Classes are offered in our store or onsite at your location. Classes offered vary by session. See session schedules for current class list and pricing.

CHESS

Beginner Chess
We believe that chess should be fun and accessible to all kids! With this in mind, Beginner Chess is designed to introduce students to the world of chess in a non-threatening environment through original games, activities and traditional play. Chess is a great social game and builds problem-solving, self confidence and self esteem, promotes concentration and outside the box thinking.

Advanced Chess - Socrates Center is currently looking for a fun, brilliant and experienced chess instructor to teach advanced chess. If you are interested or know of someone who may be interested in building a chess program at Socrates Center, please contact RJ at 469.774.3103.

CREATIVE WRITING

Creative Writing & Expression
This class is designed to promote self-expression, creativity, confidence and a love of writing! Your young author will participate in unusual and fun writing challenges and improvisational games that get kids ready to write! Students will learn vocabulary, writing genres, styles and authors, pre-writing, and awesome story beginning and endings. Students will complete the week with an original short story or poem.

Script Writing
Script writing is a great way to foster creativity, self-expression, thinking, and valuable writing skills. Taught in a fun and supportive environment by a professional, this class provides the younger writer a unique opportunity to develop his or her unique voice and abilities. Class will focus on script format, story telling, plot, "what comes next", setting, word choce, character development and point of view. Students should finish the class with at least two complete scripts.

EARLY LEARNING

Early Speech & Communication
You won't find another public speaking camp like a public speaking camp at Socrates Center! Students actually leave our classes with a smile, more confidence and positive mindset toward public speaking. Student lean about verbal, non-verbal, personal, interviewing, communication and public speaking skills through fun and original activities. Students also present informal, short speeches on the Socrates Center stage.

Early Robotics & Simple Machines
Preschoolers in this pioneering class will be introduced to robotics and basic science, technology, engineering and math concepts through LEGO© bricks and other fun and engaging toys and games designed specifically for younger kids. Boys and girls develop curiosity and socio-emotional skills as they work together to discover new ideas and ways of thinking and explore complex concepts in a concrete and fun way.

Masterpiece Makeover
Art History Re-created with a twist! Let your little artist learn about the great artist of all time and then create his or her own version using creative techniques and mediums. Students learn art appreciation and discuss periods of art, line, color, texture, composition and more.

Music Maestros
Kids love to move, dance and play to music! In this class, kids learn about the science of music, great composers and conductors, classic songs, parts of an orchestra while exploring instruments and making music of his or her own. Kids also have a blast experience the freedom and importance of self-expression, creativity, and body movement and placement. Found ONLY at Socrates Center! Includes field trip to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Socrates Scholars
Socrates Center is proud to offer this original class for academically advanced young children, found ONLY at Socrates Center for Learning, designed to enrich and enhance traditional learning opportunities in a fun, and completely comfortable environment. Through our weekly journey, the curriculum will rotate through a series of interesting and thought-provoking topics and you will be amazed! Students will be challenged to explore and learn: Presidents of the US, World and US Geography, Great Warriors & Leaders of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Times, Inventors & Inventions that Changed the World, Art History & Classical Composers, Classic Literature, Astronomy & Astronauts, Simple Machines & Basic Engineering, Public Speaking & Debate, Critical Thinking through Games, Word and Number Problems, Chess & Problem-Solving, and Great Philosophers of the World, Including Socrates, to encourage your child to THINK, QUESTION, LEARN, and SUCCEED. Think Team students will be encouraged to participate in quarterly Socrates Center Academic Challenges for recognition and prizes.

Socrates Scholars: Animals of the World
Animals of the World Lions, Tigers, and Octopii, Oh My?!? In this fun and original class, students learn about unique and amazing animals from around the globe. Topics will include animal geography, classification, behaviors, habitats, creepy, fluffy, endangered animals and more. The camp will include fun and exciting daily activities.

Socrates Scholars: All Things DaVinci
All Things DaVinci Leonardo da Vinci remains one of the most fascinating people history has ever known. He once said that "things of the mind left untested by the senses are useless." But few people know the amazing story behind the man often described as the embodiment of the Renaissance. During this amazing camp, students will be introduced to the history and geography of the man and his life, learn his techniques, invent, create and design like Da Vinci.

