Junior Academy – Sally Ride Science

The Sally Ride Science Junior Academy summer program offers science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) workshops for students entering 3rd-12th grade. During these workshops, students assume the roles of space explorer, marine biologist, computer programmer and more as they immerse themselves in hands-on projects. Top-notch STEAM instructors lead these workshops, serving as both teachers and role models. These summer workshops also incorporate real-life stories of vibrant women conducting research in each field. Their examples inspire students and help make STEAM careers more accessible.

During this trying time, UC San Diego Extension remains committed to helping you achieve your goals. In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have moved this summer’s Sally Ride Science Junior Academy workshops online. These online STEAM workshops will be conducted through virtual class meetings using the Zoom conferencing system and the learning platform Canvas.

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

How to Enroll

Elementary school: 3rd-5th grade.
AM sessions run 9am-12pm, but the official class runs from 9:30-11am. 9-9:30am and 11am-12pm are office hours for students to attend for additional support and resources.
PM sessions run 1-4pm, but the official class runs 1:30-3pm. 1-1:30pm and 3-4pm are office hours for students to attend for additional support and resources.

Session 1: 7/12/21 – 7/16/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Deep Space Base Building, Space Exploration, and Space Environmental Research	◆
History of Space, Astronauts, and Technology		◆
Intermediate Website Design Using HTML and CSS		◆
Space Out	◆

Session 2: 7/19/21 – 7/23/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Creative Programming Using Scratch		◆
Gemology	◆
Improv & Acting Games	◆
Introduction to Python Programming: Game On!		◆

Session 3: 7/26/21 – 7/30/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Being Nemo		◆
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter	◆
Light, Camera, Acting!	◆
Programming using JavaScript		◆

Session 4: 8/2/21 – 8/6/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Intermediate Website Design Using HTML and CSS (conducted in Mandarin Chinese)		◆
Messy Discoveries	◆
Ready, Set, Create: A Maker Space Lab		◆
Slimy Sea Creatures		◆
Trash to Treasures		◆

Middle school: 6-8th grade.
AM sessions run 9am-12pm, but the official class runs from 9:30-11am. 9-9:30am and 11am-12pm are office hours for students to attend for additional support and resources.
PM sessions run 1-4pm, but the official class runs 1:30-3pm. 1-1:30pm and 3-4pm are office hours for students to attend for additional support and resources.

Session 1: 7/12/21 – 7/16/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Astrobiology	◆
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter	◆
Programming using JavaScript		◆
Tiny Houses		◆

Session 2: 7/19/21 – 7/23/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Gemology		◆
History of Space, Astronauts, and TechnologyIntroduction to Python Programming	◆
Introduction to Python Programming		◆
Space Out	◆

Session 3: 7/26/21 – 7/30/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Adventures Under the Sea	◆
Amazing Asteroids	◆
Introduction to 3D Modeling with Blender		◆
Screenwriting		◆

Session 4: 8/2/21 – 8/6/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Improv & Acting Games		◆
Light, Camera, Acting!	◆
Ocean Science and Marine Biodiversity		◆
Wonderful World of Waves	◆

High school: 9-12th grade.
AM sessions run 9am-12pm, but the official class runs from 9:30-11am. 9-9:30am and 11am-12pm are office hours for students to attend for additional support and resources.
PM sessions run 1-4pm, but the official class runs 1:30-3pm. 1-1:30pm and 3-4pm are office hours for students to attend for additional support and resources.

Session 1: 7/12/21 – 7/16/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Astrobiology		◆
C++ Programming	◆
Rube Goldberg: Engineering Gone Amuck		◆

Session 2: 7/19/21 – 7/23/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter	◆
Programming using JavaScript		◆
Raspberry Pi	◆
Tiny Houses		◆

Session 3: 7/26/21 – 7/30/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Arts and Relaxation	◆
Light, Camera, Acting!		◆
Living Structures: Walking Beasts		◆
Python Programming Network Chatbox	◆

Session 4: 8/2/21 – 8/6/21

Class Title	AM Session	PM Session
Deep Space Base Building, Space Exploration, and Space Environmental Research	◆
iOS Programming		◆
Ocean Science and Marine Biodiversity	◆
Robotics with JavaScript		◆

STEP ONE: Create a student account

Please take a moment to create an account in the student's name. Proceed to Step Two if you have created an account previously.

