Fall 2025

Astronomy Investigations (with Afterglow)

Engage in scientific discovery by controlling robotic telescopes in observatories around the world. Students will learn to program the telescopes to take photographs of galaxies and other celestial bodies with different filters. Afterglow software is then used to layer the photographs into magazine-style color images. This class requires patience, focus, and a love of astronomy.

• Mixed Age: Tuesdays, Block 2

Autonomous Robots

Build and program an arduino robot to complete autonomous tasks. Students will first gain a solid understanding of the hardware and software of their robot. Then they will use the engineering process to make custom modifications to complete challenges. Only students with a soldering badge will be able to make modifications that require soldering.

• Mixed Ages: Thursdays, Block 3

CAD/3D Printing with Fusion

Fusion by Autodesk is a powerful tool used by millions of professionals across diverse industries. At Spark, students will use its computer aided design (CAD) functionality to create increasingly complex models for 3D printing. Skills learned in this class help prepare students to take a certification exam via Autodesk. Completing outside homework and independent practice will be required to solidify knowledge. Students must go through the process of verifying homeschooling status with Autodesk to receive a free license. Please allow time for this process, and come prepared with Fusion downloaded on students’ laptops. Materials fee includes filament used to print designs on our 3D printer.

• Mixed Age: Thursdays: Block 4
• Restricted to Age 14+: Wednesdays, Block 2

CAD/3D Printing with Fusion: Jewelry & Art

Design and print your own jewelry and wearable art while learning the basics of computer aided design. This class has a more artistic focus. There will be less structure than the other Fusion classes, and more freedom to work on individual projects.

• Mixed Age: Tuesdays, Block 4

CS Logic / Think Like a Computer

Logic is to computer science what physics is to engineering. Become equipped with the skills to solve problems using computer science concepts like decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic design. Explore topics such as propositional logic, relational logic, functional logic, and first-order logic. Classes will include puzzles and challenges. Students will be empowered to think critically, creatively, and systematically in a digital world.

• Mixed Age: Thursdays, Block 2

Cybersecurity

This course will introduce students to the foundational concepts, principles, and tools of cybersecurity. Hands-on labs are an integral part of instruction, and will be conducted in virtual environments on the U.S. Cyber Range. Lab exercises and reading may be assigned as homework. Materials fee includes membership to the Cyber Range.

• Mixed Age: Wednesdays, Block 2
• Restricted to Age 14+: Wednesdays, Block 1

C# Working Toward Unity Game Design

Unity is a powerful and versatile game engine. It allows developers to create both 2D and 3D games, as well as simulations and virtual reality experiences. Unity requires a solid foundational knowledge of C# scripting language. This course is intended for students with some programming experience who want to begin the journey towards Unity. As Unity is an advanced programming topic, it will likely take multiple semesters before students are creating 3D games. This course offers opportunity to form a cohort of peers with similar lofty goals.

• Mixed Age: Thursdays, Block 3

Electronics in Action

Move through structured learning projects using breadboards, electrical components, and electronics equipment. Students will learn to create and read schematics as they explore increasingly complex circuits including sensors and logic gates. Some projects have a perquisite of a soldering badge. Students without a soldering badge will learn through observation. Students will gain a solid foundation in electronics that can be used for advanced coursework or tradesman skills.

• Mixed Age: Tuesdays, Block 4

Electronics Deconstruction

Learn how electronics such as bathroom scales and humidifiers work by deconstructing them. Analyze the revealed components and circuitry, creating simple schematics. Discover how resistors, capacitors, sensors, transducers, and transistors function in real circuitry. Homework is not expected in this class

• Mixed Age: Tuesdays, Block 2

Electronics with Arduino Challenges (C++)

Explore the intersection of hardware and software! The Arduino is a microcontroller board – essentially a small, programmable computer. It can be connected to a wide range of sensors, actuators, and other electronic components. Students will create increasingly complex and interactive electronics projects. Students without a soldering badge will not be allowed to solder. Programming the projects will begin developing solid programming skills in C++. The C++ language is widely used in operating systems, game development, scientific computing, and embedded systems.

• Mixed Age: Wednesdays, Block 3

Electronics with Rasberry Pi

Level up the Arduino with Rasbperry Pi. The Rasberry Pi is a single board microcomputer often found in industrial automation, home automation, and robotics. Connect the Rasberry Pi to an Arduino to add computing power to the sensory inputs. A soldering badge is required before any soldering. Groups will complete projects such as a homemade game console and a weather sensor that displays data to a webpage. Students should have some experience with electronics and arduinos before enrolling.

