Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 5

"S" is for science, and "A" is for art in the study of STEAM, but have you thought about the science in art? Artists must understand the science of the materials that they use: how they tint and texturize, mix and melt, dye and dry, blend or bend. There is a complex community of scientists and engineers with specialties in polymers, glass, chemicals, paper, and textiles who design the materials that artists use to create their art. This class will learn about the science and properties of some unique artistic processes and materials and how and why they work. First quarter, the class will work with resins and polymers. Students will learn what are polymers and resins and about the chemical and physical properties of special plastics. They will look at real-life applications of resins and polymers such as sealants, countertop construction, molds, and sculptures. Students will work with resin to encase small specimens, such as tiny flowers, small drawings, or objects to make a decorative, durable piece of art. The class will spend 7 weeks examining natural and synthetic resins as well as learning what polymers are and making things with products that have different catalysts for polymerization. Students will make items using epoxy resin, clay, Sculpey or Fimo, Shrinky Dinks, and Perler beads. There is a $35.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day.Topics in this series: Resins & Polymers (Quarter 1), Paints & Dyes (Quarter 2), Optical Illusions & Color (Quarter 3), and Paper Engineers (Quarter 4).

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 3

Kids are naturally curious about chemistry! Chemistry explains the properties, behaviors, and interactions of materials around us: things we eat, drink, clean with, wear, drive, and even play with. Kids can use chemistry to understand how things taste, smell, mix, melt, combust, feel, and whether they are recyclable or rubbish, helpful or harmful, nutritious or not. Chemistry is key to understanding the world around us, including other areas of science. In this class, kids begin to use scientific words to describe their observations and will become familiar with some science apparatuses. First quarter kids will learn about chemistry using everyday ingredients and techniques from the kitchen. Students will use food products to experiment with the chemical and physical properties of matter with substances that are safe, fun, and yummy to work with! For example, learn how to make gummy bears grow and shrink! Examine the pH of everyday substances in the refrigerator, fruit bowl and in the cabinet under your sink. Did you know that a natural pH indicator comes from the produce section of the grocery store aisle and yields beautiful colors for various pH levels? Discover the chemistry involved in making mayonnaise, make some in class and bring it home to eat. Figure out the chemistry behind what meat tenderizers do, using fruit and gelatin. The class will discover the chemical behaviors of yeast, baking soda, and baking powder, and more! (Note: this is not a cooking class) There is a lab fee of $25.00 due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Chemistry in the Kitchen (Quarter 1), Chemistry in Action (Quarter 2), Chemistry at Home (Quarter 3), and Chemistry of Toys (Quarter 4).

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 4

A chihuahua needs a check-up. A beagle with a bellyache. Vaccinations for vizsla pups. Sometimes even our canine friends need medical care! Lots of kids love animals, and some even think about becoming veterinarians and animal specialists. During the first quarter, students will be introduced to the world of veterinary medicine through the lens of caring for dogs. There is a lot of science in the care and keeping of our canine friends! These budding veterinarians will learn about veterinary clinic roles, canine anatomy, the ins and outs of a canine wellness exam, dental care, x-rays, first-aid, surgical basics, nutrition and wellness, and so much more! Class meetings will include hands-on and interactive demonstrations, simulations, role- playing, activities, games, stories, or short video clips to convey the information. During the first week, students will receive a plush dog for demonstrations. They will "adopt" and name their dog, and during the final week, they will receive a diploma. A lab fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this Series: Discover Dogs (Quarter 1); Micro Mammal Pets (Quarter 2); Horse Healthcare (Quarter 3); Bird Buddies (Quarter 4)

Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 6

This is a full-year, lab-based course that covers traditional concepts in physics. Physics is a college-preparatory course that encourages students to engage in scientific inquiry, investigations, and experimentation so they develop a conceptual understanding and basic scientific skills. Physics will help students understand phenomena in the physical world such as the forces on a roller coaster, wave action at the beach, speakers for their music, batteries in electric cars, and the electronics that power their favorite devices. Students will develop an in-depth conceptual and analytical understanding of principles such as Newton's laws of motion, work and energy, momentum, circular motion, thermodynamics, sound, properties of light, electric fields and energy, and magnetism. This course will use algebra- and trigonometry- based mathematical models to introduce the fundamental concepts that describe mechanics. The course is designed to emphasize scientific thinking and reasoning, problem solving, and experimentation. Meeting Dates: This is a 29-week course witht the week off to be announced. Prerequisites/Corequisites: Students should have completed Geometry and Algebra II, be concurrently enrolled in Precalculus and have and understanding of trigonometry. The emphasis in this course is teaching/learning physics concepts, not teaching or re-teaching mathematical concepts. Class Meetings: This class will be taught in a Hybrid format with an online lecture on Mondays (9:00 am - 9:55 am) over a live, online platform and in-person lab and activities on Wednesday (9:30 am - 10:55 am). Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section. Class Expectations: For both in-person and virtual class meetings, students are expected to come prepared, have class materials, and be ready to participate in class discussions and activities. During virtual lectures (Mondays), students are expected to be seated at a desk or table and have their cameras on. Workload: Students should expect to spend 4 - 6 hours of independent study/homework every week consisting of pre-reading chapters, taking detailed notes on concepts before class, completing problem-solving activities, analyzing data, and writing formal lab reports. Assignments: All assignments and announcements will be posted on Google classroom management site. There, students access assignments; upload lab reports, message instructor and classmates; and attend virtual conferences. Parents can view the course instructions and materials via their students' accounts. Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and lab reports will be assigned throughout the course. A detailed answer key will be provided for students to review and correct their own work. Submitted assignments will be checked on Google Classroom to monitor completion and general understanding, but no grades will be assigned by the instructor. Homework will be marked as complete or incomplete. Parents may calculate a letter grade by comparing the total points earned to the total points available, using the provided answer keys. Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent Physics by James S. Walker (2014 ed.) (ISBN #9780131371156.) Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $100.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Supplies/Equipment: Students will need access to a computer with working camera, internet, a graphing calculator, a ruler, writing supplies, colored pens for graphs, highlighters, plain, lined, and graph paper, a 1-inch three ring binder, and a Five Star, 8.5" X 11" Quadrille-Ruled Notebook. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component full credit in laboratory science for purposes of a high school transcript.

Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 3

How do viruses hijack your cells? How do skateboarders survive spins on a half-pipe? What causes some lithium-ion batteries to burst into flames? Answers to these questions can be found in the study of high school science! Foundations in High School Science is a year-long, introductory high school science course which examines the living and non-living worlds. This survey course introduces key concepts from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics which will lay the foundation for students to pursue more rigorous, year-long high school science courses in each discipline. This course also serves as a science survey, or overview, for students who will not be pursuing a STEM field or advanced education. Students will learn about the principles of scientific investigations and engineering practices, the Scientific Method, and the basic format of a lab report. They will practice taking measurements, recording data, converting units of measure, and related mathematical concepts such as International System of Units, scientific notation, graphs, and data analysis. Students will learn how to provide evidence to support explanations and solutions for their investigations. Topics in biology will include molecular, cellular, classification, organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Students will explore the relationships between living things and their environments. The chemistry units will cover the composition of matter, atomic structure and periodic table, and chemical bonds and reactions, while the survey of physics will include forces and motions; conservation of energy, thermal energy, electricity and magnetism; and wave phenomena, characteristics, behavior, including electromagnetic and sound waves. Prerequisites: Students should have completed 8th grade math or a course in Pre-Algebra prior to taking Introduction to High School Science. They should be familiar with ratios, rates, proportions, decimals, percents, exponents, and solving one-variable equations. Meeting Dates: This is a 29-week course with the week off to be announced. Class Meetings: This class will be taught in a Hybrid format with an online lecture on Mondays (10:00 am - 10:55 am) over a live, online platform and in-person lab and activities on Wednesdays (11:00 am - 11:55 am). Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section. Class Expectations: For both in-person and virtual class meetings, students are expected to come prepared, have class materials, and be ready to participate in class discussions and activities. During virtual lectures (Mondays), students are expected to be seated at a desk or table and have their cameras on. Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class on reading and homework assignments. Assignments: All class announcements and assignments will be communicated via Google Classroom. Assessments: Informal, qualitative and constructive feedback will be given on submitted assignments. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent Physical Science - Interactive Science by Pearson / Savvas Publishing (ISBN # 978-0133209266) and Biology For Dummies (ISBN # 978-1119894810 ) Materials: Students should bring the following supplies to each class: Five Star spiral graph ruled notebook, scientific calculator, colored pencils, glue stick, pens or pencils to write with, and a ruler. Students will be asked to bring a laptop to class on some days. Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $100.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Lab Science for purposes of a high school transcript.

