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IEA Academy provides students in Kindergarten through 8th grade with advanced enrichment classes that promote exploration and application of knowledge. Courses provide compelling content and appropriate challenges taught at a flexible pace with small classes by highly qualified, dedicated professionals.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2023!
SUMMER 2023 SESSIONS – ONLINE & IN PERSON
IEA Academy is excited to offer a robust schedule of both in-person and online courses for the Summer 2023 session.
 
In-person classes will take place daily Monday through Friday for 90-minute meetings at our Learning Center in Pasadena. In-person classes take full health precautions. Please see our COVID landing page for more information on policies and procedures.
 
Online classes will be held daily Monday through Friday for 60-minute lessons in live online video sessions.
 
IEA is committed to providing the best possible Academy program for your family. All courses will offer hands-on learning and high-level content that fit with IEA’s mission to serve the whole gifted child. In an effort to provide compelling and safe classes, we are committed to maintaining small class sizes for both online and in-person courses.

Financial aid is available for families in need.

Summer 2023 Dates

  • Session 1: June 19 – 30
  • Session 2: July 10 – 21
  • Session 3: July 31 – August 11
  • Early Bird Application Deadline: Monday, May 1
  • Final Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 30 (Extended Deadline for Session 2 and Session 3: Friday, June 23)
FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE!

Financial aid is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis to qualified applicants.

summer 2023 SCHEDULE

If your child is staying for multiple classes in a row, they will be supervised by IEA Staff during the breaks. We will encourage students to eat a snack or lunch from home, as well as provide games and other activities to promote socialization between students.

Summer Session 1 (June 19 – June 30, M-F)

Showing All
Ages 6 to 9
Ages 9 to 12
Ages 10 to 14
Ages 12 to 14
8 am
9 am
10 am
11 am
12 pm
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
5 pm
In Person
In Person
Fungi Fun
9:00 am – 10:30 am
In Person Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 1: In Person from 9:00-10:30am
Calling young mycologists! Come and explore the ancient origins of fungi and amazing ways that fungi could save our planet for future generations. Through experiments and field science, students will explore different ways that fungi can be both helpful and harmful, then come up with their own ideas for fungi-based inventions. A supplies list will be provided upon enrollment in the course. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.”

Probability in Game Design
9:00 am – 10:30 am
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 1: In Person from 9:00-10:30am
What if you knew that every time you played your favorite game, you would win? The game would be no fun! Probability is essential in game design—it can impact gameplay in powerful ways by keeping players on their toes and making each move more exciting than the last. In this course, students will learn about probability’s greatest role in game design through a combination of strategy, mathematical problem solving and spirited play using board games and other engaging activities. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Call of the Wild
9:00 am – 10:30 am
In Person Class
Age Range
10 to 14

Session 1: In Person from 9:00-10:30am
Summer is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, but to get the most out of your nature expeditions, you’ll need some know-how in addition to your hiking gear to venture into the wilderness with confidence and to even lead the pack! In this class, students will learn how to be self-sufficient out on the trail by practicing skills such as knot-tying, map reading, outdoor cooking, and by learning various ways to stay safe in the wilderness including how to distinguish edible plants from poisonous ones. Perhaps most importantly, students will learn how to protect the precious natural environment around them as they put their newfound skills to the test. Mastery will be demonstrated through hands-on activities and discussion. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Robotics: Get Rolling
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 1: In Person from 11:00am-12:30pm
What is a robot, and how does it work? Stretch your imagination by having fun with engineering and coding to explore the world of robotics! In this class, students will become confident learners as they undertake real-world solutions. Skills will be more complex thinking, group cooperation, and problem-solving. Mastery will be demonstrated by the application of the building and coding methods to construct independent and group projects. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $55 materials fee is required for the purchase of a Sphero Mini robot.

*Maker Art History
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 1: In Person from 11:00am-12:30pm
Humans have been making art for at least 30,000 years! Ever since those early cave paintings, art has been an important presence in cultures around the world, from the pyramids of Ancient Egypt and sculptures in Ancient Greece to tapestries in the Middle Ages and ceremonial masks in Africa. In this class, students will explore the great works of well-known painters and sculptors and these artists’ biographies, explanations of techniques, and what inspired them to make art. Students will then create their own multi-media works of art inspired by artistic movements and styles, including pointillism, surrealism, abstract expressionism, and more! MATERIALS REQUIRED: This course requires a $25 materials fee.

