Pre-College/Youth Programs
ACADEMY
Course Descriptions 2009
(Session B classes are listed
below Session A)
NOTE: Classes offerings subject to change. Course selections for each session will be sent out with the acceptance packets.
Session A Classes for 5th and 6th graders
COMMUNICATION / LANGUAGE ARTS
JOURNALISM 101
Deliver all the latest and greatest news and learn what makes a newspaper tick. Have fun learning the various jobs on a newspaper team and work on articles, comic strips and advice columns. By the end of the week students will put together a newspaper. Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine. She has over thirty years of teaching experience and currently works with the home-schooling population.
WHAT’S COOKING?
Step into the kitchen and learn a variety of cooking techniques. Learn the science behind cooking with quick and easy recipes from cuisines enjoyed around the world. You will measure and mix ingredients and use a variety of cooking tools and machines, and taste the results. Instructor: Marilyn D. Moore is a Culinary Institute-Le Cordon Bleu graduate and a Certified Culinary Educator for the American Culinary Federation. She is the owner of Creative Organic Catering.
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS
Write your own scenes and monologues for the stage! Unleash your creativity with writing exercises and techniques along with acting and theatre improvisation training. Warm up exercises, shared writing and new techniques for discovering characters are just of few of the many things you will learn and explore. Instructor: Eve Smyth is an actor, improviser, and playwright. She is the co-director of Oregon Stage Works Ashland Children’s Theatre and is a member of the local improv troupe The Hamazons.
VISUAL ARTS
ANIME AND MANGA MADNESS
Welcome to the world of Japanese animation! Build your art skills by drawing cartoons, Manga characters, animals and faces. You will experience art indoors and outdoors and challenge your imagination as you invent new ways to express your talents in this unique style of art. Instructor: Craig Honeycutt has a master’s in art education and is a local artist and art educator with more than twenty years teaching experience.
ART AND CULTURE OF JAPAN
Study Japanese art and culture through musical instruments, Shuji (writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink), Origami (paper folding art work), clay work and the Japanese language. Broaden your cultural horizons while having fun! You will learn about Japanese cultural traditions such as making bamboo flutes and rice balls. Instructor: Wataru Sugiyama is an international sculptor and native of Japan. He has exhibited his work throughout the United States, England, Switzerland, Germany and Japan.
CLAY SCULPTURE
Experience the art of Japan while you learn how to sculpt beautiful oranina (Japanese clay flutes), creative dishes, garden sculptures and traditional Japanese pieces. Take home many beautiful creations that have been fired and glazed. Instructor: Wataru Sugiyama is an international sculptor and native of Japan. He has exhibited his work throughout the United States, England, Switzerland, Germany and Japan.
THE FANTASY ILLUSTRATOR
Let your imagination soar as you draw fantastic beings and incredible creatures. Study the where, why and how of the great fantasy creatures of all time such as fairies, elves, ogres, dragons, sea monsters, centaurs, unicorns and dragons. Learn new drawing techniques for your favorites and design your own fantasy creations. Instructor: Craig Honeycutt has a Master’s in Art Education and is a local artist and art educator with more than twenty years teaching experience.
PERFORMING ARTS
FUN WITH FENCING
En guard…ready…fence! Safe inside a mask and jacket, you will be introduced to the exciting sport of fencing. Learn the skills of “touching” (scoring on) your partner while avoiding being scored on and learn the respect, ethics and camaraderie involved in this sport. Instructor: Roxanne Miftahittin has fenced both foil and epee with the Southern Oregon Fencing Center for four years and has taught SOU-sponsored fencing classes.
GUITAR GURU
Do you want to learn a few basic chords on the guitar that will allow you to accompany yourself while you sing your favorite songs? Come sing and strum folk, pop, country, and even some classic rock and roll songs. Beginners and advanced guitar players are welcome! You will use student-sized acoustic guitars and will be provided with a songbook of all the songs you learn. Instructor: Wendi Stanek is an elementary music specialist at Jacksonville and Ruch Elementary schools. She is also the director of the Britt Festival’s annual spring musical production. She specializes in guitar and vocal instruction and has been teaching music for eighteen years.
