Course Offerings

How big is a whale? How can salmon live in both fresh and saltwater? How does one pronounce "anemone"? From killer whales to krill, this course introduces the basics of marine biology with a focus on the Salish Sea and local animals such as orcas, seals, and salmon. We will learn about the many different types of organisms that live in our corner of the ocean and explore why they look, move, and live the way they do. We will examine basic physiology, like lungs and gills or scales and skin, as well as life cycles, diet, and behaviors, all alongside Coast Salish stories and knowledge to provide a cultural background. Hands-on learning activities include experiments creating flippers, fins, tails, and fake fish gills, ocean-themed touch tanks, and mini-ocean crafts. Come swim with us! Instructor: Olive Brend

COVID-19 forced the entire world to reevaluate our relationships to health, medicine, and public policy. This course will examine those relationships through a historical lens, touching on key events in the history of Western health and medicine. We will learn about the Hippocratics - the first epidemiologists in Ancient Greece; track attitudes about the human body over time through a history of human dissection; and draft alternative UN legislation in an effort to improve past errors in food-aid policy, among many other activities. Instructor: Townsend Rowland

Students will learn to use digital storytelling tools and techniques to explore and tell personal stories, as well as the art of storytelling, the importance of family and personal history, and the opportunities technology provides in telling stories today. We'll begin with an introduction to early storytelling methods such as oral histories, moving on to other non-digital tools such as written books and dance. Students will learn about digital storytelling tools and techniques such as digital photographs, audio, and video documentation. Students will have the chance to create a digital genealogy project from their perspective, using historic, family, and personal records. Instructor: Itza Carbajal

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

This course is designed for young students aspiring to build a public health research career or learn about general research skills. From navigating literature reviews to understanding research questions, data collection, and analysis specific to public health contexts, this course offers a tailored approach to honing the skills required for impactful research in public health. Students will also gain knowledge of scientific communication and research presentation skills. The class will be structured around short lectures on the topics for the day, group activities simulating a collaborative research environment, and hands-on exercises on literature search, data collection, and oral presentation. Students will need to bring and use laptops or similar devices for these activities. Instructor: Shawon Riffat Ara

What drives ocean currents? How do natural and manmade chemicals interact in marine environments? What are the oceanic zones? This course explores the basics of ecology in the marine environment, focusing on the Salish Sea region with some discussion of Arctic and tropical ocean environments. We'll explore topics such as marine food webs, symbiotic relationships, the carbon cycle, how access to sunlight, weather systems, ocean currents, and basic chemistry interact at a broader scale, and how small changes can have cascading effects across ecosystems. Experiments include building marine food webs, creating models of ocean currents, and role-playing chemical cycles. Instructor: Olive Brend

This class is designed to teach students the ins and outs of both 3D design and 3D printing. We will use TinkerCAD, the best introductory program to learn how to design in 3D, and Creality Ender 3 Pro printers, to learn how to operate and care for a 3D printer. We will go through the step-by-step process to bring ideas to life! This is about more than just 3D design, however; it's about how to design things within the capabilities (and limitations) of 3D printers. We will cover designing with constraints and designing with products in mind, how to post-process and clean up prints, and we'll cap it all off with a final project for students to show off what they've learned! Instructor: Brian Jaffe

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

This class is designed to teach students the ins and outs of both 3D design and 3D printing. We will use TinkerCAD, the best introductory program to learn how to design in 3D, and Creality Ender 3 Pro printers, to learn how to operate and care for a 3D printer. We will go through the step-by-step process to bring ideas to life! This is about more than just 3D design, however; it's about how to design things within the capabilities (and limitations) of 3D printers. We will cover designing with constraints and designing with products in mind, how to post-process and clean up prints, and we'll cap it all off with a final project for students to show off what they've learned! Instructor: Brian Jaffe

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

If you already have experience with 3D design and 3D printing, this class is for you! We will take a much deeper dive into the world of designing and printing with more complex designs as we focus less on lectures and more on a wide variety of in-class projects. Each week will be a different project, where students are given the freedom to design as the instructor gives time to each student for one-on-one discussion on how to improve their designs and act as a sounding board for their  ideas. Board game sets, designs with moving parts, an in-class hackathon, and one big final project to showcase everything you learned! Students should have taken 3D Design and Printing previously. Instructor: Brian Jaffe

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

All animals have brains that have uniquely evolved to suit the challenges of their specific environments and challenges to their survival. This class will explore how the brain of every animal helps them navigate their environments, feed themselves, and communicate with each other. By comparing different animal brains and watching animals in their natural habitats, we can better understand the diversity of the animal kingdom, and through analysis of brain structures, students will be able to explain how brain regions interact to give rise to observable behaviors. Activities include exploring online brain atlases, discussing cutting-edge laboratory techniques such as optogenetics and neuroimaging, and dissecting a sheep brain! Instructor: A.J. Balatico

