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BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Advanced Guitar Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Chavez
Fee: $0 The advanced guitar project is an intermediate – advanced guitar level workshop that will focus on
fretboard theory, solo phrasing, and several more technical aspects of guitar playing. Participants
will learn about the intricate relationships between chords, scales, and arpeggios through various
exercises and techniques that will be both practiced and applied throughout the duration of this
project. A strong emphasis will be placed on neo-classical/ progressive based staccato techniques
such as alternate picking, sweep picking, and economy picking. These techniques will be used in
correlation with left hand shapes & patterns during the in class exploration of major, minor,
chromatic, augmented, harmonic minor, diminished, and modal scales. Required physical object:
Your own guitar (spares will be extremely limited). Recommended intangible materials: A proficient
understanding of guitar basics, and an adequate level of finesse concerning guitar related skills
(ask the Chavez if you have any questions regarding these abstract requirements).
Astronomy Camping Trip Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Ms. Sugarman
Fee: $30 Come on a two-night camping adventure at the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association’s
observing site near the Chiricahua Mountains! For two nights (Tuesday May 26th and Wednesday
May 27th) we’ll stay up late observing on telescopes, then camp out under the stars! We will
observe Jupiter, Saturn, the moon, and deep-sky objects through large telescopes at one of the
best observing locations in the country. Daytime activities will include astronomy activities and a trip
to the Chiricahua National Monument. We’ll also spend as much time as possible asleep during the
day to accommodate our night time observing schedule. You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind
opportunity to get hands-on with astronomy! Please note: We will be depending on parent drivers
to make this trip happen. The number of students who will be able to attend will depend on how
many drivers we have. Please seriously consider whether your parent can come along when you
sign up for this project!
Beginning Lego Robotics Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 5-7 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Dr. Rex
Fee: $10 Students will have fun building robots that can navigate obstacle courses and respond to a
multitude of sensors, including light, touch, and sound to address real-world engineering goals.
Students will work in teams with Lego Mindstorms® kits to master the programming of basic
movements, and then progress to more difficult challenges. We’ll build robots that can race,
navigate mazes and wrestle each other. Challenges will conclude with team competitions to see
which teams have built the best robots! No previous experience is necessary.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Building Classical Monuments Grade Levels: Open to Students in 5th-8th Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Dr. Kendall
Fee: $5 How would you like to build your own version of the Roman Colosseum or other amazing classical
monuments? In this project you will learn how classical monuments such as the Colosseum,
Parthenon, and Pantheon were constructed. You will then create your own version of these
monuments through the creative use of cardboard and other basic materials. At the end of the
week your monuments will be judged and prizes awarded in a number of categories including best
replica, most creative, and best use of materials. Be creative! Be innovative! Spend a week building
monumental masterpieces!
Computer Tips and Tricks Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Balanda
Fee: $0 Are you a Computer Programming enthusiast or a novice who just wants to give it a try? Either way,
come and join us as we go through some computer tips and tricks. We will be completing the
picoCTF challenge. This challenge walks students through various hacking techniques commonly
used by white-hat and black-hat hackers alike (sorry to disappoint, but you won’t be able to hack
the pentagon when we’re done).No prior programming knowledge is required. All techniques will
be taught (or figured out) during the project. Students know how to operate a computer and
access the internet. Finally, so we’re not staring at a computer screen all day, we’ll attack some
real life puzzles, watch some movies, and have a visit from a professional in the field who does this
kind of work on a daily basis!
Creative Journaling Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. McDonald
Fee: $40 Do you keep a journal? How about a sketchbook? For this project, you will explore multiple ways of
expressing yourself through creative journaling. For five days you will combine visual art,
creative/travel writing, journalism, and science journaling to produce a uniquely personal “art
book” or journal. This project will breakdown the boundaries between subjects and will include
lessons in:
-Visual Art: sketching, cartooning, paper engineering, photography, photo
transfer, painting, collage
-Writing: poetry, journalism, memoir, travel writing
-Science: wildlife study, scientific illustration
This project will include two fieldtrips during which we will meet a Tucson location, and spend the
day sketching and writing in the field. Journals and art supplies will be provided, but you’re
encouraged to bring whatever supplies you prefer!
