Interim Term

Interim Term 2023 Courses

1.    Academic Olympics: An Extraordinary Extravaganza of Excitement and Knowledge/Scotty Johnson

This interim course will host four fun and high-energy activities every day: Quiz Bowl, Number Sense, Current Events, and Vocabulary. These four areas will form a quadriplex of knowledge and skills to be assessed throughout the term. Students will research and explore various subjects and engage in competitive, academic challenges each day to show off what they have learned. On the final day, we will have an event called the Voc-a-Quiz-a-News-a-Math-a-Thon, combining our four academic activities with a special physical challenge.

2.    Advanced Baseball Statistics: The Game within the Game/Matt Fox

We will take a non-traditional approach to evaluating a player’s overall worth as a baseball player. Using Major League Baseball, this class will discuss the development of modern theories, various data sets, publications, and research methods commonly used in the sabermetric industry. Topics include: game strategy, park factors, DIPS theory, MLB’s economic system, clutch hitting, and the MLB Draft.  Students will draft their own team and learn to most accurately assess the most valuable players to ever play the game.  

3.    Artists: Carve--Ink--Print!/Lauren Cunningham

In this hands-on, studio art course, you’ll create a linocut from first draft to final print. “What’s a linocut?” A linocut is a type of printmaking, in which an artist carves an image into a block of linoleum and then prints the image with ink on paper, similar to a rubber stamp. In addition to making your own, personalized linocut, you’ll learn about historically significant printmakers and other printmaking methods. We’ll also take a field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts to see some prints in person.

4.    Battle of the Bands: Beatles vs. Stones/Alice Berry

The Rolling Stones and The Beatles – Who were the most original? The most influential? Which is the GOAT? We will delve into the roots, histories, and contributions of both of these great British bands and explore some modern bands who owe their success to these two. Learn about the Blues, Country, Jazz, Beatniks, R’n’B, Doo-Wop, Boogie Woogie, Rockabilly, Soul, Motown, Surf, Protest, Greenwich Village Folk, Psychedelia, and Ravi Shankar’s sitar. Be prepared to also share the bands you love!

5.    Comparative Animal Physiology/Shaun Flood

DISSECTIONS! Grab your gloves, goggles, and scalpel —we are going to spend our interim comparing the anatomy and physiology of 5 different species. We will dissect each species starting from the most basic and moving our way up the evolutionary tree to compare and contrast species from the inside out!

6.    Costuming for Mamma Mia!/Robin Bowman

Learn the basics of costume design (no sewing required!) and work on this year’s Spring Musical, Mamma Mia! We will meet with the director, analyze the script, and research ABBA and the 1970s to develop a vision together as a class, and then shop online to make our vision a reality. When you come see the show in March, you will be able to see your own work live on stage!

7.    Conspiracy, Pseudoscience and Media/David Framel

In the world of Cryptozoology, UFOlogy, and the Paranormal, photographic and video evidence of the existence of unknown creatures, lights in the sky, and ghostly images is compelling, and certain media outlets will take advantage of the conspiratorial nature of this “evidence.” But is it all a complete hoax? This class is designed to evaluate a history of pseudoscientific stills and videos, discussing their credibility and critically examining the media’s use of them to generate revenue and interest. Students will analyze methods of photofakery and ultimately create believable “Mockumentary” forgeries that rival what is out there, using computer graphics, Adobe Photoshop software, and FinalCut Pro and iMovie.

8.    Creative Projects with AI and No-Code Apps/Pejman Milani

The world is changing. Artificial intelligence and no-code tools are going to be vital to understand how to leverage yourself as you enter college and the workforce. In this course, you will explore AI art, AI writing, no-code tools, and more in order to amplify your creative potential.

9.    Cycling 101: Thrills and Skills/Alex Bruton

There is a whole world of discovery and entertainment available to those willing to self-propel on two wheels. In this course, we will explore all things bikes: we will watch iconic road, mountain and track races, discuss cycling safety, take apart, fix and rebuild bikes, learn about touring and long-distance travel, talk about what to look for when buying a bike, and consider what is next in cycling technology. You do not need to own a bike to be part of the class. We hope that as you learn more about bicycles, you become even more inspired by the world of cycling.

