Bridges Academy is rolling out talent development courses, taught online by our teachers who are experts in twice-exceptional education. The following are our summer offerings, which run in four one-week sessions throughout June. See individual course descriptions below for more details You also can view the courses organized by week. All start times are Pacific time zone.
Tuitions listed are weekly unless otherwise specified for courses lasting more than one week.
Tuitions listed are weekly unless otherwise specified for courses lasting more than one week.
COURSE DATES -- WEEK 1: June 1-5 | WEEK 2: June 8-12 | WEEK 3: June 15-19 | WEEK 4: June 22-26
Cinema, Film & Drama
CREATE YOUR OWN STOP-MOTION ANIMATED FILM
with J.T. Chiayakam and Araceli Blanco DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-8 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: Access to stable internet and quiet space for online learning filming; Apple laptop or desktop with iMovie Installed; iPhone (or Android phone able to airdrop/download onto an Apple Computer); Tripod with phone adapter (starts at $25 on Amazon); Access to a stable light source. (optional softbox starts at $45 on Amazon) Have you wanted to make a short film or a music video? Through online teaching, we will guide you in scriptwriting, video, digital, and hand-drawn storyboarding, editing, and stop-motion film techniques using legos, toys, cut-out drawings, or get creative with inanimate objects and family members. By the end of our five-day course, you can complete a short project eligible for film festivals and sharing with your family no matter where they live. Let’s make some movie magic! |
DIGITAL FILMMAKING IN STRANGE TIMES
with Laura Bahr and Ezra Werb DATES: WEEKS 1 THROUGH 4 (one course)* TIME: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 10 & up TUITION: $1,200/four-week course TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: Access to the streaming Criterion collection (available on a monthly basis for $10.99). Use of a video camera/phone that shoots digital video. Access to consumer grade editing software (e.g. iMovie, Adobe Premiere, Windows Media Player, etc.) Be part of the next wave of filmmakers! In these strange times, we need new imaginative voices -- we want you to make a movie! This is a soup-to-nuts “Make a Short Film” workshop. Using digital and household tools you have at home, students will be guided through the filmmaking process, all to take place in and around students’ homes. Students will learn: ● Screenwriting ● Storyboarding ● Writing a Shot List ● Basics of lighting/photography ● Principles of video editing ● Basics of sound Students will also learn how to see film not as entertainment, but as a means of expression. They will watch films and learn how to analyze form and style and provide meaningful critique. In the end, students’ completed short films will be shared in our virtual screening room/student film showcase. Along with class times, students are expected to do 2-4 hours of self-directed independent work each day, including movie watching and creative producing of their movie. Students will need to be self-directed and engage in mature and respectful discussions about film. You’ll get out of this class what you put in! All movies watched will be on the Criterion Collection app. Possible movies include: The Red Balloon, The Fits, Police Story, Blackboard Jungle, The Lady Vanishes, My Life as a Dog, 400 Blows, Bunny Lake is Missing, La Jetee, Breathless, and The Stranger, among others. Students should be self-directed, but parents should be available to participate in the film production process as actors, camera people, sound etc. or help with tech support. *This course has one section which runs from Week 1 through Week 4. |
GOLDEN AGE: PRODUCING RADIO DRAMA
with Lucien Holmes DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 3 TIME: 10-11 a.m. & 12:30-2:30 p.m. PT* RECOMMENDED GRADES: 8-12 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None This is a collaborative course with room for loudmouthed actors, uptight directors, quiet soundpeople, committed musicians and competent writers. Better if you are many of these things. Using “The Great American Broadcast” (Maltin) as our guide, we will visit a bygone era that spanned only twenty years, but had -- and continues to have -- an enduring impact on the American psyche. We will spend some time with these “movies of the mind,” listening to seminal broadcasts and trying to figure out what made them so popular and successful, even when movies and television were competing for the attention. We will learn scriptwriting and production from contemporary practitioners like Dave Ross and Tim Crook -- and from old masters like Fran Striker, author of all the Sergeant Preston, Green Hornet and Lone Ranger scripts. If parents want to be Old Time Radio Stars as well, you’re welcome to. You just might have to take direction from your child! *This course has one section per week and meets twice per day. |
SCI-FI & FANTASY CINEMA CLUB