MAD HOT BALLROOM
Wow your friends and family by learning the coolest and most popular ballroom dances—Tango, Salsa, Waltz, and Swing. Do you have really what it takes to dance at your school dances, parties or just while hanging out with your friends? You will learn step pattern variations and the lead and follow technique of these very popular dance forms. Instructor: Cori Grimm is an accomplished and enthusiastic dance instructor with twenty years of dance experience. She is currently the office manager of the Evergreen Ballroom.
SHAKESPEARE SHENANIGANS
Explore the stories and language of Shakespeare through theatre improvisation games and activities. Through the use of rhythm exercises and textual analysis you will exercise your creativity and your imagination while engaging in spirited action! Students will work with scenes from Shakespeare's greatest hits. Instructor: Michael Hume is in his 17th year as a company member at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.
SOCIAL STUDIES
21st CENTURY COBBLER
Some people say that the secret to life is comfortable shoes. You might think that Nike and Adidas have the comfortable shoe market cornered, but now is your opportunity to beat the kings at their own game. You will design, produce and engage in a flashy marketing campaign to sell your brand new, state-of-the-art athletic shoe. You'll begin to understand the competitive world of advertisement, supply and demand, and the goal that drives all shoe companies—profit. Instructor: Peter Voskes is a former ACADEMY student and counselor who teaches eighth grade U.S. History at Hedrick Middle School. He is also the cross country coach at North Medford High.
ORDER IN THE COURT!
Take part in the exciting process of the American judicial system. Learn what it takes to become the judge, jury, prosecutor, defender or witness. Learn to organize facts, develop your speaking and questioning abilities, and understand the concepts of justice through jury deliberation. This will be a courtroom drama you will never forget. Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine. She has over thirty years of teaching experience and currently works with the home-schooling population.
SCIENCE
ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATORS
Experience the wonders of the natural world through the eyes of a field ecologist. You will master ecology concepts and skills using nature as the classroom. Explore nature and conduct investigations of local wildlife including vertebrates and invertebrates, different habitats and learn what these species are telling us about the environments where they are found. Instructor: Annie Kilby is the Youth Education Projects Lead for Klamath Bird Observatory. She holds a BS from the University of Maryland and worked as a field biologist and educator in the U.S. and abroad.
ECOLOGY ON FIRE
Fire does work! Learn the benefits and problems associated with fire and the role that fires play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Learn about forest fires-the good and the bad, the history of fires in Oregon, catastrophic fires, fire science, suppression and fuel reduction in the forests surrounding Ashland. Spend time with a forest resource specialist as you learn about fuel reduction areas and observe demonstrations. Instructor: Laurie Hayden aka “The Tree Lady” has been a guest speaker in the elementary schools for 10 years in Jackson County. She gives various indoor and outdoor presentations to all students, teaches tree science, resources and conservation.
FANTASTIC FORENSICS
Become a forensic scientist as you analyze the evidence of a fictional crime scene. You will conduct fake blood tests, identify and process fingerprints, analyze handwriting, take hair and fibers samples and create mystery powders. Work together, gather clues and vote whether to convict the suspect in a mock jury. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High School.
RADICAL ROCKET SCIENCE
Calling all rocket scientists! You will be given all the materials needed to build a rocket that will soar forty stories into the sky. You will add your own personal and artistic touch to your rocket and take it home at the end of ACADEMY. Rocket builders will launch several rockets at closing ceremonies! Instructor: Matthew Paradela was a VEX Robotics sponsor in California and currently teaches science at Crater High School.
COMPUTERS/VIDEO
EXTREME TECH
Come and learn the latest and greatest in technology while using state-of-the-art equipment. Learn how to publish your own website, delve into programming and video and audio content creation for web delivery. Combine these skills to deliver your own Podcast. A "taste of tech" will wet that techno-artistic appetite using current tools in the industry like DreamWeaver, Flash, and Adobe Photoshop. Instructor: Robert Luaders is a SOU graduate and energetic computer guru who blends technology with the artistry of life. He is an award-winning vocalist, film composer, and song writer.
