Middle School Program
MIDDLE SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM AND STEAM WORKSHOPS
(Entering Grades 6-8)
Camp Dates:
July 2-July 27, 2018
Students entering Grades 6-8 have the opportunity to hone foundational skills in reading, writing and math in a hands-on learning environment, while enjoying recreation opportunities and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) workshops in the afternoon. Specialized instruction in the use of assistive technology and the application of executive functioning skills help build academic efficiency and college readiness. Social events and an exciting culminating off-campus experience will provide important opportunities for students to get to know one another.
The program includes:
- Individualized reading and writing instruction offered in small groups utilizing assistive technology including SOLO Literacy Suite;
- A focus on math skill development including word problems;
- The development of executive functions including use of assistive technology for note taking, study skills and time management in preparation for school and college;
- Middle School Afternoon Workshops: Middle School students will have opportunities to explore their creative interests in a “can do” environment. Choose from week-long workshops in a variety of areas, including media arts, visual arts, sports and fitness, and outdoor adventures. For our animal lovers, we are offering a special partnership with Paws and Affection, which will allow students to learn more about therapy and service animals, while engaging in training activities with some amazing canines.*Students will choose one workshop for each week of the summer program. See below for schedule and workshop descriptions.
Must enroll in Middle School Enrichment Program to participate in Afternoon Workshops.
Afternoon Workshop Schedule
Middle School Students must choose one program for each week of camp.
Week 1:
Active: Recreational Sports
Creative: Water World
Misscellany: Video Game Design
Week 2:
Active: Fitness and Nutrition
Creative: Wearable Art
Misscellany: Outdoor Science
Week 3:
Active: Recreational Sports
Creative: Animation
Miscellany: Paws & Affection
Week 4:
Active: Hiking and Nature Exploration
Creative: Design Challenge
Miscellany: Filmmaking
Afternoon Workshop Descriptions
Active Workshops:
Hiking and Nature Exploration (Week 4) - Need some fresh air and sunshine? Want more time to relax in nature? This course will take students on hikes through the trails around AIM Academy and local parks. Students will learn to navigate using map skills, charting the course that we will take on our hike each day. While hiking, we will work in nature journals to document our experiences. Students will sketch the nature that they observe, identify various tree and plant specimens, and take clippings and samples to press into our journals. Students will also be encouraged to use their own interests and talents to further explore their experiences with nature (e.g, art, film, song, poetry, etc.). If you are looking to get out into the fresh air and become more familiar with our local plants and animals, this is the course for you!
Recreational Sports (Weeks 1 & 3) - In our recreation program students will be offered a comprehensive schedule of onsite activities including soccer, basketball, lacrosse and much more. There will be special appearances by guest speakers, as well as other special programs and presentations. Students will also venture off campus for a special outing at the end of the program.
Fitness and Nutrition (Week 2) - This program focuses on teaching and implementing healthy lifestyle choices in personal fitness and nutrition. Students will explore safe practices in strength and fitness, as well as smart choices in food selection and preparation. Hands-on experience will be combined with personal coaching to make this program applicable to any student, regardless of athletic experience.
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS:
Water World (Week 1) - It's summer - and water is our theme. In this workshop, exercise your limitless creativity as we "float" the idea of using water to create exciting 2D and 3D artworks, as well as design challenges. Your work is sure to make a "splash," so "catch the wave," and "sea" what you can do. We will look at how other artists and designers around the world have used water to create dynamic works. "Jump right in" to this cool, refreshing, hands on exploration into the wonders of water - and "go with the flow!"
Wearable Art (Week 2) - The focus of this fun filled week is, "wearable art", also known as "Artwear" or "art to wear." This includes handmade clothing, jewelry and accessories that have been modified to be a unique artistic creation or statement. We will look at the exciting work of artists and designers around the world who have created artwear that has made an distinct impact. Students will have their choice to pursue many areas where customizing can occur, from creating original tee shirts, to sunglasses, hats, shoes, ...to using unlikely materials in making "wearable art." We will explore all kinds of techniques and approaches in the creative process, for young artists, designers, and entrepreneurs.
Animation (Week 3) - Calling all creative illusionists, artistic magicians, and animation tricksters! The Animator’s Studio is looking for creative and imaginative motion artists. Animators harness a magical power over the objects in their world, and this course gives students the basics in understanding the depths and techniques involved in animating. Students will work with illustrating characters, building models in clay, working with found objects, as well as computer graphics to construct elaborate characters and animations.
Design Challenge (Week 4) - This workshop will focus on the essential concepts and principles of three-dimensional design including industrial design, product design, clothing design, architecture or even fine art applications in sculpture. Students in this course will be given real world challenges to solve. Using 2D and 3D design applications, students may create everything from graphics, to prototypes and models, interior and architectural designs, clothing and accessories, and product design to fit out the world with the next great thing!
Miscellany Workshops:
Video Game Design (Week 1) - Gamers wanted for adventures in game making, strategy development, character, and level design. Create your own games during this interactive summer session. Every game begins with a story. Make games about yourself, make it about your hopes, your failures, or your cats; just make it about something. But more importantly, just make a game. Learn the basics of game making using Scratch, digital animation techniques, and get an introduction to computer coding.
Outdoor Science (Week 2) - There is a lot to explore outside the walls of AIM Academy! Join us in a series of compelling activities focused on studying our local ecosystem. Learn about the wildlife, explore the trails, and engage in field practices used by real-life scientists. Students are asked to come ready with shoes that are suitable to be worn for exploring the outdoors!
Paws and Affection - Hands on Service Dog Training (Week 3) - AIM is thrilled to introduce a new partnership with local organization, Paws & Affection. Students will learn about service dogs through hands-on participation in the training process of a Paws and Affection dog. Each day, students enter the world of service dog training under the guidance of a professional dog trainer. Students will work together in teams with a P&A canine partner, practicing positive reinforcement, patience and cooperative teamwork, too! Space in this program is extremely limited and is offered on a first come, first served basis. Once the maximum number of students are registered, this program will be closed.
Filmmaking (Week 4) - Calling all future directors, camera operators, actors, and storytellers! The Filmmakers Workshop provides students a chance to learn the basics of modern filmmaking. In a short crash course, students will work in a group to write, develop, plan, act, record, edit, and present a story of their own choosing as they work in a group to make a movie. Each student will also have a chance to challenge themselves in improving their technical skills behind the camera, in editing, sound engineering, or with practical visual effects. Set in AIM’s new Media Arts studio, students will have access to a dynamic green screen recording setup, Canon Vixia camcorders, Lumix and Leica DSLRs, as well as iMovie, Final Cut Pro X, and Adobe Premiere and After Effects editing software.