Core Academic Classes
(Course syllabi to be added by Dec. 31)
- English Language Arts (ELA) 6th-8th
- English Literature/Composition 8th-11th
- Foundations of Math
- Pre-Algebra
- MS Algebra
- Real World Math
- Interactive Fiction
- Mapping the World
- Our American Story
- Women in History Team
Enrichment Classes
- Body Talk 1
- Math At Your Level
- The Chain Gang
- Taking Things Apart
- NASCAR: Acceleration Nation
- Learn to Crochet
- Money Wise II
- Book Club
- Food Fascination
- Fine Art: Weaving
- Shakespeare
- Science Fair
- Study Session
CRPD Classes
- Chemistry R Us (part 2 of 2)
- Physical Science
- Physical Science Lab
- Basketball
Core Academic Classes Descriptions for Session 2
ELA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS for 6th-8th Monday/Wednesday, 9:00-10:30 or 11:00-12:30* SYLLABUS TBA 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 3 will be literary analysis, using classic and contemporary fiction. 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.
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.)
FOUNDATIONS OF MATH Monday/Wednesday, 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS TBA
show more show lessThis 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.
REAL WORLD MATH Friday, 9:00-10:45 SYLLABUS TBA
show more show lessTime to put our math skills to work! Work collaboratively on engaging math projects related to the real world, while practicing and reinforcing pre-algebra skills. How about being a Theme Park Tycoon? What does it take to create an awesome theme park? How many variables come up and how best to deal with them? Students will have a chance to then be creative and build mini-versions. There is also a project on ratios and understanding them, called Blueberry Blast. The Crunchy Cereal Company is trying out recipes for their new Blueberry Blast Cereal and needs the perfect ratio. Can you help them? You might want to taste the choices…Yum! Lastly, adding to our mapping the world-class, students will be looking at combatting poverty and microloans. In “If the World Were a Village”, we’ll explore fair trade, look at tags on clothing (to determine how to manufacture), and complete a simulation on micro lending to people all over the world. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 12. This course is highly recommended for students in Pre-Algebra, or those in Foundations looking to advance their skills.
PRE-ALGEBRA Monday/Wednesday 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS TBA
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: 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.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ALGEBRA Monday/Wednesday 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS TBA
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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: 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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INTERACTIVE FICTION Tuesday/Thursday 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS TBA
show more show less 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 (Thursday, with Melanie) and the other on game design and computer programming (Tuesday with 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 must bring their laptop to EACH class. Fun and creative independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week. Instructors Tim Handley (Tuesday) and Melanie Ware (Thursday). Max: 9
MAPPING THE WORLD 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 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.
OUR AMERICAN STORY Friday (9:00-10:45) SYLLABUS TBA
show more show less 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. Homework is required (1-2 hrs/wk), including an independent project. Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 12.
WOMEN IN HISTORY TEAM Wednesday (1:30-2:30) SYLLABUS TBA
show more *If more students want to join the team, we can add up to two one scripts (there are currently five selected scripts, per AAUW, for 2019). Students might also split scripts or performances, coach a peer, or attend just as a public speaking and history course. show less Join an elite team of five young female leaders. * This incredible opportunity for our girls should be experienced at least once! This course includes history lessons, public speaking, and confidence development– all in one! 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 Wednesday, March 13 at the Thousand Oaks Library, as well as at least one other public appearance that month. There is a mandatory dress rehearsal on Monday, March 4th (so students on site already will miss their Monday class that day). 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. Instructor Lori Peters has led a WIH Team for 22 years and has been a scriptwriter for AAUW (American Association for University Women). Coach Melanie Ware will assist. Max: 5 or 7*
Enrichment Classes for Session 2
BODY TALK 1 Monday 1:30-2:30 SYLLABUS TBA
show more show less 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/7thstudents 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.
(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: Laura Erlig. Max: 9
LEARN TO CROCHET Tuesday 1:30-2:30
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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
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THE CHAIN GANG Monday 1:30-2:30
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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! Attached photos are samples of what students can create. The photo on the right is a necktie! Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 10 *For those taking Body Talk and are worried about missing out, we expect to run this course in Session 4, provided there’s enough interest!
