Each week we'll read a book and either prepare food or do a craft to go along with it. Please let me know dietary restrictions

Explore the true history of pirates from the age of antiquity to modern times with an emphasis on the "golden age" during the 1600 and 1700s. We'll cut through the myths and discover how infamous figures such as Edward Teach, Henry Every, and Anne Bonney operated against the backdrop of warring empires, wars, and global trade.

We will read the classic book The Borrowers, have a short discussion time, a short vocabulary study and then work on projects creating minature objects. Our main project will be a "room box" that will be full of our miniature creations. All craft supplies will be included. Students are responsible for purchasing the book or borrowing the book from the library. Please pay $85 via friends and family on PayPal melaniebrell@gmail.com, if you wish to pay via goods and services please pay $90

Travel back in time to the Ice Age and learn about all the many fascinating creatures that lived during the Cenozoic Era. Students will explore lands filled with monstrous Titanoboas, Terror Birds, Saber Toothed Cats, and majestic Mammoths, and into the seas filled with giants such as Basilosaurus and the mighty Megalodon. By looking at many slides, videos, and even real fossils, students will get a glimpse into the ancient world of the Ice Age. 9th graders may register on the waitlist and will be moved into the class as space allows.

Learn essential cooking skills. This class will begin by learning basic knife skills, cooking methods, food science and meal planning. Working with a budget, students will plan and prep fun and exciting meals. Test our Master Chef skills through food challenges and cooking exercises. Every week we will cook or bake something to explore the wonders of food and nutrition. Bring your appetite!!! Class fee includes $35 for supplies. Recommended but not necessary buy own knife set. Link below.

This year-long music theory class will help students learn to read and perform basic rhythms, using a respected system called TAKADIMI. We'll explore rhythms in simple meter in the fall (e.g., 2/4, 3/4, 4/4) and compound meter in the spring (e.g., 6/8, 9/8, 12/8). Together, we'll work on sightreading, ear training, and figuring out how to divide and subdivide a beat, essential skills for any budding musician. We may also explore the treble and bass clefs using solfege (i.e., movable Do-Re-Mi), and we'll listen to an eclectic mix of music throughout the term. Outside practice and weekly in-class participation are expected (e.g., clapping, tapping, vocalizing, playing an instrument). Instruments are welcome; TAKADIMI works for any instrument. Prior music experience is helpful but not required.

History is, first and foremost, a narrative. A story of the past- a story of our past. But who tells the story? In this yearlong course, we will journey through US history- imagining the lives of those who witnessed the unfolding of our American story. We will travel through time, using historical fiction as our vehicle. Throughout the course, we will dig into causation, identify patterns & throughlines, and employ historical thinking skills to understand what historian Peter Rachleff meant by his statement, 'I study history because I am interested in the future'. Primary sources and chronology will inform our broad course structure, but empathetic perspective and intriguing storylines will bring historical moments to life. Class time will be spent discussing novels as literary works, sorting fact from fiction, filling informational gaps, and navigating the experience of a different time and place. Our general pace will be one novel every two weeks. Selected works tend toward a more basic lexile level, as students will be reading at a fairly swift rate. Additional reading (online history textbook), supplemental videos, and accompanying assignments will be provided as an option- for families that plan to utilize this course as an US History high school credit (more info as the session approaches, or upon request). Avid readers in 8th grade are welcome to join the waitlist. The booklist will be released to registered students in early September. Students are responsible for procuring a copy of each title- paper, digital, or audio (most books should largely be available through local libraries).

In this fun, interactive class, students will build confidence and public speaking skills through a different presentation challenge each week. Each class will feature a new theme or speaking activity. Students may give a prepared presentation, respond to a surprise impromptu prompt, or share something they've researched and are excited to teach others. Topics are creative, engaging, and designed to encourage conversation and curiosity, while practicing how to organize their thoughts, think on their feet, ask thoughtful questions, and becoming more confident communicators. No previous public speaking experience is needed, just bring your ideas, your curiosity, and a willingness to have fun!

Time to travel around the world and learn it about it together! Each week we will have a new location and we will learn about our new place through dance, music, foods, animals, and other mediums. A different activity each week, for each place.