*Vertebrate Zoology
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
12 to 14

Session 1: In Person from 11:00am-12:30pm
Ever wonder what makes a cheetah so fast? Ever pondered about why it is only make deer sport antlers? Ever wanted to know how a blue whale can grow to be the biggest animal that’s ever existed? Find out the answers to all these questions and more in Vertebrate Zoology. From the secrets of animal sensory systems to the evolutionary arms race between predator and prey to the science of flight, get ready to to delve deeply into the wonders of the animal kingdom.

*Fun with Fantasy Writing
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Age Range
6-9

Session 1: In Person from 1:00-2:30pm
Have you ever read a book and wished you could walk around in the world it created? From Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, a great fantasy or sci-fi series can change even how we look at the real world around us. In this class, we’ll look at these series, figure out what makes them so engaging, and use those tools in our writing. We’ll write our own parodies and spin-offs of our favorite stories, and work on developing our own fantastic worlds. Through learning writers’ secrets, we’ll find out how to banish writer’s-block, support our fellow authors, and bring people into our stories the same way the best fantasy authors do.

Rube Goldberg: Machines and Mazes
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 1: In Person from 1:00-2:30pm
Students will become modern day Rube Goldbergs as they design and build machines 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 that optimizes potential and kinetic energies. Mastery will be demonstrated by designing and constructing an original Rube Goldberg machine that successfully illustrates an understanding of concepts covered in class. MATERIALS REQUIRED: This course requires a $25 materials fee.

Chemistry Lab
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
12 to 14

Session 1: In Person from 1:00-2:30pm
How do the 118 elements of the periodic table combine and react to create the world around us? Students in this class will be introduced to what makes up the universe and how the most important chemistry discoveries were made by exploring the properties of matter, atomic structure, acids and bases, electrochemistry, types of reactions, and chemical bonds. Through hands-on experimentation, engaging discussion, and examination of groundbreaking chemists throughout history, students will become comfortable predicting reactions and carrying out the scientific method to explain their outcomes. Mastery will be demonstrated by a presentation explaining the work of a past or present chemist of your choice to your classmates. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $35 materials fee is required.

Seeds of Science
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 1: In Person from 2:45-4:15pm
In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of science; chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, life science, and more through hands-on experiments! Starting with fundamental principles like the scientific method and discovery though questioning, students will learn about the micro and macro of science across divisions. From sunlight and photosynthesis to the origin of our Earth and solar system, this class will build a foundation for learning by gathering and evaluating evidence, communicating scientific findings to others, and instilling a quest for knowledge. Mastery will be demonstrated by the application of the scientific method to lab and field experiments, and the construction of creative projects. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Biomimicry Design
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 1: In Person from 3:00-4:30pm
Mother Nature is the ultimate architect and a powerful source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in architecture and design. In this class, students will study the dwellings of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals to rethink and reconsider design structures for humans. A focus on three essential elements – Emulation, Ethos, and Reconnection – will encourage students to translate the elegance of natural structures to solve uniquely human design challenges. Grab your sketchbook, modeling materials, and get ready to design and build with nature as your guide! MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $20 materials fee is required.

Wearable Tech for Cosplay and Roleplay
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
10 to 14

Session 1: In Person from 3:00-4:30pm
Do you want to learn how to use basic electronics to create costumes that light up and respond to sensors? This course will teach you how to use the Micro:bit, a specialized microprocessor that has sensors to detect acceleration, sound, light, and more, and the ability to light up in different patterns in response. Over the course of the two weeks, students will create and take home a basic wearable device that they can use to emulate their favorite superhero(ine), or create their own look! We will also have a few mini-roleplay experiences that will serve as inspiration and backstory for student creations. Mastery will be demonstrated by programming and testing a device. Some programming background (in C, Python, Arduino, etc.) will be helpful but not absolutely required. If students will want to continue developing after class is over, they may want to bring their own laptop computer (not tablet) to install all the needed open-source free software we will use as we go. Students may be asked to bring a hat, belt, etc. as a basis for future costume development. This will be discussed at the first class meeting. MATERIALS REQUIRED: This course requires a $35 materials fee.