with Tyler Peck DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 TIME: 12-3 p.m. PT* RECOMMENDED GRADES: 7-12 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: A working computer, 1 month subscription to Netflix (they have 1 month free trials) and free install of Netflix Party (allows us all to watch and comment simultaneously) through netflixparty.com (must be used on Chrome). TUITION: $450/week If you love Science Fiction and Fantasy films, then this summer session will be super fun! From “Blade Runner” to “Spider-Verse,” we will be exploring what it means to make a great Sci-Fi or Fantasy movie by watching and learning how to analyze some of the epic modern classics. Since we will be doing this popular summer session remotely for the first time, we will be focusing on 1 film per day instead of 2, as in years past. Each film will be selected to focus on each of 5 main categories of filmmaking: writing, acting, visuals, sound and directing. We will dive deep into learning how to think, analyze and talk about why these films were so successful, and how other films just don’t measure up. Though each film will be selected to concentrate on a particular category, we will be discussing all aspects of each movie as well to understand the interrelationships between these foundational categories, and how one is often inseparable from the other. How it works, you ask? Good question. Here’s how: first things first—you’ll need to have a working computer and subscription to Netflix in order to take this summer session. Good news: they offer 1 month free trials, if you don’t already have a subscription! Then, each of the 5 days we will focus on 1 category for watching and discussing, as mentioned. You will then need to install an app called Netflix Party through their site: netflixparty.com, and this site must be installed and used only through Chrome. It allows us to watch simultaneously and comment as we watch in real time. After the movie’s over, we’ll open up our shared Google Doc that we’ll use to record our observations and analyses, which will be broken down into our categories, and get on a Zoom video meeting to talk it all out. Since we’ve got 3 hours to watch and talk, and all the films differ in length, the shorter the movie, the more time we get to talk about them. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of films we may watch: “Ex Machina,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Snowpiercer,” “Inception” and “Enemy.” We’ll each give it our rating out of 5, and see which film comes out on top at the end of the week! Bring some popcorn, candy, and plop down on the couch because this is gonna be a Sci-Fi and Fantasy film lover’s dream come true! *Movies have been screened and deemed appropriate. However, if a movie has an R-rating, the instructor will notify parents in advance explaining why the film has that rating and will ensure permission is given for their child to watch. |
THE SILENT FILMS OF BUSTER KEATON
with Mike Murdock
DATES: WEEK 4
TIME: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PT
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-12
TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None
TUITION: $300/week
Discover this cinematic auteur/ silent film pioneer and comedian through his work as a child in vaudeville through to the end of the silent era. We will look at why he was so popular and explore certain techniques such as mime, slapstick, and other various methods of comedy. You can even create your own short, silent movie.
with Mike Murdock
DATES: WEEK 4
TIME: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PT
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-12
TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None
TUITION: $300/week
Discover this cinematic auteur/ silent film pioneer and comedian through his work as a child in vaudeville through to the end of the silent era. We will look at why he was so popular and explore certain techniques such as mime, slapstick, and other various methods of comedy. You can even create your own short, silent movie.
Fitness
CHEERLEADING
with Cynthia Pereira DATES: WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 9:30-11:30 a.m. RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-8 (WK 3) | 9-12 (WK 4) TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None We’ve got spirit! Yes, we do! We’ve got spirit! How ‘bout you? In this cheerleading course, you will learn cheers, chants, jumps and a pom dance routine! Whether it’s your first time cheering or you’ve been cheering for years, this class is for you! So let’s grab our pom poms and show our school spirit! For younger students needing help to stay on task, it may be helpful to have a parent present. |
YOGA I
with Nick Scheftic DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 TIME: 1:30-3 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 5-12 TUITION: $235 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None This course serves as an introduction to yoga for beginners and intermediate learners. It contains a number of guided classes and will encourage participants to compose their own yoga flow sequence as they progress and become more confident. The course is perfect for complete beginners, and as such no previous experience is required. The course also provides background in relation to the history of yoga and is the perfect introduction to learning the various terms and glossary surrounding yoga. We've made it easy to understand and enjoyable! In terms of equipment, students don't need anything. Some may prefer to practice using a yoga mat, but this is not essential. As yoga is normally practiced barefoot, students don't have to worry about special footwear. In fact, they can wear anything you choose. As long as students can move freely and are comfortable, then they're ready to go! If they desire to use blocks for added support, they are welcome to. |
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YOGA II
with Nick Scheftic
DATES: WEEK 2
TIME: 9-11 a.m. PT*
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 5-12
TUITION: $300
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: None
Can you perform the crow pose, plow, bird of paradise, feathered peacock? Yoga II is for for Intermediate-plus students and recommends participants have some experience with the basics of yoga poses. The course contains a number of guided classes and will encourage participants to compose their own yoga flow sequence as they progress and become more confident. We will go over a broad range of yoga flows, stretches, and vinyasas.
