Core Academic Classes
- English Language Arts (ELA) 6th-8th
- English Literature/Composition 8th-11th
- World Literature 9th-12th
- Foundations of Math
- Pre-Algebra
- MS Algebra
- HS Algebra 1
- Money Wise II
- Body Talk 2
- Mapping the World by Heart
- Viewpoint
Enrichment Classes
- Math At Your Level
- Intro to American Sign Language III
- Food Fascination
- The Chain Gang
- Learn to Crochet
- Project Wild
- Logic Games
- Our Native American Story
- Global Discoveries
- The John Muir Trail
- Running Club
- Physical Education
- Fine Art: Rock Painting and Mosaic
- Career Pathways
- Study Session
CRPD Classes
- Our Biological World
- Physical Science
- Physical Science Lab
- Basketball
Core Academic Classes Descriptions
Core syllabi will be updated prior to the start of Session 4
ELA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS for 6th-8th Monday/Wednesday, 9:00-10:30 or 11:00-12:30* SYLLABUS HERE show more show less
This two-day core course will focus on reading and composition and can accommodate a range of skills. High-interest articles, essays and book excerpts will be enjoyed, with time for discussion, evaluation, and writing. Scholastic SCOPE or similar materials will be used for analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies/current event topics are often incorporated into lessons, with a range of activities to be expected (group presentations, reader’s theatre, etc). The focus in Session 4 will be narrative and creative writing; students should expect to complete at least two final draft essays. Basic conventions, mechanics, and editing will be practiced each week. Additional independent reading will be assigned, as well as extra writing practice if needed. Materials needed: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen. Instructor: Lori Peters or Melanie Ware. Max: 12 students. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. This is a full year course of study. *9:00 class is recommended for levels 6th/7th. 11:00 class is recommended for those at 7th-9th level. Subsequent sessions will focus on literary response, and narrative here to add your own text.
LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Tuesday, 9:00-10:30 (recommended for 8th-11th grade) SYLLABUS HERE show more show less
This year-long course aligns with the recommended curriculum for Golden Valley 9th graders but is open to 8th-11th graders who are proficient in foundational English skills (composition/grammar) and can read proficiently at or above an 8th grade level. In this course, students will analyze human behavior and power structures in societies, while making relevant connections to their world today. (For GVCS students, this course will fulfill most of the core reading/writing requirements for GVCS 9th Literature and Composition; grammar practice outside of composition editing, some study guide activities, and GVCS required text-based lessons are not part of this course). Over the year, students will complete at least four classic novels (selections may include novels by Bradbury, Golding, Orwell, Hinton, and Steinbeck), several classic short stories or poetry (selections may include poems by Sandburg, Hemingway, Whitman, Frost, Hughes, Angelou, etc), and relevant articles and/or speeches. All reading will be accompanied by in-class reflection, discussion, note-taking, critical analysis, and historical and cultural connections. At least two essays per session will be completed and assessed. Lessons in composition skills (summary and literary analysis) will be included. Session 1 will focus on short story analysis, with one required novel. Independent reading and writing are required 2-3 hrs/week. Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 10 students. This is a full year course of study. (Text selections may vary dependent on students enrolled and will be included in the syllabus.)
WORLD LITERATURE Thursday, 11:00-12:30 (recommended for 9th-12th grade) SYLLABUS HERE
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This year-long course aligns with the recommended curriculum for Golden Valley 10th graders, but is open to 9th-12th graders who are proficient in foundational English skills, can read proficiently at or above a 9th grade level, and have passed 9th grade level English composition or equivalent. In this course, students will analyze important themes and world events, while making relevant connections to their world today. (For GVCS students, this course will fulfill most of the core reading/writing requirements for GVCS 10th World Literature; grammar practice outside of composition editing, some study guide activities, and GVCS required text-based lessons are not part of this course). Over the year, students will complete at least four classic novels (selections may include novels by Huxley, Paton, Remarque, and Wiesel), several classic short stories or poetry, and relevant articles and/or speeches. All reading will be accompanied by in-class reflection, discussion, note-taking, critical analysis, and historical and cultural connections. At least two essays per session will be completed and assessed. This course will include a wide genre of writing: research and informational; argument; summary; and literary analysis. Independent reading and writing are required 2-3 hrs/week. Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 10 students. This is a full year course of study. (Text selections may vary dependent on students enrolled and will be included in the syllabus.)