Socrates Scholars: Meet the Artists
This camp , taught the Socrates Center way, will offer a fun and revealing look at four famous artists. Students will study the artist's life, geography and personality in relation to major historical events, as well as various styles and artistic contributions that each made famous. Original daily art activities will be related to the artists and include art concepts and techniques and practicing of the skills of observing, thinking and creating. Different canvas and mediums used.

Socrates Scholars: Passport to ??
Take a tour of a different continent or country each summer at Socrates Center. Students will learn and explore native geography, food, literature, culture, wildlife, history, animals, music, people and it's customs. The camp will include fun and exciting daily activities.

Socrates Scholars: Shakespeare Live!
Who is Shakespeare, anyway? In this fun and unique camp, students will get to know the man, the myth and some legendary lines from Shakespeare himself. We will tour Stratford on Avon and The Globe Theatre, and discuss a great Shakespeare play. Students will be asked to participate in an original and creative, Shakespeare Live! Production on our stage, complete with props and costumes that the students design.

Socrates Scholars: The Wright Brothers
Wright Brothers Students will learn about perseverance and discovery through the lives of the Orville and Wilbur Wright. During this fun and exciting camp, students learn about The Age of Flight and the principles of aeronautics while analyzing, designing and building planes, kites and gliders. Age 5-7

GEOGRAPHY

Brick-by-Brick Exploring Our World (formerly LEGOtm Geography)
What could be better than learning geography with LEGO© bricks In this one-of-a-kind clas! We'll use this amazing tool to learn geography, including communities, map reading, directions, planets, capitals, landforms, architecture, history and landmarks, while having a blast, creating, using fine motor skills, and practicing basic building and engineering concepts.

Geography Masters Lvl 1 (Ages 5+)
In this original program students begin on a life-changing, eye-opening journey of the world as they are issued "passports" and learn about themselves and our world, including continents, oceans, languages, music, leaders, customs, cultures, animals, physical geography, U.S. capitals, explorers, Seven Ancient Wonders of the World and more.

Geography Masters Lvl 2 (Ages 5+)
In this ongoing journey, students continue his or her study of the world and mastery of U.S. and other country capitals (capitals vary by class.) Students will use a variety of tools and multi-sensory learning techniques from memorization, songs, games and friendly competitions including the "magic" answer bell and summer Geography Bee.

GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN

Beginning Graphic Design
Jump into the exciting world of modern art through the wonders of digital graphic design! During this 6 week session, kids will be introduced to the tools and tricks of Photoshop, the professional software used by graphic designers and creative-types around the world. Eliminate the phrase "I can't" or "I don't know how!" Learning this powerful design tool and designing custom graphics will awaken young minds to the creative kid within, and build confidence through self-expression and risk-taking. You might even see an improvement in grades after taking school presentations and reports to the next level!

Introduction to Web Design
Want to build your very own website from scratch or create your own custom graphics? Design and publish your website with the powerful web editor Adobe® Dreamweaver®. You'll learn to hand-code HTML as well as color theory andhow to make graphics and photographs web-ready in this fun and useful class.

PROGRAMMING

SCRATCH: Intro to Computer Programming & Animation
Scratch is an educational programming language developed by MIT that allows people of any experience, background and age to experiment with the concepts of fully versatile computer programming. By snapping together visual programming blocks, students easily create interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art. Students important programming, mathematical and computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively and reason.

Intro to C++
This programming course for middle school and high school students provides an introduction to programming and the basics of C/C++ using Visual Studios. Students will learn about and program input/output, a classic "hello world" program, loops, decision structures and data structures. Students should also leave with new insight in problem identification, planning, solving and coding.

PUBLIC SPEAKING & COMMUNICATION

Public Speaking & Communication I
Like sports or learning to play an instrument, kids need to be instructed and practice in order to become great communicators. In this unique public speaking & communication class for younger kids, students learn about and practice verbal and non-verbal communication, making eye contact, interviewing, introducing friends and speakers, entering a room, spatial skills and key skills for one-on-one interaction. Students are also given tips for controlling fears while giving short and informal speeches on familiar topics. Students build confidence and leave with a smile in this fun class!

Public Speaking & Communication II
For students that have mastered Public Speaking I. Students continue the journey into building and perfecting communication and public speaking skills. Students work more in improve situations, present longer and more advanced speeches, and begin developing analytical and problem-solving skills by learning and practicing the "art of argument."

Public Speaking & Interview Skills
In this important public speaking & communication class for older kids, students learn tips and tricks for mastering informal and formal interview scenarios, including appearance and presentation, verbal and non-verbal cues, eye contact, strong handshakes, entering a room, and posture.