Online
Online
*Comics and Graphic Storytelling
Online Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 1: Online from 10:45-11:45am PT
Did you ever consider the difference between poison and venom? In this course, students will take an in-depth look at the animal kingdom’s masters of toxicity, from the tiny by deadly Blue-Ringed Octopus to the world’s longest snake, King Cobra. Topics covered will include how these magnificent creatures create and utilize their toxins, the effects of poison and venom on prey, and safety protocols as precautionary measures should you be on the receiving end of a bite or sting. Mastery will be demonstrated by a final creative project illustrating concepts covered.

*Comics and Graphic Storytelling
Online Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 1: Online from 10:45-11:45am PT
Comics and graphic novels, or sequential art, have become some of the most accessible and engaging media for storytelling in the world. This course will provide students with the tools necessary to carefully balance art and language to construct narratives that bring their original characters and stories to life. Students will learn and apply elements of creation unique to visual storytelling, including drawing and inking techniques, character design, narrative rules, sequencing, page layout, text distribution, and more! By the end of the course, students will have completed a full-length comic, and they will have a roadmap to continue on to even longer visual stories. A list of recommended art supplies will be provided upon enrollment in the course, however, students can successfully participate in the class even with plain blank paper and markers they already have at home.

Walt Disney and Tomorrow: Transportation, Architecture, and Urban Design
Online Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 1: Online from 4:30-5:30pm PT
If you visit Walt Disney’s amusement parks, you’ll find more than a magical kingdom. Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Disney World’s EPCOT are landmarks of Disney’s vision for sustainable urban environments. Students in this class will take inspiration from Disney’s Monsanto House of the Future, Rocket Rods, Monorail and more as they ideate, illustrate and engineer their own models of futuristic landscapes and modes of transportation. Put on your Imagineering hat (or mouse ears) to create the next Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow!

Summer Session 1 (June 19 – June 30, M-F)
In Person

Summer Session 2 (July 10 – 21, M-F)

Showing All
Ages 6 to 9
Ages 9 to 12
Ages 10 to 14
Ages 12 to 14
8 am
9 am
10 am
11 am
12 pm
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
5 pm
In Person
In Person
smARTy Science
9:00 am – 10:30 am
In Person Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 2: In Person from 9:00-10:30am
What chemical reactions can make pigments for painting? Why is it evolutionary advantageous for flowers to be beautiful? What kind of intricate patterns can we observe through a microscope? Scientists of all kinds are inspired by the beauty and order of the world around us, and artists have always used technology and scientific processes as part of their creative endeavors. In this interdisciplinary class, we will become both scientists and artists as we learn scientific concepts through hands-on art projects, and artistic concepts (like balance, harmony, and pattern) through observing the natural world. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Leave Your Sleep: Creative Writing
9:00 am – 10:30 am
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 2: In Person from 9:00-10:30am
Enter the world of sleeping giants, river raft adventures and brave young hearts! Through music, literature and art, there is no nodding off in this creative writing class inspired by the curriculum, Leave Your Sleep for Education. Students will explore a short literary work through its musical interpretation, then apply newly acquired skills, perspectives, and problem-solving strategies to their own written work. This Writers Workshop-style class will encourage students to experiment with word choice, syntax, rhythm and rhyme to bring fresh possibilities to character development, setting and plot. Mastery will be demonstrated by the creation of a short written piece in the students’ genre of choice which illustrates independent thinking and progress in reading, writing, and verbal expression. LYSFE is an initiative created by Gifted Support Center, Inc. that provides arts and music curriculum for elementary school children and serves as a supplement to the Leave Your Sleep publication by Natalie Merchant and the children’s author Barbara McClintock.

MakeBot Challenges
9:00 am – 10:30 am
In Person Class
Age Range
10 to 14

Session 2: In Person from 9:00am-10:30pm
Students in this class will be presented with advanced robot challenges through research, testing and building designs using multi-port Hub motors and actuators. Skills will be higher ordered thinking, group cooperation, and problem solving. Mastery will be demonstrated by the application of the engineering and coding methods in field challenges, and the construction of creative projects. Note: This course requires the purchase of a mBot Robot Kit. Price varies depending on seller. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $85 materials fee is required for the purchase of a Makeblock mBot Smart STEM.

