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 the 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 3 will literary analysis; 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 are required (2-3 hrs/week). Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 students.

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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 this year may include Fahrenheit 451, The Outsiders, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, and To Kill a Mockingbird), 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. This is a full-year course of study. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 10 students. 

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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. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. $25 lab fee for Everyday Math Text, volumes 1 and 2. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Laura Erlig.  Max: 9 students.

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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 will align closely with 7th-grade math standards and is designed to prepare students for Middle School Algebra. Format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem-solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. The family may replace independent, “at home” work with textbook practice if required from their student’s charter school. 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 into a class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9 students.  

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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 and functions; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts. This course will align closely with the 8th-grade math standards and is designed to prepare students for 9th-level Algebra 1.  Format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem-solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. The family may replace independent, “at home” work with textbook practice if required from their student’s charter school. Materials Required:  1 subject spiral-bound notebook, loose-leaf lined paper, graph paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler.Pre-assessment is required for placement into a class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9 students. 

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A high-school level class in the language and practice of math, aligned with the Common Core Standards for 9th-grade Algebra. 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. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Glencoe Algebra 1 (2012 edition, ISBN: 9780076639236) and a graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus). Pre-assessment is required for placement into a class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk.  This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 9 students

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A science fair is an exciting opportunity to promote, encourage, showcase and reward the achievements of students in diverse fields of science.  Students will go through the exciting process of creating sample science fair projects, priming them to develop their own ideas for the Ventura County Science Fair on March 27, 2020. Students in the class will receive support in the final touches of their Ventura County Science Fair projects (if they choose to enter), while continuing to learn about interpreting data, communicating the outcomes of students’ research, and writing abstracts.  Our Science Fair course will help students build upon their inventive ideas, with students given opportunities to work on their poster boards in class, and collaborate on their reports and abstracts, whether in preparation for the Ventura Country Science Fair (the first week of Session 4) or as an in-class project. What a great opportunity, to have guidance like this to enter a county fair or simply create a science project from start to finish! Independent work is expected, up to 30 min/wk. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 9 students.

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This 90-minute class features small class size, individualized instruction, immediate feedback, and exploration of the human body. Students will be provided instruction specifically in the areas of cells and tissues, the eleven systems of the human body, and their organs and functions.  These systems are:  Integumentary, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, nervous, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, endocrine, and reproductive (both male and female).  There is the opportunity for students to opt out of the reproductive system segment if requested by the parents on the first day of class.  Special assignments will include artwork and/or hands-on models and manipulatives.  The format of lessons given is direct instruction, diagrams, videos, and project-based learning. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9 students. 

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This is an ongoing course with lessons adapted to the season. Students will create an edible class garden that will connect their learning to our healthy eating.  Students will have an opportunity to plan what is needed to update a garden and plant for the season, working toward a sustainable, year-round garden.  Lessons will include the importance of decomposers and composting, life science, soil composition, seeds, pollinators, pests, and careers in agriculture. Hands-on activities will include time to plant, care for the garden. Field trips may be included. Some independent work may be assigned, up to 30 min/week on average. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Laura Erlig with Deneen Cienfugeos assisting. Max: 10 students. 

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 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. Materials needed each week include a spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, sketchbook (at least 8 x 11″) and a pencil/pen (optional: a personal set of sharpened colored pencils). It is recommended that each student has their own physical world atlas and know how to use it. Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, and a culminating project in each session. This is a full-year course of study. (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

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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 continue a focus 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 opinion is expected and welcomed! Previous topics have included the establishment of both the ERA (Equal Right Amendment, which is still not ratified), the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the Brown v. Board of Education case, the Vietnam War, and the Immigration and Nationality Act. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max 10. 

