Games Galore

When you flip a coin, does it matter if you started with heads or tails? How important is it to stick to the rules? What is the difference between skill and luck when it comes to playing games? In this exciting course, you will use advanced mathematics to explore the laws of probability and learn how to determine if a game is fair. As you play a variety of games, you will calculate the chances that each player can win, and you will use creative problem solving to change the rules that are unfair. With a combination of math skills and logic, we will analyze all types of games and create our own fair and unfair games to test in our probability lab! Want to be a game maker? In this class, you will take on the role of a game developer to plan, design, and create a new, fun (and fair) game for kids just like you!

Matter Mysteries

Strange things are happening: a mysterious, unidentified substance has been found, the principal’s water is disappearing, and even more mysteries abound. Never fear, you are on the case! In this course, you will become a detective and use scientific skills to solve mysteries. After learning about the investigative processes of a scientist, you will gather your own information about solids, liquids, and gases by making scientific predictions, designing experiments, conducting tests, carefully recording your observations, collecting data, and analyzing results. You will then use the information and discoveries you uncover to solve some very puzzling mysteries about matter!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, What’s the Matter?, from the College of William and Mary.

Industrial Engineering: Machines at Work

Whether or not you realize it, machines are important to our lives. From the clothes you wear to the food you eat to the place you call home, machines are involved in some way in making or assembling most things we use on a daily basis. How are new machines developed to do important work? Industrial engineers to the rescue! In this class you will take on the role of an industrial engineer as you conduct investigations to learn more about simple and compound machines and how these machines can make work easier. Come ready to apply what you have learned to design, create, and test your own machine creations as you and your fellow industrial engineers create an assembly line sub-system for a factory in need of some help with their potato chip production problem. Think your job is over after the design? It has just begun! You will need to debate the pros and cons of your machine creations and assembly line work as we investigate the use of machines from the perspective of multiple stakeholders including factory managers, workers, and consumers. We will really put our machines and minds to work in this hands-on engineering class!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported engineering curriculum from Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Museum of Science, Boston.

Programming and Robotics

Robotic engineers are learners, dreamers, strategists, and creative thinkers. Robots are cool to play with, but how are robots used in the real world? Can robots really help make our lives easier? How do robots turn lines of computer coding into action? What are the thinking processes needed to successfully code a robot to complete a task? Come learn the answers to these questions and more as you challenge your mind and test your creativity by programming Sphero interactive robots and building your own LegoBoost Robot! In this course, you will take on the role of a robotics engineer as you brainstorm hands-on solutions to real-world problems through computer programming. You will program how your robot moves, looks, and interacts with apps, including augmented reality games, as you try to solve robotic challenges. After taking this course you will have new ideas about how to use coding and robotics to solve big problems in our world today!

*Sphero robots, LegoBoost robots, and code.org will be utilized.

The Great Debate

What do you think of when you hear the word argument? In most cases, people think to argue is to fight. However, this is not necessarily true! Philosophy defines an argument as simple statements used to persuade someone of something using evidence and reason or to confirm a certain conclusion. In this class, you will learn the skills and methods that ancient philosophers used as you develop your techniques to convince others to accept your point of view. Through the use of logical arguments and appropriate evidence, you will learn how to defend your viewpoints and persuade your friends.Just like any skill, the art of arguing takes practice. By exploring specific types of fallacies (do not worry, we will explain this word in class) that can negatively impact an argument, we will become more aware of the principles great debaters use to present their points. We will also analyze historical speeches and debates as we explore the power that good debate skills can have on others. If you are interested in perfecting your debating skills to discuss relevant topics that directly impact your life then look no further. Come take part in a great debate!

Biochemistry: The Language of Life

From determining the way genetic codes are transferred from generation to generation to the way proteins are produced to the way food is digested, the field of biochemistry provides the road map for how life occurs on earth and for how the body communicates with itself. Understanding biochemical processes, such as cell signaling pathways and the ability to transmit information from cell to cell, tissue to tissue, or organ system to organ system, allows scientists to comprehend how it is possible for the body to converse in this unspoken cellular language. In this course, you will learn how the interaction of organic material on a fundamental level determines our biology. We will study how biochemistry can be used as a diagnostic tool in other fields of study, including forensic science and disease detection. We may also explore how medications and treatments are developed and classified. If you’ve ever been curious about pathology, genetics, or how the human body processes chemical information, this class is for you!

Robotic Programming

What does your parent’s car, a box of cereal, and the shirt you have on all have in common? Answer: They all were likely created with the help of robots! Engineers in the 21st century know the importance of coding and robotic programming in designing processes to make our lives easier and to efficiently create the things we need. How do robots turn lines of computer coding into actions that are meaningful? What are the thinking processes needed to successfully code a robot to complete a task? Come learn the answers to these questions and more as you challenge your mind and test your creativity as you learn the basics of how gears and motors work and build interactive robots! In this course, you will take on the role of a robotics engineer as you brainstorm hands-on solutions to real-world problems through programming and robotics. You will work in teams to use motors, gears, and sensors to create a self-driving model car that can avoid obstacles, pick up and carry objects, detect color, and more. After taking this course you will have new ideas about how to use coding and robotics to solve big problems in our world today!

*LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3, Tinker Lab Kits, and Spheros will be utilized.