Kinetic Engineering
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 2: In Person from 11:00am-12:30pm
Pop it up, fling it far, light it up, and make it climb. Use circuits, stored energy, friction, and mechanical motion and make your creations MOVE! Each session will introduce students to a simple mechanism that will allow their creations to come to life. Throughout the course, students will be given challenges with specific criteria and constraints. We will work through the design process (Explore –>Plan –>Create –>Test –>Refine) to solve these challenges. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Coder Z
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 2: In Person from 11:00am-12:30pm
CoderZ is an engineer’s dream, an online platform where students will build and program virtual robots. Through engaging activities, students will explore the world of engineering and coding language (block coding based on MIT’s Scratch), as they animate their programmable robots. We will research and test designs and develop our bots to overcome field challenges with obstacles and turns such as “Adventure Peak”. Each class will provide students with the tools to define a problem, create a solution and share their results. Mastery will be demonstrated by the application of the engineering and coding methods in field challenges, and the construction of creative solutions. MATERIALS NEEDED: A $40 materials fee is required for the purchase of a CoderZ license.

Organic Chemistry
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Age Range
12-14

Session 2: In Person from 11:00am-12:30pm
Orbitals, isomers, chirality, valence bonds, benzene rings…organic chemistry is a language all its own! Students will increase their O-Chem fluency by delving into the structure, properties, reactions, and mechanisms of organic (or carbon-containing) compounds. This class will expand upon any previous chemistry knowledge of functional groups and Lewis structures to molecular geometry, valence bond theory, and hybridization. By the end of the course, students should be able to predict how various carbon-containing compounds will react or restructure themselves based on the chemicals and conditions present. Mastery will be demonstrated by students’ ability to identify, differentiate and utilize organic compounds to generate chemical reactions through calculations and laboratory exercises. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $35 materials fee is required.

Math for Future Scientists
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 2: In Person from 1:00-2:30pm
Students in this class will go beyond grade level science standards by diving into challenging concepts that integrate mathematical applications across scientific fields. Through hands-on, inquiry-based activities, students will learn to convert miles to light years as astronomers, balance equations as chemists, calculate ratio and proportions as medical doctors, learn coding as computer scientists, and more! Mastery will be demonstrated by the ability to problem-solve across scientific disciplines using math, and the creation of a final project illustrating concepts covered. MATERIALS REQUIRED: This course has a $25 materials fee.

*Aeronautics and Astronautics
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 2: In Person from 1:00-2:30pm
Do you want to be a rocket scientist? Students will create and test 3D printed models of classic wings and analyze them. Then they will start from this base and create and test their own wings for different applications. Next, we will leave the atmosphere to develop models of orbits, gravity wells and gravitational waves, and understand how some simple rules determine how planets and spacecraft fly around our solar system. Finally, we will move out into the galaxy a little farther and find out how scientists know that there are planets around other stars. Students will demonstrate mastery by creating and being able to explain various kinds of physical and software models. A little coding experience is helpful but not essential. MATERIALS REQUIRED: This course has a $25 materials fee.

Puzzle Room Design
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
12 to 14

Session 2: In Person from 1:00-2:30pm
Escape the room by thinking your way out! Students in this class will work through puzzles, determine how to make them harder or easier to solve, then learn how to layer a series of clues to create a multidimensional brain teaser for the design of their own puzzle room based on a theme of their choosing. Will your friends be able to piece together your clues and crack your codes? Find out in this class that will have everyone doing mental gymnastics. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $40 materials fee is required for the purchase of a custom-built, take-home lockbox with limitless puzzling potential.

Earth Alive
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 2: In Person from 3:00-4:30pm
Have you ever wondered why Earth is so different today than it was millions of years ago? Students in this class will explore Earth as a dynamic and living planet as they conduct lab experiments and fun activities that investigate questions spanning geologic time, from the emergence of life on the earliest Earth, to its occurrence in weird, wonderful, and extreme environments today. From geology and biology to the in-between of geobiology, students will discover how natural forces and humans impact the Earth’s landscape and livability, including some of the greatest examples, right here in California! MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

