be available for students wanting to color their work. All Skill Levels, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 2
Cool Math
Ages: 7-9
Instructor: Gina Baldwin
Math is so much fun! Create math art, play new math games (that you won’t even know are math!), and be amazed at how much fun math is. No timed tests, no homework. Let’s explore the world of math. New Challenges, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 2
Crowns and Castles
Ages: 8-11
Instructor: John Hennessy and Andrew Speno
Have you ever wanted to be a prince or a princess? Or wondered what it would be like to rule a medieval kingdom? Or even tried being a tyrant over your siblings? If you said “yes” to any of those questions, or are a lover of medieval history, then grab you sword, put on your crown, and prepare to face the world as a medieval warlord in Crowns and Castles. Collaborative, New, Activity Level 3
Design Thinking
Ages: 7-9
Instructor: Ryan Cheng and Shirley Lee
What are Bionic Robots and Reverse Engineering? Share your passion for design using Solidworks Apps. Enhance logical thinking, patterns, and sequencing. Explore tasks on biomimicry, simple machines, manufacturing, aerodynamics, and engineering design process challenges. *Students must bring a tablet capable of using Solidworks Apps for kids. Skill Level 1, Offered in Sequence, Activity Level 2
Developing Games with Python
Ages: 11-14
Instructor: Aidan Gallagher
We will use Python to introduce core programming concepts like variables, loops, and conditional statements. Each day we will learn to develop progressively more advanced games using these concepts, from Mad Libs to Blackjack to a text adventure game. Geared toward older students who have an interest in computer science and coding. *Students are each required to bring their own laptop. Stand-Alone, Cycled, Activity Level 4
Fiber Arts Sampler
Ages: 8-14
Instructor: Karen Anderson
Lab Fee: $15
Try five different fiber arts skills in this new class! We will wet felt wool into beads, spin wool into yarn, weave on a frame loom, make pom-poms and tassel embellishments, and learn Kumihimo (a Japanese braiding technique.) Stand-Alone, New, Activity Level 3
Hip Hop: Break Dancing
Ages: 7-9
Instructor: Simone Burnett
Learn the basics of break dancing and hip hop dance technique! Build your physical strength, find your rhythm, and learn awesome new dance moves that you can share with your friends and family! If you’re not afraid to be upside down and dance all around, then this is the class for you! Stand-Alone, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 1
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Ages: 10-14
Instructor: Ryan Cheng and Shirley Lee
Let your inner Renaissance creativity take off! Engage in learning actions to save lives (CPR/First Aid). Build, test & take home a cargo plane model. Bring your amazing designs to life using CAD Onshape. Use Sphero Bolt to learn programming, animation, strengthen collaboration skills, and have fun! Use a Kelvin Power Pole to test plane. Must bring own device with Windows 10/iOS/Chromebook(Android 8 or newer) operating system. Stand-Alone, Cycled, Activity Level 2
Intro to CAD + Computational Thinking
Ages: 9-14
Instructor: Ryan Cheng and Shirley Lee
Solving problems is the foundation of engineering education. Your creativity has no limits! Bring your amazing designs to life using Onshape. Dive into the world of autonomous robotics with Sphero BOLT, a versatile and programmable robot. Students are required to bring a laptop. OS: Microsoft Windows 10 or Chromebooks. Level 2, New, Activity Level 2
Introduction to Python Part 2
PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Python 101 OR teacher approval on the basis of student knowledge of Python basic concepts
Activity Level: 3
This is a continuation of the winter class “Introduction to Python”. We will explore more complex aspects of Python. *Students are required to bring a laptop.
It Is Rocket Science!