Agricultural Engineering

We have a problem – A once beautiful plant that grew delicious berries is not looking very healthy now. The plant has even stopped producing fruit.  Many of the typical reasons for a plant being unhealthy, like lack of water and sunlight, have already been explored. We need your help! Why has this happened and what can you do to make the plant healthy again? In this class, you will take on the role of an agricultural engineer to determine what has happened to this once-beautiful plant. You will use the Engineering Design Process to develop  a solution and make the plant full of life again. As you investigate and engineer solutions, you will learn about Integrated Pest Management, butterfly metamorphosis, hand pollination and much more! This course will forever change how you think about plants, insects, and what it means to be an engineer.

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported engineering curriculum from Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Museum of Science, Boston.

Playing with Words

Are you a teller of stories and jokes? Do you coin new phrases? Are you a fan of riddles and rhymes? If so, then you, my friend, like to play with words! In this class, you’ll see how authors use words and phrases to capture their readers through laughter and complex thought. Learn to recognize special literary devices, such as similes, metaphors, symbols, and personification. These are all tools that writers use to better communicate their ideas. You too can experiment with figurative language and wordplay, the very same tools that writers have used for centuries! A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a thousand words can paint a pretty awesome picture. Come and play with words!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Beyond Words, from the College of William and Mary.

Ancient China

What do paper, silk, kites, and gunpowder have in common? They were all invented in China! From the Great Wall to early dynasties and rule of law, modern society relies on many of the inventions and systems developed in Ancient China. Using the concept of systems, this class will examine the ways that language, agriculture, trade, and law supported the development of a thriving civilization. By exploring maps, trying our hand at persuasive writing, and studying the rise in music and art, this course will have you thinking like a historian as you uncover the mysteries of Ancient China and unlock keys about the origins of certain Western ideas, creations, and beliefs that influence societies all across the globe!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Ancient China: The Middle Kingdom, from the College of William and Mary.

Circuitry, Systems, and Design

Imagine that you are a newly hired engineer for the local power company. The city wants to build a special recreational complex and they need your help! There is a lot to learn about how to design and wire the complex so that it passes inspection and can withstand the stresses of weather and people. In this course we will take on the role of an electrical engineer and learn about currents, circuits, systems, and electricity. Come ready to design your own electrical system for the new building, but watch out – you never know when a storm may hit. Can your design withstand it? We won’t be left in the dark as you explore the exciting field of electrical engineering!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Electricity City, from the College of William and Mary.

The One to Beat

Do you know who holds the record for the longest distance paddled in a bathtub? Or how many jumps the record-holding dog can perform when jumping rope? What about the size of the largest collection of pennies? If you like algebra, interesting facts, and math puzzles, then this is the class for you! Come along as we examine some wacky world records and learn how to interpret algebraic equations, identify variables, create charts, and make predictions using different kinds of graphs to record our own record breaking attempts. We will conduct experiments to practice recording, and interpreting our own data methods and results. We will put our algebra skills to the test as we try to calculate how to break world records. Who knows– you  may leave this class with ideas about how to get your name in the Guinness Book of World Records while also learning more about math!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Record Makers and Breakers, from Project M3.

Neuroscience 101

Do you ever wonder how your brain learns and stores information? So do neuroscientists! This class will introduce you to the science of the most marvelous, and mystifying, component of the human body — the brain. In this class, we will explore how the brain works and interacts with other body systems to support life. We will then apply our new understanding of the brain to learn about research in this exciting field. We may even have the chance to visit state of the art labs to see neuroscientists at work. As neuroscientists-in-training, you and your classmates will put your new knowledge of brain function and the ways neuroscientists conduct research to develop hypotheses, analyze data, and draw conclusions about how the brain learns new information. Get ready to learn about one of the fastest-growing and exciting scientific fields– neuroscience! Come ready to engage, think critically, and contribute to science in this collaborative, hands-on course. You will really have to put your brain to work in this class!

Journey into the Universe: Planetary Astronomy

The history of the universe is written in the sky! In this course you will take on the role of an astronomer to investigate our wide universe. Did you know that astronomers have identified over 4,000 planets outside our solar system and has determined that as many as 55 may be habitable? Come ready to use astrophysics, publicly available data, and the power of statistics to better understand our planet-filled universe. You will learn how to identify and characterize different types of celestial objects and how the study of light is essential to astronomy. We will also take what we know about our own solar system to generate models for studying extrasolar planets. In this way, you will gain firsthand experience in how scientists pose research questions, design studies, and present their findings to their peers. Get ready to contribute your own voice to our global, astronomical dialogue! This course will help you ask and answer questions as wide and diverse as the universe itself.

Forensic Science

We have a mystery on our hands, and we need your help to solve it! Someone has stolen a very important tool from our classroom but we don’t know who. Where do we start to solve this mystery? How would a detective in the field approach the case? What information can we gather from the scene and how do we analyze and extract meaning from it? Using the scientific method as our guide, we will develop hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze information to figure out the case. Together we will take on the role of biologists, chemists, and researchers as we practice different techniques such as DNA extraction, chromatography, and fingerprint analysis to solve tricky cases. After collecting and studying evidence, we will make predictions about what we think happened and debate our ideas to come to a final conclusion.  Will you crack the case?

