Summer Scholars

Title: Survey of US History
Dates: June 26 to August 4, 2023
Monday to Thursday (in person), Friday meets online
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Grades: 11-12
Fee: $2,400
Register here

Special Note: This course is 120 hours and eligible for US History credit. A student will be graded using the OKS grading system to receive credit. Students may not miss more than two classes. Missing more than two classes will result in no credit for this course. Non-OKS students, please get in touch with your school’s guidance department. A minimum of five students is required to run this course.

Description:

This survey course focuses on twentieth-century United States history by highlighting themes of the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. Examination of primary sources and interpretive readings enhances the analysis of key developments from 1900 to 1990. The course emphasizes research and essay writing as primary skills.

Students may apply for honors standing in this class.

Title: Algebra I and Some Fun
Dates: June 26 to July 27, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades: 7-11
Fee: $1,595
Register here

This class gives students a solid preview of high school algebra I. The course will review the concept of variables (studied in pre-algebra) and emphasize operations with variables. Students devote a significant portion of the course to studying topics such as graphing, solving equations and inequalities, factoring, exponents and radicals, rational expressions, and linear systems. Each class begins with a thorough review of the previous homework assignment, introducing new material, individual instruction on problem worksheets, and work on the board. Math games, critical-thinking problems, and fun teamwork projects are added to make the overall experience creative and bring mathematics to life. Students are expected to complete daily homework and classwork assignments without the stress of cumulative assessments. Extra help is available if needed. No text is required for this class; the course is based upon material gleaned from several sources, with the Oak Knoll algebra I curriculum serving as the foundation. Lesson handouts and assignment sheets are provided daily, and students must keep this course material organized in a binder. After this course, students will be ready to succeed in their high school programs.

“Mr. Cardell’s Algebra I camp was a great addition to my summer, as he combined learning math with fun games. I entered my eighth-grade year of math with ease, knowing that Mr. Cardell had prepared me for it over the summer.” T, grade 8.

An Oak Knoll rising senior will act as Mr. Cardell’s student intern this summer. She will be available to work with him on lesson plans and to help with individual guided instruction.

Title: Algebra II Workshop
Dates: July 10 – July 27, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 8-10 a.m.
Grades: 9-12
Fee: $675
Register here

This course will help prepare students entering Algebra 2 in the Fall. It will continue to build students’ prior skills with algebraic and geometric concepts. Students will be introduced to many problem-solving sets they will see in their Algebra 2 courses. The first two will cover solving equations, graphing, probability, and advanced polynomials. The final week will focus on topics of review requested by the students.

Title: Geometry
Dates: June 26 – July 27, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades: 8-11
Fee: $1,595
Register here

Euclidean geometry is the basis for this course. The course begins with points, lines, planes, and space – the building blocks of geometry. Students analyze the congruency of triangles, polygons, the Pythagorean Theorem, similar polygons, circles, areas, parallel lines, and volumes. Formal proofs are an emphasis throughout the course. Computer software complements selected topics. The enrichment course will give the student a solid high school geometry course preview. Students will be expected to complete daily homework assignments without the stress of cumulative assessments. After this course, a student will be ready to succeed in their high school program.

Required Material: Geometry – McDougal Littell Jurgensen, published by Great Source Education Group ISBN 0-395-97727-4

Title: Introduction to Physics
Dates: August 7-10, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Times: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. OR 1-3 p.m.
Fee: $225/session
Grades: 9
Register here

Are you interested in understanding what ninth-grade physics is all about? If so, this summer one-week preview class is for you! Mr. Williams, who teaches freshman physics courses at Oak Knoll, will run a one-week summer preview of what physics is, what to expect during the school year, and what materials/resources are available to succeed in grade 9 physics. Come join us for some physics, fun lab activities, and some math reviews to help prepare you for the fall.

Title: Pre-Algebra Workshop
Dates:  June 26 – July 20, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades: 6-7
Fee: $1,260
Register here

This math workshop is designed for students entering Pre-Algebra in the fall and will review the basic operations of arithmetic. Students will be introduced to algebraic concepts during the first three weeks and become familiar with basic operations using integers, fractions, decimals, and negative numbers. The following topics will also be covered: basics of equations, using variables, problem-solving, factorization of numbers, and operation properties. The fourth week of the course will focus specifically on topics of review requested by the students.

Title: College Essay Workshop (virtual)
Dates: July 18 to August 3, 2023
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Grades: 12
Fee: $250
Register here

This course is designed to prepare rising seniors to successfully write college application essays. The class will focus on refining compositional and rhetorical skills to respond to Common App and supplemental prompts. Mr. Ben Oxford, an English teacher at Oak Knoll, has many years of experience helping students with their college essays. This course will take place via Zoom.

