Course Schedule

Summer 2010
Classes are available for children and teens at Moraine Valley Community College. Classes are interesting, involving, and do not require homework or include grading.

• Arts and Crafts
• Computers
• History/Geography
• Languages
• Math
• Reading
• Science
• Skill Development
• Special Interest
• Writing
• Career Exploration
• eFun Explorations Academy Computer Camps

Arts and Crafts
CARTOONING
Create cartoons, caricatures and comic strips in pencil and ink. Bring an 11" x 14", or larger, drawing pad, pencil, eraser, and fine point black ink pen. Ages 8 and up.

BASIC DRAWING
Learn to draw and try out new materials. Explore techniques and methods of drawing. Bring a drawing pad (11" x 14" or larger), pencil and eraser. Ages 8 and up
Prerequisite: Ages 8 and up

DRAWING SUPER HEROES FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Children will be introduced to skills necessary to make the latest super heroes appear to come to life. Bring drawing pad (11" x 14"), pencil, and eraser. Ages 9-15
Prerequisite: Ages 9-15

PAINTING WITH WATERCOLORS FOR TEENS
Learn various styles of watercolor painting using different brush strokes and special effects. Combine, and even invent new colors. Some materials supplied. List of supplies to be purchased by the student will be given at the first class. Ages 12 and up
Prerequisite: Ages 12 and up

NATIVE AMERICAN ARTS & CRAFTS
Create Native American arts and crafts using authentic designs, beading, lacing and macramé to make dream catchers, earrings, chokers, beaded coin purses and cradleboards for girls. The boys will make dream catchers, neckwear, toy canoes, belts and leather pouches. A supply list will be given out at the first class. Ages 8-13.
Prerequisite: Ages 8-13

SEWING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Have fun learning to sew and make a great summer outfit! Sewing machines will be provided to each student to use. A supply list will be given at first day of class. Class size is limited. Ages 8 and up
Prerequisite: Ages 8 and up

POTTERY FOR CHILDREN
A special opportunity for children to create using clay. Children are guided through the traditional clay forming techniques of pinch, slab and coil to create their own individual, hand-built objects--functional works such as bowls or mugs and sculptural forms may be explored. Pieces will be kiln fired and painted with a water-based media. Dress to get dirty. Materials are furnished. Ages 7-12
Prerequisite: Ages 7-12

Computers
COMPUTER CAMP FOR CHILDREN
Learn the basics of Windows XP, word processing, spreadsheet, and database and Internet. Parents may register with their child; each registers separately. Ages 9 and up
Prerequisite: Ages 9 and up

KEYBOARDING
Classes stress keyboard mastery, a skill for working on computers.

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOSHOP
This course is designed to provide a hands-on overview of the PhotoShop application. Students are introduced to the Photoshop environment and interface and learn how to select, move, edit an image including re-sizing and re-touching, as well as composite multiple images. Furthermore, the student will learn the importance of layers in addition to the significance of saving the images in the appropriate file format for use on the Web or in a publication. Additional topics include taking out red eye, re-touching old photographs, correcting blemishes or other imperfections in a photograph. Ages 12-15.

INTRODUCTION TO CREATING WEBPAGES WITH HTML
This course is designed to provide a hands-on learning experience in creating web pages. The course will present the principles of web site design. Students will learn the basics of HTML including how to create and edit an HTML file. The class will present the HTML document structure and the use of elements and tags. Students will use HTML to layout, create and publish a collection of web pages. Students will design and create web pages, which include text, images, hyperlinks, and multimedia files. Additional topics include the use of cascading style sheets for formatting, as well as some scripts that bring the web site to life. Students are also introduced to FrontPage and Dreamweaver. Ages 12-15.

3D ANIMATION AND VIDEO FOR KIDS
Students will explore the world of 3D animation. This course is designed to provide a hands-on learning experience in 3D Animation and video editing. The students will be introduced to the concepts of creating, modifying, and animating a computer scene using Autodesk 3DS Max’s environment and interface. Furthermore, the student will learn how to composite and edit videos, while adding special effects such as smoke, fire, and other visual effects using real-time 2D particle systems. Students should have basic computer literacy. Ages 12-15.

