Academy

IEA's Academy was designed based on the belief that gifted children learn best when provided with compelling content and appropriate challenge taught at a flexible pace. Academy engages students in a one-of-a-kind discovery process that nurtures their love of learning. Surrounded by a community of like-minded peers, Academy students thrive in a setting geared toward exploration and acquisition of new knowledge.

Academy instructors are content area specialists; they are post-doctoral students, professors, and working professionals who all have experience tutoring highly able youth. Passionate about sharing their expertise, our instructors truly inspire our local community of gifted youth.

Our advanced enrichment courses provide a fun and engaging learning environment where students

Courses are designed for students in grades 2-8 unless otherwise noted. During the school year, classes meet once per week in the afternoons or on Saturdays for eight sessions.

This summer we are offering 16 different classes, including six new classes. There will be two Academy sessions this summer, with Session I running June 17 to July 5 (with no class on July 4) and Session II running July 15 - August 1. Students can take one to four classes each summer session. Classes meet Monday through Thursday for three weeks, with each class lasting 90 minutes.

Genius Day

We are also excited to announce a new “Genius Day” series! Genius Day is a day of deep learning that gives students the opportunity to learn and work with an expert in the field as they uncover the contributions of a person we consider a genius. Our first genius will be Charles Darwin, and the day will focus on his life and work. Dr. Daniel Lewis will be leading this day of inquiry and fun Saturday, June 1, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at The Huntington Library in San Marino. Take a look at the Genius Day flier here. For more information, please contact us at 626-403-8900 or Academy@educationaladvancement.org.

Click here for the Genius Day registration form.

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Summer 2013 Application

Summer 2013 Returning Student Application

Summer 2013 applications will be accepted until Monday, June 10. Apply today! 

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Summer 2013 Schedule

Summer Session 2013 classes meet Monday through Thursday for three weeks, with each class lasting 90 minutes. Students may take one to four classes per session.

Summer Session I: June 17 - July 5**

9:30 - 11:00 am	Looking for Shakespeare - led by lead actors from the Independent Shakespeare Company	Astronomy II: Astrophysics
11:15 am - 12:45 pm	Academic and Personal Strengths Coaching Workshop (5th - 8th graders)	Astronomy I
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm	Lunch***
2:00 - 3:30 pm	Chemistry Lab*	Small, Cerebral and Stunning: The Development of Sonnet Form
3:45 - 5:15 pm	Chemistry I: General Chemistry*	Games and Theory

**Classes will not meet on July 4 and will meet on July 5 instead

Summer Session II: July 15 - August 1

9:30 - 11:00 am	Rube Goldberg History and Creation	Playwriting
11:15 am - 12:45 pm	Neuro-Energy I	Egyptian Mythology
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm	Lunch***
2:00 - 3:30 pm	Biochemistry	Artists Like Me
3:45 - 5:15 pm	Chemistry II: Organic Chemistry*	Ecology

 

* These classes have a $25 Course Materials Fee

*** Students should bring their own lunch. Lunch is supervised outdoor time with like-minded peers.

All classes are held at the IEA Learning Center located at 625 Fair Oaks Ave., Suite 288 in South Pasadena, California (across the hall from the IEA main office).

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Spring 2013 Class Schedule

Spring Session 2013 classes meet once per week for eight sessions from April 1 to May 25. Students may take as few or as many courses as they would like. Some classes are offered on alternative days for scheduling convenience.

* These classes have a $25 Course Materials Fee

All classes are held at the IEA Learning Center located at 625 Fair Oaks Ave., Suite 288 in South Pasadena, California (across the hall from the IEA main office).

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Class Descriptions

Academic and Personal Strengths Coaching (Grades 5-8) (New Class!)

During this valuable life skills course, students will have the unique opportunity to become more self-aware of how to embrace their personality’s individual strengths and how to manage its weaknesses. Students will gain empowering tools on how to approach their academic and personal lives with a sense of purpose, passion, and fulfillment. We will cover topics such as learning styles, motivation styles, resiliency, time management, stress, effective leadership, communication, and how to break down goals into positive, sustainable action steps within the student’s control. With increased self-awareness, young adults can gain the confidence needed to be able to better handle the academic and personal challenges of middle school and high school.

 

Artists Like Me (New Class!)