STEP TWO: Select the course level tab

Select the course level tab to view the course offerings by session.

STEP THREE: Select your course(s)

Select the courses of your choice from the course level tabs and click on the hyperlinked course titles (a new browser tab will open).

STEP FOUR: Add course offering to shopping cart

You will be directed to the UCSD Extension course landing page. Click "Add to cart" to add course offering to your shopping cart.

STEP Five: Repeat as needed

Return to the Sally Ride Science Junior Academy page and repeat as needed.

For additional information contact: 858-534-0804 and srs@ucsd.edu

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Elementary School Level Workshops

New! Being Nemo: Marine biology will come alive as aspiring oceanographers view the world from the perspective of sea creatures great and small and discover how these animals survive in their varied habitats. Students will take on the roles of a series of ocean dwellers: a clownfish exploring a coral reef, a leopard shark in shallow waters, a sea star in a tide pool, a gray whale migrating the Pacific and a sea otter in a kelp forest. Class members will experience what these animals see and hear and explore how easy (or difficult) it is for them to live and thrive. To highlight what they have learned, students will create stop-motion videos to share on the last day of class. Being Nemo offers a great way to spark students’ interest in learning more about marine biology.
New! Creative Programming Using Scratch: Are you a fan of games like Minecraft, Roblox and Animal Crossing? Learn to use block coding in the Scratch programming language to create your own games. As they learn to use Scratch, students will develop their computational thinking skills while exploring their personal interests. We will cover concepts such as sequences, loops, parallelism and events. Students will practice creating interactive games and animated movies using block coding. They will discover that they can be designers and creators instead of just consumers of technology. No prior programming experience is necessary – bring only your imagination.
New! Deep-Space Base Building: Building a base to sustain human explorers in space or on another planet is the next frontier in space exploration. Research what it takes to support human life and then design your own space base. Students will get an introduction to space environmental research as they learn about the conditions in space and the different types of planets. They will also research the technology that is currently available to keep humans alive in space. Then students will design a base for explorers in space or on another planet. Students will have the option of learning to use the open-source program Blender to create a 3D representation of their base. In addition to learning about space exploration, students will acquire basic-research skills, including identifying authoritative materials, using different search methods and conducting database research.
New! Exploring the Science of Harry Potter: One reason the magic in the world of Harry Potter is so compelling is that some of it has a basis in real-world science. Explore how scientific fields like genetics, chemistry, botany and zoology are reflected in the Harry Potter books and movies. Students will explore the science of Harry Potter through video clips, presentations, discussions and group work. We will discuss the evidence of genetics, such as red hair among the Weasleys and Hagrid’s size, inherited from his giantess mother. We will look at the fantastic beasts in the books and consider which are most realistic and how the use of science realism makes the impossible seem plausible. Students will consider the science behind Hogwarts’ Potions class and do a chemistry experiment. They will Identify herbs used in Herbology class and learn about their attributes and medical applications. Students will enjoy this class most if they have read at least one Harry Potter book or seen at least one of the movies, although prior knowledge is not required.
New! Gemology: Gems and rocks have had a significant role in various cultures throughout history. Learn to identify local gems and rocks while studying their importance in history, art and traditions. Students will get an introduction to gems and will practice techniques for identifying common southwestern rocks and gems. We will explore and discuss the roles gems have played in different cultures over time. We will also investigate rocks and gems through a variety of activities, including opening geodes, polishing rocks, and making art and jewelry using gemstones. Students will also learn about the roles rocks play in ecosystems and conservation efforts. The class provides an engaging introduction for students interested in pursuing further studies in geology and other Earth sciences.
