Course Descriptions, Session 3
Important notes about courses and registration:
We know it’s important for children, especially teens, to feel included and part of a community of peers. Students are encouraged to stay for at least two full mornings and/or afternoons a week in order to be part of the community and establish social connections. The more courses taken, the lower the cost.
- Registration for Teen Center enrichment courses must be done through the CRPD; please indicate which Teen Center enrichment courses your child is taking when registering for OSA courses. Like OSA courses, Teen Center enrichment courses have a maximum number. See schedule here.
- Core courses are considered any core academic course or enrichment course through OSA. Core courses are not individual study sessions, lunch, field trips, or Teen Center enrichment. There is a reduced price for taking two or more core courses.
- Priority for sessions is given to any participant registering for the subsequent session in which he or she is enrolled, with the exception of Session 1 in Fall, 2012. For Session 1, 2012-2013, priority will be given to this year’s Session 4 participants. (We are adding a 5th session called “Imaginession”; participants in this short session do not get automatic priority for Session 1, 2012). Enrollment priority for Session 4 (April 2-May 24, 2012) will be given to Session 3 participants.
- Please see our Future Courses link for a list of courses planned for Sessions 4.
Session 3 Course Descriptions
| English/Language Arts 1, M/W(3.5 hr/wk) This course is best suited for 6th graders, or 7/8th graders who need additional practice with basic reading and writing skills. A range of skills is expected. High-interest articles, essays and book excerpts will be enjoyed, with time for discussion, evaluation and writing. Junior Scholastic or similar materials will be used for analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies topics are often incorporated into lessons. Focus of writing genre will be summary and response to literature; basic conventions, mechanics and editing will be practiced in each class. Additional writing will be assigned if needed. Materials needed: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen. Max: 10 students. Instructor: Lori Peters.While both classes are recommended, it is possible to take just one class per week, space permitting. |
| English/Language Arts 2, M/W(2.5 hr/wk) This course is for students who have mastered basic mechanics or who are willing to practice basic mechanics on their own if needed, and are at least proficient writers in composition (flow of ideas). Students in this class should be able to read/write proficiently at seventh grade level or above. Various types of writing will be explored and discussed; students will share and constructively critique each other’s writing. Focus of writing genre will be response to literature. Junior Scholastic or similar materials will be used for analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies topics are often incorporated into lessons. This class goes at a much faster pace than ELA 1. Students should expect to compose at least 4 final drafts of their writing. Materials needed: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen. May bring laptop. (Wi-Fi included). Max: 12 students. Instructor: Lori Peters. While both classes are recommended, it is possible to take just one class per week, space permitting. |
| Math At Your Level (times vary) Each unique 1.75 hour or 1.25 hour math class features small class size, fun and interesting activities, individualized instruction (with lessons and support at your level: elementary math, pre-algebra, algebra, and beyond!), immediate feedback, and support for your HS curriculum. Although a variety of levels are welcome in any class, the longer math blocks (9:00-10:45) are recommended for students needing extra assistance in math. Students will be introduced to excellent math websites, including Kahn Academy, which offers individualized lessons and immediate feedback. Dependent on home school curriculum, students will be offered small group or individual lessons from a variety of resources, such as Saxon. Materials needed: spiral notebook. Optional: Max: 10 students. Courses M102, M103, M107- Instructor: Kay Sikra; Course M104- Instructor Liza Scheer |
| Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 (Mondays), and Pre-Algebra Games/Activities (Tuesday) In these leveled classes, students will build their proficiency with key algebraic concepts in such as patterns, variables, functions, and coordinate graphing. Connections between arithmetic and algebra are made through the use of drawings, tables, graphs, words, and symbols. Monday lessons will be direct, although online programs may be used. Some independent work at home is to be expected. Tuesday activities will not include computer time, but will be collaborative in nature. Instructors: Liza Scheer (Monday) and Kay Sikra (Tuesday). Students in Algebra 1 must be proficient in basic computation and pre-algebra concepts. Max: 10 students in each class. |
| The Stock Market Game
Starting with a virtual cash account of $100,000, students strive to create the best-performing portfolio using a live trading simulation. They work together in teams, practicing leadership, organization, negotiation, and cooperation as they compete for the top spot. Each week we will learn how to use internet research and news updates to make decisions about portfolios. Teams trade common stocks and mutual funds from the NYSE, Nasdaq and AMEX exchanges; earn interest on cash balances; pay interest if buying on margin and pay a commission on all trades. To determine why certain stocks perform the way they do, or why the broader market has moved up or down, they need to understand how the economy works, and to calculate their returns, they need to do the math. The program also teaches and reinforces these essential skills and concepts:
The program is made possible by the support of more than 650 securities firms, combined with essential grassroots support in schools and communities. It is the only stock market simulation supported by the New York Stock Exchange.
