*Please note that this class is offered in three formats: 1-week, 2-weeks, or 6-weeks. Classes are scheduled for an hour and 25 minutes. Class is officially over as scheduled and students are free to leave; however, often students may prefer to stay longer to continuing working or discussing. This is completely optional, but I have allowed an extra 30 minutes in my schedule to accommodate this when needed. Assignments in this course can be completed individually but, are often more fun with partners or groups; therefore, siblings are welcome, encouraged and discounted (first learner $42, additional learners $25).

In this course students will be tasked with a variety of challenges requiring critical and creative thinking in order to succeed, and to some extent, competing a little with each other along the way. Each class will begin with some short exercises or questions, such as brainteasers, logic puzzles, etc (about 20-30 minutes), then, the final hour will be spent on a daily building challenge. In these challenges, students will be asked to build something specific with specific and limited supplies, such as a tower or a ship. These supplies are crucial, so be sure to see the supply list and make sure all items are on hand. The requirements and the supply limits require students to think outside of the box in order to achieve their goal. (Think of projects like the egg drop challenge, though we won't be doing that one). Most of these projects will also force students to compete against a clock; however, there are a few exceptions. There are five of these building style projects during the first five days, and one homework project, a roller coaster, that students will work on their own and complete by the final day of class. During the sixth and final day of class, students will first present their roller coaster projects, then will work together to solve a murder mystery (simmer to a dinner party format).

All supplies in this course, or reasonable substitutions, are required and necessary. While the list is long, most of the supplies are affordable and often easily found around the house. In addition to the supplies listed, students will also need a dedicated workspace that can be seen during class with the video camera.  Using a laptop or tablet is recommended due to portability.

A note on multiple learners: multiple learners are welcome but do require separate enrollment.  They are, however, allowed to share the screen as long as they are both enrolled. In the event of multiple learners, learners may choose to work individually on projects or together as a team.  It is entirely up to them. 

Day 1
Brainteasers
Tower 1: "Note cards"

Day 2
Stranded on an island
"Recycled Ship"

Day 3
Toothpick puzzles
Tower 2: "Spaghetti"

Day 4
Lunar Landing
"Alien space pod"

Day 5
Logic Puzzles
Tower 3: "Balloons"

Day 6
Roller Coaster presentations
Murder Mystery