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 (presentations, reader’s theatre, etc.). The focus in Session 3 will be argument & persuasive writing. Students should expect to complete at least two final draft essays and a short story. 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: 10 students per class.

show less

This course is designed for students needing to solidify their foundational math skills beforePre-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: 6 students.

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 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 are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. 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), ruler. Recommended: a high-quality tablet/stylus combo (suggested: Wacom Intuos). Pre-assessment is required for placement into class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8 students per class.  

show less

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 are direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning.  Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. 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. Recommended: a high-quality tablet/stylus combo (suggested: Wacom Intuos). Pre-assessment is required for placement into class.  Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8 students per class.

show less

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), a graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus), and a high-quality tablet/stylus combo (Wacom Intuos recommended. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk.  This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students

show less

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. Some of the literary devices to be taught and practiced include imagery and figurative language, setting and character development, and more. Fun and creative independent work will be assigned, about 1 hr./week. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students per class.

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. 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: 7 students per class  

show less

This course is shifting for 2021 from a performance-based class, but it will still deliver as much enthusiasm for the year’s selected historic women, opportunities for public speaking, confidence development, and teamwork. Each class will focus on a major period of women’s suffrage, movements, and/or one of our select women. Students will also commit to studying a first-person script, creating a modified costume and props, and presenting a speech to the class via Zoom. In addition, a public presentation (also via Zoom) will be arranged during Women’s History Month (March) with the local chapter of AAUW (American Association of University Women). Our students will be invited to present a modified/shortened version of their speech or discuss what was learned in the course (date TBD). The AAUW National Women’s History Month theme for 2020-2021 is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced.” Some of the women in focus this year include Maya Angelou, Jane Addams, Shirley Chisholm, Sojourner Truth, and Delores Huerta. Women in History truly changes and inspires our future female leaders, and all who lift them up. Independent work is required: a bit of reading, research, practicing, and prop/costume creation, about 1 hr./week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max 8 

show less

Highly recommended for 8th graders. (This course time will be followed by Civics & Governmentin 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 studiesstandards. 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 will 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 and Power Point slide show, 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 assigned. Instructor: Lori Peters. Max 10 

show less

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.  Please note: Tuesday’s class is 9 weeks, and Friday’s class is 8 weeks due to a holiday. Tuesday’s class includes one added “fun lesson” and doesn’t include a body system not covered in Friday’s class. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8

show less

Your team will take on the role of innovators and work together to apply biomimicry (nature-inspired innovation) to address a social and/or environmental issue related to climate change adaptation or mitigation.  This is the current relevant topic the Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge for 2021 has created.  Are you up to the challenge to help our planet?  Using the Biomimicry curriculum, students will dive into the concepts of biomimicry and describe how they can lead to sustainable solutions for real-world issues.  How does nature deal with climate change and adapt?  Students will work collaboratively to study this issue and consider our local area and what effects are happening.  They will research local organisms that can be models for a solution and understand their strategies to create their own innovative solution.  Students can also create a poster for the Ventura County Science Fair and present virtually.  They will finally create a video to communicate all that they have learned and what they feel we can look into to resolve local concerns.  Students interested in creating their own science fair project will be supported, or they can opt out of the Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge. Independent work expected, time varies depending on projects. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 7

show less

 Each unique 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.Recommended: a high-quality tablet/stylus combo (suggested: Wacom Intuos). Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 5 per class.

show less

Board games are a great way to connect with people in these distant times. But the perfect board game is hard to find. Rather than spending your time searching for that perfect game, join us, and create your own! Game design is a STEAM-y discipline that combines graphic art, problem solving, and playful exploration. We will begin the session with some creative design exercises, and then break into teams to build playable prototypes. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Computer or Chromebook, speedy enough to run Zoom and Google Docs at the same time without slowdown. Keyboard and mouse also required. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students. 

