2023-24 Winter Term Classes »
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Natural Born Scientists (Physics) with Dr. Brown
Each session, children choose from a variety of classes that allow them to stretch their abilities in new areas. Just as important, gifted children come together each week with their gifted peers. Children can soar to their own heights and not feel out of place. They make new friends who share their goals, ambitions, interests, and abilities.
All Super Saturday Program courses are designed for fun and involve hands-on learning. Each session the offerings vary but always cover a wide variety of subjects.
Classes for children ages 4 to 14 are listed below and in our brochure. We do not offer classes for children over 14 years old because we have found that there is insufficient interest.
Teens 13 to 17 may participate in The Program’s teen community service opportunities including as trained teachers’ aides.
For more information on registering, see Registration.
Sign up for our emails here and get a heads up on next term’s classes.
Class Difficulty and Novelty Types:
- Stand-Alone having the same structured activities each time.
- Different challenges or themes term to term.
- Workshop where all levels are accommodated by individualized guidance. For younger children, it may be semi-structured.
- Collaborative. Structured, but the experience is different each time because of the student dynamic.
Offering Frequency:
- New
- Regularly Offered
- Infrequently offered
- Offered in Sequence
- Cycled irregularly by teacher among repertoire of often complementary classes
2023-2024 Winter Term
Classes listed in age-range order:
Class descriptions in alphabetical order:
Morning Classes: 9:30 – 11:30
Adventures in Science II
Ages: 7-10
Instructor: Barbara James
Lab Fee: $40
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
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. *Students must bring a laptop. All Skill Levels, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
Brain Games
Ages: 9-12
Instructor: Todd Calaway
Lab Fee: $0
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
Chess: Little Knights
Ages: 5-9
Instructor: Kevin Coleman
Lab Fee: $25
Ever want to skewer your opponent? Learn to win at chess — starting with the basics: how to set up the board, move the pieces and learn 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. ID#23104 Skill Level 1, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 4
Crypto: World of Codes & Ciphers II
Ages: 11-14
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Lab Fee: $50
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. We will build a model Enigma cipher machine in the last class. Skill Level 2, Cycled, Activity Level 2
Design Thinking
Ages: 7-9
Instructor: Ryan Cheng and Shirley Lee
Lab Fee: $40*
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, and engineering design process challenge. *Students must bring a tablet capable of using Solidworks Apps for kids. Skill Level 1, Offered in Sequence, Activity Level 2
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
Get Sparked with ART
Ages: 4-7
Instructor: Priscilla Oehlschlaeger
Lab Fee: $40
Make a Treasure Tin. Use a cookie tin or shoebox to gather things to make art. Work on blending colors with markers and elmers glue. Paper bag puppets. Create a Bottle Buddy. Design a Robot or Mermaid costume. Create a collage. Draw a puzzle design and fill in with markers and scraps. Stand-Alone, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 1
Hip Hop: Break Dancing!
Ages: 8-11
Instructor: Simone Burnett
Lab Fee: $20
Learn the basics of break dancing and hip hop dance techniques! 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, New, Activity Level 1
Introduction to Python
Ages: 10-14
Instructor: Nitin Kulkarni
Lab Fee: $0*
Introduction to Python programming language. The goal is to prepare the kids to take the Python certification exam conducted by Python Institute. This is a world recognized certification. Learn to understand fundamental terms and definitions and understand Python’s logic and structure. We will introduce literals and variables along with different numeral systems. *Students must bring a laptop. 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 I
Ages: 8-10
Instructor: Dr. Mia Burnett
Lab Fee: $40
Use problem solving techniques and group cooperation to solve problems that would normally be deemed impossible. You will attempt tasks involving physics, forensics, creativity, environmental science, and many more challenging exercises. This is your mission, should you choose to accept it. Challenges change each term. Novel Challenge, Cycled, Activity Level 1
Scientific Mayhem
Ages: 4-6
Instructor: Kelly Reilman
Lab Fee: $20
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: 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 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 the app Stop Motion Studio. All Skill Levels, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
Structural Engineering 101
Ages: 9-14
Instructor: Steven Harm
Lab Fee: $30
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 3
Video Production
Ages: 10-14
Instructor: Evan Holzman
Lab Fee: $10
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. Taught without a preconceived idea of the content of the products; it is the process of creating and collaborating that is paramount. You will have the opportunity to fill multiple roles. Collaborative, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 1
Afternoon Classes: 12:30 – 2:30
Adventures in Science I
Ages: 4-6
Instructor: Barbara James
Lab Fee: $40
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
Chess: Bootcamp
Ages: 9-14
PREREQUISITE: Students are expected to know the rules of chess and algebraic chess notation.
