SPARK! Spring 2025 Classes
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025 / Biology - Cycle of Cells
Ever wondered how do cells make us tick? Our bodies are like machines powered by cells, the tiny building blocks of life. In this lesson, we'll explore how cells keep us going by focusing on two key processes: cellular respiration and photosynthesis. These processes are crucial for our well-being. We will discuss the key steps involved in these cycles in a fun and engaging way. Join us this spring for an exciting learning session!
- Wednesday, February 5, 2025 / Chemistry – Thermochemistry
Ever wondered why popcorn pops in the microwave or why sitting near a fireplace warms you up on a cold day? It's all about heat! Dive into thermochemistry with us to uncover the magic behind these reactions. Discover endothermic and exothermic reactions, phase changes, heating curves, and real-world examples in a fun and engaging way. Get hands-on with an exciting experiment on heat-related chemical reactions. Join our SPARK! chemistry lesson this spring and uncover the science behind popcorn popping!
- Thursday, February 6, 2025 / Chinese: Discovering Chinese Origami
Embark on a creative journey through Chinese paper folding in this fun origami adventure! Students will explore the art of transforming paper into animals, flowers, and mythical creatures. While origami is often associated with Japan, its roots trace back to ancient China, where paper folding began as a form of art and storytelling. This lesson will introduce new origami challenges, with easy-to-follow, step-by-step guidance. Watch as your paper comes to life—whether it’s a flying crane, a traditional Chinese lotus, or a magical dragon. No experience needed—just bring your imagination!
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025 / Computer Science - Data Structures
Have you ever thought about how coders develop speedy apps? A key aspect of this is through "data structures," which are methods for organizing and storing data efficiently. By selecting the appropriate data structure, apps can operate much more quickly. In this engaging lesson, we will investigate various data structures and explore when they can best be utilized. Let's dive in and have some fun learning about it!
- Wednesday, February 12, 2025 / Cyber Security – Data Breaches
Get ready for an exciting adventure into the realm of data breaches! Have you ever wondered about the hidden secrets behind those online mysteries? Join us in this thrilling SPARK! lesson where we will uncover the fascinating world of social engineering, the power of unbreakable passwords, the art of staying safe on social media, and how every click and post online leaves a footprint on your digital path! Get set for a journey into the unknown!
- Thursday, February 13, 2025 / Government & Economics - the United States Judicial System
Have you ever disagreed with someone and found it challenging to reach a compromise? How did you deal with that conflict? In society, conflicts often need formal resolution in a trial setting. The Judicial Court plays a crucial role in interpreting laws and ensuring justice is served. Let us explore the three-tiered structure of the Judicial Court, consisting of District Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. We will examine how each court functions, the key processes of a trial, and how a final decision is made. To make things engaging and concise, we will also organize a mock trial involving attorneys, judges, and individuals playing the roles of plaintiffs and defendants!
- Tuesday, February 18, 2025 / Environmental Science – Understanding Pollution
In this Environmental Science SPARK! lesson, we will delve into the concept of pollution. We will investigate its sources, its significance, and its impact on the environment. Throughout the lesson, we will examine various forms of pollution, such as air, land, and sea pollution, and their contribution to global warming and climate change. From the Arctic regions to the Amazon rainforest, human activities are leaving a profound impact on our planet, affecting ecosystems worldwide. Join us in this engaging lesson as we uncover the distinct types of pollution and their repercussions on our planet, inspiring us to act for a cleaner and healthier world.
- Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / History – The History of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Discover the captivating tale behind chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once celebrated for their wide range of uses across industries. However, hidden within their versatility lay a significant threat - one that jeopardized the very essence of our Earth. In this exciting lesson, we will delve into the narrative of this hazardous chemical, from its initial unearthing and widespread adoption to the environmental catastrophe it triggered on the ozone layer. Along this journey, we will investigate the intricate links between scientific advancements, environmental issues, and the crucial role of STEM subjects in comprehending and combatting such pressing challenges. Embark with us on an expedition through the history of CFCs, where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics converge with the destiny of our planet.
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025 / Literature – The Power of Historical Documents
Join us on a fascinating journey through American history as we explore key documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, and more to uncover the secrets behind these significant texts and how they shaped our nation. From the Revolutionary War to World War Two, we will delve into five main eras and discover the true impact of historical documents. History meets literature as we learn how the United States has been built on and continues to flourish through the written word. Do not miss out on this exciting adventure through time!
