Fall 2026: Ninth - Twelfth Grades
2:00 - 3:00
SU 50: The Science Behind Outer Wilds
This class will take a detailed look at the video game Outer Wilds and the science that is detailed inside the game. We will investigate the quantum mechanics seen by the “moon rocks” and the physics that relate to flying the spaceship through the solar system. Students will also look at the life cycle of a star and how that influences the game.
COST: $ 20
Bobbie Meli is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Philosophy. She has a broad and committed background in education. In high school, she was the president of our Future Educators of America club, in which she would visit the elementary schools and teach a lesson from the Junior Achievement program. She was also a teaching assistant during her junior and senior years of high school, where she would handle the organization of the classroom. Over the course of this past summer, she was an educator at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Along with another educator, she would teach groups of roughly twelve campers, ranging from ages four to thirteen, a myriad of topics, depending on the camp assigned.
SU 51: Lights, Camera, Action: A Hands-On Film Workshop
In this course, students will explore the film making process from concept to screen. We will analyze script making, movie posters, trailers, acting and producing of short films. Through brainstorming, collaborating in small groups, and hands-on practice, students will discover creative solutions and bring their ideas to life.
COST: $ 20
Miss Aurora is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College, majoring in English with a concentration in Secondary Education with two minors in Children Studies and Communication & Media Studies. She is an active member of Saint Vincent’s lacrosse team, the writing center, and the on-campus newspaper, The Review. Outside of the classroom, Miss Aurora can be found crafting, baking, or hiking.
3:00 - 4:00
SU 52: Introduction to Computer Science
Over the course of ten weeks, students will be introduced to the foundational ideas, figures, and technology behind computer science. Utilizing a blend of discussion and project-based learning, the class will traverse a variety of relevant topics, from programming and writing your first "Hello, World" to web design and creating a personal portfolio website. Additionally, students will practice using computational thinking concepts such as decomposition, abstraction, analysis, and logic to solve problems. Students of all familiarity levels will leave the course with a stronger understanding of the history, inner workings, and technology that drives the modern computer science landscape.
COST: $ 20
Mr. Dominic Rocco is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College, where he is currently pursuing a double-major in Computer Science and Data Science. Mr. Rocco has extensive experience peer tutoring high schoolers and college students in a variety of subjects, focusing on Computer Science and Mathematics. He enjoys sharing his love of computers with the world and regularly writes technical blog content about programming in practice. In his free time, he can be found reading, working at the Saint Vincent IT Desk, exercising, talking philosophy, and taking walks with friends.
SU 53: Exploring Short Fiction
Each week, students will be assigned a new short story to read on their own time. On the first day of class, we will focus on getting to know one another, setting clear expectations, and reviewing the key elements I want students to pay attention to in the stories, such as metaphors, similes, themes, genre, and foreshadowing. Each class will also include a different “surprise” activity to keep discussions engaging. For example, breaking into small groups to analyze the readings and then sharing insights with the class, creating alternate endings, debating themes, or taking a short quiz. To wrap up each session, students will first reflect individually on what they learned or took away from the material, and then I will briefly introduce the next text we will be studying.
COST: $ 20
Mr. Guidos is a junior at Saint Vincent College, majoring in English with a concentration in Secondary Education. Mr. Guidos has had numerous experiences working with young adults, including assisting peers through writing consultations and coaching students in youth sports. Outside of school, Mr. Guidos can usually be found at the ice rink skating with his team, spending time with family, or reading.
4:00 - 5:00
SU 54: Club Step-Up 9th-12th
"Club Step-Up” will enable homeschool and cyber-school students to interact in a more informal, large-group setting. Each week, club “members” will possess the opportunity to engage in fun activities while socializing with similarly aged peers. For a week-by-week list of planned activities, please click here.
COST: $ 20
Planned by the Program Director, Club Step-Up activities will be facilitated by Step-Up teachers and other Saint Vincent College Education students.
