Course Descriptions
ROBOTICS & CODING
In this course, your child will focus on either an engineering-oriented or coding-oriented experience, and collaborate with a team consisting of engineers and coders to apply learned skills in order to design, create, code, and test their very own robot.
If your kid chooses to specialize in coding they will collaborate in a team to program a robot, along the way learning the fundamentals of the Python programming language, from coding on-device programs, to utilizing code in interactive machines. They will then collaborate with the engineers to get their own robot through a series of obstacles, improving on the initial code in order to complete more challenges than rival teams.
If your kid chooses to specialize in engineering, they will collaborate in a team to design a robot, along the way learning to design both the robot’s circuits using a microcontroller, resistors, motors and cables, and the robot itself, based on recycled materials. They will then collaborate with the programmers to get the robot through a series of obstacles, improving on the initial design in order to complete more challenges than rival teams.
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
Week 8: Course Wrap Up & Reflections
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.
Week 8: Presentation Time
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
Week 8: Presentation Review and Suggestions
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: Pop Art
Week 8: 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: Tournament Preparation
Week 8: Tournament
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
Week 8: Course Wrap-Up
Game Design
Have an enriching experience by learning how to make fun games on the Unity Game Engine! You will be learning the C# programming language and creating a 2-dimensional platforming simulator video game!
Schedule:
Week 1: Learn the basics in C# and the Unity Game Engine
Week 2: Importing and interacting with sprites in Unity Game Engine
Week 3: Animations
Week 4: Using Colliders and Triggers
Week 5: Adding basic Artificial Intelligence
Week 6: Familiarizing yourself with the User Interface
Week 7: Upgrade and Point system
Week 8: Playtesting