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FOUNDATIONS OF MATH Monday/Wednesday, 11:00-12:30
show more show less This course is designed for students needing to solidify their foundational math skills before Pre-Algebra, typically 6th grade, but the course is open to any student 6th-8th in need of foundational skills in math. Using Everyday Math, participants will practice foundational skills including basic algorithms of multiplication and division. They will also explore relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages, and perform all operations involving decimals and fractions. Word problems, games and activities will be used to enhance understanding. Materials required: spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 9 students. A course syllabus will be available mid-August. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. This is a full year course of study. $20 lab fee for Everyday Math Text, volumes 1 and 2. Thursday’s Foundations of Math: Games and Skills Class is highly recommended as an addition to this course.
PRE-ALGEBRA Monday/Wednesday 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS HERE
show more show less Students will be provided instruction specifically targeting pre-algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying proportional relationships, rational numbers, algebraic expressions, linear equations, and appropriate geometric and probability and statistics concepts. This course will align closely with 7th-grade math standards and is designed to prepare students for Middle School Algebra (8th-grade math). The format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem-solving, and project-based learning. Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. A family may replace independent, “at home” work with textbook practice if required from student’s charter school. Materials Required: 1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), ruler. Instructor: Kalli Gedwed. Max: 8 students. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. Pre-assessment is required for placement into class. This is a full year course of study.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ALGEBRA Monday/Wednesday 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS HERE
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Students will be provided instruction specifically targeting algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying rational numbers, algebraic expressions, linear equations, functions, and appropriate geometric and probability and statistics concepts. This course will align closely with the 8th grade math standards and is designed to prepare students for high school level Algebra 1. The format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem-solving, and project-based learning. Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. A family may replace independent, “at home” work with textbook practice if required from student’s charter school. Materials Required: 1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, graph paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), ruler. Instructor: Kalli Gedwed. Max: 8 students. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. Pre-assessment is required for placement into class. This is a full year course of study.
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ALGEBRA 1 Monday/Wednesday 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS HERE
show more show less A high-school level class in the language and practice of math, aligned with the Common Core Standards for 9th grade. This class will prepare students to successfully demonstrate their mastery of elementary algebra skills on high school placement tests. Equally important, this class will prepare students to use algebra to understand and solve real-world problems in math, science, and life. Topics covered will include writing expressions, arithmetic on polynomial and rational expressions, writing equations, reasoning with equations a graphical representation of equations and expressions, and using equations to model systems. The class will include direct instruction, individual and team problem solving, and project-based learning. Materials Required: 1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, graph paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), ruler, Glencoe Algebra 1 (McGraw Hill). Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full year course of study.
BODY TALK 1, Monday, 1:30-2:30 SYLLABUS HERE
show more show less This popular and unique OSA course has been offered annually, to rave reviews by kids! Students learn about the physical, emotional and social changes experienced during puberty in an age-appropriate, safe environment. It’s not just about puberty and sex… the course deals with media, pressures, and gender roles. Level 2 is for older students, grades 8th and above, or mature 7th graders who have already been exposed to comprehensive sexual education (7th graders need prior approval). There will be some homework assignments, although returning them is not expected. The assignments are only for students’ own personal growth and interest and usually involve talking to parents or other trusted adults about the topic discussed in class. Classes are split by gender or age/maturity level, when needed. Classes dealing with puberty are split by gender; boys will have a male adult trained to lead the class. Lead instructor Robin Lindsey. Team taught with Jon Baker and Melanie Ware. Max: 10.
