Course Descriptions – One Spark Academy

Session 1 Course Descriptions

Syllabi for some courses will be provided by mid-August.

Core Academic Courses

English Language Arts (ELA) 6th-8th
English Literature/Composition 8th-11th
Foundations of Math
Pre-Algebra
MS Algebra
Algebra 1
Weird Math
Systems & Ecosystems
Light & Biomimicry
Seeds & Sprouts
Mapping the World
Ancient Journeys
American Native, Part 1
Viewpoint: History Edition

Enrichment Courses

Math Skills & Games
Math at Your Level (MAYL)
Global Discoveries
Beady Things
Music: Keys & Strings
True Connection
Calligraphy & Penmanship
John Muir Trail
Fitness Club
Equestrian Skills
Food Fascination
Fine Art: Graphic Arts
Study Session
Community Circle

CRPD Courses

Shapes of Nature (part 1 of 4)
Physical Science
Physical Science Lab
Basketball

Core Academic Course Descriptions for Session 1, 2019-2020

ELA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS for 6th-8th Monday/Wednesday, 9:00-10:30 or 11:00-12:30* SYLLABUS HERE

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This two-day core course will focus on reading and composition and can accommodate a range of skills. High-interest articles, essays and book excerpts will be enjoyed, with time for discussion, evaluation, and writing. Scholastic SCOPE or similar materials will be used for the analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies/current event topics are often incorporated into lessons, with a range of activities to be expected (group presentations, reader’s theatre, etc). The focus in Session 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. 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. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. This is a full-year course of study. The 9:00 class is recommended for levels 6th/7th. The 11:00 class is recommended for those at a 7th-9th level, but students at any level can be challenged appropriately if in either course. Subsequent sessions will focus on argument writing, literary response, and narrative. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 students.

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LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Tuesday, 11:00-12:30 (recommended for 8th-11th grade) SYLLABUS HERE

This year-long course aligns with the recommended curriculum for Golden Valley 9th graders but is open to 8th-11th graders who are proficient in foundational English skills (composition/grammar) and can read proficiently at or above an 8th grade level. In this course, students will analyze human behavior and power structures in societies, while making relevant connections to their world today. (For GVCS students, this course will fulfill most of the core reading/writing requirements for GVCS 9th Literature and Composition; grammar practice outside of composition editing, some study guide activities, and GVCS required text-based lessons are not part of this course). Over the year, students will complete at least four classic novels (selections this year may include Fahrenheit 451, The Outsiders, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, and To Kill a Mockingbird), several classic short stories or poetry (selections may include poems by Sandburg, Hemingway, Whitman, Frost, Hughes, Angelou, etc), and relevant articles and/or speeches. All reading will be accompanied by in-class reflection, discussion, note-taking, critical analysis, and historical and cultural connections. At least two essays per session will be completed and assessed. Lessons in composition skills (summary and literary analysis) will be included. This is a full-year course of study. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 10 students.

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FOUNDATIONS OF MATH Monday/Wednesday, 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS HERE

This course is designed for students needing to solidify their foundational math skills before Pre-Algebra, typically 6th grade, but the course is open to any student 6th-8th in need of foundational skills in math. Using Everyday Math, participants will practice foundational skills including basic algorithms of multiplication and division. They will also explore relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages, and perform all operations involving decimals and fractions. Word problems, games and activities will be used to enhance understanding. Materials required: spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and a pencil. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. $25 lab fee for Everyday Math Text, volumes 1 and 2. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 9 students.

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PRE-ALGEBRA Monday/Wednesday 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS HERE

Students will be provided instruction specifically targeting pre-algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying proportional relationships; rational numbers; algebraic expressions and linear equations; and appropriate geometric, probability and statistics concepts. This course will align closely with 7th-grade math standards and is designed to prepare students for Middle School Algebra. Format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem-solving, and project-based learning. Instruction may be that of a “flipped classroom”. The family may replace independent, “at home” work with textbook practice if required from their student’s charter school. Materials Required: 1 subject spiral-bound notebook, loose-leaf lined paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested), and ruler. Pre-assessment is required for placement into a class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9 students.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL ALGEBRA Monday/Wednesday 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS HERE

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

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ALGEBRA 1 Tuesday/Wednesday 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS HERE

A high-school level class in the language and practice of math, aligned with the Common Core Standards for 9th-grade Algebra. This class will prepare students to successfully demonstrate their mastery of elementary algebra skills on high school placement tests. Equally important, this class will prepare students to use algebra to understand and solve real-world problems in math, science, and life. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Glencoe Algebra 1 (2012 edition, ISBN: 9780076639236) and a graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus). Pre-assessment is required for placement into a class. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. This is a full-year course of study. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 9 students

