Class Schedules and Descriptions
*Registration opens for currently enrolled families 5/5 @9 am
** Registration opens for new families 5/12 @ 9 am
Semester starts August 25 and will end December 17th
No classes 9/1 or 9/3
No classes 11/25 or 11/27
***Study Hall is offered at registration each hour, every day where your students can work, read or play cards/board games under supervision if they have a gap in their schedule.
Mondays
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Mrs. Erin is teaching this class
In this class we will work on several activities that will build fine motor skills while having fun! This class will be more than just art. Some of the activities may be working with beads, coloring/painting, cutting, playdough, stickers and so much more while strengthening hands and abilities. This is a great class to be social and have some fun too
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Mrs. Jessica is teaching this class
In this class we will be doing exciting, and sometimes messy, science experiments every week! Students will learn through doing in this fun and engaging science sampler class. We will do experiments that help students to understand chemistry, physics, biology, and the world around them in general. Most weeks I will send home optional reading materials and worksheets to help increase understanding of the subject matter. Put on your lab coats and goggles, and let’s have fun!
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Mr. Dan is teaching this class
Welcome to LEGO Design and Play, an exciting club hosted by Building Steam aboard the Block & Roll Bus! Embark on a thrilling journey delving into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, all through the versatile medium of LEGO bricks. Join us as we unleash our creativity in a series of dynamic classes, each offering a fresh project to ignite your imagination and spark your next LEGO masterpiece.
From crafting architectural marvels to engineering dynamic creations with gears and motors, our teacher-led sessions promise endless fun and inspiration. Come aboard the Block & Roll Bus for a world of boundless possibilities! Suitable for ages 10+.
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Mrs. Daena will be teaching this class
Each week we will engage in a teacher read, read aloud story and will work on a related activity each week. Activities will provide an opportunity to demonstrate understanding and will include but won’t be limited to cutting, pasting, story sequencing, directed drawings and more.
We will go over reading strategies and introduction to reading skills that will be embedded in the read aloud. The activity will accompany the story to demonstrate comprehension and understanding. This class is geared toward developing a love of reading and having fun while learning!
**Prerequisites: This is a project based class, students need to demonstrate proficiency in using scissors (holding and cutting) and using writing utensils.
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Ms. Mandee and Ms. Crystal will be teaching this class
In this class, students will be introduced to the elements of cultural anthropology including comparing and contrasting beliefs, social structures, cultural art & writing, and how people organize themselves in their societies. Students will be given opportunities to try art materials from many cultures, try food that distinguishes them, and have class discussions about cultures covered and have introspective activities to compare and contract cultures to their own lives.
What is Cultural Anthropology?
Coastal Dwellers
Etruscans
Gula Geechee
Tlinkit
Mountain Dwellers
Inca/Peru
Shoshone
Basque
Desert Dwellers
Egyptian and Kush Kingdoms
Navajo
Nabatean/ Bedouin
Anasazi
Histories Mysteries
Golbecki Tepi, Turkey
Skaara Brae, Scotland
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Mrs. Carrie is teaching this class
In this hands-on building class, students will be designers, and builders! Using a mix of craft supplies & recycled materials such as cardboard etc, students will explore 3D design concepts while creating imaginative 3D creations—from tree houses and mazes to masks, airplanes and more! I provide a prompt and inspiration photos as a lunching pad and students build their own creations from there. This is the perfect class for kids who love to tinker, build, and dream in three dimensions. Problem-solving, planning, and creativity are all part of the fun in the Makers Model Lab! *NOTE: Students will be using a hot glue gun daily. Masking tape and other glues will also be provided for those who don't want to use hot glue, however the other adhesives aren't as efficient.
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Mrs. Gemma is teaching this class
In this class we will have a quick review of what was learned in Spanish A (vocabulary) and begin adding grammar and full sentence conversations.
*** If you did not take Spanish A at Meridan Pod, you will need to have basic understanding of Spanish vocabulary.
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This class is taught by Mrs. Jessica
This class is for high schoolers who want to experience group science labs and activities in a classroom setting. We will be doing common high school labs and experiments, and a few not so common ones! This class will focus on biology dissections/labs, chemistry experiments, physics and some engineering. The atmosphere will be fun and engaging, but also a bit challenging. I will send out reading materials, video links, and worksheets to go with all our topics, which can be completed at home. These will be optional and are meant to increase understanding of the subjects.