MONEY WISE II Tuesday, 9:00-10:45 SYLLABUS HERE
show more show less Using Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance: Middle School Curriculum (for home school), students will learn about how money works and how to start thinking about their relationship to spending and saving, including preparation for the easy credit opportunities that will challenge them. Session 1 focused on saving & budgeting, credit & debt, and education, careers, & entrepreneurship. Session 2 will focus on investing, insurance, & identity theft, global economics, and marketing & consumerism. New students are welcome! (They will not have had the first lessons, but can do them on their own over summer, using the text). New students will be provided the student workbook, included in course cost, or as a $20 fee for Flex Plan students. Returning students will need their workbooks from Money Wise I (Session 1). Some independent work may be required. Instructor: Kalli Gedwed. Max: 10
MAPPING THE WORLD BY HEART Thursday, 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS HERE
show more show less This full-year course will allow students to immerse themselves in world geography, starting at any level. By the end of the year (IF attending all four sessions and completing all assignments and independent practice), students will be able to draw a map of the world by heart, on an equirectangular grid, and (dependent on his/her starting point of knowledge) will include most of the world’s 195 countries, major bodies of water, and major landforms. Like anything, the final product is determined by the time and effort put into it, which begins in September! Lessons taken from David Smith’s “Mapping the World by Heart” curriculum, as well as video and other sources, will include the understanding of various maps, regions, climate, GPS, the spatial relationships of countries and continents to one another, and regional/cultural and historical information about MANY countries. Session 1 will focus on Africa, major world regions, and South America, with an independent country study presentation. Materials needed each week include a spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen (optional: a personal set of sharpened colored pencils). It is recommended that each student has his/her own physical world atlas and know how to use it. (Recommended: National Geographic Student World Atlas, 2014 or newer) Instructor Lori Peters has taught this unit many times before, and former students claim was one of the most beneficial projects they ever had. Max: 12 students. Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, and a culminating project in each session.
VIEWPOINT Thursday (1:30-2:45)
show more show less This course will look at a few issues affecting our country from various viewpoints. We will start with a lesson on media literacy, helping students understand what constitutes fact-based news, fake news and propaganda, as well as the political bias ranking on various journalism news outlets. Then we will explore several current issues. Our goal will not be to sway student opinion but to allow students to determine their own viewpoint on the issue after carefully weighing all sides. We will do our best to gather legitimate, fact-based, timely, and cited sources for our class. This will not be a debate class as much as it is a discussion class, and an opportunity to share informed perspectives with maturity and a willingness to hear others. One issue we’ll explore is the National Anthem protests that began during NFL games, as they are still an ongoing issue. We will look at the issue objectively (just the facts surrounding the protests, the history behind it, what the Constitution says about the freedom to peacefully protest, and the U.S. Flag Code). Then we will look at different viewpoints, such as those of military members, football players, fans, the NFL, and others. Additional possible topics include: gun control, immigration, climate change, or other issues currently unfolding. A range of opinion is expected and welcomed! Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12. Some independent work expected.
Enrichment Classes
(MAYL) MATH AT YOUR LEVEL(times, days vary)
show more show less Each unique 1.75 hour, 1.5 hour, or 1-hour math class features small class size, individualized instruction, immediate feedback, and support with your homeschool math curriculum. Although a variety of levels are welcome in any class, the longer math blocks are recommended for students who need extra assistance. If further practice is needed, students may be introduced to excellent math websites, including Khan Academy, which offers individualized lessons and immediate feedback. Dependent on homeschool curriculum, students will be offered small group or individual lessons from a variety of resources, such as Saxon. Materials needed: spiral notebook and independent math work. Students MUST come to each class prepared with their assigned homeschool math materials. Instructor: Kalli Gedwed, Laura Erlig, or Tim Handley. Max: 9
INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE III Tuesday 9:00-10:30
