The Decimal Detectives
Search for clues to uncover how decimals, fractions, and percents are all connected. Through puzzles, games, and problem-solving challenges, we’ll investigate how numbers can be written in different ways (and why those different forms mean the same thing).
Students will compare, estimate, and reason with decimals, fractions, and percents, learning to make smart predictions and explain their thinking. Instead of relying on tricks or shortcuts, our detectives will use logic and estimation to test ideas, spot mistakes, and justify conclusions. The goal will be to have the students see that these three different number forms are part of one connected system and to give them confidence working with numbers in flexible and powerful ways.
Monday - Place value deep dive & decimal logic puzzles
Tuesday - Fraction–decimal–percent conversions (multiple methods)
Wednesday - Comparing and ordering tricky numbers
Thursday - Operations with decimals via word problems
Friday - “Decimal mysteries” escape-room–style challenge!
Secret Signal Society: Cracking Codes Through History
Knowledge is power, and power must be kept safe. Throughout history, secrets have been hidden not simply within a locked box, but disguised through cryptography. From letters written to a noble’s secret amour to a general’s messages in war time, we’ll explore some of the techniques used to encode information and decrypt these puzzling messages.
Monday - Replacement and Atbash Ciphers
Tuesday - Pigpen, Knights Templar, & Running Man
Wednesday - Caesar Ciphers
Thursday - Vigenère Ciphers
Friday - Cipher Keys and Ultimate Challenge
Minecraft
The most popular video game of all time, Minecraft is a sandbox game that drops players into an infinite world of harvestable resources in which they can build to their hearts’ content.
This class will task small teams of students to create an “Adventure Mode Dungeon” game within Minecraft with their own personal flair, learning principles of game design that will serve them in future creations, even outside of Minecraft.
Monday & Tuesday – Students receive instruction to increase building efficiency and learn how to guide a player using commands, Redstone, and level design. Students plan/start build.
Wednesday – Students finish a draft of their build with continued assistance from instructors.
Thursday and Friday – Students test and fix bugs with build.
The Global Gallery: Journeys Through World Art
In Global Gallery: Journeys Through World Art, students will embark on an exciting journey to discover the diverse world of art and culture. This course will explore the elements of art—line, shape, form, space, texture, value, and color—through the lens of global art traditions. Students will learn about famous artists and art movements from around the world, discovering how various cultures use these elements in unique ways. By experimenting with different art forms, tools, and mediums from multiple regions, students will develop a deeper understanding of how art reflects history, identity, and cultural values.
Monday - Understanding the Elements of Art: Students will explore the seven elements of art (line, shape, form, space, texture, value, and color) and learn how these elements are used by artists from different cultures to convey meaning, tell stories, and evoke emotions.
Tuesday - Global Art Movements and Artists: Students will learn about influential artists and art movements from across the world, from ancient civilizations to contemporary artists. They will explore art from regions such as Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Wednesday - Exploring Art Mediums and Techniques: Students will experiment with a variety of traditional and modern art mediums, including clay, watercolor, printmaking, textile arts, digital tools, and more. Each medium will be tied to a particular culture or historical context, providing students with a rich, hands-on experience.
Thursday - Cultural Context of Art: Students will gain insight into the role of art in different cultures, understanding how artists use the elements of art to express cultural identity, religion, social values, and historical events.
Friday - Creative Expression and Practice: Through guided projects and self-directed work, students will have the opportunity to create their own art inspired by the cultures and artists they study. They will practice incorporating the elements of art into their own unique pieces, using diverse materials and techniques.