• Mixed Age: Thursday, Block 4

Engine Take-Apart and Rebuild

Learn how a car engine works, gaining valuable life skills for any driver! Students in this vocational class will work in small teams to disassemble a small internal combustion engine. Each engine component will be discussed in terms of its function and potential malfunctions. Students will leave with the vocabulary and knowledge to undertand their own car’s engine.

• Mixed Age: Thursdays, block 4
• Restricted to Age 14+: Wednedays, block 4

Engineering Drawing

Learn to sketch your ideas and prototypes. This course approaches drawing from an engineering mindset, as a way to communicate a vision. In Engineering Drawing, rulers and technical notations will be introduced to create blueprint style drawings. Students will be provided with a supply list before class.

• Mixed Age Engineering Drawing: Wednesdays, Block 4

FIRST Programming: Java for Robotics

Interested in joining a FIRST robotics team, such as Team Voltage at Melbourne High or Team Pink at Rockledge High? This class develops solid Java programming skills relating to robotics control. Challenges involving FIRST robotics will be used to solidify skills. Students will be introduced to specific libraries of Java that prepare them to join a team if they choose. It is recommended, but not required, that students concurrently enroll in Intro to Programming.

• Mixed Age: Wednesdays, Block 2

Gambling & Vegas Stats (Statistics & Probabilities)

What better way to practice statistics and probabilities than through games of chance?! Students will explore the math behind poker, blackjack, craps, and similar games. The math introduced will vary by section. The mixed age section will introduce beginner concepts. The age restricted section will assume some prior knowledge of algebra and statistics, and more advanced calculations will be introduced.

• Mixed Ages: Wednesdays, Block 1
• Restricted to age 14+: Thursdays, Block 1

Geometry STEM Build

Learn and apply geometry concepts through building challenges. The mixed age section will construct with hand tools, while the 14+ section will also incorporate some power tools. Students will use balsa wood and similar materials. Homework is not expected, however students may need to review geometry concepts at home throughout the course.

• Mixed Age: Tuesdays, Block 1
• Restricted to Age 14+: Wednesdays, Block 3

Ham (Amateur) Radio with Picoballon

Explore Amateur Radio (aka Ham Radio) while also learning about atmospheric balloons. Students will prepare to take the Technician License exam for amateur radio. Once the license is obtained, they will launch their own picoballoons that can be tracked around the world.

• Mixed Age, Tuesdays, Block 3

History Via Discoveries & Inventions

Explore how discoveries and inventions have shaped history, with hands-on labs. Follow the trail of scientific thought and discovery through time, with emphasis on events spurring inventions and societies’ reactions. Discuss how global events were triggered or altered by acts of discovery. As major discoveries are introduced, hands-on labs will reinforce the scientific principles and their importance.

• Mixed Age: Tuesdays, Block 2

Intro to Programming (C, Java, Python)

Gain the “big picture” of programming before specializing in a particular language. Students gain a foundation in computational thinking and problem-solving. They will be introduced to data types and variables, control structures, and functions. Different languages will be explored so that students understand the differences and can select one or more for further study. C++, Java, and Python will be introduced. Programming homework will help students expand skills with each language.

• Mixed Ages: Wednesdays, Block 4

Java with Minecraft Mods

The goal of this course is to begin developing solid Java programming skills. Minecraft mods and challenges will be incorporated to solidify learning. Coding homework will be assigned. It is recommended, but not required, that students concurrently enroll in Intro to Programming. Each student will need to purchase and install Minecraft Java edition ($30) before the first class.

• Mixed Age: Thursdays, Block 1
• Restricted to Age 14+: Tuesdays, Block 1

Literature Study (Science & Tech Focus)

Read books related to Science and Technology! Discuss how literature depicts, predicts, critiques, and imagines major scientific and technological developments. Students should expect to read assigned books outside of class. Short writing assignments will guide students to think more deeply on topics. While the reading list has not been finalized, books will be similar to The Martian, Clockwork Universe, and Bomb. Students should be developmentally ready to discuss complex topics with respect.

• Mixed Age: Thursday, Block 1

Middle School Chemistry

This course introduces concepts such as states of matter, density, and chemical changes through hands-on demonstrations and labs. Students will gain a foundation to prepare them for high school level coursework.

• Mixed Age: Tuesdays, Block 3

Mock Engineering Review Boards

Engineers, product managers, and entrepreneurs often make presentations to Engineering Review Boards or similar committees. These boards review and evaluate engineering designs, proposals, or changes. In this class, students will learn to research ideas, justify expenditures of time and money, prepare proposals and updates, and present to a group with confidence. This is a life skill valuable regardless of chosen career path.