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In this Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) course, students will learn the basics of the ASL language; be taught simple conversations; and cover topics such as letters, numbers, colors, feelings, yes and no questions, facial expressions, cultural aspects, and more. There is a strong emphasis on learning to sign more fluently. ASL is the fourth most popular language in the USA and is the third most popular language studied at the University level. Independent practice IS required. At least 1 hr/wk. Instructor: Stacy Thompson, author of Teach Your Tot to Sign and owner of Signing Tots, holds a BA in Deaf Studies and has been signing for over 25 years. Her classes are fun and interactive using a wide variety of teaching methods such as videos, books, music, games and more. Lab fee of $10.00 provides every student one of Stacy’s books. Max: 8
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THE CHAIN GANG Monday 1:30-2:45
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Making “chain mail” in this class is much like knitting, but with metal. You will enjoy this class if you need some bling for an upcoming Renaissance Fair, you are concerned about a possible zombie (or vampire) apocalypse, you admire the wardrobe of medieval knights, and/or your favorite color is goth. If any of these apply to you, then link up with us– the weird and crafty folks of The Chain Gang! Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 10
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LEARN TO CROCHET Tuesday 1:30-2:45
show more show less From fine lace to scarves, to dishcloths and potholders, crochet has a long history. Once thought to be a handcraft only for the wealthy, crochet has become more and more popular. Crochet is also relaxing for busy minds! In this class, we will cover basic stitches and how to read a pattern. From there you can make whatever you want! Perhaps you want a potholder for Food Fascination, a belt, or cap for the winter? The cost of the class includes yarn and a crochet hook. Instructor: Robin Lindsey. Max: 10
PROJECT WILD Tuesday 11:00-12:30
show more show less This course is an eclectic exploration of nature and wilderness. We will use words, drawings, puzzles, conversation, loud games, and quiet reflection to try to connect with and make sense of the natural world. What is it like to be a tree in a thunderstorm? Where are those ants going? What does acorn bread taste like? What does wilderness mean? Curiosity and courage required. Shoes optional. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 10
FOOD FASCINATION Tuesday OR Thursday, 11:00-12:30
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Learn to create nutritious, delicious meals that will help your body be strong and healthy. Students will learn about seasonal produce, the importance of nutritious food and what it provides our bodies, and will prepare a balanced meal for their peers. They will research interesting recipes and bring them to the group. They will also learn the basic home economic skills of reading recipes, cutting and chopping up a variety of foods, proper use of cooking and food prep tools, baking, and exploring a bounty of organic fruits and vegetables. Important! Participants are required to bring a clean apron to each class, which must be worn while cooking (brought home for laundering), and hair that hits shoulders must also be worn off the face during the kitchen portion of the class, either in a ponytail or pinned back. Those with short hair need to wear a bandana, hat, wide hair band or hair net to adhere to health and safety guidelines. Anyone repeatedly forgetting an apron may be denied participation. The Tuesday class will attend the Four Seasons cooking lab in May, alongside a professional chef and dietician; the trip includes an elegant lunch. Instructor: Laura Erlig, assisted by Jerri Baker and Sue Eaton. Max: 9 students
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OUR NATIVE AMERICAN STORY, Tuesday, 1:30-2:30
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This unique class will provide students the important history so often left out of American history lessons, told and experienced in a way that is easy to digest. Join Sally Primm for a journey that will not be forgotten. Using maps, primary courses, stories, and literature, Sally will introduce students to California tribes (Chumash, Coastal, Cahuilla, Mohave, …), the Southwestern (Navajo, Apache, Pueblo, Hopi, Zuni), the West/NW (Cherokee, Osage, Squamish, Spokane), and then branch eastward. Literature includes excerpts from The Long Walk (a Nat Geo book), stories delving into Navajo History and California Native history, Becoming White Clay (about the Jicarilla, Apache, Pueblo and Mexican), and Killers of the Flower Moon (about the Osage). All students need are their journals, their open hearts, and their imaginations. Instructor: Sally Primm. Max: 10
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LOGIC GAMES, Wednesday, 1:30-2:30 SYLLABUS HERE
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This is a combination obstacle course and scavenger hunt for your mind. You’ll meet impossible ideas (Escher, Gödel, and Bell), traditional puzzles (Sudoku and Logic Grids), as well as modern games (Hexcells). Logic games can sharpen focus, strengthen your critical thinking skills, and help you to find the amazing in the ordinary. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max 10
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THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL Wednesday, 11:30-2:30