In terms of equipment, students don't need anything. Some may prefer to practice using a yoga mat, but this is not essential. As yoga is normally practiced barefoot, students don't have to worry about special footwear. In fact, they can wear anything you choose. As long as students can move freely and are comfortable, then they're ready to go! Blocks and straps can be added for additional support.
with Nick Scheftic
DATES: WEEK 2
TIME: 9-11 a.m. PT*
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 5-12
TUITION: $300
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: None
Can you perform the crow pose, plow, bird of paradise, feathered peacock? Yoga II is for for Intermediate-plus students and recommends participants have some experience with the basics of yoga poses. The course contains a number of guided classes and will encourage participants to compose their own yoga flow sequence as they progress and become more confident. We will go over a broad range of yoga flows, stretches, and vinyasas.
In terms of equipment, students don't need anything. Some may prefer to practice using a yoga mat, but this is not essential. As yoga is normally practiced barefoot, students don't have to worry about special footwear. In fact, they can wear anything you choose. As long as students can move freely and are comfortable, then they're ready to go! Blocks and straps can be added for additional support.
Literature & Art
ART THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
with Mary McInerny & Caitie Wilson DATES: WEEK 1 TIME: 1-4 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-8 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: Old photographs that can be cut up, photos of student that can be used in projects, colored pencils, pencils, ruler, scissors, paper in various colors, rubber cement or glue sticks, old magazines (e.g. National Geographic) that can be cut up Are you interested in viewing photographs or creating art with images? Do you wonder what it would be like to be an artist or work with them? If so, come join our group to create art and explore the art world. We will be playing with the medium of photography to create collages, mosaics, object studies, symmetry portraits, and trick photography, all the while exploring how artists put their work out into the world! What a creative world we live in! |
DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES
with Cynthia Pereira DATES: WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 1-3 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 5-12 TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: Costume pieces to go with each decade (OPTIONAL) With this new year marking the end of the decade, we can only help but wonder what iconic dance is going to come from the 2020s. The past 10 decades have given us such staples in the current dance world like the Hand Jive, Macarena, Whip & Nae-nae, and the Floss. In this class we will take on the task of tackling 70 years of dance: 7 decades of the most popular dances of the day starting with the 1950s. Come back in time with us and let's dance our way through the decades! For younger students needing help to stay on task, it may be helpful to have a parent present. |
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GHOSTS, HORROR & TRUE CRIME, OH MY!
with Jen Corletto DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 8-12 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Sign up for this fright-filled class where we will have a chance to research and discuss the dark corners of the world that make life (and after-life) interesting. From the supernatural to the mystery of unsolved cases, this class will let you get your fix on all things horror. Discover the legend behind Bloody Mary and Dracula, learn about Dr. George Hodel and his involvement in the Black Dahlia case, and much more! |
IMPROV, IMPROV, IMPROV!
