SPARK! Fall 2026 Classes
- Tuesday, September 15, 2026 / Astronomy - To Infinity & Beyond: The Science of Space Exploration
How do rockets leave Earth, and what does it take to explore space? In this lesson, we will explore the science and history of space exploration, beginning with how rockets work and the forces that make space travel possible. We’ll look at important past missions, from early exploration to major breakthroughs, and examine how satellites help us communicate, study Earth, and explore beyond our planet. We will also investigate future goals for NASA and the next generation of space exploration. Finally, we will use what we have learned to design our own space mission. Join us for an exciting journey beyond Earth to discover how science and engineering are shaping the future of space exploration!
- Wednesday, September 16, 2026 / Aviation- The History of Aviation
Is flying really just about getting from one place to another, or is there a whole science behind what keeps an aircraft in the sky? In this lesson, we’ll take off on an exciting journey through the history of aviation, from the earliest dreams of flight to the innovations that shape modern air travel today. Along the way, we’ll meet the pioneers and key figures whose ideas changed the world and explore the major milestones that made powered flight possible. Next, we’ll uncover the principles of flight by investigating the four forces that act on every aircraft—lift, weight, thrust, and drag—and discover how wings generate lift through Bernoulli’s Principle. Finally, we’ll dive into aircraft anatomy, learning the major parts of an airplane and the important jobs each one performs. Join us for this hands-on introduction to aviation and put your knowledge to the test as you analyze flight designs and build your own model aircraft challenge!
- Thursday, September 17, 2026 / Biology - The Science of Adaptation
Is evolution simply about organisms changing over time, or is there a deeper process behind the diversity of life on Earth? In this lesson, we’ll explore the ideas of Charles Darwin and other scientists, investigate the famous Galápagos finches through a demonstration, and uncover how natural selection drives evolution. We’ll also explore phylogenetic trees and cladograms to see how scientists trace relationships among species. Join us for this exciting look at how life changes over time, then test your skills in a hands-on activity building your own cladogram!
- Tuesday, September 22, 2026 / Chemistry – Matter in Motion
What is everything around us made of, and how can it change from one form to another? In this lesson, we will introduce chemistry before exploring the states of matter and how solids, liquids, and gases can change through physical processes. We’ll then bring it all together with a reaction demonstration that shows how matter can undergo chemical change and produce gas. Through observation and prediction, you will see how matter behaves in both physical and chemical changes. Join us for this hands-on exploration of matter in motion and discover how chemistry helps explain the world around us!
- Wednesday, September 23, 2026 / Chinese - Traditional Chinese Art
How do artists use different styles and materials to express culture and tell stories? In this lesson, we will explore traditional Chinese art by learning about a variety of art forms, such as painting, calligraphy, paper art, and more. We’ll examine how these styles reflect history, values, and everyday life in Chinese culture. To bring these ideas to life, we will lead a hands-on paper-folding activity inspired by traditional techniques, creating our own designs. Join us for a creative exploration of art and culture and discover how tradition inspires artistic expression!
- Thursday, September 24, 2026 / Computer Science - Inside of a Computer
What’s really happening inside a computer when you click, type, or stream a video? In this lesson, we will explore the key components of computer hardware, including the CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, storage devices like hard drives, and common external devices. We’ll break down what each part does, why it matters, and the kinds of devices that use them. We will even explore how computers use binary code to send and receive information. Join us for a hands-on look inside the machine and discover how computers really work!
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026 / Cyber Security – Digital Forensics & Security Tools
How do investigators uncover what really happened inside a computer system after a cyber breach? In this lesson, we will introduce the fundamentals of cybersecurity and digital forensics by learning how professionals analyze data and trace digital activity. We’ll explore key tools used in the field, such as decompilers and forensic analysis suites like The Sleuth Kit and explain how they help reconstruct what really happened in a system. We will then apply these concepts through guided, education-focused PicoCTF challenges designed to build problem-solving and analytical skills in a safe, structured environment. Join us for a hands-on introduction to the world of digital investigation and learn how cybersecurity experts think like detectives in the digital age!
- Wednesday, September 30, 2026 / Engineering -Engineering Through Time!