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 4

Enter the BuildZone and step into a world of endless possibilities, where over 10,000 building components are at your fingertips! From Keva Planks to K'Nex, Magnatiles to Marble Runs, Tubelox, Chaos Tower, and Pipe Builders-this is the ultimate mash-up of all things construction. Here, you're the architect, the engineer, the mastermind. Stack it, snap it, connect it- then remix it! What happens when you combine pieces from totally different sets? You get taller towers, stronger structures, and mind-blowing mega builds! Build solo masterpieces or team up for cool collaborations. Every session is a chance to dream big, build bigger, and let your imagination break all the rules. This is a hands-on afternoon lab intended to provide opportunities for kids to socialize and tap into their creative energy in a relaxed club setting. No formal curriculum or lessons are provided. This is a supervised free-build session. All participants are expected to help pick up and to follow all Compass rules on indoor behavior including respecting materials, supplies, and furnishings.

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 3

This class moves students beyond basic understanding and into actively using AI as a tool for learning, problem-solving, and creativity. Students will explore how AI systems work, practice writing more precise prompts to improve results, and learn to identify errors and bias in AI responses. Through hands-on activities, students will strengthen their critical thinking while gaining practical experience. What's actually happening behind the screen when AI gives you an answer? First quarter, students take a closer look at how AI systems work, exploring the basics of machine learning, different types of AI, and the limits of what these tools can do. Through hands-on activities like building and testing simple models, AI sorting challenges, "Guess the System" games, and interactive labs, students will see how AI uses patterns and data to make decisions. Along the way, they will learn to question results, recognize when systems fall short, and begin thinking like engineers as they test and refine how AI works. The focus is on helping students become thoughtful, confident users who can direct and evaluate AI effectively, rather than simply relying on it. Technology access in this class is instructor-led demonstrations with classroom projections, supported by small group stations with one laptops per 2 to 3 students. Topics in this series include: How It's Built (Quarter 1), Ask Perfect Prompts (Quarter 2), Fair or Flawed (Quarter 3), and Real-World Solitions (Quarter 4).

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 5

In this fun, hands on class, students are introduced to the world of artificial intelligence through games, challenges, and creative activities. They will explore where AI shows up in their everyday lives, learn how it works in simple terms, and begin to understand the difference between human thinking and computer responses. Where is artificial intelligence hiding in your everyday life? First quarter, students become AI detectives as they learn to recognize where and how technology is being used all around them. Through hands-on activities like an AI scavenger hunt, "Is it AI?" games, and voice assistant challenges, students will explore the differences between human thinking and computer-driven responses. This class is designed to spark curiosity and teach how to use these tools safely and responsibly. Technology access in this class is instructor-led demonstrations with classroom projections, supported by small group stations with one laptops per 2 to 3 students. Topics in this series include: How It Works (Quarter 1), Ask Clever Questions (Quarter 2), Real or Fake? (Quarter 3) and Build & Create (Quarter 4)

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 1

Little Bot Builders is a busy, bouncy robotics and maker lab where our youngest engineers, ages 5-6, build, tinker, test, and discover how things work. First quarter, students will explore the basic parts that make robots and machines work. Students will investigate components such as gear motors, LED lights, battery packs, motion sensors, and simple circuits while learning that engineering begins with curiosity and creativity. Through guided projects and playful problem-solving, students will learn how to break big challenges into smaller steps and use everyday materials to create simple moving machines. Along the way, they will begin developing a "maker mindset" as they discover that boxes, batteries, motors, and imagination can become cars, elevators, and other beginner robot creations. There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Motors & Makers (Quarter 1), Power & Prototypes (Quarter 2), Circuits & Controllers (Quarter 3), Waves & Wonders (Quarter 4).

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 4

Students will tackle a variety of puzzles, games, and riddles each week that will develop their critical thinking, logic, math reasoning, and problem-solving skills while having loads of fun in class! Hands-on activities may use cards, dice, coins, cubes, toothpicks, math board games, math card games, and of course, lots of numbers. Every activity is in essence a math problem, and students will learn tips and techniques for tackling the challenges. For each new puzzle, game, and riddle, students will learn concepts and strategies that they can apply to solving ANY math challenge, such as: the phases of solving a problem, what to do when you get stuck, how to make predictions, how to generalize from specific cases, and what questions to ask yourself. Example activities include the game of Thirty One, logic grids, cryptograms, and deduction games. Through these weekly activities, students will learn that math isn't just something done at a desk with pencil and paper, but is present everywhere you look, and that the ability to think mathematically can be not only useful, but also fun! Students can take this class each quarter as a different selection of puzzles, games, and activities will be introduced each session. Topics in this series include: Brain Boosters (Quarter 1), Brain Builders (Quarter 2), Brain Benders (Quarter 3), and Brain Busters (Quarter 4).

