

Age Range | 14-18 |
Class Type | Live |
Start / End Dates | 9/27, 10/4, & 10/11, Individual Meetings by 10/18 |
Class Size | 5-12 Learners |
Class Time | Mondays 11:15am-12:15pm (Mountain) |
Pricing Information
3 Live Classes, One Individual Meeting | $90 Per Student |
Thinking and writing from the perspective of a historian is not just an important academic skill, but also an essential life skill. The ability to connect the past to the present and future through discussions and assignments changes the way history is seen and told. In this Bootcamp, students will look at how historians approach research and draw conclusions, learn to examine and evaluate evidence, search for diverse perspectives, use different kinds of sources, and create meaningful essays and projects. Required assignments will use the history they are already studying, or are interested in, as a foundation.
In addition, each Bootcamp will have specific advice on skills they should work on to prepare for their next step. The Middle School Bootcamp will cover what to expect from high school history level classes, and the High School Bootcamp will outline what will be expected in college level history classes.
This Bootcamp has three live sessions and three research assignments. The first two assignments are discussed in class while the third is given feedback over email or in a one-on-one meeting with the instructor.
Note: The Historical Thinking and Writing Bootcamp is a perfect companion to the Research Bootcamp. While Research is mentioned in this course, it is not covered in the depth of the Research Bootcamp.
This class has three live meetings on 9/27, 10/4, & 10/11. Students will schedule individual meetings by 10/18.
Mondays 11:15-12:15 (Mountain)
Time Commitment
Usually 2-3 hours per week of work, including class.
No research experience needed for this bootcamp. Students will complete three assignments based on the content of this course: an object-based research assignment or oral history project, an outline on a topic of their choice, and a short essay.Â
Individual Support
Families and learners are welcome to share any information about their individual learning preferences and needs and instructor will make accommodations that are helpful to the class.
Class Interaction:Â
Live sessions will be best experienced with a camera and microphone. Parents will need a Zoom account (free). Students may get a free Discord account for access to a class-specific channel.Â


Samantha Matalone Cook, MAT
Samantha is an educator, historian, writer, maker, and speaker. She has almost three decades of experience in education, program development, and the arts and is a dedicated mentor and lifelong learner.Â
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We have thoroughly enjoyed ancient history with Sam Matalone Cook and would love to continue following the history courses under her instruction. Michelle’s writing workshop was a welcomed addition to our semester and the ease of adding on a quick workshop to the semester was appreciated. I do wish that I could take classes, too. The great selection makes me jealous; Fairy Tales and Feminism would be so incredible to join in and to learn with Sam! And the LGBTQ+ history and US courses! Blair’s enthusiasm for science comes across strongly and is encouraging for the young learners. So many great classes- so little time.
Sheila and Elisa
So many great classes- so little time.


Research Boot Camp was a fun & engaging workshop that covered import skills I’ll use throughout my academic career. L.C.
Research Boot Camp was fun & engaging
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook

This was an awesome class — Sam (the instructor) really engaged the kids, inspiring them and supporting their interests (and quirks!). There was quite a bit of material covered in the four sessions, with a great balance of demonstration, discussion, and tasks to complete on their own. Sam was also available for answering questions between sessions and posted the material (including video recording), which was very helpful. Our son loved this class and really looked forward to it every week. All the best! Ariel
Sam really engaged the kids, inspiring them and supporting their interests (and quirks!)
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook

Thank you! Thank you! Your fantasy map making class was fantastic. What my kids enjoyed is that it was in-depth, messy, and tactile. It was not elementary or overly cautious. It utilized real art materials and challenged them to think creatively and concretely about their ideas.
Your high school research class was informative, clear, and concise. Maya is now utilizing the tools she learned from you in her high school and college classes. I’m going to look for any class you are teaching in the future; and I’m going to recommend you to my friend circle. I’m so glad we found SEA online. If you teach on any other platform, I’d love to know.
Thanks again for great classes!
Degania Fortson