SPARK! Fall 2024 Classes
- Tuesday, September 17, 2024 / Biology - Exploring Your Brain
Have you ever thought about what happens inside your brain? Ever wondered why your brain has so many sections and what each one does? Your brain is a vital organ responsible for many functions. Join us to explore your brain's basic anatomy, the 6 lobes, their specialized functions, and experience the importance of the brain with a fun build-a-brain cap activity!
- Wednesday, September 18, 2024 / Chemistry – Electrochemistry
Unveil the secrets behind battery power with electrochemistry! This branch of chemistry explains how electricity and chemical reactions work together. Learn about oxidation, reduction reactions, and different electrochemical cells. Explore real-world examples and even try an experiment to transform a rusty metal. Join us for an electrifying experience!
- Thursday, September 19, 2024 / Chinese: Mid-Autumn Festival Traditions
Embark on an adventure into the vibrant traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Let's start by uncovering the enchanting tale of the goddess Chang'e and the intriguing story behind the revered rabbit in Chinese folklore. We will discover the symbolism of mooncakes and other traditional foods by learning about the art of making mooncakes and their cultural significance. Dive into ancient Chinese phrases and games that are an integral part of the festival awhile learning and playing a few. Join us in unraveling the secrets of the Mid-Autumn Festival!
- Tuesday, September 24, 2024 / Computer Science - Quantum Computing
Have you heard of quantum computers? If you have, then you might be aware that they are reported to zoom past the PCs you are accustomed to. In this exciting lesson, we will delve into the inner workings of these revolutionary machines. Along the way, we will uncover the challenges involved in constructing them and explore the exciting possibilities they hold. Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of quantum computing!
- Wednesday, September 25, 2024 / Cyber Security – Ethical Hacking
Join us in this SPARK! session to discover the world of ethical hacking! Learn about WhiteHat and BlackHat hacking, their differences, and a middle ground. Explore how BlackHat hackers breach systems, how WhiteHat hackers defend against them, and discover practical ways to protect yourself. The session concludes with a fun interactive online activity and extra cyber security resources!
- Thursday, September 26, 2024 / Government & Economics - Making Decisions About Money
When faced with a choice between buying something new like a video game or saving your money for later, how do you decide where your money should go? In this engaging SPARK! lesson, we explore the world of economic resources and the art of decision-making when it comes to our finances. We will delve into the significance of Natural Resources and Capital Resources, and how these shape society. Discover economic terms such as scarcity and opportunity cost and unravel the impact of factors like government policies and cultural influences have on where the resources go. To wrap up the lesson, get ready to participate in an interactive trading game where we put these concepts into action in real-time!
- Tuesday, October 1, 2024 / Environmental Science – Sustainable Cities & Environmental Engineering
Are you ready to explore the wonders of eco-friendly urban spaces? Let us take a journey through the world's biggest and greenest cities. From bustling Amsterdam to vibrant Cape Town, we will discover how these cities have integrated green spaces and sustainable practices into their landscapes. Come along as we ride bikes, hop on trains, and take buses to unravel the mysteries of creating a truly green city! Let us be a part of the change together!
- Wednesday, October 2, 2024 / History – Join the Green Revolution Adventure
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey through the amazing world of scientific innovation! Discover how advancements in agricultural technology throughout time transformed food production and supported our growing population. Come along as we uncover the fascinating history of the Green Revolution and its crucial role in ensuring food security worldwide. Let us celebrate the power of STEM fields in shaping our future - are you ready to join the adventure?
- Tuesday, October 8, 2024 / Literature – The Science of Egyptian Mythology
Have you ever pondered the majestic pyramids in Egypt? Wonder why the Egyptians acted the way they did? Just like the Greeks, the Egyptians had a complex belief system with mighty gods and goddesses governing every part of their existence. The incredible pyramids were built to help Pharaohs journey from mortal rulers to divine beings. Join us to uncover the science behind the major deities of Egypt and discover why they were so crucial to the civilization! Let's dive in and unravel the mysteries together!