with Kristy Chavez DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1-4 p.m. PT* RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-6 & 7-12* TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Come join us this summer with a fun, no-rules, use-your-creativity-for laughs kind of a day while we play improv games, create new characters, and learn how to design new party games online or in person! We will clown around, perform for each other, and genuinely have a good time recreating characters and stories. Come play and improvise while you are in your own backyard! For students with attentional deficits, it may be helpful to have a parent present. *This course has two sections per week: one for Grades 4-6 and one for Grades 7-12. The Grades 4-6 section will run at 9 a.m. in Weeks 1 and 3 and at 1 p.m. in Weeks 2 and 4. The Grades 7-12 sections will run at 1 p.m. in Weeks 1 and 3 and at 9 a.m. in Weeks 2 and 4. |
ITALIAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE
with Caroline Maxwell DATES: WEEKS 1 & 2 (ONE COURSE)* TIME: 9-11 a.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 7-12 TUITION: $600/two-week course TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None This is a two-week class designed to introduce students to many fun and fascinating aspects about the Italian culture and language. We will cover basic grammatical structures and will learn useful phrases for travel and conversation. We'll practice pronunciation and even learn about the meanings behind Italy's most popular form of communication: hand gestures! Italy is, of course, known for its food, and we'll learn about how to order food in restaurants, the variations of regional cuisine, and even the history of some of Italy's most popular dishes and ingredients. In addition, we'll watch some classic examples of Italian cinema, learn about Italian art and music, and much more! Sign up today! Perché no?! *This course has one section which runs from Week 1 through Week 2. |
TWO-WEEK MUSICAL THEATRE CONSERVATORY
with Daniel Manning & Jess Petrel DATES: WEEK 1 & WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 & WEEK 4* TIME: 12:30-3:30 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 7-12 TUITION: $800/two-week course TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None The purpose of this two-week conservatory will be to empower each student with a thorough introduction to undergraduate theatre techniques, provide them with a portfolio of their own audition material, and so much more! Not only will students drastically improve their performance abilities, but Friday classes will also synthesize all the lessons of the week and provide them a way to write/direct/design their own works of art. Students will find their summer days filled with creative projects, exciting assignments in-between lessons, and engaging performance exercises that they can use for the rest of their lives. No previous experience required. Musical Theatre: This class teaches students to synthesize the techniques from dancing, singing, and acting classes into a single performance. Students will focus on selecting and perfecting 16-32 bar cuts of songs in order to achieve a stellar audition. Method Acting: Students will learn the theory and techniques that govern all modern Academy Award winning performances. Techniques will include: Nikolai Demidov, Konstantin Stanislavsky, Lee Strasberg, Richard Boleslavski, and Stella Alder. Solo Vocal Workshop: Students will expand their vocal range, quality of tone, and accuracy of pitch through effective vocal exercises. Special attention will also be paid to lyrical analysis, and developing an emotional connection with each song. Acting for the Camera: Students will learn the most common acting audition form in the industry: the self-tape. A great addition to their acting portfolio! Voice & Speech: Using the Stella Adler school’s vocal technique, students will learn fun warmups, placement, breathing, and projection exercises that will allow them to perform even in the largest of theatres. Ballet, Jazz, & Broadway Style Dance: Based on Broadway eras from the 1920s to the present, students will learn strong techniques in ballet & jazz fundamentals as well as choreography derived from various Broadway styles. *This course has 2 two-week sections -- one in Weeks 1-2 and the other in Weeks 3-4. |
Math & Science
ALL ABOUT DOGS
with Stacey Hilborn/Jessica Altuch & Dafna Kaiserman DATES: WEEK 1 | Week 2 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-8 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Do you love dogs? Do you have dogs? Did you just adopt a dog? Do you just want to know more about them? If you answered, “yes”, to any or ALL of those questions then you don’t want to miss this class! During this course, you will learn about dog behavior and body language, make treats, watch videos, and create arts for our four legged friends! You will hear from an animal expert who will teach you how to become the alpha of your pack and about the difference between using dog training techniques vs dog psychology to achieve the desired behavior in a dog. Learn all the ways in which dogs help humans and practice the techniques you’ve learned all while working with your own dog with the dogs of your classmates live on Zoom meetings! You will also learn about how to help dogs at your local shelter! You will find out which breeds are more likely to populate shelters and what you can do to help them. We will even make something special together for our four legged friends that you can give to your dog or a dog in need! Don’t miss out on this fun class!! *Note: You will get to see and hang out with Remi and Olive (shown in adjacent photo) in our Zoom meetings! |
CHEMISTRY IN THE KITCHEN?!
