Young actors will get plenty of stage time while they participate in a variety of acting exercises, improvisation, and scene work in this course. Techniques are taught in a fun, fast-paced environment, with lots of opportunities to develop acting and improvisation skills, imagination, creativity, and self-confidence. This exciting workshop will culminate with an in-class demonstration where kids can share their experience with family and friends.  All levels are welcomed, advanced students will benefit from further skill development and will be given more challenging opportunities. 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 utilize acting techniques and skills in preparation for performing a character
• Demonstrate basic skills in improvisation and performing a character
• Develop increased stage presence, creativity, and self-confidence

Through guided instructions, 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, learning 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

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:

• Develop fundamental cooking techniques with every recipe 
• Learn essential food safety and sanitation practices
• Demonstrate the ability to read a recipe, measure ingredients accurately, and follow the proper sequence for preparation

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

In this course, students will express their creativity through the art form of stop-motion animation. Students will develop a storyline using the method of comic book writing. By creating clay characters, students will be able to portray movement through various pictures taken and edited together. At the end of the course, a mini-class premier will showcase all films created. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).  

Upon completion students will:

• Learn how stop-motion films work by going through the process of creating their own films
• Learn to use a digital camera, edit pictures, and make movies by stitching a set of pictures together
• Learn various techniques when working with clay to create their characters

This class will introduce students on how to dance in the genre of Tap. The course is a basic introduction to Tap dance and will teach students basic tap steps and using rhythm. Students will need appropriate clothing such as comfortable clothing. Tap shoes (~$30-$40) are required. This course falls under the Communication and Personal and Social Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).  

Upon completion students will:

• Demonstrate understanding of fundamental tap dance movements, like Flaps and Shuffles
• Learn how to count music and rhythms
• Memorize small dance combinations

In this fun, hands-on class, student will learn the basics of Photoshop and Illustrator through step-by-step tutorials, warm-up activities, and creative projects. Each lesson will introduce new tools and techniques, allowing students to experiment and build on their design skills. By working on a variety of projects, students will gain confidence in digital art while exploring their creativity in a relaxed and engaging environment. 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:

• Learn the basic tools and functions of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
• Create and design projects using different shapes, colors, and texts (for grades 3rd-5th) or tools, layers, and effects (for grades 6th to 8th) to build confidence in their graphic design work
• Utilize problem-solving skills as they learn to incorporate new tools in experimenting, designing, and completing small projects

In this dynamic course, students embark on a journey of crafting impactful presentations, a skill crucial for future success. Designed to cultivate a pathway to career readiness, students not only unlock their confidence in public speaking and audience engagement, but also immerse into the world of digital creativity. Students will develop skills to craft visually stunning presentations and graphics utilizing Microsoft PowerPoint and Canva. By merging presentation skills with hands-on experience in these platforms, students not only develop confidence in public speaking, but also emerge as skilled creators in the digital realm. Get ready to unleash your creativity and leave a lasting impression in the world of presentations! This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).  

Upon completion students will:

• Create presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint with customizable layouts, themes, images, multimedia elements, and utilize animation and transition effects to make presentations dynamic and engaging 
• Utilize various tools in Canva to design presentations, graphics for flyers, social media posts, and more
• Build confidence to present their digital creations to an audience in an engaging way

Technology has influenced our lives tremendously, and students are so proficient with using these devices. So why not take the next step and learn how to code games that are played on these devices?  In this class, students will learn how to use blocks of code to go on an adventure through the Minecraft world, learn the basic concepts of Computer Science with drag and drop programming, and create their own interactive games, stories, animations and much more. 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, ang Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).  

Upon completion students will:

• Use a variety of age-appropriate technologies to communicate and exchange ideas
• Create projects that use coding and various forms of graphic, audio to communicate ideas
• Create their own interactive games, stories, and animations

This course provides students with a comprehensive hands-on experience in audio-video filmmaking using iMovie. Students will learn the fundamental elements of storytelling, including plot development and character creation. They will then translate their stories into visual form through storyboarding, followed by practical filming techniques. The course culminates in the editing and finalization of a short film, allowing students to explore their creativity and technical skills in a collaborative environment. No prior experience is necessary for this course and all skill levels are welcome to participate. Students will be using student phone/tablets to create their own productions. A USB drive will be necessary for this course. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).  

