North Faring Exploration

Have you ever been involved in an argument or discussion that you really, really wanted to win? Do you want to convince your parents to let you stay up later or have extra cookies after dinner? In this course, you will practice common debate skills used in public debates, as well as casual arguments. We will work on both verbal and nonverbal communication skills, play impromptu speaking games, watch and evaluate political debates, and practice a variety of debating styles, both team and individual. By the end of the course, not only will you be comfortable speaking at the podium, you will also have a good idea of how to structure a thoughtful argument, how to refute a statement you don't agree with, and how to get that extra dessert.

Have you ever been involved in an argument or discussion that you really, really wanted to win? Do you want to convince your parents to let you stay up later or have extra cookies after dinner? In this course, you will practice common debate skills used in public debates, as well as casual arguments. We will work on both verbal and nonverbal communication skills, play impromptu speaking games, watch and evaluate political debates, and practice a variety of debating styles, both team and individual. By the end of the course, not only will you be comfortable speaking at the podium, you will also have a good idea of how to structure a thoughtful argument, how to refute a statement you don't agree with, and how to get that extra dessert.

Have you ever been involved in an argument or discussion that you really, really wanted to win? Do you want to convince your parents to let you stay up later or have extra cookies after dinner? In this course, you will practice common debate skills used in public debates, as well as casual arguments. We will work on both verbal and nonverbal communication skills, play impromptu speaking games, watch and evaluate political debates, and practice a variety of debating styles, both team and individual. By the end of the course, not only will you be comfortable speaking at the podium, you will also have a good idea of how to structure a thoughtful argument, how to refute a statement you don't agree with, and how to get that extra dessert.

In this course, we will be equal parts fanboys/fangirls, social scientists, and creators. We'll look at the social origins and back stories of some of our favorite superheroes: did you know that Superman's backstory is a retooling of Moses's story from the Old Testament? Or that Captain America was an answer to Americans' fears during WWII? We'll explore how superheroes have evolved with the times and also how the media through which they are portrayed has changed. And we'll borrow classic techniques from masters like Stan Lee to create our own superheroes.

Are you curious about events in the world around you? Do you like being the first to know what's going on? Do you like trading stories and keeping others informed? If so, you're a natural journalist! Develop your skills in this three week summer program, where you will learn the fundamental skills of writing for newspapers, including writing and editing feature, sports, and news articles; conducting effective interviews; and crafting editorials and reviews. You'll also get to try your hand at photojournalism and page layout, as we create our own newspaper to report on the activities happening around us at Harvard-Westlake this summer.

Gain an entry into some of the most important and influential characters, novels, and film. See why the great characters you will likely study in middle and upper school are still being discovered and reworked. You'll gain a basic understanding of such greats as Cyrano de Bergerac, Macbeth (and his lady), Atticus Finch and many others. Watch scenes to see how they've been adapted for modern audiences ie, Seinfeld's and Steve Martin's take on Cyrano and Shakespeare's 12th night into She's The Man. Other works include A Raisin In The Sun, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Oh, and there is daily popcorn. Don't be intimidated, it' a lot of fun.

Ever have ideas you know would make good stories, if you could just put them into the right words? This class will focus on widening vocabulary, creating story arcs, developing characters, and practicing proper grammar, as we create both short stories and chapters of longer works. We will read short stories, write outlines of our own, perform peer evaluations, and practice general creative writing. At the end of the class, you will have a journal of vocabulary and ideas, as well as a compilation of longer pieces.

Interested in storytelling through comics? Comic books bring stories to life in exciting, innovative ways. Even if you have no experience in illustration, you can still create a fun and dynamic story. This class will take a look at comic book basics: scripting, layouts, paneling character creation, and story-boarding. By the end of 3 weeks, you will have your very own comic book creation.

What do Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, Dorothy Gale, and Meg Murry have in common? Find out in this class, where you'll learn how to write your own fantasy/sci-fi stories! We build on student interest and use a variety of written and cinematic examples including excerpts from Harry Potter, Star Wars, A Wrinkle in Time, and Disney to explore how writers construct unique and engaging heroes, villains, fantasy worlds, and adventures. As we explore our favorite fantasy characters and scenarios, you'll use your understanding to plan, write, and ultimately publish your own fantasy story. This class is rated E for everyone, whether you've been writing stories on your own or always wanted to but never tried.