with Audrey Millan DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 TIME: 9-10 a.m. | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | 2-3 p.m. PT* RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-12 TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: $75 for ingredients & equipment (may be less depending on ingredients/equipment already available at home.) Weekly supply lists will be provided upon registration. Ingredients may vary according to dietary restrictions. Ever wonder how soufflé pancakes get so jiggly? Or how galaxy lemonade changes colors? We will be looking at the chemical reactions that are responsible for some of the most interesting and delicious dishes! Each day we will learn the chemistry behind different cooking techniques and test it out in the kitchen. We will be looking closely at chemical reactions and molecular structures to understand how each step of preparation can alter a dish’s taste. This class is inspired by the great minds of Alton Brown and J. Kenji López-Alt. Whether you are new to the kitchen, an aspiring chef, or simply a gourmand, this class will teach you new ways to think about food! Students will learn how to cook a new recipe daily (and at least one appetizer, entree, and dessert). If you have any type of dietary restriction, I will prepare recipes and instructions to accommodate you. After learning new skills M-W, you will be asked to create an original dish on Thursday. Friday we will share out and feast on our creations. Students will have the option to share their creations by creating a short video or conducting a short presentation. (Students can also offer another way of sharing out their final dishes. Written food review? Detailed podcast? Stop-motion film?) *Different dishes and techniques will be taught each session, so you can sign up for multiple sessions. Session Themes: Week 1- Totoro's Enchanted Forest Week 2- Super Kawaii Magical Cafe Week 3- The Wizard's Table Live classes will be held for 1 hour each day, followed by a 30-60 minute pre-recorded video that will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare a dish. Parents/Guardians are required to monitor their student during the cooking activities to ensure their safety when handling kitchen equipment. Pre-recorded videos will be posted daily so that the parent/guardian can choose what time to conduct a cooking activity. *This course has three separate sections per week. |
ECOSYSTEMS OF THE WORLD
with Annie Radigan DATES: WEEK 1 TIME: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-8 TUITION: $375 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Join our class as we take a week-long tour of some of the most exciting ecosystems in the world! Students will be taught about each ecosystem’s flora, fauna, and interesting ecological interactions. Additionally, each student will be given the chance to present about the ecosystem that intrigues them the most if they would like! |
EXPLORING THE OCEAN THROUGH MARINE BIOLOGY
with Stacey Hilborn DATES: WEEKS 1 & 2 TIME: 12:30-3:30 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-7 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: Basic crafting supplies (e.g., construction paper, clay, paint, scissors, glue, markers, colored pencils, etc.). We are flexible with whatever you are comfortable obtaining for your child and allowing them to use. For example, if you do not want your child using scissors, they can craft by drawing or painting instead. Do you love learning about the ocean? How about the amazing animals in it? This course is about all the incredible things that live in the ocean and how they can survive in such an exciting environment! In this course, students will be exploring the incredible and amazing animals in the midnight, twilight and photic zones of the ocean while also learning about how they interact with their environment. Students will work through digital simulations to solve problems, create unique ocean creatures that can survive under certain environmental pressures, watch exciting footage of these organisms and even discuss the lore behind some of them (i.e. the Kracken! ah!). If you are someone who loves learning about new animals, enjoys hand-on activities, or likes to creatively problem solve then you do not want to miss this class! Any background knowledge is welcome! Whether you know a lot or very little about the deep blue, your trained marine biology instructor will help you explore areas of interests as well as new areas of knowledge. Looking forward to exploring with you! Space is limited! |
IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE
with Caitie Wilson & Stacey Hilborn DATES: WEEK 2 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-7 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: Basic scrap materials will be helpful for building and engineering (small boxes, paper, tape); other basic materials may be needed for experiments. Parents will be contacted two weeks prior to the course with more specifics. Are you ready to spend the week exploring your inner scientist? Throughout the week, this course will focus on various areas of science and the scientific process through hands-on investigations, problem-based projects, and exciting experiments! Students will have the opportunity to participate in various activities that relate to their interests, explore areas of unknown, and develop their very own experiments. Be sure to join us in the fun as we delve deep into the magnificent world of science! Parents may need to assist any students who may struggle to build with basic items and use materials independently (scissors, tape, glue). |
INTRO TO ART OF PROBLEM SOLVING