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Mrs.Daena will be teaching this class
Drawing through simple directed drawing lessons with new projects each week. We will have opportunities to color in our drawings as well.
**Prerequisite: proficiency in holding and operating a pencil/pen.
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Ms. Mandee and Ms. Crystal will be teaching this class
In this class, students will be introduced to a variety of cultures by learning interesting facts, creating art of the culture and even trying some of their cuisine. Trade influenced much of the worlds cultures by introducing new art materials, tools, and foods from other places.
Mesoamerican Cultures
Mayan
Aztecs
Olmec
A Changing Culture Snapshot: Brittan
Iron age
Roman
Anglo-Saxon
Adventurers
Golden Age of Piracy & Buccaneers
Nellie Bly
Marco Polo
A Journey with Lewis & Clark
The Beginning of the Corps of Discovery
Where’s the Missouri?
No Ocean in View
The Journey Back
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Mrs. Carrie is teaching this class
Wildcraft is a creative art adventure into the natural world! Students will gather materials (*Weather and project permitting) from the seasons as they craft beautiful, earthy creations like plant weaving, leaf printing in clay & mini seed satchels. This class blends crafts and outdoor appreciation, encouraging children to see everyday nature through the eyes of an artist. Expect hands-on fun, seasonal projects, and lots of imagination rooted in the beauty of the wild.
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This class is taught by Mr. Dan
Welcome to LEGO Design and Play, an exciting club hosted by Building Steam aboard the Block & Roll Bus! Embark on a thrilling journey delving into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, all through the versatile medium of LEGO bricks. Join us as we unleash our creativity in a series of dynamic classes, each offering a fresh project to ignite your imagination and spark your next LEGO masterpiece.
From crafting architectural marvels to engineering dynamic creations with gears and motors, our teacher-led sessions promise endless fun and inspiration. Come aboard the Block & Roll Bus for a world of boundless possibilities!
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This class is taught by Mrs. Gemma
Welcome to beginning Spanish. In this class your child will learn some basic Spanish words and phrases through games and other fun activities. The class will be taught almost fully in Spanish.
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Mrs. Jessica is teaching this class
In this class we will be doing exciting, and sometimes messy, science experiments every week! Students will learn through doing in this fun and engaging science sampler class. We will do experiments that help students to understand chemistry, physics, biology, and the world around them in general, more fully. Most weeks I will send home optional reading materials and worksheets to help increase understanding of the subject matter. Put on your lab coats and goggles, and let’s have fun!
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Mrs. Daena is teaching this class
In this class we will read 1-2 chapters weekly and work on a hands-on activity that will immerse students into the story. Students will make progress each week and end the semester with a completed lapbook and a few activities sprinkled in their learning.
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Mrs. Carrie is teaching this class
This class introduces students to the world of textiles through creative fabric-based projects and beginner hand sewing. Students will explore basic design, color, & texture while creating fabric art pieces, mini accessories, plushie toys and more. Students will learn basic hand-stitching techniques and gain confidence working with fabric as a design medium. Perfect for the hands on, design minded creative!
*NOTE: Class prereq: Students MUST know how to thread an embroidery needle and tie a knot. Without this skill, students won't be able to do their projects.
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This class is taught by Mr. Daniel
Welcome to K-2ND LEGO Design and Play, an exciting club hosted by Building Steam aboard the Block & Roll Bus! Embark on a thrilling journey delving into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, all through the versatile medium of LEGO bricks.
This is the same great class that is offered to the older grades, but scaled down for younger minds, with an emphasis on LEGO® building fundamentals and motor skills.
Wednesdays
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This class is taught by Mrs. Amy
Hit the trail with us this fall as we learn about the Westward Expansion! Jump on a Spanish Armada on its way to California, build missions on the backs of Native tribes, get on a covered wagon and follow the prospectors to silver and gold, send mail on the Pony Express and watch as Chinese and Irish immigrants race to build the transcontinental railroad. For 15 weeks, we will read stories about how the West was expanded. As we go along, we will create keepsake folders and end every class with an activity to reflect what we are learning about. My curriculum is engaging with elements of reading, writing, vocabulary and group discussion. Activities include painting mosaic tiles, creating Spanish loteria, rolling Native American coil pots, watercolor painting syringas, oil pastelling western bluebirds, whittling soap bars and more!. This class is fun, fast paced and sure to spark adventure in the hearts of those who dare to cowboy up in the Wild West!