Max: 10 students. Instructor: Liza Scheer. |
| CSI Academy! This unit is designed to combine an introduction to forensic science with four investigative lab activities. A dog napping mystery is presented to the class, and student investigators are in charge of helping Detective Woodward solve it. After learning terminology and facts about forensics, students will examine clues from the story using pH analysis, paper chromatography of ink samples, Questioned Document (QD) analysis, and hair sample comparisons. The results of the lessons will lead students to conclude who committed the crime. When the four labs are completed, students will compose an Investigative Report. After completing their reports, students will be provided with the story Epilogue to confirm their findings. Developed as part of a continuing educational partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and developed in collaboration with the National Science Teachers Association. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Tuesdays, 9:00-10:45. |
| Book Club Join the club for a literature exploration, and savor the pleasures of a shared reading experience. Two novels will be selected, one classic and one modern. Students will be expected to keep up with their reading, and bring their ideas, observations, questions, and connections to each class. Students will consider theme, character, plot, tone, author’s style, message and much more in their conversations. Reading proficiency should be 6th grade or above. Depending on the number of participants, there may be two groups running concurrently. Instructor: Liza Scheer. Mondays, 1:30-2:30. |
| Our American Story This 8-week course will provide a solid but abbreviated overview of the core 8th grade social studies standards, with opportunities provided for follow-up reading and more in-depth study. Students will make connections and reflect upon the issues and events that shaped America, from the framing of the Constitution up to WW1, with an emphasis on America’s role in the War. Students will review the development of the democratic institutions, founded on our Judeo-Christian heritage and English parliamentary traditions, as well as the development of American politics, society, culture, and economy, and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences. We will explore the causes and consequences of the Civil War, the rise of industrialism, and contemporary social and economic conditions. This fast-paced class, open to any 6th-8th grader, will include note taking, discussion, reading, video, and some type of hands-on choice each week. Students should have a solid understanding of core concepts from 5th and 6th grade American and world history in order to benefit from the content. Course will culminate with a project and presentation of a sub-topic from the unit of study. Hopefully, the course will help prepare 8th grade students who are taking the state tests in April, as the test does include an overview of 6th-8th grade social studies. Instructor: Lori Peters. Thursdays, 9:00-10:45. |
| Portraiture (through the CRPD) Discover the secrets to creating incredible portraits. With this class, students will learn how to capture the personality of their subject with reflective light and meaningful transitions between light and dark, using techniques with soft pastel, pencils and acrylic paint. Whether students are working with acrylics or pastels, they will learn to mix flesh tones and practice accurate proportions through learning facial structure and anatomy. Students will learn how to work with photos properly to create their finished paintings and will make one self-portrait and another portrait of their choice. Instructor: Helle Rasmussen. Thursdays, 1:30-2:30. |
| Body Talk Puberty?? Emotions?? STDs?? Pregnancy?? Abstinence?? Yes, we will be talking about these topics, as well as friendship and communication skills. Having a healthy attitude about growing up, a changing body, dating, and the opposite sex starts with clear information. Students will be encouraged to explore the values that are important to them through discussion in class and with their families. Factual information will be presented in a safe, respectful environment. Some time during the session will be provided for separate gender groups (and/or age groups if appropriate) to talk about more sensitive topics. There will also be an anonymous question box to answer questions students may have but don’t want anyone to know they asked! Instructor Robin Lindsey has taught Our Whole Lives Comprehensive Sexuality Education for 8 years to students in grades 6th-8th privately and grades 4th-7th in public school. Components of F.L.A.S.H (Family Life and Sexual Health) for lessons, handouts, and family homework will be used. Parents are encouraged to follow up at home with added lessons: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/famplan/educators/grades78.aspx Level of instruction will be guided by the general maturity of participants. Enrollment is limited to 20 students. Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30. |
| Women in History Join a group of proactive young women (that’s you, girls!) who each believe in speaking up for what she believes in: that girls and women can do anything they set their mind to, break any barrier, and change the world for the better. We will break up five engaging scripts amongst the group, selected for presentation by AAUW (American Association of University Women). Students will learn about these five groundbreaking women, study their chosen script, practice public speaking skills, create a costume and props, and then our students (and only ours) will prepare for a major presentation at the Thousand Oaks Library on March 14th, in conjunction with a Seneca Falls film presented by AAUW. Should students want to give more presentations, we can arrange them at various locations (such as the Chamber or Commerce). Instructor Lori Peters has lead students in the Women in History program for 14 years, as well as has written five scripts. Many students who have participated in Women in History claim it is one of their most enriching school experiences. Parents will be called upon to assist with costumes and with the March 14th presentation night. Tuesdays, 1:30-3:00 Women in History flyer |
| Food Fascination Have you ever wanted to make your own culinary cuisines? Or create balanced, great-tasting meals that will help your body be strong and healthy? In our Food Fascination course, we will look at what makes a balanced meal and how to plan for the season, which helps the pocket book as well. We will discuss the importance of nutritious food and what it provides to our bodies. Students will also work on creating a balanced meal for their peers. They will research recipes they would like to try and bring them to the group, and then compare markets to see which offers the lowest grocery bill. They will learn the basic home economic skills of reading recipes, cutting and chopping up different foods, baking, and exploring a variety of fruits and vegetables. Max: 12 students. Instructor: Laura Erlig. |
| Study Session: Daily, times vary. This time is for independent study only, and a chance for students to practice valuable self-directed study skills. A credentialed teacher will help support, monitor and supervise students in their learning, but students must come 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. Parents should help students create a schedule of lessons to complete per day. Parents of OSA students are encouraged to volunteer or work with their child for one study session per week, if they are signed up for more than two sessions. Max: 15 students per session. Instructors vary.Fees:S401-404 (1.75 hr/wk each) per session. S405-S412 (1 hr/wk or 1.25 hr/wk each) per session. |
| Community Connection, daily, 10:45-10:55 This special time prior to first break is for our group to come together for an open forum discussion to share what matters to them, resolve any conflicts that may be brewing, or support peers in their needs. No charge. ALL students on the premises at this time are asked to attend this important time for connection. |
| LUNCHTIME! Two options. Sign up for each day. Break: 12:30-1:00 Lunch for all: 1:00-1:30 Lunchtime supervision only from 12:30-1:30, bring your own healthy lunch and beverage. No microwave is available. Nutrition (lunch included): As part of our community commitment, OSA students who select this option are asked to participate in set up and/or clean up. Instructor Laura Erlig has created a masterful healthy menu that will entice any appetite. Lunch items will be fresh and varied, and beverages included (water, iced tea, juice). Parent help is needed for clean up. Please let us know if you can assist, and which day. Lunch included for parents who attend! |