Epidemiologists are the detectives of the health science world, tracking and analyzing the spread of disease to discover the origins and future movements of an outbreak or public health crisis. Students will gain insight into the role of an epidemiologist in preventing disease and promoting community health. They will learn about tools epidemiologists use to detect factors that make the population vulnerable to adverse health conditions, such as infections or accidents. Through class discussions and hands-on activities, we will explore questions including: What do we mean when we talk about measuring disease in a population? What are the study designs for epidemiological investigations and how are they implemented in real life? Students will work in groups to design their own investigation and share their work at the end of the course. Instructor: Shawon Riffat Ara

We are all familiar with the concepts of fiction and nonfiction, but what do we mean when we talk about creative nonfiction? What separates writing that is categorized as "creative" (such as biography and memoir, travel writing, personal essays, or popular science writing) from more traditional forms of nonfiction such as journalism or academic research? How do technique, perspective, and narrative structure define and distinguish the genre? This course has an emphasis on emotional and experiential writing, which can be fun, relaxing, and spark an interest in reading and writing new genres. Students will work on short pieces of writing each week that fall into different sub-genres of creative nonfiction. We will discuss how rhetorical devices, grammatical choices, and structure affect the craft. Students will have the opportunity to share their work with the rest of the class in an open-mic session during the final week of the course. Instructor: Megan Holman

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

How low can your word count go? This course introduces students to flash fiction, otherwise known as the art of the extremely short story. We will explore the way condensed arcs function at the writing level, expand our understanding of the importance of sentence-level construction, and workshop how character personalities can be signified in an extremely short form narrative. Students will be encouraged to construct their own flash fiction pieces with ever-shrinking word counts as challenges. The class will culminate in a student open-mic session with contributions from every student. Instructor: Sanjana Ramesh

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Speaking comfortably and confidently in front of an audience is a skill relevant to many aspects of life. This course will cover the fundamentals of public speaking, including voice projection and intonation, speech writing, effective gesturing, and audience engagement. These skills will be practiced in various speaking styles, including informative, persuasive, and narrative forms of presentation. The course is designed to be a fun and lively online forum where all are welcome to engage and comfortably learn how to speak eloquently and with greater ease. Instructor: Jennifer Stephens

This course aims to provide a comprehensive yet accessible understanding of genetics, DNA, and inheritance principles, making it suitable for students with limited science backgrounds. Additionally, students will be introduced to the world of genetic diversity, adaptation, and strategies for genetics studies including DNA sequencing techniques, all Tpresented in a straightforward manner. The goal is to help students lay foundational knowledge, foster an appreciation for genetics, and introduce up-to-date science discoveries. Instructor: Yizi Mao

Should we have school dress codes? Should students be assigned homework? This course offers an exploration into oration with students learning how to support their ideas and argue effectively. Debate is a fun, engaging way for students to practice public speaking, develop sound logic and reasoning skills, and build confidence and self-esteem. Students also learn to express their opinions assertively in a respectful manner on many relevant issues and topics. Zoom breakout rooms allow students to work in teams as well as engage one-on-one with the instructor. Our course concludes with a tournament to give students a feel for competitive debate. Instructor: Jennifer Stephens

Welcome to the world of Python coding! This engaging and comprehensive course is designed for students who are eager to dive into the realm of programming using Python. Students will embark on an exciting journey, discovering the foundations of coding and its endless possibilities. Through interactive projects, real-world examples, and step-by-step guidance, students will develop a strong grasp of Python's syntax and principles. From simple algorithms to complex problem-solving, learners will gain the skills and confidence to write efficient and functional Python code, unlocking the door to a world of creativity and innovation. Instructor: Xuetao Ma

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Unlock the power of public health data analysis with R programming! This course is designed for individuals eager to learn basic R programming skills and their specific application in public health data manipulation, visualization, and descriptive statistical analysis at an introductory level. R is a programming language and software environment primarily used for statistical computing and graphics and is a versatile tool with applications across various domains, making it popular among researchers, analysts, data scientists, and professionals in academia, industry, and government. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical examples and exercises. No prior experience with R is needed. Instructor: Shawon Riffat Ara

In this class, we will work together to design and construct Lego pinball machines. Each week we'll take on different design challenges while exploring the function and design of the various mechanical, aesthetic, and electronic components that create a great pinball machine. Students will design and build their own bumpers, sweepers, and launchers before combining our efforts into collaboratively designed machines. At the end of the course, we'll get to play with several pinball machines with different themes and reflect on our design choices. No robotics building or programming experience is required. Instructor: A.J. Balatico

Ever wonder what it's like to participate in a trial? Introduce evidence? Question witnesses? In this course, students will participate in a mock trial. Each session explores a new set of case facts so students who have participated previously will enjoy a new courtroom experience. This introduction to law will include lessons on rules of evidence, direct and cross examination, and courtroom decorum. Students will be a part of every aspect of the trial so come prepared to act as advocate, witness, and jury! Instructor: Jennifer Stephens

It's difficult to know what you believe. It's even more difficult to explain why you believe what you believe. This course aims to help students figure out why they believe what they believe. Each week students will examine a thought experiment/problem from the history of philosophy to better understand why they believe what they believe. Highlights include Zeno's paradoxes, trolleyology, arguments for the existence of God, the demarcation problem, and the problem of induction. Instructor: Townsend Rowland

Please note: This course will only have seven sessions, rather than the usual eight. There will be no class on April 6th. The tuition has been pro-rated to reflect this.

