Course Descriptions – One Spark Academy

Core Academic Classes

English Language Arts (ELA) 6th-8th
English Literature/Composition 8th-11th
Foundations of Math
Foundations of Math: Games and Skills
Pre-Algebra
MS Algebra
Computer Programming
Biomimicry: Learning from Nature
Mapping the World by Heart
Ancient Journeys

Enrichment Classes

Math At Your Level
Debate
Art of Cursive
Creative Writing
True Connection
Pandemic Legacy
Money Wise I
Election Connection
Book Club
Food Fascination
Fine Art: The Masters
Equestrian Skills
Study Session

CRPD Classes

Shapes of Nature
Physical Science
Physical Science Lab
Dodgeball
Basketball

Core Academic Classes Descriptions

ELA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS for 6th-8th Monday/Wednesday, 9:00-10:30 or 11:00-12:30* SYLLABUS HERE

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 1 will be summary; 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. Independent reading and writing assignments 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 argument writing/presentation, literary response, and narrative. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 students.

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LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Tuesday, 9:00-10:30 (recommended for 8th-11th grade) SYLLABUS HERE

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.)

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FOUNDATIONS OF MATH Monday/Wednesday, 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS HERE

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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 a 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.

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FOUNDATIONS OF MATH: GAMES and SKILLS Wednesday, 1:30-2:30 SYLLABUS HERE

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This class is highly recommended for students taking Foundations of Math on Monday/Wednesday but is open to any student (space permitting) needing practice in fundamental math skills in a fun, hands-on way. Activities will build efficacy and memory with basic number facts, number sense, fractions, decimals, and more. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10 students.

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PRE-ALGEBRA Monday/Wednesday 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS HERE

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: Tim Handley. 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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MIDDLE SCHOOL ALGEBRA Monday/Wednesday 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS HERE

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: Tim Handley. 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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COMPUTER PROGRAMMING Monday/Wednesday 1:30-2:45 SYLLABUS HERE

A STEAM-y, project-based introduction to the art, craft, and imaginative application of computer programming. Where traditional math and programming classes step through concepts in a plainly pragmatic manner, we will help students learn to program by engaging with both everyday and out-of-the-box concepts. Using geometry, logic, and system events, students will build homemade editions of classic games. With control structures and subroutines, they will create code-making and code-breaking tools. With abstraction, intuition, and clever design, they will create a fractal-generation engine. This engine will be a semi-intelligent tool that makes beautiful mathematical art at the direction of the user. With this tool, students will make dragon curves, build intricate snowflakes, and find insight into the algorithmic beauty of plants. In this work, we will use Scratch–a remarkably accessible and powerful programming system developed by MIT. Scratch is a free, web-based development environment that runs well on just about any modern laptop. No software installation or management is necessary, just an internet connection and a web browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.). Students must bring their laptop to EACH class. Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, with a culminating project at the end of Session 2. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 10

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BIOMIMICRY: Learning from Nature Thursday (9:00-10:30)

Biomimicry (from bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is a design discipline that seeks sustainable solutions by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns, engineering, architecture and design strategies to solve man-made challenges (Biomimicry LA, website). How does nature do what it does? Could we use nature’s lessons to help us solve a problem or inspire us to create something new? By combining the study of nature and the study of scientific principles, can we create a balance? Let us explore. Each class will have nature studies, scientific principles, and hands-on activities. Students will be expected to take notes, work cooperatively, analyze and synthesize to draw conclusions and create more questions. The class will be using Agilent Technologies lab activities combined with Biomimicry.

This is an excellent foundational course for students wanting to participate in the Ventura County Science Fair, which is an option in Sessions 2 and 3. Independent work is expected, about 1hr/week on average. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max:12 students.

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MAPPING THE WORLD Thursday, 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS HERE

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 from memory, 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 are taken from David Smith’s “Mapping the World by Heart” curriculum, as well as video and other sources, and 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 major world regions and the Americas, with an independent country study presentation. Materials needed each week include a spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and a 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. This is a full year course of study.

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ANCIENT JOURNEYS Friday (9:00-10:45) SYLLABUS HERE

Students will acquire a broad overview of ancient history, with opportunities for more in-depth study. The lessons follow what is typically taught in 6th grade, but the course is open to 6th-8th graders (especially those who say they can’t remember what they learned!). Starting with a journey to Mesopotamia and ending in ancient Rome, students will “visit” important early civilizations, such as Egypt, Israel, China, India, and Greece– finding commonalities, differences, and connections. Each class will include a brief but important reading segment on one ancient civilization, with a directed lesson of key points, video and/or an activity to bring the learning to life. Ancient world religions (polytheistic and monotheistic) will also be explored as related to the civilization. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk, and the course will culminate with each student presenting a project on a specific subtopic from a civilization of his or her choice (from a topic list). Students’ reading level should be 6th grade or above. Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 15.

