Intro to Coding 

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? What are the processes and disciplines that help programmers work collaboratively using shared computer languages? 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 and code.org will be utilized. 

Earth Science Rocks!

How are different rocks formed? How are minerals, rocks, and soil connected? How does weather and time affect the earth’s surface? In this course, you will become a rock detective! Through hands-on experiments and observations, you will learn about the components of rocks, how to categorize rocks, and the workings of the rock cycle. What is soil and why does it matter? What is erosion and what can we do about it? How can rocks and soil teach us about change over time? Get ready to dig in and discover what it takes to be a scientist and geologist as you explore the mysteries of Earth, science, and rocks through hands-on activities! 

*Some components of this course are adapted from an evidence-based curriculum, The Earth Beneath Our Feet, from the College of William and Mary 

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!  

*Some components of this course are adapted from an evidence-based curriculum, What’s the Matter?, from the College of William and Mary. 

Adventures in Algebra

Do you like to play mathematical games? Do you love to learn mathematical tricks for solving the most challenging problems with numbers? In this course, we will answer these questions and more as we go on an unforgettable journey into the fun and complex world of algebraic thinking! We will explore how to use important strategies and games to discover mathematical patterns and formulas as we tour the algebraic landscape learning how to analyze patterns, write formulas, and solve for missing variables. Get ready to wow family and friends with your mathematical skills and clever thinking. Math isn’t just fun in this class, it’s awesome! Buckle up and get ready for an exciting an algebraic adventure!  

*Some components of this course are adapted from an evidence-supported curriculum, Awesome Algebra and At the Mall with Algebra, from project M3.

Space Adventures: Exploring the Work of Astronauts 

Astronauts are scientists, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and explorers. Have you ever wondered what it takes for an astronaut to prepare for their journey? What are the forces of flight that help a shuttle get to space? What are the planets like, and whatever happened to Pluto? Prepare for an exploration through the stars, and be ready to problem solve new challenges at each planetary stop along the solar system. In this course, we will simulate the phases of the moon, navigate the challenges of microgravity, discover the mythology used to explain interstellar mysteries, and much more. Come learn, discover and explore through our space adventures!

*Some components of this course are adapted from an inter-disciplinary curriculum, Astronaut Academy, by Jason S. McIntosh, Ph.D.  

Coding 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 building and programming your own robotic creations using LEGO Spike Prime!   

In this course, you will learn effective ways to collaborate, communicate, and make decisions as part of a team. You will explore the steps in the engineering design process to identify problems and brainstorm ideas with your peers, then work together to create and program prototypes using LEGO Spike Prime. You will learn how to troubleshoot issues, test your creations, and improve your designs through iterations. 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! 

Origins of Math: Discovery or Invention? 

Have you ever wondered where math comes from? Did our ancestors discover math as they learned more about the natural world, or did they create mathematical principles to better understand the world around them? Are you curious about mathematical symbols from different cultures and histories? 

In this course, as you walk through the history of mathematics and work on a hands-on project of inventing two number systems, each with its own requirement of expressing quantity and systems of operations, you and your research team will look for evidence in the history of mathematics and science to determine whether math has been discovered or invented by humans. You will keep a researcher’s notebook, dive into in-class reading tasks, create and present your cognitive task solutions to the class, participate in discussions, and construct a concept map displaying your developing understanding of the history of math. Along the way, you will solve mathematical puzzles, build paper airplanes with precision, examine key mathematical ideas, explore historical math symbols from different countries, and learn about the lives of the great mathematicians and their influence on today’s world. Explore the history of mathematics and search for evidence to support your claim. Soon you will have a clear idea, was math discovered or invented?  

Threads of Change: Sustainable Style Unraveled

Did you know that the fashion industry is responsible for 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions, about 10% of total global carbon emissions each year? What is an e-textile, and how does it impact sustainability? With new fashion trends popping up each season, and constant pressure to have the next hot item, the 1.8 trillion-dollar fashion industry doesn’t seem to be slowing down soon. So, what can we do about it?

In this course, you will unravel the history of the fashion industry and the sustainable fashion movement. With this knowledge, you will critically examine some of the fashion industry’s challenges and use design principles to sketch potential solutions. Expand your knowledge of textile identification, hand and machine sewing fundamentals, and the basics of pattern drafting and draping to create garments to improve the global carbon footprint of today’s fast fashion industry.

This course is designed in partnership with the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Center for Innovation, and takes place on Vanderbilt University.

Cosmic Observations: Wonders of our Universe 

Have you ever wondered how astronomers figure out what stars are made of, or how far away planets really are? What tools and tricks do scientists use to explore the universe? In this course, designed in partnership with Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory, you will step into the shoes of an astronomer and discover the secrets of the cosmos through building, experimenting, and observing what exists beyond our atmosphere.   

Day 1 is focused on exploring the world of astronomy tools. You will try out real spectroscopy to see how light reveals what stars are made of, build a telescope, and use planispheres and software to learn how to explore the night sky. Day 2 brings big questions about space itself as we map the three-dimensional locations of stars, experiment with parallax to measure distances, and walk through a scale model of our solar system. You’ll even rediscover on your own the expansion of the universe using real data just as Edwin Hubble did a century ago! On Day 3, we will focus on some of the other technologies used to explore space as we design and test a model lander, build a simple photometer using electronic components, and discover how astronomers find planets around other stars.  

Throughout the course, you will work in teams, use real scientific methods, and get hands-on with the same kinds of techniques astronomers use every day. No prior astronomy or electronics experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and get ready to unlock the mysteries of the universe!  

This course is designed in partnership with Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory and takes place on Peabody Campus of Vanderbilt University.   

How to be a Screenwriter: Who are they? Where are we? What’s happening?! 

This introductory course focuses on writing a strong, story-conscious screenplay. You will learn basic breakdowns of writing structure and context on how screenwriting operates within the film industry pipeline. The application will occur through critically analyzing and discussing how this unique writing structure is woven into modern and classic cinema. To provide context, you will be introduced to the current state of the filmmaking process based on the instructor’s experience working within independent and studio spaces. You will then explore shows filmed in the Nashville area learning about the impact of location on screenwriting. Then, you will be tasked with a script-writing activity that asks you to write a scene informed by a current location.  

Throughout the course, your written work will be read out loud by your classmates paired with constructive feedback sessions facilitated by the instructor. By the end of the course, you will have completed a draft of a five-page short film, which will be performed in a reading format around the Vanderbilt campus. Each short film will be centered around a theme and location curated by the instructor. This real-life application will encourage you to tap into your creative prowess and cement the resolute fact that anyone can be a writer! 

Innovation and Invention with Electronics 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to build your own gadget? Or wondered what makes your favorite device buzz, ding, and flash just at the right time? In this course, you’ll explore the electronic programming possibilities with Arduino!  Arduino offers the possibility for a DIY approach to electrical invention and coding. From schools to boardrooms to outer space, the technology of Arduino is changing what is possible in the field of electronics and how young innovators can be part of advancing the future.  

In this hands-on electronic exploration, you will wire up LEDs, buttons, and buzzing gadgets by coding basic inputs and outputs with a tiny ‘pocket computer’ known as Arduino. You will think like an engineer as you design, test, problem solve and refine your ideas. You will practice new tech skills and create a custom project that will light up, sing, or move at the push of a button! Get ready for this one-of-a kind Wond’ry experience “where ideas can be explored and brought to life!” No experience needed, just curiosity and the desire to problem solve like an innovator!  

This course is designed in partnership with the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Center for Innovation, and takes place on Vanderbilt University.