Shakespeare Live!
Who is Shakespeare, anyway? In this fun and unique camp, students will get to know the man, the myth and some legendary lines from Shakespeare himself. We will tour Stratford on Avon and The Globe Theatre, and discuss a great Shakespeare play. Students will be asked to participate in an original and creative, Shakespeare Live! Production on our stage, complete with props and costumes that the students design.

The Art of Argument & Debate
This camp is designed to teach the argumentative teenager and precocious student how to reason with clarity, relevance and purpose at a time when he has a penchant for the "why" and "how". It is designed to equip and sharpen young minds as they live, play, and grow in this highly commercial culture. Students will learn to recognize and identify informal fallacies, present persuasive arguments, research topics, and to analyze commercial advertisements which apply the fallacies to a myriad of real life situations. Ages 8+

ROBOTICS & ENGINEERING

Creative Robotics
Build a fun and crazy animated creatures in this one-of-a-kind class designed especially for younger kids! Using the innovative LEGO WeDo Robotics program and Learning Resources Wacky Wigglers, students combine imagination, story-writing, and teamwork as they build and program unique robots and then create an original story and bring it life. Students build and program while learning basic science and engineering concepts including work, motors, structure, sensors, simple machines, axels, gears, lever, pulleys and more.

Engineering is Elementary



Exploring Math through NXT Robotics
This class is designed to explore mathematical concepts in a fun and practical way with through hands- on, practical application. Students will interact with a LEGO NXT robot and a variety of instructional sources. Students will also have the unique opportunity to help pilot test a new program from the leader in robotics training and education - Carnegie Mellon University. ONLY AT SOCRATES CENTER for LEANRING!

Master Builder & Engineering (Formerly LEGO© Engineering)
Using the engineering design process, students will learn and implement basic engineering concepts including vocabulary, documenting, planning, design, building, structure, and problem-solving while working with LEGO© Bricks,Technic, Power Functions, and other brick-building tools. On this journey to better building, students have the opportunity to participate in the first LEGO Master Builder Academy program series I - Space Designer.

LEGO Build-A-Thon
This is your LEGO lover's opportunity to use his or her imagination to build and create the LEGO city of your dreams or even the tallest LEGO wall or tower possible. We will provide the "city" platform and tons of LEGO bricks, miniatures and "guys" to keep in maximum creative mode for hours. LEGO WEDO

LEGO™ Bricks in Space & Intro to NXT Robotics
Student's learn from NASA in this inspiring LEGO™ Education class that explores space, science, technology, engineering, and math! Students learn from astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) about the effects of microgravity on simple LEGO machines. The astronauts record their results through video and crew commentary and students duplicate the activities in class and compare results. Students will also learn beginning programming by building and programming a NXT Mindstorm rover robot to test on different terrains.

LEGOtm Engineering & Motorized Contraptions
Students will learn basic LEGO engineering and design concepts parts and building vocabulary, design and structure concepts such as how to plan and build a sturdy wall, animals and small, cool machines like cranes, operable doors, motorized cars, a rubber band-powered rocket launcher, a hand-cranked drag racer, and even musical instruments.Create. Invent. Now, what will you build?

LEGO NXT Robotics for Beginners
Not just a toy, these tiny pieces of ingenuity are the building blocks for the basic disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. During this hands-on and challenging learning experience, boys and girls utilize the LEGO Mindstorm NXT Robotics Invention System to practice critical thinking, problem-solving, listening and teamwork skills. Working alone and on teams, students will be introduced to the basics of robotic design, building and programming, including multiple sensors, and then advance through a series of creative and fun challenges.

LEGO NXT Robotics Mixed Levels
Students experienced in robotics will be given the opportunity (alone or on teams depending on the size of the class) to build and develop additional science, engineering and programming skills while facing new and creative robotics challenges assigned by the instructor. Multiple class instructors provided to given individual attention as needed. Students in this class will also be given ample time to select and build individual projects as well as to participate in the Socrates Center for Learning Battle Bot Arena and Robotics Competitions.

Robotics Squad - Robotics Training
This mixed level class is designed to support current and future Robotics Squad team members with intermediate to advanced building and programming techniques while developing a deeper understanding of robotics and engineering. Students will work alone and in groups to design, analyze and master new robotics challenges. Robotics Squad students will also be eligible to test and earn special recognition for mastering Robotics Squad Specialist Levels 1-10.