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This class is taught by Mrs. Jessica
Public speaking is an amazing skill but can be difficult or scary for many people. Learning how to verbalize thoughts and information to others, and practicing that skill in a safe environment, is a great way to boost confidence and critical thinking abilities! This class will provide students with the tools and practice to become better public speakers. We will learn to write different kinds of speeches, and how to communicate efficiently and engagingly in front of a crowd. We will also be learning the basics of debate which will include how to form logical arguments, how to spot and avoid logical fallacies, and how to debate with respect and decorum. This class is for those who are new to speech and debate, or students who have some experience.
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Mrs. Daena will be teaching this class
In K-1 Mystery science we will explore what it is to be a scientist through learning about life science (animal adaptations), earth science (plant life, weather, daylight, night time), and physical science (pushes and pulls, and lights and sounds). Lessons are designed for ages 5-7. Each week will include an interactive slideshow lesson with images, video clips, and vocabulary, as well as an interactive learning activity.
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This class is taught by Ms. Mandee
In this culinary class for kids, students will learn basic cooking techniques including how to use kitchen tools, how to read a recipe, and how to keep their area clean all taught in a small group setting. Students will be able to enjoy a sample of their culinary creation during class. Recipes may include dairy, grain, nuts, eggs, meat, and spices. All supplies and ingredients included. Recipes are subject to adjustment.
Week 1 Pasta Salad
Week 2 Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Week 3 No Bake Berry Cheesecake
Week 4 Meatloaf Bites
Week 5 Bangers and Mash
Week 6 Banana Pancakes
Week 7 Mac & Cheese
Week 8 Harvest Chicken Salad
Week 9 Chocolate Pancakes
Week 10 Crepes
Week 11 Breakfast Burritos
Week 12 Banana Foster French Toast
Week 13 Pesto Salmon
Week 14 Baked Potato Bowls
Week 15 Butter Chicken
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Ms. Crystal is teaching this class
What is design? Design uses the Elements of Art to purposefully plan out how to arrange an image. A well designed image can make a picture more interesting and better liked by the viewer. In this class students will be introduced to a variety of styles of design and techniques to further their art.
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This class is taught by Mrs. Amy
Open the pages of history for 15 weeks as we explore highlights from ancient days. Build a pyramid in the desert, map your way from Crete to China to the Nile to Rome, explore world landmarks like Stonehenge, Athens and the Great Wall. Learn about ancient thinkers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Follow the war paths of the Huns and follow the wise leadership of Constantine. As we go along, we will create keepsake folders and end every class with an activity that reflects what we are learning about. Activities include weekly mapping layovers, pressing cuneiform into clay, creating Roman mosaic fish, painting Ming Dynasty plates, designing medieval stained glass, Silk Road string art and more! This class is engaging, thought provoking and will give students a taste of how people lived and withstood the harsh conditions of the ancient world.
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Mrs. Mandee is teaching this class
In this culinary class for kids, students will learn basic cooking techniques including how to use kitchen tools, how to read a recipe, and how to keep their area clean all taught in a small group setting. Students will be able to enjoy a sample of their culinary creation during class. Recipes may include dairy, grain, nuts, eggs, meat, and spices. All supplies and ingredients included. Recipes are subject to adjustment.
Week 1 Pasta Salad
Week 2 Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Week 3 No Bake Berry Cheesecake
Week 4 Meatloaf Bites
Week 5 Bangers and Mash
Week 6 Banana Pancakes
Week 7 Mac & Cheese
Week 8 Harvest Chicken Salad
Week 9 Chocolate Pancakes
Week 10 Crepes
Week 11 Breakfast Burritos
Week 12 Banana Foster French Toast
Week 13 Pesto Salmon
Week 14 Baked Potato Bowls
Week 15 Butter Chicken
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Mrs. Jessica is teaching this class.
