Summer Institute Middle School

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

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, but not limited to, narrative, descriptive and persuasive. Through the development of crafted paragraphs and at least one multiparagraph 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.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

Do you actually like to write? Does it excite you to see the worlds in your imagination come to life on the page? Then this is the class for you! Song lyrics, poetry, fantasy or sci-fi and realistic short stories – we will try them all. In this class, you will share your work with other student writers, explore the work of some professional writers you probably haven’t heard of yet, and, most importantly, you’ll become better at your craft. On the fiction end, you’ll learn more about characterization, setting and plot development to keep your readers glued to the page. And on the poetry side: sounds and senses, free verse and formal. We’ll go deep in the jungle of sound where no prose can follow. Come join us!

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $530

What is history, and why do historical accounts differ? Why are some events included and others not? How does their 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 multiparagraph argumentation relating to Genghis Khan, his life and his impact. Join us on this journey to critically examine and rethink history.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

Creative nonfiction is now the fastest growing genre in the literary and publishing world. Even within the academic community, creative nonfiction has become one of the most popular ways to write. The word "creative" refers to the use of literary craft and techniques fiction writers, playwrights and poets utilize. Using these techniques, students will learn to present nonfiction – factually accurate prose about real people and real events – in a compelling, vivid and dramatic manner. Creative nonfiction can be presented as an essay, a journal article, a research paper, a memoir or a poem. The goal of this class will be for students to make their nonfiction stories read like fiction, so their readers are as enthralled by fact as they are by fantasy. Join us as we learn the strategies and skills for this fun, innovative and worthwhile approach to writing.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

Grades 6
June 24-July 5 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 22-Aug. 2 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

Grades 7-8
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590

In this two-week class, you will be introduced to strategies that will strengthen your reading comprehension skills. By exploring great works in literature, classical and contemporary, you will learn how to interact, connect and reflect on the texts you read. In essence, effective readers are insightful and critical thinkers. Some of the skills you will practice in this course will include learning how to annotate the texts, keeping and recording your 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.

All Students: Grade 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

July 8-19 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590

Come join the fun in this hands-on class full of poetry and drama games that spark the imagination, strengthen reading comprehension, and nurture public speaking skills. One week will be devoted to reading and analyzing scenes from classical playwrights, and then writing scripts using learned techniques of characterization, plot and dialogue. Through non-competitive games, writing activities and dramatic readings, students will learn how to create fascinating characters and perform page-turning plot lines for the stage. In the second week, students will dive into everything poetry. They will read and analyze poems, then apply specific poetry techniques to their own work. Students will have an opportunity to explore narrative, lyrical, black-out, nature and free verse poems. At the conclusion of this two-week session, students will have created a portfolio of their own poetry and have written a dramatic scene for performance.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

July 8-19 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

“Raise the black!” Few things capture the imagination more than the idea of the classic pirate. This course explores the historical fact and literary fiction of pirates. Cutlass in hand, black flag flying overhead. But how much of this image is only imagination? This course will look at the figure of the pirate through the lens of literature, film and history, to help understand where fact and imagination come together. The course will be taught by Harker English teacher Mark Gelineau, and Steaphen Fick, owner and lead instructor at Davenriche European Martial Arts School. Together, they will explore both the myth and the history of the swashbuckling pirate.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

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.

All Students: Grades 6-8

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.

July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590 plus Course Material Fee: $60
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590 plus Course Material Fee: $60

Intermediate Robotics students will learn robot control concepts and try them out on Arduino-based robot vehicles. The course uses an extended mBot kit for each student. The mBot is a robot vehicle that can be remote controlled or autonomous. It is programmed in Arduino Sketch, which is a type of C-like language. 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 home the robot at the end of the course and can continue learning more about robotics.

All Students: Grades 7-8

Prerequisites: Summer Intermediate Robotics or equivalent experience with programming using decisions, loops and functions/methods and the construction of a robot are required.

Laptops Required - must have at least one working USB port. Instructions for a parent to pre-install the Arduino development environment will be sent just before the course.

