Middle School Classes
Our Middle School classes are designed for students 5th grade and up and offer engaging, hands-on opportunities to explore, learn, and create, while hitting grade level standards. Please read each individual class description carefully for specific details, age guidance, and any important class information.
Foundational Science
Our Foundational Science classes are designed for students in 5th grade and up. Students are welcome to sign up for one class segment, or join all of them throughout the year. Each topic explores a different area of science, touches on a number of relevant standards, and includes a fun hands-on activity or field trip experience. For more information about each class, includingprice, be sure to visit the About section for each topic.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location:
Prunedale Youth Center
17890 Moro Rd, Salinas, CA 93907
Engineering
-
Embark on a thrilling five-week journey through the vast field of astronomy, where young minds will uncover the marvels of the universe! This segment introduces the science of celestial bodies, their movements, and humanity’s quest to understand them, fostering a sense of wonder about the cosmos. Each week offers a new perspective on the skies above, blending hands-on discovery with fascinating facts.
Week 1: Examine the structure and dynamics of our solar system, a captivating collection of planets, moons, and more orbiting the Sun.
Week 2: Investigate the Moon’s surface features and its timeless influence on Earth’s tides and imaginations.
Week 3: Discover the life cycles of stars and the ancient constellations that map the night sky.
Week 4: Explore the Sun’s vital role and the countless stars that illuminate the galaxy and beyond.
Week 5: Trace the history and future of space exploration, from early missions to dreams of distant worlds.
Extreme Weather
-
The five-week extreme weather course offers students an engaging exploration of various extreme weather events, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts. Through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and case studies, students will learn about the science behind weather systems, the impacts of climate change, and safety measures for different extreme weather scenarios. Each week focuses on a specific type of extreme weather, encouraging students to research, collaborate, and present their findings. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of extreme weather phenomena and the skills to develop preparedness and mitigation strategies for their communities.
2-4PM Wednesdays, Sept. 30th- Oct. 28th
$500 Tuition
Biology
-
Here’s a five-week segment description for your Science Tuesday class, focusing broadly on herpetology while addressing each week’s specific topic in one sentence. It’s written at a 12th-grade level, formal yet engaging for young learners.
Segment 3: Adventures in Herpetology
Step into the captivating realm of herpetology for five exciting weeks, where young explorers will uncover the lives of reptiles and amphibians! This segment introduces the scientific study of these remarkable creatures, examining their biology, behaviors, and the environments they inhabit, while sparking a passion for their preservation. Each week offers a fresh perspective on these cold-blooded wonders, blending hands-on learning with the thrill of discovery.
Week 1: Define herpetology and begin the journey into the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians.
Week 2: Investigate reptiles, from slithering snakes to armored turtles, and their unique adaptations.
Week 3: Explore amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders, and their extraordinary life cycles tied to land and water.
Week 4: Examine the diverse habitats that support reptiles and amphibians, from swamps to deserts.
Week 5: Delve into conservation efforts aimed at protecting these incredible animals and their fragile ecosystems.
Applied Science
Our Applied Science classes are designed for students in 5th grade and up. Students are welcome to sign up for one class segment, or join all of them throughout the year. Each topic explores a different area of science, touches on a number of relevant standards, and includes a fun hands-on activity or field trip experience. For more information about each class, includingprice, be sure to visit the About section for each topic.
Schedule: Thursdays, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location:
Prunedale Youth Center
17890 Moro Rd, Salinas, CA 93907
Insect Ecology
-
Insect Ecology is a 5-week course that explores the fascinating world of insects while covering a variety of relevant science standards. Students will learn what insects are, study insect ecosystems and habitats, and discover the important roles insects play in agriculture, the economy, and everyday life. Along the way, they will build field ecology skills, including how to stay safe outdoors and use respectful, responsible insect collecting techniques with awareness of endangered species. Students will also learn how to collect, preserve, pin, spread, label, and display specimens while using taxonomic keys to help identify organisms. An optional Moth Collection Night will give students the chance to learn how to set up a moth trap and observe insects in the field, and the course will wrap up with a final event open to families and the community where students can showcase their finished collections and what they have learned.
X-XPM Thursdays, August 21st- Sept 18th
$500 Tuition, includes bug kit.
Kit includes: Net, Display Box, 5 Collection Jars, 1 Kill Jar, Pinning Block, 100 Pins, Insect Spreading Board, Insect Pinning Forceps, Insect Spreading Block, Insect Guide Book.
Science of Agriculture
-
Join us on an educational journey that explores the intricate relationship between agriculture, the environment, and sustainable practices.
In this dynamic course, students will delve into the fundamental principles of agriculture, gaining insights into topics such as crop cultivation, livestock management, and agricultural technologies. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, participants will learn about the importance of soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity in sustainable agriculture practices.
But our exploration doesn't stop there. Students will also examine the broader impact of agriculture on our environment, including topics such as climate change, pollution, and habitat loss. This class includes a field trip to a local farm for more in-depth hands-on learning.X-XPM Thursdays, Sept. 25-Oct.23rd
$500
Includes field trip to a local farm and pumpkin patch
Forensics
-
This five-week middle school forensics course offers students an engaging introduction to the fascinating world of forensic science. Through a blend of interactive activities, case studies, and hands-on experiments, students will explore key topics such as crime scene management, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and toxicology. Each week focuses on different aspects of forensics, encouraging critical thinking and observation skills while allowing students to investigate a mock crime scene and analyze evidence like real forensic experts. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in chemistry and biology forensic principles and techniques, fostering an appreciation for the role of science in solving crimes. We will also have a guest speaker come and talk about real-life crime fighting.
X-XPM, Thursdays Oct. 30th- Dec. 4th
$500
Dissections
Our K-12th grade dissection labs provide a hands-on exploration of anatomy, offering students a tangible understanding of biological structures and functions. Young Scientists will engage with real specimens, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. These labs not only enhance biology comprehension but also cultivate observational skills and teamwork. Safety gear is provided, ensuring a safe and enriching learning experience. Dissection labs are integral to science education, igniting a passion for discovery and inspiring future scientists and healthcare professionals.
Fee: $45 per small dissection, $95 per large dissection
Schedule:
12:30pm-2:30pm on Fridays
Location:
Prunedale Youth Center
17890 Moro Rd, Salinas, CA 93907
-
Small Dissections:
September 12th: Owl Pellet
September 26th: Frog
October 10th: Crayfish/Grasshopper
October 24th: Starfish/squid
December 12th: Spider/Scorpion
Large Dissections:
August 29th: Pig
November 7th: Horseshoe Crab
December 1st: Mammal Organs
December 14th: Rat Dissection
Community Events
-
From time to time, we participate in low cost and/or free events in the community that we encourage your participation in. See Pricing and Schedule for more details.
-
As new community events are scheduled, we will add them here! Check back later to see what events you can participate in.