This class investigates the life and work of artists whose fascinating creations inspire, surprise, and influence how we see ourselves and the world around us. Using marvelous works of art as their point of entry, students will explore the minds of artists as well as learn about their lives and what inspires their work. Visits from contemporary artists and hands-on material investigations will round out their adventures.

Art of Science

This class examines the meaning of art and its relation to science, studying topics such as form and function in design, the nature of color, the beauty of biology, properties of light and optics, and the exploratory process of inventions. Students will explore new ways of thinking about the materials, processes, and tools in advanced fields like architecture, biology, chemistry, astronomy, and engineering. Students are encouraged to pursue their creativity artistically in engaging media such as drawing, painting, building, and film.

Astronomy I

This class will provide a conceptual introduction to the universe. Students will learn about the Big Bang theory, stars and constellations, black holes, planets, the solar system, and the structure and evolution of galaxies. Supplemental evening field trips will include a visit to the Griffith Observatory and Samuel Oschin Planetarium as well as guided stargazing through Galileoscopes.

 

Astronomy II: Astrophysics (New Class!)

This course teaches the scientific method and physical principles through the use of astronomy. Expanding on subjects learned in Astronomy I, we go into the details of telescopes, CCD cameras, photometry, magnetism, and gravity. Distances and parallaxes, black body radiation, and science fiction will also be the focus of this course. Astronomy II includes a field trip to look through telescopes at Mt. Wilson.

Prerequisite: Astronomy I.

 

Biochemistry

It’s time to focus our chemistry knowledge inward and explore the world of biochemistry! We will study the chemistry that takes place in living organisms, such as metabolism, respiration, and photosynthesis. There is an emphasis on the molecular structure of life (DNA, RNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and how such large and complex molecules can be created and used in pathways and cycles that happen in the cell. We will explore the structure and function of Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP), the citric acid cycle, and the importance of enzymes in the inner workings of a typical organism – humans like us, for instance!

Prerequisites: Students should have an understanding of general and organic chemistry. Recommended prerequisites: Chemistry I & II.

 

Brave New World - Narrative Writing in the Sci-Fi Genre (New Class!)

'Oh Brave New World’–this exciting new course is designed to take you into the world of challenging Sci-Fi Literature. Through a reading of key works by men and women, from Mary Shelley to Aldous Huxley and beyond, we will explore the worlds imagined and at times feared by those who write in the Sci-Fi genre. This course will give you the opportunity to think through and debate the implications of scientific discovery; to place texts in their historical contexts; and, in the end, to try your hand at writing your own story in the Sci-Fi genre.

Prerequisite: Students must be able to read at the 5th grade level.

 

Chemistry I: General Chemistry

This class covers the fundamental principles of chemistry. Important topics include atoms, molecules, the periodic table and trends, orbitals, and electron configuration. We study types of chemical bonds, Lewis structures, stoichiometry, and the ideal gas law. Students will also learn about phases of matter, intermolecular forces, and balancing chemical equations. This class involves discussion, demonstration, hands-on experiments, and the use of molecular model kits to help students relate chemistry concepts.

 

Chemistry II: Organic Chemistry 

Building on the foundations of Chemistry I, students investigate a relatively new and exciting area of modern chemistry: organic chemistry! The focus of this course is to study the properties, structure, and reactions of organic compounds. We will cover several important topics: resonance, valence bond theory, molecular geometry, and hybridization. Students will learn a new scientific language as they begin to identify organic molecules. Some of the most popular reactions and mechanisms in “Ochem” will be covered in this class. Molecular model kits are heavily used to build understanding. This class is guaranteed to increase students’ knowledge of both organic chemistry and general chemistry!

Prerequisites: Students should have an understanding of general chemistry. Recommended prerequisite: Chemistry I.

 

Chemistry Lab (New Class!)

Students examine the interactions of matter at the molecular and atomic levels, often using common substances that may be found in their own kitchens. Emphases are on hands-on experience with both common and specialized materials and tools, organization of thought using the appropriate technical vocabulary, and practicing systematic observation habits. Major topics include: chemical versus physical changes, acid-base interactions, and biopolymers.

 

Ecology

Students will explore concepts of ecology and environmental science with emphasis on Southern California plants and animals. This course will expose students to focused areas including botany, ornithology, and entomology as well as taxonomy, ecoregions, and ecological theories. Learning will focus on a hands-on approach and guided discovery of the natural world.

