College for Kids
A Community Education Enrichment Program
At Mt. SAC we are looking forward to working with your children this summer during
our College for Kids Program. This is an enrichment program that provides opportunities
for your children to expand, enhance or review areas of interest and study with the
added benefit of introducing them to the college environment. Our entire staff is
committed to making this a safe, positive and rewarding experience.
In order to ensure the safety and security of each child, we ask you to read and follow
the General Policies and Procedures found at our website http://communityed.mtsac.edu/. You can also find the Medical Release Form and Daily Timeline at this site.
2022 Class Schedule
Our 2022 program will be on-campus and online!
Classes will be held Monday thru Thursday over two three-week sessions. On-campus
class start times will be 8:00am and 10:00am. Online class start times will be 1:00pm,
2:15pm, and 3:30pm.
Session I: June 13 - June 20
On-campus Course Fees: $170 (on-campus courses may include material fees)
Online Course Fees: $90 (does not include material fees)
Holidays: None
Session II: July 5 – July 21
On-campus Course Fees: $170 (on-campus courses may include material fees)
Online Course Fees: $90 (does not include material fees)
Holidays: None
Click here for our Summer 2022 Online Class Schedule
Course Descriptions
Arts
Exploring Art Principles
This art experience will utilize various sources and mediums to focus on developing
principle art skills with students while exploring the history and context of famous
works. This class will encourage independent creative practice as the instructor models
art work to the students in class. No prior experience will be required for this class
and all skill levels are welcome to participate. Students will be expected to have
general introductory art supplies to participate in the course. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social,
Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Share ideas for media artworks through guided exploration of tools, methods, and imagining.
- Express and share ideas for media artworks through sketching and modeling.
- Integrate aesthetic principles with a variety of generative methods to fluently form original ideas, solutions, and innovations in media arts creation processes.
- Form ideas into plans or models for media arts productions.
- Create, capture, and assemble media arts content for media arts productions, identifying basic aesthetic principles, such as pattern and repetition.
Healthy Cooking for Kids
Healthy Cooking for Kids is a culinary arts class designed for students 3rd to 8th
grade. Students will have a fun time doing hands-on learning in Mt. SAC's Nutrition
and Foods Laboratory Kitchen, a professional teaching kitchen. Working in teams,
students will complete recipes utilizing the kitchen's equipment. Students will prepare
a wide range of fresh ingredients in order to produce healthy and flavorful dishes.
Participants will learn the basic principles of food preparation, learning recipes,
food identification, food safety and sanitation, as well as the use and identification
of kitchen tools and equipment. No previous experience necessary to be successful in this class. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social,
Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of principles of food preparation (recipe reading, ingredient identification/measuring, organization of cooking tasks) by successfully preparing course recipes
- Learn to safely prepare food by following kitchen safety and food sanitation guidelines
- Demonstrate ability to properly use kitchen tools and equipment by their application in food preparation
- Gain knowledge of various cooking techniques by the completion of course recipes.
Computer Applications
Accelerated Coding with Scratch
This course suits mostly for beginners and is designed for students who have little
programming/coding knowledge. In this Accelerated Scratch Coding, we will cover the
more complex coding concepts in Scratch, such as functions and lists, while continuing
to explore all the cool features Scratch has to offer. Students will work on writing
and animating their own projects using animations, games, and storytelling. Our goal
in this class is to focus on creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and fun!
This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology
Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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Use a variety of age-appropriate technologies to communicate and exchange ideas
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Create projects that use coding and various forms of graphic, audio to communicate ideas
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Create their own interactive games, stories, and animations
Digital Animation
This class will take a look at the tools and software used for animation, and the
basics of animation. Students will first learn traditional, hand-drawn animation during
the first half of the session, and then digital animation in the second half. During
the second half, students will be introduced to programs used in the industry, as
well as different techniques on how to animate. 3rd and 5th graders will have a lighter
version that teaches more fundamentals while 6th and 8th graders will have a bit more
complexity to challenge students. No experience necessary, lots of imagination required. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information and Technology
Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic and Environmental Responsibility Institutional
Level Outcomes.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate visual communication techniques through the use of industry-standard programs
- Display the ability to use text and pictures through assignments
Graphic Design
This class will take a look at the tools and software used for graphic design, and
how to approach design from a digital point of view. We will also be covering organization
of project files to optimize efficiency. Students will learn the essential elements
of design. 3rd and 5th graders will have a lighter version that teaches more fundamentals
while 6th and 8th graders will have a bit more complexity to challenge students.No experience necessary, lots of imagination 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 of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate visual communication techniques through the use of professional industry-standard computer applications
- Display their ability to integrate text and pictures through assignments
Introduction to Video and Audio Production for Kids
In this course, students will explore the world of audio and visual production. Using
the Mac software suite, students will develop skills in producing their own audio
projects, including podcasts and songs, and how to edit and manipulate the sonic qualities
of each. Then, after exploring the sonic worlds, students will be introduced to video
production skills and will create their own music videos and PSA’s. Using the Mac
software, students will learn how to make professional quality music video and audio
productions. Students will also be introduced to studio gear and techniques used to
record and produce audial works. No prior experience is necessary for this course
and all skill levels are welcome to participate. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and
Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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Learn basic operation of video cameras and audio equipment
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Create basic audio and visual productions (e.g., capturing, syncing, mixing)
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Edit visual and audio creations
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Demonstrate understanding of aesthetics related to shooting and editing both audio and visual works
Language
Creative Writing: Being Your Story to Life
Writing is one of the most important skills kids can learn and a fundamental life
skill that will prepare for college and career readiness. In this creative writing
class students will learn the key elements of creative writing: character, setting,
problem/action and solution. In addition, they will learn to engage in their imagination
and express their feelings. It is designed to help students foster their creative
writing skills by clarifying their own ideas, beliefs and discovering what they know
and think about a topic. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social,
Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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Write a three to five paragraph narrative of real or imagined events
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Outline the basic structure of essay writing by identifying the introduction, body and conclusion paragraphs
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Using descriptive dialogues to make their story come alive
Creative Writing: Poetry, Spoken Word, and Storytelling
Creative Writing provides students with opportunities to develop their literary talents.