10. EHS Sports and Data Visualization/Dan Murphy

We will be looking at historical EHS sports data from basketball, softball, and soccer. We will clean the data, analyze it using a variety of statistical techniques, and then create interesting, informative, and visually striking data visualizations. Groups will submit data visualizations to share with the greater community.

11. Empowerment: Weight Room 101 (Females Only)/Emily White

Have you ever walked into a crowded gym and immediately headed towards the treadmill or elliptical because you weren’t sure where else to go? Have you ever been interested in some workouts or movements that you have seen people do but are unsure how to do them? Empowerment is a course offered to all females who are looking to be more confident in the gym/weight room or any female who wants to advance her knowledge of exercise and fitness. This course will provide a fun and safe environment for us to work out and learn more about fitness.

12. Exploring the Music in Movies/Joe Beam

Together, we will dive into the music of famous movie composers, such as John Williams, Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer, Alan Menken, and many more.  Students will explore how composers create material, how the music affects our understanding and interpretation of films, and how simple melodies can captivate an audience. We will also discuss the similarities and differences between composers, and what exactly makes music memorable. While we will of course watch some scenes from movies, this music class is primarily intended to engage the ears by cultivating close listening and analysis of musical compositions.

13. Explorations in Cooking and Culture through Asia/Phuc Luu & Johnny Kwok

When a person takes a bite into a delicious Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich), they often do not think about how the meal came to be the way it is. In this course we will explore the historical and cultural origins of some of the most iconic meals of East and South Asia and learn to cook these meals. We will take a trip to an Asian market in Chinatown to gather ingredients. Then we will learn to prepare and turn them into delicious meals. The course will end with a group dining experience and ramen noodle cook-off.

14. Foodways: Food Meets Culture and History/Tom Bove

Though we all come from different backgrounds and cultures, we share a common love of a great meal with family and friends. "Foodways" refers to the intersection of food in culture, traditions, and history. In this course we will examine how food impacts our culture, society, and history and discover the way that one tasty meal can tell an expansive story about who we are, where we are from, and where we are going. We will watch docuseries, have class discussions, write, explore local and international cuisine, produce our own foodways publications project, and most importantly, eat delicious food!

15. Horsepower: The V8 Engine Building Lab/Kyle Sumrow                                     

What are horsepower & torque, and how are they produced?  What makes a car go?  Explore mechanical engineering principles by disassembling and rebuilding a V8 engine, learning about the fuel, electrical, and mechanical systems that led to rapid globalization within a single century.

16. How to Be a Chinese Dragon/Kate Liang

This class will dive into Chinese culture using traditional language, art, music, food, drink, games, and films. You will learn about some famous people and ethnic groups and have the opportunity to write Chinese characters, speak a little Chinese, make your own Chinese lantern, try to play Chinese instruments, taste-test Chinese snacks and tea, and more. Come learn how to be a dragon this January!

17. How to Build Your Own Computer/Alan Duncan

Do you want to build a computer? Do you ever wonder: how does my computer actually work? What is inside of the metal box? How much does it cost to build my own custom computer? If you have asked yourself any of these questions or if you just enjoy working with technology, then you will enjoy this adventure in assembly and problem solving.

18. Independent Study (SEPARATE APPLICATION ONLY)/Alan Bradshaw

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to build your own class for school? A class on a topic that is super interesting to you? A class that allows for you to create your own final project? A class that gives you the power to explore, create, and share what interests you personally? Then this is a great opportunity for you! This is a course that will empower select students to complete a “mini” independent study project over the course of Interim Term. It’s a great opportunity to take a deep dive into whatever interests you most while creating a valuable project that can help you with future semester or full-year independent study, as well as your college application. Please contact Mr. Bradshaw if interested.

19. Knights Fight!: Stage Combat Essentials/Paul Revaz & Peter Hutcheson

Dive into the world of unarmed and armed choreographed stage combat! Work on basic fitness, learn the moves, and choreograph your own battle for the stage. Your choreographed battle will be shared with any available spectators and even filmed for a wider audience!

