Snag $20 in credit towards ANY Outschool courses for first time students! Tons of courses available in all subjects. Use code: MSSARAH2020
Come learn with me on the Outschool online course platform! Below you will find a description of the courses I currently teach. You will can find my current Outschool profile and class schedule here.
Outschool lists thousands of classes for kids of all ages. They are perfect for homeschool students or students looking for extra help or enrichment.
Ages 7-11
In this camp learners will discover 2 different kid-safe techniques for making and revealing invisible secret messages, as well as the science behind them. They will learn methods for creating codes and ciphers. Learners will find out all about fingerprints and learn an easy way to take a fingerprint (without ink!) to create their own fingerprint database. Class time will be a mix of direct instruction, class discussion and opportunities for hands-on learning. Although we will be sure to tackle the science concepts behind their "spy training" instructional time will be fun, joyful and pressure free. The goal for this camp is to inspire kids to learn something new that they can continue doing for fun after our class time is over. Learn more here.
Nature Art Camp: Art, Science, and Engineering Fun!
Ages 8-12
During this three-day camp, we will investigate the many ways art can be created with natural materials and in the outdoors. I will inspire learners to create their own art with daily art activities, engineering challenges and science experiments. Topics included in the course will be: engineering a sculpture, making our own paint and brushes, and creating a dedicated nature journal. We will also explore the work of nature artists: Andy Goldsworthy and Clare Walker Leslie. Camp time will be a mix of teacher-led discussion, slideshow and video presentation, followed by group brainstorming and sharing. Each day the group will be presented with an idea or challenge for an art project that can be completed outside of our zoom session and shared the next day. Learn more here.
Build Your Own Solar Eclipse Projector!
What makes an insect special and different from other bugs and crawly things? Throughout this class students will learn the defining characteristics of insects through discussion, games, song, and hands-on modeling. Students will hone the important science skills of observation and classification while having fun. After we learn the parts of an insect, observe and compare different creatures and sing together, I will model how I might invent my own insect by building a model out of common household materials. Students will then be set loose to raid the craft and recycling bin for materials to invent their own insect with the specific characteristics we have learned about during class. Students will leave the class with the ability to list and identify the five unique characteristics of an insect's body. Learn more here.
Age: 8-11
During this class we will learn all about solar eclipses. We will answer questions such as: What makes a solar eclipse occur? Why don't we experience solar eclipses very often? How can you safely watch a solar eclipse? Students will share any prior knowledge they have through a brief group discussion. I will explain the science concepts through a quick lecture, illustrated with demonstrations, a slideshow and video clips of actual solar eclipses. We will discuss safe viewing of solar eclipses and how to find out when and where to watch the upcoming solar eclipse in April 2024. We will learn the science behind how a pinhole projector works. Finally, we will build our own cereal box pinhole projectors. I will give a brief tutorial and assist as the students build their projector. Learn more here.
Amazing Angles and Super Symmetry: Build a Snowflake!
Age: 9-11
Let it snow! In this class we will investigate the beauty, symmetry, math and science of snowflakes and snow crystals. We will view images of actual snowflakes, and watch video of snowflakes growing in a lab. As a group we will discuss what we know about snowflakes and their structure. Then after a quick hands-on math lesson on symmetry and the three different types of angles: acute, obtuse and right, we will have some practice with a protractor creating and measuring angles. Finally we will get to work creating our own snowflake models and finding all the different angles within them. Students will have a chance for sharing and discussion as a group throughout the lesson. I will guide them through the process of making their snowflake model, but the project will be creative and open-ended so that students have the freedom to design their own beautiful and individual snowflake. Learn more here.
Age: 7-9
How do our eyes and our brain work together to see? We will explore the science concept of "persistence of vision" through visuals and a hands-on art project. I will explain the concept and students will have a chance to experience it through some interactive examples. We will investigate how a thaumatrope, or "spinning wonder" toy works. Learners will have a chance to draw and build their own spinning toy(s) to experience persistence of vision in action. We will share what we have made with each other. Learn more here.
Age: 4-6
What makes an insect special and different from other bugs and crawly things? Throughout this class students will learn the defining characteristics of insects through discussion, games, song, and hands-on modeling. Students will hone the important science skills of observation and classification while having fun. After we learn the parts of an insect, observe and compare different creatures and sing together, I will model how I might invent my own insect by building a model out of common household materials. Students will then be set loose to raid the craft and recycling bin for materials to invent their own insect with the specific characteristics we have learned about during class. Students will leave the class with the ability to list and identify the five unique characteristics of an insect's body. Learn more here.
Nature Discovery Show-and-Tell
Age: 5-7
During each class we will share natural treasures or observations with each other. This might mean a rock or a feather, perhaps an animal sighting to talk about, a seashell, something grown in the garden, etc. I will start the class with my own nature discovery show-and-tell giving students some background information and interesting facts about what I am sharing. Each student will then have an opportunity to show-and-tell an item or experience if they would like to. When possible, I will share my knowledge with them about their show-and-tell or we can work together to learn more about their special treasure. Whenever possible and when learners feel comfortable they will have the opportunity to "be the teacher" and share what they have learned about their nature discovery with their peers. No background knowledge required, however students should bring their innate love of nature along with their curiosity and desire to learn more! Due to the nature of show-and-tell the topics discussed during class each week will be dictated by what the students bring to class to share. If the students have field guides or non-fiction books about natural history related to their nature share, (for example: A Guide to Rocks and Minerals, A Guide to Birds of Eastern North America) then they should have these accessible during class. In the event that there is extra time available during a class I will provide a mini-lesson on a natural item from my personal collection. Learn more here.
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