Session 3 (2021-2022) Course Descriptions
January 10 – March 11. Syllabi for select courses will be available prior to the start of Session 3.
Core Academic Courses
- English Language Arts (ELA) 6th-8th
- English Literature & Composition
- Foundations of Math
- Pre-Algebra
- MS (Middle School) Algebra
- Mapping the World
- Viewpoint: History Edition III
- Environmental Science: Botany
- Inventions w/ BioMimicry
Enrichment Courses
- ELA Study Session
- Creative Writing
- Interactive Fiction
- Math at Your Level (MAYL)
- Mad Science
- Artful Coggy Builders
- Science of Science Fiction
- Food Fascination
- Learn to Crochet
- Start Up Kids
- Women in History (Team)
- Shakespeare
- Seeds & Sprouts
- Fitness Club
- Study Session
- Community Circle
Core Academic Course Descriptions for Session 3, 2021-2022
ELA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS for 6th-8th SYLLABUS HERE
show more show less ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION SYLLABUS HERE show more show less FOUNDATIONS OF MATH SYLLABUS HERE show more show less PRE-ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE show more show less MIDDLE SCHOOL ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE show more show less MAPPING THE WORLD SYLLABUS HERE show more show less VIEWPOINT: HISTORY EDITION III SYLLABUS HERE show more show less ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: BOTANY SYLLABUS HERE show more show less INVENTIONS w/ BIOMIMICRY SYLLABUS HERE show more show less
This two-day, full year core course of study is broken into four sessions and 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 of Session 3 will be argument/persuasive 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. Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). This is a full-year course of study. Course fee includes subscription to Scholastic SCOPE Magazine. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 students per class.
This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 9th grade but is open to 8th-11th graders who can proficiently read and write at or above an 8th grade level. The themes of our selected novels will help students analyze human behavior and power structures in societies, while making relevant connections to their world today. 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. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 8 students. This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 6th grade but is open to 6th- 8th graders who need a solid foundation in middle school math skills. With lessons both online and hard copy provided, students 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. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8 students. This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 7th grade but is open to 6th-8th graders who are ready for this level. With lessons both online and hard copy provided, 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 and linear equations; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts. This course is designed to prepare students for Middle School Algebra. The format of lessons given are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning. Materials Required: 1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler. Pre-assessment is required for placement. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8 students This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 8th grade but is open to 6th- 8th graders who are ready for this level. With lessons both online and hard copy provided, 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 and functions; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts. This course is designed to prepare students for 9th level Algebra 1. The format of lessons given are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning. Materials Required: 1 subject spiral bound notebook, loose leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler. Pre-assessment is required for placement. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8 students 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 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 August! Lessons are taken from David Smith’s “Mapping the World by Heart” curriculum, teacher-developed curriculum, video, and other resources. Each lesson will help students build 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. Required: National Geographic Student World Atlas, Fifth Edition (or newer if available). Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, with several projects. This is a full-year course of study. 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: 10 students This course will look at a few events and movements in history that were met with controversy and a broad range of viewpoints. We will start with a lesson on media literacy, helping students understand what constitutes fact-based news, fakes news and propaganda, as well as the political bias ranking on various journalism news outlets. In addition, we will discuss how politics and media sway public opinion. Through discussion and research, students will determine their own viewpoint on the event after carefully weighing all sides. 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. A range of opinions is expected and welcomed! Session 3 will focus on international conflicts, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, and Iran Contra Affair. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students In the third section, we will focus on plants. Through a series of lectures, labs, and creative activities, students will learn about key ideas in botany and ecology – with a particular focus on the connection between form and function. We will explore the way that the design of various plant parts (e.g., leaves, flowers, and fruits) affects the way that they function, and the ways that function affects survival. To bring these ideas together, students will have a final project where they generate a random environment (D&D style), and then use their understanding of form and function to design a plant that would thrive in that environment. In every activity, science and art go hand in hand. This class is the second in a four-part series: California Ecosystems, Weather Systems, Hands-On Botany, and Island Ecology. The final part (Island Ecology) will be a great complement to our planned late-spring optional day trip to the Channel Islands. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students
Students will have an opportunity to go through a simulation that will turn them into inventors. They will gain insight into the creative process of inventing as they research inventors in class and see how their inventions have changed our lives. We may speak with inventors about their process and simulate how designers/inventors look to nature for inspiration. Students will brainstorm, investigate, and tinker. They will learn about patenting, advertising, and defending their inventions. They will then start creating plans for their inventions (building a non-working or working model at home). Inventions will be simple, but helpful to society and cost-effective. The course will culminate with an Invention Presentation Fair, with parents (and even community members!) encouraged to attend. Independent work may be assigned, time varies. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8
Enrichment Course Descriptions for Session 3, 2021-2022
ELA STUDY SESSION
show more show lessThis is a guided study time for students in English Language Arts (ELA, W/W) and a chance for students to practice valuable self-directed study skills. Laptop can be brought. Students MUST come to each class prepared with their assigned ELA materials. Facilitator: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students.
