Curriculum   Challenge & Champions provides exciting learning opportunities through enriching interdisciplinary classes. Participants will learn and use new skills to explore the world around them and beyond. Through exciting content, they will practice the essential skills for independent learning. The C&C Program is designed for students entering or already in middle school (rising grades 6 through 8). Participants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. The program is appropriate for both average and advanced learners. Remediation and tutoring are not a part of C&C. 2009 Academic Courses The First Emperor of China: Discovering China’s Terracotta Army Did you know that for thousands of years, there was a dead Chinese emperor who was silently guarded underground by thousands of life size clay warriors? The discovery in 1974 of the life size terracotta army of Qin, the First Emperor of China (221-210 BC), amazed the world. For two thousand years they silently guarded the vast tomb complex of one of the greatest military leaders in history. Qin started his career as the first emperor of China at just about the same age as the campers attending Challenge & Champions. During this course we will focus on connections between archeology, culture, history, and art. By the end of the course, you will understand *The importance of the First Emperor and the underground army within Chinese historical and cultural development. *That art and archaeological discoveries make tangible connections to past times and places; that they are primary resources in understanding cultures and the individuals who shaped that culture. *The artistic and technological innovations of Chinese culture. *You will also gain an understanding of the similarities and differences between great civilizations of the ancient world and rulers who shaped the history of their countries and cultures. We will have many hands on activities such as making our own colorful masks, sculpting our own clay warriors with self hardening clay, visiting the Carlos Museum, developing our owns Chinese coins, and having guest speakers to enhance our knowledge.   The Earth and me: Environmental Science’s Importance in our Lives Issues related to resources and our use of energy, its impact on our lives, and its impact on our planet are in the news daily. Are you interested in energy conservation and the natural resources of our planet? What exactly is “Going Green”? In this course we will explore different uses of natural resources and the topic of Environmental Science. We will look at how local businesses are “Going Green” and investigate availability, allocation and conservation of energy and other resources. You will get to evaluate the effects of human activities and technology on ecosystems. You will explore our many connections showing that human beings are part of the global ecosystem. In The Earth and Me you will: *Learn about the relationship of energy consumption and the living standards of societies. *Become familiar with the commonly used fuels (e.g. fossil fuels, nuclear fuels, etc.) and some alternative fuels (e.g. wind, solar, ethanol, etc.) including the required technology, availability, pollution problems and implementation problems. *Learn about the origin of fossil fuels and the problems associated with our dependence on this energy source. * Develop informed decisions on resource utilization. (i.e. energy and water usage allocation, conservation, food and land, and long-term depletion).   Media Mania: Keeping a watch on what influences me It is everywhere. It consumes every part of our lives: streaming through our headsets, blaring through our television screens, constantly projecting images and giving us messages to buy, buy, buy. Merchants all compete for our attention. Media is developed to shape our thoughts and guide our actions. With so many people targeting you and trying to shape your opinions, don’t you want to know their secrets? Do you ever wonder how the commercials are designed? In this course we will explore and analyze various forms of media. Unleash the hidden messages tucked away inside a song’s lyrics. Discover the secrets of infamous marketing firms and how those secrets directly involve you as a rising teenager. Examine how companies create brand loyalty, making you totally devoted to them. Do all of this and more in Media Mania. In Media Mania, you will: *Look at how advertisers carefully craft language using various types of literacy devices to lure their buyer. *Analyze a song’s message including understanding the historical, social and cultural context of the song. *Determine how companies go about creating brand loyalty. In this class, you will get the opportunity to experience all different types of media, including, movies, commercials, television and music. You will get to hear from guest speakers who will give you real world insights. Come join us on a journey where we learn to be critically conscious of the “media mania” which swarms around us.   All About the Benjamins: It’s more than you think Have you ever dreamed about all the fun and freedom you’ll have as an adult? Do you know how you’re going to be able to pay for everything you want to do? Let’s face it; money has a powerful effect on a person’s life. We know that financial systems and currencies are connected to everyone and most of us do not know enough about money in our every day lives. In this class, you will: *Have the opportunity to learn about monetary systems, stocks, investments, and a variety of currencies (dollars to Euros, Pesos, Rupees, Yen, and more). *Learn about how financial systems were developed and why they are important *Understand how the financial decisions you make and those that our government makes impact your life in the short term and over the longer term. *Act out your own true-to-life scenario by getting a job, paying the bills, saving money, paying taxes, writing checks, and much, much more! If you take this class, you will become an expert in answering all sorts of money questions and be prepared for your future (and future money!). Just be aware… your parents may come to you for advice!   2009 Physical Education Courses Stick Sports Long ago humans tired of sports involving just people and they looked to nature for inspiration.  Maybe it was a fallen branch, or broken log, but sticks soon found their way onto the playing field and we have been using them ever since!  In stick sports all the best games will be played ranging from wiffle ball to field hockey.  A keen eye, athleticism and coordination will reign supreme once we learn the fundamental skills.     The Majors When people think of sports, they think of the major leagues: NBA, NFL, MLS, and MLB.  In this class the fundamentals of all the major sports will be taught with a special emphasis on basketball and football (flag). Teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship will be focused on in all of the games we play in addition to a discussion of the nature of professional sports and the potential to make it to that level. Most importantly, when you come to the Majors, you had better be ready to play!   Olympic Sports Citius, Altius, Fortius. Faster, Higher, Stronger.  Every four years the world's greatest athletes gather to compete on the global stage. Some of the events contested seem very foreign to Americans.  In this class, some of the most competitive events will be introduced to the campers with an emphasis on skill building and a culminating competition.  Both team activities and individual sports will be highlighted including water polo, the basics of track and field, and team handball.   Lifetime Recreation Not everyone can still pull a helmet on line up to play football at age forty.  Will you be able to get a pick up game of soccer going when you have a full time job and kids?  Some sports are meant to last a lifetime and can be played long after your most competitive days.  From taking nature walks, playing bocce ball, going for a jog, playing a round of golf or even tossing Frisbee, Lifetime Recreation will provide you with decades of enjoyment!   Soccer    Learn to play the world's most popular sport! The basic skills of juggling, passing, ball control, heading, shooting, and volleying will be taught. Students will then apply these new skills to challenging game situations while also learning teamwork, sportsmanship, and developing general fitness.     Badminton Come play one of Asia's most popular sports!  Students will learn the basics of badminton including serving, volleys, and drop shots.  They will then apply them to singles, doubles, and large group competitive situations.  The class will culminate with a competitive double tournament.