Agricultural Engineering* 

We have a problem: a beautiful plant that grew delicious berries is not looking so healthy. Even more troubling is the fact that the plant has stopped producing berries!  

In this course, you will become agricultural engineers to determine what has happened to this beautiful plant, and you will use the engineering design process to design a solution to make the plant healthy again. As you investigate, you will learn about integrated pest management (IPM), butterfly metamorphosis, hand pollination, and much more. This course will forever change how you think about plants, insects, and agricultural engineering! 

*Course adapted from an evidence-based engineering curriculum, The Best of Bugs: Designing Hand Pollinators, from Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Museum of Science, Boston. 

Creative Contraptions: A Study of Inventions*

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? 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! You will 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-based curriculum, Invitation to Invent, from the College of William and Mary. 

Dabbling With DNA: Genetics Around Us

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 DNA can be modified to create new organisms, medicines, and foods. 

Data Discoverers*

Do you like to ask questions and then seek out possible answers? Have you ever wanted to develop your own experiment or survey for people to complete? Are you an aspiring researcher, scientist, and/or mathematician with a desire to understand why and how data can be used to answer your most intriguing questions? If so, then you can be a data discoverer! 

In this course, you will learn how to conduct research experiments by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting 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 an audience. Come along for a hands-on, practical mathematical journey where you will be encouraged to ask great questions and use data to discover possible explanations. You will leave this course discovering opportunities for data collection everywhere! 

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

The Makings of America: Rebellion, Revolt, and Resolution*

Studying history is not just memorizing dates and facts. It is about analyzing the past and considering how it impacts our present and future. Certain events in history have created profound change, altering the course of human life forever. Come ready to take on the role of historian as you analyze primary sources, such as advertisements, speeches, letters, and even song lyrics to better understand our world today. 

The American Revolution is the focus of this course on cause and effect, consequences, and implications. You will explore the people, places, and events of the American Revolution to understand how a government designed “by the people” and “for the people” rose out of the gunfire and turmoil in the 1700s. Students will also consider and evaluate different historical perspectives as explored by biographer, Ron Chernow, and Broadway star, Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton). Join us for a hands-on, minds-on investigation of an important time where the world was turned upside down with rebellion, and revolt and resolution influenced life as we know it! 

*Course adapted from an evidence-based social studies curriculum, The World Turned Upside Down: The American Revolution, from the College of William and Mary. 

The Great Debate

What do you think of when you hear the word argument? In most cases, people have an initial negative reaction to this word. They sometimes think to argue is to fight; however, this is not necessarily true! Philosophers generally define an argument as simple statements used to persuade someone of something using evidence and reason or to confirm a certain conclusion.  

In this course, 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. Using logical arguments and appropriate evidence, you will learn how to defend your viewpoints and persuade your friends. Just like any skill, the art of argument takes practice. By exploring specific types of fallacies 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. Over the course of the week will put our skills to the test as we work to incorporate our ever-growing knowledge of persuasion into practice. If you are interested in debating timely and relevant topics that directly impact your life, then look no further! Come ready to hone your skills as you take part in a great debate! 

Robotic Engineering

Robots are cool to play with, but how are robots used in the real world? Can robots really 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 building and programming your own robotic creations using LEGO Education SPIKE Prime! 

Robotic engineers are learners, dreamers, strategists, and creative thinkers. In this course, you will form a company and take on the role of a robotic engineer to create hands-on solutions to real-world problems. You will learn effective ways to collaborate, communicate, and make decisions as part of a team. You will explore the steps in the design process to identify problems and brainstorm ideas with your colleagues, then work together to create and program prototypes. You will learn how to troubleshoot issues, test your creations, and improve your designs through iterations. Finally, you will quantify your results and pitch your solutions to investors. After taking this course, you will have new strategies for teamwork and leadership, as well as ideas about how you can use coding and robotics to solve big problems in our world today! 

Intro to Coding and Robotics

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.  

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-based ELA curriculum, A World of Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Words, from the College of William and Mary. 

Chemical Spill*

A truck carrying an unidentified liquid has crashed on a busy highway and has started to leak its liquid into a nearby creek. How would you isolate the spill? What experiments would you need to conduct to determine whether the liquid is dangerous? How do you keep people and animals in the surrounding environment safe? Are you ready for the challenge of coming up with an appropriate solution? The city is counting on you to make sure there are no negative repercussions from this spill!  