• Mixed Ages: Thursdays, Block 2

Physics Concepts and Labs

Explore a sampling of physics concepts through hands-on activities and labs. Lessons will be applied, with minimal algebra required. Topics include 1-dimensional kinematics, free fall and projectiles, circular and satellite motion, and more. Though not required, for deeper learning it is suggested that students concurrently complete a physics curriculum at home.

• Mixed Ages: Thursday, Block 2

Python & Pygame Programming

The goal of this course is to begin developing solid Python programming skills. Pygame game development challenges will be incorporated to solidify learning. Pygame simplifies the process of developing 2D games by offering graphic and audio libraries so that students can concentrate on developing foundational skills. It is recommended, but not required, that students concurrently enroll in Intro to Programming. Coding homework will be assigned.

• Mixed Age: Wednesdays, Block 3

RoboWars (Battling Robots)

Do you want your robot to duke it out? In this class, students will customize a base robot kit, including the addition motors, servos, and sensors. Students concurrently enrolled in a Fusion course will be able to 3D print custom parts. Concurrent enrollment in the Electronics and/or Arduino Challenge courses will give students a leg-up in design, however is not required. The class will explore both remote-controlled battles and autonomous battle challenges.

• Mixed Age: Wednesdays, Block 1

Scale Model Building (Space Theme)

Enter the world of scale model building! In this hands-on course, teens will work alongside an experienced model-builder and rocket science engineer. Students will learn precision building skills and tricks of the trade while discussing rocketry topics. Materials fees include model kit, tools, glue, tapes, paint, and everything needed to complete the model. Students will retain the materials at the end of class for use on their next projects!

• Mixed Age, Tuesdays, Block 4

Soldering Badge & Projects

In order to operate a soldering iron in any class, students must complete a 3 day course series (1.5 hours per day) in soldering to receive a soldering badge. These courses will be offered throughout the semester. Students who do not have a soldering badge will learn through observation. Additional soldering workshops will be offered to reinforce and practice soldering skills.

Technical Sketching

Learn to sketch your ideas and prototypes. This course approaches drawing from an engineering mindset, as a way to communicate a vision. In Creative Engineering Drawing, students will use perspective and shading to sketch subjects from various engineering views.

• Mixed Age Creative Drawing: Tuesdays, Block 3

Technical Writing (ie game instructions)

This course is an introduction to engineering style writing in a fun and interactive format. Students practice clarity, conciseness, and accuracy through age-relevent projects. They might create instructions for a board game, write required specifications for a field trip, or send a memo to Spark staff. Students should expect writing homework between class meetings.

• Mixed Ages: Thursdays, Block 3

World War II HIstory

Take a deep dive into World War II, including military history and the war’s impact on politics and culture. Students will discuss events leading to conflict, and the geopolitical environment of the time. Class will also explore how technological inventions affected war tactics. Students should have the maturity for both exposure to violence and to discuss sensitive topics in a respectful manner.

• Mixed Ages: Tuesdays, Block 1

Algebra I (Honors Level)

For about the price of a weekly math tutor, we offer small group math classes that meet twice per week. There will be no more than five students per class. We use the rigorous Art of Problem Solving curriculum, which explores topics beyond the traditional textbook. Students have opportunity to work through problems in a group setting with the assistance of a knowledgeable instructor. Peers are encouraged to work together outside of class. Students must either purchase or rent the Art of Problem Solving “Introduction to Algebra” textbook before the first day of class. Students should have a solid pre-algebra foundation before enrolling in this course.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, Block 2 (ending 15 minutes before other block 2 classes)
• Students have the option of enrolling only once per week and keeping up with coursework at home.

Trig / Pre-Calc (Honors Level)

For about the price of a weekly math tutor, we offer small group math classes that meet twice per week. There will be no more than five students per class. We use the rigorous Art of Problem Solving curriculum, which explores topics beyond the traditional textbook. Students have opportunity to work through problems in a group setting with the assistance of a knowledgeable instructor. Peers are encouraged to work together outside of class. Students must either purchase or rent the Art of Problem Solving “Calculus” textbook before the first day of class. Students should have a solid pre-algebra foundation before enrolling in this course.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, Block 4 (ending 15 minutes before other block 4 classes)
• Students have the option of enrolling only once per week and keeping up with coursework at home.

Conceptual Physics (Physics-First, Algebra-Based)

Physics First is an educational approach that introduces physics to students in high school before they take chemistry and biology. Physics concepts learned can help students grasp biochemical processes and the framework of chemistry. Concepts are introduced with the assumptions that students have completed Algebra 1, and physics is not required. Students may rent the textbook Conceptual Physics (ISBN-13: 9780321909107) from Valore ($21 per semester) or find a used copy for purchase.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, Block 3 (starting 15 minutes later than other block 3 classes)
• Students have the option of enrolling only once per week and keeping up with coursework at home.