Neuroscience Navigators

Come join us on a journey to understand the human body’s most complex organ, the brain! In this course you will explore what scientists know about this organ and investigate how scientists unlock mysteries of how the brain works. Have you ever wondered how your brain behaves as you do the things you love? For years, scientists have studied the brain to understand what is happening while humans are living daily life. Did you know your brain acts differently as you play basketball, listen to music, draw a picture, or read a book? In this class, you will learn how scientists student these differences in the brain using technology such as EEG and MRI. You will also learn about the role neurons play in how the brain functions as you investigate how these cells talk to each other using electricity and chemistry. Through inquiry-based, hands-on activities and observations in Vanderbilt science labs, you will use problem-solving skills and creativity to answer big brain questions as you hypothesize, observe, and investigate. Get ready to navigate one of the fastest-growing scientific fields– neuroscience!

Looking in the Mirror, Digging in the Past: Adventures in Autobiography

Have you ever wondered about what your favorite author or celebrity was like when he or she was your age? Or how things like our friends, family traditions, and environment shape who we are? What changes in your life have helped you become the person you are? In this class, we will explore these questions and more through an autobiographical exploration of ourselves and of others. As we examine autobiographical writings from authors such as Beverly Cleary, Jacqueline Woodson, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and Laurence Yep we will explore the power of personal stories and the techniques used in this unique form of writing. Did you know not all autobiographies are showcased through writing? We may also examine self-portraits in music, productions in theater, and works of art! After examining how others tell their personal stories in powerful ways, we will create a personal work of self-reflection. What will your autobiography say about you?

*Course adapted from an evidence-based ELA curriculum, Autobiographies, from the College of William and Mary.

Biology of the Brain

Your brain is the most powerful organ in your body. It helps control your breathing, your feelings, and even your body temperature. Have you ever wondered how this giant bundle of nerves works? How are we able to remember some things but not remember others? What microscopic events happen in your brain when you see something familiar or hear your favorite song? In this course we will take an in-depth look at the biology of your brain and discuss how your brain influences other systems in your body. We will learn about the important neurotransmitters in your brain and how they contribute to your emotions, learning, and overall health. We will also  investigate the role that genetics and biochemical compounds play in your well-being and how neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, begin and develop in the brain. If you’ve ever wondered about how and why you are able to wonder at all, then you are ready to join us as we explore the biology of the brain!

Secrets of the Moli Stone

A stone tablet has just been unearthed. What an exciting discovery! The only problem is that the information on it is written in a secret code. The tablet is covered with unusual symbols and interesting mathematical markings. What do these symbols and markings mean? What information are they trying to tell us? How do we interpret meaning in symbols that aren’t words or in numbers that seem unfamiliar? In this class, you will take on the role of a mathematician to unravel the secrets of the Moli Stone. To solve the mystery, we will begin with an exploration of our number system as we explore the concepts of place value and base 10. Did you know that we use a base 10 system but you can do math in a different system? We will compare and contrast our base 10 system with systems different from our own and also investigate how cultures and groups of people use particular number systems. No stone will be left unturned in this mysterious mathematical adventure that will reveal new number understanding!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported math curriculum, Unraveling the Mystery of the Moli Stone, from Project M3.

Keep Calm and Be Significant: Using Research and Statistics to Solve Real World Problems

How can numbers be used to describe what happens all around us? What do you need to consider when creating a scientific hypothesis that you can test? How can you use tools from psychological research to investigate real life question about why people are they way they are or do things the way they do? In this class, you will examine these questions and many more as you take on the role of a researcher and statistician. Using the field of psychology as our guide, we will practice using numbers and theories to draw conclusions and answer important questions. By exploring different methods for data collection and uncovering how scientists make educated guesses based on theory and numbers, you will learn important tools that can be applied in all different types of scientific research. After exploring research methods and seeing researchers in action in Vanderbilt labs, you will develop and test your own scientific hypothesis, collect and analyze your own data using statistical methods, and present the findings you uncover. Experience psychology in action as you use data to analyze, learn the importance of the term “significance” in math, and share your own scientific discoveries with others!

Memoir and Verse: The Story of You

What experiences in your life have directly helped you become the person you are today? How do things like our friends, family traditions, and environment shape who we might become in the future? Come along for a most interesting journey, one of yourself! Using our own histories as a guide, we will explore questions of personal experience and explore ways we can use the tools of poetry and language to create fresh and exciting portraits of our lives. We will learn from the works of a variety of writers who are masters of telling stories through verse, like Jaqueline Woodson (Brown Girl Dreaming), Thanha Lai (Inside Out & Back Again), and Kwame Alexander (The Crossover and Solo). Together, we will explore the history, music, and art that helped to shape these and other authors’  stories and reflect on our personal experiences to uncover the history, music and art that may have impacted our own lives. You will then put pen to paper and craft your own personal memoir in verse! Do experiences shape the person or does the person shape the experience? Come ready to explore your history and pen your past. Tell the story of you!