In this course, you will take on the role of an environmental scientist. Through a series of role­play examples, scientific experimentation, and study of complex systems, you will learn about acid and base chemistry as you solve key problems related to a chemical spill. We will examine the damaging effects that such an event can have on the ecosystem, economy, and human transportation, and we will brainstorm solutions to a culturally relevant and potentially hazardous event.  

*Course adapted from an evidence-based science curriculum, Acid, Acid Everywhere, from the College of William and Mary. 

Ecological Expedition: Exploring Ecology Through Literature*

Should we kill spiders in our houses? Should animals be kept in zoos? Should a forest be cleared to make way for a much-needed grocery store? You will become a scientific researcher to investigate these questions and more through an interdisciplinary investigation of ecology, where we will explore the relationship between plants, animals, and humans in the environment.  

In this course, we will investigate multiple examples from literature that address interactions between plants, animals, and humans as we also consider the interaction of the story elements. Come ready to debate big questions in ecology through multiple perspectives. Along the way, we will learn that there is a lot to consider when answering questions about the relationships among living things and the environment. After this ecological expedition, you will better understand living organisms and the world they inhabit, and you will be able to justify your ideas about how these interactions work by using evidence, just like a professional ecologist! 

*Course is adapted from an evidence-based science and ELA curriculum, Interactions in Ecology and Literature, from Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth. 

Uncovering Secrets of the Past: Archaeology 101*

A construction company in your town is tearing down an old school building when they come across some artifacts buried in the ground. As a budding archaeologist working at a museum, you’ve been hired to explore the grounds and investigate the treasures they’ve unearthed. But what are these artifacts? Where did they come from, and what can they tell us about the past?  

In this course, you will answer these questions as you learn about the tools and technology of archaeologists, excavate your own mock archaeological site, analyze artifacts, and draw conclusions about the relics you find. Come along as we dig for answers and unearth clues to the past—who knows what knowledge you might uncover! 

*Course adapted from an evidence-based curriculum, What a Find!, from the College of William and Mary. 

Common and Practical Chemistry

From paint and glue to fluorescent lighting to household appliances, chemistry is at work all around us. In 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 the basic principles of general, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.  

During our investigation, we may delve into central ideas related to chemistry like the ideal gas law, rotational and vibrational energy states, 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’s something you experience every day! 

Robotic Engineering

Robots are cool to play with, but how are robots used in the real world? Can robots really 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 building and programming your own robotic creations using LEGO Education SPIKE Prime! 

Robotic engineers are learners, dreamers, strategists, and creative thinkers. In this course, you will form a company and take on the role of a robotic engineer to create hands-on solutions to real-world problems. You will learn effective ways to collaborate, communicate, and make decisions as part of a team. You will explore the steps in the design process to identify problems and brainstorm ideas with your colleagues, then work together to create and program prototypes. You will learn how to troubleshoot issues, test your creations, and improve your designs through iterations. Finally, you will quantify your results and pitch your solutions to investors. After taking this course, you will have new strategies for teamwork and leadership, as well as ideas about how you can use coding and robotics to solve big problems in our world today! 

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? The answer is all in the math!  

In this course, you will use advanced mathematics to explore the laws of probability and how to determine if a game is fair. As you play a variety of games, you will discover the chances that each player can win, and you will use creative problem solving to change the rules that aren’t fair. With a combination of math skills and logic, we will analyze different types of games and even create our own to test out in our probability lab! Who knows—you might design and be able to justify the rules of the perfect new game for all your friends! 

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-based curriculum, What’s the Matter?, from the College of William and Mary. 

Industrial Engineering: Machines at Work* 

Have you ever thought about the role of machines in your daily life? 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 every day. How are new machines developed to do important work? Industrial engineers to the rescue!  

In this course, 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 as we design, create, and test our own machine creations. With your fellow industrial engineers you will 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-based engineering curriculum, Marvelous Machines: Making Work Easier, from Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Museum of Science, Boston. 

Solving for the Unknown: Mathematical Problems, Patterns, and Variables* 

Can you think of multiple ways to get to the right answer? When does one strategy work better than another? Can you justify why? What is an equation, and how are equations used to solve problems in math? Can you use mathematical tricks to solve the most challenging problems with numbers? We will answer these questions and more as we go on an unforgettable journey into the fun and complex world of algebraic thinking!  

In this course, we will explore how to use important strategies and games to discover mathematical patterns and formulas in careful and clever ways. We will tour the algebraic landscape as we learn how to analyze patterns, write formulas, and solve for missing variables. We will also learn how to develop clever tricks for conquering the challenging terrain of math computations as we use Hands-On Equations® to increase our understanding of algebra. Buckle up and get ready for an exciting an algebraic adventure! 