*Make: Geometry and Trig
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 2: In Person from 3:00-4:30pm
Geometry and trigonometry have very practical roots in making things. We will use a mix of 3D prints, paper, and some common household items to build intuition and estimation skills. We start with the basics (rectangular solids, circles) and go on to conic sections, astronomy and architecture applications, and more. We will demonstrate with models created in OpenSCAD (http://www.openscad.org/) which is an open-source, free CAD program that allows students to learn geometrical concepts like translation, rotation and scaling by manipulating virtual geometrical figures. Students will use open-source 3D printable models developed by the instructors for their book Make: Geometry (and the upcoming Make: Trigonometry). Selected models will be 3D printed at IEA. Mastery will be demonstrated by the student’s ability to go beyond basic understanding by modifying and enhancing these models. Some coding experience will be helpful but is not absolutely needed. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

*Architectural Design with Light and Shadow
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
12 to 14

Session 2: In Person from 3:00-4:30pm
In the design of space, light can build spatial shape, redirect sight, and even heighten our experience of time. Equally important are the effects of shadow, which can intensify and change the observer’s experience. In this class, students will study the power of light and shadow in architectural design, then sketch, model, and create their own unique Solar Pavilion – a space meant to reconnect people to the environment. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $20 materials fee is required.

Online
Online
Virtual Escape: Mansion Mystery
Online Class
Age Range
10 to 14

Session 2: Online from 10:45-11:45am PT
Your team of investigators has been hired to solve a mystery at the strange and remote Shady Hollow Mansion. Together you will gather information and clues to solve puzzles, reveal passwords, and decipher codes. Clues and hints could be anywhere; solving one puzzle may provide the clue to unlock another! The mystery will be impossible to solve without the help of your investigative team, so collaborating, communicating, and sharing with your teammates will be an important part of successfully advancing through the case; however, you must also keep your discoveries safe from prying eyes! In order to ensure only your team will be able to access important information, you will need to create your own codes and puzzles for your teammates to solve before they can safely unlock the information you want to share. Can your team solve the mystery in time? This escape-room inspired course will encourage students to observe, gather and evaluate evidence, think critically (and laterally!), communicate findings, and problem solve in a collaborative setting. Mastery will be demonstrated through group problem solving and creation of original puzzles. Course requirements: Students must be comfortable with communicating and collaborating as part of team.

Virtual Escape: Mansion Mystery
Online Class
Age Range
10 to 14

Session 2: Online from 9:30-10:30am PT
Your team of investigators has been hired to solve a mystery at the strange and remote Shady Hollow Mansion. Together you will gather information and clues to solve puzzles, reveal passwords, and decipher codes. Clues and hints could be anywhere; solving one puzzle may provide the clue to unlock another! The mystery will be impossible to solve without the help of your investigative team, so collaborating, communicating, and sharing with your teammates will be an important part of successfully advancing through the case; however, you must also keep your discoveries safe from prying eyes! In order to ensure only your team will be able to access important information, you will need to create your own codes and puzzles for your teammates to solve before they can safely unlock the information you want to share. Can your team solve the mystery in time? This escape-room inspired course will encourage students to observe, gather and evaluate evidence, think critically (and laterally!), communicate findings, and problem solve in a collaborative setting. Mastery will be demonstrated through group problem solving and creation of original puzzles. Course requirements: Students must be comfortable with communicating and collaborating as part of team.

Marine Biodiversity
Online Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 2: Online from 1:00-2:00pm PT
Life began in the oceans millions of years ago, and to this day, the sea still holds uncountable mysteries. We will be taking an in-depth (pun intended!) look at the amazing and diverse animal species that inhabit the ocean. Over the course of this class, you get the chance to examine and handle real animal artifacts and fossils and learn amazing facts about animal morphology, anatomy, evolution, behavior, ecology, and more. Each lesson will focus on a different group of marine organisms and our curriculum will cover the following subjects: sharks and rays, bony fish, marine mammals, sea birds, marine reptiles, invertebrates, and even sea monsters. We will also take a look at the impact humans have had on the marine environment. Grab your scuba mask, hold your breath, and get ready to take the plunge into marine biodiversity!

