College for Kids-Penn State Erie

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College for Kids

Classes for 10-12 Year Olds

While we've concluded the 2009 summer program, please feel free to peruse the following classes as a sampling of what will be offered next year.

All Classes are listed by date and time.

10—12-YEAR OLDS

2009 Class Schedule and Fees

CLOSED   Wildlife Ecology
Hike the Penn State Behrend Outback to explore the wonders of nature. Study and practice techniques for tracking animals, finding and identifying plants and macro-invertebrates, and monitoring water quality. We’ll use a field trip to the Asbury Woods Nature Center as an opportunity to compare its habitats to those on the Penn State Behrend campus.
Price: $75
Instructor: Joni Blackman
10-12 years, June 15-19, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Creative Computer Projects (see computer access accounts)
Use Microsoft Project Gallery to design your own iron-on transfers for T-shirts and pillowcases, or to create a calendar, schedule, certificate, planner, menu, or label...the possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Students should have knowledge of Microsoft Word, and will work at their own pace.
Price: $70
Instructor: Margaret Giles
10 years and up, June 15-19, 2009, mornings

CLOSED/FULL   Babysitting Basics (see computer access accounts)
This class is an introductory course for babysitting. Students will learn to make business arrangements with parents, parents' expectations of a babysitter, characteristics of a great babysitter, what to do to prevent and handle emergencies, and appropriate activities to do with children from birth through grade school.
Price: $70
Instructor: Jennifer Pinzok
10 years and up, June 15-19, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Beginner Model Rocketry
Experience the thrill of designing, building, and launching your own model rockets. The National Association of Rocketry safety code will be taught and adhered to. On Friday, families are invited to watch the students launch the rockets they’ve built!
Price: $75
Instructor: Ed Beck
10-12 years, June 15-19, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED   Beaded and Beach Glass Jewelry Making (see computer access accounts)
Come journey with us to the lake, where we’ll collect colorful beach glass gems. We will then explore the jewelry-making process while creating our own unique pieces from an assortment of choices using beads, beach glass, and other materials. We will also learn what it takes to be a successful crafter as we discover how to display and market our creations.
Price: $75
Instructor: Margaret Giles
10 years and up, June 15-19, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED/FULL   When the Whole World Was at War
Are you a history buff? Did your grandparents or great-grandparents live through World War II? Join us as we travel back in time to examine this profound period in history. We'll examine the risks, the “what ifs,” and the major players—Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. We'll research Nazi propaganda, the Holocaust, and weapons of mass destruction. You'll have an opportunity to voice your opinion during class debate. We'll even build our own plane and hold our own mock trial!
Price: $70
Instructor: Dan Quiggle
10 years and up, June 22-26, 2009, mornings

CLOSED/FULL   Golf: Beginner Level 1
Boys and girls who are just learning to play golf will practice short-game skills like putting, chipping, and swing basics while having fun! YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN CLUBS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CLASS. Clubs will not be provided. A driver or fairway wood, a putter, a pitching wedge and a 5-, 7-, and 9-iron are recommended. This is an outdoor class, so remember to bring your sunscreen!
Price: $70
Instructor: Jon Sedelmyer
10 years and up, June 22-26, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Nature in Word and Picture NEW
Develop your inner artist and poet as we delve into nature for inspiration in writing and art. We will spend the week expressing thoughts through poetry, essays, and free-writing, as well as through painting, sketching, and sculpture. We'll examine natural history as a springboard for projects, and students will have the option of entering their work in the annual River of Words contest. Come let nature spark your creativity!
Price: $70
Instructor: Scott Strasser
10-12 years, June 22-26, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Bird Watching and Identification
What’s that bird’s name? Let’s find out! Come to the Penn State Behrend Outback as we search the woods and fields for our feathered friends. You must have a keen eye and a quiet step when you learn to use our field guides to identify birds.
Price: $70
Instructor: Mark Zielinski
10 years and up, June 22-26, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Computer Animated Storytelling with Alice (see computer access accounts)
Wonder how they create animated characters in the movies? Would you like to produce your own short-story movie? In this class you will learn some basic programming skills as you build an animated short story on the computer using a computer language called Alice.
Price: $70
Instructor: Ron Delporto & George Dudas
10-12 years, June 22-26, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED/FULL   Star Wars and the Roman Empire
Whether a film critic or a history buff, this class is for you. You’ll discover the history behind Star Wars and its creator, George Lucas. Learn how the plot of Star Wars mimics real-life history in Rome roughly 2,000 years ago. This class will recognize and discuss the huge impact this film had in the world not only in the late 1970s but also upon its return as another huge hit in the 1990s. Join us as we delve into history, and may the force be with you! Please note that Rebel Alliance or Galactic Empire attire is optional!
Price: $70
Instructor: Dan Quiggle
10 years and up, June 22-26, 2009, afternoon