20. Learning to Laugh at Yourself: Storytelling through Stand-Up Comedy/Tabish Virani

Life doesn't always go as planned. We make mistakes and find ways to embarrass ourselves, leaving us with haunting memories that creep into our minds as we lay awake at night, trying to imagine how things could have gone differently. But what if instead of focusing on how we could have changed things, we instead took a step back and looked for the humor in our misfortune? In this course, our goal will be to tell our stories through a different lens: by finding a way to laugh at our lives and use our misadventures to bring joy to others.

21. LEGO Robotics/Eric Avera

Interested in robotics or think you might be? Why not take this course to explore the possibilities? You’ll have fun unlocking your imagination, practicing creative problem-solving, and exploring the world of building and programming robots. You’ll construct robots out of LEGOs and teach them to meet a variety of physical challenges.

22. Lights Up: Dance for Musical Theatre/Kristina Burgess

Ever wanted to learn how to move like the stars of Hamilton, hip-hop like the actors in Bring It On, or groove like the dancers from In the Heights? Well, now is your chance!  Come join the fun with Lights Up: Dancing for Musical Theatre.  This class is made for any student wanting to get on their feet and dance! Students will learn popular Broadway styles of choreography from the EHS dance faculty. Styles range from tap to jazz funk to hip hop and more! Increase your coordination, body awareness and confidence this January.

23. Love is Hilarious: Studying the Romantic Comedy/Bob Matthews

Ice cream? A blanket?  Tears at a predictable ending?  If this setting feels familiar, come examine the Romantic Comedy through an intelligent and critical lens.  We will identify the traditional structure of the modern romantic comedy, look back at some of Hollywood’s most memorable offerings in the genre, identify the modern classics, and find out exactly how Greek and Elizabethan Theater birthed the movies that people love to cuddle up to today. Using all of this new knowledge, each student will write an outline and do a fantasy casting of their very own romantic comedy.

24. Macro Photography/Kate Philbrick

Nothing catches the eye like a genuinely unique macro photograph. Macro images transport the viewer into another world. But unlike astro or abstract photography, macros show us a spectacular view of the world that is around us all the time. It is our world, but from a new and different perspective. In this class, students will learn the value of paying attention to the small details in their everyday lives, as well as lighting techniques, camera handling skills, and basic Photoshop skills. Student projects will be printed and prepped for an exhibition in the winter.

25. The Making of the Rainbow Nation: The Inspiring Story of Forgiveness and Reconciliation in South Africa/Garmon Ashby

In this class, we will witness episodes from South Africa’s violent and troubled past, including colonial exploitation, internal wars and the brutal Apartheid regime. We will encounter some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife in South Africa and get to know its peoples through film, artifacts, music, stories, and food. Most importantly, we will hear how forgiveness and reconciliation saved South Africa from revolution as it emerged from the brutal Apartheid regime 30 years ago. Hear more about the “Rainbow Nation” from an instructor who actually lived through the Apartheid regime and witnessed its transition to democracy and nationhood.

26. Money, Money, Money!/Mike Hodgson

Finance can be fun! Learn how to invest, save and manage your money, and put it to work for you. Learn about the history of US currency, cryptocurrencies, the stock market, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, investments, various types of savings accounts, and more. In a casual, relaxed environment, you’ll learn everything you need to know to handle your financial business!

27. Multi-Media MasterClass: Let’s Hype Up Interim!/Jay Berckley

This exciting course will focus on capturing photo and video in order to document and promote interim term on EHS social media and the EHS website. Students will also collaborate to create a multi-media capstone presentation for the entire school at the end of interim. Throughout the two-week term, students will develop strategies and skills for taking the best photographs, creating the most hype videos, and building the most engaging social media content possible. The source material? Interim Term. Class participants will actively follow all of the happenings of interim —its electives, its grade level learning sessions, and everything in between — in order to show our community what all the hype is about. No previous media arts experience required, and auxiliary equipment will be provided to all students. We hope you’ll join us for this fun adventure!

28. Our Planet/Lauren Bostick

Recent documentaries such as 'Seaspiracy' and 'Our Planet' reveal ideas about sustainability, human footprint, climate change, and plastic waste in the beautiful wild areas around the world. Why is it noteworthy that so many organizations and companies have changed their image and mission to include these ideas?  Let's explore some areas (oceans, ecosystems, etc.) that have been harmed by humans, and the importance of preserving Earth’s beauty right now — for all of us.