July 8-19 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

This advanced robotics class with VEX V5 and Coding Studio will allow you to challenge yourself while building on your previous experiences constructing and programming robots. Small teams of students will design, fabricate and program their robots in competition with other teams in the class. You will be introduced to the engineering concept of iterating the plan, designing, building, testing and the refining process. Lessons will address practical considerations in developing a functional robot that meets your requirements. You will attach an electronic “brain,” motors, wheels and sensors to the metal structure that you fabricate from parts in the VEX EDR V5 universe. Programming will be done using VEX Coding Studio that supports both Scratch-like graphical and C++/Java-like textual language representations. Robots will need to perform both independently and under direct control of the team members using a remote controller.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590

In this course students will learn to create and maintain webpages through front end coding. Students will design the layout of a website on paper and then transform the design into 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. Students will 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 give a final presentation of the website they have created at the end of the session.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

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.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530 plus Course Material Fee: $50
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590 plus Course Material Fee: $50
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590 plus Course Material Fee: $50

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!

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

What do Google, YouTube, Twitter, Amazon and eBay all have in common? They all run on Java. In this introductory course, students will learn this most flexible and 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 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.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

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 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.

All Students: Grades 7-8

Prerequisites: Completed at least one semester of Beginning Debate, Introduction to Public Speaking and Argumentation or equivalent course.

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

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.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: This class is a recommended prerequisite for Interscholastic Speech Camp

Laptops Required

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590

This class will help students with minimal to no public speaking experience get over the initial fears of public speaking. Students will focus on the art of public speaking, rather than the different types of interscholastic public speaking and debates, such as those held by the National Speech and Debate Association. We will focus on basic aspects of public speaking such as the use of tone, volume, non-verbal language, non-fluencies, emotion, podium strategies, etc. Students will learn by speaking in front of the class and listening to critiques given by other students as well as the instructor.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: Completed Introduction to Public Speaking or equivalent course.

Laptops Required

July 8-19 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

Students taking this class must have some prior public speaking experience because we will go through the different forms of public speaking events held at many interscholastic speech competitions. This class will give students a head start to prepare them for interscholastic public speaking competitions in middle and high school. Students will hone their speech craft by speaking in front of the class and listening to critiques given by other students as well as the instructor. The class will end with a simulated formal speech event on the last two days of the class. It is highly recommended to take the Introduction to Public Speaking course at least once prior to taking this class. This class is different from our debate courses because this focuses on non-interactive, single-person public speaking.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

July 8–July 19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $590
July 22–August 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $590

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.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

June 24–July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-August 2 | 8:30-11:30 p.m. or 12:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $590

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.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $530

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 regular academic school year.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

June 24 - July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $530
July 8 - July 19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590
July 22 - August 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or seasoned performer, you’ll have a fun and challenging experience at hip hop dance camp. You’ll dance to the latest beats in rap, R & B, and pop music while working on movements influenced by some of today's hottest celebrities & dance choreographers. In addition to learning a full performance piece, you’ll work on elements of popping, locking, and breaking while having a chance to develop your own freestyle movements. This camp is designed for the recreational dancer (newcomers welcome). All classes are structured with a warm up, stretching, and cool-down. Proper foundations will be taught so the appropriate technique is developed to avoid potential injuries.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

June 24 - July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-July 19 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590
July 22 - August 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590

Join the circle of magicians and amaze your 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.

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

June 24-July 5 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590
July 22-Aug. 2 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $590

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic arts of the circus. In this class 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. Through this class, students will learn 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!

All Students: Grades 6-8

Prerequisites: None

June 24-July 5 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $530
July 8-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Fee: $590

Ready to make your drawings come to life? In this course, we will be diving into the world of traditional 2D animation. Through understanding the 12 principles of animation, students will create moving images on screen and will take home their short films to show to family and friends. Students can expect a kinetic art class focusing on the study of movement and explore a creative way to tell a story through their drawings. The instructor welcomes students new or experienced in animation and drawing talents of all levels.

All Students: Grades 6-8

July 15 – July 19| 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $275
July 29 – August 2 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $275

All Students: Grades 6-8

July 8 - July 12 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $275
July 22 – July 26 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $275

All Students: Grades 6-8

July 8 - July 12 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $275
July 22 – July 26 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $275

All Students: Grade 6-8

July 1 – July 5 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $220
July 29 – August 2 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $275

All Students: Grades 6-8

June 24 - June 28 | 12:45-3:45 p.m. | Fee: $275