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NASCAR: Acceleration Nation Tuesday 9:00-10:30
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NASCAR racecars can reach speed of more than 200 miles per hour. How do they do it? The NASCAR Acceleration Nation program brings STEAM to the classroom with fun, hands-on experiments that teach about aerodynamics and energy. If students took the mini-NASCAR course during last year’s Imaginession, they will find much more in this full session course. Students will build their own car and use it for experiments to understand the following concepts. Aerodynamics and the 3D’s of Speed: airflow, drag, downforce, and drafting. Focuses on energy and NASCAR will include potential energy, kinetic energy, speed, and friction. There is an added opportunity to see a NASCAR race (if interested please email Laura at laura@onesparkacademy.com so she can order tickets by December 20th through AAA, which will cost an additional $125 per person.) All those attending will have an exclusive meet & greet experience with Joey Logano and get their picture taken with him. They will receive a pre-race pit pass and have a ticket to the Auto Club 400 (rows 24-33). The race is scheduled to be on March 17th, right after Session 3 ends, which is a cool way to end our class! Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max 10
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TAKING THINGS APART Wednesday 1:30-2:45
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Vacuum cleaners, sewing machines, desktop computers, record players, VCR’s, watches, clocks, and more! We shall gather odd objects from garage sales and second-hand stores, and whatever is safe to take apart, we shall take apart to see what is inside! This is a thoroughly rewarding, mildly hazardous, and thoughtfully supervised quest. There will be hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, sharp edges, and occasional poisonous materials. There will be no microwaves, CRT monitors, or electrically dangerous objects. We shall begin each day with a safety review, use gloves as needed, and be exceptionally careful about washing our hands – so that we may pursue our quest for understanding with fun, grace, and health. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8
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MONEY WISE II Wednesday, 1:30-2:30 SYLLABUS TBA
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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. Money Wise I focused on saving & budgeting, credit & debt, and education, careers, & entrepreneurship. Money Wise II will focus on investing, insurance, & identity theft, global economics, and marketing & consumerism. Students who didn’t take the first part of the course are welcome to enroll and take Money Wise I when it is offered again. Some independent work may be required. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8
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SCIENCE FAIR! Thursday, 9:00-10:30
show more show less 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 22, 2019. 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 build upon these 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 (at the end of Session 3, during the Session break), or an in-class project. What a great opportunity, to have guidance like this to enter a county fair. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10.
BOOK CLUB Thursday, 1:30-2:30
show more show lessThrough 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
SHAKESPEARE! Friday, 11:00-1:00, double session!
show more show less Wow! We are thrilled to bring Shakespeare Kids to One Spark Academy! This two-session course, from January 18-May 31 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 18 classes on Fridays, 11:00 – 1:00and will include two dates during OSA Session breaks(Friday, March 22, and Friday, April 26, either at the Teen Center or the park). No class on Friday, Feb. 15 or Friday, April 19. The last day of class on May 31st is a performance, most likely a shortened version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 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 Wareassisting. 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.
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. NOTE: The Thursday class will attend the special Four Seasons cooking lab on Dec. 20. This lab includes lessons with a professional chef and dietician, as well as cooking in the professional, world-famous kitchen! Instructor: Laura Erlig, assisted by Jerri Baker and Sue Eaton. Max: 9 students
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FINE ART: Weaving Thursday, 1:30-2:45
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Learn to make looms in various shapes and sizes and weave in different ways with different materials such as fabric, yarn, string, and beads. Students will build their own looms from everyday materials such as wooden sticks, pvc pipes, cardboard, and embroidery hoops. At the end of the course, students will end up with a variety of beautifully weaved pieces ready to be displayed. Instructor: Helle Rasmussen. Max: 12
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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
CRPD: CHEMISTRY R US, part 2, Tuesday, 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS HERE
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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. This course will introduce students to the joys of chemistry, covering current 6th-8thCalifornia chemistry standards in a fun, interactive way. Classes include lecture, video, demonstration, and hands-on activities. Some students enjoy it so much they take this class twice! 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
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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 12 Independent work/reading/study required, 2-3 hrs/week.
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CRPD: BASKETBALL Tuesday, 1:30-2:30
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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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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.