Course Descriptions - One Spark Academy

Session 1 (2021-2022) Course Descriptions

Syllabi is attached for select courses.

Core Academic Courses

English Language Arts (ELA) 6th-8th
English Literature & Composition
Foundations of Math
Pre-Algebra
MS (Middle School) Algebra
Mapping the World
Viewpoint: History Edition
Environmental Science: Ecosystems
Science Series: Monsterbots
Create a Planet

Enrichment Courses

ELA Study Session
Book Club I
Math at Your Level (MAYL)
Popsicle Engineering
Food Fascination
Film Studies
True Connection
Calligraphy & Penmanship
Chainmail
Pageant of the ReMasters
Scholar Skills
Seeds & Sprouts
Fitness Club
Study Session
Community Circle

Core Academic Course Descriptions for Session 1, 2021-2022

ELA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS for 6th-8th SYLLABUS HERE

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This two-day, full year core course of study is broken into four sessions and will focus on reading and composition and can accommodate a range of skills. High-interest articles, essays and book excerpts will be enjoyed, with time for discussion, evaluation and writing. Scholastic SCOPE or similar materials will be used for analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies/current event topics are often incorporated into lessons, with a range of activities to be expected (group presentations, reader’s theatre, etc.). The focus of Session 1 will be summary; students should expect to complete at least two final draft essays. Basic conventions, mechanics and editing will be practiced each week. Additional independent reading will be assigned, as well as extra writing practice if needed. Materials needed: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen. Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). This is a full-year course of study. Course fee includes subscription to Scholastic SCOPE Magazine. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 10 students per class.

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ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION SYLLABUS HERE

This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 9th grade but is open to 8th-11th graders who can proficiently read and write at or above an 8th grade level. The themes of our selected novels will help students analyze human behavior and power structures in societies, while making relevant connections to their world today. Over the year, students will complete at least four classic novels (selections may include novels by Bradbury, Golding, Orwell, Hinton, and Steinbeck), several classic short stories or poetry (selections may include poems by Sandburg, Hemingway, Whitman, Frost, Hughes, Angelou, etc.), and relevant articles and/or speeches. All reading will be accompanied by in-class reflection, discussion, note taking, critical analysis, and historical and cultural connections. At least two essays per session will be completed and assessed. Lessons in composition skills (summary and literary analysis) will be included. Session 1 will focus on short story analysis, with one required novel. (Text selections may vary depending on students enrolled and will be included in the syllabus.). Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 8 students.

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FOUNDATIONS OF MATH SYLLABUS HERE

This full year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 6th grade but is open to 6th-8th graders who need a solid foundation in middle school math skills. With lessons both online and hard copy provided, students will practice foundational skills including basic algorithms of multiplication and division. They will also explore relationships between fractions, decimals and percentages, and perform all operations involving decimals and fractions. Word problems, games and activities will be used to enhance understanding. Materials required: spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8 students.

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PRE-ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE

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

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MIDDLE SCHOOL ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE

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

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MAPPING THE WORLD SYLLABUS HERE

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. Session 1 will focus on major world regions and the Americas, with an independent country study project started. Materials needed each week include a spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen (optional: personal set of sharpened colored pencils). Required: National Geographic Student World Atlas, Fifth Edition (or newer if available). Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, and a culminating project in each session. 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

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VIEWPOINT: HISTORY EDITION SYLLABUS HERE

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! Possible topics for this session include the Equal Rights Amendment, the Civil Rights Movement and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min./week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students

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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Ecosystems SYLLABUS HERE

Our home state is full of science stories, many of which are still being written. These stories are worth knowing for their own sake, and worth knowing because that knowledge will give us power to influence the endings of these stories for the better. Using hands and eyes and brains, we’ll investigate true stories of California ecosystems, gain a deeper and wider understanding of how our world works, and try to figure out what it all means for us. We will give special thought to Yosemite, as a preview and in preparation for those attending One Spark Academy’s spring adventure to Yosemite with our wonderful partners at NatureBridge. This class is the first in a four-part series: California Ecosystems, Weather and Climate, Hands-On Botany, and Island Ecology. The final part (Island Ecology) will be a great complement to our planned late-spring optional day trip to the Channel Islands. Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students

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MONSTERBOTS SYLLABUS HERE

Get ready for a fun STEAM-Y class! Students will start off building a variety of Monsterbots from a kit, while building their own understanding of simple circuits. This will lead them to develop their own creative designs and see if they can create a bot that meets certain criteria that will be decided upon by the group. They will need to test and modify their bots in order to improve them and maintain a scientific journal of their work. Students will appreciate the different creative designs and see which bot is the fastest, can travel in a straight line, be most practical, and meet other tests. Independent work may be assigned, time varies. Lab Fee included in single class rate: $40 includes a specialty kit for each student and other materials needed for the projects. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 7

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CREATE A PLANET SYLLABUS HERE

Students will create their very own new planet for humans to colonize! They will be provided instruction specifically in the areas of goldilocks planets, engineering, technology, biomes, plant and animal evolution, research, agriculture/farming, sociology, government, and artwork. Then they will utilize their full creativity in all of these aspects to create a final presentation on their planet. The format of lessons is direct instruction, diagrams, videos, web-based instruction, and project-based learning. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 8

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Enrichment Course Descriptions for Session 1, 2021-2022

ELA STUDY SESSION

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.

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BOOK CLUB I

Students will engage in classroom discussion relating to a novel that we collectively decide upon during the first class and will take into account the maturity and interest of the group. They will be expected to read about 40-75 pages a week and come prepared with questions and comments to share and explore with their classmates. We may look at related topics within a historical context. This course is an extended time block and will include at least 15 minutes for independent reading. Recommended for reading levels 6th-8thand may increase reading enthusiasm in reluctant readers. Independent reading/work is expected; time varies depending on reading pace. Course fee doesn’t include the cost of required novels (in hard copy). Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 6 students.