with Galina Kofman DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 10-11 a.m. | 1-2 p.m. | 2-3 p.m. PT* RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-12 TUITION: $450/$360/$270* TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) teaches math by solving fun and complex problems. After a problem is presented to a student, the student is given a chance to explore and search for a solution independently. This is followed by a teacher navigating the student to the solution. Traditionally the course is taught to highly motivated students in a classroom setting. But the instructor's experience demonstrates that it is an excellent way to teach students in 1:1 setting, including 2e students. *This course includes three distinct sections per day. Each section includes the instructor and only one student. Enrollees may choose between three (M,W,F - $270), four (M,Tu,W,Th - $360), or five (M-F - $450) sessions during the week. |
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MATHEMATICAL MODEL BUILDING
with Rachel McAnallen DATES: WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 12-2 p.m. (WK 3) | 4-6 p.m. (WK 4) RECOMMENDED GRADES: 6-12 TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: Straight edge/ruler, circular protractor, pens/pencils, scissors, oak tag, paper, and glue stick. Using oak tag or tag board, the participants will construct the five Platonic solids and make a Calder-type mobile that can be hung from a ceiling. This is a hands-on building class so a straight edge/ruler, circular protractor, pens/pencils, scissors, oak tag, paper and glue stick are needed. |
NATURE'S MOST EXTREME
with Annie Radigan DATES: WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 TIME: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-8 TUITION: $375 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Interested in the most extreme parts of our natural world? Love learning about extremophiles and curious as to if there could be more you’ve never heard? Then this class is for you! Join us as we learn about some of the most extreme habitats and organisms that live in them! |
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ROLLER COASTER MATH PREP
with Nick Scheftic DATES: WEEK 1 TIME: 9-11 a.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 7-12 TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: If creating theme park traditionally, students will need a ruler, pencil, scissors, glue, and color pencils or markers. This is a project-based math week. You have recently been hired to create a blueprint for a water park or roller coaster theme park. Design, scale, and create your own park, plot your points of the entrance, attractions, lazy river, and gift shop. Students can create their theme park traditionally on a poster board or digitally on Photoshop or Floorplanner. |
TECHNICAL GRAPHICS AND GEOMETRY
with Paraic McGann DATES: WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 1-3 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 7-11 TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: Straight edge (ruler), compass, large pad of drawing paper, T-Square, eraser, 2 sets of squares ( 45 degree square and 30/60 degree square) Students will learn the basics of technical drawing including orthographic projection and isometric scale. The course will focus on developing good techniques by using simple objects and slopes. This is a great course for those interested in engineering. |
Music
THE BEATLES
with Mike Murdock DATES: WEEK 3 TIME: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-12 TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Discover the social revolution of the 1960’s through the musical innovations of the Beatles. From their meteoric rise and world phenomena to the social consciousness of the counterculture toward the end of the decade. |
FUNCTIONAL MELODIES: CREATING ORIGINAL MUSIC USING MATHEMATICS
with Scott Beall DATES: WEEK 4 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 6-9 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: PDF download will be provided Music and mathematics are universal languages worldwide. In this course students apply mathematical tools (functions, operations, and graphing) to create original music compositions. Utilizing activities from his curricular publication Functional Melodies, teacher/author Scott Beall leads students through an exploration of math functions, their transformations, and the musical expressions that they describe. By the end of the course students end up in a pure musical workshop experience and compositions are played by real time instruments or digital programs. No musical background whatsoever is needed for students to access the experience and learning. The course provides access to both musical and math content learning through multiple modalities in a most unique and effective way, and fosters powerful insights into universal principles in systems thinking that broaden students’ outlook and perception of their world. Parent participation is encouraged. Parents would ideally participate as co-learners, virtually “taking” the course along with their child. The nature of the course is such that it is highly engaging for all age levels, and even for adults the content is usually “new” material. |
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SONGWRITING: BALLADEERING
