SPRING 2020 Ninth - Twelfth Grades
2:00-3:00pm
SU 50 The Periodic Table: Stepping Outside of Your Element
This class will give students an in-depth look at the periodic table. Students will learn about protons, neutrons, and electrons. They will also learn how these aspects dictate where elements go on the periodic table. Students will also learn about different types of bonding that elements can have and how to draw Lewis structures to go with elements. This class will have some lab work to help students illustrate their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the material. No prior knowledge of chemistry will be needed.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Prep 100
Ms. Laura Aston is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College. She is majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Education. She hopes to teach science for high school students in the future. She has experience working with kids from tutoring students this past year to helping with the Pittsburgh Zoo camps for children. She has taught Sunday school and volunteered for Vacation Bible School at her local church. She interned at The Pennsylvania State University this summer studying microbiology. She enjoys running, cooking, and reading in her free time!
SU 51 Museum Studies
In this course students will learn about the various functions of museum’s and what it means to be a curator or employee at a museum, through a co-taught instructional setting. Students will evaluate the collections that various museums such as the McCarl Coverlet Gallery and the Saint Vincent Art Gallery’s collections to see the promotion of preserving and promoting cultural and natural heritage for the public and society. Each museum houses a complex network of employees whose common goal is to educate visitors on the exhibits and collections they house, the roles of employees vary but collectively promote public education through public history. This course provides a broad introduction to the museum world. Through lectures, written assignments, gallery tours, and hands-on group activities students will gain an understanding of the museum and the challenges that museum employees face. Classroom discussion will be a key focus of the course to facilitate understanding and many portions of class will involve artifacts from local gallery’s or visits to on campus galleries to offer a close interaction. After discussing what a museum is, the various types of museums and their roles in the community, we will introduce current and emerging issues in museums in a number of areas including governance, management of collections, fundraising, and museum jobs and responsibilities.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 3B
Miss Catherine Votovich is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in History. She has had many experiences with children, including volunteer work through her parish where she has been both a station and group leader for Vacation Bible School and spending her breaks observing educators in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Miss Votovich has worked as a counselor at the annual Saint Vincent Nike Girls Lacrosse Camp for girls ranging from second grade to twelfth grade and spent her summer vacation nannying for a local family. This is Miss Votovich’s second semester teaching a Step-Up class after taking a brief hiatus as Mrs. Borland’s work study. She just missed being in class with the students too much! In her free time, Miss Votovich can be found spending time with her family and friends and exploring on and off campus.
Mr. Logan Seybold is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in History with a certification in Secondary Education. He has had many experiences with students, working as a counselor for two years at Saint Vincent College’s Challenge Program, volunteering at Barbra Thompson Early Learning Center and previously teaching a course on The Life of Royalty for the Step-Up program. Mr. Seybold currently works at the McCarl Coverlet Gallery as a Gallery Assistant, assisting in the care and display of American Textiles, also working as a student athletic trainer at Saint Vincent College and as a Bearcat Best Job Coach. This will be Mr. Seybold’s second semester teaching for the Step-Up program, in which he will bring the numerous functions based in Museums to the classroom to promote Museum work and public history. In his free time, Mr. Seybold can be found spending time with his family and friends, enjoying a good book and planning for his educational future.
SU 52 The Sound of Poetry
By taking this course, students will learn the close relation between music and poetry and how the coexist. The course will teach different poems paired with songs that relate to the poems. The first part of the course will focus on reading poetry, listening to different music and analyzing each. The second portion of the course will focus on students writing their own poetry by applying the previous lessons.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 30
Ms. Alex Humphrey is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in English with a certification for secondary education. Ms. Humphrey has had experience working with children during prior courses at Saint Vincent, and during multiple volunteer experiences including vacation Bible school at one of her local churches. In her free time she can be found writing music and poetry, playing her guitar or singing for friends.