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(MAYL) MATH AT YOUR LEVEL

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.

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POPSICLE ENGINEERING

What would you do with a thousand holey popsicle sticks, a thousand bolts, a thousand nuts (the threaded steel kind), and a team of friends? Build something awesome, of course! Following in the spirit of the venerable Scrapheap Challenge and the inestimable Junkyard Wars, we will split students into teams, and challenge these teams to engineer solutions to terrifying tasks. The floor is lava, you say? Then we need a bridge, and fast! The evil Dr. Zero is dropping stink bombs on the Fuzzy Bunny Orphanage? Then we need a catapult to launch those stinkers right back where they came from! It could be great, it could be terrible, but it sure won’t be boring! So, join us for popsicle engineering. Lab Fee included in single class rate: $25 includes materials needed for the projects. One parent volunteer per class may be requested. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8

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FOOD FASCINATION

Learn to create delicious meals that will help your body be strong and healthy. Students will learn about nutritional science and the importance of nutritious food and its impact on our bodies, seasonal produce, and how to prepare a balanced meal. They will research interesting recipes and bring them to the group. They will also learn the basic home economic skills of reading recipes (math skills!), cutting and chopping up a variety of foods, proper use of cooking and food prep tools (including knife skills), baking, and exploring a bounty of organic fruits and vegetables. Important! Participants are required to bring a clean apron to each class, which must be worn while cooking (and brought home for laundering), and hair that hits shoulders must also be worn off the face during the kitchen portion of the class, either in a ponytail, pinned back, or hair net. Those with short hair need to wear a bandana, hat, hair band, or hair net to adhere to health and safety guidelines while in the kitchen. Instructors: Laura Erlig, Jerri Baker and Sue Eaton. Max: 9 students

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FILM STUDIES SYLLABUS HERE

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: 8 students

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TRUE CONNECTION SYLLABUS HERE

True Connection is about empowering youth to build empathy and creatively solve problems from a personal to a global level will result in a brighter future filled with resilient, purposeful leaders who collaborate to act for the highest good of all. True Connection’s signature HiEQ Curriculum incorporates mindfulness, best practices SEL (social emotional learning) exercises, journaling, and creative arts activities. The curriculum is also aligned with core educational and career-ready standards. This program provides students with the tools they need to cultivate strong core values, break down stereotypes, transform negative thought patterns, manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and set/achieve their personal and academic goals. Together we are love in action. This course will take two sessions to complete. Lab Fee included in single class rate: one-time fee of $15 for text. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8 students.

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CALLIGRAPHY & PENMANSHIP

This workshop will provide time for students to practice their best penmanship while learning (or relearning) cursive, standard print, and calligraphy. For the last class, students will be provided stationary (or can bring their own) so that they can handwrite a special letter to a loved one. Cursive today is like a second language for many students, but studies show that learning to write in cursive helps in other areas of learning, builds hand-eye coordination, and increases ease in notetaking. As one example, a 2020 article from Psychology Today states that “Learning to write in cursive is an important tool for cognitive development. Specifically, cursive writing trains the brain to learn functional specialization, which is the capacity for optimal efficiency.” Note: Although this is a low-pressure course, students should be willing to practice as much as possible in class and out to gain proficiency. Independent practice is highly recommended, 10-15 min./day. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students.

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CHAINMAIL

Making “chainmail” in this class is much like knitting, but with metal. Chainmaille (also known as chainmail, or simply maille) is typically armor or jewelry made by connecting metal rings to one another. Here’s a sample. The word maille derives from the French word maille(mesh), which comes from Latin macula (mesh of a net). 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 other weird and crafty folks in Chainmail! Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 8 students.

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PAGEANT of the REMASTERS

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! Some creative independent work is expected, about 30 min./week. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 8 students.

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SCHOLAR SKILLS SYLLABUS HERE

Our Scholar Skills course will be a great way to start the year, especially if organizational skills are a challenge. Students will increase their academic independence by learning and practicing important study techniques, such as organizing and time management, necessary skills for life-long learners. Students will learn to identify study skills in areas in which they are proficient and those that need improvement. They will determine their learning style, and how best to study and learn based on that. Students will utilize this information to strengthen organization, time management, note-taking, testing strategies, and memory strategies. Students who are taught such strategies are more likely to feel successful in school and proud of their work. Please note: This is not a study session. Independent assignments should be brought and may be worked on, but only as part of planning and organization. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 8 students

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SEEDS & SPROUTS SYLLABUS HERE

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.

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FITNESS CLUB

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 end of the session will include a beautiful trail hike/run down to Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park or similar location, weather permitting. The 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. Max: 10 per class. NOTE: Due to Covid-19, equipment cannot be shared. With ample spacing, students can work out without face coverings indoors (gym) and when outdoors, but must wear them to class, or when in close proximity to others. Yoga mats may be requested to be brought to each class.

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STUDY SESSION

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

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COMMUNITY CIRCLE

This special time from 10:30-10:45 M-TH prior to snack break is for our group to come together to learn and practice critical interpersonal skills, such as empathy, listening, body language, and effective conversational abilities. That time is as important as ever during this time of upheaval, and will be crucial for building community as we resume our academic year. Each week, we will address a topic that will help our community members grow in their relationships and their personal resilience. During Circle, we will also clarify and discuss expectations for a peaceful, proactive and positive learning environment. Finally, this time is set aside for an open forum discussion to share what matters to students, resolve any conflicts that may be brewing, or support peers in their needs. All members of our OSA community are asked to attend this important time for connection. Facilitated by Lori Peters, although other adults/students may lead at times.

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