How have engineering ideas changed the world over time, and what can we learn from the projects that shape history? In this lesson, we will explore the evolution of engineering by examining major projects from different time periods, from early structures and inventions to modern technological breakthroughs. We’ll focus on how these projects were designed, the challenges engineers faced, and how solutions have improved over time. We will analyze how engineering has advanced and how innovation continues to push the limits of what is possible. Join us for a look at how engineering has grown and discover how past ideas shape the future!
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026 / Environmental Science - Climate Change & Life on Earth
How is a changing climate affecting the living world around us, and what does it mean for different species? In this lesson, we will explore the current state of climate change, using real-world observations to understand how Earth’s systems are shifting. We’ll then analyze how rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and habitat loss are impacting plants and animals across ecosystems. We will examine why some species struggle to adapt while others survive, and how these changes ripple through food webs and environments. Join us for an important look at how climate change is shaping the future of life on Earth!
- Wednesday, October 7, 2026 / Financial Literacy – Money Matters
How do people decide what to spend money on, and how do they make sure they have enough for what they truly need? In this lesson, we will explore the basics of financial literacy, including the difference between wants and needs, the importance of saving, and how budgeting helps manage money effectively. We’ll break down real-life examples to show how financial decisions are made every day and apply what we’ve learned in an interactive budgeting game. Join us for a hands-on introduction to money management and learn how to make smart financial choices!
- Thursday, October 8, 2026 / Forensic Science– Solving Mysteries with Evidence
How do scientists help solve crimes and uncover the truth from what is left behind? In this lesson, students will explore what forensic science is and how it is used in real-world investigations across law enforcement, laboratories, and legal systems. We’ll introduce the different roles involved in forensic science and how each contributes to solving cases. Students will also learn the basics of crime scene investigation, including the difference between observation and inference, types of evidence, and an introduction to DNA analysis. Join us for a hands-on introduction to forensic science and discover how evidence tells the story behind every mystery!
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026 / Government & Economics– How Our Government Works
How is the United States of America’s government organized, and how do different parts of it work together to keep power balanced? In this lesson, we will explore how the government is structured by learning about the three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. We’ll examine how each branch is chosen through elections or appointments, what their main responsibilities are, and how they work in practice. We will also analyze the system of checks and balances to learn how it prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful. Join us for an engaging introduction to government and discover how laws are made, enforced, and interpreted!
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026 / Engineering & the Titanic
Was the “unsinkable” ship truly built to withstand disaster, or were critical flaws overlooked? In this lesson, we will explore the history of the RMS Titanic sinking, including its construction, passengers, voyage purpose, and how it earned its legendary reputation. We’ll then examine why the ship sank, focusing on engineering features like watertight compartments, structural weaknesses, and failures in safety regulations. We will connect this tragedy to modern engineering, exploring how the RMS Titanic maiden voyage reshaped safety standards across industries. Join us for a focused look at one of history’s most important engineering lessons.
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026 / Literature– Poetry Across Cultures
How do people across the world use poetry to express identity, emotion, and culture? In this lesson, we will explore a variety of poetry styles and the common themes that appear across different cultures and time periods. We’ll examine rhythm, sound, and oral poetry traditions to understand how poetry is meant to be heard as well as read, and how it has influenced and shaped cultural expression throughout history. We will then connect these ideas by creating our own poetry inspired by what we’ve discussed. Join us for an engaging journey into poetry and discover how words can carry meaning across cultures!
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026 / Marine Biology – Exploring Marine Zones & Adaptations
How do animals survive in the vast and changing environments of the ocean, from bright surface waters to the deepest, darkest trenches? In this lesson, students will explore marine life across the ocean’s layers, including the sunlight zone, twilight zone, midnight zone, and hadal zone. We’ll examine how conditions like light, pressure, and temperature change with depth and how marine animals adapt to survive in each environment. Students will discover unique species and the special features that help them live in extreme conditions. Join us for an exciting journey through the ocean and uncover the incredible diversity of life beneath the waves!
- Thursday, October 22, 2026 / Math - The Mathematics of Games & Strategy
What do games like tic-tac-toe, dice games, card games, and sports all have in common? In this lesson, we will explore how mathematics shapes decision-making, probability, and strategy in both simple and complex games. We’ll investigate patterns, counting outcomes, and the role of chance versus skill to understand how math influences every move. We will also apply these ideas by analyzing real game scenarios and testing strategies to improve outcomes. Join us for an interactive exploration of games and strategy and discover how mathematics can give you a competitive edge!