 

Egyptian Mythology (New Class!)

Where does the sun “go” when it sets, and why does it rise in the East again with every dawn? Before science there was myth, and Egyptians answered this question with the myth of their Sun God Ra and his Night Boat journey to the Land of the Dead. Enter the fascinating world of Egyptian Mythology, rich in symbolism, spirits, nature and animal gods, and magic. Investigate the struggle between good and evil, the cycles of rebirth, and the judgment of those passed. Find out how the weight of your heart, balanced against Ma’at’s Feather of Truth, determined your worthiness to enter the afterlife—and whether or not the “mummy’s curse” is true!

 

Games and Theory

This class focuses on a range of games from tic-tac-toe to chess and encourages students to think conceptually about the theory and strategy behind them. We will bring this exciting area of math to life through demonstrations of classic games and show how thinking about a game as a pay-out matrix builds not just math skills, but the foundation of modern economics and social science, as well.

 

The Female Hero in Myth and Literature (Girls Grades 3-8)

This is a new literature study for girls in grades 3-8. This course will focus on epic poems, heroes’ journeys, and excerpts from literature to support a female hero theme. Students will review the traditional hero’s journey and contrast it with specific heroines in myth and literature. Selected literature and discussion will emphasize female heroes from the frontier, present day, Greek myth, and Native American settings. The study of female relationships in friendship and family will provide core topics for discussion.

Prerequisite: Girls who take this course should be able to read at the fifth grade level.

 

Looking for Shakespeare - led by lead actors from the Independent Shakespeare Company (New Class!)

Taking Macbeth as the starting point of our journey, we will explore the thrilling and diverse world of Shakespeare in and through performance. You will learn the art of verse speaking, connect text with context, and investigate Shakespeare's dramatic genres. Mastery will be celebrated and demonstrated through a project and a final performance of key scenes.

Molecular Biology

Biology is a large field devoted to the study of living things and their processes. This course will focus on molecular biology. Students will study cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, evolution and classification, and diversity of living organisms and their ecological roles. Students will be introduced to animal structure and function. Techniques of molecular biology will be explored: expression cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, macromolecule blotting and probing, arrays, and bioinformatics.

 

Mysteries of History

Have you ever wondered if King Tut's tomb was actually cursed? Or how Stonehenge was built? This class will examine the social and cultural factors that contribute to the creation of a legend,  and the factual details that support or denounce the myth. Concepts from political science, sociology, ancient history and economics will be examined in the context of these famous mysteries to truly find out  what is fact and what is fiction.  Students will learn how to write persuasively, form opinions, and debate fellow classmates.

 

Mythometry - The Structure of Narrative

The Greek word 'mythos' means 'story' (or 'narrative') and 'metria' means to take measurements. In this class, we will read excerpts from some of the classic stories from ancient civilizations, including Homer and Virgil, their modern re-interpretations, and also consider the mathematical structure underlying them. We will read these stories with the aim of enjoying them, but also to develop critical thinking skills and useful mathematical analysis methods. This is a class designed to stimulate and synthesize literary and mathematical abilities while also giving students a chance to exercise their own writing skills.

Prerequisites: Students should be comfortable reading silently and reading aloud. Students should also know arithmetic, including multiplication.

 

Neuro-Energy I

Learn the basic electronics and biology of the brain. What is it made out of? What is electricity and how do neurons use it to transmit information? Students will learn some cellular neurobiology to identify the major parts of the neuron as well as the mathematics of how they process electrical information. Can you use your mind to control electric flow? Students will build a galvanic skin response meter, the basis of the modern "lie detector," and test whether or not this technology is actually useful for detecting lies.

Prerequisites: Students should be comfortable multiplying and dividing, have some experience with fractions, and possess a willingness to learn about abstract mathematical ideas.

 

Neuro-Energy II: Intro to Computer Programming

Learn how to harness the power of your computer to create interactive graphics and games to share with your friends, family, and the world. We teach the important skill of computer programming with fun examples in JavaScript, a language that is great for beginners and is easy to run on any computer. We will create animations, invent games, and program simulations of the brain taught in Neuro-Energy I. In class demonstration on the projector will teach students how to use the tools that come standard on all personal computers to immediately bring their imaginations to life.

Prerequisites: Students should be proficient in typing and comfortable operating a computer. Neuro-Energy I recommended. Homework: Programming assignments.