*Course adapted from an evidence-based curriculum, At the Mall with Algebra, from Project M3. 

Tremendous Transformations in Writing* 

Have you ever wondered what happened to Humpty Dumpty after his fall? What if the Diary of a Wimpy Kid was told from a different character’s perspective? How does the evolution of a character build the reader’s understanding of the story? How do words and images within a story alter our thinking? How can the actions of others change the world as we know it?   

Authors have the unique opportunity to shape stories and messages using a variety of writing elements. Designed specifically for the student with a flair for the written word, this course will explore the way that authors use transformations to guide a reader toward a story’s central meaning. Through this lens, you will examine both narrative and persuasive elements essential to the development of stories and arguments. Using powerful famous speeches, short stories, and personal narratives as your guide, you will uncover your own creative and persuasive voice, transforming yourself into the writer you have always wanted to be!  

*Course adapted from an evidence-based curriculum, Transformations in Stories and Arguments, by Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth. 

Fission and Fusion: Nuclear Engineering 101*

Did you know that approximately 20% of the United States’ electricity is generated by nuclear power plants?  But, is a nuclear power an efficient, reliable, and clean method for generating energy or a threat to the environment and humans?  

In this class you will explore the interworkings of systems, focusing on how nuclear power plants create energy but also generate and remove radioactive waste. Then, you will take on the role of a community leader and help the mayor decide whether or not a nuclear power plant in your area is the best way to expand the methods they use for getting rid of radioactive waste. How will you vote? Is nuclear energy “friend or foe”? 

*Course adapted from an evidence-based curriculum, Nuclear Energy: Friend or Foe?, from the College of William and Mary. 

Theory, Criticism, and The Force: An Academic Study of Star Wars

Artists often use their work to represent viewpoints about the everyday world around us, embedding their cultural, social, and political ideas into their stories, films, paintings, or songs. How do we decipher the themes hidden in their work? Why do we even want to identify these themes? How can uncovering the creator’s viewpoint help us understand both the work itself and the world around us better?  

In this course, we will use the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope as a base for learning how to unpack a work through multiple lenses of critical theory and thought. Formalism, structuralism, political criticism, and mythology are some of lenses we will learn to look through as we explore one of the most popular series of our time. Through our analysis of the Star Wars movie that started it all, we will learn how to apply critical theory to other portions of the Star Wars saga and other famous series and films. Because critical thought can and should be used when interpreting all artistic works, we will also practice our newly developed skills on our favorite short stories, classical artwork, and contemporary music. A new powerful force will be with you after this course – the ability to see your favorite works in different ways! 

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 ponder 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-based curriculum, Survive and Thrive, from the College of William and Mary.  

Operation Save the Beach*

Congratulations, you have been appointed to the town council! As a council member you make many important choices about your town, and you have just been asked to make a very big decision that could impact your city for years to come. You have been asked to decide if a children’s camp should be built on the beach in your city. At first, you love the idea of the camp! However, there are problems with the camp, too. People in your town are concerned that construction will cause the beach to erode, but the camp director wants to begin construction right away.  

What will you decide to do? You owe it to your town to protect the beach from erosion, but you know the camp will be great for your city, too. Is there a way to protect the beach and continue the construction on the camp? After learning about erosion and environmental protection, you will work to develop scientifically-based regulations that will satisfy the long-term needs of the town and allow for continued construction of the new camp. Will your plans help save the beach? 

*Course adapted from an evidence-based science curriculum, Where’s the Beach?, 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’ 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 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-based math curriculum, Treasures from the Attic, from Project M3. 

Mythology

Are you interested in Percy Jackson? Do you want to know why the football team is named the Tennessee Titans, and why Nashville is referred to as “the Athens of the South”?  If so, then join us as we say Καλώς ορίσατε στον Όλυμπος, or in English, Welcome to Mount Olympus! 

In this course, 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. 

Programming and Robotics

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 engineering and programming Lego Boost 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 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 and the positive and negative implications of robots in the workforce today! 

From Myth to Modern Legend: Greek Mythology 

Zeus. Aphrodite. Persephone. Achilles. Perseus. Helen of Troy. You may have heard of these most famous names of Greek mythology, but do you know the real stories?  