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Creative Writing Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Ruvein
Fee: $0 “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”—Gustav Flaubert
In this multi-‐genre, workshop-‐based project, students develop their own creative writing
projects while exploring traditional and non-‐traditional literary forms. Experimenting with
fiction, nonfiction, poetry, humor writing, screenwriting, and creative writing exercises is the
key component of this project. Students learn varied techniques in generating material, how
to critique constructively, and expand style resources. The primary activity is sustaining a
creative process through writing, with selected readings, videos, and visitors offered as
fuel/nourishment for the writer’s task. The project also features collaborative writing
experiments, including the first ever composing of a backstory to the on-‐going “Humans vs.
Zombies” saga, a narrative we will publish and post in installments each day. Bring a journal
(or three or four). Daily exercises focus on elements of craft and provide opportunities for
developing critical reading and editing skills in a workshop setting.
Creative Writing! Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 5-7 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Armstrong
Fee: $0
“The interior of our skulls contains a portal to infinity.” ― Grant Morrison
“Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers.” – Isaac Asimov
In this project we will write. Then we will write some more. We will write until our hands cramp and our
eyes cross. And then we will write some more! Also… we will journey through time and space,
entertain dragons, witness the Barbie apocalypse, build treetop villages in ancient forests, juggle
flaming chainsaws on invisible tightropes, deep sea dive on strange planets, have a tea party with
Genghis Khan, reinvent the wheelie, ride bareback unicorns, wrestle polka-dotted dinosaurs, and so
much more! We will delight and relish in this magnificently weird and wonderful language; let its
elegance and oddities pour from our pens like Niagara Falls through a sippy straw. There will be
poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction, adventure, romance, fantasy, sci-fi, comedy, drama,
screenplays, menus, instruction manuals, grocery lists and more! Mistakes will be made. Then we’ll do
it better. Collaborations will lead to the impossible. Things will exist that have never existed! Ideas
conceived that never were! What? YES! YES! YES!
“You fail only if you stop writing.” – Ray Bradbury
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Cult/Classics Film Festival Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 40
Instructor: Ms. Chan/ Ms. Jackson
Fee: $0 This project will examine the qualities and attributes that contribute to a film’s endurance. What
makes a film a “classic”? During projects week, we will screen and discuss classic films. Ms. Jackson
will provide an introduction to films from the Golden Age of Hollywood, while Mrs. Chan will present
films that have attained “cult classic” standing. We will examine how these two varieties of classics
can touch on similar themes in very different ways. Join us to watch and talk about these movies
that have stood the test of time.
Dr. Who Marathon Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Owner
Fee: $0 Curious about Doctor Who? Obsessed with Doctor Who? This project is open to any student interest
ed in the BBC television show Doctor Who. Students will participate in a variety of creative activities
centered around Doctor Who. For example, students will write their own Doctor Who adventure co
mic book, watch favorite Doctor Who episodes, and even build their own Dalek. This is a great opp
ortunity for students to geek out or just learn about a fun new fan culture and appreciate good stor
ytelling.
Evidence Doesn't Lie Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Madame Thomas
Fee: $2 Do crime scenes fascinate you? Do you wonder how suspects are identified? Do you like to know
the details of murder scenes, and how they end up catching the perpetrator? Do you ask yourself,
“How can they be sure it was him/her?”
Come discover the behind the scenes of crime scenes. Learn the ins and outs of fingerprinting,
DNA, trace evidence, even blood spatter…and more! You will learn information that those in
forensic science and police departments need to know in order to successfully investigate a crime
scene and solve the case. You will then put that information to use for some fun and creative
activities. A signed parental permission form will be required in order to participate.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Exploring the World of Sports Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Dr. Rosinbum
Fee: $0
Interested in the rules, controversies and histories of athletic competition? Want to watch some of
the greatest basketball/football/futball/hockey ever played? Want to better understand the rules
of athletic competition? Here’s your chance to immerse yourself in the world of athletics for five
solid days.