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Highly recommended for 8th graders. (This course time will be followed by Civics & Government in Session 4, also recommended for 8th graders, to prepare them for high school and beyond!). Students will acquire a general overview of the 8th grade social studies standards. Please note: not all important events and concepts can be presented. Students will be introduced to the development of American democratic institutions, founded on the Judeo-Christian heritage and English parliamentary traditions, particularly the shaping of the Constitution. Students in grade 8 should be able to trace the development of American politics, society, culture and economy, and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences. They will learn about the challenges facing a new nation, with an emphasis on the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War. They will make connections between the rise of industrialization, and contemporary social and economic conditions. Each class has a different focus, with information being presented through video (primarily America: The Story of Us, from Jamestown to Reconstruction), discussion, maps, reading, and note taking of BIG ideas. Participants should read proficiently at a 7th grade level. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Homework is required (1-2 hrs/wk), including an independent project. Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 12. 

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This popular and unique OSA course has been offered annually, to rave reviews by kids AND parents! 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 1 is for 6th/7th students, or older students who have not yet taken human development classes. (Level 2, for older students or those who have taken Level 1, will be offered in Session 4). There will be some homework assignments, although returning them is not expected. The assignments are for students’ own personal growth and interest and usually involve talking to parents or other trusted adults about the topic discussed in class. Although the course is effectively taught with boys/girls together, classes dealing with puberty are split by gender, and will have a male adult with the boys. Instructor Robin Lindsey has taught human sexuality classes to teens for many years. Jon Baker and Melanie Ware will assist. Max: 10.

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 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: Laura Erlig or Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9

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A choose-your-own-adventure in digital form, interactive fiction can be just about anything. The course will be taught in two parts– one focusing on creative writing (Melanie) and the other on game design and computer programming (Tim). By combining literary narratives with video game-like commands, you will create stimulating worlds and give your players the ability to interact with various characters and change their environments. You will have the power to write your story your way. To do this, 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.). For those new to computer programming, fear not! This is an accessible course to programmers at any level. Students will need a laptop. If need be, students may borrow an OSA Chromebook to use during class time. However, we strongly recommend that students bring their own laptop to EACH class. Independent work may be expected, about 1 hr/wk. Instructors Tim Handley and Melanie Ware. Max: 9 

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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.  This is Part I of a two-part series. Money Wise I will on saving & budgeting, credit & debt, and education, careers, & entrepreneurship. Text included ($15 lab fee), which can be used for Money Wise II.  Some independent work may be required.  Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/wk. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10 students.

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This course follows the Keys & Strings class, but now the focus will be strings! Everyone is welcome, beginners as well as students who have had musical training. We will learn music theory, listening skills, collaboration and music appreciation with a hands-on experience of stringed instruments. We will use a chordal approach that encourages playing “by ear” and with a group, with an emphasis on modern styles. Along the way, we will learn about chord voicing, harmony, melody and rhythm. The class will play and examine a variety of stringed instruments including the acoustic guitar, ukulele, acoustic bass guitar, electric guitar and bass, hammered dulcimer, quatro, and Hawaiian slide guitar. The students will learn basic techniques for each instrument. We will discuss the skill of listening and playing in an ensemble. Song structure and chord charts of familiar songs will be introduced. Those with experience with instruments will be challenged with more advanced parts. Those who would like to participate with singing or percussion instruments will also be encouraged. Please Note: Many instruments will be provided for the class. But students will be expected to choose an instrument on which to practice on their own; acquirement of an instrument and/or its rental fees are the family’s responsibility. Instructor: Jack Lee. Max: 10 students Instructor: Jack Lee. Max: 10 students. Independent practice is highly recommended 10-15 min/day.

Private or Semi-Private instruction available from 1:00-1:30 Tuesdays, or as arranged.

About Jack:  Jack Lee signed his first recording contract with CBS Records at age 18. He toured extensively with the bands Oz, Mother Earth, and the Earl Scruggs Band. He performed at Carnegie Hall twice, opened for Jimi Hendrix, Tina Turner, and The Byrds. He has worked in Nashville and Los Angeles for many years as a studio musician and producer, performing on keyboards, guitar, and bass. 