Ages: 9-12
Instructor: Ryan Cheng and Shirley Lee
Interested in high-speed rockets? How are fins used to control direction, stabilize, and angle the launch? Join us to build, and keep 3 model rockets. Experiment with center of mass. Discuss principles of flight stability and drag. Learn to be safe, prepare for launch, and insert engines and parachutes. Skill Level 1, Cycled, Activity Level 2
Junior Crime Scene Investigation (Jr CSI)
Ages: 11-14
Instructor: Dr. Mia Burnett
This class introduces the field of Forensic Science. We will use techniques to solve crimes and explore how law and science are used to solve cases. Forensic Science topics such as Forensic Odontology, Forensic Toxicology, Trace Evidence, and Questioned Documents will be explored. Stand-Alone, Cycled, Activity Level 1
Lessons of the Holocaust
Ages: 11-14
Instructor: Anne Flick
Holocaust survivors implore us: Never again. Never forget. Come discover the progression of events of Holocaust history so you can recognize similar signs in other eras. Learn from the bravery and power of resistors and rescuers who saved lives. Our sensitive, age-appropriate overview will include a visit to the Holocaust & Humanity Center in our last class. Stand-Alone, New, Activity Level 3
Magic for Young Wizards
Instructor: Mark Hogan
Have you ever wanted to learn cool magic tricks to amaze & amuse your friends, your siblings, your mom & dad? Well, this is your chance! Learn how to make a chosen card rise! Read your friend’s mind! Make money appear out of thin air! Cut your dad’s tie in half & magically restore it! Learn these and many more incredible magic tricks in this class. Stand-Alone, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 1
Making Monsters Workshop
Instructor: Melanie Simkins
Halloween doesn’t have to be only one day a year worth of fun. Let’s make our own costumes and props! Cheetahs, dragons, ghouls, superheroes, & many more are on the prowl. Learn realistic face painting, develop your own unique costume design, and create your masterpiece. Please disclose any latex allergies as alternative costuming methods are required. All Skill Levels, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 1
Math Detectives
Ages: 4-5
Instructor: Gina Baldwin
Put on your thinking cap and let’s investigate! We will explore various math concepts using games, puzzles, and experiments. Challenge, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 2
Muscle Factory in Motion
Instructor: Simone Burnett
Did you know you should have one hour of exercise a day? Come put your legs, abs, and arms in motion at the Muscle Factory! Learn from a professional dancer fun ways to wake up sleepy muscles and energize your body! Collaborative, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 1
Natural Born Scientists: Discovering the Secrets of the Atom
Instructor: Dr. Ken Brown
Journey through the history, chemistry, and physics of atomic theory. From Democritus to Rutherford and Bohr, we’ll explore the fascinating world of atoms and their structure. We’ll look at energy levels and suborbitals, compounds versus elements, the periodic chart and its relation to atomic theory. We’ll even make a Hoffmann electrolysis apparatus and break down water into its elements. Learn about the fundamental building blocks of our universe while having fund with hands-on activities each week that will spark curiosity and creativity. Stand-Alone, Offered in Series, Activity Level 2
Natural Born Scientists: Exploring the Invisible Micro-World
Ages: 12-14
Instructor: Dr. Ken Brown
Dive into the unseen world of unicellular organisms. These hidden life forms are everywhere, shaping our environment and underpinning germ theory. Vividly capture and document these micro-beings with affordable USB digital microscopes. Our instructor will project this unseen realm onto the classroom screen, magnifying our collective curiosity. Stand-Alone, Cycled, Activity Level 2
Natural Born Scientists: Fast Plant Life Cycle Exploration
Ages: 8-10
Instructor: Dr Ken Brown
Grow, observe, and learn with Wisconsin Fast Plants, which complete their life cycle in just 6 weeks! We will build a lightbox and planters (requiring home bench space) to study each growth phase: germination, development, flowering, pollination, seed formation, and dispersal. Hands-on fun and discovery await budding botanists! Stand-Alone, New, Activity Level 2
Natural Born Scientists: Physics to Float and Fly
Activity Level: 2
Instructor: Dr. Ken Brown
How are micro kites, airplanes, electrical circuits, rockets, and more impacted by physics? Join me to explore matter, energy, motion, and force through experiments and analysis of things that float and fly.
Natural Born Scientists: Theory of Chemistry
Instructor: Dr. Ken Brown
Learn the origin of elements, the history of atomic theory, and all about the infamous periodic table. We will model atoms on paper, name elements, learn their symbols, and do hands-on experiments with basic elements. We will step further to dissect a battery for zinc and carbon, hydrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen, and electroplate copper on nickel and nickel on copper.
Nature’s Fury
Instructor: Melanie Simkins
Activity Level: 2
Mother Nature is not always kind and gentle. There are several types of natural phenomena that are powerful forces of change, and even destruction, to the environment. Explore by creating your own tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, and much more!
Next Level Debate
Ages: 11-14
Instructor: Simone Burnett
In this debate course, we will challenge your speech, argument development, attention to detail and evidence, and logical thinking skills. There will be more mock debates, activities that test the complexity and rapid fire of persuasive thinking, and a final debate at the end where you can really put your skills to the test in a mock trial against each other. Collaborative, New, Activity Level 2
Origami Basics
Ages: 7-10
Instructor: Rory & Amy Hruschak
Unlock the secrets of origami, the ancient art of Japanese paper folding. Turn flat, colorful square pieces of paper into 3D geometric shapes, animals, and other fun projects. Stand-Alone, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 4
The Prehistoric Animal Kingdom
Ages: 4-7
Instructor: Melanie Simkins
Travel back in time to when woolly mammoths roamed the icy plains, back further when dinosaurs ruled, and even further back when Cincinnati was underwater! Each week, discover a different geological period of time and the ancestors of today’s wildlife. Stand-Alone, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 2
Rocket Science 101: Backyard Blastoff
Ages: 8-9
Instructor: Dr. Ken Brown
Transform your backyard into a launchpad with this exciting class. Build a rocket from a 2-liter soda bottle and learn the basics of rocket science. The bottle acts as the combustion chamber, the fins demonstrate aerodynamics, and the baking soda and vinegar simulate rocket fuel chemistry. Each class day brings you closer to the final launch, where you’ll witness the principles of physics in action as your rocket soars! Stand-Alone, New, Activity Level 2
Scratch 101
Ages: 8-10
Instructor: Mousumi Sinha and Vrinda Chatterjee
Come join us as we explore the interactive world of Scratch – an interactive programming language that teaches how to create animation, stories, and games using drag and drop blocks. No prior knowledge of Scratch needed. Must bring device capable of running Scratch program. Stand-Alone, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 2
Scratch 102
Ages: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Must have prior knowledge of Scratch.
