2011 Spring Academy After Hours -- course descriptions

[Ken Mayers]

NEW COURSES FOR THE SPRING

Forensic Science

Do you enjoy watching CSI? Ever wonder what those CSI guys use to make
fingerprints appear or what they look for when they analyze spattered
blood? Well, this course will allow you to do all those techniques you
see! You will learn how to take fingerprints, expose and analyze
fingerprints, see how much a simulated blood drop can tell you,
investigate the uniqueness of foot and tire prints, watch how bullets
can identify the weapon source, observe how one hair strand can
determine its source, discover how broken glass can reveal how it got
broken, and more. PLUS, we intend to visit the CSI lab right here in
Hackensack! This is a hands-on laboratory class that will enable you
to understand, explain and perform all those neat CSI techniques!

Cool Chemistry!

This laboratory hands-on course will excite students when they learn
how and why various chemical phenomena work. They will perform mini
experiments to see why fireworks display so many colors, investigate
what colors make up ordinary ink, experience the power of atmospheric
pressure, learn what makes light sticks work, watch how you can boil
water at room temperature or in a paper cup, and many others! Each
session will begin with a brief lesson describing the scienctific
principles that will be witnessed that day before conducting the
fascinating experiments. This chemistry class will be sure to create a
reaction!

Writing for Literature

Using short stories, poetry, and essays, this class will teach skills
and techniques for analyzing, discussing, and writing about
literature . Students will respond to the works both through class
discussion and in-class writing . Students will then peer edit other
student’s writing and work with the instructor to improve their
writing skills. This is an ideal class for students who want to
improve their writing or who want to get some experience with the kind
of writing found in the new SAT.

COMPLETE COURSE OFFERINGS

Creative Writing
(Grades 6-8)
This introductory writing workshop focuses on the reading, discussion
and revision of students’ short fiction and poetry. Students will be
introduced to models of fiction and poetry and will use these models
to develop their own creative pieces. Students will enhance their
storytelling skills and learn how to capture a reader’s attention
while finding their own, unique voice. Topics covered will include
character, setting, point of view, imagery, and poetic forms. Students
will collaborate to compile an anthology of student writing composed
during the course. No prior creative writing experience is necessary.

Digital Drawing
(Grades 5-8)
Students explore the ways computers are used as an artistic medium.
This course is an introduction to making images both for web and
printing. During this course, students are going to create various
images using Adobe Illustrator. As students complete their creative
projects they will learn and develop digital drawing and painting
skills.

Drawing 101
(Grades 6-8)
This course teaches drawing fundamentals that can be used as a
foundation for further studies in art. Students will learn how to
break down complex forms into basic forms, becoming capable of drawing
almost anything! Students will then build up compositions both from
life and from the imagination while exploring a variety of different
styles and materials.

Honors Algebra
(Grades 6-8)
This course emphasizes the development of problem- solving skills, all
of which are important for the SAT. Topics covered include linear and
quadratic equations, inequalities, exponents, radicals, and
polynomials. Knowledge of pre-algebra, including operations with
positive and negative numbers, is expected.

3D Modeling and Animation
(Grades 6-8)
This course uses techniques in modeling, material generation, and key
framing with 3D Studio Max. Components of the course include: modeling
(deformations), material generation, key framing (morphing), and
rendering with video output for playback on a computer. Each time
students participate in a course session, they increase their skill
level from the previous session.

Animation for the Web
(Grades 6-8)
Students will begin to learn how to make animations that “dazzle and
entertain.” Students will explore the artistic techniques and new
technologies used to create animations, learning both visual and
design principles. They will create animations using Flash and Adobe
Photoshop. Students will learn tools and techniques to create digital
animation for broadcast and the Web. Projects are designed to enable
students to develop and refine their personal style through exercises
and assignments directed at making their images move.

CAD & Lego Designs
(Grades 6-8)
This course uses solid modeling (a sophisticated technique for
representing objects) to introduce the design process. Students learn
basic sketching and drafting techniques, utilizing descriptive
geometry as a component of design and computer modeling. Students will
create their own designs including “Virtual Lego.” Students can “print-
out” a Prototype, including their own Lego design parts, using a
special 3D printer.

Creating Cool Web Sites
(Grades 6-8)
For anyone curious about creating a Web site, this class is the
ultimate starter kit. Whether you’re building a sophisticated
commercial Web site or just creating an online spot to call home, good
Web site development is about a lot more than just HTML nowadays.
Students will spend lots of time exploring the nuances of xhtml and
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) as they implement them on their own web
sites.

Honors Geometry
(Grades 6-8)
This is a formal Geometry course offered to students who have a strong
aptitude in mathematics. Topics covered include angles, parallel lines
and transversals, triangles, polygons, circles, perimeter and area,
similarity and congruence, trigonometry, solids, surface area, and
volume. The emphasis of this course is the development of problem-
solving skills related specifically to problems in two- or three-
dimensional space.

Making Sense of Your Senses: Sensation, Perception, and the Brain
(Grades 5-8)
This course will explore three sense systems of humans: Vision
(seeing), audition (hearing), and olfaction (smelling). Students will
learn the basics of the sensory equipment humans possess and then
explore their own sensory capabilities with a variety of
demonstrations. We will also examine perceptual illusions: why they
work, why we can be fooled by them, and what value they serve our very
sophisticated perceptual capabilities.

Non-Routine Problem Solving (Grades 5-8)
Students learn how to solve problems in number theory, logic, algebra,
and geometry. Students work with experienced coaches and instructors
in small, collaborative teams. They improve their problem-solving
abilities by tackling challenges that involve creative thinking, and
they also learn strategies that can be applied to any kind of
research. They are prepared to proceed to local, state, national, and
international math competitions.

Physics
(Grades 7-8)
Why does wood float but iron sink? How do lenses focus light? What is
the nature of electricity? Topics include mechanics, heat,
electricity, and optics. Demonstrations, hands-on activities, and
modern computer technology are utilized. Laboratory work is
emphasized.

Public Speaking
(Grades 6-8)
Dread speaking in class, giving speeches and oral presentations? This
is the workshop for you! Improve your skills and confidence – become a
better orator and learn how to write and deliver persuasive speeches
and debates.

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