AXEIS 

Summer Workshop:

Biology and Chemistry

 

What Is It?

This workshop provides 5th and 6th-grade students with an exciting introduction to key concepts in middle school biology and chemistry. Through a series of interactive labs and thoughtfully designed lessons aligned with Khan Academy standards, students will explore topics like cells, genetics, human anatomy, atoms, chemical reactions, and more. The focus is on making science fun, hands-on, and easy to understand, building both curiosity and confidence in young learners.

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Class syllabus

Class 1 – The Cell: Structure, Function, and Specialization

Students will explore the fundamental unit of life by examining the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cellular specialization, and the process of cell division. After mastering these core concepts, students will apply their knowledge in a microscopy lab by staining and observing onion epidermal cells.

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Class 2 – Human Anatomy & Organ System

Students will gain an overview of the major human body systems (such as the circulatory, nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems), including key organs within each. The class will then take a closer look at vital organs like the heart and brain. Students will conclude by building a functional model of a human hand to explore biomechanics and joint function.

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Class 3 – Genetics & Molecular Biology

This session introduces students to the principles of DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Students will understand the role of DNA and RNA in protein synthesis. The lesson culminates in a hands-on lab where students will extract and analyze DNA from strawberries, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through direct observation.

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Class 4 – Atomic Structure & Chemical Bonding

Students will examine the components of atoms—protons, neutrons, and electrons—and how atoms interact to form molecules. Various types of chemical bonds (ionic, covalent, and metallic) will be introduced. Students will then use physical models to simulate atomic interactions and visualize how atoms bond.

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Class 5 – Phases of Matter & Phase Changes

 This class focuses on the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, and plasma) and the molecular behavior during phase transitions. Students will investigate concepts like melting, evaporation, condensation, and sublimation. The session concludes with a lab demonstration of “Cloud in a Bottle,” illustrating condensation and pressure-driven phase changes in a closed system.

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Class 6 Chemical reactions:

Students will explore how atoms rearrange during chemical reactions, the signs of chemical change, and the roles of reactants, products, and catalysts. This class will feature the “Elephant Toothpaste” experiment, an exciting decomposition reaction that vividly demonstrates exothermic processes and catalytic effects in real time.

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Class 7 Solubility:

In this final class, students will learn about solutions, solubility, and the factors that affect how substances dissolve. They will examine saturated, unsaturated, and supersaturated solutions. The course concludes with a lab in which students will grow crystals, visually exploring how solutes precipitate out of solution and form ordered structures.

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Class Format

• Grades: 5th–6th

• Location: 16536 Crescent Creek Dr, San Diego, CA 92127

• Schedule: Weekly in-person classes on Saturdays from 2pm to 3pm 

• Format: Each class is designed as a stand-alone session, so students can attend on any day that fits their schedule

• Cost: Free

• Number of classes: 7 from 6/21 to 8/9

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💬 Questions?

📧 Contact us at: axeisstem@gmail.com