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  

show less

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 9^th 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

show less

This full year course will allow students to immerse themselves in world geography, starting at any level. By the end of the year (IF attending all four sessions and completing all assignments and independent practice), students will be able to draw a map of the world by heart, on an equirectangular grid, and (dependent on his/her starting point of knowledge) will include most of the world’s 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  

show less

This course is highly recommended for 8^th and 9^th graders, but open to mature younger students who have some knowledge of American history.  Using a program called iCivics* as well as related articles, videos, and discussion, this course will improve students’ civic knowledge, civic attitudes, and core literacy skills. Students will learn how our political systems work and will use that knowledge to address real-world issues. Students will grow more informed and curious about being engaged in government.They may step into the role of a Supreme Court or Federal judge, a member of Congress, a community activist, or even a President– and do the job they do. Students gain civic knowledge and skills in a learning experience that is both fun and challenging. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students

*About the program: When Justice Sandra Day O’Connor retired from the Supreme Court in 2006 after nearly 25 years on the bench, her exemplary career was already the embodiment of civic engagement and the American pioneer spirit. An aspiring cattle rancher as a child, Justice O’Connor went on to forge a legal career at a time when few women did, serve in all three branches of Arizona state government, and become the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Over the course of her career, Justice O’Connor grew concerned about a growing lack of understanding about our system of government and the disengagement that inevitably follows. She discovered that civic education had been disappearing from curricula across the country for decades. Where it was taught, it was often dry and uninspiring. So, in 2009, Justice O’Connor founded iCivics with the goal of transforming civic education for every student in America with innovative, truly engaging games and resources. Of all her accomplishments, Justice O’Connor considers iCivics to be her most important work and greatest legacy.

show less

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! This session will focus on scientific controversies and experiments, such as the Manhattan Project, Scopes Trial, Coney Island incubator babies, and STEM cell discovery. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students

show less

In this 4th session, we will explore a variety of topics related to the ecosystems of Channel Islands National Park. Key topics include patterns of weather and currents, geological history, invasive species, the ethics of conservation, intertidal ecosystems, and oceanic ecosystems. Classes will include a mix of lecture, lab, discussion, games, maps, and more. The class includes a one-day trip on either Saturday May 7 or Saturday May 14* to Anacapa Island, for hiking, exploring, and applying knowledge. $85 for the trip included in course fee. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students 

*Final date TBD as we get closer. The trip is open to all students in Local Island Ecology, as well as any IvyTech/OSA students not in the class. At least three parent chaperones/drivers will be needed. An adult ticket purchase for the trip is required. 

show less

Students will be provided instruction specifically in the areas of planets, stars, the big bang and history of astronomy and telescopes, asteroids, comets, meteors, galaxies, nebulae, supernovae, black holes, space travel and research.  We will even touch on more abstract concepts like parallax, white holes, wormholes, dark matter and dark energy, and the possibility of aliens and other universes.  The format of lessons given is direct instruction, diagrams, videos, and project-based learning. With our location at the YMCA, an astronomy night may be arranged in conjunction with the class, but open to more students, to take place at the top of the hill above the Activity Room. Independent work may be assigned, time varies. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8

show less

This 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.

show less

A 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.

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.

show less

Hydroponics: the word derives from the Greek root words “hydro,” meaning water, and “ponics,” meaning working. Growing plants hydroponically helps gardeners and farmers grow more food in smaller areas and to produce food in parts of the world where space, good soil, and/or water are limited. When growing plants hydroponically, students begin to investigate plant needs through a different perspective and will have the chance to develop a deep understanding about the conditions required for healthy plant growth and development. Hydroponic gardening also offers the opportunity to explore foundational engineering and design principles. Students will discover: How can we provide support for plants without soil? How do plants grown with just water and nutrients compare with plants grown in soil? How can we get the tallest plants using a hydroponics setup? These questions lead to experimentation and problem-solving in the classroom. Recordkeeping becomes a natural outgrowth of these endeavors. Concepts related to basic plant parts and needs, nutrition, food production, recycling, agricultural technology, and other areas come to life in these soilless growing environments. We will be using the National Farm to School curriculum as a foundation to adapt to our students’ interests and needs. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8

show less

We spent time building crafty things with gears and parts during Session 3. In Session 4, we will break things up. 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’s inside and how things work. 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 and protective goggles as needed, and be exceptionally careful about washing our hands – so that we may pursue our quest for understanding with fun, grace, and health. The provision of good spring weather means that most of our classes will take place outside on the patio. Instructor: Tim Handley, with Melanie Ware assisting. Max: 10

show less

A 90-minute class that explores all the creepiest, weirdest, largest, and most dangerous animals on Earth.  Students will learn about the geography and habitats of each critter, how to identify them by sight and how they can be dangerous to humans.  Lessons include arachnids, insects, marine creatures, parasites, slimy things, stingers, and pinchers, furries, and reptiles. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8

show less

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

show less

Crochet will continue in this Session, with the addition of beading lessons. Get crafty and express your creativity through color and design in this relaxing class, while using beautiful beads to make jewelry (necklace, bracelet, or earrings) of your choice.  There’s some math involved in counting and balancing beads, as well as determining the length of your creation(s).  All beads and materials are provided, courtesy of Robin’s extensive collection. Crochet techniques will still be taught (especially if new students join). Students may choose to combine their crochet and beading skills to make some truly unique designs. Instructor: Robin Lindsey. Max: 8 students

show less

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.

• PLEASE NOTE: Due to the commitment involved in offering this two-session 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 13th 3:30 PM.

show less

Highly recommended for 8th and 9th graders. This unique course will enable students to better understand themselves and the type of career pathways open to them. Rather than narrowing ideas down to specific careers (which can change rapidly), this innovative curriculum helps students identify strengths, needs, and opportunities through a series of low-pressure activities designed to spur thinking. Students will use the text Building a Bridge to Your Future, which was piloted several years ago through the Ventura County Office of Education. From the program overview: “Too many middle school students believe that they will not be successful in high school.  This curriculum was designed to address those fears by helping students understand more about their attitudes, self-concept, self-motivation, and self-management.  Woven throughout this beginning career exploration course are important activities for social and emotional development.  This course will:

• Prepare students to engage in a rigorous career exploration, decision-making, and planning process in high school.
• Raise the self-efficacy of students so they believe that they can be successful in high school and beyond.
• Introduce students to the 10-year Plan process and get them enthused about becoming long-range planners as they enter high school.”

Due to the abbreviated nature of this program, priority for the program is 8th grade, or mature 7th.  Some independent work required. Text provided. Instructor: Melanie Ware.Some independent work required. Text provided. Max: 10 

show less

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.

show less

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.

show less

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

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

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 communication. 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