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026 / Medicine (Eastern) - Inner Balance: Stress, Energy, & Finding Your Flow
Why do some people seem to handle stress easily while others feel overwhelmed much faster? In this lesson, we will explore the idea of balance in the body and mind through the lens of Kung Fu Panda. We’ll connect cultural concepts like Qi and Yin-Yang to scientific ideas such as stress response, breathing, and homeostasis. We will examine how emotions and environment can affect energy and well-being and learn simple strategies for managing stress and restoring balance. Join us for an engaging exploration of how understanding yourself can help you find calm, focus, and resilience in everyday life!
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026 / Medicine (Western) – Inside the Body
How does the human body work together to keep us alive, and what happens when something goes wrong? In this lesson, we will explore body systems, beginning with an overview of overall function and importance. We’ll then take a closer look at the key structures and components that make up the systems and how they work together. Through analyzing patient case studies, we will investigate common diseases that affect body systems by impacting daily life, and western medicine’s current or emerging treatment options. Join us for a journey inside the human body to discover how science helps us understand health and disease!
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026 / Neuroscience – Total Recall & the Science of Memory
How does the brain help us think, learn, and remember? In this lesson, we will explore the major parts of the brain and discover what each section controls. We’ll investigate how memory works, including the differences between short-term and long-term memory, why we sometimes forget things, and strategies that can help improve memory and learning. Through interactive activities like pattern recall challenges and creative brain drawings, students will actively test how memory and learning function in real time. Join us for an engaging look inside the brain and discover how it shapes the way we learn and experience the world!
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026 / Physics – Radiation
What is radiation, and how does invisible energy shape the world around us? In this lesson, we will explore the fundamentals of radiation, including what it is and the different types that exist. We’ll connect radiation to core physics concepts such as energy, frequency, and wavelength, and examine how it interacts with matter, including the idea of half-life. We will also investigate common natural and man-made sources of radiation and explore its wide range of applications in medicine, industry, and science. Join us for an irradiating introduction to radiation and discover how this powerful form of energy impacts everyday life!
- Thursday, November 5, 2026 / Psychology - Case Studies that Changed Psychology
How do we know what we know about the human mind, and how has psychology shaped the way we understand behavior? In this lesson, we will explore landmark AP Psychology case studies that transform how scientists and society view the brain. Together we’ll examine how the brain drives perception, memory, emotion, and decision-making, and how real research has shaped modern psychology. We will analyze key findings to better understand how the brain influences everything we do. Join us for an interactive dive into psychology to discover the science behind human thought and behavior!
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026 / Robotics - Building & Competing Like Engineers
What does it take to design and build a robot capable of competing in a real engineering field? In this lesson, we will explore the FIRST Robotics Competition through analysis of top-performing teams. We’ll break down what FRC is, how teams function, and what it takes to design, build, and program a competition robot. We will also take a look inside the internal systems of an FRC robot, including key mechanical, electrical, and programming components. Join us for a hands-on introduction to competitive robotics and discover how real-world engineering teams work under pressure to solve complex challenges!
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026 / Sociology - The Invisible Rules of Society
Why do we act differently in a classroom than attending a concert, even when no one tells us how to behave? This lesson will introduce sociology by exploring the idea that we live in a kind of “social water” that shapes our behavior without us always noticing. We’ll start by defining sociology and then take a closer look at social norms and folkways, as we identify the unwritten rules we are expected to follow in everyday situations. Finally, we will explore the concept of sociological imagination, learning how personal choices and habits are influenced by larger forces like media, family, and peer groups. To wrap up, we will apply their understanding through a “norm-violation” activity that challenges us to observe and analyze the world around us like sociologists. Join us for an eye-opening introduction to the hidden patterns that shape our daily lives!
- Thursday, November 12, 2026 / Spanish - STEM Without Borders
Who are the innovators shaping science and technology around the world, and how have Hispanic and Spanish-speaking leaders influenced STEM? In this lesson, we will explore the lives and achievements of influential engineers, scientists, and innovators from Hispanic and Spanish-speaking communities. We will examine their contributions to STEM and the challenges they overcame to succeed in their field. Through this class we will touch on a variety of STEM career paths while gaining a broader understanding of culture and representation in science and technology. Join us for an inspiring exploration of global voices in STEM and discover how innovation connects cultures around the world!