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Welcome to the beautiful Sierra Nevada! Students who took the mini-course during Imaginession 2017 loved it. During this 8-week course, Melanie will share her knowledge of the backpacking world as she takes students on a journey through the John Muir Trail, which Melanie hiked (all 211 miles of it!). Students will play with all different types of gear, from various water purification methods and food to tents, sleeping bags and backpacks. Those who got a taste of this class in the mini-course will be able to learn more. Added lessons will include: the story of John Muir; our National Parks; how to be a backpacker (from clothing to finding shelter), possibly some training in wild-life first aid, map navigation, and possibly building a fire. The course will culminate with a one-night outdoor sleepover near Wildwood, date TBD. Also, TBD is an after-school field trip (for parents and students) to the REI store in Oxnard, where the class can talk with a few outdoor gear experts and learn what is worth investing in. Students do NOT need to have special gear to be part of this course, but hopefully, they will be motivated to put hiking gear on their birthday list. Prepare to be inspired! Instructor Melanie Ware. Max: 10
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GARDENING Thursday, 9:00-10:30
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Students should be prepared to get dirty while having fun and being outdoors, as they learn about gardening from the ground up! The course will include in-class and outdoor lessons. Students will create a new garden bed, use tools, and of course, plant. The course will include lessons in plant anatomy, photosynthesis, composting (and vermicomposting), soil composition, plant varieties for gardens, the plant cycle, a possible field trip or two (to a gardening center, the community garden…), and a visit from a master gardener. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10
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GLOBAL DISCOVERIES Thursday, 1:30-3:00 SYLLABUS HERE
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Students in this course will explore modern day discoveries, innovations, events, and issues. Using high-interest TED Talks, students will learn from experts in each field as a primary source. Each video will lead students to engage in discussion, problem solving, and creative thinking. Students will be expected to write a current event paper (guided by teacher) on the topic at hand during each class. Topics will be student and teacher directed, relating to modern discoveries in the USA & beyond, discoveries in our universe, and cultural & scientific solutions to various human rights and global issues. Instructor: Kalli Gedwed. Max: 10 students
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RUNNING CLUB Monday, 1:30-2:30
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Students will build their cardiovascular fitness through movement – specifically running– in a supportive, fun and challenging environment while forming a lifelong connection with the benefits of physical activity. We will focus on a gradual increase in distance; correct, relaxed running form; pace judgment; and some short repetition running. Instructor: Kalli Gedwed. Max: 10
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION Friday, 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS HERE
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Students will build their cardiovascular fitness through a variety of movement in a supportive, fun and challenging environment while forming a lifelong connection with the benefits of physical activity. The course will include discussions on health and wellness, warming up, stretching, plenty of exercise, and collaborative games. Instructor: Kalli Gedwed. Max: 12
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FINE ART: ROCK PAINTING AND MOSAIC Thursday, 1:30-2:45
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Students will spend the first part of the course learning how to paint intricate designs on polished rocks, which will be perfect for gardens or shelf displays. Then, they will work with mosaic tile, learning how to cut, place, and grout their masterpieces. The course will culminate with a field trip to Venice, CA to see the Mosaic House, a home that is completely tiled over and artistically redesigned by its craft owners. At least two parent drivers are needed for the field trip. Instructor: Helle Rasmussen Max: 10. $10 material fee needed
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CAREER PATHWAYS Friday, 9:00-10:30
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This course will enable students to better understand themselves and the type of career pathways open to them. Rather than narrowing ideas down to specific careers (which can change rapidly), this innovative curriculum helps students identify strengths, needs, and opportunities through a series of low-pressure activities designed to spur thinking. From the program overview: “Too many middle school students believe that they will not be successful in high school. This curriculum was designed to address those fears by helping students understand more about their attitudes, self-concept, self-motivation, and self-management. Woven throughout this beginning career exploration course are important activities for social and emotional development. This course will:
- Prepare students to engage in a rigorous career exploration, decision-making, and planning process in high school.
- Raise the self-efficacy of students so they believe that they can be successful in high school and beyond.
- Introduce students to the 10-year Plan process and get them enthused about becoming long-range planners as they enter high school.”
