Virtual Summer |
Course Descriptions:
Young writers, Grades 3, 4, 5, 6
These courses, taught by our team of highly trained and credentialed educators, are designed to foster students' excitement about writing while cultivating the development of their writing skills. In an interactive, digital environment, students explore the writing styles of different authors, investigate the elements of several writing genres, and connect with their peers. In addition, opportunities for small group tutoring provide students with the targeted instruction and attention they need so that they can grow and develop their talents as writers!
Students will:
Students will:
- Write descriptive, narrative, opinion, and informational texts
- Share their writing with a small peer group
- Learn to revise, edit, and publish their work for an authentic, real-world audience
Emerging writers, grades 7-8, 9-10
These courses provide a supportive, online learning environment for students of all ability levels! Experienced, credentialed teachers guide student learning using research-based best practices that promote skill development and support students' identities as writers. Interactive strategies are used to engage students in the steps of the writing process- students will plan and organize their ideas, draft, revise, edit, and share their writing. In addition, small class sizes and opportunities for small group tutoring ensure an optimal setting in which instructors can deliver individualized feedback and attend to students' needs.
Students will:
Emerging Writers: Grades 9-10
Owning your Identity: Finding your Voice Through Writing
Do you have experiences and stories that others can relate to or benefit from? (We all do!). Be empowered and inspired by other BIPOC writers and poets, such as Amanda Gordon and G Yamazawa, and find your own unique voice. Oftentimes, writing is overlooked for what it truly is--a form of self-expression, storytelling, and connection. What makes you, you? Join this course and learn what it means to take risks, share personal experiences, explore diverse and relevant texts, engage in meaningful discourse, participate in writing groups, and find your voice through authentic writing.
Esther Cho is currently in her 5th year of teaching high school at the Walnut Valley Unified School District. She has taught a variety of courses such as British Literature, American Literature, ELD I-III and English 1/1H. Esther earned her B.A. in English and Master of Arts in Teaching from UCI, and became a UCI Writing Project Fellow in 2018. Esther is passionate about helping students discover their unique voice by bringing in their personal experiences, interests, and skills to diversify the classroom. Her hope is that students feel empowered to use writing as a creative, self-expressive platform, and be effective communicators both in and out of the classroom.
Students will:
- Write across a number of genres, such as poetry, narrative, argument, and informational texts
- Collaborate with other emerging writers
- Revise writing and publish their work for an authentic, real-world audience
Emerging Writers: Grades 9-10
Owning your Identity: Finding your Voice Through Writing
Do you have experiences and stories that others can relate to or benefit from? (We all do!). Be empowered and inspired by other BIPOC writers and poets, such as Amanda Gordon and G Yamazawa, and find your own unique voice. Oftentimes, writing is overlooked for what it truly is--a form of self-expression, storytelling, and connection. What makes you, you? Join this course and learn what it means to take risks, share personal experiences, explore diverse and relevant texts, engage in meaningful discourse, participate in writing groups, and find your voice through authentic writing.
Esther Cho is currently in her 5th year of teaching high school at the Walnut Valley Unified School District. She has taught a variety of courses such as British Literature, American Literature, ELD I-III and English 1/1H. Esther earned her B.A. in English and Master of Arts in Teaching from UCI, and became a UCI Writing Project Fellow in 2018. Esther is passionate about helping students discover their unique voice by bringing in their personal experiences, interests, and skills to diversify the classroom. Her hope is that students feel empowered to use writing as a creative, self-expressive platform, and be effective communicators both in and out of the classroom.
Digital storytelling I, Grades 6-8
My Story, History & Heritage Project:
Critical thinking, technology, interpersonal skills, time & resource management, problem solving, and imagination are all essential literacy skills for 21st century learners. This introductory course covers fundamental concepts of storytelling and screen grammar, and provides opportunities for students to explore the specific techniques used by filmmakers and industry artists alike. While working on the "My Story, History, & Heritage Project," students will develop their critical thinking skills and focus on issues of personal identity, cultural heritage and the family journey. Over four weeks, students will learn how to use still & moving images, voice-over narration, music & sound, and interviews to create a digital story that moves an audience.