We will explore many different types of puzzles, such as jigsaw and other physical puzzles, word, math, disentanglement, logic, codes and ciphers, and more. We will learn about different kinds of puzzles, try them out, and even make some of our own.

Students will learn about Space Exploration starting with human's earliest ideas and attempts to launch rockets into space all the way through the Artemis missions. We will examine the technology and people that have made space exploration possible including not just astronauts but key support pioneers as well. We will see what it is like to be an astronaut and live in space, and discover scientific research that has been done in space.

Explore the rise of Rome from its founding to the fall of the republic and the reign of Augustus. We'll cover Roman culture, government, key figures, and the key military campaigns that gave rise to one of the most powerful empires in history and how Rome's influence is still felt to this day. Occasional homework, less than an hour per week.

We will be learning map reading, terrain features, cartography, compass usage, orienteering, and land navigation. Instruction will be by notebooking pages, hands-on activities, and outside activities. There are also optional orienteering meets on some Sundays with Quantico Orienteering Club (QOC) which we can participate in as a group or in buddy teams, even individually if you feel ready! The meets cost $5 for youth, paid to QOC on the Monday before a meet.

Have you ever watched paint flow across paper and create something totally unexpected? Watercolor is a beautiful, fun medium that has a mind of its own. We'll work with the spontaneous nature of watercolor and learn techniques that guide it towards our vision. We'll explore traditional techniques, loose styles, and abstract approaches. Along the way, you may discover that, much like in life, "mistakes" often become your best work. No experience necessary. All welcome, whether you're new to art or expanding your skills. Cost includes supplies used during class

This will be a year long course in human anatomy and physiology. We will investigate body systems, focusing this semester on the musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory system. Each body system will be covered at the macro and micro level, investigating the organs and their cells. Topics such as disease, nutrition, hereditary and genetics will be touched on as appropriate in the class and related to specific body parts. Topics will be covered in class mostly through lecture, hands on activities and class discussion. This class is for students who want more in-depth knowledge of health, biology, or have an interest in the medical field. Homework and videos will be assigned in a Google Classroom. Recommended supplies for class: a good set of colored pencils and The Anatomy Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit and Lawrence M. Elson (Amazon - https://a.co/d/03naMElU or Rainbow Resouces - https://www.rainbowresource.com/011111.html)

Students will learn about propaganda beginning in the ancient world with a focus on the twentieth century. They will identify types of propaganda, how changing media impacts how propaganda and disinformation spread. There will be special focus on World War I and II including Weimar-period messaging and Nazi-produced films. Other topics covered will be the U.S. space program, COINTELPRO, the Black Panthers, Pentagon Papers, art as propaganda, and contemporary issues like PSYOPs, social media, and more. Can be used as a civics or modern history credit. Lecture and discussion-based class with limited outside reading or work. 8th graders may apply to the waitlist.

Each week we'll read a classic Fairy Tale and explore the morals of the story, and any learning opportunities we can gain from it. We'll then play fun games or make crafts to go along with the book/theme.

Have you ever built a lego maze? What about a cabin in the forest? A box that holds a secret? A dragon? Each week will be challenged to a design we will build. Some weeks will be nature themed, some will be history or geography, some will be stem. Some classes will be solo projects and some may be partnered up. Please pay via friends and family on paypal melaniebrell@gmail.com

In this beginner-friendly class, we will practice "seeing like an artist" by exploring the building blocks of drawing. Lessons will balance guided instruction with independent creativity so students can build technical skills while developing their own personal artistic style. Sketch studio is a space for budding artists to explore and enjoy the process of making art they're proud of. Home practice is optional but encouraged.

Like a book club for musicals! Each week we will listen to or watch excerpts from a musical, study the story/music/choreography, and complete projects related to each musical. Assistant Teacher: Marguerite Harris Students will be expected to join the Google classroom and watch/listen to each musical before class.

