BCA Flash 2020 Courses

Please look for your top 4 courses!

​*Double session courses (counts as 2 regular courses/schedule blocks)

*Writing Your Own Heroes*

In this course, students will not only be introduced to basics of playwriting structure, but also to the basis of storytelling and how one could create a compelling story that’s both engaging and unique to their own voice! By examining several examples from both film and plays using the basis of CROW and other storytelling tools, students will learn about the limitations and possibilities of crafting a stage play vs a film. The second half of the class will be devoted time for students to write their own short play that they will share in a positive and supportive environment! Laptops (or another electronic device tangible for writing) is required for this course.

The Galaxy and Beyond: Introduction to Astrophysics

This course is an introduction to the fascinating world of astrophysics! We will introduce a variety of interesting topics in the field, such as black holes, types of stars, and the expansion of the universe. We will also talk about some of the newer theories about parallel universes and higher dimensions, and discuss gravitational waves and the relevance of that to modern day work in astrophysics. We will also have discussions about which theories you think are accurate and like the best, as well as activities to aid in the lesson.

*Programming in Python*

Python is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, by beginners and professionals alike. Students will program in Python to learn universal fundamentals of programming along the way. Students will also complete projects including creating a drawing with code. Although Python is taught in this course, students will be introduced to basic aspects of programming such as I/O and branching that can be applied to many other programming languages. Students will also be given resources that they can utilize outside of this class in case they want to pursue this area in the future.

Speech and Debate

It is estimated that approximately 75% of the US population has glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking. But as you continue through middle school and high school, it slowly becomes clear how valuable a skill it really is. As global citizens, it is important to know how to effectively execute your right to speech and make sure your voice is heard, in a professional and scholarly manner. If you see your future self as someone who wants to change the world and make an impact on it, take a class on speech and debate! By joining this class, you're signing up to learn important public speaking strategies, how to build your confidence, and how to apply these skills competitively in debate.

*Beginning Book Binding*

This course is an introduction to the art of bookmaking. If you’re interested in learning and getting a behind-the-scenes view about the production of different types of books, this is the class to join! You will be able to develop your own book prototype and form design skills by illustrating your own covers as well. This course implements the many visual, business, and technical elements that go into the complex process of creating a simple book.

Hello Tello!

Hello Tello! Interested in computer science? Enjoy hands-on and engaging activities? Here, students will use DroneBlocks, a block coding software, to code and fly Tello drones! Compete in timed competitions and an obstacle course designed to test your skills (and get rubber ducks).

*Iron Man Needs Engineers*

Iron Man needs recruits to help him capture Thanos. In this course, students will learn about Rube Goldbergs, the different fields of engineering, the engineering process, and the six simple machines. Each student will use their minds to build a Rube Goldberg machine to capture Thanos and retrieve the infinity stones. The students will incorporate the six simple machines into the Rube Goldbergs. As the students create their project, they will apply their new knowledge of the engineering process and the simple machines. Also, the students will be taught the many possible fields they could go into. Be the next Tony Stark as the students will participate in fun hands-on activities.

*The Amazing Artist: Chronicles of Greeting Card Creation*

Students will learn how to brainstorm and create sketches for their own creative ideas, perfect and color their design in Photoshop, and format their cards for print. Students will go home and enjoy their hard work in the form of a card they can use to brighten someone's day!

Gotham City Crime Lab

Scarecrow’s on the loose and using a mysterious white powder on his victims! Your mission as junior forensics analysts: figure out what’s in the powder! You’ll perform different chemical reactions to figure out the substance’s make-up, and receive candy prizes for participation and correct identification of the powder’s composition.

Block Programming With mBots

Interested in learning to programming a bot (or getting candy)? Then this course is the right one for you! In Block Programming with mBots, students will learn how to program an mBot using code blocks similar to Scratch and by the end of the course, will be able to design their very own programs for the mBot to follow--including one to go through an obstacle course!

*Body Defenders*

An immunological insight where we teach children about the basic introduction to the study of the immune system: immunology. We will have a presentation as well as create our own “antibodies” as an activity.

*The Astonishing Power of 3D Printing*

Students will learn how to use the CAD (computer aided design) software Autodesk Inventor to create their own 2D designs and 3D models, as well as how to save and export a file to Ultimaker Cura in order to print it. Students will also see 3D printers in use and take home a 3D printed trinket.

*Ornithology: Study of Birds​*  

"It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superma- no wait, it’s just a bird.” This course is designed for students interested in the subject of Ornithology which is the study of birds. In this class, we will be discussing the development of birds and how they evolved from flightless organisms into into creatures that can fly for up to two months straight. Getting more in depth in their body systems and structures, students will then be able to apply their knowledge in an interactive owl pellet dissection!"