with Lucien Holmes DATES: WEEK 2 | WEEK 4 TIME: 10-11 a.m. | 12:30-2:30 p.m. PT* RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-8 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Songs are an important way that we process the world around us. As Americans, a people who came to settle from many different cultures, we developed a relationship with music that changed the world. Captive Africans brought rhythms and vocals which would underpin the blues and eventually much of rock and roll, Appalachian settlers of Gaelic background brought instruments without which much Americana would not be possible and once those pieces were irrefutably part of America’s “barbaric yawp,” the explosion of genres in the twentieth century became possible. The blues, rock, country, Americana, bluegrass -- these idioms all feature an important style of song: the ballad. As a Nashville-signed songwriter, I’m in a great position to help coax genre-bending ballads from budding or seasoned songwriters. I’ll share lyrical best practices, tips on structure and industry gems on creating hooks, bridges and melody. Emphasis on studying late twentieth century American singer-songwriters. We’ll write three ballads in five days, so bring your sharpened virtual pencil! It’s okay if you can’t sing or you can’t play an instrument -- it’s even okay if you can’t write! *Each section of course meets twice daily. Students will be expected to attend both sessions. |
SUMMER JAM: ONLINE MUSIC EXPERIENCE
with Kyle Wittlin & Dylan McKenzie DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-12 TUITION: $375 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: Computer (preferred) or tablet/phone with Zoom Installed; Headphones; GarageBand, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, or any similar music-making software installed on their device. Families will be guided through installation before the first day of camp. Optional: A musical instrument or midi keyboard/controller. Summer Jam Online Music Experience is a fun-packed, intensive online music camp designed to immerse inspired students in an exploration of live concerts, music technology, and history & appreciation. This year’s Summer Jam will be conducted via Zoom and offered for four weeks. The camp is run by Bridges Academy Music Directors Kyle Wittlin & Dylan McKenzie and will include: • Live Concerts from world-class guest performers each day • Music technology lessons and experiments to help campers use their imaginations to create original songs (electronic, anime, rock, classical, hip hop, etc.) using GarageBand, Logic Pro X, Sound Trap, etc. • Guided listening & music discovery • Musical sharing and show & tell • Exploration of world rhythms • Virtual tours of the Grammy Museum, the UCLA Ethnomusicology Department, and more The camp will be open to all students with or without experience on a particular instrument. Summer Jam will be an inspiring, all-encompassing, musical experience for the student! |
Social Science & Politics
COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING
with Kim Miller DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 11 (entering 12) TUITION: $375 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Because so many colleges are going test optional for 2021 applications, essays will count for more this year. Get help writing your college essay this summer from a college counselor with an English degree and a PhD. In this course, students will write their personal essay for the Common Application. Time allowing, they will also start their Common Application and other essays as well. |
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT CRASH COURSE
with Sam Young DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 TIME: 1-3 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 8-12 TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Politics and Government Crash Course will begin centered around understanding the basic principles of government and politics. We will examine various political and governing systems and evaluate their unique characteristics. Then we will apply these theoretical models and use our new learning to assess to modern-day politics and government. Finally, we will establish a theoretical student government based on our learning and understanding. We will model a faux Constitutional Convention. |
SPEECH & DEBATE BOOT CAMP
DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2
TIME: 9-11 a.m.
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 8-12
TUITION: $300
TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None
This is an exciting and rare opportunity to participate in a week-long online version of the Bridges Speech and Debate elective led by Speech and Debate Teacher Sam Young, who has coached students to both States and Nationals. This class is for those that are both new and returners to speech and debate.
The course will begin with individual skill development. We will begin examining and understanding what makes for a good speaker and what makes an effective speech. Students will learn the various components of Toulmin argumentation. Students will also begin studying logical fallacies and will begin to shift from simply creating logical arguments toward picking apart other arguments.
Of course, it goes without saying, the course will feature daily debates!
DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2
TIME: 9-11 a.m.
RECOMMENDED GRADES: 8-12
TUITION: $300
TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None
This is an exciting and rare opportunity to participate in a week-long online version of the Bridges Speech and Debate elective led by Speech and Debate Teacher Sam Young, who has coached students to both States and Nationals. This class is for those that are both new and returners to speech and debate.
The course will begin with individual skill development. We will begin examining and understanding what makes for a good speaker and what makes an effective speech. Students will learn the various components of Toulmin argumentation. Students will also begin studying logical fallacies and will begin to shift from simply creating logical arguments toward picking apart other arguments.
Of course, it goes without saying, the course will feature daily debates!
