Our summer program, designed especially for grade 6-8 students, offers academics, arts, athletics and activities - and the flexibility to build a summer around your student’s interests.
Summer Institute Middle School
Flexible options allow students to focus on one area – academics, arts, athletics or activities – or mix and match all four to create a wide range of summer experiences. The core two-week academic classes combine with arts, athletics and activities in a variety of ways, so students can build a summer filled with all the things they want to do.
June 25–July 6 | July 9-20 | July 23–Aug. 3
Middle School Course Offerings
Pick a class or activity to expand your knowledge in a favorite subject or to challenge yourself in a new area!
View Sample Daily Schedule At-A-Glance Course Listing
Subjects & Activities
Math
Eagle Math
Rising Harker Grade 6 Students
Prerequisites: Approval by current Harker math teacher.
Laptops Required
July 23 – August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
Students will reinforce and enhance their math and problem-solving skills in this project-based lab, working individually as well as in small groups. Both linear and nonlinear functions will be explored using computer software and students will create original “equation-to-equation” designs. In addition, students will build and print 3-D themed models and implement surface area and volume formulas. Middle school math-themed problem-solving puzzles, games or activities will also challenge students daily.
Project Math
All Students: Grades: 6-7
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
July 23-August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
This course is designed to provide incoming sixth graders with the necessary math skills needed to adjust to middle school. Students will be actively involved in solving a variety of pre-algebra problems in this hands-on, project-based lab. Concepts covered, but not limited to, include word problems, percentages and fractions, equations as functions, slopes and intercepts, and graphing.
Pre-Algebra Lab
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: Entering Pre-Algebra in fall 2018June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
This project-based lab is designed to help students solidify the concepts and skills learned in the past year and prepare for their Pre-Algebra class in the fall. Students will practice and review their understanding of math skills and be introduced to new topics and problems. Project-based lessons, activities and explorations will allow for a greater understanding of important pre-algebra concepts.
Algebra Lab
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: Completion of Pre-Algebra
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
Algebra Lab is designed to help students solidify the concepts and skills learned in Pre-Algebra and be prepared for their Algebra class in the fall. Project-based lessons, activities and explorations will allow for a greater understanding of important math concepts. Concepts covered include basic algebra concepts, inequalities, linear functions, polynomials, roots, radicals and quadratic equations.
Geometry Lab
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
This survey course is designed to help students solidify the concepts and skills learned in Algebra this past year and look ahead to their upcoming Geometry class. Students will practice and review their understanding of past skills and be introduced to important new topics and problems that await them in the fall. Lessons and hands-on activities and explorations will allow for a greater understanding of important geometry concepts and added math confidence.
Algebra 2 Lab
All Students: Grades 7-8
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1
July 23–August 3 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
This survey course is designed to help students solidify the concepts and skills learned in Algebra 1 this past year and look ahead to their upcoming Algebra 2 class. Students will practice and review their understanding of past skills and be introduced to important new topics and problems that await them in the fall. Introduction to Algebra 2 covers a variety of topics including graphs, systems of equations, powers and roots, quadratic and logarithmic functions, complex numbers, probability, coordinate geometry and matrices. Some trigonometry concepts will also be covered towards the end of the session. Lessons, activities and explorations will allow for a greater understanding of important math concepts and added math confidence.
Science
- Biodiversity
- Engineer It!
- Forensic Science
- S.S.R.S. (Summer Science Research Society)
- Entomology: A Bug’s Life
- Physics in Action
- Bioengineering
- Genetics Lab
Biodiversity
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
July 9-July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
July 23-August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
This science course is a union of zoology, ecology, botany and microbiology and is built to foster an understanding of Bay Area biodiversity through a hands-on approach to science. Students will employ various sampling techniques, including pitfall traps for insects, motion detection cameras for animals, quadrant sampling for plants, and sterile cell culture for microorganisms. They will also explore several components that influence biodiversity, including abiotic factors, animal behavior and, of course, human activities.
Engineer It!