SU 53 The Nature of Light
This course involves leaning and understanding light in nature and what happens to light when refracted through lenses and mirrors. The class will discuss any prior knowledge about light, as in rays, colors, mirrors, lenses, and more. There will be terms and their descriptions to help the students greatly understand the material; electromagnetic waves, particles, rays, principles, different reflections, etc. The students will learn how to analyze real life problems with an experiment at the end of the course after learning about what makes light and how light goes through lenses. Paper, pencils, and lab supplies will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own. Problem solving skills will be taught in this course, but any prior knowledge is welcome.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Headmasters 303
Ms. Caitlin Machuta, a sophomore, is a double major in physics and mathematics with a minor in secondary education. She has tutored other students and peers since middle school. Ms. Machuta was a part of a TRIO Program called Upward Bound at Saint Francis University and was an ambassador in the program her junior and senior year of high school. Her senior year she was the president for reading competition and the president for yearbook. She lastly was a part of Vinco Brethren Youth Group for 7 years. After being a part of the TRIO Program, she hopes to help teenagers achieve a higher education. She is also a CLP, Collaborative Learning Program, facilitator for mathematics at Saint Vincent University.
SU 54 “The Last Full Measure of Devotion”: The American Civil War
This course will allow students to explore one of America’s most studied historical events. The first several classes will focus on the cause and meaning of the war, while the remainder of the course will concentrate on various topics during the war. These will include military battles and campaigns, the nation’s political situation, leaders in the war, the home-front, and life for soldiers and civilians during the war. Students will have the opportunity to react to the previous class by writing a short paragraph each week about a topic that particularly interested them. If you are eager to learn more about history in a fun way, this is your chance!
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 45
Mr. Evan Portman is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in History and minoring in Secondary Education. His experiences in teaching include giving seasonal lectures on the American Civil War with the Penn-Trafford Area Recreation Commission, numerous educational programs with the Penn-Trafford Astronomy Club, and volunteering at events at Bushy Run Battlefield. Mr. Portman has also given presentations on historical topics at the Carnegie Library and Music Hall as well as the Civil War Roundtable of California University of Pennsylvania. In his free time, he can typically be found golfing, jogging, reading, or spending time with friends and family.
3:00-4:00pm
SU55 Let’s Get Triggy Wit’ It
This course involves learning and understanding the Pythagorean Theorem and SOH-CAH-TOA. Students will show any prior knowledge about right triangles at the beginning of this course. Since this is a fast-paced course, the students will learn how to apply the Pythagorean Theorem to right triangles only. The first half of their course will focus on how to apply the Pythagorean theorem to right triangles. There will be problems of how to find the value for sine, cosine, and tangent near the end of the course by using SOH-CAH-TOA. Calculators will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own. Students should have some familiarity with algebra and geometry prior to this course.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Headmasters 303
Ms. Caitlin Machuta, a sophomore, is a double major in physics and mathematics with a minor in secondary education. She has tutored other students and peers since middle school. Ms. Machuta was a part of a TRIO Program called Upward Bound at Saint Francis University and was an ambassador in the program her junior and senior year of high school. Her senior year she was the president for reading competition and the president for yearbook. She lastly was a part of Vinco Brethren Youth Group for 7 years. After being a part of the TRIO Program, she hopes to help teenagers achieve a higher education. She is also a CLP, Collaborative Learning Program, facilitator for mathematics at Saint Vincent University.
SU56 Exploring the Middle East
Grab your passport and take a trip to the Fertile Crescent! This class will examine the region of the world know as the Middle East. We will examine the different countries that make up this region of the world. The content covered will include the history, major cities, culture, and government of the different countries that make up this region, along with famous individuals from each country. Students will further discuss the economic wealth gap of the Middle East and its contributions to the world’s economy. We will also cover current events including tensions between the United States and Iran.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Headmasters 304
Mr. Adam Ferguson is a current graduate of Saint Vincent College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He is back at St. Vincent to get his teaching certification in social studies specializing in grades seven through twelve. Mr. Ferguson has a variety of experience working with children of all ages through programs at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve as well as starting a baseball league for special education students. Mr. Ferguson enjoys studying world cultures as well as sports history. When he is not teaching you will find him on the ice hockey rink for the Saint Vincent Polar Bearcats.
