The Disappearing Spoon
Exploring the intrigue and science behind the Periodic Table
Ages 13 +
Base Price: $175
THIS BOOK HAS SOME ADULT CONTENT THAT YOUR CHILD MIGHT NOT BE READY FOR. READ BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS BEFORE YOU REGISTER!!!
New Students use the code NEWSTUDENT to receive $25 off.
The Periodic Table is a masterpiece of scientific achievement, but its creation is laden with tales of obsession, betrayal and adventure. Science and story unite in Sam Kean's “The Disappearing Spoon” which will excite any student about the periodic table. Students will be assigned actual, hands-on chemistry experiments that they can conduct at home, as well as other projects and essays.
Books
Before the first class, students are required to obtain a copy of, “The Disappearing Spoon” by Sam Kean. It can be found at most libraries, bookstores, or online shops like Amazon or Half-Priced Books.
Class Times
Fall 2017
September 11-November 13
Mondays at 12:00 pm EST
What Parents Need to Know
DISCLAIMER: Be advised that this is not a children's book. The content of the book deeply explores the elements of the Periodic Table and the innovations and controversies surrounding the elements. As chemical elements are extensively used to create weapons of war, students will be learning about gas weapons, atom bombs, and other military technology. While the author doesn't go into graphic detail about the consequences of these weapons, some sensitive students may not enjoy learning about chemistry through this particular lens. Additionally, the book has a couple of adult themed sexual references, that while not vulgar or explicit, may be outside the comfort level of some families, and probably wouldn't be appropriate for (or at least wouldn't be understood by) most children under the age of 12. We have typed the passages in a document that we would be happy to send you so that you can make an informed decision about purchasing this course. Email amanda@onlineclassesforgroovykids.org to let her know you'd like to preview this document.
This is Groovy Kid's most rigorous course, and 12 is the absolute minimum age that should enroll. Advanced chemistry concepts are introduced and explored, and younger students just aren't ready for the abstract thinking required of this course. This course would be an appropriate supplement for a high school student studying chemistry, or would serve well as the chemistry unit study for students in middle school. There are also many opportunities to do wet labs and paper-based labs, these may also require parent assistance in obtaining materials and supplies, and general supervision for safety.
You can preview an excerpt of the book here so that you can determine if your child would enjoy this book.
Time Commitment
Students will be expected to explore approximately 2 hours of content per week outside of the live class (reading and watching videos) and spend 2-5 hours per week completing assignments (quizzes, essays, discussions, projects, and other assignments). The typical 6-8th grader should be able to complete the course work in 7-10 hours per week. If the student is younger, not a fluent reader, is just learning to write essays, or has difficulty completing quizzes it may take them a bit longer, and they may need parent assistance.
Also, if this is your student’s first course, learning to navigate the Canvas LMS system may require time and parental assistance the during first couple of weeks of the course
Technology Requirements
To participate in Groovy Kids classes students need:
1) A computer with either Windows, IOS, Android, Chrome, or Linux operating system.
2) A high speed internet connection (1.5 minimum Mbps, 2.5 Mbps for HD video).
3) Either a USB headset with microphone or telephone (mobile or landline will work)
4) A printer (optional but highly recommended).
5) A device, like a smart phone, that can take a digital picture.
6) Access to word processing software like Microsoft Word, Pages, or Google Docs. Documents must be submitted as either a doc, docx, or PDF file to be graded.
Optional Supplies
This class has many different labs, projects, and essays to choose from each week. Most of the labs can be completed with standard kitchen items, and there will always be a “paper” based lab option. For this reason, students will benefit from having standard office/craft supplies like paper, pencils, markers, pens, scissor, index cards and tape. A supply list will be available 2 weeks before class begins.
Optional Writing Add-On
Each week students will have the option of writing an essay as one of the "labs." All student essays will be graded for scientific content regardless of whether they purchase writing add-on option, but the instructor will not critique the grammar, word choice, or organization of the essay. For an additional $25, students will have access to our online writing lab and will receive detailed grammatical feedback on any essays (up to 5) that they write for the course.
Books
Before the first class, students are required to obtain a copy of, “The Disappearing Spoon” by Sam Kean. It can be found at most libraries, bookstores, or online shops like Amazon or Half-Priced Books.
Class Times
Fall 2017
September 11-November 13
Mondays at 12:00 pm EST
What Parents Need to Know
DISCLAIMER: Be advised that this is not a children's book. The content of the book deeply explores the elements of the Periodic Table and the innovations and controversies surrounding the elements. As chemical elements are extensively used to create weapons of war, students will be learning about gas weapons, atom bombs, and other military technology. While the author doesn't go into graphic detail about the consequences of these weapons, some sensitive students may not enjoy learning about chemistry through this particular lens. Additionally, the book has a couple of adult themed sexual references, that while not vulgar or explicit, may be outside the comfort level of some families, and probably wouldn't be appropriate for (or at least wouldn't be understood by) most children under the age of 12. We have typed the passages in a document that we would be happy to send you so that you can make an informed decision about purchasing this course. Email amanda@onlineclassesforgroovykids.org to let her know you'd like to preview this document.
This is Groovy Kid's most rigorous course, and 12 is the absolute minimum age that should enroll. Advanced chemistry concepts are introduced and explored, and younger students just aren't ready for the abstract thinking required of this course. This course would be an appropriate supplement for a high school student studying chemistry, or would serve well as the chemistry unit study for students in middle school. There are also many opportunities to do wet labs and paper-based labs, these may also require parent assistance in obtaining materials and supplies, and general supervision for safety.
You can preview an excerpt of the book here so that you can determine if your child would enjoy this book.
Time Commitment
Students will be expected to explore approximately 2 hours of content per week outside of the live class (reading and watching videos) and spend 2-5 hours per week completing assignments (quizzes, essays, discussions, projects, and other assignments). The typical 6-8th grader should be able to complete the course work in 7-10 hours per week. If the student is younger, not a fluent reader, is just learning to write essays, or has difficulty completing quizzes it may take them a bit longer, and they may need parent assistance.
Also, if this is your student’s first course, learning to navigate the Canvas LMS system may require time and parental assistance the during first couple of weeks of the course
Technology Requirements
To participate in Groovy Kids classes students need:
1) A computer with either Windows, IOS, Android, Chrome, or Linux operating system.
2) A high speed internet connection (1.5 minimum Mbps, 2.5 Mbps for HD video).
3) Either a USB headset with microphone or telephone (mobile or landline will work)
4) A printer (optional but highly recommended).
5) A device, like a smart phone, that can take a digital picture.
6) Access to word processing software like Microsoft Word, Pages, or Google Docs. Documents must be submitted as either a doc, docx, or PDF file to be graded.
Optional Supplies
This class has many different labs, projects, and essays to choose from each week. Most of the labs can be completed with standard kitchen items, and there will always be a “paper” based lab option. For this reason, students will benefit from having standard office/craft supplies like paper, pencils, markers, pens, scissor, index cards and tape. A supply list will be available 2 weeks before class begins.
Optional Writing Add-On
Each week students will have the option of writing an essay as one of the "labs." All student essays will be graded for scientific content regardless of whether they purchase writing add-on option, but the instructor will not critique the grammar, word choice, or organization of the essay. For an additional $25, students will have access to our online writing lab and will receive detailed grammatical feedback on any essays (up to 5) that they write for the course.