Frank Guttler, Director of Programs for the Mobile Film Classroom, is a graduate of the California State University, Northridge School of Cinema & Television. He is an accomplished educator and digital storytelling and media arts expert, with nearly two decades of experience in connecting educators with technology, literacy, and filmmaking. He was recruited by the American Film Institute (AFI) to develop groundbreaking curriculum for AFI's K-12 Screen Education Center, making the tools and processes and filmmakers accessible to educators of all subjects and grade levels. Frank has also led filmmaking workshops and seminars for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Apple Distinguished Educators, Discovery Educator Network, and Google Teacher Academy.
Critical thinking, technology, interpersonal skills, time & resource management, problem solving, and imagination are all essential literacy skills for 21st century learners. This introductory course covers fundamental concepts of storytelling and screen grammar, and provides opportunities for students to explore the specific techniques used by filmmakers and industry artists alike. While working on the "My Story, History, & Heritage Project," students will develop their critical thinking skills and focus on issues of personal identity, cultural heritage and the family journey. Over four weeks, students will learn how to use still & moving images, voice-over narration, music & sound, and interviews to create a digital story that moves an audience.
Frank Guttler, Director of Programs for the Mobile Film Classroom, is a graduate of the California State University, Northridge School of Cinema & Television. He is an accomplished educator and digital storytelling and media arts expert, with nearly two decades of experience in connecting educators with technology, literacy, and filmmaking. He was recruited by the American Film Institute (AFI) to develop groundbreaking curriculum for AFI's K-12 Screen Education Center, making the tools and processes and filmmakers accessible to educators of all subjects and grade levels. Frank has also led filmmaking workshops and seminars for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Apple Distinguished Educators, Discovery Educator Network, and Google Teacher Academy.
Digital storytelling II, Grade 6-8
[Stories that Inspire Action]
The course builds on our introductory digital storytelling class and provides additional opportunities through which students can hone their skills. Students will learn how to become creators of content as they engage in a main digital storytelling project a campaign to raise awareness around a community issue. Through participation, they will expand their repertoire of strategies for using digital media, and they will learn how to use digital tools to effectively communicate their ideas, beliefs, knowledge, and experiences.
In this course, students will:
Frank Guttler, Director of Programs for the Mobile Film Classroom, is a graduate of the California State University, Northridge School of Cinema & Television. He is an accomplished educator and digital storytelling and media arts expert, with nearly two decades of experience in connecting educators with technology, literacy, and filmmaking. He was recruited by the American Film Institute (AFI) to develop groundbreaking curriculum for AFI's K-12 Screen Education Center, making the tools and processes and filmmakers accessible to educators of all subjects and grade levels. Frank has also led filmmaking workshops and seminars for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Apple Distinguished Educators, Discovery Educator Network, and Google Teacher Academy.
The course builds on our introductory digital storytelling class and provides additional opportunities through which students can hone their skills. Students will learn how to become creators of content as they engage in a main digital storytelling project a campaign to raise awareness around a community issue. Through participation, they will expand their repertoire of strategies for using digital media, and they will learn how to use digital tools to effectively communicate their ideas, beliefs, knowledge, and experiences.
In this course, students will:
- Create video screencasts to share ideas and beliefs, and to demonstrate their knowledge about a learning concept.
- Become proficient with capturing and manipulating digital image, sound, and video with mobile devices and video editors.
- Navigate multiple web applications to simultaneously complete a project.
- Conduct online research and access online historical content.
- Produce a digital story that spotlights and advocates for change in a social issue that affects the community.
- Learn how to collaborate virtually with other students on a digital project.
- Convey information and ideas through storytelling techniques.
Frank Guttler, Director of Programs for the Mobile Film Classroom, is a graduate of the California State University, Northridge School of Cinema & Television. He is an accomplished educator and digital storytelling and media arts expert, with nearly two decades of experience in connecting educators with technology, literacy, and filmmaking. He was recruited by the American Film Institute (AFI) to develop groundbreaking curriculum for AFI's K-12 Screen Education Center, making the tools and processes and filmmakers accessible to educators of all subjects and grade levels. Frank has also led filmmaking workshops and seminars for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Apple Distinguished Educators, Discovery Educator Network, and Google Teacher Academy.
Argument writing, grades 6-8
This interactive, digital workshop will introduce students in grades 6-8 to the foundations of argument writing. Students will use critical thinking skills to analyze literary and nonfiction texts, evaluate multiple perspectives, use strategies of debate, and apply the structures of argument. Students will also explore digital tools, and learn methods for evaluating the credibility of information and the reliability of sources they find online. Small class sizes and opportunities for small group tutoring will provide an optimal learning environment for students to receive targeted instruction from our team of highly trained professionals.