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Enrichment Classes

(MAYL) MATH AT YOUR LEVEL(times, days vary)

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

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DEBATE Tuesday 1:30-2:30 SYLLABUS HERE

This course is designed to engage creative thinking, emotional response, listening skills and clarification of words, jargon, and phraseology. Students will begin with basic speaking skills, content research, presentation of ideas, finalizing a basic pro-con debate. Lessons will include group mentality, advertising and social media persuasion and sorting through biases and informational sources. Dependent on student interest, the course may continue into Session 2, with lessons/practice going more in-depth on (for example) honing skills for replies to un-prepared questions, point, counterpoint, rebuttal, debating in front of an audience and inviting judges who would, in effect, critique the use of information relayed and presentation style. Some independent work will be assigned. Instructor Justine Fischer has worked extensively in schools and as an advocate for children locally and throughout the state and nation. She has worked on many programs impacting art, learning differences, storytelling, and advocacy for impact. She also coached students in the We the People Civics Program and then served as a judge for the program. She has debated many “hot” issues around learning issues, rights of our most vulnerable children and for adequate funding for programs which affect children and youth. Max: 10

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ART of CURSIVE Wednesday 1:30-2:30

Cursive is not taught much in schools today, nor is it practiced, but it is still used by many. Besides being able to read Grandma’s handwritten letters, studies show that writing well in cursive enables more fluent composition, develops fine motor skills, increases confidence in academic subjects, aids is overall legible penmanship, and increases accuracy in spelling. This workshop will provide time for students to practice their best penmanship while learning (or relearning) all cursive letters and their connections to one another, in the D’Nealian script style. For the last class, students will be provided stationary (or can bring their own) so that they can handwrite a special letter to a loved one. Note: Although this is a low-pressure course, students should be willing to practice as much as possible in class and out to gain proficiency. Instructor: Lori Peters or Melanie Ware. Max: 10 students. Independent practice is highly recommended 10-15 min/day.

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CREATIVE WRITING Tuesday 1:30-2:30

Learn how to write engaging stories! Through discussion, sharing, and writing, this course will explore the dynamics of creating interesting characters, colorful settings, and enticing plots. Take your stories as far as desired. Some independent work is expected (and brought to class weekly), but the level of effort and production is up to the author. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students.

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TRUE CONNECTION Tuesday 9:00-10:30 OR Friday 11:00-12:30

True Connection is about empowering youth to build empathy and creatively solve problems from a personal to a global level will result in a brighter future filled with resilient, purposeful leaders who collaborate to act for the highest good of all. True Connection’s signature HiEQ Curriculum incorporates mindfulness, best practices SEL (social-emotional learning) exercises, journaling, and creative arts activities. The curriculum is also aligned with core educational and career-ready standards. This program provides students with the tools they need to cultivate strong core values, break down stereotypes, transform negative thought patterns, manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and set/achieve their personal and academic goals. Together we are love in action. This course will take two sessions to complete. View a video on the course here. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10 students per class.

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PANDEMIC LEGACY Tuesday 11:00-12:30

You and your team are the only things standing in the way of four deadly diseases that threaten the world. Using your unique skill set, you must travel the globe, treat outbreaks, and research cures – before it’s too late! Pandemic Legacy is a multiple award-winning game about biology, disease, tactics, problem-solving, and cooperation. But that’s not all! Actions have consequences that carry over from one game to the next. From day to day and week to week, game cards, game pieces, and player characters will grow, change, and (sometimes) die. Join the team and embark on a campaign to fight these plagues and save the world. The fate of humanity is in your hands! What will your legacy be? Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 10

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MONEY WISE 1 Friday, 9:00-10:45 SYLLABUS HERE

Using Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance: Middle School Curriculum (for homeschool), 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 will focus on saving & budgeting, credit & debt, and education, careers, & entrepreneurship. Session 2 will focus on investing, insurance, identity theft, global economics, and marketing & consumerism. Students will each be provided the student workbook, included in course cost, or as a $20 fee for Flex Plan students. The text may be used for subsequent courses. Some independent work may be required. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10 students.