Title: SAT Math
Dates: July 31 – August 10, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Grades: 10-12
Fee: $450
Register here

This two-week class is designed with several goals in mind. First, students will be well informed about the structure, nature, and scoring of the SAT math test. After a thorough introduction, most sessions will be spent on analyzing and solving different sample math problems taken from various practice SATs. Additionally, this course will focus on the different approaches to problem-solving, test-taking strategies, and the general navigation of standardized tests. A portion of the class time will be spent examining the ACT math test to identify the similarities and differences between this test and the SAT. Individualized attention is a fundamental goal, ensuring that students completing this course will be ready to take an actual test with customized strategies and a specific plan in mind.

Title: SAT Reading, Writing, and Language
Dates: July 31 – August 10, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Grades: 10-12
Fee: $450
Register here

This two-week class is designed with several goals in mind. First, students will be well informed about the structure, nature, and scoring of the SAT reading, writing, and language test. After a thorough introduction, most of the sessions will be spent analyzing passages, using supporting evidence to answer questions and editing pieces of work. Problems used are taken from various practice SATs. Additionally, this course will focus on the different approaches to answering questions, test-taking strategies, and the general navigation of standardized tests.

Title: Artistic Adventures
Dates: Mondays, June 26, July 10, July 17, July 24, August 7
Time: 9-11 a.m. for students entering grades 6-9
Time: 12-2 p.m. for students entering grades 10-12
Time: 2-3 p.m. for students of all grades and levels. Open studio and short student-led projects meant to promote socialization, creativity, and problem-solving.
Fee: TBD
Register here

This class allows students to explore a wide range of artistic expressions. Students will learn drawing and painting techniques. The week will allow students to discover their inner artists while exploring their creativity and unique style.

Title: CSI
Dates: July 24-27, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Grades: 7-9
Fee: $424
Register here

This course is designed to offer students insight into criminal investigations. Each class will start with students learning from a different police officer and/or detective. During the second half of class, students can put their knowledge into practice. A science teacher will lead students through fingerprint and footprint analysis, forensic entomology, and evidence processing. 

Special Note: Due to materials needed for this course, registration will close on June 2.

Title Current Events
Dates: June 26 – June 29, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Grades: 6-9
Fee: $225
Register here

In a student-centered and conversational setting, students will examine the national and world headlines that unfold throughout the summer. Students will develop and refine 21st-century critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Reading with diligence, recognizing bias, linking historical connections, and exploring events from various sources and viewpoints will be molded and encouraged as articles and topics are examined. Students will discuss and debate their own perspectives within an inviting conversational context – an experience that is sure to boost confidence as a new school year approaches. The Harkness Model, a highly engaging method for cultivating class conversation, will serve as the basis for student engagement and discussion. Students will be gently guided down the path of healthy and effective civil discourse – a worthy pursuit in today’s world. Active listening, positive body language, respect for alternative views, clear articulation of viewpoints, confidence, presence, and poise are all elements of the Harkness model. The Choices Program from Brown University will help provide students with background knowledge on the many issues impacting the world today.

Title: Dance Technique
Dates: June 26-29
Monday to Thursday
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Grades: 7-10
Fee:  $185
Register here

In this course the dancer with previous experience can practice and work towards mastery of dance technical skills. The technical skills of ballet, modern and contemporary styles will be broken down with the aid of visualization to enhance the dancers’ movements.

Title: E-Sports
Dates: July 17-20, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Grades: 6-9
Fee: $324
Register here.

This course will introduce you to the world of E-Sports. This is a growing industry with many high schools across New Jersey creating clubs and competitive leagues. Following a curriculum set forth by the North America Scholastic ESports Federation, students will explore the ecosystem of esports. Lessons include career pathways, healthy gaming, growth mindset, and entrepreneurship. Each day will include with students participating in an Esports game. This program does not focus on video game titles in particular.

Title: Finance Maverick
Dates: June 26-29, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
Grades: 7-9
Fee: $175
Register here

This is a crash course in finance for high school students –  topics include: how to budget, buy a house, buy and sell cars, insurance, financing college, being an informed consumer, what to do when in debt, and how to build credit and use credit cards.

Title: Grammar Gateway
Dates: August 7-10, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Grades: 6-9
Fee: $225
Register here

There are no prerequisites for this course, only a willingness to improve writing. This course will focus on concepts identified in recent years, such as subject-predicate agreement, pronoun agreement, punctuation, and complex sentences. These structural concepts will enhance student writing. There will also be a creative writing component.

Title: Intro to Coding
Dates: July 31 to August 3, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Grades: 6-9
Fee: $175
Register here

This course serves as an introduction to coding by providing basic principles of programming. Fundamental principles, algorithms, and logic will be taught. Interactive lessons will allow students the opportunity to flex their new knowledge. By the end of this course, students will think like software engineers. The basics of Scratch, Python, and JavaScript will be covered. 