In this course, we will not only examine a variety of Greek myths, but also investigate the ways in which those myths have shifted over time to form the modern books and movies that have captured our cultural fascination! We will work on our analytical writing and critical thinking skills needed for high school and beyond and let our creative sides loose. Our time together will begin with understanding the purpose of myths and why scholars continue to study them to this day. Next, we will dive into individual myths, acting them out to put ourselves in the heroes’ shoes and comparing the original legends to recent film adaptations. Finally, we will wrap up the week by crafting, analyzing, and performing our own versions of Greek myths in modern-day settings in order to critically consider the role that these tales continue to play in our daily lives. 

Planning for the Future: Properly Employing Percentages* 

Have you ever watched someone try to determine the final price of an item that has been marked down by a certain percent? Or have you wondered what a percent deduction from a final score would mean for your grade in a class? Percentages are something we encounter every day, whether shopping or in school, or in advertisements, reports, and commercials.  

In this class, you will strengthen your understanding of percentages by exploring ratios, proportions, fractions, and decimals using models like number lines, bar models, and equations. You will apply this knowledge by taking on different tasks that a community and environmental planner might engage in, such as examining/designing city grids and investigating land and water conservation. You can save the environment by making sense of percents!  

*Course adapted from an evidence-based curriculum, Our Environment Matters: Making Sense of Percents, from Project M3. 

Math and Music 

Mathematician Gottfried Leibniz once said, “Music is the pleasure the human mind experiences from counting without being aware that it is counting.” From Brahms to the Beatles, Bartók to Beyoncé, the points at which mathematics and music collide open up both worlds as expressions of beauty and wonder.  

This course will examine topics, such as set theory, musical scales, frequency, matrices, serialism, compositional techniques, and the Fibonacci sequence, to help students reach a synthesis between the fields of math and music. Listening examples, class discussion, and group activities will be integral parts of the classroom experience. A musical background is helpful but not required. 

This class is specially designed for those interested in exploring a career regarding mathematics and/or music. 

Neuroscience 101

When you hear the word neuroscience, you likely think of studying the brain’s anatomy. While true, this is only one aspect of the field—neuroscience focuses on so much more! The field includes studying the entire nervous system and is a multidisciplinary science that involves biology, physics, psychology, and statistics, to name a few subjects.  

In this course, you will explore various areas of neuroscience and conduct hands-on experiments to better understand the work of the field. As neuroscientists-in-training, you and your classmates will work together to develop hypotheses, analyze data, and draw conclusions. Come ready to engage, think critically, and contribute to science in this collaborative, hands-on course. 

This class is specially designed for those interested in exploring a career regarding biology, physics, psychology, and other related science/math fields. 

Beyond the Pyramids* 

Did you know that the Ancient Egyptian civilization lasted over 3,000 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? When we think of Ancient Egypt we often think about pyramids, mummies, and hieroglyphics, but the culture has even more to offer.  

In this course, we will investigate these questions and more as we critically analyze the systems within this society. 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. Don’t worry — we will talk about mummies and pyramids too. Plus, you’ll even get to try your hand at writing Egyptian hieroglyphics! 

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

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 become engineers as you learn to use measuring and modeling to create the perfect swimming pool. As you work through the design process, you will learn to answer lots of important questions – Why do we measure? Why is accuracy important? What should you consider when choosing a measurement tool? Get ready to dive into the deep end of a problem-based task that requires critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and lots of fun with measurement! 

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

Engineering Design: Full STEAM Ahead!* 

The work of civil engineers is everywhere! Have you ever wondered how civil engineers design structures that are safe and can stand the test of time? From buildings and bridges to tunnels and roads, being a civil engineer requires working through complex design challenges. Engineers have to think about such things as force, balance, stability, geometry, and beauty. There is a lot of STEAM knowledge in the process!  

 In this class, we will each take on the role of a civil engineer as we learn about the engineering design process and put our new knowledge to work with design challenges related to bridges. What do civil engineers have to think about when building a bridge? How does force impact the stability of a structure? How does the structure’s design create balance and stability? How are geometry principles used to create structures that are pleasing to the eye while also stable? Come ready to think logically and creatively as we roll up our sleeves to answer these questions and more while building model bridges. We will collect data and consider aesthetics to determine the best bridge designs, just like real civil engineers. Are you ready for the challenge? Then full STEAM ahead! 

 * Course adapted from an evidence-based curriculum, To Get to the Other Side: Designing Bridges, from Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Museum of Science, Boston. 

Mathematicians in History: Patterns, Order, and Relationships

Do you enjoy playing with numbers?  Do you notice patterns or make connections that help you predict things around you? Do you like to tinker with unusual ideas and objects that could solve problems?  If so, you’ll have a great time putting your mathematical mind to work with us!   

