Community and Contract Education

Through guided instruction, students will design and create their own unique projects individually and in small groups. Through hands-on practice with various creams, students will develop the skills to create intricate designs and express their artistic visions on cookies or cakes.

This course falls under the Communication and Critical Thinking Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Work with buttercream, fondant, and other decorative materials, to learn techniques to create delicious stunning confections.
• Become familiar with various tools for decorating, including piping bags, tips, spatulas, and decorative elements.
• Enhance their collaboration and communication skills, fostering a supportive and inclusive creative environment through individual and group-based projects.

Express all your inner emotions in a creative and collaborative way. Learn how to work in small teams to bring a story to life. Reveal the creativity and richness of your inner world through performances of words, artwork, music, and movement, in any combination!

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Outline and develop an original or inspired story with engaging characters and plots.
• Gain confidence in creative expression through written, oral, musical, and visual activities and peer collaboration.
• Explore and compare the impact of different storytelling formats, including short stories, poems, comics, songs, and more.

This class encourages students to explore new foods, develop culinary skills, and build confidence in the kitchen. Students will enjoy a hands-on learning experience in Mt. SAC's Nutrition and Foods Laboratory Kitchen. Working in teams, students will prepare a variety of dishes while learning essential principles of food identification, safety and sanitation, and proper use of kitchen equipment.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of principles of food preparation (recipe reading, ingredient identification, etc.) by successfully preparing course recipes.
• Learn to safely prepare food by following kitchen safety and food sanitation guidelines.
• Demonstrate the ability to read a recipe, measure ingredients accurately, and follow the proper sequence for preparation.
• Gain knowledge of various cooking techniques by completing class recipes.

This class will introduce students on how to dance in the genre of hip-hop. The course is a basic introduction to hip-hop dance and will teach students basic dance skills, including the importance of stretching and the use of rhythm. Students will need appropriate clothing such as comfortable clothing, shoes, etc.

This course falls under the Communication and Personal and Social Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Learn the basics of hip-hop technique.
• Learn how to count music.
• Memorize small dance combinations.

This class will introduce students to the art of jazz dance. Concepts such as rhythm, technique, and stylization will be taught through exercises across the floor and in center. Students will have time to experiment with their own ideas of fun and to play around with their own individual expressions as they learn to turn, slide, leap, and strut their way across the dance floor! Students will need appropriate clothing such as leggings, yoga pants, form-fitting tops, etc. Tights and leotards are not required. Shorts and crop tops are not allowed. Jazz shoes are optional but recommended. Socks acceptable.

This course falls under the Communication and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Understand basic jazz dance terminology.
• Be able to demonstrate a variety of fundamental jazz techniques.
• Show personal growth in rhythm and music comprehension.

Put on your apron and get ready to bake! Students will learn essential baking skills from measuring and mixing to creating delicious treats from scratch. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a kitchen pro, this class is a fun, hands-on experience for all skill levels!

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Safely measure, mix, and prepare ingredients using proper kitchen and baking tools and techniques.
• Prepare baked goods using fresh, individual ingredients and explain why baking from scratch is different from using a store-bought mix.
• Practice safe and clean kitchen habits while working independently or as a team to successfully complete a baked recipe.

Travel the world through art, culture, and creativity! In this interactive class, students will help choose eight countries to explore and discover each country’s geography, history, culture, and artistic traditions. From music and dance to literature and visual art, students will discover how creativity reflects life around the world while building a greater appreciation for global cultures and communities.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Understand basic world geography related to selected countries studied in class.
• Explain the basic cultural background of selected countries studied in class.
• Recognize global artistic traditions through the exploration of music, dance, literature, painting, and other cultural art forms.

This interactive course helps students understand and manage their emotions in a fun and supportive environment. Through games, activities, and guided discussions, students will learn how to handle frustration, build self-control, and develop positive coping strategies they can use at school and at home.