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptop Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9-July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
For students who are full of ideas, like to fix problems and invent things, and think they can make the world a better place, Engineer It! is the right class. Students will solve real-life problems while they learn what it’s like to have an extraordinary career as an engineer. Students will put their curiosity and creativity to work as they explore problems from structural and environmental engineering to biomedical and chemical engineering to aerospace and mechanical engineering. Students will also learn about various engineering contests and competitions they can enter during the regular school year.
Forensic Science
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
The curious and clever will want to check out this cool class! Students who join this program will get out their rubber gloves and get ready for investigations, interrogations and evidence analysis. Summer investigators will receive daily lessons in crime solving, including hands-on experiences in securing crime scenes, analyzing shoe prints, skeletal analysis, collecting and identifying fingerprints, etc. Of course, they'll be reinforcing many important math and science concepts and improving their writing and vocabulary skills, but they will be so busy catching the crooks, they'll hardly notice! Studies in chromotology and forensic odontology will add to their knowledge and team projects will turn the classroom into a summer "crime scene" where only the students can figure out the clues!
S.S.R.S. (Summer Science Research Society)
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
July 9-July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
July 23-August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
We are gathering a group of highly motivated, inquisitive and creative students interested in experiencing science through original research to join our newly formed Summer Science Research Society. With the guidance and knowledge of highly qualified science instructors, this group will work in a top-notch facility to explore and research real world topics of their individual interest. This course will focus on individual research skills and planning, literature review and analysis, problem definition, thesis formulation and statement of hypothesis, as well as collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.
Entomology: A Bug’s Life
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
June 25-July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $518
July 9-July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
What is that insect? In this course, students will learn what it is like to become an entomologist. They will learn how to catch, identify and pin bugs, learning about the life a new bug each day. They will also venture out with a bug net to start their own collections!
Physics in Action
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25-July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $518
Why do some objects look blue while others look red? When riding in an elevator, why do we feel light sometimes and heavy at other times? How can a roller coaster car make it through a loop without falling off? In this class, we will be doing hands-on, interactive activities that deal with light, color, circular motion and forces in order to delve into these kinds of questions.
Bioengineering
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
July 9-July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
Biomedical engineering is a unique interdisciplinary program. It is offered as a two-week course to engage curious minds to solve real-life problems in healthcare by applying engineering principles. Through a series of lessons and hands-on activities, students will diagnose and cure common ailments found in human body systems by building simple biomedical devices or applications. Students will test their prototypes to evaluate the effectiveness of their engineering design and in the process deepen their understanding of the human body systems.
Genetics Lab
All Students: Grades 7-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25-July 6 | 8:30-11:30 p.m. Fee: $518
Why do some people have green eyes when the rest of their family has brown eyes? Why do certain diseases like hemophilia run in the British royal family? Find out the answers to these questions and much more in this hands-on, lab-based genetics class. Students will enhance their understanding of blood types, human traits, cell division and genetic engineering. This is the perfect class for an aspiring doctor! Students will take on the role of a genetic counselor and help a hypothetical couple determine the likelihood of their potential children having a genetic disease. Through hands-on experiences, students will not only learn about genetics, but also learn about their own traits!
Other
- Study Smarter, not Harder: Study Skills
- F.I.T. (Finance and Investing for Teens)
- Cooking with Class
- Master of Myths
- Circus Arts
- Magic
- Choir Camp
- An Exploration and Analysis of Wakanda (Black Panther)
- Fostering Goodness in the Middle School Years
Study Smarter, not Harder: Study Skills
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
We will begin the session with identifying the children's strengths and needs and their individual learning styles. Additionally, students will be learning about the multiple intelligences. After the first week, students will design a personalized organizational system intended to help each student start the next school year a step ahead and prepare them for the rigorous demands of high school and college. We will use Google Docs to create To Do lists and build a calendar for use in the upcoming school year. Students will learn pre-learning, learning, reading, listening, memory and recall strategies, as well as note-taking and outlining techniques. We will also cover test-taking tips and strategies. In Super Study Skills, children will explicitly be taught the life skills required for success in all their academic pursuits.