Note: We are very excited to offer this course as a pilot program (if successful, it will be taught again next year as a two-session course). Due to the abbreviated nature of this pilot program, priority for the program is 8th grade, or mature 7th. The Building a Bridge to Your Future middle school curriculum was part of a generous grant from the California Department of Education’s Career Pathways Trust program that will fund an unprecedented effort to provide career and technical education to local students. The VCOE (Ventura County Office of Education) is one of only ten education agencies in the state to be awarded grants at this level. Instructor: Melanie Ware, who will be trained by the curriculum’s co-author, Karen Miles. M.S., Regional Career Pathways Technical Assistance Provider. Some independent work required. Text provided. Max: 12
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CONEJO SCAVENGER HUNT Friday, 9:00-12:30
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This is a great course to prepare kids for the summer! Have you ever wondered about the exciting things to do in our community? Have you ever wondered how to get around town? Have you ever taken our TO transit bus? Do you like maps? Have you ever watched “The Amazing Race”? With the right resources and maps, you can learn something new about our community each week! Would you dare to work in a group and have check-in spots? Would you ride electric bikes? Walk the distance? Take a bus? Follow clues? Find community members and appreciate them for what they do? This FUN adventure could be the class for you… if you dare! Most weekly field trips will prepare students for a final activity (at the end of the course) where they will test their navigation skills and check in at appropriate times. If the lead teacher is not confident that they can go on their own for parts of the final trip, then a parent will be assigned to that student. Materials needed: Phone with tracking ability, watch, ability to use a GPS system like Google maps, pencils, paper, water bottle, tennis shoes and backpack. Important! Parent chaperones/drivers may be needed. Please let us know if you can be available for at least one day. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10
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STUDY SESSION: times vary
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This time is for independent study only, and a chance for students to practice valuable self-directed study skills. A trained educator or qualified assistant will support, monitor and/or supervise students in their learning as needed, but students must come to EACH class with homeschool or OSA course materials to work on for the full-allotted time, an assignment notebook (so supervisor knows what is meant to be accomplished), and an appropriate book to read if done with assigned work. Parents should help students create a schedule of lessons to complete per day. Wi-Fi available if students bring laptops/iPads. Students may listen to their own music (with earbuds) during study session Facilitators vary. Max: 10 students per session.
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CRPD Classes
OUT BIOLOGICAL WORLD, Tuesday, 9:00-10:45 SYLLABUS HERE
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This class is part FOUR of a four-part foundational Molecular Science Series. In this fourth session of our middle school Molecular Science series, we will continue our exploration of the world of chemistry and biology. Taking ALL FOUR courses (Shapes of Nature, Chemistry R Us, parts 1 and 2; and Our Biological World in Session 4) is highly recommended. This course will introduce students to the joys of biology, covering current 6th-8th California chemistry standards in a fun, interactive way. Classes include lecture, video, demonstration, and hands-on activities. Instructor: Steve Yoshinaga, Ph.D. Max: 15
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CRPD: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE and LAB for 8th-11th Tuesday, 11:00-3:00 PM- 1 HOUR break for lunch and rest SYLLABUS HERE
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This Physical Science lab is to supplement the text-based course for 8th or 9th graders, but is appropriate for 8th-11th students. *It is designed for students who require a solid background for continuing high school science in biology, chemistry, and physics. If your student’s math and science exposure have not been comprehensive, then physical science should be taken instead of chemistry or biology in 9th grade. This is a rigorous high school level science laboratory in physical science. Over 25 experiments are planned. Students will learn to write laboratory reports and conduct experiments in a safe and responsible manner. The labs generally correlate with the topics presented in the Physical Science text (likely text: Glencoe Physical Science with Earth Science, 2009). A $75 lab fee is required by the first class and will cover the entire year. We will use laboratory kits from Quality Science Labs, LLC, a comprehensive kit with over 30 experiments and a bonus of Special Molecular Biology Labs in last week of session 1 and Weeks 1 and 2 of Session 2. This is a great opportunity to work with real laboratory equipment. Instructor: Steve Yoshinaga, Ph.D. Enrollment: Max 8 Independent work/reading/study required, 2-3 hrs/week.
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BASKETBALL Wednesday, 1:30-2:30
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Coach Joe is BACK! Learn the fundamentals of basketball in a fun environment. Instructor: Joe Riccio, former Agoura H.S. Basketball Coach. Max: 20
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The One Spark mission is to provide an engaging, healthy, and connected learning environment so that our participants and educators can thrive. We know that it only takes one spark to ignite a child’s passion for learning!
We offer quality education courses to home school or independent study students, with the benefit of flexible scheduling, classes limited in size, and a healthy, responsive environment. Our small community is centered on the philosophy of “whole child, whole family” education. We offer a common-sense approach to learning that puts the needs of students first.