Media Mania: Using Science to Study the Impact of Media
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00pm-5:15pm CDT
Instructor: Zachary Stuckelman | View Instructor Bio

Without a doubt, we live in a media-driven age. From newspapers and magazines to television and smartphones, media is not only accessible to us, it also asserts itself into our busy lives. In this class we will pull back the curtain to examine how the media industry works and investigate how media and technology impact our lives. We will uncover the research methods and theories used by academic scholars to investigate issues regarding youth media use, as well as techniques used by industry representatives to determine whether media products are meeting their goals. Together we will investigate media in many forms, including both printed and digital, and discuss how media connects us and allows us to share information like never before. Class participation will culminate in a student-developed experiment designed to investigate a hypothesis related to media and technology. You will even have a chance to collect your own data and perform a data analysis, examining the results of your media research. This class will engage you and make you think critically about the media that surrounds us every day!

Law School 101: Think Like a Lawyer
Saturdays 10:00am-1:00pm CDT
Instructor: Zach Richards | View Instructor Bio

How many laws have affected you today? From traffic rules to terms and conditions for items purchased online to how you can decorate your front yard, laws are everywhere! In this course, you will study and debate the legal principles underlying the laws and rules that govern much of your everyday life. You will learn how laws are designed to consider different stakeholders and groups and the importance of thinking about multiple perspectives when making, interpreting and applying various laws. You will step into the shoes of lawyers and judges as you examine different legal disciplines like Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property, and Torts. How do we make sure laws are interpreted correctly? How is the same law applied in dramatically different situations? Why is a jury needed for some cases and not others? Using the Socratic Method and examples from legal history, you will address issues as complex as Supreme Court cases and as simple as student dress code infractions. Moot court activities will allow us the opportunity to debate important legal issues like a real attorney while learning how legal advocates craft arguments. This course will give you the tools to identify legal issues, propose solutions within the law, and think like a true lawyer. No one can object to the value of this knowledge!

The Chemistry of Medicine
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30pm-6:00pm CDT
Instructor: Margaret Calhoun | View Instructor Bio

Today, it is more imperative than ever to understand exactly how our bodies interact on a molecular level. Knowing this helps us understand medical problems, treat these issues, and detect them before they cause irreparable harm. Across our globe, millions of scientists and doctors work together to solve a variety of ailments from every possible angle. A knowledge of chemistry is a must in order to truly comprehend the mechanisms that occur. In this course, we will begin by creating a knowledge base with the foundations of general chemistry. Once we have a solid understanding of these necessary basics, we will examine the chemistry of different common diseases, a variety of treatments, and detection methods. Finally, you will complete a project where you investigate a disease or illness of your choosing and look at the chemistry behind how it works, and its current treatments and available detection methods.

Note: While SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 may be of interest in the course, it will not be the focus of this course and it will not be covered in depth.

Law School 101: Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research
Saturdays 2:00pm-5:00pm CDT
Instructor: Zach Richards | View Instructor Bio

Any lawyer worth their billable hour knows that most of the work happens outside the courtroom. In this course, you will get a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes when a lawyer prepares arguments for their client. You will learn about fundamental subject areas taken by every first-year law student (or 1Ls, as they’re called) and produce a true-to-form legal work product. In the classroom, you will read real cases on a variety of subject areas including torts, property and constitutional law, and we will discuss the legal rules and theories these cases provide. Outside the classroom, you will prepare a legal brief advocating for a client using the laws and rules you learned about in class, as well as others. As you craft your brief, you can expect to not only test your reading and writing skills, but also your analytical abilities in fashioning the most effective argument for your client under the law. Will you get the claims against your client dismissed, or can Plaintiff’s successfully argue that their claims should survive? In this course, that answer all depends on you!

Creative Contraptions
Wednesdays 4:30-5:45pm and Saturdays 9:00-10:15am CST
Instructor: Karen Tyson | View Instructor Bio

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.

Debate and Rhetoric: The Art of Argument
Saturdays 10:00am-1:00pm CST
Instructor: David Lee | View Instructor Bio

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.

Note: Multiple perspectives (both popular and unpopular) will be examined and discussed for the purpose of building critical thinking skills and understanding or critiquing multiple viewpoints and data (or lack thereof) as well as incorporating and responding to classmates’ views and ideas. The ideas, readings and discussions are not necessarily the expressed views of the instructor, PTY, or VU. While we encourage students to engage in the orderly and civil exchange of diverse ideas and opinions, we expect that they will do so in a respectful way so that all participants feel welcome and safe.