Beyond the Pyramids

When we think of Ancient Egypt we often think about pyramids, mummies, and hieroglyphics, but Ancient Egypt has even more to offer. Did you know that the Ancient Egyptian civilization lasted over 3,000 years? In this course, you will take on the role of an anthropologist to investigate how the Egyptians’ systems of language, leadership, economics, architecture, and geography created a strong civilization that lasted for thousands of years. What did we learn from the Egyptians and how has it impacted our current way of life? Are there other ideas that we can borrow from the Egyptians to better our society? We will investigate these questions and more as we go beyond studying pyramids to critically analyze the systems within this society. Don’t worry — we will talk about mummies and pyramids too and the role they played in Egyptian’s lives. Plus, you’ll even get to try your hand at writing Egyptian hieroglyphics!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Ancient Egypt: Gift of the Nile, from the College of William and Mary.

Creative Contraptions

Do you have chores to do at home? Do you want to make your work easier? Perhaps you want to become the world’s next inventor. How do you come up with good ideas and go past the brainstorming stage to apply these ideas to the creation process? Maybe you have heard the phrase “Necessity is the mother of invention”? What does that mean? In this class we will conduct investigations to learn more about simple and compound machines and how these machines can make work easier. We will learn about famous inventors, their lives, and how they came up with ideas for their creations. Then, it’s your turn! Apply what you have learned to design, create, and test your own invention that solves a problem or makes your life or work easier. Who knows, you may be the next Shark Tank sensation!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Invitation to Invent, from the College of William and Mary.

Intro to Coding and Robotics

Computer programmers are learners, dreamers, strategists, and creative thinkers as they develop complex codes to solve everyday problems. The skill of coding is becoming more and more important in our technology-driven world. Being able to code may be fun and sound cool to your friends, but how is coding used in real life? In what ways do computer programmers help make our lives easier? How do computer programmers turn lines of code into action? What are the thinking processes and personal characteristics needed to write successful code? Come learn the answers to these questions and more as you challenge your mind and test your creativity while learning the basics of computer programming! In this introductory coding course, you will take on the role of a programmer to solve coding challenges by developing working scripts based on your level of ability. By the end of the course you will have plenty of new ideas about how to use coding to solve small and big challenges in our world today, and you will have the knowledge of coding required to develop creative and useful solutions to all sorts of difficult problems.

*Sphero robots, LegoBoost robots, and code.org will be utilized.

Biomedical Engineering

Think engineering is just about machines? Not true! Come and learn how the world of biology, medicine,  and engineering combine to solve some of our most complex problems about the human body! In this class,  you will take on the role of a biomedical engineer as you study how the body works and design new technologies for it through hands-on experiments and activities. As a biomedical engineer you might explore variations in human feet and use this information to design appropriate running shoes for athletes, or you might study the range of motion in a joint to design an appropriate brace. Situations like these involve thinking about the body as well as the support. What material is best? What design is most comfortable? How does the design support the work of the body? Biomedical engineering is complex! In order to be a successful biomedical engineer, you have to understand a lot about the body. In this class we will start by exploring the role of DNA and genetics in the body and learn how engineers and scientists use this knowledge. By using both the scientific method and the engineering design process, we will investigate real life problems that doctors, scientists, and biomedical engineers encounter everyday.

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported engineering curriculum from Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Museum of Science, Boston.

Data Discoverers

Do you like to ask tricky questions and then seek out possible answers? Are you an aspiring scientist or mathematician with a desire to learn more? Do you ever wonder how data and numbers can be used to answer your most intriguing questions? Have you ever wanted to develop your own experiment? This course is sure to be full of new discoveries as you learn how to conduct experiments by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting numerical data using a variety of graphs, charts, and plots. You will experience firsthand the steps of the research process, including how to formulate great research questions, design investigations, create surveys, collect data through questionnaires, analyze results, and present findings to a real audience. Come along for a hands-on, practical mathematical journey where you will be encouraged to ask great questions and use data to uncover possible explanations. You will leave this course discovering opportunities for data collection everywhere!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Digging for Data: Collecting, Displaying, and analyzing Data, from Project M3.

Spatial Reasoning

Have you ever dreamed of designing and building your own roller coaster? Ever wonder how photographers know how to capture the very best shots and angles? Do you like reading or creating your own maps? What do pilots, surgeons, engineers, artists, and film-makers all have in common? They are all individuals with strong skills in spatial reasoning! People with spatial intelligence tend to learn visually and may tend to think about things in terms of pictures and shapes. Come learn how to see and communicate in new dimensions as we explore and discuss the shapes and planes in the world around us. We may explore topics such as prisms, tangrams, symmetry, and reflection as we learn how to harness, predict, and move objects in space. What kind of problems might we be able to solve with this new knowledge? Who knows what you can create or where you will go in this exploration of spatial dimensions!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Spatial Reasoning, from the College of William and Mary.

From Tiny to Giant: How Scientists Prevent Big Problems

Bacteria! Viruses! Disease! Who or what caused the problem and how can it be stopped?! We need your help! In this class, you will immerse yourself in the mysterious world of microbiology and epidemiology as you learn about the inner working for the human body system. Together we will explore possible real-life health scenarios that scientists think about every day and tackle these problems by using methodology that skilled epidemiologists and microbiologists employ to study the human body and to prevent disease and illness. Beginning with some basic microbiology, we will investigate essential biological questions related to life and explore how one little ‘bug’ can cause a really big problem. We will also explore how different body systems work together to cause and prevent disease by performing dissections of animal organs. As you take on the role of a scientist, you will engage in detailed discussions about prevention tactics (such as immunizations and health campaigns) that everyone from local health departments to the World Health Organization participate in to ensure that tiny problems do not become giant ones. Come ready to explore the human body from tiny cells to important organs to giant processes as we delve into the complicated work of understanding the human body!

