A confident foundation in multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and mathematical language is essential for success in higher level math. Students hone their skills with math games and drills. Brain-teasing math problems make practice sessions fun.

This course goes beyond computation to introduce students to the fine art of math problem solving. With an emphasis on the mathematical investigation of open-ended problems, students learn a variety of strategies to conquer such math puzzles.

For students taking algebra for the first time, this class introduces basic concepts common to all beginning algebra courses. Course content includes such topics as inequalities, polynomials, properties of exponents, and solving linear equations.

For students who took Introduction to Algebra at SummerGATE this year or last, OR students who have had Introductory Algebra at their own school, this class continues where Introduction to Algebra leaves off. Course content includes graphing linear equations, solving systems, and working with rational expressions.

Students investigate properties of plain and solid geometric shapes, develop spatial awareness, study geometric transformations, practice geometric constructions, and use manipulatives to investigate basic geometric concepts. This year's activities differ from last year's, so students who took Investigating Geometry in previous summers are welcome to re-enroll.

From the earliest designs for powered flight to space age rockets, this course explores the history and science of air travel. Students read about early aeronautical adventurers like Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright brothers, study the principles of lift, thrust and drag, then apply what they have learned to construct their own craft, from paper airplanes to fully-functioning model rockets.

Spark your interest in science through basic electricity! Students learn the fundamentals of charge, current, electromagnetism, and electric fields as they experiment with static electricity, build a burglar alarm, and design circuits with batteries, lights, and buzzers.

This course employs a range of techniques and media, such as pencils, collage, and water colors to experiment with artistic fundamentals such as value, line, space, light, dark, and shading. Students practice various techniques, then apply their favorites to create original works of art.

Learn to create various effects, including a hairy, scarred monster. Students apply their own make-up daily to practice techniques in old age make-up, fantasy and clown make-up, and basic corrective stage make-up, photographing their best efforts.

Students create original works of fiction, poetry, and drama using object and photo interpretation, personal experience, association, and imagination. Emphasis is on written expression, organization, word choice, and voice.

After examining notable samples of various literary styles and genres such as short stories, screenplays, and essays, students formulate their own written and oral responses. This course focuses on proper sentence fluency, organization, ideas, conventions, word choice, and proofreading.

Etymologies, roots, word families, and cognates help students rapidly expand working vocabularies. Students facing SSAT vocabulary tests or looking ahead to SAT's and other college preparedness exams should consider registering for this course.

Students explore poetic fundamentals and exercise expressive language skills as they read, write, and perform poetry. From classical verse to lyrics and limericks, this course examines poetry in all its different forms to identify the unifying themes and techniques that make language lyrical.

The class examines and compares various versions of iconic Greek and Roman myths, identifying the characteristics of a hero and the major narrative themes and patterns that resonate in mythic tales. Then students employ these fundamentals to create their own mythical stories, using drafts, revisions, and editing to produce polished original compositions.

Order in the court! Students learn about the players and processes within the American justice system as they explore legal topics and judge cases for themselves. The concepts come to life when students take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, and jurors to try actual cases in class.

This course teaches students to make confident oral presentations. Investigations in the art and history of oral interpretation build on lessons in structure, literary adaptation, and presentation as students prepare for public performances. Regular practice helps students feel comfortable in the ability to speak before an audience.

Students learn behind-the-scenes secrets for producing realistic-looking fight sequences. The class uses safe theatrical techniques to perform trips, tumbles, punches, and swordplay. In addition, students learn about the special effects props that bring stage combat to life, such as trick daggers and theatrical blood.

Students explore and perform the works of great playwrights, novelists and poets, then write monologues, melodramas and satires of their own. Improvisation and theater games stimulate creativity as students tackle the theatrical conventions of character, conflict, story structure and scene construction.

Students explore Elizabethan theater through language, costumes, props, and acting, with a special emphasis on Shakespeare's delightful and beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The illusion of danger in stage combat helps bring some of the Bard's most thrilling scenes to life.

From nutritional content to safe cooking skills and from savory to sweet, students step into the kitchen to learn about and create simple, healthy, and delicious foods. Experiments with states of matter and mold growth reinforce scientific and culinary knowledge.

This class gets moving with a variety of outdoor sports, such as softball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Students of all skill and fitness levels are welcome.

Students learn basic defensive and offensive moves used in fencing. Although the point system will be explained, emphasis is on movement and action. All foils, masks, and other fencing gear will be supplied. Intermediate Fencing is for students who have completed one session of fencing at SummerGATE or the equivalent elsewhere.

Students view screen adaptations of great literary masterpieces then consider what makes a great book versus what makes a great film. As the course progresses students begin to recognize tools that filmmakers use to apply and adapt material to fit their needs. Films are selected from such great works as Romeo & Juliet, The Yearling, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.