Workshop Listings | Intermediate Program
Workshops come in an array of academic, athletic, and artistic options and are a chance for you to get a taste of something new. Workshops occur in the afternoons (from 1:45 to 2:50), and you take three workshops per session. Because they're brief (only 6 hours of instruction total), workshops are a great opportunity to "dip into" something you've never tried before — whether that's kayaking, lacrosse, digital animation, or "Iron Chef" cooking.
2010 Intermediate Program Workshop Listings
Workshops at the Intermediate Program are numbered W501-W554. You will sign up for three workshops each session, attending a new one each week of the Program.
Workshops are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size, in most cases, is limited to 16 students. On your application you will choose six workshop preferences.The registrar makes every effort to assign you to your top choices. If a workshop is full, you will be assigned to another one of your choices.
Special Double Period Workshops: Some workshops may occasionally use the afternoon recreational activity period to finish work or extend a longer project. Workshops marked with double asterisks (**) use that activity period daily for the week the student is enrolled.
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If you would like a printable listing and description of all of our academic options, please download the PDF version of our 2010 Intermediate Program Course Supplement. The course supplement is also available as part of the package that will be mailed to you with your viewbook and DVD request. |
| W501 | Soccer
Dribble, shoot, pass, kick, score! Come perfect your soccer skills by working with
some of our best staff players. We’ll do drills, talk strategy, and scrimmage
according to skill level. There will be plenty of time to practice your fancy
footwork on Wellesley’s athletic fields. Next stop— World Cup! |
| W502 W503 |
Basketball For Girls Basketball For Boys
Set a pick, block a shot, and hope you don’t get fouled. Whether you run the
courts every day or are new to the sport, come work on drills, strategy, and
techniques as we practice driving towards the hoop. Who knows? You may be
the next Shaq or Lisa Leslie. |
| W504 | Volleyball
BUMP! SET! SPIKE! You don’t need sand on the beach to enjoy this popular team sport. Spend some time with us on the volleyball court where we’ll show you how to set, serve, volley, and spike. We’ll go over the basic rules, scoring, and strategy so you’ll be ready for all the action at Explo. |
| W505 | Softball
What could be better than a bright summer day and a game of softball? In this
workshop, we’ll practice pitching, hitting, and fielding techniques through
specific exercises and then put them into practice in competitive scrimmages.
You’ll improve your softball skills and be hitting home runs in no time! |
| W506 | Baseball
Imagine a stadium full of screaming fans, your team down by one in the ninth
inning, and you’re up at bat. Here’s the pitch, you swing and crraaack! You send
the ball flying out of the park! In this baseball workshop you’ll learn the
fundamentals of how to pitch, hit, and slide into victory. |
| W507 W508 |
Lacrosse For Girls Lacrosse For Boys
Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Come learn
basic skills such as cradling, throwing, catching, and picking up ground balls.
We’ll learn offensive and defensive strategies as we play this exciting, fast-paced
game on the artificial turf field on campus. |
| W509 | Touch Football
The crowd goes wild as the quarterback passes you the ball. Weaving your way through some fast-moving linebackers, you head down the field. Just a few more yards to go and... TOUCHDOWN! In this American touch football workshop, you'll learn how to rush, intercept, and complete your passes. We'll learn solid offensive and defensive strategies, giving you what you need to take your football skills to the next level. |
| W510 | Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee is an exciting, non-contact sport played worldwide. It’s more than just tossing and catching a disc, it involves skill, finesse, and strategy. As with many other popular sports, ultimate is a fascinating and quick-paced game, which requires creative offensive skills and a strong defense. The simple rules make it easy and fun to learn. |
| W511 | Tennis
Watch out Roger Federer. Move over Maria Sharipova. Work on your serve,
volley, forehand, and backhand shots as we practice drills and talk strategy.