Games in the Park, Movies in the Dark Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 5-7 ONLY
# Students: 40
Instructor: Ms. Parra/ Ms. Sleator
Fee: $0 Each day of our project will begin with a walk to Fort Lowell Park for games in the park. The time at
the park will consist of two hours of fun outdoor excitement in the form of activities such as soccer,
kickball, running, Frisbee, jump rope, etc. Then the group will walk back to school to enjoy movies in
the dark.
Games of Strategy Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Johnston
Fee: $0 We will play board games that emphasize strategic planning (i.e., Risk, Axis and Allies,
Monopoly). We will provide some games, but students are encouraged to bring their own.
Games, Crafts n' Stuff Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Ms. Hubbard
Fee: $0 What does your ideal project involve? Not sure if you want to play games, make awesome crafts,
watch movies, or read books? Then this is the project for you! Each day Ms. Hubbard will introduce
a new craft or small project for the class to work on (jewelry making, coral reef collage, etc.).
Additional time will be spent playing board games, reading, and watching movies. Students are
encouraged to bring their favorite board games, cards, books, etc.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Hiking Sabino Canyon Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 15
Instructor: Ms. Liu
Fee: $5 Are you awed by the natural beauty—soaring mountains, deep canyons, and unique desert plants
and animals—of the Sonoran Desert? Sabino Canyon draws over a million visitors a year to enjoy
the marvelous views and it is just “in our backyard.” We will hike different trails of Sabino Canyon
during the first half of our project and then come back to school to “cool off” with relaxing activities
such as watching movies, reading and playing board games while tasting Chinese
snacks. Participants need to bring water bottles, sun screen, and hats for hiking and are
encouraged to bring their own games for “cool off” time at school.
How to Person Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 7-12 ONLY
# Students: 40
Instructor: Mr. Swindle/ Ms. Whitehorn
Fee: $15 Learn how to be an awesomely independent person in the real world! Topics to be covered:
Stuff that seems scary and professional: What is a resume? What do you do with your hands
during a college or job interview? How do you write a good thank-you note? We’ll cover all
that.
DIY: You will learn how to repair clothing and make your own personal and cleaning
products, as well as basic foodly recipes to keep your body alive.
Finance: Short on cash with places to go? Learn how to make (and stick to) a budget and
navigate financial aid. We’ll also discuss everyday financial encounters, including when and
how much to tip at restaurants.
Relationships: You will develop skills in maintaining healthy relationships with those around
you, with grade-appropriate presentations on sexual health. We will also focus on self-care,
covering time management and stress relief.
Transportation: How do you read a bus schedule? What do you do if your car or bike gets a
flat?! Learn what to do in difficult transportation situations. Find out also how to pack efficiently and be a good travel partner.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
How to Relax Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Ms. Connolly
Fee: $0
Many philosophers have felt that relaxation is as important a human right as food.
Relaxing is not as simple as just having free time. In fact, most people who work as hard as Basis
Students do find themselves feeling guilty or anxious for taking any time off. However, relaxation is
one of the truly essential elements of a happy life, both as a student and in general. It is also
precisely the thing that enables you to be most productive and creative when you DO need to
work. Relaxing the right way is what helps people overcome procrastination and many other
serious problems.
Relaxation is also a learned skill. In this project, we will practice techniques for relaxing without
feeling guilty or anxious, develop schedules that factor in appropriate amounts of relaxation to your
daily schedule, and identify techniques to help you relax quickly and make the most out of your
limited free time. We will do activities such as meditation, yoga, drawing and other relaxation-
promoting practices, as well as hold discussions about how to overcome the impediments to
relaxation. This project will also include films, reading time, and other relaxing activities. Students
are encouraged to come in pajamas or other comfy clothes, and enjoy the opportunity to just chill
out (remember, chilling out is THE assignment in this project, and it is harder than it looks.)
Ideally, this project will help students convert into a restorative summer vacation. Let’s use this time
for true R and R (rest and recreation.)