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025 / Marine Biology – Marine Animal Defense Tactics
Explore the intriguing world of marine animal defenses! Learn how electric eels generate electricity and why a jellyfish sting hurts so much. Uncover the secrets of sea slugs and stonefish venom, unravel the mystery of hagfish slime, and witness how octopuses camouflage and mimic other creatures. From venomous sea anemones to slimy fish and peculiar snails, this lesson delves into the captivating defense tactics of the seas and lakes. Get ready to unleash your creativity by drawing and showcasing your very own creature with a unique defense mechanism! Join the adventure today!
- Wednesday, March 5, 2025 / Math – Chaos Theory
Welcome to an exciting adventure into the world of chaos theory! Have you ever wondered why each snowflake is one of a kind or why the universe tends towards disorder? The secrets lie within chaos theory. Join us on a journey where we will explore the fundamentals of chaos theory, uncovering the 3 C's, the five essential principles, and their applications in everyday life. Delve into the mesmerizing realm of fractals as we unravel renowned patterns such as the Mandelbrot Set and the Sierpinski Triangle. Come along as we unravel the mysteries of unpredictability while discovering the patterns that govern our world!
- Thursday, March 6, 2025 / Medicine (Eastern) – Case Study of Allergic Rhinitis
Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches Allergic Rhinitis, a condition when the immune system reacts to allergens in the air! Learn to recognize, analyze patterns, and potentially treat this condition using fundamental TCM principles like yin-yang, the five elements, and qi. We will dive into a practical example to enhance your understanding of TCM and explore the intersection of biology with TCM as we study pathogens and organ systems. Finally, we will compare Eastern and Western medical perspectives on the same case study to broaden our understanding of global medicine. Join us for an engaging exploration!
- Tuesday, March 11, 2025 / Medicine (Western) - Discover the Power of Gene Editing
Unlock the secret to changing your genes with the incredible technology of CRISPR! Dive into a world where you can transform your appearance, enhance your skills, and boost your defenses against illnesses. Join us in this thrilling SPARK! lesson to explore how these cutting-edge tools can revolutionize the battle against aging and mortality. Are you ready to shape a new future for yourself? Let's embark on this exciting journey together!
- Wednesday, March 12, 2025 / Music – Exploring Synesthesia Through Music
What if you could visualize shapes and colors while listening to music? How would various sounds influence these images? This intriguing ability is known as synesthesia! In this Spark! lesson, we will discover the meaning of synesthesia, its various types, what causes it, its effects, and how it manifests in the world. Join us as we delve into the impact of synesthesia on the mind, artists, and musicians. Let's explore this fascinating phenomenon together!
- Thursday, March 13, 2025 / Physics - Particle Accelerators
Ready to unravel the mysteries behind the Standard Model and our current understanding of particles? Ever wondered why some elements only last for a few moments? Join us this semester for an electrifying journey as we delve into electromagnetic forces, the thrill of particle collisions, and the secrets behind the forces that define modern physics! Let's spark your curiosity and explore the wonders of particle accelerators together!
- Tuesday, March 18, 2025 / Psychology – Psychology Studies & Mind Tricks
Uncover renowned psychology experiments and mind-boggling illusions in this engaging lesson! We will explore experiments that have answered age-old questions, shed light on the impact of group dynamics on decision-making, and unveiled human behavior. We will explore popular illusions and unravel the secrets behind their effectiveness. By the end of this class, you will have learned essential psychological concepts and famous experiments to gain insight into yourself and your mind!
- Wednesday, March 19, 2025 / Robotics – The World of Circuits
Have you ever wondered about the magic of electronics? How does your phone charger work, or how does the elevator know to go up and down? It's all thanks to IC chips embedded in circuit boards! Join us in an interactive activity where you will get to build basic circuits using TinkerCAD. Explore the different materials (like a potato battery) and unleash your creativity in designing circuits that showcase your newfound skills! Join us on this electrifying journey! Note: Parents will need to create a free online account for their student at www.tinkercad.com prior to class.
- Tuesday, March 25, 2025 / Sociology – Social Media & Identity Through the Social Lens
Join us for an exciting journey to uncover how society and social media influence each other! Discover how social media shapes your self-perception, identity, and connections with others. Unravel the mysteries of online communities and how they impact your real-life relationships. Plus, get ready for a thrilling trivia game to put your knowledge to the test! Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
- Wednesday, March 26, 2025 / Spanish – Variations of the Spanish Language
Indulge in the world of budín, ponqué, tarta, and pastel - all deliciously known as cake in Spanish! Virtually travel through the diverse flavors of Argentina, Colombia, Spain, and Mexico as we uncover these regional dialects in Spanish vocabulary. Join us for a flavorful lesson exploring the rich tapestry of Latin American language. Get ready to dive into sweet knowledge and test your skills in a thrilling Kahoot challenge at the end! Don't miss out on this adventure!