SU 57 Cell Biology
What do lungs and leaves have in common? Both are made of cells! Join us in a 10-week exploration of Cell Biology foundations as we discover the intricate, invisible structures from which all living systems are built. The course will include five interactive sessions in the classroom setting, each followed by a laboratory activity designed to reinforce and enrich students’ understanding of topics ranging from the basis of cell structure and function to real world applications of cell biology. At the conclusion of the semester, students will have the opportunity to conduct and present research on a topic of interest as it relates to current efforts in cell biology advancements.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Dupree N204
Isabelle Machado is excited to join Saint Vincent’s Step-Up team as a second-year biology major. With a minor in biotechnology and a concentration in cellular and molecular studies, she looks forward to sharing the fascinating world of cells with aspiring scientists and exploring its many implications for modern-day challenges. She currently serves as a teaching assistant for the biology department at Saint Vincent College and has led STEM-centered summer classes at the elementary- and middle-school levels in the past. She enjoys finding ways to combine her interests in the natural sciences with her loves for art and working with students. Thank you for being a part of Cell Biology!
Catherine Kwiat is a sophomore biology major who is super excited to be able to share her love for the subject. She currently works in the biology lab department at Saint Vincent College as a laboratory assistant and has spent the past summer gaining outside lab research experience as well. While also pursuing a minor in psychology and a concentration in organismal studies, she is happy to have the chance to foster other students’ enthusiasm for science. She is greatly looking forward to being able to work with devoted students in order to expand their knowledge of cell biology in fun and unique ways. Thank you for your interest in Cell Biology!
SU58 World History II: Empires of the East and the New World
In this world history course, the students will explore the lesser known empires of the ancient and medieval world. The focus will be on the empires of the East and the New World, from the Umayyad Empire to the Olmec Civilization. The class will involve a wide variety of hands-on, oral, and written activities designed to give students a well-rounded experience. This class is complementary to last semester’s World History: Ancient Civilizations and Empires class, however no prior history knowledge is required.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 31
Ms. Gertrude Tesar is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in History with a minor in Secondary Education. She has had many opportunities to work with children of all ages. She has been a baby-sitter, tutored elementary and middle school students, and served as a classroom aide for CCD. Ms. Tesar has also worked for over six years as a summer camp counselor, including four years on staff at Camp Freedom BSA teaching cinematography, space exploration and other merit badges. In her free time, Ms. Tesar enjoys reading, learning new languages, researching absurd historical things, and spending time with friends.
4:00 - 5:00pm
SU59 Good vs. Evil in To Kill a Mockingbird
This class will center around Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Students will gain insight into American life during the 1930’s and the Great Depression as context for the novel and then dive into discussions about the characters, overarching themes, and other literary devices employed by Lee as we read the book. As one of the main themes, good and evil will be repeatedly reflected upon throughout the semester and observed in the different characters. Copies of the book will be provided for you to keep.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Headmasters 303
Ms. Paige Copper is a 2019 graduate of Saint Vincent College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and minored in philosophy and history. Her experience as a writing and philosophy tutor encouraged her to come back and earn her certification to teach secondary English. In addition, she has an extensive background in the study of literary publishing, creative writing, and journalism through working as a newsletter writer and an intern for SVC’s publisher, Eulalia. She loves to read, spend time with her friends and family, and draw in her spare time!
SU050 Catching the Criminals
Forensics has been a key tool in solving many crimes in the twenty first century. In this course we will strive to understand key topics in forensic science. We will look at the scientific method in forensics, procedures of crime scene investigations, physical and trace evidence, and law and courtroom procedures from the perspective of a forensic scientist. We will do this through fictional crime scenarios, hands-on labs, and virtual labs. Students will learn about forensic tools and resources through data collection and drawing conclusions.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 21
Ms. Madelyn Cornman is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in Biology with a minor in Education. She has a passion for Environmental Education. During the school year, she works on education programs at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve such as Environmental Explorers or Tiny Wonder Time. In the Summers, you will find her working as a 2nd grade teacher at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for zoo camp! She loves teaching her students all about animals and how important conservation and the environment is! She has also had different education internships and experiences with the Carnegie Science Center and Wayward Whiskers Animal Rescue. Ms. Cornman loves animals and the outdoors. In her free time, you can find her hiking, lounging in a hammock, or napping with her cat.
