Middle School Intersession 2025

The creator of Pokémon, Satoshi Tajiri, spent his childhood collecting bugs in the Japanese countryside. His love of bugs can be seen throughout Pokémon from the buggy pocket monsters that were inspired by real insects and arachnids, to the Pokémon attacks and abilities that actually exist in the real world. Come learn about the bugs that inspired Pokémon and how the game of Pokémon and the science of Entomology are alike!

Embroidery is a lovely way to embellish and personalize your clothing and linens. We'll have iron-on patterns or you can do free-form embroidery, learning a variety of outlining stitches including backstitch, split stitch, chain stitch, stem stitch, as well as textured stitches like French knots and woven roses. Fabric will be provided, but you can bring in clothing or other textiles from home to decorate them with embroidery.

In this class we will be going all out with Improv games! Even if you have had improv before we will be exploring games we have never played. Quickly learning the basics of the games and jumping into creating characters, playing games, and having fun.

Students will learn the fundamental chord shapes on the guitar, as well as basic strumming, scales, and rhythmic concepts. We will also cover how songs are created and analyzed through the lens of contemporary rock/pop music. No experience required.

Of the more than 380 languages used in the United States, only one of these consists of hand gestures, body movements and facial expressions, rather than the spoken word. Get a 'feel' for American Sign Language and Deaf culture as we learn the ASL alphabet, play games, sing and sign our way through this exciting hands-on workshop! You will learn enough signs to chat with your friends from across the room ...without making a sound!

Biomedical engineering (BME) is a field that blends engineering, science, and healthcare to solve some of the world's most pressing medical challenges. Biomedical engineers and scientists work on a variety of innovative projects, from developing medical devices to advancing technologies that improve lives. By applying creative problem-solving and engineering principles, biomedical engineers develop solutions that enhance health and well-being for individuals worldwide.

One area of BME that’s having a profound impact is the development of prosthetics -artificial limbs. Prosthetic limbs are critical solutions for people who have lost limbs due to accidents, illness, or congenital conditions, helping them regain mobility and independence. However, challenges still exist. Many prosthetics are heavy, difficult to personalize, and not as intuitive or functional as they could be. There’s a significant need for prosthetic designs that are lightweight, affordable, and capable of mimicking natural movement.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the engineering design process to build a prosthetic limb prototype. You'll explore how biomedical engineering is addressing these unmet needs and learn how innovations in prosthetics are improving the lives of many.

🔧 What You’ll Do:

• Design and build a functional leg prosthetic prototype using everyday materials—no high-tech tools required!
• Apply the engineering design process: brainstorm, build, test, and refine.
• Discover the exciting intersection of science, creativity, and real-world problem-solving in biomedical engineering.

💡 Why Attend?

• Gain hands-on STEM experience 
• Develop teamwork and critical thinking skills while tackling real-world challenges.
• Create an innovative project to showcase your talents!

Seats are limited—secure your spot today!

This session will introduce students to the joy of spontaneous storytelling. The class will begin with a brief discussion on the value and history of stories. Each student will then independently write a one-minute scene, entirely unconnected to the other students' scenes.

Afterward, the class will come together to collaboratively weave these chaotic scenes into a cohesive story. If time permits, the session will culminate in a performance of their new masterpiece.

This engaging session will help students develop their writing and storytelling skills, foster creativity, and exercise new ways of thinking—all while having a lot of fun.

In this book arts workshop, we will explore the art of handmade books. We’ll learn basic bookbinding techniques like folding and stitching, create unique covers using mixed media and collage, and design personalized pages that tell a story or reflect a theme.
This hands-on class encourages creativity and self-expression, blending art, design, and storytelling. By the end, each student will have a one-of-a-kind book they’ve crafted themselves—a special keepsake they can take home.

Of the more than 380 languages used in the United States, only one of these consists of hand gestures, body movements and facial expressions, rather than the spoken word. Get a 'feel' for American Sign Language and Deaf culture as we learn the ASL alphabet, play games, sing and sign our way through this exciting hands-on workshop! You will learn enough signs to chat with your friends from across the room ...without making a sound!

