Come and meet the first American superheroes! Students “travel” through the United States encountering superheroes such as Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Slue-foot Sue, and others. On their journey, adventurers learn about the simple machines that the tall tale characters used in their everyday lives. Each Saturday the instructor focuses on a specific superhero and includes elements from science, geography, language arts and math. Engaging activities aid students in making connections among subject areas.
I have four sides and four vertices…what am I? Young mathematicians learn the properties and language of geometry through exploration and experimentation. Two- and three-dimensional shapes, symmetry, patterns and other geometric topics are defined and understood through engaging interactive play. The design and construction of polygon projects provides a foundation for the geometry that surrounds us.
3-2-1-Blast off! Students in this interactive course are introduced to basic mathematical principles such as proportion, area, patterns, perimeter and fractions. Math games, secret codes, graphing activities and collaborative projects challenge class members to apply new concepts and develop their own ideas about the wonders and excitement of mathematics. This course is filled with opportunities to work with topics that are not always covered in traditional school settings.
3-2-1-Blast off! Students in this interactive course are introduced to basic mathematical principles such as proportion, area, patterns, perimeter and fractions. Math games, secret codes, graphing activities and collaborative projects challenge class members to apply new concepts and develop their own ideas about the wonders and excitement of mathematics. This course is filled with opportunities to work with topics that are not always covered in traditional school settings.
Requirements: Subject Area: Math Qualifying Score: Math
Why do some fish hide? Where do fish go during a hurricane? Novice ichthyologists learn the answers to these and many more questions as they study the various types of fish that inhabit the Earth’s waters. Students uncover new and interesting facts about life in both fresh and salt water. Young learners discover the fascinating assortment of life that exists in the waters of our seas and lakes.
Why do some fish hide? Where do fish go during a hurricane? Novice ichthyologists learn the answers to these and many more questions as they study the various types of fish that inhabit the Earth’s waters. Students uncover new and interesting facts about life in both fresh and salt water. Young learners discover the fascinating assortment of life that exists in the waters of our seas and lakes.
Requirements: Subject Area: Science Qualifying Score: Reading or Math
Prepare for great adventures in North and South America! Young globetrotters are exposed to indigenous literature and music as they discover the people, culture and customs of various cities and countries in the Western Hemisphere. Students demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge via original projects and journal writings.
How can anyone find all the possible solutions to a specific problem? Ranging from plot analysis to MENSA puzzles for children, this course introduces students to a wide variety of approaches used to solve problems. Students become absorbed with strategies and their applications in many subject areas and social settings, as they engage in the development of important life skills. Mathematical dexterity is enhanced as participants think about, and then solve, complex and interesting problems.
Is it magic, science or a bit of both? By observing chemical processes, students learn the scientific explanations behind many seemingly “magical” occurrences. They experiment with crystallization, evaporation and dissolution as they experience the world of chemistry in a safe, introductory environment.
Hop on the Pony Express and get ready for a big adventure! Through a variety of activities related to stories, arts and music, students “live” the history of westward expansion in the United States. Students gain new reading and writing skills as they “experience” history and compile their own record of this amazing time in the development of the United States.
Lines and circles and angles, oh my! Come along and join us to give them a try! Students become proficient at recognizing and identifying new geometric shapes as they enhance their mathematical vocabulary. They are introduced to a variety of problem-solving techniques and, as a result, develop some of the logical reasoning abilities and strategies enabling them to solve geometric puzzles and problems. This course is an excellent choice for budding engineers and deep thinkers.
What kind of light and nutrients germinate seeds that will produce purple carrots? This discovery-based course makes use of assorted materials and a variety of hands-on experiences to help students unravel some of the mysteries relating to organisms and their environments on Earth. Students conduct experiments and write lab reports to document their findings. Topics include the life cycles of animals from different phyla and diverse environments for plants.
Future designers, builders and architects are introduced to architectural vocabulary as they explore topics ranging from the mathematics involved in the windows that were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright to the scientific principles that are used in planning the architecture of a zoo. Participants learn about basic styles of homes in the Chicago area, in addition to creating their own designs for literary characters. Join the group to learn about topics ranging from schoolyards to skylines.
Developed as an introduction to robotics, WeDo™ engages students in technology experiments that focus on science, mathematics, social studies and language concepts. Using icon-based programming software, students write and download programs to LEGO® robots allowing them to manipulate the motions of their models.