In this course we will introduce our youngest learners to the social practices of philosophy and critical thinking through use of prompts and open-ended discussion. We draw on a range of philosophical traditions to guide student-led investigations into big ideas and ask fundamental questions about the world and our place within it. Students will practice identifying and asking philosophical questions using philosophically provocative books, games, videos, as well as other materials and activities designed to guide and focus discussion and community building. This course builds from the interests of students as we work together to make sense of timeless thought experiments, paradoxical situations, and personally relevant ethics. Appropriate for new and returning philosophers, this will be a space for deep, collaborative, and fun philosophical investigation. Instructor: Jordan Sherry-Wagner

In this course we will introduce the social practices of philosophy and critical thinking through use of prompts and open-ended discussion. We draw on a range of philosophical traditions to guide student-led investigations into big ideas and ask fundamental questions about the world and our place within it. Students will practice identifying and asking philosophical questions using philosophically provocative books, games, videos, as well as other materials and activities designed to guide and focus discussion and community building. This course builds from the interests of students as we work together to make sense of timeless thought experiments, paradoxical situations, and personally relevant ethics. Appropriate for new and returning philosophers, this will be a space for deep, collaborative, and fun philosophical investigation. Instructor: Jordan Sherry-Wagner

In this course we will introduce our youngest learners to the social practices of philosophy and critical thinking through use of prompts and open-ended discussion. We draw on a range of philosophical traditions to guide student-led investigations into big ideas and ask fundamental questions about the world and our place within it. Students will practice identifying and asking philosophical questions using philosophically provocative books, games, videos, as well as other materials and activities designed to guide and focus discussion and community building. This course builds from the interests of students as we work together to make sense of timeless thought experiments, paradoxical situations, and personally relevant ethics. Appropriate for new and returning philosophers, this will be a space for deep, collaborative, and fun philosophical investigation. Instructor: Jordan Sherry-Wagner

The course offers an immersive and captivating journey through the fundamental principles of the universe. Students will engage in hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations to comprehend the laws governing motion, energy, electricity, and more. The course fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, empowering learners to unravel the natural world's mysteries. By the end of this dynamic experience, participants will have gained a basic foundation in physics, inspiring a lifelong curiosity for scientific exploration and discovery. Instructor: Xuetao Ma

We will design and build fast and agile robots to finish obstacle courses as quickly as possible. From doing figure eights around cups and chairs to relay racing with another robot, we will balance time spent building the robots with plenty of driving practice. Students will work together to design and test possible solutions, while time and supply constraints will encourage teams to think creatively and improvise in designing their robot. No previous robotics experience is required. Instructor: A.J. Balatico

In this introductory class, students will learn to use storytelling tools and techniques to explore, understand and tell personal stories. This class will teach about the art of storytelling and the opportunities traditional non-digital and modern digital technology provide in telling stories today, from writing tools to cameras. Traditional non-digital storytelling techniques include oral histories, written books, poems, drawing, mapmaking, and dance. Students will also explore a few digital storytelling methods through digital photography, audio recording, and video documentation. As the final project, students will create a physical representation of their favorite memory using a combination of the various storytelling techniques learned throughout the course. Instructor: Itza Carbajal

In this introductory class, students will learn to use storytelling tools and techniques to explore, understand and tell personal stories. This class will teach about the art of storytelling and the opportunities traditional non-digital and modern digital technology provide in telling stories today, from writing tools to cameras. Traditional non-digital storytelling techniques include oral histories, written books, poems, drawing, mapmaking, and dance. Students will also explore a few digital storytelling methods through digital photography, audio recording, and video documentation. As the final project, students will create a physical representation of their favorite memory using a combination of the various storytelling techniques learned throughout the course. Instructor: Itza Carbajal

How do writing and craft feature in world-building? What goes into making a fictional world as vivid as our own? In this course, students investigate the way an immersive fictional world requires recurring rules, internal logic, and sensory detail, while intertwining these with the basic building blocks of fiction: tone, pace, and narrative arcs, among other core components. We'll look at popular examples, such as airbender flight in Avatar the Last Airbender and time-turners in Harry Potter, and examine why these questions might arise and how to move around them in our own fiction. On a broader level, this course will ask students to look at the world we live in, and to think critically about what is replicated in fantasy worlds and what we assume about the landscapes of fiction. This course will culminate in one final short story set in a fantasy world we will build together as a class. Instructor: Sanjana Ramesh

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.