3D COMPUTER ASSISTED DESIGN (CAD) FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Children will be introduced to 3D CAD design. This hands-on course takes the student through fun, project-based exercises that are designed to communicate ideas through 3D design and visualization/rendering. Students will use real-life projects to develop the student's use of critical thinking, comprehensive skills associated with teamwork building skills. Ages 12-15.

History/Geography
CHICAGO HISTORY
Start with the city's first resident and proceed through 200 years of history. Topics will include the start of the city, its role in the Civil War, the Great Fire, the slaughterhouses, the Mob, and finally its politics. Ages 11-15.
Prerequisite: Ages 11-15

MILITARY HISTORY
See how technology and certain military thinkers changed tactics throughout military history. These people include Sun-Zu, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and many others. Discuss how the longbow, gunpowder, tanks, airplanes, and other inventions changed military tactics. Ages 11-15.

U.S. HISTORY 1865-PRESENT
Students will study the history of the United States from 1865 to present day. They will learn how the U.S. will become a world power after the Civil War. Topics will include industrialization, Imperialism, WWI, 1920's, WWII, The Cold War, Vietnam, and September 11. Book required. Grades 6-9

U.S. GOVERNMENT
Come and learn about the United States Government through engaging and motivating activities. You will acquire knowledge about the U.S. Presidents, the Constitution and how the government impacts us. Book required. Grades 5-8

WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Explore the world while solving the riddle using information clues about each country. Students will study 25-30 countries, grouped by continent, using maps, charts, graphs, puzzles, and hands-on activities. Book required. Grades 4-6

U.S. GEOGRAPHY
Take a learning cruise through the United States. Study the states andregions of the country while acquiring map skills as well. Book required. Grades 4-6

Languages
FRENCH, BEGINNING
Learn French the fun way. The French language will be introduced using a different theme each lesson, including songs, poems, stories, games and simple grammar. Parent may enroll with child; each must register and pay the fee. Book required. Ages 7-11

FRENCH FOR MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLERS
The basics of French grammar at the beginning level as a refresher along with entry level conversational skills will be covered. The French culture will also be discussed. You need to have been enrolled in a French class previously. Ages 12-15. Book required.

GREEK BEGINNING
The Greek alphabet, grammar and language will be introduced. Students will become familiarized with Greek customs and culture. Parent may enroll with child. Each must register and pay the fee. Book required. Ages 7-11

CHINESE, BEGINNING
Children will learn to converse in simple Mandarin Chinese, read some Chinese characters, and gain an understanding of Chinese customs and culture. Parent may enroll with child; each must register and pay the fee. Ages 6-10.

SPANISH, BEGINNING
Learn numbers, time, courtesy phrases, and basic words. Parent may enroll with child; each must register and pay the fee. Book required.

SPANISH FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS
Learn the basics of grammar and beginning conversational skills. Book required.

PRESCHOOL SPANISH, BEGINNING
Children will experience Spanish language and culture through games, songs and other activities. No reading or writing skills required. Parent may enroll with child; each must register and pay the fee. Ages 4-5.

SPANISH FOR FUN
Learn basic vocabulary as you become acquainted with Spanish customs. Games, songs and activities make learning fun. Parent may enroll with child; each must register and pay the fee. Book required. Grades 1 and 2.

Math
MEMORIZE YOUR MULTIPLICATION FACTS
A high energy class using games, worksheets, songs, and poems to help memorize multiplication facts 0-9. Timed tests will be given and some homework will be assigned. Please bring a pencil and notebook to class each day. Grades 3-5.
Prerequisite: Grades 3-5

MATH REVIEW
Assists the elementary school student to improve their basic math skills. The Moraine Valley Community College math curriculum has been developed to stress the achievement of skills at each grade level as prescribed by state-mandated goals. We provide a summer opportunity that helps your child as they move to the next grade level. The child should be exiting the grade because classes are a review of skills presented at that grade level. Book required.

MATH IN ARCHITECTURE
During this course students will learn about architecture and some of the significant architectural structures that have been designed through the centuries. Students will learn about blueprints, will be drawing their own architectural structure, and will learn what materials to consider and what trades are involved for construction. Mathematics (multiplication, division, estimation, symmetry, measurement, and geometry) will be included. Grades 4-5.

