WWU Youth Programs - Summer Odyssey Elementary School Topics for Week One at Western Washington University

Topics - Elementary School (Entering grades 4-6)
Week One

Week One: July 15-19, 2013
Elementary School, Mornings - 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m

Abstraction Attraction

Explore ways to create emotions or ideas visually through non-representational forms of art. Adventure into color theory and mixing, movement, rhythm and texture. Participants will:

Find shapes in an image and transfer the visual information using watercolor pencil.
Break down a realistic image into simple shapes and colors using pen and ink.
Design an abstract image using shapes that show movement and rhythm.
Explore texture by layering cardboard and applying color to express emotions.
Build a 3-D wire sculpture.

Instructor: Amy Marchegiani teaches art, science, social studies and life skills classes at Home Port Learning Center, art classes at Bellingham Art and art education classes at Western Washington University. Marchegiani has 25 years of experience as a fine artist and 18 years as a graphic designer and illustrator. She holds a B.F.A. from Washington State University and a M.Ed. from Western Washington University.

Return to list of Elementary School topics ...

Rockin’ With Rockets

Have you ever wondered what makes rockets soar into outer space? Explore Newton’s three laws of motion – inertia, F=Ma, and that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. “Rockin With Rockets” participants will:

Investigate aerodynamics.
Experiment with Newton’s laws in three challenges.
Design, build and test three types of rockets: Alka-Seltzer, two-liter bottle and model kits.

Gain a better understanding of the complexities of rocket science; you’ll have a blast!

Instructor: Jeff Nyman holds a B.A. in biology and anthropology from Western Washington University and a M.Ed. and teaching certificate from Pacific Lutheran University. A four-year resident assistant for the former Adventures in Science and Arts program at Western, Nyman teaches math, science and health education at Blaine Middle School.

Return to list of Elementary School topics ...

Mission Possible: To the Moon and Back!

Explore concepts of physical science as you work in teams to design a simulated manned mission to the moon. Participants will:

Apply Newton’s laws and the engineering design process during challenges
Work to design and launch rockets, construct and deploy payload delivery systems, and build structural components to achieve mission objectives.
Engage in a friendly team competition based upon points earned during engineering challenges throughout the week.

Take part in this moon mission and gain a better understanding of physics!

Instructor: Don Pringle holds a M.Ed. in science education from Western Washington University and a B.A. in physics education from Brigham Young University. The former director of the Science Nature Astronomy Radiation and Flight (SNARF) camp in Idaho and counselor with the prestigious Washington Aerospace Scholars summer residency program at the Museum of Flight, Pringle teaches physics and inquiry science at Ferndale High School in Ferndale, Washington. Watch the instructors video by clicking here.

Return to list of Elementary School topics ...

Our Living Ocean

Find out about life beneath the waters of Bellingham Bay. This field-based class will take you along the coastline to research tide pool organisms. Participants will:

Research local marine plants and animals through inquiry, research and local field experiences.
Monitor data and findings of their research in a detailed science journal.
Reflect on research by recording thoughts and understandings about how these organisms are affected by humans.
Create a presentation about an organism, zone or environmental issue that affects Bellingham’s marine ecosystem.

Gain an understanding of the importance of marine life and why we need to protect our waters.

Instructor: Shelley Jefferson holds a B.A. in theatre with an emphasis in directing and a B.A. in general science from Western Washington University. With numerous directing, and acting credits with the Bellingham Theatre Guild, Northwest Indian College, and Claire VG Thomas Theatre in Lynden. Jefferson is teaches Kindergarten at Carl Cozier Elementary School in Bellingham.

Return to list of Elementary School topics ...

Week One: July 15-19, 2013
Elementary School, Afternoons - 1-5 p.m.

Robotics 101

Explore the FUN-damentals of robotics through creative hands-on application as you design and develop computer games with GameMaker. Participants will:

Investigate the elements of design, development, testing and debugging.
Build and program robots to perform a series of specific challenges – navigate a maze, follow a line, battle other robots – with Lego Mindstorm kits.
Create "side-scroller" type games by designing the elements of the game including puzzles, enemies and resources before implementing the game in GameMaker.

Find out about the vast career opportunities the field of computer science offers while gaining valuable insights and skills for future study.

Instructor: Ed Hunter holds an associate’s degree in computer science, a B.A. in physical science and a M.S. in computer science. Retired from 20 years in the Navy, he teaches computer science classes at Western Washington University and the Oak Harbor branches of Brandman University and Columbia College of Missouri.

Return to list of Elementary School topics ...

Exploring Environmental Wonders

Explore the wonders of the environment in this lively field-based class. Participants will:

Discover what “environment” means, what an ecosystem consists of, how ecosystems affect all life on the planet, what natural resources are, and the science of climate change.
Combine the sciences of ecology, biology, chemistry and geology to conduct experiments, collect data and analyze findings.
Design an action plan to reduce their ecological footprints and create local and global solutions to climate change.

This class will inspire and challenge participants to assess their own role, dependence and impact on the environment.

Instructor: Alasia Canares holds a B.S. in environmental science with a minor in chemistry from Western Washington University as well as a master’s degree in teaching and teaching certification from City University. A former teacher of seventh and eighth grade science and math at Islander Middle School in Mercer Island, Wash., Carnares currently teaches sixth grade science and math at Blaine Middle School in Blaine, Washington.

Return to list of Elementary School topics ...

Journeys in Sound: Music Production

Explore the art and science of audio recording! Experience the adventure of recording, mixing and producing several styles of music, an audiobook, a professional interview and more. Participants will:

Build technical skills using audio recorders, microphones, Garage Band and the industry-standard recording software, Pro Tools.
Tour recording studios on Western’s campus and see the unique uses of each space.
Produce original music with composition prompts by peers and instructor.
Capture and sample field sounds with location recorders and manipulate post-tape.
Practice the craft of giving and receiving constructive criticism from peers and instructor.

Join the expedition and become an audio engineer, producer, composer, and voice-over artist all in one week!

Instructor: Russ Fish holds a B.A. in music and general studies with a minor in accounting. A professional recording artist, he teaches audio production and is the studio coordinator for Fairhaven College at Western Washington University.

Return to list of Elementary School topics ...

CSI Bellingham

Become a crime scene investigator and explore principle concepts of various science disciplines as you are introduced to the exciting and exacting world of forensic science. Participants will:

Investigate simulated scenes and collect evidence in order to solve crimes.
Apply learned concepts to analyze blood spatter patterns, fiber, document and handwriting, fingerprints, footprints and other elements of forensic science.
Use the evidence to identify the crime and offenders.

The fun continues as CSI teams create a crime scene for other teams to solve. This course is not for the squeamish or faint of heart!

Instructor: Don Pringle holds a M.Ed. in science education from Western Washington University and a B.A. in physics education from Brigham Young University. The former director of the Science Nature Astronomy Radiation and Flight (SNARF) camp in Idaho and counselor with the prestigious Washington Aerospace Scholars summer residency program at the Museum of Flight, Pringle teaches physics and inquiry science at Ferndale High School in Ferndale, Washington. Watch the instructors video by clicking here.