Wellesley College’s courts are a great place to learn more about the sport or
enhance your tennis skills. |
| W512 | Squash
Step up to the service line, play a drive down the wall, and learn to control the T
area. Whether you play squash every day or generally have it served on a dinner
plate, join us to practice rallying, talk strategy, and learn more about this fastpaced,
athletic game on Wellesley College’s squash courts. |
| W513 | Track + Field
Come learn about jumping, hurdles, dashes, relays, and more, as we practice these track and field events. Sprint your way to the finish as you participate in events that date back to Ancient Greece, but will actually take place on Wellesley College’s track. On your mark... get set... GO! |
| W514 | Archery
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of being Robin Hood, sending arrows into the bulls-eye every time, now’s your chance! Come try the sport of archery, where you’ll learn how to handle a bow, aim an arrow, and let it fly true. By the end, you’ll know how a real competition is played and scored. No experience necessary. |
| W515 | Outdoor Camping Foundations
Want to learn how to really enjoy the great outdoors? Join us in this friendly
introduction to outdoor camping. We'll learn to pitch a tent, build a fire, do basic
first aid, and prepare our own campfire meals. On the final day of this workshop,
we'll take a fieldtrip to a nearby reservation for some short hikes and a chance to
put your skills to the test as we set up camp for a real outdoor overnight. |
| W516 | Swimming
Jump into the Wellesley pool and get ready for some competitive swimming!
You’ll learn the skills you need to shave full seconds off your times with plenty of
stroke practice, flip turns, and surface dives. Finally, we’ll show off your
newfound talents with a mini swim meet. This course is for experienced
swimmers only. |
| W517 | Sailing**
Bring up the main sail and get ready to tack. On the waters of Lake Waban, learn
sailing terms and techniques on Explo’s 14-foot Catalina sailboats. Whether
you’re a novice landlubber or a skilled sailor, the lake is a calm and delightful
place to learn and practice sailing. |
| W518 | Canoeing
Canoeing is the perfect way to explore the serene waters of Lake Waban. You’ll
master basic skills, practice specific strokes, and understand safety techniques.
Whether you prefer a quiet cruise along the shore or an intense cross-lake race,
you’ll enjoy every moment spent canoeing. |
| W519 | Kayaking
Grab a paddle and brave the waters! Kayaking is a great way to relax and
experience the natural habitats of the beautiful Lake Waban. You’ll learn to
maneuver your kayak effectively, perform specific strokes, and glide fast enough
to outpace your classmates in a cross-lake competition. Join us for five glorious
days in our fleet of kayaks. |
| W520 | Yoga
Breathe, stretch, relax. Strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and center your mind, while learning physical postures, the flow of movements, and the internal actions of yoga. We will learn the rich and ancient history of Yoga and the benefits for mind and body. Beginners are welcome! |
| W521 | Hip-Hop Dance
You’ve got a great beat stuck in your head and you’re itching to move. Look no further! Translate that contagious energy into dance! You’ll break down your favorite hip-hop moves and learn the building blocks of hip-hop dancing. So turn up the volume and get ready to MOVE! |
| W522 | Step
Let me see you one, two, step! Come learn the percussive dance form in which your entire body becomes an instrument to create complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps. |
| W523 | Cheerleading
Tumble, jump, and spring into action as you cheer on your peers. In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of cheerleading such as toe touches, pikes, and pyramids. So grab your pompoms and get ready to cheer! |
| W524 | Intro to Acoustic Guitar
Have you watched in envy as a friend picks up a guitar and can play along to the new Jason Mraz song? In this guitar workshop you’ll put together elementary chords, melody playing and proper hand techniques that will have you playing along to your favorite musicians in no time! |
| W525 | Acting 101
Do you feel destined for the stage, but don’t quite know how to get started? You’ll read and analyze scripts, learn to develop a character, and practice some voice techniques to make sure that you’re heard. You are sure to develop your own style and flair in this dramatically inspired workshop. |
| W526 | Improv
Improv comedy is fast, exciting, and FUN! Come learn interactive games and make each other laugh. You will learn that there is more to improv than just being funny—you must be an excellent listener, a quick thinker, and a good onstage partner in order to create a comedic spark. We’ll create characters from prepared materials as well as from original ideas. |
| W527 | Musical Theater**
Be a triple threat. Sing, dance, and act in this workshop designed to help you
develop characters, learn vocal projection, prepare songs, and move like a star.