ROCK ON! GARAGEBAND
All you need is an appreciation of music. Compose and create your own songs by arranging and mixing, working with key and tempo, creating your own loops and recording, printing and editing music notation. Then share your songs and create a podcast using Apple’s Garageband multitracking recording application. Instructor: Rick Shaw is a teacher at Ashland Middle School. He teaches video production and chess classes.
VIDEO GAME DESIGN
Immerse yourself in the world of video games as you delve into the exciting game making process and explore software designed for new media. Learn basic game design concepts while creating your own video game to email to your friends. You’ve been gaming for hours at a time, now be the mastermind behind it. Instructor: Robert Luaders is a SOU graduate and energetic computer guru who blends technology with the artistry of life. He is an award-winning vocalist, film composer, and song writer.
YOUNG SPIELBERGS
Ready, set, action! You will create your own short films and videos with the use of technology such as video cameras (flip video and HD cameras), Corel video editing software and computers. Use the latest Corel software to edit your footage, make titles and credits, do voice-overs, and add special effects from split screens to lighting. At the end of the week you will have a DVD copy of your movie to share with friends and family. Instructor: Daniel Woodward is a SOU and Concordia University graduate and teaches at South Medford High School. He incorporates video productions and filmmaking into all learning experiences.
MATHEMATICS/LOGICAL THINKING/ENGINEERING
HYDRO-ROBOTICS
Have you wondered how car brakes work, or how a back-hoe lifts a load? In this workshop based class you will investigate hydraulic principles and construct a robotic arm that uses fluid to transfer power. Be ready to work in a shop and gain engineering skills. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High School.
MOUSETRAP ENGINEERING
You will be challenged to use your creativity and construction skills to design and build a vehicle which will attempt to travel thirty meters powered only by the energy of a mousetrap. Advanced designs and speedier cars will be possible for those willing to exceed the challenge. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High School.
MIGHTY MYTH BUSTERS
Take a peek at a Myth Busters world as you investigate urban legends and put science to the test. Investigate weird science facts, science myths, and science trivia. Then solve the answers to nature's weirdest questions. Can animals predict earthquakes? Is yawning contagious? Become a true Mythbuster and decide what is fact and what is myth? Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine. She has over thirty years of teaching experience and currently works with the home-schooling population.
Session B Classes for 5th and 6th graders
COMMUNICATION / LANGUAGE ARTS
JOURNALISM 101
Deliver all the latest and greatest news and learn what makes a newspaper tick. Have fun learning the various jobs on a newspaper team and work on articles, comic strips and advice columns. By the end of the week students will put together a newspaper. Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine and has taught workshops and seminars throughout the Rogue Valley.
WHAT’S COOKING?
Step into the kitchen and learn a variety of cooking techniques. Learn the science behind cooking with quick and easy ideas and recipes from cuisines enjoyed around the world. You will measure and mix ingredients and use a variety of cooking tools and machines, and taste the results. Instructor: Marilyn D. Moore is a Culinary Institute-Le Cordon Bleu graduate and a Certified Culinary Educator for the American Culinary Federation. She is the owner of Creative Organic Catering.
VISUAL ARTS
ANIME AND MANGA MADNESS
Welcome to the world of Japanese animation! Build your art skills by drawing cartoons, Manga characters, animals and faces. You will experience art indoors and outdoors and challenge your imagination as you invent new ways to express your talents in this unique style of art. Instructor: Craig Honeycutt has a master’s in art education and is a local artist and art educator with more than twenty years teaching experience.
ART AND CULTURE OF JAPAN
Study Japanese art and culture through musical instruments, Shuji (writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink), Origami (paper folding art work), clay work and the Japanese language. Broaden your cultural horizons while having fun! You will learn about Japanese cultural traditions such as Making bamboo flutes and rice balls. Instructor: Wataru Sugiyama is an international sculptor and native of Japan. He has exhibited his work throughout the United States, England, Switzerland, Germany and Japan.