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WEIRD MATH Thursday 11:00- 12:30 SYLLABUS HERE

This 90-minute class features small class size, individualized instruction, immediate feedback, and expansion of critical thinking and reasoning skills. Students will be provided instruction specifically in the areas of conditional statements and truth tables, syllogisms and validity, modular arithmetic, and types of reasoning. The included text (Flatland/Sphereland by Edwin A. Abbott) will illustrate and explain Euclidean (2-dimensional) geometry and Spherical (3-dimensional) geometry in a unique, fun, and interesting way, with engaging characters and settings. The format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, reading and text discussion, problem-solving, and project-based learning. Some independent work may be assigned. Instructor: Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9 students

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SYSTEMS & ECOSYSTEMS Tuesday 11:00- 12:30 SYLLABUS HERE

If life were simple, it would also be boring. So, thank goodness for complexity – the thousand petals of a sunflower, the trillion living pieces of the Earth’s biosphere, and the diverse voices around and within us all. Our world is made up of systems within systems within systems. It is a beautiful, bewildering, and complicated collection of interconnected and interdependent parts. It is a place where every action sparks multitudes of reactions – sometimes predictable, sometimes unpredictable, and sometimes even dangerous. In this class, we’ll dig into this complexity. We’ll explore true stories of action and reaction in the natural world, covering the hopeful history of wolves in Yellowstone, the unfinished story of California sea otters, and the subtly pernicious dangers of New Zealand mud snails. From these stories, we’ll extract general principles related to systems and systems thinking, and attempt to apply them to everyday life. Classes will include a mix of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. Some independent work may be assigned, up to 30 min/wk. Instructor: Tim Handley. Max: 9 students.

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LIGHT & BIOMIMICRY Thursday 9:00- 10:30 SYLLABUS HERE

This class will include hands-on experiments to learn how we gain energy from light. For example, to learn how we draw light from the sun, we’ll build models to represent how sunlight hitting the Earth creates daytime and provides heat and energy to our planet. Students will learn about Bioluminescence and the energy that all organisms have that can power light. This is a very fun, hands-on course! This is an excellent foundational course for students wanting to participate in the Ventura County Science Fair, which is an option in Sessions 2 and 3. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 12 students.

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SEEDS & SPROUTS Friday 9:00- 10:45 SYLLABUS HERE

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

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MAPPING THE WORLD Thursday, 9:00-10:30 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 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, 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 his/her own physical world atlas and know how to use it. Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, and a culminating project in each session. This is a full-year course of study. (Recommended: National Geographic Student World Atlas, 2014 or newer) Instructor Lori Peters has taught this unit many times before, and former students claim was one of the most beneficial projects they ever had. Max: 12 students

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ANCIENT JOURNEYS Friday 9:00-10:45 SYLLABUS HERE

Students will acquire a broad overview of ancient history, with opportunities for more in-depth study. The lessons follow what is typically taught in 6th- grade, but the course is open to 6th-8th graders (especially those who say they can’t remember what they learned!). Starting with a journey to Mesopotamia and ending in ancient Rome, each week students will “visit” important early civilizations, such as Egypt, Israel, China, India, Greece, and Rome– finding commonalities, differences, and connections. Each class will include an important reading segment on one ancient civilization, with a directed lesson of key points, video and/or an activity to bring the learning to life. Ancient world religions (polytheistic and monotheistic) will also be explored as related to civilization. Students’ reading level should be 6th-grade or above. Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, and a culminating project. Instructor: Lori Peters. Max: 10

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AMERICAN NATIVE, Part 1 Thursday 1:30-2:45 SYLLABUS HERE

Today in the United States there are more than 500 federally recognized Indigenous nations compromising nearly 3 million people, descendants of the 15 million Native peoples who once inhabited this land. The centuries-long genocidal program of the U.S. settler-colonial regimen has largely been omitted from history. This course will begin in California with the local Chumash tribe and their coastal neighbors. We will explore the daily life and challenges the people faced as stewards of the land as well as the analysis of the U.S. governments invasion/occupation and theft of these people’s culture. We will also explore our fellow nations to the north: the Ohlone, Miwok, Washoe, and Pomo. And in the southwest: the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla (of Palm Springs) and move toward introducing Arizona and the Navajo, Dinétah. For each class, students will need a notebook, and folder for maps and handouts. Students will be expected to read all materials, submit after class observations/notations, engage in discussions and follow up with small assignments related to the day’s focus. Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Sally Primm. Max: 10

About Sally: Sally Primm has been working with One Spark students since 2014. Her classes have focused on conservationists, stewardship of planet earth, Native American stories and the US History that has been overlooked. She is a co-leader on the Board for FRIENDS of NAVAJOLAND and a volunteer with the National Parks Service at King Gillette Ranch Visitor Center in the Santa Monica Mountains. Originally from New York, she has lived in Thousand Oaks for 28 years where she and her husband Campion raised their three children.