History of Space, Astronauts and Technology: The history of space exploration is filled with ingenuity and inspiration. This class sparks interest in science, engineering and adventure by tracing that history and then letting students put their new knowledge to work as they plan their own space mission. Students will learn about NASA’s beginnings and follow the stories of trailblazing astronauts, including Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. They will look at how technologies developed for the space program have transformed our lives on Earth. The class will also survey conditions on other planets and look ahead to future missions. Students will apply what they have learned as they create a model of a habitat to support human life on Mars and plan a mission to transport their habitat to the Red Planet.
New! Improv & Acting Games: Improvisation, or improv, is a form of unscripted theater where performers create scenes spontaneously, often with hilarious results. Explore improv by performing improvised scenes and discover how improv is used in different types of performance. Students will get comfortable with improvisation as they perform a variety of spontaneous scenes. They will discover how to incorporate props, locations and characters into their scene creation. We will play acting games to strengthen students’ confidence and ability to think on their feet. Students will also learn how to use improv in auditions. The class will prepare students to take the next steps into the comic, creative world of improv.
New! Intermediate Website Design Using HTML and CSS: Knowing how to design an effective website is a valuable skill for careers and for personal projects. Learn to use HTML, CSS and website design best practices to create effective business and personal websites. In this intermediate-level class, we will focus on front-end web development. Students will design a website for a business, a personal blog, a charity or some other purpose. They will use HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, GitHub and a text editor to code a website that will attract their target audience and incorporate different design elements. Students will learn basic HTML, CSS and website design concepts and identify how color, font and layout can be used for specific purposes in different kinds of websites. For their final project, they will create a live website hosted by GitHub on a topic of their choice. This course is designed for students who have some experience with website design and coding.
New! Intermediate Website Design Using HTML and CSS (conducted in Mandarin Chinese): Knowing how to design an effective website is a valuable skill for careers and for personal projects. Learn to use HTML, CSS and website design best practices to create effective business and personal websites. In this intermediate-level class, we will focus on front-end web development. Students will design a website for a business, a personal blog, a charity or some other purpose. They will use HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, GitHub and a text editor to code a website that will attract their target audience and incorporate different design elements. Students will learn basic HTML, CSS and website design concepts and identify how color, font and layout can be used for specific purposes in different kinds of websites. For their final project, they will create a live website hosted by GitHub on a topic of their choice. This course is designed for students who have some experience with website design and coding.
New! Lights, Camera, Acting!: If you dream of making it as an actor, this course is the place to start. This acting boot camp offers an illuminating introduction to the many realms of the performing arts world. Each day, students will tackle a different kind of acting. They will put on their dancing shoes to try out musical theater. They will explore stage acting, including some beginning Shakespeare. They will spend time investigating film and TV acting as well as acting for commercials. In addition, students will find out what a professional audition is like and learn how to do one successfully. The class offers a great way for students intrigued by the performing arts to discover where their strengths and interests lie.