What role does common sense play in logical thinking? What is the relationship between symbols and words? Students discover the answers to these and other questions in this class. Participants work with figural and pictorial analogies as they examine how they relate to each other. They also look at sequences and the relationships among numbers presented in a series. Advanced-thinking skills are enhanced as the basic forms of syllogisms and logical notation are explored. Using the newly-acquired concepts, students are able to solve more complex problems and puzzles.
How do human actions or lack of actions affect the environment? Some scientists insist that the slow response to global warming has created an irreversible situation. Energy education and conservation approaches applied to real-life outcomes are the focus of this class. Students experience authentic learning and increase their creative expression as they create products and posters that may be submitted to Nicor’s Energy by Design Competition.
Question: What do Pinocchio, The Wizard of Oz and Little Orphan Annie have in common? Response: They are all stories that were adapted for the stage. This guided drama approach teaches improvisation, theatre techniques and develops the cooperative process required to take a story from a starting idea to a finished product. Aspiring dramatists work collaboratively to devise a story, create a script, design costumes and plan scenery as they prepare to perform a final production.
Create your own digital stories, animations, games, music and art on a computer. Share these creations on the Internet with Scratch, a new programming language designed to produce rich, interactive media while developing important 21st century skills. Students acquire advanced mathematical and computational concepts while exploring the technological design process. Course participants may share projects on the Scratch web site and join a global community of Scratch programmers for continuing collaboration.
Note: This is the same class as the fall SEP session of Scratching Technology
If you like chocolate pie, would you prefer 5/8 of it or 75 percent of it? Intermediate-grade-level mathematicians discover the relationships among fractions, decimals and percentages. Students master these conversions and learn to apply the four mathematical operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication and division—to fractions as they identify equivalent and improper fractions while gaining new comprehension about mixed numbers, decimals and percentages. Participants gain confidence in their abilities through this in-depth investigation of the parts of a whole.
Fifty thousand of the cells in your body will die and be replaced with new cells while you are reading this sentence! Students employ inquiry, observation and prediction while collecting and recording data to form the basis for this exploration that includes the internal workings of the human machine. Tackling the complexities of the respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, excretory and immune systems through experiments and dissection, students gain laboratory skills and increase their knowledge of this field of biology.
You may be the next J.R.R. Tolkein, C.S. Lewis or J.K. Rowling! In this class, fantasy writers develop imaginative plots as they create magical worlds, strange beasts and horrible villains. Special tips and techniques are shared by a writer/storyteller who enables students to write, illustrate and publish their phenomenal tales. Portfolios serve as mementos of this class.
When does computer game-making become more than just a leisure pursuit? This occurs when the process integrates storytelling, art, digital media, logic and a new Java graphic application called Greenfoot. Students create their own characters and rules while designing strategies and tactics for a game they develop. This class provides an opportunity to increase technological skills and competency in a highly contemporary medium.
Are you looking for more of a challenge in your math world? If so, come to discover what advanced mathematics is all about, how powerful and compelling it is and why it is so important in the field of science. This class offers a palette of problems that focuses on equations, functions, exponents, fractals and other topics of interest to mathematicians. Students in this class collaborate on thought-provoking problems with multiple solutions and strategies involving both science and math.
In the past, the idea that machines could function as if they were human was merely science fiction. Today, using the LEGO® NXT Robotics Design System, students learn to engineer, build and program robots to perform simple tasks. In small, collaborative groups, participants create autonomous robots by applying their knowledge of math, science and physics in situations that require teamwork and cooperation. Who knows what new ideas may be generated in this class?
The average doctor does not have patients who chase cars or are plagued by hairballs, but veterinarians do! This introduction to the world of veterinary medicine enables students to explore a career path that many are eager to follow. Engaging activities include working with both microscopes and dissection tools as students learn about concepts and participate in activities that practitioners use in this profession. Students come to understand the commitment required to heal animals of all shapes and sizes, and are thus provided with much insight into this fascinating discipline.
Requirements: Qualifying Score: Reading or Math
Photoshop is a popular—and one of the most powerful—image-editing programs available. It is also the most commonly used commercial application in the world. Students learn to navigate the workspace and proceed to explore image modes, selections and masks, layers and blend modes in addition to the painting and retouching tools. Drawing skills are not necessary in graphic design. Participants discuss the ethics of digital manipulation and its effects. Students leave the course able to recognize and make digital compositions, taking with them a number of digital illustrations.