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VIEWPOINT: History Edition Thursday 11:00-12:30 OR Friday 9:00-10:45 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 opinion 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 assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max 10.

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Enrichment Course Descriptions for Session 1, 2019-2020

MATH SKILLS & GAMES Wednesday, 1:30 2:30 SYLLABUS HERE

This class is highly recommended for students taking Foundations of Math on Monday/Wednesday but is open to any student (space permitting) needing practice in fundamental math skills in a fun, hands-on way. Activities will build efficacy and memory with basic number facts, number sense, fractions, decimals, and more. Instructor: Laura Erlig and Lyra Porcasi. Max: 10 students.

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(MAYL) MATH AT YOUR LEVEL(times, days vary)

Each unique 1.75 hour, 1.5 hour, or 1-hour math class features small class size, individualized instruction, immediate feedback, and support with your homeschool math curriculum. Although a variety of levels are welcome in any class, the longer math blocks are recommended for students who need extra assistance. If further practice is needed, students may be introduced to excellent math websites, including Khan Academy, which offers individualized lessons and immediate feedback. Dependent on homeschool curriculum, students will be offered small group or individual lessons from a variety of resources, such as Saxon. Materials needed: spiral notebook and independent math work. Students MUST come to each class prepared with their assigned homeschool math materials. Instructor: Laura Erlig or Lyra Porcasi. Max: 9

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GLOBAL DISCOVERIES Tuesday 1:30-2:30

Students in this course will explore modern-day discoveries, innovations, events, and issues. Using high-interest TED Talks and other sources, students will learn from experts in their fields. Each presentation will lead students to engage in discussion, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Students will be provided an outline for notetaking during each class. Topics will relate to modern global discoveries or cultural & scientific solutions to various human rights and global issues. For example (and dependent on whether we have students taking this course for a second time), students may learn about the case for eating insects, the plight of bees, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, and more. Some independent work may be assigned, up to 30 min/wk. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 9 students.

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BEADY THINGS Monday 1:30-2:30

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. Instructor: Robin Lindsey. Max: 10

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MUSIC: KEYS & STRINGS Tuesday 1:30-3:00

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

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

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

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TRUE CONNECTION Tuesday 9:00-10:30 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 two-session 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. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 10

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CALLIGRAPHY & PENMANSHIP Wednesday, 1:30-2:30

This workshop will provide time for students to practice their best penmanship while learning (or relearning) all letters in 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. 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: 10

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JOHN MUIR TRIAL Friday, 11:00-12:30

Welcome to the beautiful Sierra Nevada! During this 7-week course, Melanie will share her knowledge of the backpacking world as she takes students on a journey through the John Muir Trail, which Melanie hiked (all 211 miles of it!). Students will play with all different types of gear, from various water purification methods and food to tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks. Those who got a taste of this class in the mini-course during Imaginession 2019 will be able to learn more. Added lessons will include: the story of John Muir and our National Parks; how to be a backpacker (from clothing to finding shelter); possibly some training in wild-life first aid, map navigation; and possibly building a fire. The course will culminate with a one-night outdoor sleepover, date TBD. Also, TBD is an after-school field trip (for parents and students) to the REI store in Oxnard, where the class can talk with a few outdoor gear experts and learn what is worth investing in. Students do NOT need to have special gear to be part of this course but, hopefully, they will be motivated to put hiking gear on their birthday lists. Prepare to be inspired. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 10

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FITNESS CLUB Monday, 1:30-2:30

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

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

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EQUESTRIAN SKILLS Friday, 1:15-3:00