F.I.T. (Finance and Investing for Teens)
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
Knowledge and training in money management is the key to teen success in the grown-up world of finances. This class will help teens learn the fundamentals of finance, investing and business management in a way that engages them in the process, makes them value money in a profound new way, and gets them excited about the advantage they possess by starting young. Students will understand and apply the skills every good money manager should know, using real-life situations and hands-on projects. Theyll learn the tricks to earn and save money, identify wants versus needs, spend wisely, balance credit and debt, protect their identities, be smart charitable givers and more! Utilizing practical applications, fun situations, intriguing scenarios and real-life models they'll gain the confidence and courage needed to earn, spend and grow their money in every stage of life!
Cooking with Class
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Attention: All menu items and prepared food will be “peanut-free”; however, the class will not be able to accommodate other food allergies such as gluten, dairy, or other nuts.
June 25–July 6 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
Aspiring chefs will learn cooking basics in this slightly competitive, health-focused, hands-on cooking class. In small teams, students will "digest" and practice culinary skills, create dishes, learn nutritional facts and more, as they compete to present awesome dishes to our summer judges (teachers). No skills required, just a love of food, an interest in acquiring practical kitchen knowledge and a willingness to chop, grate and season their way to the top!
Master of Myths
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $518
Zeus is on the loose! Loki’s feeling jokey! This course will explore the fascinating stories of gods, heroes and monsters. Focus will be on the myths of the Greeks and Romans with a little bit of Norse, Native American and African myth as a bonus. Students will have the chance to flex their analytical, writing and creative muscles as they investigate the vibrant world of myth.
Circus Arts
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
July 23-August 3 | 8:30-11:30 p.m. Fee: $575
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic arts of the circus. Students will learn how to juggle everything from bean bags to diablo sticks, and balance on a variety of objects such as stilts and balance boards. Circus Arts is a non-competitive class and focuses on individual and group skills. The class teaches important values, such as responsibility, commitment, self-confidence and self-discipline. Also, Circus Arts will help students overcome fear and build self-confidence and self-esteem. Upon completion of this course, students will be well on their way to a successful career in the circus!
Magic
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
July 23-August 3 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
Participants in this course will join the circle of magicians and amaze their family and friends with magic tricks and the art of illusion. Students will learn how to handle a deck of cards and perform simple yet powerful tricks that will surely entertain any audience. Forget spending money on magic kits and props, students will explore magic props using common everyday items such as rubber bands, coins, pencils and much more. Students will develop and strengthen their ability to focus and concentrate on a given task as well as build their self–esteem, public speaking and performance skills.
Choir Camp
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
Students who love to sing, are curious about music, want to make new friends and love having fun should join us this summer! In this two-week class they will learn repertoire ranging from classical cantatas and folk songs from across the world to soulful spirituals to show tunes and pop tunes. Music chosen is of the highest quality, at the correct skill level, and reflects themes appropriate for the ages of the singers. Students will learn solfege (do-re-mi-fa-so) and practice sight reading. The course will end with a concert for family and friends.
An Exploration and Analysis of Wakanda (Black Panther)
All Students: Grades 7-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25 - July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $518
This two-week course is designed to give students a critical and social framework with which to view the ground-breaking superhero film “Black Panther.” With topics ranging from the legacy of colonialism and the slave trade to the concept of Afro-futurism as an aesthetic, this course will dive deep into the rich world presented by the film. This humanities-based class will blend English and history as students employ critical thinking and analysis to explore the intricacies of the rich world of the film, and its place as a work of popular art in our world. Welcome to Wakanda.