Messy Discoveries: Ready to get messy in the name of science? We will design things, test things, throw things and stomp on things while exploring fascinating phenomena in Earth science. Students will conduct messy and noisy experiments as they investigate glaciers, volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, permafrost, sea-level rise and tsunamis. We will make slime-like “flubber” to model glacier movement and create a landscape in a box to simulate the destructive power of earthquakes and tsunamis. Students will also observe lava flow in a volcano fueled by baking soda and vinegar. These and other fun, hands-on experiments provide an engaging introduction to geology, seismology, oceanography and other branches of Earth science.
Programming using JavaScript: If you’re looking to prepare for the high-tech jobs of the future, JavaScript is a great place to start. This popular programming language is the backbone of web development. Learning JavaScript gives you the power to create and control dynamic website content. Students in this course will get a hands-on introduction to JavaScript through group problem-solving projects and daily individual coding practice. They will learn JavaScript syntax and use the developer tools of Mozilla Firefox to explore basic coding concepts such as variables, user input, loops and functions. The class is suitable for students with little or no coding experience. They will gain a base of knowledge to build on as they move ahead in their programming studies.
Ready, Set, Create: A Maker Space Lab: A maker space is a place where people get together to tinker, ponder and create. In our Makerspace Lab, students will tackle a variety of engineering challenges and develop their own innovation or invention. Using a variety of everyday materials, students will take on challenges such as “create a fall-proof skateboard” or “create an all-weather hat.” Art, science and engineering will come into play as students develop innovative solutions. As a final project, students will come up with an innovation or invention of their own. They will gain experience in product design, technical writing and art design as they develop their creations. Then they will present their inventions to a panel of classmates in a format similar to the television show “Shark Tank.”
Slimy Sea Creatures: Invertebrates like octopuses, jellyfish and squid have fascinating adaptations for life in their ocean ecosystems. Take on the role of a marine biologist as you learn about how slimy sea creatures survive and thrive. Students will observe sea stars, sand dollars and moon snails, to name a few. They will watch a squid dissection while learning about the anatomical structures of invertebrates. We will investigate the secret of how octopuses change color and how pearls are made. Students will also consider what kind of invertebrate they would like to be. They will test their knowledge by playing a game that rewards those with the best mastery of vocabulary from the class. Each student will create artwork using seashells and other materials from Mother Earth. Slimy Sea Creatures offers a great way to inspire students to pursue further studies in marine biology.
Space Out!: The lure of space exploration offers a powerful way to ignite students’ interest in science, technology and engineering. This class guides students on a tour of our solar system and beyond, and then lets them plan their own mission to a distant destination. We will start by exploring our own planet and considering what we can observe about Earth from space. We will survey other planets in our solar system and discuss what we need to know about a planet before we go there. Students will learn about “galaxies far, far away” and get a sense of just how vast distances in space are. They will consider what we know about Earth-like planets around other Suns and imagine what form life might take there. Inspired by what they learn, students will plan their own exploratory mission to another planet and create a model of a spacecraft that could take them there. The class provides a base of knowledge to build on as students move ahead with studies in astronomy, Earth science, engineering and more.
Trash to Treasures: We all know it’s important to recycle so we can slow the flow of trash into overstuffed landfills. Now discover how to put a creative spin on recycling by upcycling trash – turning it into treasures such as art pieces or useful objects. We will explore how trash can be transformed using different techniques and art mediums. But first students will consider how much waste they produce and talk about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling in their daily lives. They will learn the difference between recycling and upcycling and then brainstorm ways to create artistic, useful and valuable products from discarded objects. As they work on upcycling projects, students will be encouraged to take creative risks and cultivate imagination, persistence and collaboration. The class will help students appreciate that they have an important role to play in protecting our planet.