Technology & Games
E-SPORTS ROCKET LEAGUE: TRAINING, TEAMMATES, TOURNAMENTS & PRIZES
with Devin Parks DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (WK 1&3); 1-4 p.m. (WK 2&4) PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 3-12 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: An updated copy of the game and the system it runs on. A controller is highly recommended. Take your game and your brain to the next level! All skill levels welcome. Start from scratch with proper training or work towards GC rank. Each day we’ll warmup, do some friendly scrimmages, and challenge ourselves for prizes. (Steam or Amazon gift cards!) Once our thumbs and brains are warm, we’ll learn and practice some cool new skills. • Direct coaching on the pitch from CoachBustah (Devin) • Reviewing skills/mechanics tutorials • Analyzing different play styles/strategies • Increasing neurological strength to give you a bigger gaming edge in life • And much much more! Then put your game face on, it’s tourney time! We’ll finish each day competing in various mini tournaments and competitions. We’ll have different challenges/groupings/prizes for all skill levels. Some will be silly and fun, some will be designed to change your perceptions, and of course some will be taken seriously to develop your game in the heat of competition! Then after the course ends, I’ll look for you on ESPN in the RLCS!! KEKW |
E-SPORTS SUPER SMASH BROS: TRAINING, TEAMMATES, TOURNAMENTS & PRIZES
with Devin Parks DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (WK 2&4); 1-4 p.m. (WK 1&3) PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 3-12 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: An updated copy of the game and the system it runs on. Take your game and your brain to the next level! All skill levels welcome. Start from scratch with proper training or work on going pro. Each day we’ll warmup, do some friendly scrimmages, and challenge ourselves for prizes. (Steam or Amazon gift cards!) Once our thumbs and brains are warm, we’ll learn and practice some cool new skills. • Direct coaching in the arena • Reviewing skills/mechanics tutorials • Analyzing different play styles/strategies/characters • Increasing neurological strength to give you a bigger gaming edge in life • And much much more! Then put your game face on, it’s tourney time! We’ll finish each day competing in various mini tournaments and competitions. We’ll have different challenges/groupings/prizes for all skill levels. Some will be silly and fun, some will be designed to change your perceptions, and of course some will be taken seriously to develop your game in the heat of competition! When the course ends, you can go take ZeRo’s Guinness World Record for 53 Smash tournament wins in a row!! KEKW |
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE
with Shawn Jayasinghe DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 | WEEK 4 TIME: 12-3 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-8 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None In the Dungeons and Dragons Online course, we will be running a roleplaying game in a setting much like "Lord of the Rings," where there are elves, dragons, wizards, and many other fantastical elements. We start by creating characters in which the students can customize their character however they like before launching them into a world of quests and conflicts. Using the various skills of their characters, they must work together to not only tell the story but also to defeat the monsters lying within the story. Through this method, the students will build their skills on collaborative storytelling, teamwork, tactical strategy, and creative problem solving. Highly recommended for fantasy readers, aspiring writers, and lovers of strategy games. |
NARRATIVE DESIGN
with Amy Faigin DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 TIME: 1-3 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 7-12 TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: None Stories are a cornerstone of human civilization, not to mention, they’re a lot of fun. But what makes stories matter? What makes a character memorable and fictional worlds fantastic? This online class will dissect what makes a good story great, and how design makes that happen in visual narrative media. For cartoonists, comic book artists, game designers and cinema geeks, this is a crash introduction, or excellent refresher, for how to make our stories look AND feel compelling. We will be investigating shape design, costume design, and worldbuilding to see how these elements come together to create the universes we love so dearly, and learning how to build our own worlds along the way. |
PHOTOSHOP BOOTCAMP
with Amy Faigin DATES: WEEK 1 | WEEK 2 | WEEK 3 TIME: 9-11 a.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 7-12 TUITION: $300 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: A copy of Photoshop to participate in this class, It is recommended that students have a graphic interface tablet for this class (Intuos, Da Vinci, Monoprice) but this is not a requirement for the course; paintings can be made utilizing a mouse or touchpad. Are you looking to take your drawings to the next level? Do you want to make sick memes? Are you looking to revamp branding for your YouTube or Twitch channel? You need to master Photoshop, and I’m here to help. In this online class you will gain the fundamental skills necessary to create and edit your own Photoshop projects. From the very basics to advanced painting techniques, this course walks you through the skills necessary to have complete visual control of your images. Students will have access to resources and tools online that make learning Photoshop easy, and more importantly, fun. |
PODCASTING
with Caitie Wilson DATES: WEEK 1 TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. PT RECOMMENDED GRADES: 4-8 TUITION: $450 TECHNICAL/MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS: A computer and headphones. Microphone for recording is an added plus. Do you love listening to the latest podcasts? Have you always wanted to design your own podcast? Now is the time to practice your podcasting skills! Even if you know nothing about the process, this class will take you through the entire process! We will listen to and begin to design your very own podcast on the topic of your choice! Game reviews? Cooking? A new story podcast? You decide! We will record our work, edit it, and prepare to share it with the world! |
Continue to check back here as more courses are added. Contact us at onlinecourses@bridgeseducationgroup.com with any questions.
