Classes

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology takes interested students to the exploration of a fascinating subject– the human body. This two-semester, lab-based course includes the overview of body systems and physiological processes with emphasis on the most important underlying condition of body functioning: homeostasis. Students will discover the relationship between structure and function on all levels from cells to organ systems. The role of nutrition and life style as means of maintaining homeostasis will be studied.

Art Space Exploration

 

This course will visually explore the vastness which surrounds us in outer space. From metals to minerals, and organic matter on Earth to gaseous planets and heavy stars in space, students will examine the physics and chemistry of our Universe and express its beauty in artistic projects. Science topics and projects will include; the creation of elements in our universe, solar and lunar phases, characteristics and distances of stars, the electromagnetic spectrum, a history of space travel and spacecraft material and design.

Contextual Chemistry

This class will introduce a foundation of chemistry with frequent references to how chemistry correlates to the practical, biological, technological and modern world. Atomic  and molecular structure, chemical interactions and reactions, chemical nomenclature, thermodynamics, calorimetry, states of matter, calculating pH, measuring density and molar volumes, and several other topics will be covered with an emphasis on how they relate to practical applications. Within human biology students will study; proteins, carbohydrates, fats, enzymes, and the breakdown of food.

Creative Writing

Creative Writing 2013 will be a six-week workshop in which we dive into our greatest desire: how to write ever-better stories, poems, plays, personal essays… Each student will begin by analyzing his or her writing strengths and weaknesses, and selecting a few goals for the course. Each student will have the option to write in his or her preferred genre, but will spend a few weeks editing their piece and learning to be critical of their personal writing style and voice.

Critical Thinking and Strategy Games

Exercise strategic critical thinking in a group environment with games like chess, backgammon, Scrabble, cards(poker, cribbage), and others. Interested in learning how to play, or wish to develop your skill? All are welcome! Problem solving, pattern recognition, premeditation, and basic math play an integral part in traditional strategy games and can be practiced on every level, from beginner to advanced. This group can be joined anytime on a per diem basis.

Debate and Rhetoric

Debate Club comes to the Think Tank! Open to both new and continuing students, our weekly class will develop the core skills necessary to intelligently debate any topic: what it means for an argument to be logical and evidence-based, how to find and evaluate sources and recognize bias, public speaking techniques, and rhetorical style. Students will hone the skills they learn by participating in frequent in-class debates.

Digital 3D Modeling

Have you ever sketched out an idea for a car, building, robot or environment? Do you wonder what that design would look like in 3D? In this class that’s exactly what we will explore using SketchUp, a free 3D modeling program utilized by architects and designers to desgin everything from building interiors to sets for movies and television. Students will learn the steps involved with taking an idea from paper, to a full 3D model. The basics of using Sketchup will be covered for new students and advanced modeling techniques will be taught to those already familiar with the program.

Digital Audio Composition (tutoring available)

The modern DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) has redefined how our musical visions transform into an audible reality. Whether you prefer to develop your skill with acoustic instruments or love the diversity of the traditional keyboard, the DAW allows you to bring these elements together to shape and mold original ideas and re-invent old ones.
 

This workshop will introduce students to the basics of DAW production and composition with GarageBand, a native application on all Mac computers.

Dungeons & Dragons Group

Dungeons and Dragons is a strategic and creatively interactive paper and pencil role playing game. The mind is your limit in Dungeons and Dragons; from designing a character from scratch, battling monsters in a dark dungeon, talking to the local blacksmith to buy your new sword, or going into the forest to hunt for food- the world of D&D is vast and brilliantly imaginative. Each game the group plays is ultimately created by the Dungeon Master who comes up with a challenging story for the players and is responsible for guiding them through it.

Guitar Tutoring (Beginner and Intermediate)

Both acoustic and electric, the guitar holds an important place in musical history. From singer-songwriters to jazz and blues legends, musicians have used the guitar as a second voice to express their creative side across generations. Students interested in learning guitar or polishing their skills will work with the instructor to develop a comfortable learning curve while studying their favorite music and/or creating original material.