Middle School Level Workshops

New! Adventures Under the Sea: The ocean is home to an amazing assortment of organisms and ecosystems. Join us for an around-the-world adventure as we investigate the diversity of life under the sea. Students will get an introduction to ocean science. They will learn about the taxonomy of ocean animals, including the differences between invertebrates and vertebrates. We will explore the relationships among living things in ocean ecosystems, including food webs and predator-prey relationships. Students will gain an appreciation for the great diversity of life, ecosystems and relationships in the ocean. The class offers an intriguing introduction for students interested in further studies of oceanography or marine biology.
New! Amazing Asteroids: Did a giant asteroid really wipe out the dinosaurs? Learn about the effects of asteroid impacts through the ages as you explore the science of amazing asteroids and design a bunker to withstand an imaginary asteroid strike. Students will learn about how asteroids form and what they are made of. We will also explore the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Together we will survey the effects of asteroid impacts through the eons, including the evidence of a giant impact during the age of dinosaurs. We will also assess the chances of a giant asteroid striking Earth today. Students will apply what they have learned by designing and building a model of an underground bunker where they could sustain their community for a year following a pretend asteroid strike. The class offers an engaging introduction for further studies of astronomy and Earth science.
New! Astrobiology If there is life beyond our planet, what does it look like? Astrobiologists try to answer that question in part by looking at how organisms have evolved to live in the most extreme environments on Earth. We will survey locations on Earth where conditions approach the limits of survival – places like Antarctica’s ancient red waterfall, the deadly Crystal Caves in Mexico and the Challenger Deep. Students will learn about adaptations that allow organisms to live in these harsh environments. They will get an introduction to extremophile microbes such as diatoms, tardigrades and nematodes. We will also look at conditions on some of the potentially habitable planets that astronomers have discovered and consider the potential for past or present life on these planets. Students will design a planet that could sustain life and plan an astrobiology mission to Mars.
New! Exploring the Science of Harry Potter: One reason the magic in the world of Harry Potter is so compelling is that some of it has a basis in real-world science. Explore how scientific fields like genetics, chemistry, botany and zoology are reflected in the Harry Potter books and movies. Students will explore the science of Harry Potter through video clips, presentations, discussions and group work. We will discuss the evidence of genetics, such as red hair among the Weasleys and Hagrid’s size, inherited from his giantess mother. We will look at the fantastic beasts in the books and consider which are most realistic and how the use of science realism makes the impossible seem plausible. Students will consider the science behind Hogwarts’ Potions class and do a chemistry experiment. They will Identify herbs used in Herbology class and learn about their attributes and medical applications. Students will enjoy this class most if they have read at least one Harry Potter book or seen at least one of the movies, although prior knowledge is not required.
New! Gemology: Gems and rocks have had a significant role in various cultures throughout history. Learn to identify local gems and rocks while studying their importance in history, art and traditions. Students will get an introduction to gems and will practice techniques for identifying common southwestern rocks and gems. We will explore and discuss the roles gems have played in different cultures over time. We will also investigate rocks and gems through a variety of activities, including opening geodes, polishing rocks, and making art and jewelry using gemstones. Students will also learn about the roles rocks play in ecosystems and conservation efforts. The class provides an engaging introduction for students interested in pursuing further studies in geology and other Earth sciences.
History of Space, Astronauts and Technology: The history of space exploration is filled with ingenuity and inspiration. This class sparks interest in science, engineering, and adventure by tracing that history and then letting students put their new knowledge to work as they plan their own space mission. Students will learn about NASA’s beginnings and follow the stories of trailblazing astronauts, including Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. They will look at how technologies developed for the space program have transformed our lives on Earth. The class will also survey conditions on other planets and look ahead to future missions. Students will apply what they have learned as they create a model of a habitat to support human life on Mars and plan a mission to transport their habitat to the Red Planet.
New! Improv & Acting Games: Improvisation, or improv, is a form of unscripted theater where performers create scenes spontaneously, often with hilarious results. Explore improv by performing improvised scenes and discover how improv is used in different types of performance. Students will get comfortable with improvisation as they perform a variety of spontaneous scenes. They will discover how to incorporate props, locations and characters into their scene creation. We will play acting games to strengthen students’ confidence and ability to think on their feet. Students will also learn how to use improv in auditions. The class will prepare students to take the next steps into the comic, creative world of improv.
Introduction to 3D Modeling with Blender: Do you want to learn to print 3D objects? Create 3D models? Design video games? Get an introduction to Blender, an open-source 3D modeling and graphics program that lets you do all these things. Students will learn to set up Blender and will get familiar with basic concepts of 3D modeling and transformation of digital objects. Then they will find out how to use Blender for computer-aided design (CAD) projects such as 3D printing, tool making and architectural modeling. Students will also try out using Blender for environmental design in a video game. Projects will include creating a chess set or board game in a digital and physical environment. After completing the course, students will have a solid basis to move on to more advanced studies in 3D printing and modeling.