This course falls under the Communication and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Identify and understand different emotions.
• Practice strategies for managing frustration and big feelings.
• Improve self-control and decision-making skills.
• Build positive peer interactions and coping skills.

This fun and interactive course helps students build confidence, communication skills, and positive peer relationships through games, role-playing, and group activities. Students will practice teamwork, learn how to express themselves, and develop skills to navigate social situations in a supportive and engaging environment.

This course falls under the Communication and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Improve communication and conversation skills.
• Build confidence in group settings.
• Practice teamwork and cooperation.
• Develop positive social interaction skills.

Students enrolled will work to enrich and enhance their ability to speak effectively in public. This course will introduce students to the foundation of effective communication and public speaking skills. For the online class offering, students will need a private Gmail account to access a Google Classroom link.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Gain confidence in their public speaking abilities.
• Understand basic concepts of the communication process and recognize different types of speeches, including demonstrative, informative, and persuasive speeches.
• Deliver presentations in front of a live audience using effective vocal expression and body language.
• Enhance their listening and critical thinking skills.

Debate Club helps students improve their public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking skills through learning academic debate. Students will learn how to formulate arguments, deliver effective presentation skills, and principles of debating. Perfect for both beginners and advanced students, we are happy to work with students who are nervous public speakers.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Construct and evaluate arguments using basic principles of logic, evidence, and reasoning.
• Deliver speeches effectively using appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication techniques.
• Analyze and refute opposing arguments through structured critical thinking and reasoning skills.
• Demonstrate active listening skills to engage with and respond to others in a debate setting.

Students explore and practice Spanish through myths of ancient Mexico, including myths from Aztec and Mayan areas. It is paired with a Spanish version of Homer’s Illiad. We read very simple versions and practice building beginning fluency in Spanish. This class is designed for novice and beginner students. For the online class, students will need a private Gmail account to access a Google Classroom link.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Develop basic Spanish reading fluency.
• Grow in vocabulary and linguistic concepts through reading.
• Practice oral responses in Spanish.

This class is designed for intermediate and advanced Spanish-level students as we read and discuss stories of the Spanish-speaking world, from Argentina and Chile to Spain and Mexico. If your child can understand Spanish but needs practice with speaking, reading or writing, this is the class! For the online class, students will need a private Gmail account to access a Google Classroom link.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Building fluency in reading and writing in target language.
• Practice oral responses in Spanish.
• Develop academic vocabulary and concepts in Spanish.
• Be able to trace cultural motifs in Spanish-speaking cultures.

Students explore and practice Spanish through a study of Insects. We’ll read insect-y narrative stories and explore their insect-y lives. Bees, crickets, butterflies, and of course ants! Our texts are very simple, but the nature concepts are complex. This class is designed for novice and beginner students. For the online class, students will need a private Gmail account to access a Google Classroom link.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Develop basic Spanish reading fluency.
• Grow in vocabulary and linguistic concepts through reading.
• Practice oral responses in Spanish.

Students explore and practice Spanish through a study of Mammals. We’ll meet foxes (of course!), bats, moles, and even a squirrel. Our texts are very simple, but the nature concepts are complex. This class is designed for novice and beginner students. For the online class, students will need a private Gmail account to access a Google Classroom link.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Develop basic Spanish reading fluency.
• Grow in vocabulary and linguistic concepts through reading.
• Practice oral responses in Spanish.

This class is designed for intermediate and advanced Spanish-level students as we read and discuss about Nature and the world. We share texts about their development, their homes, how they nourish themselves, protection, and interactions with the physical environment. If your child can understand Spanish but needs practice with speaking, reading, or writing, this is the class! For the online class, students will need a private Gmail account to access a Google Classroom link.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Develop basic Spanish reading fluency.
• Grow in vocabulary and linguistic concepts through reading.
• Practice oral responses in Spanish.