Calling all problem-finders, problem-solvers, and inventors! Lemonade Stand is here to ignite your creative, entrepreneurial spirit. You will question your environment, define problems you want to solve, and take your solutions from sketched ideas to real products. Throughout the course, you will engage in hands-on, interactive exercises to develop a toolkit of skills including brainstorming, critical thinking, project management, leadership, storytelling, and structured communication.

This class teaches the skills required to compose and produce modern electronic music. In particular, we will focus on using Logic Pro X and various sound plug-ins to create exciting, contemporary music. You will create a portfolio of musical demos that can be used for personal promotion or for applying to other music programs. This course is open to students of all skill levels and musical experience.

This course is designed for students with one or more years of experience playing the violin, viola, cello, or piano. We will form chamber music ensembles and learn to perform a variety of pieces ranging from classical to your favorite movie soundtracks! Sign up with your musician friends or meet new friends in this exciting chamber music experience!

Piano players should enroll in this class. If you play violin, viola, or cello and want to take this class, please enroll in Period 1: String Duets and Trios (9:00-10:45).

Develop your comedic skills through writing and performing stand-up comedy routines. We will have fun watching, studying, and learning routines from famous stand-up comedians and break down the fundamentals about what is funny and why it is funny. As a fun warm-up, we will do group improv games to help you better understand comedic timing and how to be comfortable finding your own style. You will get to write and perform your own comedy routines for a filmed video performance at the end of the session.

This course is designed for students with one or more years of experience playing the violin, viola, cello, or piano. We will form chamber music ensembles and learn to perform a variety of pieces ranging from classical to your favorite movie soundtracks! Sign up with your musician friends or meet new friends in this exciting chamber music experience!

You will need your own instrument to join this class. String players should enroll in this class. If you play piano and want to take this class, please enroll in Period 1: Pianists for String Duets and Trios (9:00-10:45).

Designed for the absolute beginning violinist, you will be provided with an instrument, a lesson book, and 3 weeks of fun music-making instruction. Who knows, you might unleash a talent that you never knew you had.

In this class, we will work on their acting skills through studying, memorizing, and performing monologues and scenes from theatre and film. You will be directed to improve how you present a character physically and vocally. Through simple text analysis, you will discover how to deliver subtext and irony within the dramatic dialogue. We will work individually, and together, to film a final product to be presented as an acting class showcase.

From song selection and arrangement to vocal techniques and production skills, you will learn all you need to know about making a great-sounding demo recording that showcases your talent. You will become familiar with software like Pro-Tools and basic recording equipment all from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a laptop! The finished product will be a produced song that can be used for auditions or shared with friends and family.

Are you ready for a summer of Music Theatre fun? Explore your creative side through the world of singing, dancing, and acting. Each day we will play with creating characters through fun theatre games, break out into small groups for voice training, and discover physical movement through dance. You will hone your skills and work as an ensemble to create and present a final showcase of your work at the end of the three weeks!

Come join our rock and roll band and create a professional-sounding record with us. Learn the recording process and improve your musical skills while doing so. This course is open to rock and roll musicians of all experience levels who play guitar, bass, drums, or keyboards/synthesizer. We will learn to play covers of classic and modern rock songs and how to compose original music. At the end of the course, we will have created a recorded album that you can use for personal promotion.

A drum kit is provided for drummers; all others should plan to bring their own instrument.

Learn the design process and equipment used to produce a live performance, including live sound, lighting, and special effects. This course offers hands-on experience with professional-quality gear in a state-of-the-art facility.

Through playing games such as Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and capture the flag, you will develop fundamental sports skills and athletic ability, all while enjoying the spirit of teamwork.

Through playing games such as Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and capture the flag, you will develop fundamental sports skills and athletic ability, all while enjoying the spirit of teamwork.

Through playing games, such as Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and capture the flag, you will develop fundamental sports skills and athletic ability, all while enjoying the spirit of teamwork.

The HW VEX Robotics Intensive is a 1 week dive into the current year's VEX EDR game with the goal of challenging you to solve problems on an expedited schedule, so you are prepared to compete in the fall VEX EDR robotics season. Designed for students in grades 7-9, you will be placed into groups of 3, where you will analyze the current game, brainstorm solutions, design prototypes, and build a fully-functioning robot before the end of the week. Regardless of level of experience, HW VEX Robotics Intensive will provide hands on opportunities for you to learn and grow your knowledge of designing, building, and programming robots. HW VEX Robotics Intensive is guided by Harvard-Westlake's Middle School Robotics teacher and VEX Robotics Coach, Tripp Reed. In the past, Mr. Reed has guided teams to over 60 regional awards, the CREATE US Open Skills Championship and the VEX robotics World Skills Championship. Mr. Reed will be assisted by several mentors who are VEX veterans with years of experience in competitive robotics.