Introduction to Python Programming: Join us for an introduction to Python, a powerful general-purpose programming language. Learn basic computer science concepts as you use Python to create your own games. As students learn to write code using Python, they will become familiar with concepts that apply to other coding languages, including variables, looping and condition statements. Students will consider what makes a good game and then apply what they have learned by using Python to create simple games. They will practice debugging their code, and then they will share their games with classmates. The class is designed to be fun as well as informative.
New! Lights, Camera, Acting! : If you dream of making it as an actor, this course is the place to start. This acting boot camp offers an illuminating introduction to the many realms of the performing arts world. Each day, students will tackle a different kind of acting. They will put on their dancing shoes to try out musical theater. They will explore stage acting, including some beginning Shakespeare. They will spend time investigating film and TV acting as well as acting for commercials. In addition, students will find out what a professional audition is like and learn how to do one successfully. The class offers a great way for students intrigued by the performing arts to discover where their strengths and interests lie.
Ocean Science & Marine Biodiversity: The ocean is home to a fascinating variety of ecosystems, from tide pools along the shore to the depths of the middle Pacific. Dive below the surface to explore marine biodiversity and to learn how people can help protect it. Students will explore a variety of ecosystems, including California’s own kelp forests, where sea lions, dolphins and whales roam. They will examine how human activities are changing these ecosystems and how marine creatures cope with the changes. We will take a look at the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to learn how plastics move around our oceans. The class will also look at how the work of marine biologists can help protect the diversity of sea life. Activities will include experiments, dissection of ocean animals and creation of hand-crafted marine creatures from recycled plastics and trash.
Programming Using JavaScript: If you’re looking to prepare for the high-tech jobs of the future, JavaScript is a great way to start. This popular programming language is the backbone of web development. Learning JavaScript gives you the power to create and control dynamic website content. Students in this course will get a hands-on introduction to JavaScript through group problem-solving projects and daily individual coding practice. They will learn JavaScript syntax and use the developer tools of Mozilla Firefox to explore basic coding concepts such as variables, user input, loops and functions. The class is suitable for students with little or no coding experience. They will gain a base of knowledge to build on as they move ahead in their programming studies.
Screenwriting: If you dream of making it as a screenwriter, this course is the place to start. Learn proven techniques for crafting a script that tells a story effectively and holds the attention of your audience. We will dissect scripts from popular films to find out what makes a good story and an engaging screenplay. Using the free platform Writer’s Duet, students will learn the accepted way to format a script. They will also gain an understanding of how to structure a screenplay and construct scenes with compelling characters, settings, dialogue and conflict. Through a variety of writing activities, students will sharpen their screenwriting skills. Finally, they will bring together everything they have learned as they storyboard, write and edit their own scripts.
Space Out!: The lure of space exploration offers a powerful way to ignite students’ interest in science, technology and engineering. This class guides students on a tour of our solar system and beyond, and then lets them plan their own mission to a distant destination. We will start by exploring our own planet and considering what we can observe about Earth from space. We will survey other planets in our solar system and discuss what we need to know about a planet before we go there. Students will learn about “galaxies far, far away” and get a sense of just how vast distances in space are. They will consider what we know about Earth-like planets around other Suns and imagine what form life might take there. Inspired by what they learn, students will plan their own exploratory mission to another planet and create a model of a spacecraft that could take them there. The class provides a base of knowledge to build on as students move ahead with studies in astronomy, Earth science, engineering and more.
Tiny Houses: The tiny-house movement is sweeping the country! Explore how and why people are building houses that require a fraction of the space of a traditional home and then create a model of your own tiny-house design. Students will learn about architecture, social responsibility and community as they envision and design their own tiny houses. They will use recycled and found materials to build scale models of their houses. We will explore concepts including sustainability, functionality and how to incorporate natural light into a house design. Students will practice math skills as they scale their models and workforce skills as they complete their projects within time constraints. To refine their communication skills, students will present their tiny houses to the class. The course offers an inspiring introduction for students interested in architecture and sustainable design.
Wonderful Waves: Knowing how waves work is a key to understanding many aspects of the natural world. Dive into the fascinating world of water waves and light waves through fascinating experiments and fun craft projects. Students will explore the science of ocean waves, currents and tsunamis. We will investigate how sand is formed by waves, and we will examine sand from beaches around the world. Students will also learn how light waves travel and which color of light travels farthest. Class members will put their new knowledge to work in a variety of art projects, including creating wave paintings with watercolors and salt, and building a miniature surfboard from balsa wood. The class will give students a basis of knowledge for further studies in physics and oceanography.