In this class students will practice skill building while learning about various worldwide countries through reading, mazes, and puzzles all while solving an age-appropriate crime of “Who Done It!” Investigators will discover surprising facts, landmarks, and learn about the culture and customs of the people who live there. After completing missions, students will plan a vacation, create a travel brochure, and become an expert tour guide and take the class on a tour of a country they learned about.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Develop and practice reading comprehension skills.
• Develop and practice critical thinking skills.
• Develop and practice communication skills.

Creative Writing provides students with opportunities to develop their literary talents. This course helps students explore their imagination, develop linguistic skills and express themselves constructively. No previous experience needed to be a successful participant in this class. This course will benefit students who are already advanced in creative writing and wish to further develop their talents, but it is also for struggling writers who need more support in learning how to write more creatively. For the online class, students will need a private Gmail account to access a Google Classroom link.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Use written language as a means of self-expression.
• Compose original works with different purposes in mind.
• Present their writing to an audience of their peers as a strategy to strengthen writing.

Responding to literature is the way a student reacts to something that has been read or listen to. In this course, students will learn to interact with the text, develop a deeper understanding and relate what they have read to their own personal experiences. Through this course students learn to construct meaning and strengthen reading comprehension. For this online class, students will need a private Gmail account to access a Google Classroom link.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it.
• Draw conclusions/opinions from the text supported by text evidence.
• Be able to summarize the text, explain the author's purpose and point of view, and identify main events.

This interactive creative writing course empowers young writers to explore storytelling through improv games, story structure, and character development. Students will craft their own tales, whether as short stories, poems, or comics, while journaling prompts encourage personal reflection and creativity.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Develop and structure an original story with engaging characters and plots.
• Explore different storytelling formats, including short stories, poetry, and comic books.
• Gain confidence in creative expression through improv activities, journaling, and peer collaboration.

3D Printing for Kids is an exciting hands-on introduction to the world of Plastics. Students learn the basics of how a 3D printer works and how to make basic models. In small groups, students will be using computers to create 3D models and print them. No previous experience is necessary, all skill levels are welcome to participate but having a basic understanding of how to navigate a computer will help as you attend the course. If you want a fun challenge, this class is for you!

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal and Social Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Learn and understand the basics of how a 3D printer works.
• Learn how to navigate and use modeling software.
• Understand basic construction techniques.

3D Printing for Kids is an exciting hands-on introduction to the world of Plastics. Students learn the basics of how to fuse and melt plastic to make small projects that can be taken home. Students will be provided 3D printing pens in class and will follow directions from the instructor as they learn alongside other students. No previous experience is necessary, all skill levels are welcome to participate but having a basic understanding of safety under the guidance of the instructor is of importance; the pens will be heated and a level of caution is required. If you want a fun challenge, this class is for you!

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal and Social Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Develop team building skills as participants engage in every project.
• Learn and understand the basics of 3D printing with pens.
• Understand basic construction techniques.

Details coming soon.

Have you ever wanted to solve a Rubik's Cube? In this fun, hands-on class, each student will learn how to solve their very own cube! Through simple pattern recognition and memorizing a handful of moves (called algorithms), students will gain the hands-on problem solving skills and confidence that come with solving this iconic puzzle. Students will also be introduced to the history of the original 3x3 Rubik's Cube, other fun related puzzles (like the Pyraminx and Megaminx), and the growing global Speedcubing community. They'll even participate in their own mock competition at the end of the course. All levels are welcome - no experience necessary!

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs)

Upon completion students will:

• Learn to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube, layer by layer, using an established method.
• Understand "cubing notation" - a shorthand language the cubing community uses to learn algorithms.
• Learn the basics of speedcubing - finger tricks and cubing moves to help solve a cube faster.
• Develop pattern recognition skills, enhance memorization, and increase spatial reasoning.