The course will cover the following:
Components of Argument Writing:
Mrs. Estrada teaches in the Irvine Unified School District, where she has been teaching eighth grade English (Honors and Core), and seventh and eighth grade Reading Lab for fourteen years. Mrs. Estrada received her teaching credential while attending the University of California, Irvine, where she also earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in English. She was accepted to the UCI Writing Project's prestigious Summer Institute in the summer of 2007 and is a UCI Writing Project Fellow.
The course will cover the following:
Components of Argument Writing:
- Claim/thesis/position statements
- Evidence
- Commentary
- Transitions
- Structure of argument writing
- Response to literature analysis to elicit claim
- Participation in mock trial to develop commentary and address counter-argument
- Evaluate credibility and reliability of sources
- Proper citation format
- Summary skills based on informational texts
- MLA format
- Introduction to GoogleDrive features: GoogleDocs and GoogleSlides
Mrs. Estrada teaches in the Irvine Unified School District, where she has been teaching eighth grade English (Honors and Core), and seventh and eighth grade Reading Lab for fourteen years. Mrs. Estrada received her teaching credential while attending the University of California, Irvine, where she also earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in English. She was accepted to the UCI Writing Project's prestigious Summer Institute in the summer of 2007 and is a UCI Writing Project Fellow.
[NEW] Writing Short Stories with Graphic Novels: Grades 4-5
Do you love graphic novels? Join our class and learn how to create your own story. We will use a variety of mentor texts to help guide our journey to learn effective ways to bring stories to life. Students will focus on writing strategies that they can apply to any writing task. Learn to explode a moment, zoom in on the details, and design your own story through a graphic novel.
Writing Short Stories with Graphic Novels: Grades 4-5 will be offered as a Session 1: Tuesday/Thursday course.
Writing Short Stories with Graphic Novels: Grades 4-5 will be offered as a Session 1: Tuesday/Thursday course.
[New] Playing with Words: The Joy of Poetry, Grades 4-5
Poetry is the playground of language. Using sound and image devices, students will learn how to play with their words to create and share poetry. These skills will enhance their writing in all genres. Each day, students will read poems from established and beginning poets, write and share original poems, and learn to give positive feedback in a celebrating environment.
Sarah Tatro has been teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders for almost 20 years. Recent Teacher of the Year award winner, she has been a writing trainer and technology leader, received a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Educational Technology. She has also been involved in the poetry community as an event host, publisher, workshop facilitator, and featured poet for nearly a decade. In addition to teaching poetry to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders since 2014, she has also published three children's poetry and art anthologies.
Playing with Words: The Joy of Poetry, Grades 4-5 will be offered as a Session 2: Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday course.
Sarah Tatro has been teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders for almost 20 years. Recent Teacher of the Year award winner, she has been a writing trainer and technology leader, received a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Educational Technology. She has also been involved in the poetry community as an event host, publisher, workshop facilitator, and featured poet for nearly a decade. In addition to teaching poetry to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders since 2014, she has also published three children's poetry and art anthologies.
Playing with Words: The Joy of Poetry, Grades 4-5 will be offered as a Session 2: Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday course.
[NEW] MULTIMEDIA STORYTELLING: CONNECTING WITH YOUR AUDIENCE, GRADES 9-11
Multimedia Storytelling introduces students to a variety of digital mediums to enhance the impact of a story or message. This hands-on course will provide a comprehensive overview of media creation using smartphones and other accessible technology. Learn to create videos that show action, digital photography that captures emotion or key moments in time, podcasts that feature interviews and commentary, memes that generate laughs, and audio bits that will engage an online audience — all presented on social media, blogs, and a mobile audience. Multimedia storytelling is utilized across a diverse range of industries, including journalism, filmmaking, marketing, public relations, and nonprofit administration. Students will learn the fun, easy and handy tools to produce, edit and post a compelling digital story.
Currently working as an editor for the Orange County Business Journal, Jackie Moe has over 10 years of working as a reporter and editor for several notable publications, including Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, Parenting OC Magazine, and Inland Empire Magazine. In addition, she teaches part time for the Cal State Fullerton communications department and the Cal State Long Beach journalism department. She earned her MA in Professional Communications from Cal State Fullerton and her BA in Journalism and English from Cal Baptist University.
Multi-Media Storytelling: Connecting with your Audience, Grades 9-11 will be offered as a Session 1: Monday/Wednesday course.