Upon completion students will:

• Develop and structure a narrative
• Apply basic filmmaking and video editing techniques, including importing footage, trimming clips, adding transitions, incorporating audio, and applying visual effects
• Work effectively in a team to plan, film, and edit a short film, demonstrating an understanding of teamwork and project management.

Take your design skills to the next level! This course is for students who want to deepen their graphic design skills. Building on the basics of Photoshop and Illustrator, students will learn more advanced tools and techniques through fun projects and tutorials. This class will focus on creating polished designs, improving composition, and experimenting with more complex digital art. Students will continue to explore their creativity while developing a stronger understanding of graphic design principles. Students are recommended to take “Design Magic: Introduction to Digital Creations” prior to attending or have Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator experience, but not 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:

• Refine their design skills by learning advanced tools and techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, such as working with gradients, blending modes, and advanced text effects
• Improve their composition and layout skills by applying design principles to create more polished and professional-looking projects 
• Complete a series of creative projects that demonstrate their growing design knowledge, including digital posters, logos, and simple animations or web graphics

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

Do you have that creative bug and just want to write a story? Or perhaps you’d like to learn how to craft a fictional story. You’ll learn that with this class! You’ll draft a story and illustrate your own pictures! We’ll create a book online with all your original ideas and drawings. 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, and Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs). 

Upon completion students will:

• Write a multi-paragraph story with developed story elements and dialogue
• Learn about story components and dialogue grammar
• Use Google Docs for drafting and Book Creator for creating their own online book

This class is geared toward keeping students physically active, learning coordination, and being mentally engaged through basic techniques in yoga, cheerleading, and essay writing. Students will learn the fundamental poses in yoga and motion technique in cheerleading and then create their own routines to share with the class. Additionally, students will document the hands-on skills they learned and discover how to effectively communicate their experiences in written form through essay writing. Students will utilize proper essay structuring with correct spelling and grammar. This course integrates the physical activity needed for growing kids with the essential critical thinking components needed for the classroom. “Express Yourself!” through the fundamentals of movement and writing. Students will need appropriate attire such as leggings, form-fitting tops, and closed-toe tennis shoes. NO cropped clothing. 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:

• Learn body awareness and basic anatomy through various yoga stretches/poses and cheer motion techniques (learn names of which muscles the posture or stretch is targeting)
• Have the ability to think creatively, construct routines, and display written and oral communication when sharing individual ideas with peers and the instructor 
• Understand how to plan, structure, and write an essay

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

This interactive class that will immerse students in historical mysteries. Through the exploration of primary source documents such as letters, diaries, and newspaper clippings, students will learn to analyze context, infer meaning, and uncover hidden stories from the past. They will use detective-style questioning to “solve” historical mysteries and gain insight into the lives of both famous and ordinary people throughout history. 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, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).  

Upon completion students will:

• Develop critical thinking and analytical reading skills
• Learn how to interpret and infer meaning from historical documents
• Understand the importance of historical context in shaping events and perspectives
• Engage with diverse historical periods and cultures through primary sources
• Strengthen their ability to ask thoughtful questions and make informed conclusions

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

This course is for beginners with little to no exposure to the Spanish language. In this class, student will learn common words and expressions for daily use including basic life skills such as greetings and salutations, needs, transportation and ordering food. 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:

• Use a variety of conversational structures to engage in basic back and forth Spanish conversations
• Communicate basic needs in the Spanish language
• Learn Spanish terms for common household items

Have a special memory that defines you today? In this class, students will look at a special moment in their life that may have changed their approach to something or someone, or simply changed their thinking. We’ll create a multi-paragraph paper after reading and analyzing a mentor text. Students will explore self-reflection on how they changed because of this event or moment. 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:

• Examine what a memoir is and define important moments in their lives
• Write a multi-paragraph paper focusing on a specific event or memory, showing some reflection at the end
• Learn about text organization and purposes of paragraphs
• Use Google Slides and Google Docs and become more familiar with inserting images

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 purpose and point of view and identify main events

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of storytelling through film. By watching and analyzing animated and live-action films, students will explore character development, visual storytelling, and key themes while participating in guided discussions and creative writing exercises. Films shown in class are rated G or PG/PG-13. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs). 