Instructor: Kevin Coleman
Lab Fee: $25
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 2
Cool Math
Ages: 7-9
Instructor: Gina Baldwin
Lab Fee: $20
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. Workshop, Cycled, Activity Level 3
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 worlds and collaborate to creatively write a story to fit. The classes’ collective creation will be turned into a playable Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Collaborative, New, Activity Level 3
Hip Hop: Break Dancing!
Ages: 6-8
Instructor: Simone Burnett
Lab Fee: $20
Learn the basics of break dancing and hip hop dance techniques! 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, New, Activity Level 1
Intro to CAD + Computational Thinking
Ages: 9-14
Instructor: Ryan Cheng and Shirley Lee
Lab Fee: $50
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
LEGO Mindstorms Robotics!
Ages: 9-11
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: 8-10
Instructor: Dr. Mia Burnett
Lab Fee: $40
Use problem solving techniques and group cooperation to solve problems that would normally be deemed impossible. You will attempt tasks involving physics, forensics, creativity, environmental science, and many more challenging exercises. This is your mission, should you choose to accept it. Challenges change each term. Novel Challenge, Cycled, Activity Level 1
Natural Born Scientists: Exploring the Invisible Micro-World
Ages: 12-14
Instructor: Dr. Ken Brown
Lab Fee: $50
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
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, weave and weight. Design a Needle Book for your Pins and Needles and design other creations to test and develop your skills. Workshop/All Skill Levels, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 1
STEM Time! Can you meet the challenge?
Ages: 5-7
Instructor: Jessica Hamilton
Lab Fee: $20
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
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 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 the app Stop Motion Studio. ID#23162 All Skill Levels, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
Tactix: The Game of Go
Ages: 9-12
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Lab Fee: $5
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
Writing for Laughs Workshop
Ages: 9-14
Instructor: P. F. Wilson
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
A sampling of past classes not scheduled this term:
Advanced Rocketry
Instructor: Ryan Cheng and Shirley Lee
You mastered beginner rocketry! Explore Mid-Power, Multistage, Payloader, Glider & Turbo Vortico Flying Models. Soar to 2000 ft. Use B to F engines. Bring and build three of your favorite rockets based on your skill level (intermediate to expert). *Fee includes one Estes designer model. Students must purchase own kits, engines, and use hobby knives. Skill Level 2+, Cycled, Activity Level 2
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
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?
Comic Creations Workshop
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, Infrequently Offered, Activity Level 2
Cool Chemistry i and Cool Chemistry ii
Instructor: Barbara James
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. Novel Challenge, Regularly Offered, Activity Level 3
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
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Instructor: Ryan Cheng and Shirley Lee
Let your inner-Renaissance creativity take off! Engage in learning actions to save life. Build a cargo plane model and use a Kelvin power pole to test it. Use Bionics, Modular Robotics, and Finch 2.0 Creative Robots to develop stronger critical thinking and collaboration skills — all while having fun!
It Is Rocket Science!
Ages: 8-11
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 how to be safe, prepare for launch, and insert engines and parachutes. Skill Level 1, Cycled, 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 com-plex aspects of Python. Prerequisites -attendance in the winter session OR, with teacher approval, basic understanding of Python basic concepts. *Students are required to bring a laptop.
Junior Crime Scene Investigation (Jr CSI)
Instructor: Dr. Mia Burnett
Get your feet wet in the field of Forensic Science. Use new skills to solve crimes. Explore how law and science are used to solve cases. Explore Forensic Odontology, Forensic Toxicology, Trace Evidence, and Questioned Documents.
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 Adventures & More
Ages: 6-7
Instructor: Gina Baldwin
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
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: 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!
Origami Basics
Activity Level: 4
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.
Settlers of Catan
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Activity Level: 2
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. In this class, we spend half our time playing the Settlers of Catan board game and the other half exploring the five resources in hands-on activities.
Super Saturday Young Debaters
Instructor: Dr. Mia Burnett
Activity Level: 3
Class Type: Collaborative
Frequency: Cycled
The Young Debaters class will introduce and foster research, speech and debating techniques. These techniques will be used to conduct debates on various current event topics.
Tactix: World of Strategy Games I
Instructor: Andrew Speno
Match wits with classmates in ancient and modern strategy games from around the world. Try ancient games like Mancala from East Africa and Go from East Asia. Learn others invented in more 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.
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.
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