High School Level Workshops

New! Arts and Relaxation: Feeling the effects of too much schoolwork or screen time? Join us to relax and unwind by exploring the history of art and creating your own art projects using a variety of materials. We will take a look at the roles that art has played throughout history. We will also discuss the purposes of art in the modern world, including relaxation, personal expression and communication. Then students will learn techniques and develop skills needed for various art projects. They will take on independent projects using paper and mixed media. The class will allow students to develop fine tactile skills and to discover leisure activities that can help them reduce stress for years to come.
New! Astrobiology: If there is life beyond our planet, what does it look like? Astrobiologists try to answer that question in part by looking at how organisms have evolved to live in the most extreme environments on Earth. We will survey locations on Earth where conditions approach the limits of survival – places like Antarctica’s ancient red waterfall, the deadly Crystal Caves in Mexico and the Challenger Deep. Students will learn about adaptations that allow organisms to live in these harsh environments. They will get an introduction to extremophile microbes such as diatoms, tardigrades and nematodes. We will also look at conditions on some of the potentially habitable planets that astronomers have discovered and consider the potential for past or present life on these planets. Students will design a planet that could sustain life and plan an astrobiology mission to Mars.
New! C++ Programming: C++ is a powerful programming language that can be used to develop operating systems, browsers, games and more. Practice applying basic coding concepts as you learn to read and write programs with C++. We will start with an introduction to C++, including computer basics, operating systems and setting up an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Then we will compile and run our first program. Students will become familiar with basic programming concepts, including compilation, execution, flow control, functions, arrays, pointers, file I/O, structures and classes. No previous programming experience is required.
New! Deep-Space Base Building: Building a base to sustain human explorers in space or on another planet is the next frontier in space exploration. Research what it takes to support human life and then design your own space base. Students will get an introduction to space environmental research as they learn about the conditions in space and the different types of planets. They will also research the technology that is currently available to keep humans alive in space. Then students will design a base for explorers in space or on another planet. Students will have the option of learning to use the open-source program Blender to create a 3D representation of their base. In addition to learning about space exploration, students will acquire basic-research skills, including identifying authoritative materials, using different search methods and conducting database research.
New! Exploring the Science of Harry Potter: One reason the magic in the world of Harry Potter is so compelling is that some of it have a basis in real-world science. Explore how scientific fields like genetics, chemistry, botany and zoology are reflected in the Harry Potter books and movies. Students will explore the science of Harry Potter through video clips, presentations, discussions and group work. We will discuss the evidence of genetics, such as red hair among the Weasleys and Hagrid’s size, inherited from his giantess mother. We will look at the fantastic beasts in the books and consider which are most realistic and how the use of science realism makes the impossible seem plausible. Students will consider the science behind Hogwarts’ Potions class and do a chemistry experiment. They will Identify herbs used in Herbology class and learn about their attributes and medical applications. Students will enjoy this class most if they have read at least one Harry Potter book or seen at least one of the movies, although prior knowledge is not required.
iOS Programming: If you want to create apps for the iPhone, iPad or other Apple devices, it’s essential to learn the Swift programming language. Get an introduction to this powerful and intuitive language and use it to code simple iOS apps. Students will learn the fundamentals of Swift and then develop iOS apps using the Xcode development environment on the Macintosh. They will discover that writing code in Swift is interactive and fun. We will cover topics including functions, data structures, enumerations, classes and closures. Students will also explore object-oriented programming and the design of user interfaces for Apple devices. The course provides a good jumping-off point for students who want to move on to more advanced programming and app development studies.
New! Lights, Camera, Acting! : If you dream of making it as an actor, this course is the place to start. This acting boot camp offers an illuminating introduction to the many realms of the performing arts world. Each day, students will tackle a different kind of acting. They will put on their dancing shoes to try out musical theater. They will explore stage acting, including some beginning Shakespeare. They will spend time investigating film and TV acting as well as acting for commercials. In addition, students will find out what a professional audition is like and learn how to do one successfully. The class offers a great way for students intrigued by the performing arts to discover where their strengths and interests lie.
