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8 Results

  • 3D Sculpture & Ceramics (two-week class): Gr. 6–9, Wks1–2

    Come and have fun with clay and other 3D materials. In the morning, learn about clay techniques and build a variety of different ceramics projects. In the afternoon, continue creating with clay in an open studio format or switch it up to experiment with recycled art projects- magazine forms, cardboard masks, paper quilling, tube sculpture, jewelry, book art, and more! Returning students welcome! Students who joined us for Ceramics in previous years will be given the opportunity to work on independent projects and/or reinvent class projects. Note: Ceramics & Sculpture is a two week class. Students enrolled in this class will participate during both Week 1 (July 5–8) and Week 2 (July 10–14) of Summer Explorations.
  • Art Studio: Creative Expressions: Gr: 6-9, Wk 1

    Both beginner and experienced artists will enjoy this class designed for students who want to create excellent art pieces they will be proud to hang on a wall or give as a gift. Join us to explore famous artist’s techniques and create in similar styles adding your own spin. Explore nature abstracts inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, stained-glass look-alike art inspired by Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright, splatter art abstracts inspired by Jackson Pollock and more! Learn about watercolor painting techniques inspired by John Singer Sargeant’s portraits, Paul Klee’s abstract art and cartoonist Bill Watterson (author and illustrator of the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes). This isn't fridge art. This is “frame it in the front hall” art! All are welcome. No previous art experience required. Note: Students are encouraged to bring a smock or old shirt to class each day or to wear clothes they don't mind getting dirty. For our Pollock-inspired project we will literally THROW the paint so please dress accordingly.! Repeat students welcome. Returning students are encouraged to explore new muses and inspiration for their week’s creations.
  • Computer Aided Manufacturing- The World of 3D Printer and Laser Cutters: Half Day, Gr. 7-9, Wk1

    Students will embark on a creative journey into the world of digital design and fabrication. Through hands-on activities and projects, students will learn how to use cutting-edge technology to bring their ideas to life, creating designs that can be 3D printed and/or laser cut. Not only will students gain valuable technical skills, but they will also have the opportunity to take home the products they design and manufacture. Course Objectives: Introduction to Digital Design: Students will learn the fundamentals of digital design using user-friendly software tools. They will explore concepts such as shapes, dimensions, and patterns, gaining an understanding of how to create designs for 3D printing and laser cutting. 3D Printing Basics: Students will be introduced to the principles of 3D printing, including how it works & common materials used. Laser Cutting Fundamentals: Students will explore the capabilities of laser cutting technology, including the materials that can be used, the types of cuts and engravings that can be achieved, and safety considerations when operating laser cutters. Creative Design Projects: Through a series of guided projects and challenges, students will apply their digital design skills to create unique and personalized objects that can be 3D printed or laser cut. Manufacturing and Production: Students will gain an appreciation for the manufacturing process as they witness their designs being brought to life through 3D printing and laser cutting. They will learn about quality control and the importance of precision in fabrication.
  • Cooking Academy: Gr 6-8, Wk 1

    Welcome to The Cooking Academy! The ultimate culinary arts adventure for students! In this week-long class, participants will start their mornings by mastering the art of crafting delicious meals, from savory chicken rolls to flavorful homemade pasta dishes. After fueling up, it's time to dive into the world of baking in the afternoon, where students will learn to whip up an array of sweet treats like homemade muffins, scones, monkey bread, and sticky cinnamon rolls. Guided by an experienced chef, participants will not only learn essential cooking and baking techniques but also gain valuable skills in kitchen safety, organization, and teamwork. Each day will culminate in a tasting session, where teens can enjoy the fruits of their labor with their classmates, along with a recipe card to add to their cooking repertoire. Whether you're a beginner or a budding chef, The Cooking Academy promises a fun and educational experience that will inspire a lifelong love for cooking and baking. Join us for a week filled with culinary creativity, laughter, and of course, plenty of delicious food!
  • Dungeons & Dragons: Gr. 6–9, Wk1

    Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is an imaginative, social experience that engages players in a rich fantasy world filled with larger-than-life heroes, deadly monsters, and diverse settings. As a hobby game, D&D is an ongoing activity which connects players with friends on a regular basis. The D&D game is a fantasy game of your imagination. It is part acting, part storytelling, part social interaction, part war game, and part chance. You and your friends create characters that develop and grow with each adventure they complete. Use math, reading, and problem solving skills to become a hero of might and magic in this glorified board game. Join our knights to stop evil and save the world! -12 student Maximum, 6 students per group.
  • Intro to Animation and Illustration: Gr. 6–9, Wk1

    Join us to explore the world of animation and sequencing through a variety of both digital and hands-on off-screen tools and processes. We will learn how to digitally transform objects and bring them to life, make stop motion animations, create flipbook animations, design storyboard layouts and sequences, develop and create characters, and more. For inspiration we will also explore artists in the animation industry and view clips of exciting animation techniques. Join us to create active art in both analog and digital form!
  • Needham Community Farm Volunteering: 2-hour, Gr. 6-9, Wk1

    Join NCE at Needham Community Farm this summer!! The farm invites you to join us in our most exciting season. Students will learn to plant, weed, harvest, prep beds, compost, and more! Through this opportunity, you will support the farm’s important work against food insecurity in Needham and learn about sustainable growing. This is a great way to enjoy your summer while getting your school or other volunteer requirements out of the way. Needham Community Farm provides fresh, healthy, sustainably grown produce to the Needham Community Council Food Pantry, serving over 400 income-eligible families a month. Additionally, their Mobile Market distributes produce at four Needham Housing Authority sites. Fee covers student supplies and group supervision required by Needham Community Farm. ~ 12 Maximum Students Note: This course runs from Monday - Thursday for 2-hours per day only, This 8-hour volunteer program meets Pollard's community service 8th grade requirement. ** No transportation provided. Students should be dropped off and picked up at the Needaham Community Farm.
  • Summer Olympics: Gr. 6-8, Wk1

    Who needs Paris when you have NCE Summer Olympics? If you love Survivor, Wipe Out or Minute to Win It then this class is for you! Join us for a week full of physical and mental challenges and games that are not traditional team sports. You will participate individually, and as part of a team, in a variety of cooperative games and friendly competitions. Activities may include trivia, logic challenges, puzzles, obstacle courses, relay races, and more. Repeat students welcome! The excitement never ends and the games and challenges change continuously so we encourage students to enjoy this class for as many weeks as they'd like. You can double, triple, even quadruple the fun! Note: Weather permitting this class will take place outdoors for most or all of each day. Please dress accordingly and bring sunscreen and a water bottle.