In this course, students will explore out of the box creative writing such as poetry,
spoken word, and in storytelling. This course will be designed to teach students that
though there is writing in the traditional sense (i.e. Shakespeare, E.E. Cummings,
Emily Dickens) that fixate on structure, being exposed to new and modern writing styles
such a spoken word poetry can increase skills in description and creativity in writing.
The social emotional learning aspect of this course will give students healthy ways
to identify their feelings and adopt new coping mechanisms. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social,
Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify poetry structures, work alongside them as well as work against them in an out of the box manner
- Hone in on their writing skills and self-expression as it relates to ELA standards
Memoir Writing
This class is all about what memory stands out as special. By the end of this class,
students will have a well-written, multi-paragraph paper. Students will examine figurative
language and word choice to enhance the reader's experience. Students will also have
a better understanding of making a thesis statement and supporting that statement
with reasons why they believe in their experience means so much to them. 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 of this course, students will be able to:
- Write a multi-paragraph paper presenting their special memory
- Learn about text organization and purposes of paragraphs
- Use Google Docs and become more familiar with inserting images
Opinion Writing
This class is all about what you’re passionate about and why it’s the best! By the
end of this class, students will have a well-written, multi-paragraph paper. We’ll
examine counter arguments as well. Students will also have a better understanding
of making a thesis statement and supporting that statement with reasons why they believe
in their opinion. 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 of this course, students will be able to:
- Write a multi-paragraph paper presenting their opinion and counter argument;
- Learn about text organization and purposes of paragraphs;
- Use Google Docs and become more familiar with inserting images
Persuasive Writing
In this writing class, students will learn safe internet searches, learn research
skills, and how to compose a coherent, well-written persuasive argument. They will
create points and counter-arguments for their position as well. At the end of the
class, students will present their writing to the class to hone their presentation
skills. This will be conducted using Google Meets and Google Classroom. 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 of this course, students will be able to:
- Learn to conduct safe internet searches
- Develop research skills
- Compose a written persuasive argument
- Exercise their presentation skills
Read, Think, Write: Response to Fiction and Non-fiction Text
Responding to text 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 of this course, students will be able to:
- 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.
The Amazing RACE: A Writing Strategy
The RACE strategy is a method used to thoroughly answer an open ended text question.
It is a simple writing strategy that can help students construct more thoughtful and
rigorous responses to what they read. This course will teach students to become more
sophisticated readers and writers while learning to draw inferences and summarize
text. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and
Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text
- Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text
- Compare and contrast their own point of view from that of the author of a text
Writing : An Exploration of Genres
In this course, students will explore various genres and engage in both large and
small group settings to learn about different writing styles and types of genres authors
write in. Students will learn to create discussion on genres and read snippets of
stories to compare and contrast to other books. 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 of this course, students will be able to:
- Become familiar with identifying genre, analyzing it, and putting this knowledge into practice as it translates to ELA common core standards
Math
Drawing through Math: Geometry & Coordinates
Using paper graphs and online graphing counterparts, students will review geometric
concepts and move into graphic coordinates on the (x, y) axis. From lines and line
segments to butterflies and animals, this class will be engaging and challenging at
the same time. This will be conducted using Google Meets and Google Classroom. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and
Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Review geometric concepts and graphic coordinates
Gold Rush Geometry
Students will use a Google Spreadsheet to create a Geometry-focused Gold Rush claim,
tents, the American River, etc... while learning daily about different aspects of
the California Gold Rush. This class will result in a stronger understanding of the
events of the California Gold Rush while developing Google Spreadsheet skills as well.
