Track P-2 Descriptions

More Than a Creepy Crawly! Entomology 

Ever wonder why those ants marching underfoot find their way into our kitchens? Why just one fruit fly can turn into 500 in just 2 weeks, or why fireflies light up the night sky? In this course, students will be exposed to and informed about some of the many insects they find in their daily lives, particularly insects found at crime scenes and aquatic insects. By encouraging respectful interactions with our invertebrate friends, they'll learn that creepy crawlers aren't as creepy as they're made out to be. Each student will leave with positive experiences that reshape the way they view insects and knowledge about what makes them so unique!

Class Highlights:

  • Forensic Entomology background
  • Crime Scene
  • Insects
  • Aquatic Entomology Red Cedar River sampling
  • Maggot Art

Mathematical Logic

According to Imacs.org, when you combine math, computer science, philosophy, and linguistics you get Mathematical logic! The big goal of mathematical logic is to link human language and thinking with math. In short, mathematical logic tries to understand math concepts through patterns that feel natural to your brain. Mathematicians who study mathematical logic also try to uncover and figure out contradictions and unsolved problems in the field of mathematics.

Most of us, when we think of math, we think of numbers. But not all math involves numbers. You’ve probably already explored some geometry activities at school that involved lines and shapes. Another idea of math that does not have to involve numbers is logic. Ready to understand syntactic and semantic, then this class is for you?!

Mon: What is the meaning of MILONELION? How to use Logic to Solve Math Puzzles

Tue: Moving Around: See if you can solve this logic puzzle about four fast friends.

Wed: In the Enchanted Kingdom: A logic puzzle that involves four princesses and four pet dragons!

Thur: In the Land of Confusion: Figuring out who is the sage and who is the jester.

Fri: Read the Numbers: Numbers are used for counting, but did you know they can also be used for spelling?

Pixel Art and Animation

Pixel art is a unique form of art born in the 1970s due to the limiting nature of computer screens at the time. While today’s high pixel count allows much more detail, this activity will walk students through designing their own little pixel character and will discuss how we trick the brain into thinking that pixel character is moving. 

Monday: Introduce the students to Piskel. Provide them with a template and designing their character. Discuss pixel art sizes. Discuss color palettes and provide some to the students.
Tuesday: Discuss animating and pixel art sheets (walking, jumping, etc)
Wednesday: Provide a template game on Scratch to import their character into, ensuring that their walking, running, jumping, and interaction animations are sufficient.
Thursday: Continued development
Friday: Continued development and finalizing their art