Currently working as an editor for the Orange County Business Journal, Jackie Moe has over 10 years of working as a reporter and editor for several notable publications, including Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, Parenting OC Magazine, and Inland Empire Magazine. In addition, she teaches part time for the Cal State Fullerton communications department and the Cal State Long Beach journalism department. She earned her MA in Professional Communications from Cal State Fullerton and her BA in Journalism and English from Cal Baptist University.
Multi-Media Storytelling: Connecting with your Audience, Grades 9-11 will be offered as a Session 1: Monday/Wednesday course.
[NEW] TELLING OUR STORIES THROUGH SCRIPTWRITING, GRADES 9-11
We all have stories to tell, but sometimes the characters’ words and feelings get lost in the detailed depictions of their environment. How do you tell a story when the characters are on a stage or the screen and you can already see their world? In “Telling Our Stories Through Scriptwriting” we will focus on character interaction and dialogue. Students will develop several scripts in which characters engage in natural conversations with themselves, each other, and, occasionally, the audience. To do this effectively students will develop an understanding of basic script format. They will not only write the dialogue but also provide physical and emotional “stage” direction to any actor who may be performing the script.
Casey Silverstein earned her Bachelor's of English from CSULB and Masters of Education from Brandman University. She has been teaching English and Drama at Middle College High School in Santa Ana for the past 8 years. She is a quirky, creative teacher who is passionate about helping students develop the skills for self-expression and future success.
Telling Our Stories Through Scriptwriting: Grades 9-11 will be offered as a Session 2 - Tuesday/Thursday course.
Casey Silverstein earned her Bachelor's of English from CSULB and Masters of Education from Brandman University. She has been teaching English and Drama at Middle College High School in Santa Ana for the past 8 years. She is a quirky, creative teacher who is passionate about helping students develop the skills for self-expression and future success.
Telling Our Stories Through Scriptwriting: Grades 9-11 will be offered as a Session 2 - Tuesday/Thursday course.
YOUNG MATH & SCIENCE, GRADES 3, 4, 5, 6
The Young Math/Science Workshops offer students the opportunity to further develop higher level thinking skills in a digital, interactive learning environment and small group setting. Experienced and credentialed teachers use research-based best practices to promote students' development and their understanding of foundational mathematic and scientific principles. The courses incorporate a number of hands-on activities that promote critical thinking and foster the use of a variety of problem solving strategies, such as making charts and diagrams, looking for patterns, estimating, and employing logical reasoning. In addition, coursework aligns with Next Generation Science Standards and helps students to explore connection across the different science domains (physical science, life science, earth and space science, and engineering design).
This course supports the following standards:
This course supports the following standards:
- Next Generation Science Standards, Grades 3-6
- Common Core Mathematical Standards, Grades 3-6
EMERGING MATHEMATICIANS AND SCIENTISTS, GRADES 7-8
Project: Destination Mars
In this exciting online course, students learn about the science of space travel! Our experienced and credentialed instructor uses a combination of synchronous digital instruction, simulation, and hands-on applications to engage students in applying mathematic and scientific principles. Virtual and augmented reality tools, along with concept simulations, allow for an interactive and highly engaging experience while students tackle challenging cognitive work. Crosscutting concepts outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Mathematics Standards are addressed. Come join our online learning community as we plan a trip to the Red Planet!
This course supports the following standards:
Mark Wakita teaches Science and Computer Science at Red Hill Lutheran School and he has a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering. Mr. Wakita has over 25 years of experience as an electrical engineer, and he strives to bring this real world knowledge to the classroom. He has been recognized as the Teacher of the Year by Parenting OC magazine and the Teacher of the Month by Eduporium.
The Emerging Math/Science Project: Destination Mars course will be available with Mr. Wakita for Session 2.
In this exciting online course, students learn about the science of space travel! Our experienced and credentialed instructor uses a combination of synchronous digital instruction, simulation, and hands-on applications to engage students in applying mathematic and scientific principles. Virtual and augmented reality tools, along with concept simulations, allow for an interactive and highly engaging experience while students tackle challenging cognitive work. Crosscutting concepts outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Mathematics Standards are addressed. Come join our online learning community as we plan a trip to the Red Planet!