THE FANTASY ILLUSTRATOR
Let your imagination soar as you draw fantastic beings and incredible creatures. Study the where, why and how of the great fantasy creatures of all time such as fairies, elves, ogres, dragons, sea monsters, centaurs, unicorns and dragons. Learn new drawing techniques for your favorites and design your own fantasy creations. Instructor: Craig Honeycutt has a Master’s in Art Education and is a local artist and art educator with more than twenty years teaching experience.
PERFORMING ARTS
ACTING UP!
Immerse yourself in a range of techniques as you build a character that is both specific and inspired by your imagination. You will develop skills that connect the mind and body through exercises and then apply them to monologues, improvisations, cold readings and scenes. Instructor: Herb Heiman has written a Young Adult novel entitled, First Across the Finish Line. He is co-publisher and critic for Ashland Theatre Review, a monthly critique of local play productions.
CONGO ALL THE WAY
Come be a part of this rhythmic ride ! Learn the fundamentals of traditional Afro-Cuban drum rhythms through games and experimentation. Let your musical side out as you learn conga hand drum techniques and music concepts. Instructor: Sue Lundquist is a professional musician and teacher who has taught folkloric rhythms and songs of the Afro-Cuban tradition for over fifteen years.
FUN WITH FENCING
En guard…ready…fence! Safe inside a mask and jacket you will be introduced to the exciting sport of fencing. Learn the skills of “touching” (scoring on) your partner while avoiding being scored on and learn the respect, ethics and camaraderie involved in this sport. Instructor: Roxanne Mifahittina has fenced both foil and epee with the Sothern Oregon Fencing Center for four years and has taught SOU-sponsored fencing classes.
MAD HOT BALLROOM
Wow your friends and family by learning the coolest and most popular ballroom dances—Tango, Salsa, Waltz, and Swing. Do you really have what it takes to dance at school dances, parties or just while hanging out with your friends? You will learn step pattern variations and the lead and follow technique of these very popular dance forms. Instructor: Cori Grimm is an accomplished and enthusiastic dance instructor with twenty years of dance experience. She is currently the office manager of the Evergreen Ballroom.
SHAKESPEARE SHENANIGANS
Explore the stories and language of Shakespeare through theatre improvisation games and activities. Through the use of rhythm exercises and textual analysis you will exercise your creativity and your imagination while engaging in spirited action! Students will work with scenes from Shakespeare's greatest hits. Instructor: Tyrone Wilson has an MFA from Yale University and is in his 14th season at the Oregon Skakespeare Festival in Ashland.
SOCIAL STUDIES
21st CENTURY COBBLER
Some people say that the secret to life is comfortable shoes. You might think that Nike and Adidas have the comfortable shoe market cornered, but now is your opportunity to beat the kings at their own game. You will design and produce and engage in a flashy marketing campaign to sell your brand new, state-of-the-art athletic shoe. You'll begin to understand the competitive world of advertisement, supply and demand, and the goal that drives all shoe companies—profit. Instructor: Peter Voskes is a former ACADEMY student and counselor who teaches eighth grade U.S. History at Hedrick Middle School. He is also the cross country coach at North Medford High School.
ORDER IN THE COURT!
Take part in this exciting process of the American judicial system. Learn what it takes to become a judge, jury, prosecutor, defender or witness. Learn to organize facts, develop your speaking and questioning abilities, and understand the concepts of justice through jury deliberation. This will be a courtroom drama you will never forget. Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine. She has over thirty years of teaching experience and currently works with the home-schooling population.
ROCK THE VOTE
You don’t have to wait until you are 18 to rock the vote. Come participate in a presidential election simulation where you can be a voter, a candidate, or the press. You will learn about election processes, the role of the media and campaign strategies in this exclusive election. Instructor: Sarah Cate has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Political Science and is a Political Science graduate student at the University of Oregon.
SCIENCE
A TOUR OF ANATOMY
Navigate through the human body by using the Maniken System to study bone and muscle anatomy. You will learn about the muscles of the head/face and upper body and where they originate and insert and what they do to promote movement and support in these parts of the human body. Instructor: Mark Geisslinger has been a high school biology teacher for seventeen years. He teaches at North Medford High School.
ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATORS
Experience the wonders of the natural world through the eyes of a field ecologist. You will master ecology concepts and skills using nature as the classroom. Explore nature and conduct investigations of local wildlife, including vertebrates and invertebrates, and different habitats and learn what these species are telling us about the environments where they are found. Instructor: Annie Kilby is the Youth Education Projects Lead for Klamath Bird Observatory. She holds a BS from the University of Maryland and worked as a field biologist and educator in the US and abroad.
ECOLOGY ON FIRE
Fire does work! Learn the benefits and problems associated with fire and the role that fires play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Learn about forest fires-the good and the bad, the history of fires in Oregon, catastrophic fires, fire science, suppression and fuel reduction in the forests surrounding Ashland. Spend time with a forest resource specialist as you visit fuel reduction areas and observe demonstrations. Instructor: Laurie Hayden aka “The Tree Lady” has been a guest speaker in the elementary schools for 10 years in Jackson County. She gives various indoor and outdoor presentations to all students, teaches tree science, resources and conservation.
FANTASTIC FORENSICS
Become a forensic scientist as you analyze the evidence of a fictional crime scene. You will conduct fake blood tests, identify and process fingerprints, analyze handwriting, take hair and fibers samples and create mystery powders. Work together, gather clues and vote whether to convict the suspect in a mock trial. Instructor: Sarah Swanson has a master's of arts in teaching form SOU. She is currently teaching biology and chemistry at Crater High School.
RADICAL ROCKET SCIENCE
Calling all rocket scientists! You will be given all the materials needed to build a rocket that will soar forty stories into the sky. You will add your own personal and artistic touch to your rocket and take it home at the end of ACADEMY. Rocket builders will hear the legend of the “Event with the Eagle” in ACADEMY 2002! Instructor: Matthew Paradela was a VEX Robotics sponsor in California and currently teaches science at Crater High School.
SNAP, CRACKLE AND POP SCIENCE
Take a closer look at the products in our grocery stores and find out who develops all that “stuff.” You will learn how food scientists develop your favorite snacks and beverages and even the foods for NASA. Have fun as you develop your own candy products and drinks. Then learn about the various components of food as you participate in exciting lab exercises. Instructor: Carol Vandell has a BS in Food Science & Technology from Iowa State University and is a Food Technologist, Super Tech Food and Beverage Solutions.
COMPUTERS/VIDEO
ROCK ON! GARAGEBAND
All you need is an appreciation of music. Compose and create your own songs by arranging and mixing, working with key and tempo, creating your own loops and recording, printing and editing music notation. Then share your songs and create a podcast using Apple’s Garageband multitracking recording application. Instructor: Rick Shaw is a teacher at Ashland Middle School. He teaches video production and chess classes.
VIDEO GAME DESIGN
Immerse yourself in the world of video games as you delve into the exciting game making process and explore software designed for new media. Learn basic game design concepts while creating your own video game to email to your friends. You’ve been gaming for hours at a time, now be the mastermind behind it. Instructor: Robert Luaders is a SOU graduate and energetic computer guru who blends technology with the artistry of life. He is an award-winning vocalist, film composer, and song writer.
MATHEMATICS/LOGICAL THINKING/ENGINEERING
HYDRO-ROBOTICS
Have you wondered how a car's brakes work, or how a back-hoe lifts a load? In this workshop based class you will investigate hydraulic principles and construct a robotic arm that uses fluid to transfer power. Be ready to work in a shop and gain engineering skills. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High School.
MOUSETRAP ENGINEERING
You will be challenged to use your creativity and construction skills to design and build a vehicle which will attempt to travel thirty meters powered only by the energy of a mousetrap. Advanced designs and speedier cars will be possible for those willing to exceed the challenge. Instructor: Matthew Paradela was a VEX Robotics sponsor in California and currently teaches science at Crater High School.
MIGHTY MYTH BUSTERS
Take a peek at a Myth Busters world as you investigate urban legends and put science to the test. Investigate weird science facts, science myths, and science trivia. Then solve the answers to nature's weirdest questions, can animals predict earthquakes? Is yawning contagious? Become a true Mythbuster and decide what is fact and what is myth? Instructor: Matthew Paradela was a VEX Robotics sponsor in California and currently teaches science at Crater High School.