You will start by taking a deeper look into the lives and mathematical thinking of well-known experts like Pythagoras, Archimedes, Galileo, Newton, and Pascal, as well as Hypatia, John Napier, Pierre de Fermat, Sophie Germain, and Carl Gauss. Then, you will sharpen your pencils and get ready to sketch some new thoughts, calculate some numbers, and organize some data, so we can observe, question, build, arrange, and test out ideas. The science of mathematics could be a new discovery for you AND lead to an invention that solves a big world problem (or two, but who’s counting?). 

Programming and Robotics

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 engineering and programming Lego Boost 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 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 and the positive and negative implications of robots in the workforce today! 

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 as you 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-based curriculum, Something Fishy, from the College of William and Mary.

Math and Music

Do you consider yourself a fan of rock’n’roll? Does pop music dominate your playlists? Maybe you prefer instrumental or classical tunes? From tempo to rhythm to musical notes themselves, did you know math is hidden everywhere in music? The two subjects are closely intertwined, and in this class, you will uncover how mathematical concepts are concealed in your favorite songs and genres.  

We will examine topics such as set theory, musical scales, frequency, matrices, serialism, compositional techniques, and the Fibonacci sequence to help you reach an understanding of the intersection of math and music. We will dissect famous songs from various well-known artists to examine patterns within and across genres, so a musical background is helpful but not required. After this class, you may have a new mathematical appreciation for music of all kinds! 

Astrophysics: Extrasolar Planets

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 5,000 planets outside our solar system and have determined that as many as 61 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. 

This class is specially designed for those interested in exploring a career regarding physics, chemistry, and/or astronomy. 

Creative Writing: Short Stories

Calling all writers! Whether you have always wanted to become a writer but don’t know where to start or are a more experienced writer looking to hone your craft, this is the course for you!   

We will begin our week of writing exploration by examining conventions of short story genres, from nonfiction to fantasy, and delving into the ways that professional writers develop character, setting, world building, and more. As we become versed in those conventions, we will specifically consider how professional writers encourage interaction between these elements. Once we have set a foundation, we will use the majority of the course to focus on finding inspirations for students’ newest stories. We will share our work with each other to develop ideas on how to expand our work (a staple of the professional creative writing field), and each student will receive extensive feedback and individualized workshops from the course instructor. By the end of the week, each student will have completed drafts of several of their own short stories that showcase their newfound skills. 

This class is specially designed for those interested in exploring a career regarding writing and/or the humanities. 

Cracking the Case: Investigations in 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 your guide, you will develop hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze information to figure out the case of the missing item. 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 the case. After collecting and studying the evidence, we will make predictions about what we think happened and debate our ideas to come to a final conclusion.  Will you join us so we can crack the case? 

Introduction 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 course, you will learn about the 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-based engineering curriculum, A Work in Process: Improving a Play Dough Process, from Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Museum of Science, Boston. 

Circuitry, Systems, and Design: Electrical Engineering*

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-based science curriculum, Electricity City, from the College of William and Mary. 

Encounters and Experiences: Archetypes in Literature*

Have you ever heard the saying “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?” In literature this saying rings true with archetypes, characters or storylines that have been used as models for authors and screenwriters for centuries. From damsels in distress and evil geniuses, to the hero’s journey and the struggle between good and evil, archetypes can be found in all different types of literature and media.  

In this course, you will examine the patterns, symbols, and motifs associated with common archetypes as you analyze primary source documents, literature, art, and popular media. Together we will explore questions such as “How do encounters shape ourselves and our world?” and “How do archetypes reflect the human experience?” After this class, you will have a better understanding of how literature teaches us about the world.  

*Course adapted from an evidence-based ELA curriculum, Encounters with Archetypes, from Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth. 

Forces of Nature: Wind, Energy, and Engineering*

Windmills are one of the fastest growing sources of renewable energy on the planet. How can wind be used to harness energy? How do motion, force, energy, and materials impact the design of technologies that are powered by wind? In this class, you will take on the role of a mechanical engineer as you explore how wind can be used to power machines.  

As part of our investigation, we will begin by learning about the energy and motion present in common machines. We will then explore the impact different parts and materials have on how a machine works, as well as the various technologies that use wind energy. Ultimately, we will use this knowledge and the engineering design process to create different wind-power machines to provide a solution to a real-world wind-related problem. After this class, you will blow away others with your new engineering design knowledge! Are you ready to take on the forces of nature with engineering?  