Together, students will relate a key California historical event while learning and
reinforcing math concepts. Online, students will need a Google account while we use
Google Classroom. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and
Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand area and perimeter
- Understand basic geometric shapes and angles
- Understand different life aspects of the Gold Rush
- Gain familiarity with Google tools and spreadsheets
Math Foundations
The class will give students the confidence to start the next school year with a stronger sense of adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers. Starting with concrete Manipulatives, moving to abstract manipulatives and a place value chart, students will be able to add and subtract multi-digit numbers with ease as they build a foundation for multiplication and fractions. This course falls under the Communication and Critical Thinking Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Use Base-10 Blocks (or print outs) and the Place Value Chart
- Develop a fluid way to understand and solve 3-digit numbers in addition and subtraction
- Have an understanding of “bundling” and “regrouping”
Probability Games: Probability, Data, and Graphs
Students will play probability games to learn the concepts, gather their own data with Google Forms, and create various graphical representations using Google Sheets. Learners will have a stronger understanding of these concepts, further preparing them for the next year of schooling. This will be conducted using Google Meets and Google Classroom. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information and Technology Literacy Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Learn the concepts of probability games
- Gain familiarity with Google tools and spreadsheets
Science
3D Printing for Kids
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 of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop team building skills as participants engage in every project
- Learn and understand the basics of 3d printing
- Understand basic modeling techniques
- Develop valuable learning experiences and apply them to their own projects for future
projects
Engineering for the Young Einstein: Build a Bridge, Rollercoaster, and Test Soundwaves
In this exciting online course, students will be exploring several aspects of Physics.
During these activities, students will explore the applications of the Scientific
Method to understand potential, kinetic energy, momentum, and types of sound waves.
Students will study potential and kinetic energy as we construct our own roller coaster.
We will also hear and see the physics of sound as we “surf” these waves to understand
how they work! 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 of this course, students will be able to:
- 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
- Use models to test interactions concerning the functioning of scientific systems
- Understand the interaction of potential and kinetic energy, as well as momentum
- Build a bridge using popsicle sticks, a paper roller coaster
- Construct a phone to listen to sound waves
Exploring the Cosmos: An Introduction to Astronomy
This is an exciting time to look up and discover what comprises our night sky and
beyond. On December 25, 2021 NASA launched the James Webb observatory to gain insight
into the first galaxies that formed in our universe, discover more about our own solar
system, and explore solar systems and exoplanets beyond our own! This introductory
course will follow the progress of the James Webb Observatory as well as discuss foundational
astronomy skills, compare present and past NASA missions, and conduct simple experiments
with at home materials. This will be an introductory course and no prior astronomy
experience is needed. Similarly, at home experiments will consist of readily sourced
materials from home with very little purchases necessary to participate. Experiments
will be provided for student engagement and enjoyment; therefore, no students will
be penalized for lack of materials. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social,
Civic and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Review foundational astronomy skills
- Compare present and past NASA missions
- Conduct simple experiments as it relates to the course
Going Green!: Sustainable Science at Home
Our environment provides nourishment and shelter and in today’s environmental climate,
eco-innovation and education are more crucial than ever. In this course students
will learn about eco-consciousness, environmental responsibility, and sustainability
with easy at home accessible materials and experiments. Humanity and the environment
are intertwined in many ways and this course will give students the chance to experience
these eco-conscious opportunities first hand. No prior experience is necessary to
participate in this course. Similarly, at home experiments will consist of readily
sourced materials from home with very little purchases necessary to participate. Experiments
will be provided for student engagement and enjoyment; therefore, no students will
be penalized for lack of materials. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social,
Civic and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Learn how to be eco- conscious
- Understand environmental responsibility and sustainability
Introduction to Meteorology for Kids
The class will explore the branch of science that describes the phenomena that is
the weather, climate, and forecasting weather. Students will engage in hands-on experiments
to recreate weather patterns, climate, and weather forecasting. Students will focus
on basic types of severe weather and how they develop, the role of human activity
on weather, how weather is observed and measured, as well as the processes that influence
weather and climate. This course falls under the Communication, Critical Thinking, and Personal, Social,
Civic and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Learn basic types of severe weather and how they develop
- Understand the role of human activity on weather
- Recognize how weather is observed and measured
Robotics for Kids
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. 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, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional
Level Outcomes (ILOs).
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- 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
You’re the Investigator: A CSI Adventure
Students in this course will be examining fingerprints, fabric, toxicology, and hair
samples as they enter the world of forensic science. Students will utilize critical
thinking as they learn about the tools of a CSI Forensic Investigator, including fingerprinting
techniques, DNA analysis, handwriting analysis, and ink chromatography. 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 of this course, students will be able to:
- Construct arguments with evidence, data, and/or a model from activities
- Use models to test interactions concerning the functioning of scientific systems.
- Use evidence in constructing explanations that specify variables that describe and predict phenomena and in designing multiple solutions to investigative