Genetics: A Splice of Life
Online Class
Age Range
12 to 14

Session 2: Online from 2:15-3:15pm PT
This class will provide students with knowledge of genetics through an overview of the history of the study of inheritance, a discussion of the origins of genetic variation and diversity, DNA replication mechanisms, and real-life applications. Students will also learn about the mutations in the human genome that cause genetic disorders, and discuss the development of genetic techniques, such as sequencing and genetic engineering, and its role scientific research and modern medicine. Mastery will be demonstrated by accurate predictions and conclusions based on genetic data, fluency in genetic terminology and pathologies, and an understanding of both the positive implications and potential problems associated with genetic engineering techniques. Pre-requisites: Students must be comfortable with higher levels of probability math problems and general knowledge of DNA as the mechanism for inheritance.

Space and UFOs
Online Class
4:30pm – 5:30pm PT
Age Range
6-9

Do you ever gaze into the starry night and wonder, “Is there intelligent life outside our own galaxy?” Do you want to know more about UFOs and how sightings described as green fireballs, ghost rockets and ships in the sky can be explained? Are you fascinated by the wonders of space and technological advancements in space travel? In this class, students will explore what is fact, what is fiction, and what remains a mystery through inquiry-based discussion, creative problem-solving and hands-on projects to get closer to the age-old question of “what is out there?”

Summer Session 2 (July 10 – 21, M-F)
In Person

Summer Session 3 (July 31 – August 11, M-F)

Showing All
Ages 6 to 9
Ages 9 to 12
Ages 10 to 14
Ages 12 to 14
8 am
9 am
10 am
11 am
12 pm
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
5 pm
In Person
In Person
Math for Future Architects
9:00 am – 10:30 am
In Person Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 3: In Person from 9:00-10:30am
Did you know that the link between math and architecture goes back to ancient times, when the two disciplines were virtually indistinguishable? Pyramids and temples were some of the earliest examples of mathematical principles at work. Today, math continues to feature prominently in building design, from the Kunsthaus Graz in Austria, to Seattle’s Central Library, to LA’s Disney Concert Hall. Through math games and hands-on projects, students will advance their application of geometry concepts such as dimensions and conversions, area and volume, shapes and angles, 2- and 3- dimensional pictures, rays, lines, segments, and more! Mastery will be demonstrated by students’ ability to independently construct and create structures, building on their intuition that Math + Design = Awesome. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Medieval Battle Tech: Land and Sea
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Age Range
9-12

Session 3: In Person from 9:00am-10:30pm
Technology is often driven by the need to defend territories or the desire to conquer new ones. In this class, students will learn about offensive and defensive techniques in medieval warfare. They will learn Tinkercad to design and 3D print models of some of these. Students will then take on the role of military advisors and invent “secret weapons” that would have been plausible at the time but were not invented until much later. For the final sessions of the course, we will role play famous land and naval battles of the period, but with a twist! Students will incorporate their own secret weapons to the respective sides. Mastery will be demonstrated by being able to discuss and apply strategy and technology appropriate to the period. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $10 materials fee is required.

Journalism
9:00 am – 10:30 am
In Person Class
Age Range
12 to 14

Session 3: In Person from 9:00am-10:30pm
Students in this class will learn to think and communicate as journalists, observing the world around them to uncover stories inspired by their passions and interests. Guided by the principles of the Journalist’s Creed, students will learn how to communicate their findings in print, online or broadcast media and across a variety of journalistic forms including investigative, watchdog, opinion, entertainment and more! By digging into the who, what, when, where, why and how of their chosen topics, students will develop their critical thinking skills and expand upon their research tools to communicate effectively with their audie

Page One: Creative Writing
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
6-9

Session 3: In Person from 11:00am-12:30pm
Welcome to page one, where writing springs from imagination! This course will draw inspiration straight from the stories, poems, lyrics and even comic books that students love most. Through short reading and writing exercises, students will learn how word choice, syntax, rhythm and rhyme bring setting, characters and plot to life. Interactive games and creative projects will build skills and confidence through exploration, experimentation and play. Mastery will be demonstrated by the creation of a short written work in the student’s genre of choice, which illustrates independent thinking and progress in reading, writing, and verbal expression.