How can an egg be dropped into a basket without breaking it? This problem-solving engineering course introduces students to the realm of competitive science. As engineers, students design and build structures that reflect the basic engineering principles of stress, load, tension, compression, torsion, stability, truss design and more. The course concludes with a class Expo! to test the durability of the structures that students have built.
Poetry was once a form of oral art, going back in history to the time of Homer writing “The Odyssey.” As literacy became more widespread, public readings dimin¬ished. However, poetry slams continue to grow in popularity, as poets bring their poems to life, onstage, in a competitive format. This course focuses on powerful imagery, varying pace and pitch in addition to developing students’ voices. Past poets such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac are explored as well as new artists like Mark Smith, Saul Williams and Anne Clark.
Competitive spirit and mathematical talent prepare students to take part in mathematical contests. Participants compete for fun and increase their math skills while developing strategies in complex problem solving. Friendly competition prompts students to tackle higher-level math concepts and to strengthen their abilities in a compelling, structured setting that challenges their abilities.
Competitive spirit and mathematical talent prepare students to take part in mathematical contests. Participants compete for fun and increase their math skills while developing strategies in complex problem solving. Friendly competition prompts students to tackle higher-level math concepts and to strengthen their abilities in a compelling, structured setting that challenges their abilities.
“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” — Joseph Joubert, French essayist. This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of the principles and practices of effective communication in the types of speaking situations they may encounter in school and later life as adults. Preparation and presentation, effective body communication, the vocal mechanism and the debate process are covered, along with effective listening skills. Grounded in rhetorical tradition and in the currently accepted principles and findings that are related to the behavioral sciences, debate techniques are explored. Topics are student-generated and provide opportunities for participants to practice and improve their communication skills.
High school credit: 2 semesters for three sessions of participation.
This second part of the three-part Integrated Science Honors course introduces students to topics in physics. A range of fundamental concepts is presented in innovative problem- and project-based experiments conducted in this high school science class. Universal principles and major topics in physics include friction, velocity and acceleration, Newton’s laws, electricity, magnetism and waves.
Notes:
•This is the second of a three-course series required for high school credit for students seeking high school credit for Integrated Science Honors this academic year. Biology was offered last fall and will be available again next fall. Chemistry will be offered in the spring.
•Students may elect to take any or all of these courses for enrichment purposes only.
“Poetry is life distilled.” — Gwendolyn Brooks. From e.e. cummings to Maya Angelou, the works of poets often demonstrate new ways to use language. Students study a range of classical and contemporary poetic forms. They also draw from memories, feelings and new understandings of how meaning is conveyed through meter, rhyme, imagery and enjambment to create a portfolio of their own poetry–a memento of this course. Participants learn to critique and edit their own poems, as well as the poems of their peers.
Notes:
•This is the second of a three-course series required for high school credit for students seeking high school credit for Creative Writing Honors this academic year. Fiction was offered last fall and will be available again next fall. Playwriting will be offered in the spring.
•Students may elect to take any or all of these courses for enrichment purposes only
Requirements: Qualifying Score: Reading Site: EV High school credit: 2 semesters for three sessions of participation
Would you like to be part of the next generation of pilots? This weekend course introduces young scholars to the field of aviation through basic concepts in physics and aerodynamics. The history of flight, aircraft basics, forces of flight, weather, flight planning and aviation communication are covered, and flight simulator software is used to provide context and experience. Students learn what it takes to be a pilot for recreation or for a career. This class is designed for students who are interested in math, science, communication or adventure!
“The smarter the journalists are, the better off society is. [For] to a degree, people read the press to inform themselves—and the better the teacher, the better the student body.” –Warren Buffet. Good journalists are able to ask the right questions and synthesize, analyze and organize information accurately and quickly. Students in this course delve into the history of journalism and the changes in media in the last 30 years, discussing and debating the current state of the field and their own media consumption. They are introduced to journalism standards and principle —storytelling, reporting, multimedia and design, blogging, understanding audience—with the course culminating in a student-developed media brand. Get your typing fingers ready. This course is designed and taught by a Medill School of Journalism graduate.