Crazy Chemists

Ever felt the deep desire to learn chemistry and how math is used in chemistry, but know absolutely nothing about either? Look no further! "Crazy Chemists" will teach you the basics of chemistry, and how to make molar conversions, and of course how to be a crazy chemist! The concept of "moles" (NOT the animal, or the black hairy thing!) is an essential part of chemistry, and we wanted to be the first to introduce it to you! A fun, hands-on experiment will happen as well where you will be in the lab doing cool crazy chemist things as well. MUST KNOW BASIC MULTIPLICATION AND SCIENTIFIC NOTATION!

*What's In a Game?*

This interactive workshop course will show students the intricacies of games by teaching about the basics of designing a physical tabletop game! Students will be taught formal concepts about designing a game, and will then be given time to form a team, create their own game, and playtest it with the class in order to see how these concepts impact the games that they make. We will look at examples of both tabletop and video games in order to learn concepts.

Cocoa Thermo

Thermodynamics is the branch of chemistry and physics that deals with heat and temperature, and their relation to energy transfer and properties of matter. This is an introductory course that will develop an understanding of energy, heat, work, and other thermodynamic processes. We will explore thermodynamics through interactive experiments (especially ones that incorporate chocolate!)

*JavaScript Shockwave: Creative Programming*

P5.js is a javascript library that enables artists and designers to create graphics and animations utilizing many of the foundational elements of javascript, a coding language often associated with web design and other useful platforms. As javascript is widely used in many fields alongside popular coding languages such as HTML and CSS, it is ambiguous in usage and can be a valuable asset in any field. This class will be introducing important concepts of javascript and coding languages in general, while still offering a fun and creative payoff in the form of creating artistic masterpieces with the p5.js editor. This class is suitable for any skill level of coding.

*The Wonders of Hydrogen Peroxide - An Intro to Laboratory Sciences*

Ever seen the words "hydrogen peroxide" but haven't known what it means? Ever wondered what the basic tools used by SCIENTISTS in the LAB are? This class is for you! A lecture/lab based class where kids learn about the basic properties of hydrogen peroxide and its reactivity. Safety and responsibility with hydrogen peroxide at home will be discussed. Cool demonstrations (like elephant toothpaste) will be performed and games to assess your knowledge will be played.

*Catapult Building*

Have you ever launched a rubber band and wanted to know why it works the way it does? Have you ever wanted to build a working prototype of one of the best-known combat machines in history? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the right course for you! In this course, you will have the opportunity to make your very own catapult and test it out in a friendly competition against your classmates. You will leave the course not only with your very own working catapult but also with an understanding of how this incredible machine works.

Music Mania

Students will have access to a variety of different instruments in order to create and/or perform their own original compositions, while also learning the basics in musical notation, rhythm, and pitch.

Crazy Combinatorics

This course will start from the basics of counting, and will leave students with a solid understanding of many important concepts in the vast world of combinatorics (known as “the science of counting”). We will start from the very basics, such as permutations and combinations, and work our way up towards more complex techniques, such as Pascal’s Triangle, and real-life applications of the subject. By the end of the course, students will be able to solve introductory counting problems using intuitive techniques, and will be able to explain why these techniques work.

Gotham National Bank (Finance)

The Gotham National Bank stores countless money and valuables. Figures such as Bruce Wayne and Aquaman stores money there. The Joker robbed $68 million from there! This course will try to figure out how and why is there so much money in a bank and how it circulates in addition to financial responsibilities, spending and credit, saving and investing.

Optics and Illusions

Have you ever wondered how your glasses work? Or how Verizon uses a fiber optic network to bring fast internet? The answers to both of these questions and more lies in the field of optics, which we will talk about in this course. You will learn about how these phenomena work and more through fun, hands-on experiments that will teach you more about how light works.

Save The Day

Ever wanted to be a real life super hero and help people within your community? Come learn basic first aid and hear about what it’s like to work in an ambulance from two certified EMTs! For anyone curious about the medical field, this course is a great introduction to how you can get involved.

Dive Into Anatomy

In this course, students will learn the basics of human anatomy and physiology. They will be able to explore various aspects of the human body, including its structure and its many many functions! Along with learning about all the bones that allow you to stand upright, students will also get an understanding of the different body systems and each of their roles in every action you perform, from breathing to sleeping to running a marathon. In addition to a extensive lesson on human anatomy and physiology, students will be able to engage in a hands on activity to further reflect upon their understanding and of course, to have fun!

Get In Tune

A brief music history course-designed by you! Learn about the societal significance of your favorite songs, and become immersed in pop culture and the musical superheroes that influence it.

*Intro To Culinary*

During the Intro to Culinary Class, students will be able to gain a hands-on experience in the kitchen by preparing sweet and savory dishes. Prior to preparing the recipes, students will first review presentations on kitchen safety and proper food handling procedures, which are essential components of working within the food service industry. Furthermore, students will be able to familiarize themselves with kitchen equipment, such as mixers, while learning about basic culinary and baking techniques, for example the creaming mixing method.