 

Playwriting (New Class!)

Learning the modalities of playwriting helps students become better writers, actors, and critics. This class sharpens students' creative writing skills and teaches them the essential elements of playwriting and character development. Through the reading of one-act plays, practice writing exercises, and interactive acting games, students will learn the craft of playwriting. Students will learn to identify and define a dramatic arc and then write scenes and create their own one-act plays to perform and recite.

Prerequisites: Students who take this course should be able to write multiple paragraphs comprising one writing composition as well as read at the fifth grade level.

 

Primary Advanced Math (K-1st Grade Students)

This class is for advanced kindergartners and first graders who want to go deeper into math exploration. Number sense, algebra, measurement, geometry, probability, statistics, and mathematical reasoning will be the content area focus of this course. Math enrichment strategies such as magic squares, number systems, schematics, sequences, patterns, Fibonacci numbers, and art will be used to further solidify advanced content comprehension.

 

Rocket to Calculus

This class makes use of actual rockets and simulations to teach students the basics of algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus. Students will learn conceptual physics at the same time as they learn the math behind the intuition. Calculations will be brought to life with a real rocket launch! Some of the rockets we use have cameras in the tips, so your child's high altitude launch can be a youtube sensation.

Prerequisites: Students who take this course should know their multiplication and division facts and have had exposure to fractions and decimals.

 

Rube Goldberg History and Creation (New Class!)

Over the course of this class, students will become modern day Rube Goldbergs as they design and build a machine named after the American cartoonist and inventor. Students will first learn the history and mechanics behind popular Rube Goldberg machines and then set off to build their own contraption that relies on a chain reaction to do simple tasks. As part of an interdisciplinary class which combines engineering, math, and science concepts, students will propel themselves through new information as they work to create a final project: an original Rube Goldberg machine!

 

Scientists Like Me

This class follows influential scientists from their childhoods to their great achievements, emphasizing the influences and experiences that molded their minds. Students will sample from a diverse set of scientific fields, reliving and recreating some of the classic experiments that have illuminated our world.

 

Self-Paced Math

 

This math class challenges students to explore mathematical ideas at their own pace and introduces students to math problems in real-life scenarios. The context of each problem provides students a platform for understanding key mathematical concepts. The student may begin the course at any stage of the syllabus and solve problems at his or her own pace, guided by the instructor. Lessons will include interactive activities, learning games, worksheets, and assessments. Students will also be encouraged to watch math videos and play online math games followed by discussion.

 

Small, Cerebral, and Stunning: The Development of Sonnet Form (New Class!)

This course will focus on developing your understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of the sonnet form. We will trace the sonnet through time, exploring sonnet motifs, devices, and the ways in which sonnets were received and interpreted. You will demonstrate mastery by writing and producing your own anthology of poetry, inspired by the texts we will study, as well as through writing an essay where you can showcase your skills as a literary critic.

 

Theatre (New class!)

Curtain's up! In this course, students will have a chance to produce and perform an original one-act play written by the playwriting class. Students will learn about blocking, stage movement, and articulation while having a great time showcasing their talents as performers. They will learn skills about presentation to carry with them into school (and even the real world) -- everyone gets a chance to be a star!

 

Weird and Wonderful - Narrative Writing in the Mystery Genre (New Class!)

 

This exciting course will challenge your reading and help you to hone your creative writing skills. Using the weird and wonderful pictures of Harris Burdick as creative stimulus, whilst we read challenging narratives from nineteenth century Britain, we will explore the generic features of the Mystery Story genre and then use your knowledge and understanding to craft your own Mystery story – red herrings and all!

 

Prerequisite: Students must be able to read at the 5th grade level.

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Summer Tuition

One class: $475
Two classes: $800
Three classes: $1,100
Four classes (full day): $1,300

Tuition may be paid by Visa, Mastercard, or check.

Discounts for multiple classes are for classes taken by a single student in the same session and do not apply across sessions.   

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Spring Tuition

Primary Advanced Math: $200

 

All Other Classes:

      Single class: $350

      Two or more classes: $325 each class

 

Tuition may be paid by Visa, Mastercard, or check.

Discounts for multiple classes are for classes taken by a single student in the same session and do not apply across sessions.   

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Register Today!  Questions? Call us at (626) 403-8900 or email us at Academy@educationaladvancement.org.