Upon completion students will:

[Grades 3rd-5th]

• Identify and analyze visual storytelling techniques used in animated and live-action films
• Recognize central themes, emotions, and character arcs in movies and express them through discussions and writing
• Develop early critical thinking and writing skills by forming and supporting opinions on films

[Grades 6th-8th]

• Analyze and discuss key elements of film storytelling, including cinematography, dialogue, and character development
• Compare different film styles and genres to understand how they shape audience perception and narrative impact
• Develop critical thinking and structured writing skills by articulating film critiques and thematic analyses

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

This class is designed to enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary development. This course will equip students with effective strategies for decoding complex texts, expanding their word knowledge, and improving their overall reading fluency. Through targeted exercises and engaging materials, student will build a strong foundation for academic success. 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, and Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).  

Upon completion students will:

• Apply newly acquired vocabulary and reading comprehension skills to a variety of academic and real-world contexts
• Develop independent reading strategies that they can use to continue improving their vocabulary and comprehension beyond the summer course
• Demonstrate increased confidence in their ability to engage with and understand challenging texts

This engaging and interactive course is designed to introduce elementary students to the rich diversity of world literature while simultaneously exploring the geography of the countries and cultures from which these stories originate. Through reading, storytelling, creative activities, and hands-on map work, students will gain an understanding of how literature reflects the values, traditions, and environments of different parts of the world. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, ang Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).  

Upon completion students will:

• Explore various genres of literature from across the globe, including folk tales, myths, and modern stories 
• Develop a better understanding of world geography 
• Learn how landscapes, climates, and cultures influence the narratives and characters within the literature

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

Student will discover and develop their spatial awareness skills through the world of 3D modeling. Students will solve real world problems by creating 3D solutions. Students will learn about circuit boards using the in-system Arduino version which will give students a different perspective on electronics. Students will also learn about physics using the Simulation Lab in which they can apply real world physics to virtual objects. 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:

• Learn how to navigate TinkerCAD’s user-friendly interface
• Understand how to use and manipulate basic shapes to build complex models
• Create a variety of everyday objects, from simple toys to intricate designs
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects
• Showcase their creations and collaborate with classmates in a supportive, creative environment

Inspired by the hit TV show, this class challenges students to put myths, urban legends, and viral videos to the test using the scientific method. Each week of the session features a new myth — Can you walk on eggs? Will a potato power a light bulb? — and students will hypothesize, experiment, analyze data, and determine whether the myth is “Busted,” “Plausible,” or “Confirmed.” 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

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

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

This engaging course provides a dynamic exploration of essential science topics for 3rd-5th graders. Through interactive lessons, students will expand their scientific vocabulary, learn core concepts, and develop critical thinking skills. They will design and build models, conduct simple experiments, and practice communicating their results through clear explanations and presentations. Get ready to discover the wonders of science! 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 scientific vocabulary and concepts to explain phenomena and experimental results
• Design, build, and test models or conduct experiments to investigate scientific questions
• Communicate their scientific findings and conclusions clearly and effectively

This course focuses on developing students' ability to design and conduct controlled experiments, analyze data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Students will explore topics in biology, chemistry, and physics through inquiry-based investigations and learn to apply the scientific method to real-world challenges. 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:

• Design and conduct controlled experiments to investigate scientific questions, identifying independent, dependent, and controlled variables
• Collect, organize, and represent data using appropriate tools and formats (e.g., tables, graphs, charts)
• Analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and relationships, and draw evidence-based conclusions
• Evaluate the validity and reliability of experimental results and identify potential sources of error
• Effectively communicate scientific findings and conclusions

Got an idea that could change the world? In this invention-oriented lab, students will become young entrepreneurs and engineers. Working in teams, they will design a product, build a prototype from everyday materials, and develop a pitch to present to a panel of “investors” in a Shark Tank-style finale. Emphasis is on creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. 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

Students will explore the science and physics of what electricity is and how electricity can be used to power devices with common household items. This device is known as a simple circuit; students will have the opportunity to build and expand on what a circuit is. 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:

• Learn about circuits through the use of Arduinos
• Develop a better understanding of electronics through various projects that incorporate the use of coding and/or programming
• Construct various electronic projects