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ELECTION CONNECTION Friday, 11:00-12:30

The Mid-Term Elections are coming up, and our youth can’t help but wonder what the heck is going on! Everyone has a strong opinion about politics these days, and this course will be no different. But we will help students muddle through the hype and understand how our electoral process works. We aim for objectivity regarding the current candidates, issues, and measures on the upcoming ballot. The bulk of the course will focus on the dynamics of elections, including the history our political parties and of key presidential campaigns, how candidates are chosen (primaries, mid-terms, caucuses, the electoral college, delegates, etc), the Supreme Court, political advertising, election terminology, and what polls mean. To keep the class dynamic, online election education resources will be used (including PBS Learning Media), as they are most current. Factual sources are a must. Students will receive lessons in media literacy and learn how to spot “fake news.” Hopefully, students will be inspired to be civic-minded and well-prepared to make their votes count when they turn 18. Despite personal opinions, this is a bi-partisan course where civil discourse and independent thinking is encouraged. Session 1 will prepare students for lessons in Session 2, and not repeat. Open to 6thgraders, but recommended for mature students. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 students.

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BOOK CLUB Thursday, 1:30-2:30

Through engaging with the literature on their own and with their peers, students will discover new ways of communicating their ideas and opinions, building upon the concepts presented in the classroom. In-class discussions of various themes such as power, compassion, morality, and acceptance will help promote in students a deep understanding of literature and how it relates to the world around them. The group’s interests and reading pace will determine the first novel choice, which will be chosen on the first day of class. Possible/previous titles include This Alien Shore, The Knife of Never Letting Go, Inkheart, Steelheart, The Giver, Out of the Dust, Wonder, and The Book Thief. Independent reading is expected. Students should be proficient readers (7th grade reading level or above) and enjoy reading! Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students

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FOOD FASCINATION Tuesday OR Thursday, 11:00-12:30

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. Instructor: Laura Erlig, assisted by Jerri Baker and Sue Eaton. Max: 9 students

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FINE ART: The Masters Thursday, 1:30-2:45

This course will be offered for 15 weeks (Sessions 1 and 2), learning about some of the most famous artists in the world while creating incredible art in their style. Each lesson/day we will learn about 2-4 artists form one art movement (Naivism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Modernism, etc.) with the study of the Masters who developed the style, and are the most famous painters related to the movement (Pissarro, Cézanne, Klimt, Mondrian, Matisse, Munch, etc.). Students will get to know about 30 Art Masters. Each lesson will include a slideshow about an art moment, and then students will create their art using trees as the subject, but in the style of the specific period. By the end of the course, students will have created a book where they have written about each movement and the artists related to the movement, accompanied by a painting tied to the style of the movement. Their portfolio of trees, as seen through these styles, will include various media: collage, pencil, art markers, and acrylic paint. Instructor: Helle Rasmussen is a professional artist. Enrollment: Max 12 students

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EQUESTRIAN SKILLS Friday, 1:10-3:00 SYLLABUS HERE

Do you love horses? Would you like to learn or improve your skills in riding? This unique class offers an incredible opportunity to learn about grooming, tacking, riding, ground management, and horse care while learning about boundaries. Horses, like all living creatures, have boundaries. You will learn how to read your horse’s signals and understand how those signals relate to the animal’s boundaries. You will learn to set your own boundaries as well. Horsemanship tends to reduce stress, per a study by Washington State University. (Here’s a link to the article of the “hard science”). Transportation arrangements for students already on site (Teen Center) will be made, leaving from the Teen Center at 12:50 directly to Glory Reins, after a 20-minute break for lunch (students on site must pack a lunch!). For students taking only this class, students should be dropped off directly at Glory Reins, unless prior arrangements are made. Important: Students must pack water and sunscreen, and wear long durable pants or jeans, and closed-toe, covered shoes that have heels (for stirrup placement). Parents need to pick up their children from Gory Reins promptly at 3:00 pm. Instruction provided by Glory Reins, with Laura Erlig supervising (and participating). Max: 10 students

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STUDY SESSION: times vary

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

CRPD: Shapes of Nature, Tuesday, 9:00-10:45 SYLLABUS HERE

This class is part one of a four-part foundational Molecular Science Series. Taking ALL FOUR courses (Chemistry R Us, parts 1 and 2 in subsequent sessions, and Biological World in Session 4) is highly recommended. In this first course, students experience nature’s beauty at the molecular level! A complete hands-on workshop, in which students build models of molecules, DNA, bubbles in the shape of a cube, and viruses. This foundational course sets the stage for the joys of chemistry, covering current 6^th-8^thCalifornia 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 break SYLLABUS HERE

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 12 Independent work/reading/study required, 2-3 hrs/week.

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CRPD: DODGEBALL Monday, 1:30-2:30

Enjoy playing dodgeball in our air-conditioned gym while learning the rules, effective strategy, and respectful team play. Instructor: Steve Kraetsch. Enrollment: Max 20

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CRPD: BASKETBALL Tuesday, 1:30-2:30

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 homeschool 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.