CREATIVE WRITING
show more show lessIn this class, we will explore various forms of creative writing, from short stories to poems to screenplays. We will read text examples and analyze the literary elements present. After reflection, students will write their own inspired stories. Limited homework will be assigned. Disclaimer for those who may be taking Interactive Fiction: There will be some overlap of basic conventions of creative writing, such as imagery and figurative language, setting and character development, but all of this will only enhance the learning in each course. Fun and creative independent work will be assigned, about 1 hr./week. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students.
INTERACTIVE FICTION
show more show lessA choose-your-own-adventure in digital form, interactive fiction combines words, pictures, and code to create engaging worlds where choices matter. Did that pterodactyl say something disrespectful about your mother? You could smack it in the nose; you could reason with it; or you could choose to walk away and be the bigger dinosaur. To create our choice-ful fictions, we will use Twine: a free, flexible, powerful, open-source design tool. No software installation or management is necessary, just an internet connection and a web browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.). RECOMMENDED MATERIALS: A web-enabled device with keyboard. Students may borrow OSA Chromebooks during class but may be more efficient with their own device. Laptops and Chromebooks are both fine, tablets may work – if they have a keyboard. Fun and creative independent work is encouraged but not required, up to 2 hrs./week. Instructors: Tim Handley and Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students.
(MAYL) MATH AT YOUR LEVEL
show more show less Each 1.5 or 1 hour features small class size, individualized instruction, immediate feedback, and support with your homeschool math curriculum. A variety of levels are welcome in either class. 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. Laptop can be brought. Students MUST come to each class prepared with their assigned homeschool math materials. Instructor: Laura Erlig, Lyra Porcasi or Tim Handley. Max: 5 per class.
MAD SCIENCE
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Mad Science is a class focused on the love of science and learning how to write up the scientific method while doing experiments that are fun and interesting. Each experiment will have the following procedures: Students will create questions about an experiment, do background research on the topic, construct a hypothesis, experiment to test the hypothesis, analyze the data and draw conclusions, and finally communicate the results. Examples of experiments: paper rockets, spherification it is part of a larger food science trend called molecular gastronomy, frisbee aerodynamics, and more! Students are welcome to further any of the experiments we do at home to be part of the Ventura County Science Fair. If they are interested, please have them discuss it with me before February. Some independent work may be required if not finished in class (Ventura County Science Fair project is separate). Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8
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ARTFUL COGGY BUILDERS
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Do you like to work with your hands? Do clocks and cars and music boxes tickle your fancy? Then this is the class for you! We’ll explore the science and engineering of gears and motion – the difference between torque and force, how to use gears to increase power or speed, how to change the direction of forces, and how to move energy from one place to another. Then we’ll build stuff! With gears and cogs and paint and sparkles, we will build stuff that moves! And we’ll make it beautiful. Lab Fee included in single class rate: $50 for materials needed for the projects. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8
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SCIENCE of SCIENCE FICTION
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Have you ever wondered if any of the things you see in the movies could really happen? Could we really time travel? Would artificial intelligence take over the world? What can happen during and after an apocalypse? Do you think there might be ghosts, do we really exist, or are we just in a simulation, and is there truly such a thing as “time”? In this class, we’ll discuss all those questions and more, taking the science fiction out of books and movies and putting it into real world facts. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min./week. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8
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FOOD FASCINATION SYLLABUS HERE
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Learn to create delicious meals that will help your body be strong and healthy. Students will learn about nutritional science and the importance of nutritious food and its impact on our bodies, seasonal produce, and how to prepare a balanced meal. They will research interesting recipes and bring them to the group. They will also learn the basic home economic skills of reading recipes (math skills!), cutting and chopping up a variety of foods, proper use of cooking and food prep tools (including knife skills), 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 (and 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, pinned back, or hair net. Those with short hair need to wear a bandana, hat, hair band, or hair net to adhere to health and safety guidelines while in the kitchen. Instructors: Laura Erlig, Jerri Baker and Sue Eaton. Max: 9 students
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LEARN TO CROCHET show more show less
From fine lace to scarves, to dishcloths and potholders, to hats, 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 a cap for the winter? The cost of the class includes all the yarn you’ll need and your own crochet hook. Instructor: Robin Lindsey. Max: 8 students