Come and meet the first American superheroes! Students “travel” through the United States encountering superheroes such as Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Slue-foot Sue, and others. On their journey, adventurers learn about the simple machines that the tall tale characters used in their everyday lives. Each Saturday the instructor focuses on a specific superhero and includes elements from science, geography, language arts and math. Engaging activities aid students in making connections among subject areas.
I have four sides and four vertices…what am I? Young mathematicians learn the properties and language of geometry through exploration and experimentation. Two- and three-dimensional shapes, symmetry, patterns and other geometric topics are defined and understood through engaging interactive play. The design and construction of polygon projects provides a foundatioin for the geometry that surrounds us.
Who knows that math has its own language and symbols? Students discover the fundamentals of arithmetic statements while comparing, debating and deciding if they are less than, the same as or more than another quantity. Estimation, number ordering and an introduction to volume and matter conservation challenge students to apply their innate math sense. Place value and addition of 2- and 3-digit numbers increase students’ mathematical skills, while preparing them for higher-level math concepts.
Symbiosis, mutualism, parasitic relationships and community are all examples of living together in the natural world. These relationships between and among plants and animals are explored with the discovery of why they exist, and why they have been able to survive through evolution and environmental change. Barnacles, baleen whales, goby fish and shrimp are all a part of a larger Earth community. Why do they interact? What are the benefits? Young environmentalists discover the hidden agenda of relationships in nature.
Prepare for great adventures in North and South America! Young globetrotters are exposed to indigenous literature and music as they discover the people, culture and customs of various cities and countries in the Western Hemisphere. Students demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge via original projects and journal writings.
How many minutes until the bus comes? Will our budget allow us to eat at Olive Garden, or should we plan to eat at McDonalds? In this class, students have the opportunity to develop and practice math skills used in everyday life. They discover how, when and why addition, subtraction, simple fractions, estimation, problem solving and basic multiplication skills are used. Young mathematicians explore the use of math when they are traveling, shopping, dining out or performing other daily routines.
Detectives do not always need magnifying glasses to solve crimes, but sometimes they are useful tools. Discover what happened, why it happened and how it happened on a weekly basis. By asking questions and listening to the responses to a series of questions, scientific investigators are able to deduce answers. Once a solution has been found, students focus on the scientific concept presented in the mystery. This course reinforces critical-thinking skills.
Naturally gifted writers enhance their skills as they begin to take command of the English language and its components. Word play with synonyms, homophones and compound words adds to the richness and expressiveness of student-created writing. The use of similes and metaphors becomes a jumping-off point for increased vocabulary and humor in the creation of stories and essays. A portfolio of writings documents participants’ progress throughout the course.
If you eat two pieces of pizza from an eight-slice pie or four pieces from a six-slice pie, which is more likely to give you an upset stomach? Practical applications of fractions, decimals, multiplication and division serve as the basis for advancing critical thinking and developing higher-level math skills. Students create visual representations of comparison by generating charts and graphs to represent their mathematical statements as they increase their underlying comprehension and ability to estimate.
What kind of light and nutrients germinate seeds that will produce purple carrots? This discovery-based course makes use of assorted materials and a variety of hands-on experiences to help students unravel some of the mysteries relating to organisms and their environments on Earth. Students conduct experiments and write lab reports to document their findings. Topics include the life cycles of animals from different phyla and diverse environments for plants.
Combinatorial Game Theory is a fancy title for the study of strategies and the mathematics involved in two-player games such as chess, Go, Nim and mancala that do not involve chance. Students explore, develop and employ strategies and higher-level reasoning skills as they evaluate their alternatives and discover cause-and-effect relationships. Using these practices, concentration is improved, attention is expanded and visual memory is enhanced.
Speculation as to the possibility of life on Mars, on Jupiter’s Europa or elsewhere in the solar system has always been rampant. Participants in this class consider the substance and role of inanimate objects such as meteorites, asteroids and comets that have been encountered in history. Students learn about the records of these early space travelers and their composition, mass, nature and arrival in our solar system. Future astronomers gain information about the most recent discoveries involving the Earth’s solar system. Requirements: Qualifying Score: Reading or Math
Just as an optical lens changes one’s visual acuity, clearly focused literature can bring its reader a more distinct image of the world. This class begins with explorative and facilitated activities and discussion, providing the tools to design a group-specific curriculum for the session. Reading quality material rooted in student interest, participants gain additional insight into many topics and viewpoints while expanding their vocabulary and fluency. Coupled with introspective journal writing, students develop an appreciation for classical literature and its ties to personal expression, appropriate to their age level.