Humans Vs Zombies Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 40
Instructor: Ms. Jewett/ Mr. Reks
Fee: $12 Humans vs. Zombies is an immersive tag game where students simulate the inevitable: a campus-
wide zombie apocalypse. A team of humans armed with Nerf dart blasters and sock ball projectiles
attempts to defend themselves from an internal zombie infection of unknown origin. Both human
and zombie players work with their teams to solve puzzles, complete mission objectives and gain
advantages to either protect or grow their teams. Players will wear colored bandanas to distinguish
their team. A "souvenir" bandana will be provided to each participant at the start of the game.
Faculty moderators (including a former faculty mod) relay plot information and mission objectives
as the game progresses.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
In Your Face, 3D History and Movies Grade Levels: Open to Students in 6th-12th grades
# Students: 40
Instructor: Ms. Campbell/ Mr. Johnson
Fee: $30 Ever since there has been photography, there has been 3D. Starting with Stereoscope Viewers in
the 1860s, going into Viewmasters with their circular discs, black and white red/blue glasses movies
from the early 1950s al' the way to Real 3D and hits like Guardians of the Galaxy, people are
fascinated to see images that seem to go deeper in depth than the screen, and magical effects
that float past the screen and seem to be right in your face!
Participating students will have hands-on access to antique Stereoscope viewers and cards as well
as Viewmasters and discs, but the main focus will be on film —3D movies projected on a 30 foot
screen with Surround Sound. Movies under consideration will be classics like Creature from the Black
Lagoon, House of Wax (with Vincent Price!), IMAX Nature Films, Guardians of the Galaxy, Finding
Nemo and Big Hero 6. We would end the project with an Eegees party and water balloon fight!
Boom! Right in your face!
Intro to Dance and Dance History Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Ms. Jones
Fee: $0 Get moving! Get grooving! This project will introduce new and experienced dancers to various
forms of dance including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop. We will watch classic dance films. Learn
some moves, and even choreograph a dance! On the last day of the project, you will get to perfim
your own choreograqphy! Students should wear comfortable athletic clothing. Open to all
experience levels.
Kickboxing Self Defense Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Marinaccio
Fee: $0 Students will be taught and will perform advanced Muay Thai kickboxing and self-defense
techniques, in a safe and secure environment. Location will be at Black Belt 4 Life, across the street
from Basis TN. Students will meet at Basis every morning and will depart as a group with teacher.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Knitting, Crocheting and More Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Ms. Gollenberg
Fee: $15 This project is open to all ages and experience levels. Ms. Gollenberg is an experienced knitter and
is happy to help you learn basics or more advanced stitches. If you already know how to crochet,
you are welcome to stick to that. The first project is for Knit-a-square, a charity which takes knit or
crocheted squares made around the world and sews them together to make blankets for AIDS
orphans in Africa. After you finish your square, you can choose from a variety of patterns
depending on your skill level: scarves, hats, dishcloths stuffed animals, and more. You can also bring
other crafty projects to work on, like bracelets, braiding, etc. Feel free to come with comfortable
clothes and blankets, because we watch movies while we work! Knitting needles and yarn will be
provided.
Lord of the Rings Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Ms. Lundt
Fee: $30 Come and share your love of all things middle earth.
Watch
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (extended edition)
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (extended edition)
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (theatrical release)
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition)
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (extended edition)
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (extended edition)
Eat
Hobbits eat six meals a day. We will have plenty of snacks as we celebrate all things hobbit-like.
Craft
Learn some medieval crafts: chain maille, calligraphy, cord making.
Model UN Grade Levels: Open to Students in 7th-12th grades
# Students: 40
Instructor: Mr. Kordik/ Dr. Zellmer
Fee: $0 Join Model United Nations and gain experience working as an ambassador on a UN committee.
Throughout the week, you’ll learn how the UN operates – you’ll understand its procedures,
committees, and the contemporary issues with which ambassadors wrestle. We will conclude our
week with a Model UN conference and an international banquet.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Musical Extraordinaire Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 5-7 ONLY
# Students: 40
Instructor: Ms. Brauer/ Ms. Napier
Fee: $0 Do you like singing? dancing? acting?
Are you a creative thinker?
If you answered yes, this group might just be for you.