show less

Do you love to play games?  In this class we will learn how to play wonderful, meditative single-player logic games such as Sudoku, KenKen®, Battleships, traditional logic grid puzzles, and more!  Students will also compete in a multiplayer hypothetical Wiffle Ball tournament that involves statistical analysis of theoretical versus experimental probability.  Instructor: Candice Renaker. Max: 8  

show less

For Tuesday’s class, our focus in Session 3 will continue to be Community Food Heroes. Our food source is so important and our local chefs/restaurant owners are working hard to create a safe environment for outdoor dining.  One Spark Academy is planning on inviting guest speakers to Zoom with us; perhaps they can prepare an amazing dish before our eyes. The following week it will be your turn, as each instructor will walk you through preparing a dish. If County orders allow, we hope to arrange a safe class picnic outing at a local park with take-out from the restaurant. During the course, students will learn how to read a recipe, use basic tools (like measuring cups and spoons), even chop with a knife (under supervision).  We will need parents to supervise or give permission to allow students to use different tools in their kitchen. Instructor: Laura Erlig, Jerri Baker and Sue Eaton. Max: 10 students

show less

Have you ever just painted for yourself, without thinking what the finished result was going to look like or if it needed to look like anything recognizable at all? In this class you will learn about abstract artwork. We will go over 12 different compositions while playing with colors and designs. This is a fun class where you will have the opportunity to express your mood, feelings and emotions, while making something personal just for you. Instructor: Helle Rasmussen. Max: 8 students per class. Paints will be delivered to students who didn’t receive them in Session 2. $20 lab fee for new students. 

show less

Each week we will learn about a new event or person from the true history of the Broadway musical Hamilton.  From the early years of Alexander Hamilton (pre-1776) to John Adams, James Madison, The Constitution and more. Lessons will be taught in collaboration with the students, using the fun facts they bring in each week.  We then bring in a theatrical spin to what we’ve learned and act out these historical figures and moments with improvisation games and character exploration living it on our feet and sometime rewriting history in the process.  Our students need no previous experience in theatre or history to enjoy this program.  We take all levels.  It should be noted that, while we have taken our middle school age range for the class into consideration, history does have some mature content. Please let us know if you have questions, concerns, or need to discus.  Fun and creative independent work is expected, about 30 min./week. Instructor: Shakespeare Kids, with Melanie Ware assisting. Max:  10 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 Ren’py: a free, flexible, powerful, open-source design tool. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Windows or Mac computer with keyboard and mouse. Chromebooks will not work, neither will iOS or Android devices. Independent work is expected, about 2 hr./week  Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8  

show less

It’s a whole new world. Wait. No. It’s seven new worlds! Seven planets of plants and animals and minerals and mysteries! Though not much oxygen. So, we’ll have to be a little careful with that. Join the Astroneer corps! Explore and reshape worlds, with friends! And if we’re skillful, and thoughtful, and able to work together well as a team, maybe we’ll discover some of the secrets behind the ancient artifacts scattered across this alien solar system. Optional Game Play on Fridays. REQUIRED MATERIALS: reliable internet connection, and a middle-strength Windows-based gaming computer. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 7 students

Recommended hardware:

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: X64 Dual Core CPU, 2+ GHz
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Discrete Non-Mobile GPU with 1 GB Ram
• If you have any questions about the compatibility of your hardware for this class, please email Tim Handley at Tim@onesparkacademy.com

show less

Have you ever wondered how to create art with moving parts using nothing but cardboard, a few skewers, and some craft supplies?  A “maker” approach to STEM puts an emphasis on hands-on exploration and encourages students to think creatively. Flexible maker-inspired activities can build student enthusiasm and confidence with science and engineering.  This class will have a variety of inspiring examples and students can make them or their own creations using recycled materials.  They’ll learn they can do a lot with cardboard, a bin of recycled materials, rubber bands, and tape!  Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 7  

show less

This course is an entertaining and educational combination of ideas from the annual Pageant of the Masters, where famous artwork is re-enacted, and the Getty Museum Challenge, where participants need to recreate their favorite work of art with three things lying around their home. In this course, students will learn about a famous piece of art each week (its history, the artist, the context, and more), then will be tasked with the challenge of recreating the work at home using whichever inspiring objects, people, or pets willing and able to participate. The re-enactments should provide enough belly laughs for the week!  Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 10  

show less

This special time prior 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. Each week, we will address a topic that will help our community grow in their relationships and their 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.