Humans’ fascination with the phenomenon of flight has led to the invention of such creations as hot air balloons, blimps, jets and spaceships. The mysteries of both air and space travel are unraveled as participants discover the principles of physics and aerodynamics while experimenting with models of flight. The construction and manipulation of a variety of flying objects, including parachutes, hovercrafts and tetrahedral kites, provide a strong foundation for future study.
Discover the art of the written word with this peer-focused class. Students participate in theme-based literature circles to discuss and dissect engaging works. Each class focuses on one theme and related short stories, poetry and essays. Concepts to be explored include peer pressure, self-discovery, friendship, loyalty, the overcoming of obstacles and perseverance. Students work with their classmates and instructor to uncover the meaning and origin of thought found in their favorite works. Avid readers and thinkers are encouraged to exercise their intellect and opinions in a group of their academic peers. Bring your brain and your insight!
Algebra is the warm-up for more complex mathematical inquiry. Students master concepts including absolute value, polynomials and exponents of all types as they explore new math concepts. Graphing equations provides insight into functions and their applications as students increase their mathematical expertise. Topics covered in this course are designed to raise the participants’ level of math understanding and prepare them for a more in-depth study of algebra.
Prerequisite: Computer Gaming Academy I or instructor’s permission
Take your computer programming skills to the next level while creating an original video game to share with your friends and possibly post on the web. In this class, students continue to explore and implement the Java graphic application, Greenfoot. Students create original characters and effects while embracing the challenge of game development. This class provides an opportunity for students to build upon the programming and digital media skills introduced in Computer Gaming Academy I.
If you are looking for an introduction to computer programming, Alice is it! This 3-D programming environment uses drag-and-drop graphic tiles to help students tell a story or create an interactive game or video. Final products may be displayed on the web (with parental permission). Alice prepares students for higher-level experiences because the instructional statements correspond to standard statements in production-oriented programming languages such as Java, C++ and C#. Alice was designed at Carnegie Mellon University as a student’s first exposure to object-oriented programming.
Note: This is the same class as the fall SEP session of Alice.
If you enjoyed Robotics I, then this is the place to be! Using the advanced features of the LEGO® NXT system, students design and build a unique, autonomous robot, complete with light, sound and touch sensors. Skills in math and science are integrated and enhanced as instructors aid students while they continue their explorations in this compelling area of technology.
Grades 5-7 Prerequisite: Robotics I or instructor’s permission
From school assignments and high school entrance exams to the SAT and graduate school applications, essays are used to measure writing proficiency. Students practice and polish their writing skills as they learn to write exceptional descriptive, analytical, expository and persuasive essays, both with and without time constraints. Students maintain portfolios of their work so they are able to measure their progress and to share among themselves.
Integrated Math provides challenges for students by introducing skills from a wide range of problem-solving activities and situations. This course combines concepts from the algebra, geometry and discrete math strands. More specific topics of study include areas such as functions, data analysis and statistics. Students solve problems and increase their skills in a collaborative environment. Integrated Math provides a good foundation for any high school math sequence.
“Got a dream they’ve come to share, they’re coming to America…” — Neil Diamond. From where will the next generation come? As the world refugee population continues to grow, Chicago has become a rich and diverse option for people traveling thousands of miles from their homes seeking a new future. Students analyze what it might be like to arrive in America and adjust to a new culture while coping with the loss of all that is familiar. Ethical and moral considerations are the focus of discussions relating to the political and social conditions that have created the current refugee populace.
This second part of the three-part Integrated Science Honors course introduces students to topics in physics. A range of fundamental concepts is presented in innovative problem- and project-based experiments conducted in this high school science class. Universal principles and major topics in physics include friction, velocity and acceleration, Newton’s laws, electricity, magnetism and waves.
Notes:
•This is the second of a three-course series required for high school credit for students seeking high school credit for Integrated Science Honors this academic year. Biology was offered last fall and will be available again next fall. Chemistry will be offered in the spring.
•Students may elect to take any or all of these courses for enrichment purposes only.
Additional $95 lab fee Requirements: •Qualifying Score: Reading or Math
Site: EV (also available in am in NP & PA; see #49)
High school credit: 2 semesters for three sessions of participation.