The HW VEX Robotics Intensive is a 1 week dive into the current year's VEX EDR game with the goal of challenging you to solve problems on an expedited schedule, so you are prepared to compete in the fall VEX EDR robotics season. Designed for students in grades 7-9, you will be placed into groups of 3, where you will analyze the current game, brainstorm solutions, design prototypes, and build a fully-functioning robot before the end of the week. Regardless of level of experience, HW VEX Robotics Intensive will provide hands on opportunities for you to learn and grow your knowledge of designing, building, and programming robots. HW VEX Robotics Intensive is guided by Harvard-Westlake's Middle School Robotics teacher and VEX Robotics Coach, Tripp Reed. In the past, Mr. Reed has guided teams to over 60 regional awards, the CREATE US Open Skills Championship and the VEX robotics World Skills Championship. Mr. Reed will be assisted by several mentors who are VEX veterans with years of experience in competitive robotics.

The HW VEX Robotics Intensive is a 1 week dive into the current year's VEX EDR game with the goal of challenging you to solve problems on an expedited schedule, so you are prepared to compete in the fall VEX EDR robotics season. Designed for students in grades 7-9, you will be placed into groups of 3, where you will analyze the current game, brainstorm solutions, design prototypes, and build a fully-functioning robot before the end of the week. Regardless of level of experience, HW VEX Robotics Intensive will provide hands on opportunities for you to learn and grow your knowledge of designing, building, and programming robots. HW VEX Robotics Intensive is guided by Harvard-Westlake's Middle School Robotics teacher and VEX Robotics Coach, Tripp Reed. In the past, Mr. Reed has guided teams to over 60 regional awards, the CREATE US Open Skills Championship and the VEX robotics World Skills Championship. Mr. Reed will be assisted by several mentors who are VEX veterans with years of experience in competitive robotics.

Ever wonder how the sticky, gooey caramel in your favorite candy bar is made or how to make your own pickles? Why do we put yeast in our pizza dough and baking soda in our cookies? How do you cook the perfect hard-boiled egg? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Boil, Fizz, Pop! The Science of Cooking & Eating. We will explore the physical and chemical science behind the art of cooking through exciting hands-on experiments and high-energy activities. Reservations required.

Facebook has an app. Twitter has an app. iMovie has an app. Those apps and more were all created by someone who learned computer programming. Are you interested in computer programming and don't know where to start? Scratch is a great way to learn the fundamental concepts of programming languages. In this class, you will explore how to create games, animations, stories, and art using Scratch, a computer learning tool that teaches programming skills. You will also apply your knowledge to Arduinos.

Ever wonder how the sticky, gooey caramel in your favorite candy bar is made or how to make your own pickles? Why do we put yeast in our pizza dough and baking soda in our cookies? How do you cook the perfect hard-boiled egg? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Boil, Fizz, Pop! The Science of Cooking & Eating. We will explore the physical and chemical science behind the art of cooking through exciting hands-on experiments and high-energy activities. Reservations required.

You will learn basic plant biology and the fundamentals of growing your own food. Learning where food comes from, what it looks like when it's growing, what time of the year it grows, and how much better it tastes when you grow it yourself, is a precious gift. This course is designed to be a hands-on experience and you should be prepared to dive right in and get your hands dirty! Not only will we learn about so many amazing fruits and vegetables that grow and thrive in Los Angeles, we'll also begin to grow our own! We will also learn to re-grow food from our kitchen, make a pizza or salsa garden, create a shoe garden from our old shoes, start growing potatoes, make our own plant labels, make plant collages, and more!

Use math to explore the world this summer. Work with your peers to learn how to use math to make decisions that matter. You will explore new territory by answering questions, such as: 1) What type of chocolate chip melts faster?, 2) How can I create and decipher secret codes?, 3) What number system does the computer use?, 4) How can we reduce traffic jams using graph theory?, and 5) What ride will people choose at a carnival with random walks? All topics will be taught conceptually. You will explore them with hands-on activities.

Ever wonder how the sticky, gooey caramel in your favorite candy bar is made or how to make your own pickles? Why do we put yeast in our pizza dough and baking soda in our cookies? How do you cook the perfect hard-boiled egg? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Boil, Fizz, Pop! The Science of Cooking & Eating. We will explore the physical and chemical science behind the art of cooking through exciting hands-on experiments and high-energy activities. Reservations required.