This course supports the following standards:
- Next Generation Science Standards, Grades 7-8
- Common Core Mathematics Standards, Grades 7-8
Mark Wakita teaches Science and Computer Science at Red Hill Lutheran School and he has a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering. Mr. Wakita has over 25 years of experience as an electrical engineer, and he strives to bring this real world knowledge to the classroom. He has been recognized as the Teacher of the Year by Parenting OC magazine and the Teacher of the Month by Eduporium.
The Emerging Math/Science Project: Destination Mars course will be available with Mr. Wakita for Session 2.
INTRO TO COMPUTER SCIENCE, GRADES 6-8
Introduction to Computer Science and Video Game Design introduces students to the wide world of computer science in a hands-on, fun, and interactive context! This course develops students' problem solving and programming abilities - while also pushing students to creatively develop video games of their own designs. Guided by an experienced instructor, students develop their existing mathematics knowledge and apply this knowledge to construct fully immersive games. Students also learn to work collaboratively and have the opportunity to present their work to others in a supportive, online environment.
Steven Kahn is a mathematics and computer science teacher at Esperanza High School in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. He currently teaches three courses: Exploring Computer Science, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A (Intro to Java). Prior to his career in education, Steven earned his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and worked as a software developer, in addition to serving in various roles in the information science and technology sector. As an educator, he strives to bring his professional, industry, and educational background into the classroom, creating experiences for his students which mirror real-world challenges, assignments, and expectations.
Intro to Computer Science, Grades 6-8 is offered as a Session 2 - Tuesday/Thursday course.
Steven Kahn is a mathematics and computer science teacher at Esperanza High School in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. He currently teaches three courses: Exploring Computer Science, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A (Intro to Java). Prior to his career in education, Steven earned his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and worked as a software developer, in addition to serving in various roles in the information science and technology sector. As an educator, he strives to bring his professional, industry, and educational background into the classroom, creating experiences for his students which mirror real-world challenges, assignments, and expectations.
Intro to Computer Science, Grades 6-8 is offered as a Session 2 - Tuesday/Thursday course.
INTRO TO COMPUTER SCIENCE, GRADES 9-12
In this short but intensive introduction to computer science and programming, students will be exposed to, and gain hands-on understanding of many of the foundational topics in computer science, including: algorithm design, instructional sequencing, logical selection, repetition, logic statements (if, if-else, while, for, etc.), abstraction, encapsulation, and program efficiency. Students will engage in project-based learning, working independently or in small groups to produce a variety of programs in a high-level programming language. For this course the Processing programming language will be used, which is a logical abstraction and add-on to the industry standard language, Java. Java is the current language used on the AP Computer Science A exam, in addition to many university computer science programs.
During the course, students will engage in logical problem-solving in order to accomplish complex tasks. Guided by our highly qualified and credentialed instructor, students will design programs and create algorithms that generate dynamic graphics and sound through the application of underlying mathematical and physics-based models. Successful completion of this intensive programming course will provide students a substantial edge in major-level college and AP courses. The logical problem solving and programming techniques learned in this course should be easily transferable to a variety of programming languages and other disciplines.
Pre-Requirements:
Steven Kahn is a mathematics and computer science teacher at Esperanza High School in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. He currently teaches three courses: Exploring Computer Science, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A (Intro to Java). Prior to his career in education, Steven earned his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and worked as a software developer, in addition to serving in various roles in the information science and technology sector. As an educator, he strives to bring his professional, industry, and educational background into the classroom, creating experiences for his students which mirror real-world challenges, assignments, and expectations.
Intro to Computer Science, Grades 9-12 is offered as a Session 2 - Monday/Wednesday course.
During the course, students will engage in logical problem-solving in order to accomplish complex tasks. Guided by our highly qualified and credentialed instructor, students will design programs and create algorithms that generate dynamic graphics and sound through the application of underlying mathematical and physics-based models. Successful completion of this intensive programming course will provide students a substantial edge in major-level college and AP courses. The logical problem solving and programming techniques learned in this course should be easily transferable to a variety of programming languages and other disciplines.
Pre-Requirements:
- Algebra 1
Steven Kahn is a mathematics and computer science teacher at Esperanza High School in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. He currently teaches three courses: Exploring Computer Science, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A (Intro to Java). Prior to his career in education, Steven earned his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and worked as a software developer, in addition to serving in various roles in the information science and technology sector. As an educator, he strives to bring his professional, industry, and educational background into the classroom, creating experiences for his students which mirror real-world challenges, assignments, and expectations.
Intro to Computer Science, Grades 9-12 is offered as a Session 2 - Monday/Wednesday course.