Fostering Goodness in the Middle School Years
This class is closed
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
July 23 - August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
The 14th Dalai Lama said, “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” Like it or not, middle schoolers are inheriting a world that is full of challenges … and it is also full of beauty and possibilities. This may make you wonder, “What can I do to help preserve the future of all beings?” The Doing Good curriculum, designed by Tom Nazario of The Forgotten International and Kelly Quayle, will help students discover what they can do. This course will include lessons on gratitude, compassion, poverty and needs versus wants, to name a few. It is the hope of The Forgotten International that, with optimism and energy, students will be challenged and inspired to get involved in both local and global service opportunities to better the lives of those less fortunate. In the end, students will make a positive impact in their communities. This course will provide the tools for students to make doing good a way of life, not just a single act. It is never too early, or too late, to begin.
Writing
- Write it Right
- Creative Writing
- Poetry Workshop
- Ramp Up Your Reading: “Great Works in Literature”
- Expository Writing 7
- Expository Writing 8
- Historical Analysis: A Case Study of Genghis Khan
- Current Event Analysis: A Case Study of Malala Yousafzai
Write it Right
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
In this class, students will learn a variety of skills necessary for formal academic writing. Within these two weeks, students will experience several expository modes including narrative, descriptive and persuasive. Through the development of crafted paragraphs and at least one multi-paragraph essay, students will learn the strategies necessary to formulate a central idea and provide supporting evidence and analysis. In addition to crafting paragraphs, they will also practice editing and polishing their writing for writing conventions, sentence fluency and voice. With this concentrated focus, students will develop greater confidence in their writing abilities and potential.
Creative Writing
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
This class is for students who love to write, and who love seeing the worlds in their imaginations come to life on the page. Song lyrics, poetry, fantasy or sci fi and realistic short stories – students in this course will try them all. They will share their work with other student writers, explore the work of some professional writers they may not yet have heard of and, most importantly, become better at their craft. On the fiction end, they’ll learn about characterization, setting and plot development to keep readers glued to the page. And on the poetry side, they'll explore sounds and senses, free verse and formal. We’ll go deep in the jungle of sound where no prose can follow.
Poetry Workshop
All Students: Grades 7-8
This class is closed.
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
July 23–August 3 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
This workshop is for the students who love poetry or wish they had more confidence in analysis and writing! They will be immersed in the oral readings of famous poets and recite poems aloud to develop “an ear” for writing poetry. In this two-week class, they will come to understand the differences between poetry and prose, and learn how to incorporate figurative language, rhyme scheme and rhythm into their poems. They will also learn about structure and analysis. With the help and inspiration from poets like Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Sandra Cisneros and Basho (just to name a few), they will practice writing odes, haiku, lyrical, narrative and free verse poems. By the end of this session, students will have created a portfolio of poems and will have put one of their poems to music and movement.
Ramp Up Your Reading: “Great Works in Literature”
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Grades 6
July 23-August 3 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
Grades 7-8
July 23-August 3 | 8:30-11 a.m. Fee: $575
In this two-week class, students will be introduced to strategies that will strengthen their reading comprehension skills. By exploring great works in literature, both classical and contemporary, students will learn how to interact, connect and reflect on the texts they read. In essence, effective readers are insightful and critical thinkers. Some of the skills practiced include learning to annotate the texts, keeping and recording thoughts in a reading response journal, and participating in whole group and small group discussions. Hopefully, this will just be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with reading.
Expository Writing 7
Rising Harker Grade 7 Students
Prerequisites: Pre-approval from the middle school English department chair is required for enrollment in this course.
Laptops Required
July 2–July 20 | 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Fee: $890
This course provides Harker students with the opportunity to complete their Expository Writing 7 requirement in an intensive three-week experience. Students will explore and practice the basics of expository writing, which is used in academic courses. The expository style includes many different “modes,” or specific writing approaches, and Expos 7 covers several of these modes, such as narrative, descriptive, persuasive, literary analytical and others. The course also emphasizes the value of pre-writing, the necessity of providing evidence and exploring a topic in sufficient depth, and the importance of proper grammar and punctuation.