CLOSED/FULL   Cryptozoology NEW
Venture into the world of hidden animals. Do sea serpents, mokel-mbembe, thunderbirds, or Big Foot really exist? Cryptozoology is the study of animals considered to be extinct as well as those which appear in myths, legends, or undocumented sightings. Join us as we explore these creatures case by case. Through science and folklore we will launch our own investigation as we sift through sightings and physical evidence deciding for ourselves which hold the best chance for actual existence.
Price: $70
Instructor: Scott Strasser
10-12 years, June 22-26, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED/FULL   Presque Isle Field Studies NEW
This class is the perfect mix of academics and fun. This "new" program based out of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) combines classroom and field studies, including water quality analysis, beach sediments, discovery labs, kayaking in lagoons, fishing in ponds, boating on the bay, biking and hiking the trails. What more could you ask for? Come join the fun! Please note that this is a full-day class that meets from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Parents are asked to drop-off and pick-up their children at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Presque Isle State Park, Erie. Transportation from Penn State Behrend will not be provided. A Penn State Behrend staff member will be on location.
Price: $140
Instructor: D. Bradford Boughton
10-14 years, July 13-17, 2009, All Day 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLOSED   Internet Fun/Microsoft Word NEW (see computer access accounts)
This class is geared to having fun! Students will learn how to navigate the World Wide Web using Internet Explorer. With a list of your favorite topics we'll teach you how to find information using various search engines and how to narrow your searches. Students will learn to copy graphics and text from the Internet as they create documents in Microsoft Word while using menus and toolbars. Students will participate in an Internet search game of speed, using a variety of search engines, while challenging friends in a fun game of trivia.
Price: $70
Instructor: Margaret Giles
8-12 years, July 13-17, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Show Me the Money (see computer access accounts)
This class will utilize the Junior Achievement (JA) and Erie Times-News In Education (NIE) outreach programs to educate, encourage, and actively involve students in making smart decisions about investing, saving, and managing money for a successful financial future. Students will participate in exciting hands-on activities, talk with community leaders, play interactive money computer games, and receive prizes for participation. They’ll also take home an interactive computer program and newsletter with directions for completing an online career assessment. In addition, students will participate in a live Credit Card Game Show, presented by Penn State Behrend’s Center for Credit and Consumer Research (CCCR). Play, learn, and win prizes!
Price: $70
Instructor: Junior Achievement of Erie County
10 years and up, July 13-17, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Acting for the Stage 2
Join us in fun comedic skits and group scenes. These activities will help you to develop the skills needed to play diverse roles and classic characters. From warm-ups to character building, this class will teach you what every great actor needs to know in a fun and entertaining way. The class will culminate in a performance piece during the last thirty minutes of Friday’s class.
Price: $70
Instructor: Steve O'Donnell
10 years and up, July 13-17, 2009, mornings

CANCELLED   World Music Drumming
Using the exciting drumming traditions of West Africa, students will build important listening skills as they engage in this hands-on drumming experience. They will also learn about African culture through maps, other native instruments, vocabulary, and song lyrics. As a culmination of their experience, students will end their week with a performance.
Price: $70
Instructor: Elaine Crandall
10 years and up, July 13-17, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED/FULL   Guitar: For the Beginner
Take a week-long tour of the greatest instrument of our time! We’ll learn a basic chord vocabulary and a bit about composition. So grab your “axes” and come on down! PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN ACOUSTIC GUITAR WITH ALL SIX STRINGS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CLASS.
Price: $70
Instructor: Stephen Maynard
10 years and up, July 13-17, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED   Games Galore!
Teamwork, social skills, creativity, and logical thinking…you’ll need all of these to win in this class. From carrying water balloons in your mouth to spontaneous thinking games, this class is creative fun! There will be many challenges both inside and outside the classroom as we learn the art of “playing nice.”
Price: $70
Instructor: Melissa Weismiller
10-12 years, July 13-17, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED/FULL   Presque Isle Field Studies NEW
This class is the perfect mix of academics and fun. This "new" program based out of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) combines classroom and field studies, including water quality analysis, beach sediments, discovery labs, kayaking in lagoons, fishing in ponds, boating on the bay, biking and hiking the trails. What more could you ask for? Come join the fun! Please note that this is a full-day class that meets from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Parents are asked to drop-off and pick-up their children at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Presque Isle State Park, Erie. Transportation from Penn State Behrend will not be provided. A Penn State Behrend staff member will be on location.
Price: $140
Instructor: D. Bradford Boughton
10-14 years, July 20-24, 2009, All Day 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLOSED/FULL   Kitchen Chemistry
Bring out the mad scientist in you! Join us as we learn the principles of chemistry while experimenting with ordinary household items. Discover how and why cornstarch, vinegar, food coloring, and glue (just to name a few) can create bubbling, oozing, slimy substances sure to gross out your parents. We’ll have a world of fun while learning chemistry basics.
Price: $70
Instructor: Joni Blackman
10-12 years, July 20-24, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Star Wars and the Roman Empire
Whether a film critic or a history buff, this class is for you. You’ll discover the history behind Star Wars and its creator, George Lucas. Learn how the plot of Star Wars mimics real-life history in Rome roughly 2,000 years ago. This class will recognize and discuss the huge impact this film had in the world not only in the late 1970s but also upon its return as another huge hit in the 1990s. Join us as we delve into history, and may the force be with you! Please note that Rebel Alliance or Galactic Empire attire is optional!
Price: $70
Instructor: Dan Quiggle
10 years and up, July 20-24, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Golf: Beginner Level 2
Young golfers with some experience will have a chance to concentrate on swing and short-game skills improvement. Golf clubs are NOT provided and must be brought by the participant. A driver or fairway wood, a putter, a pitching wedge and a 5-, 7-, and 9-iron are recommended. This is an outdoor class, so don’t forget your sunscreen!
Price: $70
Instructor: Jon Sedelmyer
8 years and up, July 20-24, 2009, mornings