- Wednesday, October 9, 2024 / Marine Biology – Fishy Phylum & How Animals Are Organized
Ever wonder why animals are grouped the way they are in science? Dive into the exciting realm of animal classifications with a focus on marine life! Learn about crustaceans, cnidarians, echinoderms, mollusks, and cartilaginous fish. By the end, you'll be able to classify marine animals effortlessly and decode those fascinating terms. Join us for an oceanic adventure!
- Thursday, October 10, 2024 / Math – Discover the Fun of Topology
Explore the surprising connections between a donut and a cup, or a sphere and a cube! Delve into the fascinating world of topology with famous objects like the Möbius Strip and how to make one. Learn where topology exists in our everyday life and how it challenges the way we think. Jump in and join the adventure in mind-bending possibilities!
- Tuesday, October 15, 2024 / Medicine (Eastern) – Explore Global Medicine
Discover the fascinating world of medicine from around the globe! Uncover the unique aspects of Eastern and Western Medicine in this fun and engaging lesson. Delve into the history and concepts of eastern medicine that includes yin-yang, five elements, and qi, and their applications to biology and organs. Learn how Yin and Yang represent balance between the physical and the functional, while the five elements correspond to organs and elements in nature. Gain insights into the differences between Eastern and Western medicine, and how combining their strengths can lead to a deeper global understanding of medicine. Join us on this enlightening journey and broaden your knowledge of medicine!
- Wednesday, October 16, 2024 / Medicine (Western) - The Wonders of the Brain
Have you ever pondered why you wonder? Discover the fascinating world of the brain, which is even more intricate and challenging to decipher than the most advanced supercomputers. Get ready to delve into the anatomy of the brain, learn about its basic functions, explore the various types of neurons, and so much more! Step into the realm of brainiacs - let's unravel the mysteries together!
- Thursday, October 17, 2024 / Music – Math in Music Theory
Are you ready to discover the math behind music chords and polyrhythms? Join us on an exciting journey into the world of music theory. Let's explore the origins, basic components, and real-world applications of this fascinating subject. Get ready to see music through a mathematical lens and unlock the secrets of musical structure. Don't miss out on this musical adventure - dive in and let's explore together!
- Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Physics - Exploring Radioactive Decay and Miniature Stars
Have you ever wondered about radioactive decay and why scientists are striving to create miniature stars? Picture this - temperatures even hotter than the sun, a star confined within a single room. Through fusion, atoms are combined under extreme conditions and forces, leading to a significant release of energy. In contrast, fission involves the breakdown of large atoms, releasing subatomic particles and some energy. Join Spark Physics this semester to delve into the realms of fission and fusion and uncover why researchers are developing lasers capable of delivering a staggering 500 trillion joules of energy per second. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey with us!
- Wednesday, October 23, 2024 / Psychology – Decode Body Language
Unveil the mysteries hidden in body language cues! Learn to decode gestures and facial expressions to reveal secret thoughts and feelings then prepare to showcase your newfound skills in reading body language at the grand finale of our session. Jump into the excitement now!
- Thursday, October 24, 2024 / Robotics – Calling All Battle Bot Enthusiasts
Join us for a journey into the captivating world of robotics, where you'll dive into the exciting realm of the FIRST Tech Challenge. Gain exclusive insights from our talented robotics team captains at GSSM, explore the creativity and innovation behind our robotic creations, and discover what robotics is truly all about.
- Tuesday, October 29, 2024 / Sociology – What is Environmental Sociology?
Ready to explore how our fast-paced world impacts human life and connections? Then join us for an immersive journey into the dynamic realm of social factors causing environmental harm like climate change. Discover how resources and risks are unevenly spread out, and dive into the empowering world of social movements fighting for environmental fairness. Let's embark on this thrilling adventure together and make a difference!
- Wednesday, October 30, 2024 / Spanish – Architecture & Design of Latin American Cities
Have you ever dreamt of wandering through lively streets filled with rainbow-colored buildings and ancient landmarks? Embark on a journey with us to discover the beauty of Latin American cities! Join us as we dive into the mesmerizing architecture, captivating designs, and rich cultural tapestries that adorn these urban gems. Uncover the fusion of Spanish and Native influences that have molded these cities into unique masterpieces. Get ready to experience the heartbeat of Latin America through its dynamic communities and vibrant culture!