What’s So Funny?

Do you ever wonder why something makes you laugh? Do you want to learn how to write and perform jokes that will tickle your friends and family? Do you like books that make you laugh? Oftentimes we do not take funny seriously. We think that the things we laugh at are simple, silly fodder meant only for our enjoyment. However, the truth is that humor is one of the most powerful tools for expressing ourselves and explaining our passions and concerns with others. Humor, used strategically, can make important points and influence people. To be strategic with humor, you have to think about word choice, structure of your message, timing, and so much more. Being funny is hard work! In this class, you explore how to use humor in meaningful ways. Through improv and games, we will learn about the theories of humor alongside comedy techniques. We will watch kid comedians perform, explore funny TV shows, and investigate authors who employ humor in their writing as we learn how to craft jokes, create our own unique onstage personas, and write with humor. Get ready to laugh in this class as we learn what is so funny!

Wildlife Ecology: Oh Deer!

Congratulations! You have been asked to serve as the assistant to the mayor in a small town in Tennessee, and the mayor has just informed you of your first assignment. Your task is to work with a variety of stakeholders to determine how best to control a deer population that is growing exponentially and is negatively impacting the city. The deer are eating citizens’ landscaping and increasing citizens’ exposure to the dangerous bacteria that cause Lyme Disease. In this course, you will combine math and science to develop a solution to solve the growing deer problem. You will be challenged with developing your understanding of biology and linear modeling in order to develop a  solution to this growing problem. To complicate matters as you work towards an acceptable result, you will have to consider the problem and solution through multiple lenses, including environmentalists and animal activists. Can you develop a solution that appeases everyone and is justifiable based on research? Oh deer, you have quite a challenge!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Animal Populations, from the College of William and Mary.

Biochemistry: The Language of Life

From determining the way genetic codes are transferred from generation to generation to the way proteins are produced to the way food is digested, the field of biochemistry provides the road map for how life occurs on earth and for how the body communicates with itself. Understanding biochemical processes, such as cell signaling pathways and the ability to transmit information from cell to cell, tissue to tissue, or organ system to organ system, allows scientists to comprehend how it is possible for the body to converse in this unspoken cellular language. In this course, you will learn how the interaction of organic material on a fundamental level determines our biology. We will study how biochemistry can be used as a diagnostic tool in other fields of study, including forensic science and disease detection. We may also explore how medications and treatments are developed and classified. If you’ve ever been curious about pathology, genetics, or how the human body processes chemical information, this class is for you!

Molecular Gastronomy: The Chemistry of Food Science*

In this class we will explore almost everyone’s favorite topic — food! Have you ever heard of dessert spaghetti? What is the science behind creating soup that you can eat with a fork? How are some foods created that have little spheres of liquid that burst in your mouth or foam when you eat them? How can we scientifically explain the various phenomena that occur to make a hamburger or mac and cheese taste so delicious and safe to eat? Molecular gastronomy is the crossover discipline between science and cooking, concerned with the physical and chemical transformations that occur during the process of making a meal. With television and popular cooking competition programs, unusual dishes comprising of desserts in the form of savory dishes and “caviar” in surprising flavors such as lemon or basil have captured the world. Many restaurants have at least one molecular gastronomy dish on the menu and home cooks want to attempt such creative delicacies in their own kitchens. In this course, you will critically consider how food and chemistry intersect on a molecular level and how our bodies use our senses to determine flavor. Come learn how science and food intersect in the world of molecular gastronomy. And yes, we will test our hypotheses and theories through cooking!

*Please note that this class may use hot plates, stove tops, and other heating mechanisms. Taste testing will be involved in the learning process.

Animal Adaptations

Have you ever wondered how animals can sense when danger is near? Are you curious about why groups of birds sometimes fly in formation? Do you wonder how some animals can survive in the blistering heat of the desert or in the coldest months of winter? If so, you are already thinking like a zoologist, a scientist who studies animals! In this course, we will investigate the ways that animals survive and thrive on our planet. Together we will learn about the characteristics that make animal species different and examine the unique habitats that different animals call home. We will also study characteristics of living things, learn about animal  life cycles through observations of your very own pet mealworm, and determine what type of habitats are best for different creatures. You will then take on the role of scientist and animal advocate as we try to tackle serious questions related to environmental preservation and animal protection. If you love animals and enjoy science, then you will certainly thrive in this class!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Survive and Thrive, from the College of William and Mary.

Intro to Chemical Engineering: Engineering with Play Dough

Do you like to play with play dough? What makes play dough so much fun? Did you know that making sure that play dough is the perfect texture and consistency is important work? How do you keep play dough from drying out? It takes the skill of an engineer to figure out how to make the perfect batch of play dough that can be used over and over again! Are you ready for the challenge? In this class, you will learn about states of matter and the properties of different materials and mixtures as you take on the role of a chemical engineer and work to design the best batch of play dough. Through developing hypotheses, trying different mixtures of materials, experimenting, collecting data, and testing your creations, you will go through the engineering design process to figure out the best  dough “recipe”. After this class, you will never think about play dough the same way again!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported engineering curriculum from Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Museum of Science, Boston.