SU051 Remembering the Holocaust
In this class we will discuss the events and people that created an anti-Semitic atmosphere in Germany that resulted in the Holocaust. We will also learn the stories of Holocaust victims and survivors, the stories of high-ranking officials, and the stories of German citizens. This learning will occur in a variety of different ways including roundtable discussions and other interactive activities. The goal of this class is for students to recognize the evil that occurred from the Holocaust, remember victims honorably, and to be aware of how dangerous prejudice can be in society.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 45
Ms. Dopico is a sophomore studying to receive a BA in History with a minor in Secondary Education. She has been an active member in her local church’s Vacation Bible School for over five years. This past summer Ms. Dopico was also an intern for her local Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry. Ms. Dopico currently works at Sugar Plum Parties, a party venue that hosts events for little girls ages 3-13 years old. Ms. Dopico hopes to create an encouraging environment for her future students while showing her students how we can learn from humanity’s past.
SU052 The Lives and Culture of Ancient Athens
The people of Ancient Athens lived some of the most luxurious and culturally rich lives of the Ancient Era. Their ideas, religion, customs, and culture still exist in educational fields of study such as psychology and philosophy as well as in pop culture and video games. This course will look at the important figures, culture, religion, and events that made Ancient Athens the wealth of knowledge that we examine it as today. The course will cover Athens at its highest and lowest historical points and try to teach students what we can learn from studying a civilization that lived so long ago.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 31
Michael Gismondi is a current Graduate Student here at Saint Vincent College. He has earned his Bachelor of Arts in History with a specialization in Medieval Studies. Michael is currently seeking his Graduate Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and his certification in secondary education for history. He has always had a passion for education and helping students succeed and thrive both in and out of the classroom. Mr. Gismondi hopes that he can bring fun and joy to history while keeping the knowledge and wisdom that comes from studying the people of the past.
SU053 Lines, Shapes, and Angles
During this course, students will be learning about lines, shapes, and angles and how they can be applied to everyday life. Students will be able to recognize objects in our daily lives and apply geometry concepts to them. Students will learn about different career paths that use geometry in their everyday work. Students will then get to create a poster and draw different shapes and lines of all kinds of different sizes to reinforce what they have learned.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 36
Miss Jessica Smith is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in mathematics and minoring in education. Miss Smith has had several experiences working with children including being a counselor at Vacation Bible Camp for Immaculate Conception Parish and a counselor at Camp Zacchaeus for the sixth and seventh graders. Miss Smith was also a mentor at Outdoor Odyssey for two years. Miss Smith enjoys kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and crafting.
SU 50 The Periodic Table: Stepping Outside of Your Element
This class will give students an in-depth look at the periodic table. Students will learn about protons, neutrons, and electrons. They will also learn how these aspects dictate where elements go on the periodic table. Students will also learn about different types of bonding that elements can have and how to draw Lewis structures to go with elements. This class will have some lab work to help students illustrate their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the material. No prior knowledge of chemistry will be needed.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Prep 100
Ms. Laura Aston is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College. She is majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Education. She hopes to teach science for high school students in the future. She has experience working with kids from tutoring students this past year to helping with the Pittsburgh Zoo camps for children. She has taught Sunday school and volunteered for Vacation Bible School at her local church. She interned at The Pennsylvania State University this summer studying microbiology. She enjoys running, cooking, and reading in her free time!
SU 51 Museum Studies
In this course students will learn about the various functions of museum’s and what it means to be a curator or employee at a museum, through a co-taught instructional setting. Students will evaluate the collections that various museums such as the McCarl Coverlet Gallery and the Saint Vincent Art Gallery’s collections to see the promotion of preserving and promoting cultural and natural heritage for the public and society. Each museum houses a complex network of employees whose common goal is to educate visitors on the exhibits and collections they house, the roles of employees vary but collectively promote public education through public history. This course provides a broad introduction to the museum world. Through lectures, written assignments, gallery tours, and hands-on group activities students will gain an understanding of the museum and the challenges that museum employees face. Classroom discussion will be a key focus of the course to facilitate understanding and many portions of class will involve artifacts from local gallery’s or visits to on campus galleries to offer a close interaction. After discussing what a museum is, the various types of museums and their roles in the community, we will introduce current and emerging issues in museums in a number of areas including governance, management of collections, fundraising, and museum jobs and responsibilities.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 3B
Miss Catherine Votovich is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in History. She has had many experiences with children, including volunteer work through her parish where she has been both a station and group leader for Vacation Bible School and spending her breaks observing educators in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Miss Votovich has worked as a counselor at the annual Saint Vincent Nike Girls Lacrosse Camp for girls ranging from second grade to twelfth grade and spent her summer vacation nannying for a local family. This is Miss Votovich’s second semester teaching a Step-Up class after taking a brief hiatus as Mrs. Borland’s work study. She just missed being in class with the students too much! In her free time, Miss Votovich can be found spending time with her family and friends and exploring on and off campus.