GEOMETRY
Students will be introduced to the concepts of geometry, including shapes, slope, and proofs, and apply these concepts in a classroom project. No book required. Pencil, notebook, poster board, and protractor are needed for this class. Grades 9 and up.

ALGEBRA REFRESHER
A comprehensive review, starting with the basics, but assuming some prior knowledge of algebra. Workbook required. Junior High and up.

BEGINNER FRACTIONS
Students who are struggling with fractions or who have not had experience will learn all of the aspects having to do with fractions. Bring a calculator with fraction functions to class. No book required. Grades 5-8.

ALGEBRA
The basics for junior high students, recent graduates or those young people interested in algebra. For students who have not had algebra.
Workbook required.

ADVANCED ALGEBRA
For the student who has a good algebraic foundation and is ready for more challenging work. Workbook required. For students exiting their freshman year or sophomore year of algebra.

SPEED ARITHMETIC
Master numerous little-known, super-shortcut computational techniques and strategies involving addition, subtraction, fraction, squaring and multiplication. You will not need to be dependent on that calculator. Grades 5-7. Book required. Grades 5-7.

OCEAN MATH
A variety of ocean fun activities about numbers, colors, shapes, patterns, addition, measurement, and graphing. Be ready to dive into this class with your crayons, scissors, glue and a pencil. Ages 4-5.

Reading
READING READINESS
Classes introduce skills such as matching letters and sounds, sequencing, listening, and following directions. Recognizing and writing the alphabet and beginning sounds will be emphasized. Pencils, crayons, scissors, and paste or glue are required. Book required.

READING REVIEW
Assists elementary school students to improve their basic reading skills. The Moraine Valley Community College reading curriculum has been developed to stress the achievement of skills at each grade level as prescribed by state-mandated goals. We provide a summer opportunity that helps your children as they move to the next grade level. The child should be exiting the grade because classes are a review of skills presented at that grade level. Book required. Grades K-7.

READING AND CRITICAL THINKING
The better your thinking skills, the better you can read. Learning will center on literal reading skills, the ones you use to understand the basic meaning of what you read, inferential thinking skills, which help you make a good guess that something is true, and evaluative thinking skills, which help you to form opinions and make decisions. Workbook required.

Science
CREEPY CRAWLIES
Students explore bugs through investigations, literature, art, and creative drama. Grades K-2.

CHEMISTRY FOR CURIOUS KIDS
Learn the basic concepts, equipment and experiments used in chemistry. Grades 5 and up. Children must be entering grade 5 and up. No class July 3.

CHEMISTRY FOR CURIOUS KIDS-CONTINUED
Learn more advanced concepts, equipment and experiments used in chemistry. Grade 5 and up.

METEOROLOGY
Learn how meteorologists forecast weather. Learn how to measure aspects of weather using simple weather instruments. Practice using weather symbols to create forecast maps. Learn how to read weather data to create a forecast, earth's wind and weather patterns, fronts, cloud types, storm systems, tornados and hurricanes. Learn how technology such as Doppler Radar has improved our way of examining weather. Grades 5 and up

ASTRONOMY
See the stars as you've never seen them! Learn to recognize constellations. Find out about the Solar System, characteristics of the planets, the sun, and the moon. Grades K-2. Students should bring pencils, scissors, glue and crayons. Grades K-2.

Skill Development
PRINTING
Emphasizes recognition and formation of the alphabet and the numbers using worksheets for practice. Textbook required. Grades K-1.

CURSIVE HANDWRITING
Children will practice handwriting skills while composing thank you notes and letters to friends and creating stories. Textbook required. Grades 2 and 3.

STUDY SKILLS
Covers outlining, taking notes, organizing assignments, keeping notebooks in order, using dictionaries and other reference materials, and planning long-range assignments. Book required.

I WANT A BOOST IN GRAMMAR AND SPELLING
Students must master grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and related subjects. This class will look at the problems and teach tips that make these subjects easier. Grades 6 and up.