Genetic Epidemiology and Beyond
Wednesdays 5:00-6:30pm and Saturdays 9:00-10:30am CST
Instructor: Brittany Hollister | View Instructor Bio

A genome is defined as an organism’s complete set of DNA and contains the information needed for an organism to live and successfully function. One key question that scientists are currently asking is—how does an individual’s genome influence his/her risk for developing disease? This is such an important question that President Obama got involved! In 2015, President Obama announced the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI). This initiative involved obtaining genetic data from over one million people in order to study the biological and environmental factors that influence disease. Through the data collected by the PMI, scientists hope to use their understanding of factors to develop better treatments and cures for health concerns. In this course, you will take on the role of a human geneticist to tackle some of the same questions that researchers confront daily using data from PMI. As a budding geneticist, you will learn the basic molecular techniques common across all genetics labs, begin analyzing genetic datasets using statistical methods, and investigate ethical decisions that continually impact scientists’ research decisions. This course will provide you with an understanding of the role of genetics in disease and teach you how to design and analyze your own genetic study.

The Chemistry of Medicine
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30-6:00pm CST
Instructor: Margaret Calhoun | View Instructor Bio

Today, it is more imperative than ever to understand exactly how our bodies interact on a molecular level. Knowing this helps us understand medical problems, treat these issues, and detect them before they cause irreparable harm. Across our globe, millions of scientists and doctors work together to solve a variety of ailments from every possible angle. A knowledge of chemistry is a must in order to truly comprehend the mechanisms that occur. In this course, we will begin by creating a knowledge base with the foundations of general chemistry. Once we have a solid understanding of these necessary basics, we will examine the chemistry of different common diseases, a variety of treatments, and detection methods. Finally, you will complete a project where you investigate a disease or illness of your choosing and look at the chemistry behind how it works, and its current treatments and available detection methods.

Note: While SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 may be of interest in the course, it will not be the focus of this course and it will not be covered in depth.

Intro to Cognitive Science
Saturdays 1:00-4:00pm CST
Instructor: Caoimhe Stack | View Instructor Bio

Where do our thoughts come from? How do we make decisions about the world around us? Is our behavior a product of nature or nurture? These questions, among many others, are all ones that cognitive scientists investigate in the field of cognitive psychology. Cognitive scientists research perception, memory, language, learning, and judgment in order to understand how the mind senses, uses, and acts on information from the world around it. In this class, you’ll learn about the basics of cognitive psychology – the fundamental findings of cognitive psychology, how psychologists research the mind, and how psychologists critically evaluate scientific research. Then you’ll get to experience the most exciting part of psychology by taking part in hands-on research! You’ll research a hypothesis you have about cognition by designing an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting your findings.

Biology of the Brain – Limited Availability
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30-5:45pm CST

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!

Aquatic Ecology – Available
Wednesdays 4:30-5:45pm and Saturdays 9:00-10:15am CST
Instructor: Karen Tyson | View Instructor Bio

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 the systems within this habitat are related. 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-supported curriculum, Something Fishy, from the College of William and Mary.

Medical Mysteries – Full, Waiting List Only
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30-6:00pm CST

What are the patient’s symptoms and how do we treat them? We need your help! In this class, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of physiology and anatomy as you learn about the inner workings of 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 medical doctors and researchers employ to study the human body and to prevent disease and illness. Beginning with molecular biology, we will investigate essential biological questions related to life and explore the inner workings of cells, the smallest part of living things. We will also explore how different organs and body systems work together to cause and prevent disease. As you take on the role of a medical doctor, you will engage in detailed discussions about diagnosis and treatment tactics (such as medical tests, symptoms, and data) that doctors, scientists, and hospitals participate in to ensure that disease are diagnosed and treated. 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!

NOTE: While SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 may be asked about in the course, it will not be the focus of this course and it will not be covered in depth.

Intro to Cognitive Science – Available
Saturdays 1:00-4:00pm CST
Instructor: Caoimhe Stack | View Instructor Bio

Where do our thoughts come from? How do we make decisions about the world around us? Is our behavior a product of nature or nurture? These questions, among many others, are all ones that cognitive scientists investigate in the field of cognitive psychology. Cognitive scientists research perception, memory, language, learning, and judgment in order to understand how the mind senses, uses, and acts on information from the world around it. In this class, you’ll learn about the basics of cognitive psychology – the fundamental findings of cognitive psychology, how psychologists research the mind, and how psychologists critically evaluate scientific research. Then you’ll get to experience the most exciting part of psychology by taking part in hands-on research! You’ll research a hypothesis you have about cognition by designing an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting your findings.