CLOSED/FULL   Animal Education: All About Canine Companions NEW
Afraid of dogs or just want to learn more about our canine friends? Then this class is for you. We will learn the basics of how animals and humans communicate, what to watch for to prevent dog bites or attacks, how to handle animals with greater safety, and how to show kindness and compassion toward pets. There will be an interactive presentation using certified therapy dogs.
Price: $70
Instructor: Pat VanZandt Christianson
8-12 years, July 20-24, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED   Golf: Intermediate
This is the class for boys and girls who can hold their own on a golf course, but want to continue improving their skills. Golf clubs are NOT provided and must be brought by the participant. A driver or fairway wood, a putter, a pitching wedge, and a 5-, 7-, and 9-iron are recommended, as is sunscreen.
Price: $75
Instructor: Jon Sedelmyer
10 years and up, July 20-24, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED/FULL   Scrap. . . Stamp and More NEW
Come join us for a fun-filled week of scrapbooking, stamping, and more. Learn creative techniques while creating keepsakes that will last a lifetime.
Price: $70
Instructor: Melissa Weismiller
All Ages, July 20-24, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED/FULL Summer Sailing at the BCMS
Learn to sail one of BCMS’s sailboats on beautiful Presque Isle Bay! Learn to hoist the mainsail, trim a jib and take a turn at the helm as you experience the fun and excitement of sailing. Other areas of instruction include knot tying, meteorology, basic boating safety and beginning navigation and nomenclature. All boating safety rules will be adhered to. Please note that this is a full-day class that meets from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Parents are asked to drop-off and pick-up their children at the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies at 40 Holland Street, Erie. Transportation from Penn State Behrend will not be provided. A Penn State Behrend staff member will be on location.
Price: $140
Instructor: Rich Eisenberg and the BCMS staff
10 years and up, July 27-31, 2009, All Day 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLOSED/FULL   Beaded and Beach Glass Jewelry Making (see computer access accounts)
Come journey with us to the lake, where we’ll collect colorful beach glass gems. We will then explore the jewelry-making process while creating our own unique pieces from an assortment of choices using beads, beach glass, and other materials. We will also learn what it takes to be a successful crafter as we discover how to display and market our creations.
Price: $75
Instructor: Margaret Giles
10 years and up, July 27-31, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Photoshop Fun (see computer access accounts)
This class will familiarize students with Adobe Photoshop by allowing then to create puns, metaphors, plays on words, and more through the use of graphics and image editing.
Price: $70
Instructor: Lisa Wagner
10 years and up, July 27-31, 2009, mornings

CLOSED/FULL   Engineering MythBusters
Based on Discovery Channel’s hit TV show “MythBusters,” this class explores engineering concepts ”just to see what happens.” Which type of racing car goes faster? What are the different kinds of bridges, are they safe, and how do we build one? How does an electric circuit work? We will have design contests, explore the college’s engineering facilities, and have lots of fun. This class is for all girls and boys who want to learn about the different fields of engineering.
Price: $70
Instructor: Amber Wildfire
10-12 years, July 27-31, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Three-Dimensional Sculpture NEW
This class will explore the world of sculpture. Important elements surrounding 3-D sculptures will be reviewed. Paper, clay, wood, and wire will be the materials we will use to create works of art.
Price: $70
Instructor: Tami Hritzay
10-12 years, July 27-31, 2009, afternoon