29. Our Voices Matter: Humanity, Oral Tradition, and the Spoken Word/Michael Codrington

This course will be an abbreviated exploration of oral tradition through the framework of public speaking and spoken word poetry. Students will gain an understanding of oral tradition as a tool for survival, communication, and preservation. By the end of the term, students will craft and perform their own original pieces of spoken word.

30. Playwriting/Tennessee Hill

Students will read and watch classic and contemporary plays with an end goal of writing their very own one-act play. In this course, we will discuss elements of playwriting and do lots of writing exercises to contribute to your own original play. We will study dialogue, setting, character, dramatic irony, and more.

31. Polaroid & Instant Film: The ORIGINAL INSTA!/Japheth Storlie

Long before Instagram and well before Snapchat, people shared photos shot and printed instantly! Students will learn about the history of the instant photo and how the process works. A local field trip will provide an exciting and colorful backdrop for the taking of photos. As a hands-on workshop, we will make our own instant pictures, reclaim negatives from the film, and even transfer images to different surfaces!

32. Rise and Shine/Leigh Anne Raymond

Our class will focus on how to start your day off relaxed and focused through guided Christian meditation, stretching, walking, and foam rolling.  We discuss strategies to find balance in life between work, exercise, spiritual life, and social life.

33. SEW much Fun: Basic Skills for Crafting and Gifting/Katheryn Ray

Have you ever spotted your mother’s sewing machine in the back of a closet and wondered how it worked? Do you think you’d like to make fun and easy gifts for friends and family for special occasions? Is redecorating your bedroom on a budget all you can dream about? If SEW, we have the IT course for you. Learn the basics or put in some practice time if you are beyond novice. Come ready to think conceptually and spatially as we explore the art of sewing. By the end of this course, you will have quite a few finished projects to show off to friends and family and some new skills for life.

34. So You Think You Can Doctor?/Karen Foster

Students will go through “mini medical school,” learning the basics of medical terminology, medical testing, and surgical skills. We will practice hand-washing techniques, giving injections to oranges, suturing chicken feet, and casting the leg of a doll. Students will compete in a “Surgical Olympics” where they will put their suture and taping skills to a practical test.

35. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: An Exploration of Cooperative Board Gaming/Art Callaham

Do you ever feel like it’s you against the world? Sometimes the only way out of a sticky situation is to find some like-minded friends and work together to make a path forward. This year’s board game elective will focus on “cooperative games” where players compete against the game rather than each other. Monopoly is NOT one of the games we’ll be playing, but you will get a chance to play some of the hottest new cooperative titles, as well as some classic gems that have kept decades of players coming back for more.

36. Things That Go Bump in the Night/George Brock

Want to see something scary?  Want to know why it's scary?  Want to make something scary? Then this is the course for you!  In this class, we will watch a couple of horror films, learn about the psychology behind horror and horror films, and then endeavor to make some horror films.  Warning: This class is not for the faint of heart! We will be dealing with all things bloody and scary, so please be sure you are up for the ride.

37. “Tudo Legal!”: Brazilian Culture and Language/Catie Street

This survey course will touch on Brazilian history, geography, music, dance, food, film, language, and current events. It will be taught in English, though students will get to learn some basic Portuguese in context, as well as some fun popular words and sayings in Brazilian Portuguese. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about our largest neighbor to the south, which is home to a rich and diverse culture.

38. Visions of the Future/John Flanagan

Visions of the Future explores humanity’s attempt to predict the future. In class, we will examine science fiction portrayals of the future in addition to the hard science and facts on technology, medicine, and possible cataclysms. The primary goal will be for student groups to develop their own vision of the near future. Daily programs will include discussions, movies/shows, future vision project work, and futuristic activities including a Virtual Reality field trip.

39. We Knit: A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting and its History/Amalia Pflaumer

This class is designed to teach beginners the basics of knitting, but it is also useful to those knitters who might need a refresher class. Whether you have just a little or no knowledge of knitting – this course is for you. Lessons provide history, discussion of the tools, how to read and understand patterns and color charts, and — of course — how to start knitting. This course will finish up with some simple knitting projects to practice and complete. Learning how to knit has never been simpler, and in just a few days, you will be ready to tackle all kinds of new knitting adventures. So, join the knitting fun!