Mythology

Καλώς ορίσατε στον Όλυμπος*! Here you will begin your journey into the fascinating world of mythology! Together we will travel back in time as we delve into the legends and beliefs of ancient Greece. We will read the original stories of heroes such as Hercules and Achilles, study fearsome mythological creatures such as the Minotaur and the Hydra, and discuss the significance of famous gods and goddesses. We will learn how mythological stories shaped the culture of the ancient world and examine how classic myths are reflected through some of our favorite modern-day books, movies, and buildings. After this course, you may never look at the Parthenon or the Tennessee Titans the same way again!

*Welcome to Mount Olympus!

Aquatic Ecology

Oh no! Your local pond used to be a thriving habitat for diverse aquatic plants and animals, but unexpectedly the water has turned brown and sludgy and all the fish are dying. What is happening to the pond? Come along as we uncover the mystery of what, or who, is behind the destruction of this watery ecosystem and decide how to clean up the mess. In this problem-based course, you’ll take on the role of a scientist as you investigate aquatic ecosystems and all of the ways things can go wrong in this habitat. You will learn about chemical reactions and the systems at play to try to find the source of the pollution and work with your “community” of classmates to develop a solution to restore this once healthy pond. As you investigate the problem, you’ll also uncover and discuss other real-world concerns involved in cleaning up a polluted habitat in a community. We need your help to solve this fishy mystery!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Something Fishy, from the College of William and Mary.

Fractions at Work

It’s a rainy day and two siblings have just uncovered a mysterious trunk in their grandmother’s attic! The trunk is full of old artifacts from their great grandparents’ general store, The Rabbit Hutch General Store, which operated long ago. But what is hidden in the trunk? What do these artifacts tell us about what the store, and its owners, were like? Using fractions and the clues from the attic, we will piece together stories from the past as you learn new techniques to help you solve even the most challenging mathematics equations. You will practice using tricks such as common numerators, common denominators, and missing pieces of the whole to analyze items from the old store. Through modeling, drawing, and charting, you will learn new and exciting ways to approach mathematical operations involving fractions and wow your family and friends with your new skills! We will even talk about where fractions are hidden in our everyday lives. After this class you will never look at objects, or their pieces and parts, in the same way again. What kind of unexpected mathematical treasures will you uncover in this mysterious adventure with fractions?

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported math curriculum, Treasures from the Attic, from Project M3.

What’s So Funny?

Do you ever wonder why something makes you laugh? Do you want to learn how to write and perform jokes that will tickle your friends and family? Do you like books that make you laugh? Oftentimes we do not take funny seriously. We think that the things we laugh at are simple, silly fodder meant only for our enjoyment. However, the truth is that humor is one of the most powerful tools for expressing ourselves and explaining our passions and concerns with others. Humor, used strategically, can make important points and influence people. To be strategic with humor, you have to think about word choice, structure of your message, timing, and so much more. Being funny is hard work! In this class, you explore how to use humor in meaningful ways. Through improv and games, we will learn about the theories of humor alongside comedy techniques. We will watch kid comedians perform, explore funny TV shows, and investigate authors who employ humor in their writing as we learn how to craft jokes, create our own unique onstage personas, and write with humor. Get ready to laugh in this class as we learn what is so funny!

Chemical Engineering: Understanding the Flow and Interconversion of Energy

Understanding the chemical fundamentals behind the production and usage of energy is essential to our current industrialized world. By taking a quick glimpse outside our window, we are witness to thousands of chemical processes that are in constant motion converting potential energy to kinetic energy to electricity and even heat. As our world moves closer and closer to a resource and energy crisis, more must be done to understand and improve the efficiency of renewable forms of energy, specifically – biofuels, solar, wind, and nuclear energies. Are you ready for the challenge?  In order to comprehend these new forms of energy, we must first understand what is matter and energy and how they are converted and transferred. Further, we must be able construct a system and see how it interrelates with the surroundings through its boundaries. In this course, we will begin to break down fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mass transfer, and separation processes and then connect how these thermodynamic properties affect every day industrialized events such as: oil refinery, column distillation, fractionation, and even the combustion engine. We will also learn how to draw and understand flow diagrams so that we can track mass in and out. Come ready to take on the role of a chemical engineer as you  use all of these tools in problem solving and critical thinking tasks!

Common and Practical Chemistry

From paint and glue to fluorescent lighting to household appliances, chemistry is at work all around us. During this course, you will learn chemistry’s impact on you as we investigate its role in your everyday life. To better comprehend the chemistry of everyday things, we will explore basic principles of general, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. During our investigation of everyday chemistry you will delve into central ideas related to chemistry like the ideal gas law, polymerization, catalysis, fluorescence, thermodynamics, solubility rules, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and redox reactions. Ultimately, you will come out of this class not only with a larger science vocabulary, but a real appreciation and understanding of how chemistry impacts your day-to-day life. Chemistry isn’t something you just read about in a book, It is something you experience everyday!