CLOSED/FULL   Stained Glass Mosaic
Design and create your own mosaic! Students will learn the history and techniques of mosaic art, then create their own mosaic artwork using stained glass and ceramic tile.
Price: $70
Instructor: Barbara Nodes-Nakoski
10 years and up, July 27-31, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED   Improv
Have you seen ”Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Can you come up with creative one-liners or stories? If so, this class is for you. Join us as we play some of the same fun games and improv exercises that they use on the ABC show. These games will help build your ability to think fast whether you are on stage or in the school yard. This class will culminate in a performance modeled after the hit Friday Night Improv put on each week by and for Penn State Behrend students.
Price: $70
Instructor: Steve O'Donnell
10 years and up, July 27-31, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED/FULL   Summer Sailing at the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies
Learn to sail one of BCMS’s sailboats on beautiful Presque Isle Bay! Learn to hoist the mainsail, trim a jib and take a turn at the helm as you experience the fun and excitement of sailing. Other areas of instruction include knot tying, meteorology, basic boating safety and beginning navigation and nomenclature. All boating safety rules will be adhered to. Please note that this is a full-day class that meets from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Parents are asked to drop-off and pick-up their children at the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies at 40 Holland Street, Erie. Transportation from Penn State Behrend will not be provided. A Penn State Behrend staff member will be on location.
Price: $140
Instructor: Rich Eisenberg and the BCMS staff
10 years and up, August 3-7, 2009, All Day 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLOSED/FULL   Beginner Model Rocketry
Experience the thrill of designing, building, and launching your own model rockets. The National Association of Rocketry safety code will be taught and adhered to. On Friday, families are invited to watch the students launch the rockets they’ve built!
Price: $75
Instructor: Ed Beck
8-12 years, August 3-7, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Intermediate Drawing
Tune up your drawing skills. Refresher tips, techniques, and helpful hints will be highlighted in this class. Pencil, colored pencils, pen, and charcoal will be the materials used. Each day will address a particular theme: Portraits (human and animal), architecture, transportation, landscapes, and abstracts.
Price: $70
Instructor: Tami Hritzay
10-12 years, August 3-7, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Space Camp: Blast Off! NEW
Back by popular demand! Bring your imagination and join us for a mission into space. We will visit the International Space Station, the Moon and beyond. In this visual and hands-on presentation, students will learn the general principles of rocketry, details of manned space flight, the science of gravity, weightlessness, orbiting, and astronomy. One hour will be spent in the Astronomy department discussisng the future of space exploration.
Price: $70
Instructor: Paul Semrau
10-12 years, August 3-7, 2009, mornings

CLOSED   Powerful PowerPoint (see computer access accounts)
Use Microsoft PowerPoint to turn a school report or project into a powerful slideshow presentation sure to capture your teacher’s attention! Impress your family by creating a slideshow using templates and presentation designs. Add text, clip art, word art, color, sounds, transitions, and animations. Participants are expected to come up with a topic of interest and develop a slide show. Students should have some computer knowledge prior to taking this course.
Price: $70
Instructor: Margaret Giles
8-12 years, August 3-7, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED When the Whole World Was at War
Are you a history buff? Did your grandparents or great-grandparents live through World War II? Join us as we travel back in time to examine this profound period in history. We'll examine the risks, the “what ifs,” and the major players—Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. We'll research Nazi propaganda, the Holocaust, and weapons of mass destruction. You'll have an opportunity to voice your opinion during class debate. We'll even build our own plane and hold our own mock trial!
Price: $70
Instructor: Dan Quiggle
10 years and up, August 3-7, 2009, afternoons

CLOSED/FULL Summer Sailing at the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies
Learn to sail one of BCMS’s sailboats on beautiful Presque Isle Bay! Learn to hoist the mainsail, trim a jib and take a turn at the helm as you experience the fun and excitement of sailing. Other areas of instruction include knot tying, meteorology, basic boating safety and beginning navigation and nomenclature. All boating safety rules will be adhered to. Please note that this is a full-day class that meets from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Parents are asked to drop-off and pick-up their children at the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies at 40 Holland Street, Erie. Transportation from Penn State Behrend will not be provided. A Penn State Behrend staff member will be on location.
Price: $140
Instructor: Rich Eisenberg and the BCMS staff
10 years and up, August 10-14, 2009, All Day 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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