Class Descriptions

Any topic can be taught in group, semiprivate, or private format.  Lessons will move faster than group classes, and content can be customized to a child's or adult's goal or interests.  The following would be examples of lesson goals:

• developing a specific type of Web application

• passing the APCS exam

• building a Digital Arts portfolio

• learning Python at one's pace with weekly homework assigned

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We recommend semiprivate for a more personal experience but with another student if possible because it is more motivating and educational to learn with other students of the same age and level.  

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In the fall and winter, instructor lead in person classes are set up in 1 hour sessions each weekday.  The intent of after-school programs is to have elementary and middle-school aged children form a community where they feel safe and have fun.  They are also longer than our weekly sessions and include elements from our camps such as group games and video tutorials.  School families may also choose to register for our other classes which meet less regularly, start at the top of the hour and may require more software. 

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After-school sessions are offered Monday through Friday instructor lead in person format for 1 hour.  During that time, we will introduce the topic and teach skills ranging from game development to web development. 

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Below is a sample of after-school times and topics:

W 3:40 Scratch at Paragon

W 4:00 Scratch at Kido (Bi-Weekly)

T 3:05 Java at AJA

F 3:05 Scratch at AJA

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We look forward to seeing your student on campus!

This program is for students who are more interested and excited about the process and tools versus the outcome.  While we will build projects in every session, the goal is more on learning the specifics of the language and how it differs from others.  Each language has unique attributes that will teach students to think differently.  

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Scratch: Learn to use loops, counters, conditionals, and other basic coding constructs through building fun projects in Scratch, a drag-and-drop programming language developed at MIT.  Build games with sound and animation using a colorful library of objects and backdrops.

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Python: Learn to use loops, counters, conditionals, and other basic coding constructs through building fun projects in Python, one of the most popular programming languages in the software industry, favored by companies such as Instagram and YouTube.  Python is a flexible and easy to learn text-based language.

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C, Java, SQL, Ruby, etc:  From Python, students can proceed to learning other programming languages depending on their goals and instructor interest/knowledge.  Through project-based learning, we expose students to different coding constructs and programming principles so that they can see the application of code through studying different solutions.

The game development program starts with GameMaker or GoDot and proceeds to Unity or Unreal engines to learn the complex process of making 2D and 3D Games.  As you proceed through the program, the numbers of kids in each class will be reduced so that we can ensure all students have a good experience.

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GameMaker Studio: Learn to make 2D games in YoYo Games’ beginner-friendly game making tool! Begin with drag-and-drop coding similar to Scratch, then slowly transition to writing your own game code! Students will be introduced to the basics of game design including Level Editing, Sprite Animation, Physics, and more. Check out some projects made in GameMaker here.

 

Unity:  Join to us learn a popular game engine used to develop video games for computers, consoles and mobile devices. Unity has been used to create popular games like Pokemon Go and teaches C# or Javascript as scripting languages. In this class we will learn to create objects in multiple dimensions.

Students will enjoy being creative creating and editing images, shapes and text. Learn how to make photo collages, use selection tools, filters, digital brushes, packs, and more!  Students will be inspired by our talented instructor with experience in graphic design, film, and media.  Once students have mastered a Photoshop-like tool, possible topics that this class will cover include the following for animation and 3D, using tools like DaVinci Resolve, Sketchup, Blender, and Adobe After Effects.

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Topics and Tools

• Graphics Editing: Photoshop, Photopea

• Video Editing:  DaVinci Resolve, Adobe After Effects

• 3D Modeling: Blender, AutoDesk Maya

This program will introduce students not only to the programming and markup languages that form web pages but will also educate them on how the Internet works.

 

HTML5 and CSS:  This class introduces the cool web technologies of HTML and CSS that form web pages!   Learn techniques to design and build a basic web page with animated graphics  and learn about the underlying frameworks and scripting languages that can power websites.  Examples of projects include a greeting card, recipe, and custom page on student interest such as cars or sports.  

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Javascript: Learn one of the most powerful and widely used languages in the world. The course will begin with review of HTML5/CSS to provide a backbone, after which students will begin to learn Javascript, which can take any direction from web development to programming video games.

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“How long will it take me to fly to Japan?” “How many possible chess moves are there?” “How does Mario jump on Goombas’ heads?” Welcome to Math in Action, where we seek to answer these questions and many more! What separates Math in Action from your typical math class is we are all about demonstration!

 

Instead of worksheets and tests, we utilize projects and experiments to teach math concepts in a fun and engaging way. Topics covered will range from Pre-Algebra to the introduction of basic Trigonometry. By the end of the program, students will have a much deeper understanding of math and be able to apply to real-world problems and computer programming. Please join us as we deepen our understanding of the world around us through math!

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Sample Topics:

Level 1 (age 9-11):  Factoring, Order of Operations, Cartesian Plane Basics, Inverse Operations

Level 2 (age 11-13): Exponents, Absolute Value, Quadratics, Functions, Linear Equations

Level 3 (age 13-15): Transformations, Geometric Properties, Right Triangle Trigonometry

Have you always wanted to learn chess? In this class, students will develop their skills through puzzles, lessons, and games against other students. The class will focus on the fundamentals of chess including strategies for the beginning, middle and endgame. The class is designed for beginners and those new to chess that want to improve their skills.

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Chess will be taught in classes and lesson format by an experienced coach.  In virtual format, a chess board is not required as all games will be played virtually.