Special Interest
RETURN OF THE DINOSAURS
This class should satisfy the dinosaur interest! Learn more about dinosaurs and make some fun projects. Bring scissors, markers, crayons, and glue. Ages 5-7.

ADVENTURES IN THE RAINFOREST
Students will go on an exciting journey and learn about many aspects of the Rainforest. Some topics we will cover are the Rainforest layer, animals and plants, and geography skills. Students will need to bring a pencil, scissors, crayons, and glue to the class. Grades 2-4.

COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD
By creating projects made in other countries we will learn more about the world around us. Ages 6-9.

NATURE AND THE EARTH
We will use materials found in nature to create our decorative projects while learning about the earth and its resources. Come join the fun! Ages 6-9.

MORAINE VALLEY'S HAUNTED HOUSEFULL
Learn how scientists and ghost hunters use scientific equipment and techniques to examine cases of "real hauntings". Examine the "best" cases of hauntings which have baffled scientists. Learn what occurred in history to create these hauntings. Write your own ghost story! If you love mysteries and ghosts, take this class...if you dare.

MAGIC
Learn some of the secrets of magic card tricks, rope tricks and tricks with a silk handkerchief. Have an opportunity to perform before the class. All participants will be required to sign a pledge not to reveal secrets they have learned in class. Ages 9-14.

Writing
CREATIVE WRITING
Writing is a creative adventure. Students will expand their writing skills by creating stories and poems. Bring a notebook, pens and pencils. Ages 8-11.

Career Exploration
FUTURE LEADERS CHALLENGE CAMP
Challenge yourself to grow and develop to your very best potential. As projects develop within the group, you will enhance and become more aware of skills you have. These skills/abilities such as understanding what you need to know to make a good decision; how to identify and set goals; how to handle peer pressure; how to resolve conflict; will be identified and  practiced within a supportive group and will lead to improved self-esteem and enhanced self-confidence. Learn the traits of effective leaders. Ages 10-13.

JUNIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER
Does your child want a bedroom that reflects their personal taste? Have them work with a professional decorator on a floor plan, paint, fabrics and learn about a career as a designer. Supply list will be given at the first session. Ages 10-13.

CSI-MORAINE VALLEY
Experience student level CSI investigations and how they compare to what the actual professionals do. Students will examine, compare, and take fingerprints, hair samples, footprints and identify skull and bone samples. Ages 11-14.

CAREER AS A POLICE OFFICER
Learn what it takes to become a police officer. You will tour the campus police department; discuss safety procedures, disaster preparedness and basic first aid. Ages 8-12.

CAREER EXPLORATION SERIES
Through exposure to a variety of careers, students will develop goals and find direction for the skills and education needed to become leaders in the workplace. A speaker will come in each week to talk briefly about their career. All classes are taught by a life/career coach. Register for individual classes at $15 each or the series of six for the special rate of $80. Ages 11-14.

FITNESS TRAINER
A Fitness Trainer will talk about their career, education, and what a typical day is like during part of the class. The rest of the class will be a discussion on careers, goals, etc. Ages 11-14

NURSING
A Nurse will talk about their career, education, and what a typical day is like during part of the class. The rest of the class will be a discussion on careers, goals, etc. Ages 11-14

NONDESTRUCTIVE TECHNICIAN
Want to create a safer world? A Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Technician does just that by checking the stability and strength of bridges, roller coasters, trains, aircraft, etc. Ages 11-14

MANUFACTURER/INVENTOR
A Manufacturer/Inventor will talk about their career, education, and what a typical day is like during part of the class. The rest of the class will be a discussion on careers, goals, etc. Ages 11-14

FIRE FIGHTER
A Fire Fighter will talk about their career, education, and what a typical day is like during part of the class. The rest of the class will be a discussion on careers, goals, etc. Ages 11-14

VETERINARIAN
A Veterinarian will talk about their career, education, and what a typical day is like during part of the class. The rest of the class will be a discussion on careers, goals, etc. Ages 11-14

eFun Explorations Academy Computer Camps
Students in the eFUN Explorations Academy are guided by adult mentors and their own imaginations to solve "real world" science, technology, engineering, and mathematics challenges. No prior Lego experience is required. Students will be taught everything they need to know during class. Students will work in teams of two-friends are welcome to sign up together and can be partners. Ages 9-13. Questioning*Exploring*Imagining*Designing*Constructing*Inventing*Testing*Observing*Failing (and trying again)*LEARNING!