START UP KIDS show more show less WOMEN IN HISTORY show more show less SHAKESPEARE show more show less SEEDS & SPROUTS SYLLABUS HERE show more show less FITNESS CLUB show more show less STUDY SESSION/During and After show more After Class Supervision: Study Session + Play Breaks, 2:30/3:00/3:30- 4:00 With our new location comes new opportunities for later pickup. For those signed up for these “after class” times, One Spark Academy will provide a facilitator to ensure students get from “point A to point B” after class, have a place to study, have access to the resources they need, and take supervised play breaks. How much time is allocated for each depends on the needs of the group and the weather! Facilitators vary by day. show less COMMUNITY CIRCLE show more This special time from 10:30-10:45 M-TH prior to snack break is for our group to come together to learn and practice critical interpersonal skills, such as empathy, listening, body language, and effective conversational abilities. That time is as important as ever during this time of upheaval, and will be crucial for building community as we resume our academic year. Each week, we will address a topic that will help our community members grow in their relationships and their personal resilience. During Circle, we will also clarify and discuss expectations for a peaceful, proactive and positive learning environment. Finally, this time is set aside for an open forum discussion to share what matters to students, resolve any conflicts that may be brewing, or support peers in their needs. All members of our OSA community are asked to attend this important time for connection. Facilitated by Lori Peters, although other adults/students may lead at times. show less
Start-Up Kids is back! Founded by college professors from California Lutheran University’s School of Management and Cal State Channel Islands’ School of Business, the Start-Up Kids program introduces students to the world of entrepreneurship, start-ups, and innovation. Google, Facebook, or SpaceX – everyone talks about the start-up phenomenon. Students will learn what entrepreneurs do, what distinguishes them from other people, and they will also learn about examples of famous “kid entrepreneurs”. They will experience systematic ways to create and select new ideas as individuals and in groups, and they will learn how to turn their ideas into business concepts. Using a youth-friendly version of an established tool– the so-called Business Model Canvas– teams of students will work on their own ideas, discuss marketing and other strategies, and produce a “pitch presentation” for their business idea. Student teams will also get an opportunity to participate in Cal Lutheran’s annual New Venture Fair and Competition, where they can win cash and other prizes. All necessary materials will be provided. Some independent work will be required. Preparation is a must. Instructor: Start Up Kids w/ an OSA instructor. Max: 8 students.
This course includes history lessons, public speaking, and confidence development– with this year focusing on women who are involved with public health, medicine, and global issues. Students will commit to taking on the role of one important woman from history, study a first-person script, create a costume and props, and present her speech in first person on the evening of Thursday, March 8th (public performance) as well as at least one other public appearance that month. There is a mandatory dress rehearsal on Wednesday, March 2nd (during class time). In the weeks leading up to the event, students will develop the confidence to perform, fine tune their public speaking skills, learn about all five notable women, and bond as a team. This experience for public speaking in front of a large audience truly changes and inspires our future female leaders! Independent work is required: reading, practicing, and prop/costume creation, at least 15 min./day. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students.
Wow! We are thrilled to bring Shakespeare Kids back to One Spark Academy! This two-session course, from January 13-May 26 is open to all grades. Get ready for high energy FUN, which will include performance, humor, improvisation, costume design, and collaboration. Feeling shy? Feeling bold? This course has a place for you! There will be 18 classes, which will include one date during OSA’s Session break (Thursday, April 21). The last day of class on May 26th is a performance; the play will be decided depending on the number of participants. All will be welcome to attend! Important to know: Students are expected to attend all classes (or miss no more than two). Students can expect to practice (read scripts) 1.5- 2 hrs./week outside of class, or about 10-15 minutes/day. Parents are encouraged to help! (Organize a “cast party”, get kids to rehearsal/class on time, filming…). Communication is key.
Owner/director Rebekah Czarnekci will be your email contact. Costume expense is MINIMAL! Shakespeare Kids provides lots of ideas so students can creatively and inexpensively pull together costumes! Instructor: Shakespeare Kids w/ Melanie Ware assisting. Max: 8 students.
This class will be held at the Las Flores Community Garden. Students will be actively involved in the upkeep, development, and harvesting of their plot at the community garden. Weekly gardening responsibilities will be integrated with the research topic of the week, scavenger hunts in the garden regarding different types of plants and critters, guest speakers, art and craft activities related to the garden. Research topics this session include soil, compost, microclimates, annual vs perennial plants, seeds, vermicompost, and water. Please note: Parents will need to drop off and either pick up, or transport can be arranged. Students attending an 11:00 class at the Teen Center can walk to the Teen Center with a chaperone. (Approx. one mile walk, which takes about 20 minutes.) Instructor: Laura Erlig, with Jerri Baker assisting. Max: 10 students. Welcome to the Fitness Club! Students will try a variety of different styles of workouts, including, but not limited to: running or interval running/walking, obstacle courses, H.I.I.T (High Intensity Interval Training), strength training, circuit work, core work and stretching, yoga…all set to motivating music (which students might supply). Classes will be flexible, depending on the weather– inside and/or outside! The Fitness Club will be a low pressure, no judgement workout class; students will work out at their own pace! Instructor: Sue Eaton & Jerri Baker. Max: 10 per class. This time is for independent study and a chance for students to practice valuable self-directed study skills. An OSA educator or qualified assistant will support, monitor and/or supervise students in their learning as needed, but students must come to EACH class with home school 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 may need to help students create a work plan. Wi-Fi is available if students bring laptops/iPads. Students may listen to their own music (with ear buds) during the study session. Facilitators vary. Max: 8 students in each class