Full Semester classes

 

Maker class: Projects Exploring Light, ages 8-12. In this class we will explore the physics of light through science demos and art projects using light. We will play with prisms, lens and mirrors. Projects will include things such as kaleidoscopes, the pepper’s ghost illusion, suncatchers, and camera obscuras.

High School Biology, ages 13-18,  In the fall, we will learn about microscope use, microorganisms, cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology. In the spring, we will cover more ecology, botany, zoology and human body systems. (Please note, students will need a microscope at home when this class is taught online. I have a limited number of microscopes for rent for local people that will need one for class if they do not have their own)

Medieval and Renaissance Makers, ages 7-10 Come explore history and what life was like in the past as well explore historic fibers arts, castles and armor, illuminated manuscripts and early printing, and much more!

Makers Vs Zombies, ages 10-14. This interdisciplinary class will explore science, technology and storytelling against the background of a fictitious zombie apocalypse.

Nature Study, ages 8-12. Explore the world of nature as we learn about local wildlife, plants and ecosystems. We will learn to keep a nature journal as part of our studies. There will be a different nature theme every week!

Art of Math, ages 7-11. Math is everywhere! We will explore math concepts, particularly in geometry, through a variety of art projects that will include finding patterns in nature, fractals, origami, and more.

Life Science, ages 11 -14. In the fall we will cover microscope use, cells, genetics, and evolution. In the spring we will learn about human body systems.

Botany and Biomes ages 7-12. In the fall we will learn about parts of plants, characteristics and adaptations of various groups of plants. In the spring we will learn about various biomes and the plant and animal life found there.

Botany Study and Botanical Illustration, ages 11-17. We will learn about structures and groups of plants while learning the skills to make scientific illustrations of botanical specimens.

Science of Sound, Ages 8-12. In the Science of Sound class students will learn about the physics and science of sound. We will make a variety of simple musical instruments and do several hands on science demos to explore how sound is made and travels. We will also learn about how our ears work. 

History of Science, Ages 7-11.  In this class we will explore various scientific discoveries and the scientist who made them. 

Art Explorations, Ages 7-10.  In the Art Explorations class students will have the chance to explore a variety or art techniques and media. During the semester we will do drawings and paintings, glue collages, make sculptures, and create fiber arts.

Mini Archeology, ages 7-10.  Learn about how archeologists study ancient cultures! What clues provide information about the past? We will explore these questions through “mini digs” in a sand box, examining specimens and doing crafts.

Basic Circuits and Simple Robots, ages 11-14.  In this maker class we will build simple circuits and simple robots such as bristle bots as well learn about electricity.

Forensics, ages 12-17.  In this lab-based class we will learn about physics, chemistry, and biology as we explore the tools forensics investigators use to learn about crime scenes.

Nature Study and Writing, ages 8-12.  This fall Susan Miller and I are teaming up to teach a nature studies class! I will be leading science and nature study activities and Susan will be leading writing activities that tie into our nature exploration!

Seasonal Science, Ages 8-12. Join us as we do hands on science projects to explore seasonal these such as autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving foods, and winter.

Zoology, ages 7-12. Learn about the various phylums of animal life, their characteristics and adaptations. In the fall semester we will focus on invertebrates. There will be second class in the spring to focus on vertebrate life.

Zoological Study and Illustration, ages 12-17.  Learn about the various phylums of animal life, their characteristics and adaptations. We will also learn some art techniques for natural history illustration. In the fall semester we will focus on invertebrates. There will be second class in the spring to focus on vertebrate life.

Afterschool and enrichment classes and summer programs(ages 8-12)

Geology. What is a mineral? How are rocks formed and how do they change over time?

Intro to the Elements and the Periodic Table. What is an element? What is an atom or a molecule? And how does the periodic table represent and tell us about these?

Spooky Science. This October only class will explore “creepy” animals, strange chemical reactions and visual illusions

Science of Cooking, Thanksgiving Edition. Exploring science through common holiday foods!

Holiday Gift Making and Crafting. Make felted toys! Sew a bag! Make a bath bomb! And more!

Beginning Sewing.  Learn some basic hand sewing skills as we make projects such as a felt bag, a pillow and a stuffed animal.

Marine invertebrates.  The ocean is full of life! Learn about the variety of animals that exist in the ocean without backbones.

All About Fish.  There are so many kinds of fish! Learn about some of them and their adaptations

Mini Botany.  Plants surround us everywhere! Learn about how they live and how we depend on them.

Science of Cooking.  Cooking is science! Learn about the life forms that make bread rise, play with acid base chemistry in food, explore changes of state, and see how fats and water interact.

Let’s Get Growing! Learn About Plants.  Plants are everywhere! How do they live? Why are they important? How do all living things, including us depend on them and interact with them every day? Learn the answers in this fun class!

Bones.  Skeletons – we all have them! Examine both real and replica bone specimens as we learn about the structure and functions of bones. What secrets can bones, recent and ancient, teach us?

Insects, Spiders and other Creepy Crawlies.  Insects and their relatives are a vital part of our ecosystem. Learn about these fascinating creatures, their characteristics, and their adaptations to their environment. We will examine both preserved and live specimens.

Wonders of the Human Body.  Our bodies are complex with many systems working together to keep us alive! We will learn about bones and muscles, heart and lungs, the digestive system and our senses. Explore the fascinating world of the human body!

The Big Wide Ocean.  Most of our planet is covered in water. Learn about the fantastic animals that live in ocean habitats and how they are adapted to their environment.

The World of the Small.  Tiny creatures we can’t see with the naked eye, textures of our world in detail, cells and structures. Microscopes show us a whole world beyond what we can usually see. Come explore the world of the tiny and microscopic!

The World of the Far Away.  The vastness of space. The deep ocean. These are areas out of our normal reach but in this class we will learn about the tools that scientists use to explore them and some of what they have learned in the process.

Adult classes (ages 13 +)

Introduction to Felting. Learn the basics of needle felting while we make decorative mushrooms

Introduction to Embroidery 1.  Learn some basic stitches as we make a small wall-hanging decorations. No prior experience needed

Introduction to Embroidery 2. Add some new embroidery stiches beyond what we cover introduction to Embroidery 1 as we work on a sampler

Forensics

• Week 1 glass and plastics analysis and shatter patterns
• Week 2 fingerprints and impressions analysis
• Week 3 hair and fiber analysis
• Week 4 bones, bodies and biological stuff

Introduction to Hand Sewing and Mending.  In this class learn some basic hand sewing stitches and how to do minor sewing repairs.

Halloween Skills!

• Week 1. Basic special effects make up – cuts, bites and burns
• Week 2. Costume making tips and ideas
• Week 3 Halloween decorations
• Week 4.  Halloween food ideas

Mini Forensics.  Bones and Bodies. Learn about the process of decay and what bodies and bones can tell forensics investigators

Beginning Machine Sewing, Thanksgiving decoration version

• Week 1 make napkins
• Week 2 make placemats
• Week 3 make a table runner

Science of Cooking.   How Baked Goods Rise. Learn about biological, chemical and physical ways that baked goods can get air in them

Felting Holiday Decorations and Gifts

• Week 1: make a dryer ball
• Week 2: make a small decorated bag
• Week 3: make a small decorative animal sculpture
• Week 4: make a tree or wall-hanging ornament