STEAM Challenges
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 3: In Person from 11:00am-12:30pm
Calling all engineers, inventors, and builders! Get ready to take on exciting challenges that will put your innovation to the test. This course will present students with a task that combines science, technology, engineering, art, and math, then they’ll work to creatively accomplish the feat while following the guidelines. These challenges support both independence and teamwork skills while strengthening engineering intuition and hands-on building techniques. Mastery will be demonstrated by completion of a final independent STEAM challenge that will show students’ abilities to create a prototype and improve upon it based on its success. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

*Make Calculus
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Age Range
10-14

Session 3: In Person from 11:00am-12:30pm
When Isaac Newton developed calculus in the 1600s, he drew a lot of pictures and saw it as a tool to study how things move and change. After that, it got buried in a lot of algebra and symbols. Suppose Newton had owned a 3D printer? Maybe calculus would still be taught with pictures and models. We will take an intuitive approach to calculus that starts off by using LEGO bricks to gain intuition on basic calculus concepts, and then moves on to 3D prints and other hands-on items. Students will use open-source, 3D printable models developed by the instructors for their book Make: Calculus. Mastery will be demonstrated by being able to use and modify the models used in the class. Selected models will be 3D printed at IEA. MATERIALS REQUIRED: A $25 materials fee is required.

Astronomy Adventures
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
6 to 9

Session 3: In Person from 1:00-2:30pm
Young astronomers prepare to blast off into a deep exploration of all things outer space! This hands-on course will have students act as experimenters, scholars, and theorizers as each lesson takes them deeper into the field of astronomy. From the Ancient Greeks to modern day, students will investigate how astronomers have come to understand the scientific principles that govern our universe as they zoom in to stars and out to distant galaxies! Mastery will be demonstrated by creative projects that illustrate understanding of concepts covered.

Buy Me That! A Kid's Survival Guide to Advertising
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 3: In Person from 1:00-2:30pm
This class is a mini-consumer education course, designed to inform kids of the tricks and psychological methods that are used in advertising to target children. Inspired by the educational TV series, “Buy Me That”, we will trace the history of advertising, study different forms of advertising, and especially examine television and video game ads. Students will get to design their own print ads and make their own one-minute commercials to sell a product that they have invented. Mastery will be demonstrated by students designing and shooting their own one-minute commercial in which they illustrate advertisement techniques discussed in class.

Oral Histories
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
12 to 14

Session 3: In Person from 1:00-2:30pm
Humans have been communicating their ideas and beliefs using their voices for thousands of years. Even with our technology, a human speaking is the most powerful persuasive tool there is. Presenting ideas and opinions orally is a skill essential to most careers and educational situations. In this class, students will examine the records of words that have that have shaped cultures from political speeches to literature and drama and learn what historical effects they had. Then students will practice in order to grow more comfortable with oral presentation, beginning with very short fragments and gradually extending the length of the document they will read aloud.

And then What? Improv 101
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
6-14

Session 3: In Person from 3:00-4:30pm
Look no further than your internal toolbox to transform fears of “What should I do?” into “Let’s go with it!” Students in this class will survey the history and grand masters of the art of improv, then dive into experimentation with basic techniques and forms by crafting their own short sketches. Whether inspired by the miraculous or deceptively mundane, students will be challenged to think on their feet and to really tune in to their fellow collaborators and the “game” of the scene.

World Geography
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
9 to 12

Session 3: In Person from 3:00-4:30pm
Dust off your compass for an adventure across the globe to discover the why behind the where—Geography! In this class, students will locate cities, countries and territories to examine how the natural environment impacts human culture, from the structures they build, to the resources they use and trade, to the borders they share with neighbors. By comparing and contrasting earth’s physical properties in places as diverse as Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and Qatar, students will broaden their understanding of the human societies that spread across it.

Geobiology
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
In Person Class
Age Range
10 to 14

Session 3: In Person from 3:00-4:30pm
The term “Geobiologist” can mean many things in today’s changing scientific landscape, yet one thing remains true: geobiologists seek to connect the historical narratives of solid, liquid, and gaseous earth with the evolution of life. These relationships occur in both directions: earth shaping life, and life shaping earth. In this class, students will journey from the massively debated “beginning” of life on earth, and weave a narrative through experimentation and scientific inquiry covering topics such as microbial evolution, atmospheric chemistry, isotopic biomarkers, and biologically driven geologic processes. Mastery will be demonstrated by a final project that illustrates student understanding of concepts covered.