The ideal summer expository writing student is self-motivated and wants to learn how to write more effectively. Students who have neither a strong internal drive nor strong English skills are not recommended to take this fast-paced class. Any student who misses more than 1 class will not receive credit for this class and will be required to repeat the course at a later time. Please note that this course will be conducted at the Middle School Campus.
**Successful completion of this course will fulfill the 7 Expository Writing requirement. **
Expository Writing 8
Rising Harker Grade 8 Students
Prerequisites: Pre-approval from the middle school English department chair is required for enrollment in this course.
Laptops Required
July 2-July 20 | 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Fee: $890
This course provides students with the opportunity to complete their Expository Writing 8 requirement in this intensive three-week experience. This semester course expands upon the basics of Expository Writing 7 and prepares students for the rigors of high school essay writing. This course continues to emphasize the value of pre-writing, the necessity of providing evidence and exploring a topic in sufficient depth as well as the importance of proper grammar, usage and punctuation
The ideal summer expository writing student is self-motivated and wants to learn how to write more effectively. Students who have neither a strong internal drive nor strong English skills are not recommended to take this fast-paced class. Any student who misses more than 1 class will not receive credit for this class and will be required to repeat the course at a later time. Please note that this course will be conducted at the Middle School Campus.
**Successful completion of this course will fulfill the 8 Expository Writing requirement.**
Historical Analysis: A Case Study of Genghis Khan
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25-July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $518
What is history, and why do historical accounts differ? Why are some events included and others not? How does one group's version of events compare to others’ versions of the same event? Why do two historical accounts differ when both sides believe they are telling the truth? How would students prove that their version of events was true? In this summer class, students will read and explore primary and secondary documents about Genghis Khan to determine the answers to these questions. By the end of this two-week class, students will research and write a multi-paragraph argumentation relating to Genghis Khan, his life and the impact he had. Join us in this journey to critically examine and rethink history.
Current Event Analysis: A Case Study of Malala Yousafzai
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25-July 6 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
In this summer class, students will read and explore primary and secondary documents about Malala Yousafzai. Yousafzai became an advocate for girls' education when she herself was still a child, which resulted in the Taliban issuing a death threat against her. She is currently the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. By the end of this two-week class, students will research and write a multi-paragraph argumentation relating to Malala Yousafzai, her life and the impact she has made. Join us in this journey to critically examine and rethink history.
Technology
- Beginning Robotics
- Advanced Robotics
- Introduction to Web Design
- App Inventor
- Beginning Python Programming
- Introduction to Java
Beginning Robotics
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
Students in this technology-based class will work together in teams using Lego Mindstorms EV3 software to solve puzzles, thwart disasters, forge discoveries, save the Earth and quite possibly humankind itself, all with the help of a robot they build and program. And that's just week one! Seriously, with the technology skills students will acquire (basic programming, electronic control, mechanics, design engineering) they will be able to create and design amazing robotic creatures while developing teamwork, problem-solving, perseverance and ingenuity skills. The confidence and pride that is built along with the robots last long after the Earth has been saved! Mac laptops are supplied for use during the course. No prior programming or robot experience required.
Advanced Robotics
All Students: Grades 7-8
Prerequisites: Students must have prior experience of at least one of the following: a) a Lego Mindstorms kit they have worked with (or equivalent); b) a programming course in C, Python or Java; or c) the Beginning Robotics course.
Laptops Required
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575 plus Course Material Fee: $60
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575 plus Course Material Fee: $60
Advanced Robotics students will learn robot control concepts and try them out on Arduino-based robot vehicles. The course uses an extended mBot robot vehicle that can be remote-controlled or autonomously programed using C language in Arduino Sketch. The emphasis of the course will be on robot programming; almost every day there will be a new task to be understood, programmed and tested. Students who complete the course may take the robot home at the end of the course to continue learning more about robotics.