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 8

Which planet rotates backwards? How many moons does the red planet have? Why do the north and south poles of our Sun change every 11 years? Find out the answers to these mysteries and other great discoveries about our Inner Solar System comprised of the four terrestrial (rock) planets- Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars-, their moons, the Sun, and the asteroid belt. Astronomy enthusiasts will enjoy exploring details about the inner workings of outer space with an amateur astronomer and engineer.

Each class will explore concepts relevant to our corner of the universe- the inner solar system- with supporting activities such as modeling to understand relative distance and sizes. The class will demonstrate the rotation and orbits of planets and moons and their effects on days, seasons, and the measure of years! The young astronomers will uncover the difference between asteroids, meteors, meteorites, while making a dry ice comet. The class will also examine lunar and solar eclipses, phases of the moon, and tides while also considering our Sun! Finally, the class will discuss the exploration of our inner solar system from satellites, telescopes, probes, landers, rovers, moon landings, and the future, manned expedition to Mars.

Future themes in this series include: Inner Solar System (Quarter 1); Outer Solar System (Quarter 2); Stars, Galaxies, and the Cosmos (Quarter 3); and Exoplanets and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life (Quarter 4).

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 3

Step outdoors and into nature's living laboratory! This outdoor science class immerses students in real-world field study where the woods, streams, and wetlands become the classroom. Each week, explorers will practice the methods of natural scientists as they investigate ecology, geology, zoology (local wildlife), botany (plants), ornithology (birds), mycology (fungi), and entomology (insects), in our own suburban ecosystem. Students will observe natural systems in action as they examine life cycles, the water cycle, and the local watershed; explore suburban wetlands; and uncover the balance between producers, consumers, and decomposers, as well as predator- prey relationships and food webs. Seasonal cycles will guide discoveries as young naturalists watch habitats transform and learn how plants and animals adapt throughout the year. Each week, students will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon with a senior naturalist and outdoor educator. This program offers a refreshing break from sit-down, indoor, and screen-based learning,encouraging movement, fresh air, curiosity, and hands-on discovery. Students will learn to stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn things over, and peek beneath the surface to uncover nature's hidden wonders. A portion of every session will focus on developing confidence and comfort in the outdoors. Emphasis will be placed on safe, respectful, and responsible exploration, environmental stewardship, and appreciating what we find in nature. Students will also enjoy nature-based games that reinforce teamwork and exploration skills. See Compass's Outdoor Classes webpage for more information on meeting location, what to bring, what to wear, inclement weather, and more.

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 4

Step outdoors and into nature's living laboratory! This outdoor science class immerses students in real-world field study where the woods, streams, and wetlands become the classroom. Each week, explorers will practice the methods of natural scientists as they investigate ecology, geology, zoology (local wildlife), botany (plants), ornithology (birds), mycology (fungi), and entomology (insects), in our own suburban ecosystem. Students will observe natural systems in action as they examine life cycles, the water cycle, and the local watershed; explore suburban wetlands; and uncover the balance between producers, consumers, and decomposers, as well as predator- prey relationships and food webs. Seasonal cycles will guide discoveries as young naturalists watch habitats transform and learn how plants and animals adapt throughout the year. Each week, students will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon with a senior naturalist and outdoor educator. This program offers a refreshing break from sit-down, indoor, and screen-based learning,encouraging movement, fresh air, curiosity, and hands-on discovery. Students will learn to stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn things over, and peek beneath the surface to uncover nature's hidden wonders. A portion of every session will focus on developing confidence and comfort in the outdoors. Emphasis will be placed on safe, respectful, and responsible exploration, environmental stewardship, and appreciating what we find in nature. Students will also enjoy nature-based games that reinforce teamwork and exploration skills. See Compass's Outdoor Classes webpage for more information on meeting location, what to bring, what to wear, inclement weather, and more.

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 2

Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary shelter, make cordage, craft a bow and arrow, identify edible plants, track animals, and purify water. The group will learn knife safety and skills like whittling a spoon and spatula; how to use maps and compass (orienteering), and basic first aid. Students will practice animal and plant identification and will catch and identify macro-invertebrates to determine stream health (outdoor temperatures permitting.) Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woods is for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Outdoor Classes. See Compass's Outdoor Classes webpage for more information on meeting location, what to bring, what to wear, inclement weather, and more.