You will be watching and exploring several musicals throughout the week. In addition, you will be
part of a team that creates the basic elements of new musical.
Come musical with us :)
Origami Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mrs. van Bree
Fee: $10 Come learn the delicate art of Origami and make beautiful take-home projects that can lighten up
any room. We will be taking a look at the history, and practical uses of Origami and learning to
transform an ordinary piece of paper into a delicate three dimensional work of art. Through the
process we will be learning 3 – D spatial relationships. This course requires patience and dexterity.
Not only will you receive invaluable and important skills, you will also learn a simple and economical
way to have fun anytime and anywhere. Each student must complete at least one project, for
presentation day. Join us and learn the paper shifting, ancient art form of Origami!
Outdoor Adventures Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 5-7 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Ms. Carnes
Fee: $80 Explore your world by challenging yourself with various outdoor adventures. In this project, we will
leave campus almost every day to enjoy the outdoors. We will spend one morning at Aqua
Caliente Park learning about and exploring the ecosystems of the park. Another day we will work
together as a team to complete various obstacles at the 4-H High Ropes Course. Over the last two
days we will head out to Peppersauce Campground in the Catalinas. The first day we will work
together as a team to scramble through Peppersauce Cave. We will then spend the night camping
under the stars. The next morning we will head out early to hike a brief portion of the Arizona Trail.
Throughout the project, we will focus not only on team building and appreciation for our world but
also on outdoor safety.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Paranormal Investigation Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Hasman
Fee: $15 From ghosts to Bigfoot - with a measured and critical approach, this project will involve analyzing
and implementing some of the more common practices of the paranormal investigation world. Mr.
Hasman will oversee two teams of investigators who will conduct investigations into paranormal
entities. At first, these teams will be looking at, analyzing and criticizing common examples of
entertainment investigations including ghost hunters, Bigfoot trackers and myth-hunters before
developing their own sets of skills and tools for investigating paranormal themes. They will then
conduct up to two field-research investigations that will involve the techniques studied and
practiced beforehand. Through the entirety of the investigation, teams will be approaching these
topics as skeptics and will not be making any assumptions about the origins or nature of their
findings or the findings of others without indisputable proof. Disclosure – In order to preserve the
good will and accepting nature of the project, no discussion of religion or spirituality will be
tolerated.
Parks and Rec Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Ms. Keicher
Fee: $0 If you like sports, games and swimming join Parks and Rec. Every day we will be playing a different
sport or game at the park in the morning followed by a different sport or game in the gym in the
afternoon. We will be walking to Ft. Lowell Park and back every day so pack your sunscreen and
water. We will also have an opportunity to go swimming at Ft. Lowell Pool. The entry fee into the
pool is $1. The games and sports will include volleyball, basketball, flag football, soccer, badminton,
dodge ball, capture the flag and kick ball.
Quidditch Grade Levels: Open to Students in 6th-8th Grades
# Students: 40
Instructor: Ms. Bulldis/ Ms. Cohen
Fee: $10 Come learn the game of Quidditch and have fun with a game. All too often sports have become
too competitive and video games have replaced going outside to just have fun. Quidditch is an
attempt to reclaim the fun that used to accompany sports.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
SAT Prep Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Ms. K
Fee: $0 Do you plan to take the SAT 2 math subject test in the near future? Then this free prep class is for
you. We will review topics from Pre-Calculus, geometry and probability. Because practice makes
perfect, we will also work on test taking skills, and learn useful tricks to improve your scores ---and we
will have fun doing it!
School of Rock Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Winkleman
Fee: $0 Students will have a chance to put their musical and artistic talents to practical use by forming and
playing in a band, or contributing to the recording, and/or promotion of bands. Musical combos of
two to six people will organize and produce a list of songs to be played at the end of the project.