Want a fun and engaging way for your students to learn the basics of writing? This is the class! We will start from the beginning, learning how to formulate sentences and paragraphs properly, using rich and descriptive language. Grammar rules and vocabulary will be taught and incorporated into each lesson. Students will have the chance to put these rules to use in their own creative writing journals, as well as take home (optional) extra practice worksheets.
Spelling proficiency isn’t required for this class (though lots of spelling will probably be learned during our lessons), but students should be able to read and write at a 3rd grade level, or higher, in order to get the most from this class.
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Mrs. Daena is teaching this class
Students explore fundamental concepts like self, family, community, geography through hands-on activities and real-world connections. We will utilize a “Me on the Map” curriculum by: Little School of Smiths and review a book and have a craft or activity that focuses on the same theme as the book we read. This class is intended to develop a foundation for understanding of basic social studies concepts that will contribute to their love of learning.
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Ms. Crystal is teaching this class
An influence is never small, and in art, artists draw from a wealth of rich resources that connect them despite distance or time. In this session of Intro to Art, students will learn about artists and art forms from around the world. While materials like clay and paint may not vary much, the way artisans use these materials to express themselves and their culture vary greatly around the world. Journey with us around the world and experience art through the continents.
Mesoamerica
Aztec mosaic Dragon
Mexico tile finger painting
Nazca lines
Mayan pot
South America
Paint Mayan pot with cocoa and other paint
Panama Kuna Mula, scratch art
Bolivia, cave art petroglyphs
Puma Punku (Pre Columbian) ancient statue of Tiwanaku
Llama painting from Peru
Europe
Wax eggs
Make tempura paint
stain Glass windows
Asia
China Landscape
Chinese dragon watercolor
Antarctica
Penguin
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Mrs. Dabney is teaching this class
This class is designed to engage students in design thinking while teaching them about multiple engineering career options. Following introductory units that will explore what an engineer does and different types of engineering, students will learn about the engineering design process through hands-on challenges. Knowledge will be built as students progress through the challenges and instruction will be based on learner needs.
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Mrs. Jessica is teaching this class
Need to know how to write a book report, or an opinion piece? How about a research paper? In this class we will learn the techniques and rules for these forms of writing and more! Some of the subject matter will include expository, narrative, and persuasive writing, as well as brainstorming and outlining. Lessons will be taught in a fun and laid-back style, and students will be able to take home extra, optional practice recourses as well.
Students don’t need perfect spelling skills but should be able to read and write at a 6th grade level, or higher, in order to get the most from this class.
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Ms. Mandee is teaching this class
Creative writing is an artistic and very personal expression. Creating a story or poem takes
imagination, creativity and the time to write what comes to one’s head without over thinking
it. In this creative writing class for beginners, students will practice creative writing through
prompts, fun hands-on activities and group collaborations. The class is designed for students
to start a writing activity in class and finish it at home before the next class. Parents are encouraged to help at home with punctuation, grammar and spelling. Each student will have a thesaurus of their own to expand on their creative writing skills and learn how to use a dictionary.
*Adding Details
*Description
*Five Senses
*Communicating Emotions
* Webbing
*Expanding Out a Sentence or Story
*Having Fun with the Story
*Interviewing
* Editing and giving useful feedback
* Parts of a story: plot, theme, identifying characters, conflict and conclusion
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Ms. Crystal is teaching this class
In this Art Sampler class, students will get an in depth study of different art mediums and techniques including drawing, watercolor, acrylic, pottery, ink, and mixed media.
Charcoal
Still life
Portrait
Draw Remi: highlight, middle tone, shadow
India Ink & Watercolor
Waterfall
Lantern day 1
Lantern day 2 with watercolor
Acrylic
Shark
Black canvas moon painting
Chocolate covered strawberry
Tile & Ink
Color mixing
Fish
Flower with Straw
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Mrs. Daena is teaching this class
In 2nd-3rd Mystery science we will explore what it is to be a scientist through learning about life science (animals), earth science (plants, weather, trees/fruit), and physical science (materials, push and pull, bridges). Lessons are designed for ages 7.5-9. Each week will include an interactive slideshow lesson with images, video clips, and vocabulary, as well as a hands-on interactive learning activity.