Mr. Logan Seybold is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in History with a certification in Secondary Education. He has had many experiences with students, working as a counselor for two years at Saint Vincent College’s Challenge Program, volunteering at Barbra Thompson Early Learning Center and previously teaching a course on The Life of Royalty for the Step-Up program. Mr. Seybold currently works at the McCarl Coverlet Gallery as a Gallery Assistant, assisting in the care and display of American Textiles, also working as a student athletic trainer at Saint Vincent College and as a Bearcat Best Job Coach. This will be Mr. Seybold’s second semester teaching for the Step-Up program, in which he will bring the numerous functions based in Museums to the classroom to promote Museum work and public history. In his free time, Mr. Seybold can be found spending time with his family and friends, enjoying a good book and planning for his educational future.
SU 52 The Sound of Poetry
By taking this course, students will learn the close relation between music and poetry and how the coexist. The course will teach different poems paired with songs that relate to the poems. The first part of the course will focus on reading poetry, listening to different music and analyzing each. The second portion of the course will focus on students writing their own poetry by applying the previous lessons.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 30
Ms. Alex Humphrey is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in English with a certification for secondary education. Ms. Humphrey has had experience working with children during prior courses at Saint Vincent, and during multiple volunteer experiences including vacation Bible school at one of her local churches. In her free time she can be found writing music and poetry, playing her guitar or singing for friends.
SU 53 The Nature of Light
This course involves leaning and understanding light in nature and what happens to light when refracted through lenses and mirrors. The class will discuss any prior knowledge about light, as in rays, colors, mirrors, lenses, and more. There will be terms and their descriptions to help the students greatly understand the material; electromagnetic waves, particles, rays, principles, different reflections, etc. The students will learn how to analyze real life problems with an experiment at the end of the course after learning about what makes light and how light goes through lenses. Paper, pencils, and lab supplies will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own. Problem solving skills will be taught in this course, but any prior knowledge is welcome.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Headmasters 303
Ms. Caitlin Machuta, a sophomore, is a double major in physics and mathematics with a minor in secondary education. She has tutored other students and peers since middle school. Ms. Machuta was a part of a TRIO Program called Upward Bound at Saint Francis University and was an ambassador in the program her junior and senior year of high school. Her senior year she was the president for reading competition and the president for yearbook. She lastly was a part of Vinco Brethren Youth Group for 7 years. After being a part of the TRIO Program, she hopes to help teenagers achieve a higher education. She is also a CLP, Collaborative Learning Program, facilitator for mathematics at Saint Vincent University.
SU 54 “The Last Full Measure of Devotion”: The American Civil War
This course will allow students to explore one of America’s most studied historical events. The first several classes will focus on the cause and meaning of the war, while the remainder of the course will concentrate on various topics during the war. These will include military battles and campaigns, the nation’s political situation, leaders in the war, the home-front, and life for soldiers and civilians during the war. Students will have the opportunity to react to the previous class by writing a short paragraph each week about a topic that particularly interested them. If you are eager to learn more about history in a fun way, this is your chance!
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 45
Mr. Evan Portman is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in History and minoring in Secondary Education. His experiences in teaching include giving seasonal lectures on the American Civil War with the Penn-Trafford Area Recreation Commission, numerous educational programs with the Penn-Trafford Astronomy Club, and volunteering at events at Bushy Run Battlefield. Mr. Portman has also given presentations on historical topics at the Carnegie Library and Music Hall as well as the Civil War Roundtable of California University of Pennsylvania. In his free time, he can typically be found golfing, jogging, reading, or spending time with friends and family.
