Classes for Middle University

Chinese Culture and Language (MT)
The culture lessons include etiquette, customs, and dance. The language lessons include greetings, numbers, and food names. The class emphasizes accurate pronunciation, including correct tones.

Learning to Lead (MT)
Learn various leadership styles through exploring the biographies of several influential political, business, and educational leaders. The session will take an in-depth look into the behavioral effects of each style on followers and focus on the styles that inspire motivation and collaboration.

World Rhythm Rudiments (MT)
A fun and exciting class which introduces drumming from different cultures from around the world including Africa, the Caribbean, and Brazil. You will learn how to play and count rhythms through these different drumming traditions. The final project will be a presentation and recording session. All instruments provided—no experience necessary.

Clay Creations (MT or WTh)
Welcome to the world of dirt-Clay, that is! Hand-building techniques demonstrated and explored through the creation of two to four clay pieces. The presenter will fire the pieces at a later date and the creations will be claimed at the Office of Continuing Education after August 20, 2008.

Cultural Geography of the U.S. (MT or WTh)
Explore the four major cultural regions of the United States: the Northeast (New England), Midwest (Heartland), West (Wild West), and South (Deep South). The session will cover the historical, political, economic and social aspects and the current cultural characteristics of each region.

History of English (MT or WTh)
Learn the highlights of the history of the English language from its Indo-European origins to the present. Studying the history of English provides a basis for understanding other languages and cultures, especially those of the Romance family of languages like Spanish and French.

I am Special: Hands-on Experiments in Biology & Genetics (MT or WTh)
You will find out why you are unique and special, practice virtual and in-lab biotechnology, clone your favorite dog with computer animations, compete in cloning games, make homemade genes from a banana, play with microscopes and just have lots of fun being a scientist!

Portland Cement Concrete for Young Engineers (MT or WTh)
Attention young engineers: What is the recipe for concrete? Learn the difference between cement and concrete. Discover how to mechanically pick little rocks out of big rocks. Mix your own concrete just like a concrete truck. Make a test cylinder. Break a test cylinder!

Say What?! Shakespeare (MT or WTh)
Through art, mask making, acting, improv, costumes and props, learn how to bring the magic of Shakespeare’s plays to your life. Explore tragedy, comedy, history, romance, betrayal, pain, beauty and magic through his greatest plays and characters. Here’s your chance to become Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, the Ghost, Macbeth, a Witch, and Othello-characters that have stood the test of time, over 400 years! Lots of hands-on activities and a great deal of fun!

Spin Fishing with Flies (MT or WTh)
Learn how to tie the flies you'll use on day two. Practice tying knots and casting on an outside lawn area. Day two, the students will be taken on a field trip to Gassman's Pond for a fishing outing. All fish will be returned to the pond. Learn fishing skills and fishing ethics.

Fun with Scrapbooking (WTh)
What do you do with all of your great photos? Learn how to preserve pictures and have fun creating your own personalized scrapbook. Students will make a mini "brag book" and can bring their own album, pages, and photos to create a unique scrapbook.

Jr. Geologist (WTh)
On day one we will go on a fi eld trip collecting 500 million year old invertebrate fossils, rocks, and minerals. The next day we will identify and label your collection before taking it home.

Modern Beautification (WTh)
Have you ever wanted a certain hairstyle or makeup look and weren't sure how to achieve it? This class will fi ll you with knowledge of basic skin care, makeup applications, and color coordination of makeup, hairstyling techniques, and beauty suggestions. Learn the tricks of the trade!

News Writing (WTh)
Students will learn the basics of news writing by writing their own news stories from start to finish. The session will cover story ideas, basic elements and style, interview techniques and questions, content, the ethics of journalism, word processing, and more.

Questions?
More information will appear on this page soon. In the meantime, if you have questions or comments about College For Kids or Middle University? If so, please call (608)342-1314 or toll-free at 1-888-281-9472. You may also send questions or comments via e-mail to cont_ed@uwplatt.edu.