Online
Online
Secrets of the Snake
Online Class
Age Range
10 to 14

Session 3: Online from 13:00-14:00am PT
Snakes are some of the most feared creatures on planet Earth, and yet they are also one of the most misunderstood. In this class, students will learn all there is to know about snakes, from their evolution and biodiversity to their locomotion and senses, to their rightful place in the labyrinth of human history, religion and folklore. Students will have the opportunity to interact with live pet serpents, then build on their knowledge to construct an original serpentarium that exhibits their understanding and appreciate for what makes a snake a snake.

Pathology of Viruses
Online Class
Age Range
12-14

Session 3: Online from 2:15-3:15am PT
The goal of this class is to instruct students on the molecular biology and biochemistry of viruses and infections. Students will learn the fundamentals of virus structure, virus multiplication (lytic and lysogenic cycles), disease mechanisms, prevention and intervention of infection, and how viruses pose threats to human and animal health through emergence and evolution. We will also discuss selected examples of viruses that impact our world and everyday life. At the course’s conclusion, students will understand principles and themes in modern-day virology, including virus pathogenesis, vaccination, anti-viral drugs, and gene therapy.

*Women Inventors and Scientists
Online Class
Age Range
9-12

Session 3: Online from 4:30-5:30pm PT
You are probably familiar with Marie Curie and her theory of radioactivity, or Grace Hopper and her pioneering work in computer programming, but what about Katalin Karikó, Jennifer Doudna, and Dr. Shirley Jackson? In the class, students will learn about key advancements in the fields of astronomy, paleontology, genetics, medicine and more as they explore the life and work of inventors and scientists who transcended society’s pressures and norms of what women can and should be able to achieve.

Summer Session 3 (July 31 – August 11, M-F)
In Person

To be notified when information about new Academy sessions becomes available, please sign up for our email list and indicate an interest in Academy.

Summer 2023 TUITION
  • 90 Minute In Person – $425 for 15 hours of in-person instruction
  • 60 Minute Online – $250 for 10 hours of online instruction

Materials

Some additional materials fees and supply purchases may apply and will be listed in the course description. A full supplies list will be provided in the syllabus upon your child’s confirmed enrollment.

Summer 2023 Discounts

  • Multiple class discount: $20 off for each additional class
  • Early bird discount: $20 off total tuition for enrolling by May 1
  • Sibling discount: Siblings enrolled in the same session will receive $20 off each student’s total tuition.
  • Referral discount: $20 off total tuition for both referred and referring families

FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE!

In an effort to ensure all qualified families have access to programming, IEA offers financial aid packages for families in need. 

Financial aid is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis to qualified applicants. Please click here to fill out a Financial Aid Request form to receive IEA’s Financial Aid materials.

PAYMENT AND REFUNDS

Tuition may be paid by Visa, MasterCard, or check (made payable to Institute for Educational Advancement).

As soon as your child’s courses are confirmed with the minimum number of enrolled students, a $75 enrollment deposit per confirmed course is due. Enrollment deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable should your child withdraw their enrollment prior to or after the first class meeting. The remaining tuition balance less the deposit amount and applied discounts will be posted to your account and due after the first class meeting. There are no refunds for withdrawals after the second class meeting.

If you will be paying tuition in part or in full using charter school funds, please contact us at academy@educationaladvancement.org. IEA is an approved vendor with many charter schools, including:

  • Blue Ridge (part of Inspire Charter Schools)
  • Golden Valley
  • iLead
  • Sage Oak
  • Sky Mountain
  • Ocean Grove
  • Compass
  • Epic
“We couldn’t have imagined a more ideal learning environment: one that combines high level academics with instructors who are consistently interested and nurturing.”

–– Academy Parent

Classes for gifted children
Institute for Educational Advancement - Connecting bright minds; nurturing intellectual and personal growth

“WE DO UNIQUE, FUN EXPERIMENTS AND ACTIVITIES TO FURTHER OUR UNDERSTANDING OF DEMANDING CONCEPTS, SUCH AS CREATING A DIAGRAM OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM MADE OUT OF DIFFERENT FOOD ITEMS TO HELP DEMONSTRATE EACH PLANET’S QUALITIES.”

– – Academy Student

“THE CLASSES AT IEA ARE CONTENT RICH. THIS IS IMPORTANT WHEN YOU NEED TO FEED AN INTELLECTUALLY HUNGRY STUDENT WHO THRIVES ON LEARNING.”

–– Academy Student

Institute for Educational Advancement - Connecting bright minds; nurturing intellectual and personal growth

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