*Course adapted from an evidence-based engineering curriculum, Catching the Wind: Designing Windmills, from Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and the Museum of Science, Boston. 

Harry Potter: The Science Behind the Magic

Have you ever wondered if the magic in Harry Potter could be possible for Muggles? Is there a way to make brooms fly? Could we disapparate from one place to another? What would we need to create a love potion? To answer these questions, come explore the wizarding world of science!  

In this course, we will discuss what would be scientifically required for magic to become possible. For example, we will investigate potential chemical compositions of Veritaserum (truth serum), love potions, and Felix Felicis (“Liquid Luck”) and discuss how each would chemically alter someone’s cognitive state to provide the desired results. We will also learn how molecular magnetism can be manipulated to levitate objects and how proteins, such as lysosomes, found in some tears have healing effects like phoenix tears. If you were disappointed that you didn’t receive a Hogwarts acceptance letter, this is your chance to become a wizard—a wizard of science! Jump aboard the SAVY Express and be transported to new knowledge.  

Writing with Fire: Storytelling in Verse 

Calling all future authors! Are you tired of traditional formats? Would you like to learn different approaches to crafting a piece of writing? You have a story to tell, and we’re here to help you create it!  

In this course, we will read the work of award-winning young adult memoirists in order to tell our own unique stories. Featuring the work of acclaimed authors, such as Jacqueline Woodson, Thanhà Lai, and David Bowles, this course will introduce you to transformational texts and empower you by giving you the tools to shape your own narrative. You will practice the literary vocabulary and analytical thinking needed in high school and beyond while exercising creativity and deepening your understanding of stories, self, and identity. No moment is too small to be a part of a great story! 

The Next Great Debate: An Advanced Course in Academic Research and Formal Debate** 

**Pre-requisite: Students must have previously enrolled in The Great Debate at SAVY or have evidence of participation in another debate experience. Available for students in rising Grades 6-8. 

Are you ready for the next phase of debating? Do you want to further hone your skills in crafting and delivering powerful, persuasive arguments? Do you consider yourself a savvy negotiator ready for more techniques? If you are interested in continuing to develop your ability to debate timely and relevant topics that directly impact your life, then you are ready for this course! 

In this advanced debate course, you will focus on learning principles of formal logic and argumentation drawn from philosophy and political theory. You will develop analytical frameworks for evaluating the art of argumentation, and using logical arguments and appropriate evidence, learn how to defend your viewpoints and persuade others. Just like any skill, the building of an effective argument takes practice, so you will explore specific types of fallacies that can negatively impact an argument as you become more aware of the principles great debaters and negotiators use to present their points and advocate for their ideals. Each day, we will put ourselves to the test as we work to translate our ever-growing knowledge into practice.  

This class is relevant to careers in almost any area, but is specifically designed for those interested in politics, law, business, or advocacy and outreach. 

Conservation Paleobiology

Modern climate change continues to be an active stressor for modern organisms, threatening extinction and wholescale ecological regime shifts unlike any we have seen before – at least on human time scales. However, such shifts are not unique in Earth history; the fossil record provides countless examples of ecological overturn, extinction, and recovery.   

To fully understand the cascading effects of modern climatic change, this course will immerse you in the developing field of conservation paleobiology, which studies ecosystems of the past to understand the present and plan for the future. You will learn the tools real-life paleontologists are using to understand these ecosystems and take field trips to Vanderbilt research labs. By the end of the course, you will have gained a new perspective on our ancient past and understand more fully the changing dynamics of today’s world. Most importantly, they will see humans as only a part of the overall picture of our changing planet.  

This class is specially designed for those interested in exploring a career regarding the environment, earth sciences, and/or life sciences. 

Molecular Gastronomy**

 **Please note, some consumption of food will be involved in this course! 

There is so much science that goes into the preparation of the food that we eat every day. Each step of the food prep processes alters some facet of the food’s physical makeup, whether it is the molecular structure, physical properties, or reactant products of the food being prepared. These processes can alter the taste, texture, or appearance of the food, which can influence our opinion or interest in consuming it.  

This course will go over the chemistry behind food preparation, the development of lab-based food alternatives, and how Michelin Star restaurants use molecular gastronomy to elevate the dining experience. Students will gain an improved understanding (and hopefully appreciation) of the science that goes into producing the food that they enjoy for their meals daily. 

This course is specially designed for those interested in exploring a career regarding chemistry and/or food science.