3:00-4:00pm
SU55 Let’s Get Triggy Wit’ It
This course involves learning and understanding the Pythagorean Theorem and SOH-CAH-TOA. Students will show any prior knowledge about right triangles at the beginning of this course. Since this is a fast-paced course, the students will learn how to apply the Pythagorean Theorem to right triangles only. The first half of their course will focus on how to apply the Pythagorean theorem to right triangles. There will be problems of how to find the value for sine, cosine, and tangent near the end of the course by using SOH-CAH-TOA. Calculators will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own. Students should have some familiarity with algebra and geometry prior to this course.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Headmasters 303
Ms. Caitlin Machuta, a sophomore, is a double major in physics and mathematics with a minor in secondary education. She has tutored other students and peers since middle school. Ms. Machuta was a part of a TRIO Program called Upward Bound at Saint Francis University and was an ambassador in the program her junior and senior year of high school. Her senior year she was the president for reading competition and the president for yearbook. She lastly was a part of Vinco Brethren Youth Group for 7 years. After being a part of the TRIO Program, she hopes to help teenagers achieve a higher education. She is also a CLP, Collaborative Learning Program, facilitator for mathematics at Saint Vincent University.
SU56 Exploring the Middle East
Grab your passport and take a trip to the Fertile Crescent! This class will examine the region of the world know as the Middle East. We will examine the different countries that make up this region of the world. The content covered will include the history, major cities, culture, and government of the different countries that make up this region, along with famous individuals from each country. Students will further discuss the economic wealth gap of the Middle East and its contributions to the world’s economy. We will also cover current events including tensions between the United States and Iran.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Headmasters 304
Mr. Adam Ferguson is a current graduate of Saint Vincent College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He is back at St. Vincent to get his teaching certification in social studies specializing in grades seven through twelve. Mr. Ferguson has a variety of experience working with children of all ages through programs at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve as well as starting a baseball league for special education students. Mr. Ferguson enjoys studying world cultures as well as sports history. When he is not teaching you will find him on the ice hockey rink for the Saint Vincent Polar Bearcats.
SU 57 Cell Biology
What do lungs and leaves have in common? Both are made of cells! Join us in a 10-week exploration of Cell Biology foundations as we discover the intricate, invisible structures from which all living systems are built. The course will include five interactive sessions in the classroom setting, each followed by a laboratory activity designed to reinforce and enrich students’ understanding of topics ranging from the basis of cell structure and function to real world applications of cell biology. At the conclusion of the semester, students will have the opportunity to conduct and present research on a topic of interest as it relates to current efforts in cell biology advancements.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Dupree N204
Isabelle Machado is excited to join Saint Vincent’s Step-Up team as a second-year biology major. With a minor in biotechnology and a concentration in cellular and molecular studies, she looks forward to sharing the fascinating world of cells with aspiring scientists and exploring its many implications for modern-day challenges. She currently serves as a teaching assistant for the biology department at Saint Vincent College and has led STEM-centered summer classes at the elementary- and middle-school levels in the past. She enjoys finding ways to combine her interests in the natural sciences with her loves for art and working with students. Thank you for being a part of Cell Biology!
Catherine Kwiat is a sophomore biology major who is super excited to be able to share her love for the subject. She currently works in the biology lab department at Saint Vincent College as a laboratory assistant and has spent the past summer gaining outside lab research experience as well. While also pursuing a minor in psychology and a concentration in organismal studies, she is happy to have the chance to foster other students’ enthusiasm for science. She is greatly looking forward to being able to work with devoted students in order to expand their knowledge of cell biology in fun and unique ways. Thank you for your interest in Cell Biology!
SU58 World History II: Empires of the East and the New World
In this world history course, the students will explore the lesser known empires of the ancient and medieval world. The focus will be on the empires of the East and the New World, from the Umayyad Empire to the Olmec Civilization. The class will involve a wide variety of hands-on, oral, and written activities designed to give students a well-rounded experience. This class is complementary to last semester’s World History: Ancient Civilizations and Empires class, however no prior history knowledge is required.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 31
Ms. Gertrude Tesar is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in History with a minor in Secondary Education. She has had many opportunities to work with children of all ages. She has been a baby-sitter, tutored elementary and middle school students, and served as a classroom aide for CCD. Ms. Tesar has also worked for over six years as a summer camp counselor, including four years on staff at Camp Freedom BSA teaching cinematography, space exploration and other merit badges. In her free time, Ms. Tesar enjoys reading, learning new languages, researching absurd historical things, and spending time with friends.