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This unique art class encourages teens to explore their creativity and develop coping skills by making a journal of self-discovery through art and writing. The activities/prompts will promote deep thinking, reflection and awareness. A great follow-up course for students who took True Connections! A Journal is included, and may be taken home, as long as students bring it back (if they forget, then the next journal is kept on site and a lab fee charged). Instructor Susan Stone is a mixed-media artist who loves to share new ideas and techniques that inspire others. Max: 10

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 This course will cover all the basic techniques of filmmaking, and examples of each.  Lesson topics include:  Setting, plot, symbolism, cinematography, mise-en-scene, script, foreshadowing, costumes/makeup, editing, special effects, music/sound effects, animation, and film noir.  75- minute class sessions consist of watching clips, answering writing prompts, discussing techniques, and analyzing directorship.  Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9 

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This year is EXTRA special: The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. This historic centennial offers an unparalleled opportunity to commemorate a milestone of democracy and to explore its relevance to the issues of equal rights today, and our 2020 Women’s History Night will recognize that! Women in History is an opportunity for our girls that should be experienced at least once, and this year especially. This course includes history lessons, public speaking, and confidence development– with this year focusing in particular about the history behind the suffrage movement and the women who fought for equality. (Abigail Adams, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, Harriet Tubman, Clara Shortridge Foltz, Id B. Wells-Barnett, and Gloria Steinem. Not all scripts may be used). 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 Thursday, March 12th at the Thousand Oaks Library, as well as at least one other public appearance that month. There is a mandatory dress rehearsal on Wednesday, March 4th (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 design, about 1 hr/wk. Independent work is required: reading, practicing, and prop/costume creation. Instructor Lori Peters has led a WIH Team for 23 years, and has been a scriptwriter for AAUW (American Association for University Women). Coach Melanie Ware will assist. Max: 5 or more*

*Please note: If students do not keep up with their other OSA course work and WIH practice in the beginning of the course, they will not be able to perform for WIH. Students MAY take this course as a history class, although at least FIVE students will be needed to perform at the March 12^th event. Some male students may be asked to perform that night as well, as narrators.

*If more students want to join the team, we can add up to two one scripts (there are currently eight selected scripts, per AAUW, for 2020). Students might also split scripts or performances, coach a peer, or attend just as a public speaking and history course.  

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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. 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 functioning 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. All necessary materials will be provided. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/wk. Preparation is a must. Instructor from Start -Up Kids is Rita Vaiman, with Melanie Ware assisting. Max: 12

About Rita Vaiman: She is an Adjunct Professor of Economics and Statistics at California Lutheran University’s School of Management. She holds an honor BA degree in Economics and Business from York University in Canada, as well as both an MBA and a M.Sc. in Organizational Behavior and Talent Management from Reykjavik University (Iceland). Rita is enthusiastic about learning and sees a lot of value in early entrepreneurship education for children of elementary school age and beyond.

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Wow! We are thrilled to bring Shakespeare Kids back to One Spark Academy! This two-session course, from January 17-May 29 is open to 6th-12th! Get ready for high energy FUN, which will include performance, stage combat, humor, improvisation, costume design, and collaboration. Feeling shy? Feeling bold? This course has a place for you! There will be 17 classes on Fridays, 11:00 – 1:00 (the classes in May will meet until 1:30) and will include one date during OSA’s Session break (Friday, April 24). No class on Friday, Feb. 14 or Friday, April 17. The last day of class on May 29th is a performance, most likely a shortened version of Twelfth Night. All will be welcome to attend! Important to know: Students must 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, with Melanie Ware assisting. Max: 18.

Due to the commitment involved in offering this course, payment up front (single-class fee or supplement) for the full course is required. There will be a MANDATORY PARENT MEETING at the end of class on the first day of class, January 17th 12:30 PM.