We’ll work on scenes from musicals like Chicago and West Side Story to help you
hone your skills. Put on your dance shoes and warm up your vocal chords,
because you’re going to Broadway! |
| W528 | Stage Combat
It’s all about rolling with the punches when you join this class. You’ll learn the art of fake karate, fake kickboxing, and fake street fighting. We’ll uncover the secrets to making a fight on the stage look real. But don’t worry, no Explo students will be harmed in the teaching of this class! |
| W529 | Circus Skills
Anyone ever told you to stop “clowning around?” Finally, here’s a workshop where clowning around is the whole point! You’ll learn the basics of juggling, build a character for clowning, and learn to walk on stilts. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to join Ringling Brothers or Cirque du Soleil with your hilarious skills and amazing feats! |
| W530 | Magic Fundamentals
Learn the secrets of master magicians and work towards becoming a true entertainer. In the workshop, we'll focus on the basic slight-of-hand techniques needed to pull off some incredible close-up illusions, involving playing cards, coins, and more. You'll develop your own unique patter and routine, and by the end of the week be ready to amaze your friends. |
| W531 | Digital Animation
The internet and TV are full of dynamic, fast-moving images. Lizards talk during commercial breaks, sparkling stars follow your cursor around on the screen, and when you least expect it - a UFO descends from the top of the screen. Using software called Flash, you'll create and animate a simple two-dimensional character that can ultimately be exported to the Web or used in a future project. |
| W532 | Cartooning and Comics
From the political cartoons in the newspaper to the Calvin and Hobbes strip in Sunday comics, cartoons are everywhere. In this workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of the pros, and walk away with an original comic strip of your own creation. |
| W533 | Digital Photography**
Got a digital camera but not sure it’s living up to its potential? Come learn the
techniques for capturing and printing digital imagery. You’ll discover the basic
functions of digital cameras and learn how to store, access, and edit images.
Bring your camera and snap away! |
| W534 | Non-Traditional Photography
Create a matchbox-size camera to take teeny, tiny photographs. Or, use a multilens camera to shoot movie-like sequential photos. In this workshop, you'll learn to use the darkroom, photo-sensitive paper, an assortment of unusual tools, and your own creativity to make an assortment of bizarre and fascinating prints. |
| W535 | Digital Studio
The art of digital manipulation allows you to produce photographs of the impossible. Use the software tool Photoshop to insert yourself into famous paintings, or manipulate a self-portrait so you look like a mythical monster. The possibilities are endless when you have the tools to blend, layer, filter, and manipulate graphics and photos to fit the limits of your imagination! |
| W536 | Garage Band
Turn your original tune into a real song with GarageBand, a music composition software tool that's quickly gaining popularity around the world. Layer vocals, percussion, even a full brass band if you desire. Both beginners and experienced students will create and critique musical masterpieces of varying complexity. |
| W537 | TV Commercial Production**
Do you ever watch commercials on television and think, “I could do better than
that.” Now you have the chance to put together your very own commercial. You
will learn about jingles, advertising, and the art of persuasion while producing
your very own commercial. |
| W538 | Painting
Learn about color relationships and their dramatic effects in painting. You will mix colors, build vibrant washes, and experiment with a variety of application techniques, as you create your own masterpieces under the guidance of one of our finest staff artists. |
| W539 | Jewelry Design
Making beautiful metal jewelry is easier than you might guess! Some wire plus a pair of pliers and we’ll have you twisting, coiling, linking, and crimping in no time! Learn the basics of wire jewelry-making as you craft elegant creations you can wear at the end of class! |
| W540 | Interior Decorating
Extreme Makeover Explo Style! Come learn the basic principles of interior decorating as you create a rendered floor plan complete with material samples. We’ll explore color psychology, Feng Shui, furniture placement, and much more, as you learn what it takes to be a top-notch interior decorator. |
| W541 | Sewing Basics
This workshop is all about learning the fundamentals of sewing. Together, we'll learn how to set up and use a sewing machine to do the stitching on a custommade pillow. We'll finish off our pillows with hand-stitching, and a few flourishes like decorative buttons and other embellishments. This course is intended for students with little to no sewing experience. |
| W542 | Skin Care Creations**
Your body's largest organ? Your skin. Learn the science behind healthy skin,
while mixing up your own spa-inspired lotions and cremes. Once you've hit the
mark with a rejuvenating pH-balanced formulation, it'll be time to market your
product and offer your treatments to eager clients. |
| W543 | Graffiti Art
Criminal activity or artistic expression? You decide, as you look at the long and colorful history of graffiti, from the earliest political cartoons to urban social protest. Design your own “tags”and graphic styles, and experiment with spray paint and other mediums to leave your creative (non-vandalizing) mark. |
| W544 | Woodworking**
Do you like to work with your hands? Appreciate the smell of newly sawn wood?