Circle will be offered from 10:30-10:55 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. We would like all students to attend at least one Circle per week, on a day that works within their schedules. (They may attend daily, but only commit to one)

show less

This class will be held at the Las Flores Community Garden. Parents will need to drop off and either pick up, or transport can be arranged. Students will be involved in what it means to have a plot in a community garden.  Weekly reading will continue in the garden; previous books included Seedfolks and Tom’s Midnight Garden. Weekly gardening responsibilities will be integrated with the research topic of the week, scavenger hunts in the garden regarding different types of plants, guest speakers, art and craft activities related to garden.  Lesson topics may include soil, compost, microclimates, annual vs perennial plants, seeds, vermicompost, seasonal plants, nutrition, and water. Instructor: Laura Erlig, with Jerri Baker assisting. Max: 8 students.

show less

The Fitness Club adventure continues, but this time our location moves to the Thousand Oaks Teen Center gym, provided county approvals continue. The gym has an adjacent outdoor area and is next to Conejo Creek Park, so a variety of activities can take place if the weather allows.  Students will work on a variety of different styles of work outs, 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, basketball free-time (no contact), and a little bit of yoga thrown in. Dependent on the desires and flexibility of the group, park runs may be included. Fitness Club will be a low pressure, no judgement workout class; students will work out at their own pace. Sue looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for fitness with the students! Instructor: Sue Eaton with Jerri Baker assisting. Max: 10 per class.

NOTE: Due to Covid-19, equipment cannot be shared. With ample spacing, students can work out without face coverings, but must wear them upon arrival and pick up, or when in close proximity to others. Yoga mats should be brought to each class. 

show less

Come join us as we hit some of the lesser known local trails and enjoy all that nature has to offer – views, vistas, flora and fauna. Water, sunscreen, hat, and face covering* required, and families welcome! Moderate hiking level, and weather will be taken into consideration. *Students must come with a face covering (mask or bandana) which can be removed once out on the trail, where social distancing can be maintained.  Please note: Location for drop off will be emailed the Monday of each week to be ready for the hike ahead.  Instructor: Sue Eaton and Jerri Baker. Max: 10  

show less

Wednesday, February 24 (1 day!), 4:30-5:30 PM. Explore engaging science demonstrations. We’ll send electricity through the air, eat polymers from the sea, and look at the heart of atoms. Chemistry, biology, and physics will never be the same after you observe this fun. $10. Course #9496.1211.  Instructor: Dr. Steve Yoshinaga.  

show less

Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30, 1/12 – 3/9. Dr. Steve’s year-long journey into the wonderful world of very tiny things continues. In previous sessions, we learned how the building blocks of matter join together and the nature of matter itself. Now we will discover the wonderful world of acids and bases, crystals, light and polymers. Max: 10. $180. Course #9051.1211.  Instructor: Dr. Steve Yoshinaga.  

show less

Tuesdays OR Fridays, 1:00-3:00, 1/12-3/9 or 1/8 – 3/12. This is the 3rd segment of a year-long course divided into four sessions, with more than 25 experiment (remotely) over the year. The Study Session will generally follow the Pearson Conceptual Physical Science 2012 textbooks. Max: 12. $225. Course #9052.1211 (Tuesday) or #9052.1212 (Fridays; no class 2/12/21). Instructor: Dr. Steve Yoshinaga. 

Other science options available with Dr. Steve. Check the Winter Catalog or email steve@skybay.us.

show less