Biomedical engineering (BME) is a field that blends engineering, science, and healthcare to solve some of the world's most pressing medical challenges. Biomedical engineers and scientists work on a variety of innovative projects, from developing medical devices to advancing technologies that improve lives. By applying creative problem-solving and engineering principles, biomedical engineers develop solutions that enhance health and well-being for individuals worldwide.

One area of BME that’s having a profound impact is the development of prosthetics -artificial limbs. Prosthetic limbs are critical solutions for people who have lost limbs due to accidents, illness, or congenital conditions, helping them regain mobility and independence. However, challenges still exist. Many prosthetics are heavy, difficult to personalize, and not as intuitive or functional as they could be. There’s a significant need for prosthetic designs that are lightweight, affordable, and capable of mimicking natural movement.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the engineering design process to build a prosthetic limb prototype. You'll explore how biomedical engineering is addressing these unmet needs and learn how innovations in prosthetics are improving the lives of many.

🔧 What You’ll Do:

• Design and build a functional leg prosthetic prototype using everyday materials—no high-tech tools required!
• Apply the engineering design process: brainstorm, build, test, and refine.
• Discover the exciting intersection of science, creativity, and real-world problem-solving in biomedical engineering.

💡 Why Attend?

• Gain hands-on STEM experience 
• Develop teamwork and critical thinking skills while tackling real-world challenges.
• Create an innovative project to showcase your talents!

Seats are limited—secure your spot today!

In this book arts workshop, we will explore the art of handmade books. We’ll learn basic bookbinding techniques like folding and stitching, create unique covers using mixed media and collage, and design personalized pages that tell a story or reflect a theme.
This hands-on class encourages creativity and self-expression, blending art, design, and storytelling. By the end, each student will have a one-of-a-kind book they’ve crafted themselves—a special keepsake they can take home.

In this class we will be going all out with Improv games! Even if you have had improv before we will be exploring games we have never played. Quickly learning the basics of the games and jumping into creating characters, playing games, and having fun.

The creator of Pokémon, Satoshi Tajiri, spent his childhood collecting bugs in the Japanese countryside. His love of bugs can be seen throughout Pokémon from the buggy pocket monsters that were inspired by real insects and arachnids, to the Pokémon attacks and abilities that actually exist in the real world. Come learn about the bugs that inspired Pokémon and how the game of Pokémon and the science of Entomology are alike!

Embroidery is a lovely way to embellish and personalize your clothing and linens. We'll have iron-on patterns or you can do free-form embroidery, learning a variety of outlining stitches including backstitch, split stitch, chain stitch, stem stitch, as well as textured stitches like French knots and woven roses. Fabric will be provided, but you can bring in clothing or other textiles from home to decorate them with embroidery.

Students will learn the fundamental chord shapes on the guitar, as well as basic strumming, scales, and rhythmic concepts. We will also cover how songs are created and analyzed through the lens of contemporary rock/pop music. No experience required.

This class is intended for self-identifying girls

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to a world where girls feel equally confident participating in STEM fields and unleash their entrepreneurial potential? Look no further than The World of Wireframes Intersession by Lexie Polevoi! Lexie Polevoi is a current Product Manager in the EdTech space and the founder of Learn with Ms. Lexie where she teaches a problem-based entrepreneurship and empathy-based leadership curriculum to middle school girls. With The World of Wireframes, students will gain exposure to design thinking and product creation with the goal of feeling empowered and inspired to pursue entrepreneurship and any other field as the next generation of female thinkers. In a time when women hold only 6% of STEM CEO positions, this Intersession will help to break barriers and encourage students to embrace their STEM superpowers by teaching them a fundamental skill in the product lifecycle, creating wireframes.

No prior STEM experience? No problem! The World of Wireframes is an inclusive enrichment session for all self-identifying women from various backgrounds and experience levels. During this session, girls will practice problem-solving as they learn part of the product lifecycle and how to visually represent their ideas. The only prerequisites are a collaborative spirit and open mind! Join us in defying the stereotypes and stigmas surrounding female leadership and women in STEM. The World of Wireframes teaches students that women can excel in STEM and product work at any level. So, what are you waiting for? Enroll today and let's unleash your potential and conquer the world of entrepreneurship together!