• About the Instructor: Tamara Koltes holds her BFA in Theater from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. She is a recent graduate with an MFA in Acting from East 15 Acting School of Loughton, England, where she has worked on the stages of Shakespeare’s Globe and Off-West End. Tamara has taught and performed in Seattle, New York, Minnesota, and the United Kingdom. With years of experience teaching many different age groups in dance and the theater arts, she has worked with Boden’s Performing Arts, Children’s Theatre Company, Stepping Stone Children’s Theatre, Youth Performance Company, Broadway Bound, Green Stage, and Seattle Children’s Theater. Her directing credits include youth productions of Seussical Jr. and the original jukebox musical The Buddy Bench with Lakeshore Player’s Theatre, as well as We Are Monsters and Musicville with Ashland Productions. Recent stage appearances include: A Dream Play (East15), The Tempest (Car Crash Productions), The Penelopiad (East15), Around the World in 80 Days (East15), Three Winters (East15), Never Wonder Land (Laughing Nomad Productions), Romeo and Juliet (Mission Theatre Company), The Bernice Project (Phoenix Theater), Consumed (Playable Artworks), Rumors of Shadows (Kinetic Fusion Physical Theatre), The Cruel Painter of Radostdale (Laughing Nomad Productions), Tales from Wonderland: A Common Night (Maximum Verbosity), Broceliande; The Death of Merlin (Six Elements Theatre), along with the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe debuts of High School English and Splashback with Car Crash Productions.  

FITNESS CLUB Monday, 1:30-2:30 

Welcome to the Fitness Club! In the next seven weeks, we will work on a variety of different styles of workouts, including, but not limited to: running/interval running, obstacle courses, H.I.I.T (High Intensive Interval Training), strength training, circuit work, core work and stretching, with a little bit of yoga thrown in, all set to motivating music, some of which Sue would love to have the students supply.  Classes will be flexible, depending on the weather– working out can be fun inside and/or outside! The Fitness Club will be a low-pressure, no judgment workout class; students will work out at their own pace. We might even have a surprise host or two for our classes. Sue looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for fitness with the students! Instructor: Sue Eaton. Max: 10 students.

About Sue: Most of you know Sue as one of our amazing chefs, but did you know that Sue is a fitness pro? Sue taught aerobics in college (remember Elaine Powers?!), trail runs with the “Tuesday Tribe”, mountain bikes on Fridays, has run multiple 10ks, completed a 30k trail race, completed the Solvang Century bike race, participates in a summer challenge every year (Santa Monica Mountain Trail Challenge) that includes 15 trail runs, 30 mountain bike runs and 15 road bike segments– although not all at once! She also enjoys hiking, taking spin classes at the gym and strength training at her home gym. Her running group (Tuesday Tribe) is a major fund-raiser for the Love Run, which is a local event that raises money for Senior Concerns, which provides thousands of free meals for seniors in our community.

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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 hairband 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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Learn about the culture of Pop art while creating an amazing self-portrait on artist’s gallery canvas. During the first lesson, students will view a power point presentation about our greatest pop artists and their work. Then photos will be taken of each student, and these are “transferred” in pencil onto canvas using a projector. Students will then work with non-washable acrylic paint and use vivid colors to create their masterpieces, so make sure to bring an apron or old t-shirt to pull on top of clothes. This art is one for the walls! $25 lab fee required for the special canvas and materials. Instructor: Helle Rasmussen. Max: 12  

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In 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/wk. Fun and creative independent work will be assigned, about 1 hr./week. Instructor:Melanie Ware. Max: 8  

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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 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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This special time prior to the first break is for group discussion and practice of critical interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, such as empathy, listening, body language, and effective conversational abilities. During Circle, we also clarify and discuss expectations for a peaceful, proactive and positive learning environment. Finally, 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 students on the premises during this time are requested to attend this important time for connection. Facilitated by Lori Peters, although other adults/students may lead at times. 

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This class is part THREE of a four-part foundational Molecular Science Series. Taking ALL FOUR courses (Shapes of Nature, Chemistry R Us, parts 1 and 2; and Our Biological World in Session 4) is highly recommended. In this third session of our middle school Molecular Science series, we will continue our exploration of the world of chemistry.  Our study of chemistry will celebrate the wonders of acids and bases, pH indicators, gases, crystals, light, polymers, and life molecules. Instructor: Steve Yoshinaga, Ph.D. Max: 15

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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 (text: Conceptual Physical Science; Prentice Hall, 2016). 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 during select weeks. This is a great opportunity to work with real laboratory equipment.  Independent work/reading/study required, 2-3 hrs/week. Instructor: Steve Yoshinaga, Ph.D. Max: 12

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Learn the fundamentals of basketball in a fun environment. Instructor: Joe Riccio, former Agoura H.S. Basketball Coach. Max: 20  

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