4:00 - 5:00pm
SU59 Good vs. Evil in To Kill a Mockingbird
This class will center around Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Students will gain insight into American life during the 1930’s and the Great Depression as context for the novel and then dive into discussions about the characters, overarching themes, and other literary devices employed by Lee as we read the book. As one of the main themes, good and evil will be repeatedly reflected upon throughout the semester and observed in the different characters. Copies of the book will be provided for you to keep.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Headmasters 303
Ms. Paige Copper is a 2019 graduate of Saint Vincent College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and minored in philosophy and history. Her experience as a writing and philosophy tutor encouraged her to come back and earn her certification to teach secondary English. In addition, she has an extensive background in the study of literary publishing, creative writing, and journalism through working as a newsletter writer and an intern for SVC’s publisher, Eulalia. She loves to read, spend time with her friends and family, and draw in her spare time!
SU050 Catching the Criminals
Forensics has been a key tool in solving many crimes in the twenty first century. In this course we will strive to understand key topics in forensic science. We will look at the scientific method in forensics, procedures of crime scene investigations, physical and trace evidence, and law and courtroom procedures from the perspective of a forensic scientist. We will do this through fictional crime scenarios, hands-on labs, and virtual labs. Students will learn about forensic tools and resources through data collection and drawing conclusions.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 21
Ms. Madelyn Cornman is a junior at Saint Vincent College majoring in Biology with a minor in Education. She has a passion for Environmental Education. During the school year, she works on education programs at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve such as Environmental Explorers or Tiny Wonder Time. In the Summers, you will find her working as a 2nd grade teacher at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for zoo camp! She loves teaching her students all about animals and how important conservation and the environment is! She has also had different education internships and experiences with the Carnegie Science Center and Wayward Whiskers Animal Rescue. Ms. Cornman loves animals and the outdoors. In her free time, you can find her hiking, lounging in a hammock, or napping with her cat.
SU051 Remembering the Holocaust
In this class we will discuss the events and people that created an anti-Semitic atmosphere in Germany that resulted in the Holocaust. We will also learn the stories of Holocaust victims and survivors, the stories of high-ranking officials, and the stories of German citizens. This learning will occur in a variety of different ways including roundtable discussions and other interactive activities. The goal of this class is for students to recognize the evil that occurred from the Holocaust, remember victims honorably, and to be aware of how dangerous prejudice can be in society.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 45
Ms. Dopico is a sophomore studying to receive a BA in History with a minor in Secondary Education. She has been an active member in her local church’s Vacation Bible School for over five years. This past summer Ms. Dopico was also an intern for her local Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry. Ms. Dopico currently works at Sugar Plum Parties, a party venue that hosts events for little girls ages 3-13 years old. Ms. Dopico hopes to create an encouraging environment for her future students while showing her students how we can learn from humanity’s past.
SU052 The Lives and Culture of Ancient Athens
The people of Ancient Athens lived some of the most luxurious and culturally rich lives of the Ancient Era. Their ideas, religion, customs, and culture still exist in educational fields of study such as psychology and philosophy as well as in pop culture and video games. This course will look at the important figures, culture, religion, and events that made Ancient Athens the wealth of knowledge that we examine it as today. The course will cover Athens at its highest and lowest historical points and try to teach students what we can learn from studying a civilization that lived so long ago.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 31
Michael Gismondi is a current Graduate Student here at Saint Vincent College. He has earned his Bachelor of Arts in History with a specialization in Medieval Studies. Michael is currently seeking his Graduate Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and his certification in secondary education for history. He has always had a passion for education and helping students succeed and thrive both in and out of the classroom. Mr. Gismondi hopes that he can bring fun and joy to history while keeping the knowledge and wisdom that comes from studying the people of the past.
SU053 Lines, Shapes, and Angles
During this course, students will be learning about lines, shapes, and angles and how they can be applied to everyday life. Students will be able to recognize objects in our daily lives and apply geometry concepts to them. Students will learn about different career paths that use geometry in their everyday work. Students will then get to create a poster and draw different shapes and lines of all kinds of different sizes to reinforce what they have learned.
COST: $ 20 ROOM: Alfred 36
Miss Jessica Smith is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College majoring in mathematics and minoring in education. Miss Smith has had several experiences working with children including being a counselor at Vacation Bible Camp for Immaculate Conception Parish and a counselor at Camp Zacchaeus for the sixth and seventh graders. Miss Smith was also a mentor at Outdoor Odyssey for two years. Miss Smith enjoys kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and crafting.