World Beyond the Page: Unpacking the Magic of Harry Potter

Would you consider yourself a huge fan of Harry Potter? Are you still waiting for your Hogwarts letter to come? Well here’s your invitation to join us for a week-long investigation into the complex and magical universe of the wizarding world of Harry Potter! Harry Potter is more than just a series of good stories; it’s a literary phenomenon with underlying themes that reflect our modern-day muggle lives. With a critical eye, we will uncover these themes, such as social justice, the struggle for power and triumph, feminism, and other critical ideas, as we draw connections between fantasy and reality. We will not only examine the Harry Potter novels, but also the movies and other related media that were inspired by the story. This course will give you a glimpse into the world of J.K. Rowling and other creative writers as we unpack the inspiration, writing process, and other story features that have made this series a sensation.

Students should have read at least one Harry Potter novel before the start of the session

From Tiny to Giant: How Scientists Prevent Big Problems

Bacteria! Viruses! Disease! Who or what caused the problem and how can it be stopped! We need your help! In this class, you will immerse yourself in the mysterious world of microbiology and epidemiology as you learn about the inner working for the human body system. Together we will explore possible real-life health scenarios that scientists think about every day and tackle these problems by using methodology that skilled epidemiologists and microbiologists employ to study the human body and to prevent disease and illness. Beginning with some basic microbiology, we will investigate essential biological questions related to life and explore how one little ‘bug’ can cause a really big problem. We will also explore how different body systems work together to cause and prevent disease by preforming dissections of animal organs. As you take on the role of a scientist, you will engage in detailed discussions about prevention tactics (such as immunizations and health campaigns) that everyone from local health departments to the World Health Organization participate in to ensure that tiny problems do not become giant ones. Come ready to explore the human body from tiny cells to important organs to giant processes as we delve into the complicated work of understanding the human body!

Rhetoric and Debate: The Art of Argument

Do you want to be a better public speaker?  Are you curious how someone understands what is true and what is hyperbole? Do you want to explore techniques experts of rhetoric and debate use to effectively research and organize arguments when they have massive amounts of information to make sense of? In this class, you will learn how to conduct research, develop and organize arguments, adapt persuasive appeals to specific audiences, and, perhaps even change minds. Through the use of logical arguments and appropriate evidence, you will learn how to defend your viewpoints, persuade your friends, and influence people. Just like any skill, the art of persuasion  takes practice. By exploring specific types of fallacies that can negatively impact your ability to persuade,, we will become more aware of the principles great debaters and public speakers use to present their points. We will also analyze arguments in context as we learn basic rhetorical theories and apply them to speeches from history and current events. Become a more involved and informed citizen, a better public speaker, and a critical consumer of information as you learn the art of the persuasive argument.

Dive into Design

On a hot summer day there is no place better to be than a swimming pool! Have you ever wondered what thinking and planning was involved in creating your favorite swimming pool? Did you know that architects and engineers used principles of mathematics and measurement to ensure that your favorite swimming spot is a fun and safe place? In this course, you will learn about engineering design processes, including measurement and modeling for structures such as swimming pools. Why do we measure? What goes into taking accurate measurements? Why is accuracy so important? What should we consider when choosing a measurement tool? You will answer these questions and more as you create a model for a community pool! Get ready to dive into a problem-based task that requires critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and lots of fun with measurement.

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported science curriculum, Splash!, from the College of William and Mary

Witty Wordplay

Do you have a knack for telling tales? Have you ever wondered why some stories make us cry while others make us laugh? Do you enjoy reading stories and poems? If so, join us for an adventure into the wild world of words! With your instructor as your guide, you will learn to recognize special literary devices such as similes, metaphors, and puns; all tools that writers use to better communicate their creative ideas and bring excitement to their tales. We will examine some of our favorite books and try to spot the play on words hidden within them. We will then practice using literary tricks to write our own stories and poems to wow our peers. Amaze acquaintances as you apply alliteration, make your friends gasp when you use onomatopoeias, and let your pencil do the talking with personification. You, too, can experiment with figurative language and wordplay using the very same tools that writers have used for centuries!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, A World of Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Words, from the College of William and Mary.

Dabbling with DNA

Have you ever wondered why you look or act a certain way? Have you considered questions like —Why do I have blue eyes and my mom and dad have brown eyes? Why am I left-handed? Why do all of my siblings have red hair? If you find yourself asking these types of questions, then you are already thinking about genetics. We will answer these questions and more in this science course that introduces you to the cells in your body and how a special molecule called DNA plays a role in making you unique! You will learn the basics of Mendelian genetics, explore the double helix, investigate natural selection, and examine how scientists use genetics in fields such as microbiology, engineering, and agriculture. Understanding genetics will allow you to better understand yourself and the world around you. By the end of the course you will be able talk about the “rules” of genetics like a real scientist as we investigate ways that you can dabble with DNA to create new organisms, medicines, and foods.

Environmental Science: Dynamic Coasts

Our planet is constantly changing and coastal cities and ecosystems are increasingly at risk. If something happens to these coastal environments, animals, plants, and even people will be impacted. How do coastal systems, such as beaches, barrier islands, and deltas, respond to dramatic changes, such as rising sea level and storms? How can humans help fortify and protect the coastline for the future? In this course, you will explore the interactions between climate change, geological processes, and the role that humans have played in the fate of coastal ecosystems as we try to understand why our coasts are in danger. By investigating different examples of erosion and destruction on our coasts, you will learn to identify patterns of change and evaluate current solutions to this ever-growing problem. You may even have a chance to brainstorm ideas for your own proposed solution. Come along as we learn about the current and future state of our dynamic coasts!