SCIENCE

A & P Body Science
Take a look at the amazing human body in a totally new way! We stand and breathe and jump and think and almost never stop to wonder why and how it all works. Taught at an age appropriate level and following scientific procedures, this class will bring a new appreciation to the human miracle as we take a journey through the human body, including the circulatory, respiratory, immune, skeletal, muscular, digestive, and nervous systems. Each class will include hands-on experiment and demonstrations that are guaranteed to get your student excited about science. This is the first class in a two-part series of A & P Body Science classes.

A & P Gross Out Body Science
This is the grossest, but funniest and most revolting science class out there! Learn about the wonder of human anatomy and physiology while you grow your own friendly germs and fuzzy molds, find out what's really in your teeth, and what grows on your body. Mix up a batch of coagulating fake blood and more.

Chemistry 4 Kids
Student's will learn about the periodic table and the microscopic world of atoms, molecules, polymers, proteins, acids & bases, and DNA through fun activities, observations, and hands-on experiments that reveal the world at a whole new level. Student's learn the basics of chemistry and the world around them. Topics will include the scientific process, the periodic table and elements, types and phases of matter, atoms, molecules, the meaning of chemical reaction, and simple, hands-on experiments including making slime. This class will expose your child to new vocabulary, ideas and a whole new world!

Beginning Electronics & Circuitry
Students get the unique opportunity to learn about electronics and circuitry and how and why electronic devices work. Topics will include careers in electronics, electronic symbols, storing energy, harmonics, magnetism, static electricity, electrical charges, batteries, conductivity, simple circuitry and more. Students will perform observations and experiements including a Snap Circuit project.

Veterinary Science
Don't miss a visit from a professional wildlife educator from Zooniversity™, along with live domestic and exotic animals as we learn about animal science and the fascinating and important fields of veterinary science and animal care. Students will learn about animal classifications, anatomy and physiology, diagnostics and animal care in a fun, hands-on way. Class size is limited so enroll today!

STOCK MARKET TEAM

Stock Market Game
Stock Market Team (Ages 8+ or instructor approval) Students who participate in the The Stock Market Game™ are challenged to research and invest $100,000 of virtual cash in a simulated, real-time trading simulation. As they progress, they learn core academic concepts and skills that can help them succeed in the classroom - and in life. In addition to finance principles, students work together in teams, practice leadership, organization, negotiation, and cooperation as they compete for fun and prizes against other teams in Texas.

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Mini-Animation Studio
Socrates Center has created the coolest, mini-studio setups for this amazing class. Students will spend the session planning, writing, creating and filming a high-quality, stop animation video for presentation at the end of class. Students will keep a project notebook and focus on lighting, animation, editing, creativity, story-writing, and character development.

Claymation & Animation
This series of classes applies tried and true video production techniques while taking students step by step through the creative process. Students begin with pitching ideas, followed by storyboarding, writing, filming and editing. Working in teams or alone, this is a great way to build confidence and learn fun claymation, animation and video production skills.

"YOU" Documentary
Please join Socrates Center for Learning as we embark on revolutionary project to help children find a voice and offer creative, fun and meaningful contributions to the world while through the creation of his or her own, unique "YOUBISODEtm." Students will write, direct, film and star in a 5-10 minute creative, insightful, hilarious, thought-provoking, or simply self-revealing documentary about himself/herself. Students will create, plan, shoot and edit his or her own "YOUBISODEtm." With student and parent permission, "YOUBISODE's" will be featured by online. This will be an ongoing effort, with the long-term vision of building the largest collection of online, student created and kid-appropriate videos that showcase the most gifted, talented, and creative kids of our time. A "YOUBISODEtm" is also an invaluable way of capturing a priceless view of your child at an ever-fleeting point in time; plan to create one each year! A "YOUBISODEtm" could also be a great tool for high school juniors and seniors during the college admission process to make "YOU" stand out from the rest. All campers will be be given a "YOUBISIDE" DVD and eligible to participate in the "YOU" DOCUMENTARY FILM COMPETITION at the end of the summer at no charge.

** THERE IS A 4 STUDENT MINIMUM FOR EACH CLASS. IF A CLASS DOES NOT HAVE 4 STUDENTS ENROLLED, IT IS AT THE DISCRETION OF SOCRATES CENTER TO MOVE OR CANCEL THE CLASS AS NEEDED.