This is a great opportunity to make music and collaborate with other people. All musicians are
welcome no matter what instrument(s) they play (yes flute and violin can rock). Fashion and set
designers, people interested in musical recording, and music-video artists are also welcome. After
forming a band, artists will learn how to play a few cover songs, and hopefully will compose and
perform an original piece created during project week. “For those about the rock… We salute
you!” –AC/DC
Sci Fi Spectacular Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 40
Instructor: Mr. Aussprung/ Mr. MacDonald
Fee: $0 We will watch many amazing, groundbreaking, classic and enduring Science Fiction movies. Every
day, we will discuss a sub-genre theme of SciFi, like dystopian or space opera; we will watch one
“older,” classic film (that Mr. Mac or Mr. Aussprung will choose), and we will watch a “newer,”
student-chosen film. Options might include: Children of Men, E.T., 2001: A Space Odyssey, Minority
Report, The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Hunger Games, Star Wars, Interstellar, Gravity,
Guardians of the Galaxy….and many more!
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Tales of Adventure Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Dr. Williams
Fee: $0 Do you like exciting stories about exotic places, strange dangers, and famous explorers? In this
project students will relax while they read and watch classic adventure stories. Students can bring a
good book (or two), a pillow, and read as much as they would like. We’ll also be watching some
classic adventure movies such as King Solomon’s Mines (1950), Jason and the Argonauts (1963),
Percy Jackson: the Lightning Thief (2010), Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Star
Wars (1977), and more! If you like to relax with a good book, then this is the project for you.
The 3 Rs: Rest, wRite, and Read Grade Levels: Open to Students in Grades 8-12 ONLY
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Judson
Fee: $0 We will begin each day with some relaxing yoga followed by a guided introduction into
Mindfulness Meditation. Then, we will screen and discuss a recent independent movie. The latter
half of the day will be spent reading quietly and writing creatively. This is a project for all who enjoy
film, literature, and creative writing. And for those students who want a tranquil way to decompress
from the strenuous academic year.
Tolkien's Middle Earth Grade Levels: Open to Students in 5th-7th Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Koch
Fee: $0 In this project we will explore the mythology of Middle Earth created by author JRR Tolkien. We will
spend a significant portion of the project watching the film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings, as
well as the 1977 animated film of The Hobbit. The Lord of the Rings films are rated PG13 for fantasy
violence, and parents should be aware of what their students will be exposed to. We will also spend
time discussing the deeper mythology of Middle Earth, expanded on in Tolkien’s other works, as well
as discussing the themes, origins, and cultural impacts of the stories. We will not just be analyzing the
films, but also The Lord of the Rings novels, The Silmarillion, The Children of Hurin, and other related
works. It is therefore suggested that students have read at least one of The Lord of the Rings novels
(not just The Hobbit) prior to enrolling in the project so that they can contribute to discussions. If time
warrants, students may also have the chance to spend time reading Tolkien’s literature.
BASIS Tucson North 2015 End of Year Project Descriptions
Topics in Solar Physics Grade Levels: Open to Students in ALL Grades
# Students: 20
Instructor: Mr. Greenfield
Fee: $5 The students will learn about topics in the field of solar physics and space weather. Each day will
include a brief solar observation period to record the current solar activity (sunspots and other
structures). Daily lectures will cover a variety of topics related to solar physics. The lectures will be
mostly qualitative but may include some calculations depending on the students involved. The
project will include activities and demonstrations to better illustrate the ideas covered in the
lectures. There will likely be a daily video relevant to the lecture and activities of that day.
US-Mexico Border and Conservation Grade Levels: 9th-12th
# Students: 15
Instructor: MS. Brody
Fee: $100 The day expedition to the US - Mexican border and follow up activities in the classroom will be
coordinated with an expert team from Ironwood Tree Experience – ITE
Students will engage in activities that are field based, experiential and hands-on. Outing will focus
on environmental science, discovery and skill building activities that connect students with nature
and field science experts. ITE provides skilled staff, transportation, field curricula and equipment.
The borderlands of the US and Mexico are rich in flora, fauna, cultural history and present day
drama. This dynamic and contested landscape inspires passion while continuing to harbor an
amazing diversity of plants and animals – on both sides of the fence. Students visit the borderlands
to learn more about the region as a whole as well as discuss the role of wildlife enforcement in this
most highly militarized portion of the US-Mexican border. Depending upon level of activity, classes
may visit the fence while accompanied by law enforcement.