~Sign up by March 20 and receive $15 off each session!
Directed by Lee Franklin and hosted by The Gunston School, The Think Tank is an after-school enrichment program that welcomes children from all counties to the Gunston campus. Bus transportation is available for students from Centreville and Kennard Elementary, and Centreville Middle to Gunston on bus #0511. The spring session runs April 8–June 3 and includes the following classes for kids, ages 3-14:
NATURE DISCOVERY for PRESCHOOLERS
Ages 3, 4 & 5 / Fridays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. / taught by Jenny Houghton
Discover the wonders of spring with Adkins Arboretum educator Jenny Houghton. Children will explore the scenic Gunston campus and learn fascinating nature lore along the way as we play in a variety of ecosystems. Topics will include scooping up critters in the Corsica River, looking for animal tracks in the sand, planting seeds, searching for spring flowers and birding with binoculars. Each class will include a nature walk, songs, stories and a craft to take home. Children should wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Grown-ups are welcome to join us!
MUSIC LAB
Grades 2–5 / Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. / taught by Mary Neuberger
In order to learn a language, we must not only memorize phrases, but be able to create our own and exchange them with others. The universal language of music is no different. In this hands-on course with songwriter MJ Neuberger, you will learn about rhythm, time signature, pitch and melody, perform songs and combine these elements to create collaborative work that we can record and share with your families. Using piano keyboards, vocals, drums and percussion, you will gain a foundation for learning more complex musical principles, develop teamwork skills and have lots of fun!
SPRING INTO SCIENCE!
Grades 4-8 / Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. / taught by Courtney Leigh
The outdoors will be our laboratory as we use the scientific method to discover the wonders of nature! In this inquiry-based class students will test their hypotheses to many questions on topics in water chemistry, plant biology, soils, and ecology. We will paddle in canoes to explore shoreline habitats, hike through the woods in search of changes in biodiversity, and use microscopes to investigate life processes on a cellular level. Students should bring a small composition notebook to class everyday for recording their scientific journey of discovery. Please wear weather-appropriate shoes and clothing and be prepared to go outside every class.
ENVIRONMENTAL ART
Grades 3–6 / Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. / taught by Susan Mayberry
It’s spring, so we’ll get outdoors again and explore seasonal changes in our Chesapeake Bay environment. Through observation, research and discussion we’ll study new growth in plants and the migration patterns of fish, birds and emerging insects. We will depict these ideas in printmaking, watercolor, mosaic and other media. Bring your imaginations and creative energy to class each week and we’ll have some fun learning new ways to connect the environment with art.
EXPLORING GREAT QUESTIONS—SERIOUS FUN WITH PHILOSOPHY
Grades 6-8 / Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. / taught by Jeff Franklin
Philosophy begins with wonder. Philosophers apply their curiosity by asking questions that help them logically explore the nature of the world. Join Franklin’s Toy Store owner and ex St. John’s College tutor in this discussion class that will introduce students to important and interesting philosophical questions. We will use logic, analogies and mind-stretching thought experiments. Students will learn to discuss philosophy with rigor, good humor and mutual respect. There will be plenty of new questions for students continuing from last year or the fall and winter sessions this year.
MATH MADE FUN—ENRICHMENT THAT MAKES YOU THINK
Grades 1-3 / Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. / taught by Lee Franklin
Using games, conceptual math activities and open-ended questioning, students will be engaged in mind-stretching math problems. They will be challenged to problem-solve using critical thinking, logic and applied math skills. They will also be challenged to persevere, collaborate and solve problems creatively. The goal is to increase enthusiasm for mathematics, deepen understanding of mathematical concepts and strengthen the ability to apply these concepts.
For more information on The Think Tank and to register, visit www.gunston.org/thinktank. Questions? Contact Lee Franklin, Director of The Think Tank, at 410.643.2753 or thinktank@gunston.org.