Instructor: Mousumi Sinha and Vrinda Chatterjee
Come, join us as we go on an interactive journey into the amazing world of Scratch. We will learn how to code using blocks, lists, variables, and much more. Must bring device capable of running Scratch program. Skill Level 2, Irregularly Offered, Activity Level 4
Simul: Pirates of the High Seas
Ages: 9-12
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Join a pirate crew and set sial for adventure! We willrecreate the world of Golden Age Piracy by choosing crews and making decisions that actual pirates faced. With a little luck, the crew that makes the best decisions will bring home the treasure! We will also expand our historical view to learn about women pirates and pirates around the globe. Collaborative, New, Activity Level 2
Simul: War in the Pacific » WATCH VIDEO ADVERTISEMENT «
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Wage war in the Pacific during World War II, from Midway to Guadalcanal to Okinawa. Take the role of Japanese and American forces in simulated battles and compare your results with those of the actual events. Activities include maritime navigation, building a model fighter plane and LCVP Higgins boat, nursing wounded classmates, and creating a clay model diorama of Iwo Jima.
STEM Time! Can you meet the challenge?
Ages: 5-7
Instructor: Jessica Hamilton
I challenge you to take this class! I will surprise you by developing your ability to design and create items beyond what you thought was possible. Come join us as we complete a new STEM challenge each week. Let’s engage in hands-on lessons that encourage creative thinking, problem solving, and perseverance. Stand-Alone, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 2
Structural Engineering 101
Ages: 9-13
Instructor: Steven Harm
Want to know what keeps the building you’re in right now from falling on your head? What keeps the bridge you drive over from falling in the river? In this class we will build small models of structures to discover what makes them stay standing; we’ll review computer modeling techniques and learn about what forces and loading a building or bridge can stand up to. Stand-Alone, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 2
Super Theater Troupe: Dra-maniacs
Ages: 4-6
Instructor: Joanna Harm and Simone Burnett
Costumes, funny voices, pretend play. Introduction to stage performance including voice projection, movement, stage directions, and covering for mistakes. We will explore our talents then, taking inspriation from fairytales, we will colaborate to make an original show in which everyone has a fun character to play. We will perform for family in class the last week. Bring costume items if you are happy to share. Collaborative, New, Activity Level 2
Tactix: Dogfights over France, 1917
Ages: 8-11
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Wage war in the skies over the Western Front of World War I. Simulate dogfights and balloon busting using a different model biplane each week. Plan your maneuvers; outguess your enemy. One false move and you could be shot down. Think strategically, and you could become your teams next ace. Collaborative, New, Activity Level 2
Tactix: The Game of Go
Ages: 9-12
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Surround or be surrounded. Capture or be captured. Just when you think you have the game won, your formation falls apart! Or, with patience and tactics, YOU can surprise your opponent. Anything can happen in Go, the oldest board game in the world. Class will consist of group games, partner games, Go problems, and a handicapped tournament in the final class. Collaborative, Cycled, Activity Level 2
Tactix: World of Strategy Games I
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Match wits with classmates in ancient strategy games from around the world, including mancala from East Africa and go from East Asia, as well as others invented in recent times, including the ever-popular Chickapig. Each game will take a single class to learn but, if you choose, a lifetime to master. Skill Level 1, Cycled, Activity Level 2
Tai-Chi for Parent and Me
Activity Level: 2
Yang style Tai-Chi Chuan is an interna style of a slow moving martial art that is used to improve the immune system, increase balance, and improve calmness and patience. This is the perfect class for a parent and child. Students must be able to focus and participate in a calm and quiet environment. Younger students may be permitted to enroll by the instructor.
Video Production
Ages: 10-14
Instructor: Evan Holzman
Lights… Camera… Action! This class will inspire and encourage you to create images, to entertain, and to tell stories. We will explore all aspects of the creative process from idea to writing, planning, acting, lighting, sound, editing, and publishing. The collaborative process is very important. You will have the opportunity to fill multiple roles. Let’s create something unique! Collaborative, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 1
The Wizarding World Year 1
Instructor: George Whitaker
Activity Level: 3
Join this class for an opportunity to live out your wildest wizarding fantasies. Discover what house you belong to, reenact your favorite Hogwarts classes and delve more deeply into the world of Harry Potter than you have before.
The Wizarding World Year 2 (Books 1-4) and The Wizarding World Year 2 (Books 1-7)
Ages: 8-11 and 10-14
Instructor: George Whitaker
The same story with a deep dive into new aspects of the wizarding world and new Hogwarts classes. Explore the books and movies while also exploring how magic has impacted the lives of those in the past and today. Wizarding World Year 1 is NOT a prerequisite. Stand-Alone, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 3
Young Debaters
Ages: 11-14
Instructor: Simone Burnett
Put your debate skills to the test. Each class, we will learn new techniques and new perspectives. As we progress through the classes, we will be more rules added to increase the level of the debate. Collaborative, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 1