Course Descriptions
ROBOTICS (ENGINEERING)
In this course, your kid will collaborate in a team to create and code a robot, along the way learning to design both the robot’s circuits using a microcontroller, resistors, motors and cables, and the robot itself, with a housing based on recycled materials, they will then learn basic block coding and program their robot
In this beginners course, your kid will learn teamwork, creativity, programming, engineering and circuits by collaborating in a team to create and code a robot, along the way learning to design both the robot’s circuits using a microcontroller, resistors, motors and cables, and the robot itself, with a housing based on recycled materials, they will then learn basic block coding and program their robot using their knowledge. If their team completes all of this on time, they will be able to compete with other teams in a series of small competitions and iterate on their robot.
Schedule:
Week 1: Circuit Basics & Robot Brainstorming
Week 2: Robot Physical & Electrical Design
Week 3: Robot Building(Part 1) & Coding Intro
Week 4: Robot Building(Part 2) & Coding Robot
Week 5: Catchup Day & Competition 1
Week 6: Robot Iterations & Competitions
Week 7: Competitions Wrap Up & Reflections/Feedback
CODING (PYTHON)
Python is a beginner’s course that will teach your child the basics of computer science and programming through the Python language. Throughout the course, your child will apply learned concepts to create various programs, leading up to a final project in which they will create their very own quiz bot, complete with their own riddles, jokes, questions, and more!
Schedule:
Week 1 – Introduction/What is Coding
Week 2 – Basic Concepts in Coding
Week 3 – Data Types and Variables
Week 4 – Booleans and Conditionals
Week 5 – Loops and lists
Week 6 – Imports and Documentation
Week 7 – Final Quiz-Bot Project
GRAPHIC DESIGN
This course will teach students the essential skills needed to grow their graphic design skills. We will set their foundational knowledge with practice in using the elements of art and the principles of design. Practical skills will include knowledge in professional tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator. Projects will simulate real-world applications of graphic design, including advertisement, product design, and illustration. We will also teach productive workflows to students to create successful designs, from making thumbnail sketches, to handling rounds of feedback. There will be a focus on student choice, as to not limit students’ creativity as they establish their own style.
Schedule:
Week 1: Create Company concept and design a logo
Week 2: Finish Logos. Next, choose and create a detailed piece of advertisement for your company concept(ex: t-shirt design, poster, mascot character design, etc).
Week 3: Work on detailed ad.
Week 4: Continue work on detailed ad. Next, choose and create an interactive advertisement for your company concept (ex: video, animation, packaging, webpage, etc).
Week 5: Work on interactive ad.
Week 6: Continue work on interactive ad. Next, create and design a portfolio showcasing your work.
Week 7: Work on Portfolio. Present!
PUBLIC SPEAKING
In the SPARK Public Speaking Course, students will gain experience, valuable knowledge, and confidence in the world of Public Speaking. Students will be lead through a various amount of activities and guided lessons, aiming to build a foundation that supports them in the long run. As student educators, we are dedicated to providing an environment in which students can learn in a fun and engaging manner.
Schedule:
Week 1: Introduction to public speaking
Week 2: How to overcome Stage Fright
Week 3: Structuring a Speech
Week 4: Voice and Articulation
Week 5: Nonverbal Communication and Slide Techniques
Week 6: Engaging the Audience
Week 7: Final Presentation and Feedback
Arts and Art History
In the SPARK Arts and Crafts course, students will learn, experiment, and grow in the world of art. Through hands on instruction, demonstrations, and guided practice, we aim to provide a foundation in various artistic techniques and forms. We aim to improve students in artistic ability, expression and creativity all in a fun and friendly manner.
Schedule:
Week 1: Cave Art & Introduction
Week 2: Renaissance – Statues – Michelangelo
Week 3: Impressionism – Claude Monet
Week 4: Visigothic & Gothic Architecture
Week 5: Modern Art – Abstract Paintings and Modern Impressionism
Week 6: Expressionism
Week 7: Gallery Walk
Badminton
Join our 7-week badminton course designed for beginners, where participants will learn the fundamentals of badminton, including grips, serves, and basic strokes. Through engaging drills, fun games, and friendly matches, students will improve their physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork. Each week focuses on different aspects of the game from net play to game strategies culminating in a friendly tournament. By the end of the course, students will be able to be proficient in badminton!
Schedule:
Week 1: Rules, Introduction To Fundamentals
Week 2: Fundamentals – Basic Strokes, Serving
Week 3: Fundamentals – Basic Strokes Cont.
Week 4: Footwork Drills and Continuation Of Strokes
Week 5: Deceptive Strokes, Drops, Clears
Week 6: Smashes
Week 7: Friendly Tournament(Singles)
Chess
Join this dynamic chess course led by an experienced coach with over 10 years of competitive play and a rating of 1600+. Designed for beginners and intermediate players, this course will help you develop a deep understanding of key chess principles, from opening strategies to endgame techniques. With personalized guidance and hands-on lessons, you’ll learn how to think critically, plan your moves, and sharpen your tactics in every phase of the game.
Whether you’re aiming to improve your rating or simply become a stronger, more confident player, this course will equip you with the tools and knowledge to succeed on the board.
Schedule:
Week 1: Tactics
Week 2: Puzzles
Week 3: Opening Theory
Week 4: Review + Middle Game Ideas
Week 5: Endgame Tricks
Week 6: Advanced Puzzles
Week 7: Advanced Chess Openings
CAMERA 101
The SPARK photography course covers the fundamentals of photography and how to operate camera equipment. Throughout the course, we will build on and improve any pre-existing skills and go over how to apply them to real-life situations. This course will also take a deeper dive into topics such as composition, metering, and editing. At the end of this course, we will hold a gallery walk with all the pictures the students have taken to showcase what they have learned to their parents.
Schedule:
Week 1: Photography Triangle Basics
Week 2: How To Operate A Camera
Week 3: How To Compose A Picture
Week 4: How to Take Portraits
Week 5: Basics of Editing
Week 6: Editing Pictures Previously Taken
Week 7: Host A Gallery Of Pictures Students Have Taken And Edited