Living Structures: Walking Beasts: It walks as if possessed by a mind of its own – no motor, no gas, no batteries, just a series of lurching dance steps along the boundaries of reality and imagination. It’s called a walking beast, and in this class, students will learn how to design and build this fascinating contraption and then set it in motion. We will spend the early part of the week exploring the mechanics of these machines and building the basic parts. Then we begin the assembly. Finally, we will decorate the beast and set it loose with the help of a leaf blower. Concepts we will cover include engineering, wind power, gravity, frictional rotation and structural integrity. Together we will explore how artistic creativity can drive scientific design and vice versa.
Ocean Science & Marine Biodiversity: The ocean is home to a fascinating variety of ecosystems, from tide pools along the shore to the depths of the middle Pacific. Dive below the surface to explore marine biodiversity and to learn how people can help protect it. Students will explore a variety of ecosystems, including California’s own kelp forests, where sea lions, dolphins and whales roam. They will examine how human activities are changing these ecosystems and how marine creatures cope with the changes. We will take a look at the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to learn how plastics move around our oceans. The class will also look at how the work of marine biologists can help protect the diversity of sea life. Activities will include experiments, dissection of ocean animals and creation of hand-crafted marine creatures from recycled plastics and trash.
Programming Using JavaScript: If you’re looking to prepare for the high-tech jobs of the future, JavaScript is a great way to start. This popular programming language is the backbone of web development. Learning JavaScript gives you the power to create and control dynamic website content. Students in this course will get a hands-on introduction to JavaScript through group problem-solving projects and daily individual coding practice. They will learn JavaScript syntax and use the developer tools of Mozilla Firefox to explore basic coding concepts such as variables, user input, loops and functions. The class is suitable for students with little or no coding experience. They will gain a base of knowledge to build on as they move ahead in their programming studies.
New! Python Programming: Network Chatbox: A basic understanding of how the internet works is a valuable tool for many of the tech jobs of the future. Explore the intricacies of the web by using Python to program a chatbox for internet communication. Students will get an introduction to the syntax of the Python language and then will use it to create a chatbox. In building the chatbox, they will develop an understanding of how a message traverses the digital web from one person at one point in the world to another. Students will also explore how they can make this communication more efficient and more secure. Experience with Python is helpful but not required.
New! Raspberry Pi Projects: Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer board that plugs into a monitor and allows people anywhere to explore computing. Learn to use Python scripting to code a variety of fun apps with this powerful little device. Students will get an introduction to the Raspberry Pi Model B motherboard and then will use the device with computer accessories to build real-world applications. Projects will include a dimmer switch, intruder alarm with a camera, drum set and visual games. Students will learn the basics of Python scripting and will also learn about electronic components such as resistors, LEDs and rotary potentiometers. The class will give students a foundation to move on to more advanced app design studies.
Robotics with JavaScript: We’re on the verge of a robotics revolution. Learning to program robots using the popular language JavaScript is a great way to prepare for the careers of the future. We will start with an overview of robotics and automation, and then explore the challenges of programming in the real world. Students will get a crash course in the popular coding language JavaScript and use it to write programs to make a robot interact with the world in specific ways. We will use Dexter, a high-precision robotic arm from Haddington Dynamics, for demos and for testing student programs. Students will also complete a project of their own choosing to demonstrate what they have learned. The class offers a foundation for further studies in programming and robotics.
New! Rube Goldberg Engineering: We’ve all seen the crazy chain-reaction contraptions called Rube Goldberg machines, named for the cartoonist who originated them as a parody of modern life. Now you can explore the creative side of engineering by designing and building your own Rube Goldberg devices. We will start with a broad look at the principles of mechanics and design and also go over measurement and hand-tool use. Then, students will design and build interactive machines where a simple push starts a chain reaction of pulleys, dominoes and so much more. As the week progresses, our designs will become more complex, culminating in a grand finale chain reaction on the last day. Ultimately we will see how these devices, which waste time and energy to accomplish simple tasks, can be a vehicle for engineering ingenuity and artistic expression.
Tiny Houses: The tiny-house movement is sweeping the country! Explore how and why people are building houses that require a fraction of the space of a traditional home and then create a model of your own tiny-house design. Students will learn about architecture, social responsibility and community as they envision and design their own tiny houses. They will use recycled and found materials to build scale models of their houses. We will explore concepts including sustainability, functionality and how to incorporate natural light into a house design. Students will practice math skills as they scale their models and workforce skills as they complete their projects within time constraints. To refine their communication skills, students will present their tiny houses to the class. The course offers an inspiring introduction for students interested in architecture and sustainable design.