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. NOTE: students must be 13 years old to obtain a free educational license for Autodesk. This class is recommended for age 13 and up. 12 year olds are welcome to enroll, however must have install Fusion installed on their laptops. The free version is not sufficient for this class. Materials fee includes filament used to print designs on our 3D printer. Materials fee: $30

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. Materials fee: $30

Card & Board Game Design

First, journey through the history and mechanics of board games. Then, apply this knowledge to design and create your own original strategic board game. Some pieces may be 3D printed. Materials fee: $25

Computer Skills

Learn to use advanced features of Excel, Powerpoint, and Word that will make both college and work easier. Students will also work on keyboarding using an included subscription to Typesy. At the end of this course, students will be able to input and manipulate both text and data. Materials fee: tbd

Electronics in Action (aka Electronics Foundations)

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. Materials fee: $40

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. Materials fee: $75

Electronics Reconstruction & Hacking

Re-assemble electronics, using foundational knowledge of how components work to fix and/or modify devices. This class will follow the interests and creativity of the class to create projects using broken electronics. NOTE: there will be short soldering side-quests in this class. Students without a soldering badge will learn by observation. Materials fee: $75

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 (if soldering becomes necessary, the instructor will 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. Materials fee: $30

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 understand their own car’s engine. Materials fee: $50

Engineering Design Process Projects

Explore the engineering design process in a hands-on way. Tackle a challenge and prototype a solution over the course of the semester. Students will also have in-class challenges to hone their problem solving and creative design skills. Materials fees: $30

Forensics

Who dunnit?! Apply the scientific method and principles from chemistry, biology, and physics to principles of forensics. Students will develop critical thinking and observation skills by conducting lab experiments, analyzing case studies, and learning forensic techniques. Materials fee: $50

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. Materials fee: $20

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. Materials fee: $50

Ham (Amateur) Radio

This semester, students will work on the General License that allows communication worldwide. Students must already hold a technician license before enrolling in this course. Materials fee: $30

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. Materials fees: $50

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. Materials Fee: $20

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.Materials fee: $20

Literary Lessons: Lord of the Rings

““It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.” This group study of The Lord of the Rings trilogy will move chapter-by-chapter through the books. Students will explore both the texts themselves and the rich, ancient literature that served as their inspiration. Reading and writing homework should be expected each week. Student will need to borrow or purchase “The Fellowship of the Ring” and, if time allows, “The Two Towers”. Materials Fee: $20

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. Materials fee: $50

Monstrous Adventures D&D Language Arts

Practice storytelling, critical-thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving through the world of Dungeons and Dragons. This course will have writing homework related to character and plot development. Basic probabilities will also be covered during class. Materials fee: $30

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. Materials fee: $75

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. Materials fee: $20

Research & Public Speaking

Research and presentation skills are important in all variety of professions! In this course, students will learn to research a topic, organize key points, and present findings in an oral presentation. Students will also learn to be active and supportive audience to their peers. Materials fee: $20.

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.

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. Estimated materials fee: $20

Algebra II (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 “Intermediate Algebra” textbook before the first day of class. Students should have a solid algebra I foundation before enrolling in this course. Estimated materials fee: $20 (Contact us for schedule)

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. Estimated materials fee: $75