Do you love horses? Would you like to learn or improve your skills in riding? This unique class offers an incredible opportunity to learn about grooming, tacking, riding, ground management, and horse care while learning about boundaries. Horses, like all living creatures, have boundaries. You will learn how to read your horse’s signals and understand how those signals relate to the animal’s boundaries. You will learn to set your own boundaries as well. Horsemanship tends to reduce stress, per a study done by Washington State University. (Here’s an article on the “hard science” of the benefits of equestrian interaction). This is not simply a riding course, although students will ride. Weekly lessons involve cooperative learning, incorporating a buddy system, and developing interactions between horses and students. Students will learn to read the signals and emotions of the horses to better understand how to behave around them. Lessons will also incorporate horse anatomy, horse behaviors and emotional queues, and riding theory. The course starts off by teaching the students safety around horses and progressively transitions to greater interaction with the animals. The lesson progression has students walking horses through obstacle courses, learning to tack the horse, and then riding. Once on the saddle, students will learn the fundamentals of control and communication. The class goals are to build student confidence, provide an opportunity for emotional growth, and provide for engagement with these amazing animals. Please note: Transportation arrangements for students already on site (Teen Center) will be provided, leaving from the Teen Center at 12:50 directly to Glory Reins, after a 20-minute break for lunch (students on-site must pack a lunch!). For students taking only this class, students should be dropped off directly at Glory Reins, unless prior arrangements are made. Important: students must pack water and sunscreen, wear long durable pants or jeans, and closed-toe, covered shoes that have heels (for stirrup placement). Supervising Instructor: Laura Erlig. Main Instruction provided by Glory Reins. Max: 8 students

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FOOD FASCINATION Tuesday OR Thursday, 11:00-12:30 SYLLABUS HERE

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

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FINE ART: Graphic Arts Thursday, 1:30-2:45

Graphic art includes visual arts based on the use of line and tone, rather than three-dimensional work or relying on the use of color. In this class, we will explore, draw, paint, print and create designs using a variety of media.
Students will practice drawing techniques through still life, graffiti and more. Students might also help design a T-shirt logo for One Spark Academy. Instructor: Helle Rasmussen. Max: 10

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STUDY SESSION: times vary

This time is for independent study only, and a chance for students to practice valuable self-directed study skills. A trained educator or qualified assistant will support, monitor and/or supervise students in their learning as needed, but students must come to EACH class with homeschool or OSA course materials to work on for the full-allotted time, an assignment notebook (so supervisor knows what is to be accomplished), and an appropriate book to read if done with assigned work. Parents should help students create a schedule of lessons to complete per day. Wi-Fi available if students bring laptops/iPads. Students may listen to their own music (with earbuds) during study session. Facilitators vary. Max: 10 students per session.

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COMMUNITY CIRCLE: Monday-Thursday, 10:30-10:45

This special time prior to the first break is for group discussion and practice of critical interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, such as empathy, listening, body language, and effective conversational abilities. During Circle, we also clarify and discuss expectations for a peaceful, proactive and positive learning environment. Finally, time is set aside for an open forum discussion to share what matters to students, resolve any conflicts that may be brewing or support peers in their needs. ALL students on the premises during this time are requested to attend this important time for connection. Facilitated by Lori Peters, although other adults/students may lead at times.

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CRPD Course Descriptions

CRPD: SHAPES of NATURE, Tuesday, 9:00-10:30 SYLLABUS HERE

This class is part one of a four-part foundational Molecular Science Series. Taking ALL FOUR courses (Chemistry R Us, parts 1 and 2 in subsequent sessions, and Biological World in Session 4) is highly recommended. In this first course, students experience nature’s beauty at the molecular level! A complete hands-on workshop, in which students build models of molecules, DNA, bubbles in the shape of a cube, and viruses. This foundational course sets the stage for the joys of chemistry, covering current 6th-8th California chemistry standards in a fun, interactive way. Classes include lecture, video, demonstration, and hands-on activities! A $25 lab fee is required by the first class and will cover the entire year. 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

This Physical Science lab is to supplement the text-based course for 8th or 9th graders, but is appropriate for 8th-11th students. It is designed for students who require a solid background for continuing high school science in biology, chemistry, and physics. If your student’s math and science exposure have not been comprehensive, then physical science should be taken instead of chemistry or biology in 9th grade. This is a rigorous high school level science laboratory in physical science. Over 25 experiments are planned. Students will learn to write laboratory reports and conduct experiments in a safe and responsible manner. The labs generally correlate with the topics presented in the Physical Science text (text: Conceptual Physical Science; Prentice Hall, 2016). A $75 lab fee is required by the first class and will cover the entire year. We will use laboratory kits from Quality Science Labs, LLC, a comprehensive kit with over 30 experiments and a bonus of Special Molecular Biology Labs during select weeks. This is a great opportunity to work with real laboratory equipment. Independent work/reading/study required, 2-3 hrs/week. Instructor: Steve Yoshinaga, Ph.D. Max: 12

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CRPD: BASKETBALL Wednesday, 1:30-2:30

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.