Ignite curiosity and build real-world skills in this hands-on course that introduces students to a variety of engineering disciplines. Through guided projects, playful challenges, and quick design sprints at age-appropriate levels. Each class includes a short, engaging mini-lesson, a collaborative build or experiment, and a reflection activity where learners test, iterate, and explain their solutions. This course is designed to strengthen students’ confidence in their ability to succeed in Engineering!

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Make real-world connections: learn how an engineering discipline may solve everyday problems and demonstrate how careers may use them.
• Develop hands-on skills by utilizing simple tools to build experiments.
• Collaborate and communicate among peers and in teams.

Explore the science of food through hands-on experiments and cooking in Mt. SAC’s Nutrition and Foods Laboratory Kitchen. Students will learn how to conduct experiments by gathering materials, making predictions, and observing outcomes, while discovering key food science concepts. They will also develop food preparation skills by reading recipes, identifying ingredients, and successfully preparing a variety of tasty recipes. This engaging class blends science, cooking, and fun in an exciting laboratory kitchen setting.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the experimental process by gathering materials, making predictions, and observing results during class experiments.
• Demonstrate knowledge of principles of food preparation (recipe reading, ingredient identification, etc.) by successfully preparing course recipes.
• Learn to safely prepare food by following kitchen safety and food sanitation guidelines.
• Demonstrate the ability to read a recipe, measure ingredients accurately, and follow the proper sequence for preparation.
• Gain knowledge of various cooking techniques by completing class recipes.

In this hands-on course, students will explore how ideas become real-world products through design, media, and technology. Students will develop their own product concept and learn how to communicate their ideas effectively using digital tools. Throughout the course, students will create logos, visual presentations, and promotional materials while gaining an understanding of how design, technology, and communication work together in today’s world of innovation. This beginner-friendly class builds creativity, problem-solving, and technology skills in a structured and engaging environment, while introducing students to STEM, digital design, and computer applications.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Understand basic principles of design and technology.
• Design a digital product concept.
• Develop a clear idea and create visual representations using digital tools.
• Collaborate in teams to develop and deliver a persuasive product pitch.

Robotics for Kids is an exciting hands-on introduction to Robotics. Students learn basic robotic construction, programming & teamwork skills. In small groups, students use building elements, motors, and microcontrollers to build metal robots. Students will build and program their robots to compete against their classmates in classroom robot competitions. No previous experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome to participate in this course as projects are oriented towards skill building and creativity rather than technical ability.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Develop team building skills as participants engage in every project.
• Learn and understand the basic construction of a robot.
• Understand basic robotics programming.
• Develop valuable critical thinking skills in which they will be able to gather, organize, and analyze data from various sources and apply that to their own projects.

Students become real-world inventors as they design, prototype, and pitch their own original product/invention. Inspired by entrepreneurial thinking and engineering design, students will identify everyday problems, brainstorm innovative solutions, and build a simple prototype using hands-on materials and digital tools. Throughout the course, students will learn how to think like engineers and entrepreneurs—combining creativity, problem-solving, and technology. The class culminates in a “Shark Tank” style presentation where students pitch their invention to a panel of sharks! This course integrates STEM and Business/Marketing principles, making it ideal for students interested in building, designing, and presenting ideas. No prior experience required.

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Apply design thinking to develop innovative solutions to everyday problems.
• Construct working prototypes using engineering principles.
• Collaborate in teams to develop and deliver persuasive product pitches.

Step into the lab and start experimenting — with food! Students will discover the science behind cooking as they mix, heat, and transform ingredients into amazing dishes. Part kitchen, part science class, The Flavor Lab is where curiosity and creativity come together one delicious experiment at a time!

This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Upon completion students will:

• Identify and explain at least two chemical reactions that happen during cooking.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the experimental process by gathering materials, making predictions, and observing results during class experiments.
• Follow a recipe like a science experiment — making predictions, observing changes, and describing what happened to their ingredients along the way.
• Safely measure, mix, and prepare ingredients using proper kitchen tools and techniques.