Designing, shaping, sanding, finishing – it’s all part of the creative process. Enter
the world of woodworking and create works of art from rough lumber to a
finished project ready to take home. |
| W545 | Rustic Italian Cuisine
Come and learn the secrets of rustic Italian cuisine as they have been prepared for years in the Italian countryside. You’ll create mouth-watering pizzas rolled out by hand, homemade pasta in a robust red sauce and crunchy cannolis to finish off the meal. |
| W546 | Iron Chef: Competitive Cooking
Start your ovens... it’s time to get cooking! This workshop will introduce you to the basics of cooking techniques and healthy meal planning. You’ll learn to sauté, simmer, and stir-fry your way to a delicious meal. You’ll team up with your fellow chefs to try and beat the clock and create the tastiest and most nutritionally balanced meal. Your heart will be left racing, your blood pumping, and your taste buds tingling. |
| W547 | Candy Making**
Discover the delicious secrets to making delectable treats. From gooey, sticky
sweets to chocolate masterpieces - learn how to make your own candy from
scratch. You'll be surprised by how candy making is a perfect balance of science
and artistry. And don't worry - you'll get to eat everything you make! |
| W548 | Event Planning**
Don't just be the life of the party - be the party planner! In this workshop, we'll
learn the organizational techniques that professional party and event planners
use to pull off their elaborate functions without a hitch. Alongside the
Intermediate Program's "Programming Office," you will be responsible for
planning an evening main event, then actually making it happen. |
| W549 | Launch Your Own Business**
Running your own business doesn't need to wait until you're out of business
school. Whether you want to do yard work for your neighbors on the weekends,
tutor younger students after school, or babysit at night, there is something out
there for you to do. You can launch your own profitable endeavor right now,
provided you have a solid plan and the right know-how. |
| W550 | Strategy Games
Forget luck! We'll take a look at tuning up your strategies with classics like Monopoly and learn about the new wave of Euro-style games such as Settlers of Catan. We can't guarantee a win every time you play, but we’ll definitely improve your chances. |
| W551 | Treasure Hunting + Orienteering
Deep in the woods of Wellesley College on the shores of Lake Waban lies a hidden treasure. After learning the skills of map-reading and orienteering, you and your team will set out on the hunt and compete against others to see who can find it first! |
| W552 | Engineering Challenge
This class is all about wacky design challenges that will force you to use quick wits and creativity. Can you build the strongest bridge constructed of spaghetti? How about the fastest balloon-powered car? Who will win the mystery challenge? May the best engineer win! |
| W553 | Projectile Pros
Ever wonder how scientists are able to tell where something will land, based on how high and fast it flies? Now you’ll know, as you build contraptions to launch objects and understand their trajectories so you can actually take aim at a target. From firing marshmallows to building effective slingshots, you’ll learn all about the science of ballistics. Ready, aim, fire! |
| W554 | Robotics**
Explore the basics of electrical circuitry, the physics of motion detectors, and the
mechanical engineering behind robotics. You’ll build robots to achieve a specific
challenge: go up a stair or draw a line. You’ll have the technology to build them
bigger, faster, STRONGER than ever before. Your robots will go head to head in
this teamwork-intensive workshop. |