Introduction to Web Design
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
In this course students will learn to create and maintain web pages through front end coding. Students will design a layout of website on paper and then transform the design in code by using HTML 5, CSS 3 and JavaScript. Students will learn design elements like logo design, layout, font, color, usage, links to all pages, basic structure of all pages and file structure. They will also learn all of the tags that go into websites, including content-related tags such as those used for images, text formatting and divs. Some advanced topics will be touched upon as well, such as cascading style sheets, external style sheets and Java Script. Through trial and error, students will learn the importance of experimenting with code. Students will learn to design and edit HTML, CSS and JavaScript files directly using text editors and, at the end of the session, will give a final presentation of the websites they have created.
App Inventor
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25-July 6 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
July 23-August 3 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
This course is an introduction to programming Android devices, including tablets and phones. We will be using MIT’s App Inventor, which is an intuitive visual programming environment to build fully functional applications. We will use block-based programming to write programs that exploit the powerful capabilities of modern mobile devices, including sensors, cameras, sound and touch screens in a series of fun and engaging projects. While helpful, no previous programming experience is required.
Beginning Python Programming
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
Beginning Python is for students who are interested in programming but don't know where to start, or who are worried programming might be too difficult. This course will show students that they have nothing to fear, because programming doesn’t have to be complicated! Students will be introduced to Python, a powerful yet painless programming language that anyone can master. Along with this new skill, students will engage in problem-solving, the basic fundamentals of programming structure, and create games to share with friends and family members. This course is truly geared towards the novice programmer and will be energizing, challenging, and, most of all, fun!
Introduction to Java
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
What do Google, You Tube, Twitter, Amazon and eBay all have in common? They all run on Java. In this introductory course, students will learn the most flexible and an extremely powerful programming language that was designed to be easy to use and thus easy to write, compile and debug. The tutorials in this section will include a wide variety of Java topics including printing text, working with variables, loops, strings, creating classes, instantiating objects, accepting user input, and much more. Students will combine their creativity, imagination and programming skills to design and produce their own computer games that run on Java.
Debate
Debate Boot Camp (Beginner)
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Laptops Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
Students will begin the two weeks by playing fun games and learning tips that will reduce or eliminate communication apprehension (the fears associated with public speaking). Then they will learn about and practice impromptu debate as well as interpretation speaking, which helps students to focus on verbal and nonverbal delivery in playful and fun ways. The students will also learn the basics of debate by developing one issue as a group and by researching and preparing cases as a team. Roundtable discussions will prepare them, and then they will wrap up the class with a mini-debate and speech performance that parents and families can attend. This class allows students to try out different performance opportunities that The Harker School speech and debate program offers and is a great prep course for the Introduction to Public Speaking and Argumentation elective. Even students who never want to compete will find this an invaluable learning opportunity and a chance to see public presentation (public speaking through speeches/ debates) in a fun light.
Debate Boot Camp (Advanced)
All Students: Grades 7-8
Prerequisites: Introduction to Public Speaking and Argumentation or equivalent course
Laptops Required
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
The advanced session of Debate Boot Camp is open to any students who have previously taken Introduction to Public Speaking and Argumentation or attended Debate Boot Camp. Students will explore more advanced argumentation and advocacy events by examining each of the four styles of debate Harker participates in: Lincoln Douglas, Policy Debate, Congressional Debate and Public Forum. Students will learn how to structure and argue different cases as well as learn how to research evidence to support those cases. They will do more exploration of current events as well as framing arguments in a policymaker context. The class will culminate with a mini-debate and speech performance that parents and families can attend. This class allows students to try out different performance opportunities that many middle school and high school speech and debate programs offer. Advanced Debate Boot Camp is strongly recommended for students who are entering Debate 1 at the middle school or who are interested in participating on the competitive team. Prerequisites: Completed at least one semester of Beginning Debate, Introduction to Public Speaking and Argumentation or equivalent course.
Arts
Drawing and Watercolor Art
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
Students will get the best of both worlds - drawing and painting with water colors! They will move beyond basic drawing and painting skills to help explore the endless possibilities of creating art through their own unique aesthetics. Participants will develop a working concept of what it means to be an artist through their drawings and paintings, and will develop new ways of thinking, seeing and creating while building confidence through exercises that help them explore different types of drawing and painting techniques. Students will also learn color theory, cool perspective, brush techniques, and how to create basic color composition. The exercises and lessons can help the experienced artist and the beginner develop new or improved drawing and painting techniques.