Programming and Robotics

Robotic engineers are learners, dreamers, strategists, and creative thinkers. Robots are cool to play with, but how are robots used in the real world? Can robots really help make our lives easier? How do robots turn lines of computer coding into action? What are the thinking processes needed to successfully code a robot to complete a task? Come learn the answers to these questions and more as you challenge your mind and test your creativity by programming Sphero interactive robots and building your own LegoBoost Robot! In this course, you will take on the role of a robotics engineer as you brainstorm hands-on solutions to real-world problems through computer programming. You will program how your robot moves, looks, and interacts with apps, including augmented reality games, as you try to solve robotic challenges. After taking this course you will have new ideas about how to use coding and robotics to solve big problems in our world today!

*Sphero robots, LegoBoost robots, and code.org will be utilized.

Biology of the Body

Calling all future doctors, nurses, and biomedical researchers! Have you ever wondered how digestion can influence your mood or how blood circulation can impact your immune responses? Are you curious about how diseases are spread and how they affect our bodies? Have you ever pondered how the various systems in the human body interact to keep us healthy? If so, then you are ready to join the investigative team in this class as we tackle a medical mystery. Through the mindset of a physician, you will explore the complex systems of the body and their connections to one another as we uncover the biology behind the disease tuberculosis. Together we will discover how our cells, tissues, and organs break down during illness and what can be done to bring them back into a healthy balance. We will also examine how disease can impact health care and society at large. Get ready for a hands-on course where you will grapple with big problems of the body that do not have quick fixes– problems that real scientists and doctors ponder everyday!

*Course adapted from an evidence-supported science curriculum, No Quick Fix, from the College of William and Mary.

Theory, Criticism, and The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Artists often use their work to represent viewpoints about the everyday world around us, embedding cultural, social, and political ideas into stories, films, paintings, or songs. How do we decipher these hidden themes? Why are identifying these themes important? How can uncovering the creator’s viewpoint help us understand both the work itself and the world around us better? Is there ever more than one story in the multiverse? When the Avengers team up against Thanos, are we really witnessing something structurally novel or are we revisiting tried and true narrative tropes? Using the Marvel Cinematic Universe series as a backdrop, we will learn how to unpack a work through multiple lenses of critical theory, thought, and classic structures. Formalism, structuralism, political criticism, and mythology are some of lenses we will learn to look through as we mine the Marvel Cinematic Universe for themes and patterns. We will then move to mapping our findings onto classic story structures and techniques that have existed for many years. As you discover how the stories of the MCU align (and misalign) with classic structures and expose critical theories, you will create emerging meaning you may have never been aware of before. Because critical thought can, and should, be used when interpreting all artistic works, we will also practice our newly developed skills on other favorite short stories, artwork, and music. After this class you will be able to marvel your parents and friends with your ability to see your favorite works in different ways!

The Science of Earth: Geology and Environmental Science

The science of Earth has been thousands of years in the making and is quite complex. According to Vanderbilt University’s Earth and Environmental Sciences department website, study in this unique field involves “applying scientific principles in interpreting Earth’s dynamic history — understanding how Earth ‘works’ and records its origin and age in rocks and landscapes — and learning how Earth systems processes affect modern environmental and ecological systems.” Are you ready for the challenge? In this class we will go beyond the basics of rocks and minerals, to apply our knowledge and explore big questions that environmental scientists investigate every day — How does our understanding of geology and geological history inform our understanding of current and future climate change? How can geology help us solve the crisis of ever dwindling energy resources? What does the past history of our planet tell us about the future? — Think geology is just about rocks? Think again! This class will open your eyes to the fascinating world of geology and environmental science and the important role this topic of study plays in thinking about sustainability and resource conservation. Understanding the science of Earth is a cornerstone to preserving our world today and for many years to come!

Immunology 101: The Microbiome in Health and Disease

What is a microbiome? Did you know you house an entire ecosystem of bacteria in your body? Multicellular organisms are colonized by a diverse range of microbes that influence physiological homeostasis. This recent area of scientific study promises to change standard practices in medicine, psychiatry, and psychology. In this course you can learn how and why an understanding of these biomes is critical to your well being!  Through modeling, experimentation, and discussion, learn how microbes communicate with and supply their host with environmental cues and information and how this impacts overall physical and mental health. Come along as we take on the role of immunologists as we take a journey into the amazing world of the many microbiomes living inside of you!

Keep Calm and Be Significant: Using Research and Statistics to Solve Real World Problems

How can numbers be used to describe what happens all around us? What do you need to consider when creating a scientific hypothesis that you can test? How can you use tools from psychological research to investigate real life question about why people are they way they are or do things the way they do? In this class, you will examine these questions and many more as you take on the role of a researcher and statistician. Using the field of psychology as our guide, we will practice using numbers and theories to draw conclusions and answer important questions. By exploring different methods for data collection and uncovering how scientists make educated guesses based on theory and numbers, you will learn important tools that can be applied in all different types of scientific research. After exploring research methods and seeing researchers in action in Vanderbilt labs, you will develop and test your own scientific hypothesis, collect and analyze your own data using statistical methods, and present the findings you uncover. Experience psychology in action as you use data to analyze, learn the importance of the term “significance” in math, and share your own scientific discoveries with others!