Improv and Sketch Acting

Students will be exposed to the art of improvisation through basic acting techniques and activities. Improv fosters the student’s ability to tap into their natural creative instincts while being non-judgmental and open to other ideas. Students will expand their imagination, increase spontaneity, learn to take risks and overcome fears. Classmates will learn to rely on and support each other as they problem solve in new and creative ways.

Minecraft Group

Minecraft is a uniquely interactive video game that allows players to build, create, and explore in a nearly infinite universe. Though players may navigate through the game on their own, the true challenge occurs when multiple users team together to achieve specific goals. As the game has developed an immense fanbase, the opportunities for groups of friends to gather and play together have expanded exponentially. Think Tank is currently running Minecraft groups where players can meet together in person as they conquer various agreed upon objectives and quests.

Skin & Scales: The Natural History of Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates

Learn in depth and hands on about the fascinating secret world of nature’s most terrifying and awe-inspiring animals. The Skin & Scales course offers an exclusive and intimate look into the secret world of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates through exploring the natural history, ecology, gross anatomy, reproduction, disease, husbandry and entire life science of these amazing animals. Students will explore the relationship of these animals to specific components of the Earth’s biosphere such as desert, ocean and jungle habitats.

This program offers a unique opportunity for students to

Storyteller's Art: Greek and Norse Mythology

Our quest for understanding through classic stories continues. This Spring we will explore together some of the stories that make up Greek and Norse mythology. Using D’Aulaire’s versions of each as primary texts—but also sampling versions from Dasent, Hawthorne, and Kingsley—our readers will explore these myths thematically, taking in turn such themes as creation, the sea, love, war, and heroes. From there we will discuss the literary components of each story: plot, archetype, variation, and so forth. We may also endeavor to work on dramatizations of the stories we study.

Summer 2013: Abroad to Guatemala, Con Los Ojos Abiertos

Think Tank joins Roger Bourassa of Perduco Education on this remarkable, educational journey through Guatemala. The adventure begins Sunday afternoon, June 23, at the Hostelling International Boston where students will spend two nights and one full day (Monday, June 24) getting to know the other participants through teambuilding activities, learning a bit about the history and culture of Guatemala, places that will be visited, and activities they'll be participating in.

Summer 2013: Art of Flute Crafting

The flute is among the most ancient of musical instruments shared by nearly every culture's ancestry. Today, flutes continue to be made in the same way our tribal relatives once crafted them thousands of years ago. The art of crafting objects with simple tools remains to be an important and vital link to our cultural history. This workshop is dedicated to that very tradition. Art of Flute Crafting is a two-day workshop where we will learn to create a functioning musical instrument from what is now a native plant known as Japanese Knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum). Knotweed, much like bamboo,

Summer 2013: Hot Set! Video Production Week

Hot Set! is a week long collaborative workshop that takes a multi-disciplinary approach to cultivate student skills towards developing and expressing their authentic voices with acting, writing and editing for the movies! Writing exercises will encourage wild and unique approaches to accessing story lines within and adapting them to the fundamentals of script writing and story board creation. Acting exercises will cultivate physical awareness, presence and techniques to accessing emotion to deepen students relationships to their unique characters.

Vernal Pool Biology

Vernal pools are temporary woodland ponds that support a very delicate and specifc ecosystem for several plants, and invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Whether small and shallow or large and deep, learn how to identify a pool and what makes its habitat so unique! In this workshop students will study and observe several plant and animal species. Among invertebrates students will observe and study; fairy shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, hydra, planaria, figernail clams, aquatic snails and water striders.

© 2008-2015 Worcester Area Think Tank, LLC.

36 Harlow Street
Worcester, MA 01605
508-757-TANK (508-757-8265)

info@thethinktank-worcester.com

 

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