Title: Introduction to Dance
Dates: June 26-29
Monday to Thursday
Time: 9-10 a.m.
Grades: 7-9
Fee:  $125
Register here

In this course, students will enjoy the opportunity to discover their favorite dance style. A different dance style (including one in jazz, ballet, modern and contemporary) will be offered each day. Students will learn basic dance terminology and the structure and etiquette of a professional dance class.

Title: Photography
Dates: July 10-13, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
Grades: 7-12
Fee: TBD

This course will teach the basics of digital photography. Students entering the course must have a digital camera. Camera handling, composition, and use of light will be taught. Techniques for editing photos in Adobe Photoshop will include image retouching and collage. Each student will create a portfolio of their digital work. 

Title: Study Skills
Dates: July 31 to August 3, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 8-10 a.m. (grades 6-7) and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (grades 8-9)
Fee: $225
Register here

This course will provide students with skills and strategies to facilitate academic success. Skills include time management, reading and writing methods, note-taking, test-taking, and memorization skills. Students will also learn to process information more efficiently, set clear and attainable goals, improve listening skills, and understand ways to optimize their learning style.

Title: Well Written
Dates: June 27 to July 13
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 10:30 a.m. to  12 p.m.
Grades: 7-12
Fee:  $250
Register here

This course offers students an opportunity to focus on the writing process. The course helps give students the tools and confidence they need to pursue writing in and outside their classes. The first two weeks will focus on creative writing, particularly poetry and the short story. Students will learn elements of creative writing and then be encouraged to pursue their own topics. We will also share their work in workshops. The third week will offer tips and practice on academic writing; students will hone their skills in writing sentences and essays for high school English classes. Whether you write frequently or seldom, this course may be the one for you.

Title: Current Events
Dates: June 26-29, 2023
Time: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Monday to Thursday
Grades: Students entering grades 9-12
Fee: $225/session
Register here

In a student-centered and conversational setting, students will examine the national and world headlines that unfold throughout the summer. Students will develop and refine 21st-century critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Reading with diligence, recognizing bias, linking historical connections, and exploring events from various sources and viewpoints will be molded and encouraged as articles and topics are examined. Students will discuss and debate their own perspectives within an inviting conversational context – an experience that is sure to boost confidence as a new school year approaches. The Harkness Model, a highly engaging method for cultivating class conversation, will serve as the basis for student engagement and discussion. Students will be gently guided down the path of healthy and effective civil discourse – a worthy pursuit in today’s world. Active listening, positive body language, respect for alternative views, clear articulation of viewpoints, confidence, presence, and poise are all elements of the Harkness model. The Choices Program from Brown University will help provide students with background knowledge on the many issues impacting the world today.

Title: Dance Technique
Dates: June 26-29
Monday to Thursday
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Grades: 7-10
Fee:  $185
Register here

In this course the dancer with previous experience can practice and work towards mastery of dance technical skills. The technical skills of ballet, modern and contemporary styles will be broken down with the aid of visualization to enhance the dancers’ movements.

Title: Finance Maverick
Dates: June 26-29, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
Grades: 7-9
Fee: $175
Register here

This is a crash course in finance for high school students –  topics include: how to budget, buy a house, buy and sell cars, insurance, financing college, being an informed consumer, what to do when in debt, and how to build credit and use credit cards.

Title: Grammar Gateway
Dates: August 7-10, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Grades: 6-9
Fee: $225
Register here

There are no prerequisites for this course, only a willingness to improve writing. This course will focus on concepts identified in recent years, such as subject-predicate agreement, pronoun agreement, punctuation, and complex sentences. These structural concepts will enhance student writing. There will also be a creative writing component.

Title: Study Skills
Dates: July 31 to August 3, 2023
Monday to Thursday
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Grades 8-9
Fee: $225
Register here

This course will provide students with skills and strategies to facilitate academic success. Skills include time management, reading and writing methods, note-taking, test-taking, and memorization skills. Students will also learn to process information more efficiently, set clear and attainable goals, improve listening skills, and understand ways to optimize their learning style.

Title: Well Written
Dates: June 27 to July 13
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 10:30 a.m. to  12 p.m.
Grades: 7-12
Fee:  $250
Register here

This course offers students an opportunity to focus on the writing process. The course helps give students the tools and confidence they need to pursue writing in and outside their classes. The first two weeks will focus on creative writing, particularly poetry and the short story. Students will learn elements of creative writing and then be encouraged to pursue their own topics. We will also share their work in workshops. The third week will offer tips and practice on academic writing; students will hone their skills in writing sentences and essays for high school English classes. Whether you write frequently or seldom, this course may be the one for you.

Title: Introduction to Dance
Dates: June 26-29
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 9-10 a.m.
Grades: 7-9
Fee:  $125
Register here

In this course, students will enjoy the opportunity to discover their favorite dance style. A different dance style (including one in jazz, ballet, modern and contemporary) will be offered each day. Students will learn basic dance terminology and the structure and etiquette of a professional dance class.