Is it wise to go with the flow or better to forge your own unique path? How would you define "the best education"? Why does everyone like sour patch kids and Diary of a Wimpy Kid? ;) Basic introduction to philosophy through accessible concepts. In this class we will delve into foundational elements of philosophy and consider the pillars of stoicism. From Rene Descartes to Michael Pollan. There are no right or wrong answers in this class...we are ready to uncover and discuss ideas around Thinking and Universal Truths (...if there even are any??) My teaching style is open, warm and accepting. This class is open to all learning styles, flexible and will accommodate all learners

Starting from the most basic stitches, each week students will learn new stitches to create new and interesting patterns with needle and thread. The class will start out slowly teaching specific stitches and having everyone create similar projects and allow for more individual creativity as the class progresses and students develop their skills. Each week we will create a page for a finished project of embroidery samples, though students who wish to keep projects separate or embroider other items as the class progresses will have opportunities to do so. No previous experience required, though some knowledge of how needle and thread work would be ideal.

In this class, we will build strong skills to act like a diplomat and solve global issues. Through public speaking, international relationships, and teamwork, students will research foreign policies and debate real-world crisis. Students will be given the opportunity, if they desire, to participate in a local Model United Nations. Location to be determined. More details to come by the first week of class.

Physics is the language we use to describe the universe. In this course, we'll explore the fundamental equations that explain everything from motion and gravity to energy, electricity, and light. Each week, we'll unpack a new equation, discover the ideas behind the symbols, and see how those concepts appear in everyday life. We'll even do a tiny bit of math, not enough to be intimidating, just enough to appreciate why these equations are so beautiful.

Welcome to Wonder Workshop, where children get to explore their big thoughts, feelings, and questions. At this age, philosophy is about guiding children to be curious, kind, and reflective little humans. Each week, we will explore a different picture book, discuss it using modules from the Prindle Institute for Ethics, and create a hands-on story-connected art activity. Then the wonder continues with open-ended play stations designed to spark imagination and social-emotional growth. In Wonder Workshop children will learn critical thinking, build empathy, and grow self-confidence.

Flex Lab is a wonderful, creative space for open-ended fun with Scoop friends. Adult facilitators will be available for assistance but not necessarily for instruction. There will be basic art supplies available for free-form creative use. 'Special' supplies will be rotated and each week will feature different 'special' (paint, model magic, sculpting dough, perler beads, jewelry making, etc). We will have a craft space that will feature rotating projects complete with instructions, some seasonal and some by special request (students encouraged to submit ideas)! There will be a game station for calm, quiet play indoors (Rush Hour, Tangrams, Chess, etc). We will also have an open ended building station, with Legos, K'nex, Magnatiles, castle toys, etc. available on a rotating basis (different choice each week). All will be available in one open-ended 'class' that changes a little each week! While adults are present in all parts of Flex Lab, adult supervision is not heavy or constant. If you would like to provide close supervision for your student(s), please join them in Flex Lab and hang out! The goal of this class is to provide space, supplies, and support for kids to enjoy some unstructured creative time or fun play time.

In this class, we will read 3-4 middle grade novels, discuss them as a class, and watch the movie adaptations. Each week, students will read a portion of the book at home ahead of class, discuss the reading as a class, and then watch a similar portion of the movie in class. Some movies may be PG-13. Outside hours will vary based on reading/listening speed, but students will read a fourth to a third of a novel each week before class. Students will need to obtain a copy of each book. Occasional snacks may be provided, please note any allergies or dietary restrictions. Book/ movie list will be available early September.

Time to explore pottery, embroidery, water color, painting, weaving etc. This will be a relaxed environment where everyone can craft and chat.

This class will introduce students to basic yoga postures and breathing techniques in a safe, relaxed, and fun environment. Adjustments, modifications welcome and encouraged. This is friendly yoga course to introduce a world of breath, meditation and stretch positions. Please bring a yoga mat to class with you

We'll be playing a "Dungeons and Dragons" style roleplaying game with a Viking and Norse Mythology theem! Players will battle iconic mythological beasts while accomplishing great labors. This will be a two semester class. No prior experience in table top gaming is necessary, beginners welcome! 8th graders may register on the waitlist and will be moved into the class as space allows.

Learn essential cooking skills. This class will begin by learning basic knife skills, cooking methods, food science and meal planning. Working with a budget, students will plan and prep fun and exciting meals. Test our Master Chef skills through food challenges and cooking exercises. Every week we will cook or bake something to explore the wonders of food and nutrition. Bring your appetite!!! Class fee includes $35 for supplies. Recommended to purchase a knife set. Use link below for a good option.