Energy 5: Electrochemical Devices for Energy Applications – Available
Saturdays 10:00-1:00pm CST
Instructor: Nicholas Hortance | View Instructor Bio

Energy is all around us and scientists have come up with cutting edge and exciting ways of developing new devices to manipulate and produce energy. Electrochemistry is the branch of physical chemistry that studies the relationship between electricity and identifiable chemical change. In this course, you will delve into 2 different electrochemical systems that 1) convert energy and 2) synthesize valuable chemicals. You will engage in cutting edge research as you consider how these systems are designed, implemented, characterized, and perform. Building on this research, you will develop the beginnings of your own design for an electrochemical device and detail its potential benefits and pitfalls. This final project will help convey the thought-process that goes into materials-selection as well as analysis of an electrochemical system.

Spatial Smarts
Wednesdays 4:30-5:45pm and Saturdays 9:00-10:15am CST
Instructor: Karen Tyson | View Instructor Bio

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.

Neuroscience 101
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30-6:00pm CST
Instructor: Anna Kasden and Kellie Williford

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 virtually visit state of the art labs to see neuroscientists at work. As neuroscientists-in-training, you and your classmates will put to work your new knowledge of brain function and the ways neuroscientists conduct research as you 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!

Microscopy of Nanomaterials
Mondays and Tuesdays 4:30-6:00pm CST
Instructor: Susan Verberne-Sutton | View Instructor Bio

Today, some of the biggest problems in medicine, science, and engineering are being solved with some of the smallest technologies. Nanoparticles are used in everything from computer science to disease treatments. In this course, you will get an introduction into key nanoparticles, their properties, and how scientists synthesize and manipulate them. In addition to lessons and research, this class will involve hands-on learning with at-home laboratory experiences. You will also be introduced to state of the art imaging tools to give you a greater understanding of the potential of nanoparticles so that you can gain the skills to develop your own scientific research project!

What’s So Funny?
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-5:30pm CST
Instructor: Mariann VanDevere | View Instructor Bio

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!

Energy5: Electrochemical Devices for Energy Applications
Saturdays 10:00am-1:00pm CST
Instructor: Nicholas Hortance | View Instructor Bio

Energy is all around us and scientists have come up with cutting edge and exciting ways of developing new devices to manipulate and produce energy. Electrochemistry is the branch of physical chemistry that studies the relationship between electricity and identifiable chemical change. In this course, you will delve into 2 different electrochemical systems that 1) convert energy and 2) synthesize valuable chemicals. You will engage in cutting edge research as you consider how these systems are designed, implemented, characterized, and perform. Building on this research, you will develop the beginnings of your own design for an electrochemical device and detail its potential benefits and pitfalls. This final project will help convey the thought-process that goes into materials-selection as well as analysis of an electrochemical system.

Biology of Cancer: How the Cellular Machinery Goes Wrong and Potential Remedies
Saturdays 10:00am-1:00pm CST
Instructor: Joseph Weinstein-Webb | View Instructor Bio

Cancer knows no race, ethnicity, region, or socioeconomic status. It is a global issue that affects families and populations across all seven continents. One of the most interesting facts about cancer is that it does not originate from an outside source. Rather, cancer is our cells malfunctioning and continuing to replicate at an exponential pace. If we can better understand the mechanisms that cause these cancerous cells to begin to malfunction, we can explore tools and therapies to treat the disease. This understanding of tumors on a cellular and genetic level, therefore, is vital to future cancer studies. In this course, you will learn what the disease of cancer means, how it affects the body on a micro and macro level, potential areas of treatment, and connections between populations and cells of origin. We will review current therapies already in usage and identify which aspects of the disease they are treating as well as the method’s efficacy. By the end of the course, you will be able to begin to offer your own proposals on how to approach the disease as well as offer suggestions on future directions in therapy research.

Intro to Cognitive Science
Saturdays 1:00-4:00pm CST
Instructor: Caoimhe Stack | View Instructor Bio

Where do our thoughts come from? How do we make decisions about the world around us? Is our behavior a product of nature or nurture? These questions, among many others, are all ones that cognitive scientists investigate in the field of cognitive psychology. Cognitive scientists research perception, memory, language, learning, and judgment in order to understand how the mind senses, uses, and acts on information from the world around it. In this class, you’ll learn about the basics of cognitive psychology – the fundamental findings of cognitive psychology, how psychologists research the mind, and how psychologists critically evaluate scientific research. Then you’ll get to experience the most exciting part of psychology by taking part in hands-on research! You’ll research a hypothesis you have about cognition by designing an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting your findings.

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!