Manga Art
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 23-August 3 | 8:30-11:30 p.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
This course will teach students to create their own manga/anime inspired comics and characters similar to the ones in Naruto, Yuri on Ice, Ranma ½, and Bleach! They will level up their drawing skills on facial expressions, body language, anatomical proportions and character design. Introduction to basic storytelling, genres and fundamental comic panel pacing are covered.
Music and Song Production
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: PC users will be asked to download Garage Band.
Laptops Required---Chromebooks/Notebooks/Tablets not compatible for this class
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $575
Students will learn about the music production process. They will be introduced to the five elements that construct the modern pop song and will utilize those elements to create their own contemporary compositions. Each student will then learn the foundation of music engineering - recording, editing and mixing - so that their song extends beyond “good” and into “great.” The ability to read music and play a musical instrument would be a benefit, but are by no means required.
Architecture for All
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
June 25–July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $518
July 9–July 20 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
July 23–August 3 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $575
The study of architecture draws upon many different skills and fields of knowledge: math, engineering, history, social studies, geography, art and even writing. While developing basic understanding of architecture, students will engage in a variety of group and individual projects. They will be exposed to the work of great architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and will learn about the creative processes involved in every architectural project. Students will engage in building projects to hone their skills and be proud of what they create.
Ceramics
All Students: Grades 6-8
Prerequisites: None
June 25-July 6 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $518
In this course students will focus on technique-based lessons exploring hand-building in the medium of clay. Students will have the opportunity to explore ceramics as a medium for both the tradition of functional pottery as well as for non-functional sculpture. Emphasis will be given to learning and mastering techniques students can use to further their artistic expression in ceramics during the regularl academic school year.
Afternoon Program (AP)
Our afternoon Activity Program (AP) is a great way for middle school students to learn some cool new skills, meet and hang with new and old friends, discover hidden talents and have loads of fun during their summer afternoons.
- Led by our awesome summer staff!
- Offered between 12:45-3:45 p.m. each day. Bonus hour is included in the afternoon fun from 4-5 p.m. (campus closes at 5:30 p.m.)
- Can be chosen on a weekly basis, and students may sign up for one week or all six weeks.
Students choose from a wide range of recreational options including:
- Large- and small-group events, games and contests.
- Activity workshops based on weekly themes.
- Specialty classes based on interests each week, including arts, games, various sports skills, crafts, cooking, science tech and more.
- Library or study time.
Add AP to your schedule to round out your academic day and add some crazy amazing fun to your summer!
Sports Program
Our afternoon sports camps offer a positive, skill-focused environment where highly experienced coaches provide training in a well-structured, character-driven atmosphere. Young athletes will improve their skills and knowledge of the game, develop teamwork and, of course, have fun! Students of all skill levels may participate and groups will be organized for maximum participation and play.
Included in each camp (as applicable) will be:
- Sport specific conditioning and warmups
- Sport specific drills and skill development
- Team play (large and small teams)
- Game strategy
- Individual instruction and support
Choose sports camps by week, as an addition to your morning academic class, or as an afternoon-only option.
Aquatics camps take place on the upper school campus on Saratoga Ave. Students will be transported by Harker school bus to the Saratoga campus and returned to the Blackford Ave. campus each day.
Sports camps meet from 12:45-3:45 p.m. Monday –Friday. All game equipment is provided. Individual safety or sport-specific items may be required. More details will be sent before your session begins. Bonus hour from 4-5 p.m., planned by our summer staff, are included in your sports camp tuition. Campus close at 5:30 p.m.
Summer Lunch
Lunch is included in all morning classes. Lunch can be added as an option for afternoon classes and sports camps. Regular and vegetarian entrees are offered each day and menus are designed to provide healthy, nutritious options.