SU 50: The Science Behind Outer Wilds
This class will take a detailed look at the video game Outer Wilds and the science that is detailed inside the game. We will investigate the quantum mechanics seen by the “moon rocks” and the physics that relate to flying the spaceship through the solar system. Students will also look at the life cycle of a star and how that influences the game.
COST: $ 20
Bobbie Meli is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Philosophy. She has a broad and committed background in education. In high school, she was the president of our Future Educators of America club, in which she would visit the elementary schools and teach a lesson from the Junior Achievement program. She was also a teaching assistant during her junior and senior years of high school, where she would handle the organization of the classroom. Over the course of this past summer, she was an educator at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Along with another educator, she would teach groups of roughly twelve campers, ranging from ages four to thirteen, a myriad of topics, depending on the camp assigned.
SU 51: Lights, Camera, Action: A Hands-On Film Workshop
In this course, students will explore the film making process from concept to screen. We will analyze script making, movie posters, trailers, acting and producing of short films. Through brainstorming, collaborating in small groups, and hands-on practice, students will discover creative solutions and bring their ideas to life.
COST: $ 20
Miss Aurora is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College, majoring in English with a concentration in Secondary Education with two minors in Children Studies and Communication & Media Studies. She is an active member of Saint Vincent’s lacrosse team, the writing center, and the on-campus newspaper, The Review. Outside of the classroom, Miss Aurora can be found crafting, baking, or hiking.
3:00 - 4:00
SU 52: Introduction to Computer Science
Over the course of ten weeks, students will be introduced to the foundational ideas, figures, and technology behind computer science. Utilizing a blend of discussion and project-based learning, the class will traverse a variety of relevant topics, from programming and writing your first "Hello, World" to web design and creating a personal portfolio website. Additionally, students will practice using computational thinking concepts such as decomposition, abstraction, analysis, and logic to solve problems. Students of all familiarity levels will leave the course with a stronger understanding of the history, inner workings, and technology that drives the modern computer science landscape.
COST: $ 20
Mr. Dominic Rocco is a sophomore at Saint Vincent College, where he is currently pursuing a double-major in Computer Science and Data Science. Mr. Rocco has extensive experience peer tutoring high schoolers and college students in a variety of subjects, focusing on Computer Science and Mathematics. He enjoys sharing his love of computers with the world and regularly writes technical blog content about programming in practice. In his free time, he can be found reading, working at the Saint Vincent IT Desk, exercising, talking philosophy, and taking walks with friends.
SU 53: Exploring Short Fiction
Each week, students will be assigned a new short story to read on their own time. On the first day of class, we will focus on getting to know one another, setting clear expectations, and reviewing the key elements I want students to pay attention to in the stories, such as metaphors, similes, themes, genre, and foreshadowing. Each class will also include a different “surprise” activity to keep discussions engaging. For example, breaking into small groups to analyze the readings and then sharing insights with the class, creating alternate endings, debating themes, or taking a short quiz. To wrap up each session, students will first reflect individually on what they learned or took away from the material, and then I will briefly introduce the next text we will be studying.
COST: $ 20
Mr. Guidos is a junior at Saint Vincent College, majoring in English with a concentration in Secondary Education. Mr. Guidos has had numerous experiences working with young adults, including assisting peers through writing consultations and coaching students in youth sports. Outside of school, Mr. Guidos can usually be found at the ice rink skating with his team, spending time with family, or reading.
4:00 - 5:00
SU 54: Club Step-Up 9th-12th
"Club Step-Up” will enable homeschool and cyber-school students to interact in a more informal, large-group setting. Each week, club “members” will possess the opportunity to engage in fun activities while socializing with similarly aged peers. For a week-by-week list of planned activities, please click here.
COST: $ 20
Planned by the Program Director, Club Step-Up activities will be facilitated by Step-Up teachers and other Saint Vincent College Education students.