Ever get tired of teachers and parents always telling you what to do? Well, come take Robotics and get the chance to tell a robot what to do. In this class, you will have an awesome time building robots that will be able to navigate obstacles and respond to a variety of sensors, including light, touch, and sound. Come learn to master the programming of basic movements, and then progress to more difficult challenges. We'll be using LEGO Mindstorms to build robots that can navigate mazes among many other fun things, all by YOU telling IT what to do.

Learn the basics of good photography and refine your results with Digital Darkroom special fx to streamline the artistic processes of traditional color and b/w darkrooms. Create contemporary versions of classic photographic effects. Learn what you can do with just a phone or other simple cameras you probably have at your house. Cameras and other equipment provided.

Explore your creativity through art. The traditional forms of drawing and painting will be our starting point for a number of creative, zany, and fun projects. Past projects have included everything from two dimensional drawings to painting shoes. If you bring an idea to class, we will try to incorporate it into our projects. Come get yourself dirty and create great art.

What makes something functional? We will examine this question while learning to use clay-building techniques, such as coiling, slab-construction, and wheel throwing. We will make cups, bowls, mugs, bottles, pitchers, plates, boxes, and other useful forms out of clay. You will get the chance to explore surface decoration techniques such as glazing, under-glazing, staining, and slip-decoration. Come make ceramic objects that you can use in your everyday life!

Would you like to know how to create amazing digital images? Visual imagery is today's most powerful method of communication. A single image can tell a story, evoke an emotion, advertise an event or sell a product. During this three-week class, you will learn how to harness the power of graphic design as you create your own works of art through a combination of photography, type, color, and texture. You will learn the basic elements of design and composition that will help you take your ideas and images to the next level of Wow! Photoshop, or an equivalent graphic design program, will be used extensively throughout the course. The skills you will learn will help you create standout images for both print and the web, including websites, blogs, posters, invitations, CD covers, T-shirts...or just about anything else you can dream up.

Explore your creativity through art. The traditional forms of drawing and painting will be our starting point for a number of creative, zany, and fun projects. Past projects have included everything from two dimensional drawings to painting shoes. If you bring an idea to class, we will try to incorporate it into our projects. Come get yourself dirty and create great art.

What makes something functional? We will examine this question while learning to use clay-building techniques, such as coiling, slab-construction and wheel throwing. We will make cups, bowls, mugs, bottles, pitchers, plates, boxes, and other useful forms out of clay. You get the chance to explore surface decoration techniques, such as glazing, under-glazing, staining, and slip-decoration. Come make ceramic objects that you can use in your everyday life!

Learn the basics of good photography and refine your results with Digital Darkroom special fx to streamline the artistic processes of traditional color and b/w darkrooms. Create contemporary versions of classic photographic effects. Learn what you can do with just a phone or other simple cameras you probably have at your house. Cameras and other equipment provided.

What makes something functional? We will examine this question while learning to use clay-building techniques, such as coiling, slab-construction and wheel throwing. We will make cups, bowls, mugs, bottles, pitchers, plates, boxes, and other useful forms out of clay. You get the chance to explore surface decoration techniques, such as glazing, under-glazing, staining, and slip-decoration. Come make ceramic objects that you can use in your everyday life!

This course will offer a fun and interactive introduction to the fundamentals of the Chinese language. Through games, daily conversations, and various dynamic exercises, we will practice building listening and speaking skills in this tonal language. By the end of the three weeks, you will learn to recognize simple characters in Chinese calligraphy and enjoy other cultural activities.

If you love Anime, this class is for you. Through the amazing world of Anime, you will explore Japanese language and culture. By the end, you will have learned some basic Japanese, drawn your favorite Anime characters, and created your own Manga story.

Do you love to travel, try new foods, and learn languages? Would you like to be able to speak to the locals in THEIR language? Join us in Around the World in 13 days, where we will learn some Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese phrases through role-plays, music, and last but not least, food! We will dedicate one week to Spanish language and culture, and learn to make things like elotes mexicanos, or empanadas argentinas. We will also spend one week learning about Italian language and culture, learn to make things like pesto sauce, spaghetti alla carbonara, or pizza. Finally, we'll spend one (3-day) week on learning about the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture, and learn to make pão de queijo, learn about the history of Portuguese in Brazil, and a bit about dance and soccer in Brazil.