MISSION TO MARS
Humans have been fascinated by Mars for thousands of years; however, exploring space is a dangerous undertaking. Robotic exploration provides the opportunity to answer numerous unresolved questions like: Has Mars ever supported life? Could life still be on Mars? Is there ice on Mars? Can Mars be terraformed to support human life? Ages 9-13.

ROBO DOCTOR: OPERATING ROOM PRACTICE
Integrating technology into the operating room of the future! Join the medical staff in a future surgery center. Students will help in the surgery by programming robotic assistance for the doctor. Learn to perform skilled medical challenges while exploring the technology world of robotics. Improve the outcome of surgical patients! Ages 9-13.

WIZARDS IN TRAINING
Use your imagination to explore a fanciful world of wizards and magic. Students will create and program a robot to help solve a variety of adventurous challenges while assisting in wizard school. Surprises await you and your robot around every turn. Ages 9-13.

AMUSEMENT PARK
Amusement Parks are fun! Let's envision a future where intelligent robots manage the park and perform necessary maintenance. State-of-the-art robots are being developed for a wide variety of purposes. South Korea is even developing two robot theme parks. Students in this course will explore the future of automated theme parks-they will design, build and program robots to manage the ordinary, and not so ordinary, tasks at an amusement park. Ages 9-13.

OCEAN ODYSSEY
Our oceans are of vital importance to the health of the Earth, yet only 1% percent of these magnificent bodies of water have been studied. We have explored more outer space than our oceans. Oceans provide us with many resources and activities from the fish to eat, oil drilled from the ocean floor, to extracts from seaweed used to make ice cream. Oceans fuel this planet's most vital ecological processes, like the water cycle, and the carbon-dioxide cycle. Yes, we know very little about how we are impacting this important resource. Ages 9-13.

DINOSAUR SAFARI PARK
Imagine that dinosaurs have come back from the Cretaceous Period-and they are on display, but things have gone horribly wrong... In this exciting course, students will pretend that dinosaurs have returned and are on display for people to see. Handling dinosaurs is dangerous business though-so the students will need to design, build and program robots to help with the tasks. Ages 9-13.

SECRET AGENT: CLUE INVESTIGATOR
Enter a world of espionage and intrigue. You have your orders: you and your secret agent robot assistant must race against the clock to stop the Evil Genius Organization (EGO). Follow the clues and defeat EGO before it's too late. Cool gadgets, tracking systems, and special ops tools are all part of the fun! Ages 9-13.

ARR! PIRATE ISLAND
Ahoy thar maties!Shiver me timbers and walk the plank... Avast, follow the treasure map to find the hidden chest of gold and jewels-before another band of pirates beats you and your robot to the loot. Landlubbers beware; many hidden dangers hide in the uncharted waters you will be sailing. Hoist the anchor, your adventure waits! Ages 9-13.

RACE DAY: PIT STOP EXPERIENCE
Turbo-charge your way to the middle of the action on race day! Choose your favorite race team and join the pit crew on race day. Where else can you combine the fun and excitement of auto racing with robot construction? Learn to assist your race team by programming your robot to perform various race day event challenges. Start your engines! Ages 9-13

GALAXY BATTLE
Blast into tactical missions to save the galaxy against rebel forces. The aliens are coming! Transform your robot to perform ground-based maneuvers and space-based combat fighter missions. Robotic challenges require the student to defend against galactic dominations by droids. Mobilize the fleet before its too late. Ages 9-13

TREASURE HUNT: AMAZING RACE
See the Wonders of the World while you race against other teams to solve challenges. It's you and your robot-against the world! Pick up clues at the Roman Coliseum, race other teams the length of the Great Wall of China, explore the Pyramids of Giza and Chichen Itza and gaze on the Great Migration of Serengeti. Don't spend too much time at the Great Barrier Reef or the Grand Canyon though, or other teams will beat you to the final stop at the Golden Gate Bridge. Ages 9-13