Splash! Fall 2009
Course Catalog

Lambda calculus was one of the first models of computation, Using only three simple "operations" we can produce the same power as any programming language.


Prerequisites
Some computer science background is recommended. Students need to be familiar with if/else constructs, recursion, and basic data structures.

Give a computer the right program and enough memory and time and it can solve any problem... right? Incorrect.

It turns out that computers are fundamentally limited in what they can do. Computers are provably useless at solving some simply-stated, practical problems.

We'll take a look at what sorts of problems spell trouble for computers, gaining insight into a fascinating topic that is central to Computer Science.

Hands-on activities will include simulating Turing Machines with M&Ms and playing with tiles.


Prerequisites
Some familiarity with the following mathematical concepts will be helpful (but not required): - Polynomials - Exponents & logarithms - Binary numbers - Truth tables & logic

Some problems in computer science are easy. Other problems are hard. In this class I will discuss the difference between certain easy problems and their hard counterparts.


Prerequisites
Minimum of one year experience with computer science. Should be comfortable with logic.

This is an introduction to programming class. Learn how to program Java using the graphics-based Processing programming environment.

See processing.org for more about Processing.

Yes exactly what is says. The only programs we will be using are just Notepad and a FTP client (Filezilla). We will be able to make a fully functional website with just those 2 programs believe it or not! I will be teaching only HTML and CSS and if we have time I will teach some basic PHP and MySQL.

Optional: You may bring your own laptop for a more hands-on experience.

Recommended: Take Alvin Sng's Web Programming class after my class. You will be well prepared for it.

Learn how AI works at a high level and it's limitations. If interest permits, specific algorithms will be discussed.


Prerequisites
A familiarity with programming is helpful and will allow implementation of algorithms discussed.

In a time when the internet first started, all we would see was websites that had no integration. Much of this has changed over the decade. Now websites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube are all Web Programmed meaning the user can update the website. If you’re a typical internet user, you would wonder how those websites are created. This class will be going over the basics of web programming and how they work.

Pointers, references, and the nitty-gritty of manual memory management. Get an assembly-level understanding of how numbers, arrays, and complex structures are represented. After this class, you'll never fear char** again!


Prerequisites
Introductory knowledge of C, arrays, and structs.

The computer is a black-box for many of us. Though most of us know how to use one, what happens inside is often a mystery to many. This course takes you through a journey inside the computer and also introduces you to a journey inside various parts of the computer. For example, what is inside the CPU ? How does a hard-drive work ? What are buses ? How do these pieces work together ?

An impractical introduction to Scheme, a ridiculously flexible and powerful programming language. I will teach how to implement Scheme in Scheme, while learning Scheme.




Prerequisites
This class is meant for people who don’t know Scheme (or other Lisp variants). However, you should have some minimum programming experience - you should know how to use 'if statements', functions and recursion.

While Java feels like a static language, modern JVMs are actually quite dynamic. Classes can be loaded, inspected, and even modified at runtime. We will use Java's instrumentation framework and the ASM bytecode library to see what programs are really up to -- how they're using resources, where they're sending information, and so forth. You will learn all about Java bytecode and how JVMs work in general. By the end of this course, you should have the expertise needed to write Java agents for a variety of purposes.


Prerequisites
We will be exploring the dark depths of the Java platform. You should be comfortable with Java's object model (classes, interfaces, inheritance, polymorphism) and core language features (local variables, static and instance fields, exceptions).

Programming contests are becoming increasingly accessible to high school students interested in computer science. Whether you go for the big leagues with Google CodeJam and TopCoder, or attend local contests like Stanford ProCo, you'll need to learn how to write code for a contest setting. From common algorithms to speed optimization tips, this class will help you solve that one problem you just needed to win.

**You MUST bring your own laptop; we will be going through examples, and you'll get a chance to test out your skills in a mini-contest at the end of class.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of a programming language.

This class is for those that have some experience in computer programming and want an in depth look on how a dynamic website is created. I will be going through a complete step by step walkthrough of creating a blog from scratch. If you are just learning web programming this class would be perfect for you. If you are new to web designing I would recommend that you take the "Creating a Fully-Functional Website with Notepad!" by Kevin Liang.


Prerequisites
Web Design (HTML/CSS) Recommended.

Are you a pretty good programmer but looking to move to the next level? You know some PHP and can kind of hack your way around stuff, but get stuck when it comes to debugging, or modifying someone else's code?

A key skill for professional programmers is the ability to read code and understand what it does. That's what we'll talk about in this new, experimental class. Bring code that interests you and we'll plow through it!


Prerequisites
Programming ability required. No specific language experience necessary, but you must have programmed in a language with functions and control flow. (HTML doesn't count!)

There is more to water quality than meets the eye. Come and learn about how we make water safe to drink. Be ready for hands-on activities and a chance to explore a resource we use everyday but often take for granted.

We’ll learn about Bernoulli’s Equation and apply this to everyday situations. WIth the help of MythBusters and water guns, you’ll be able to blow your friend’s minds with your knowledge surrounding fluid flow.

This is a good class for those thinking about mechanical / aeronautical / astronautical engineering and engineering in general


Prerequisites
None

Ever wondered how computer chips are made? People always talk about computers being made from silicon transistors. And that they run on "1's" and "0's". But how do 1's and 0's allow you to check facebook? And what is a transistor-ma-jiggy?

The first part of a 3-class series on Silicon Valley industries, this class will attempt to cover the basics of Device Physics and Fabrication, with a little bit of VLSI thrown in. You will learn about how these tiny MOS transistor devices are made, and why they are useful.

Stick around for another exciting class, "From Atoms to Apps - Part 2: C-P-YOU!"


Prerequisites
No background is necessary, but a little knowledge of the periodic table (especially groups III, IV and V) would come in handy. If you can explain what n-type silicon and p-type silicon is, you should skip this class and take Part 2. If you know what the Fermi level is and can draw diagrams for the aforementioned types, then you should come help me teach this class.

This is the more advanced fluid dynamics class. We'll talk about laminar and turbulent flow, the Reynolds number, and if we have time move into aerodynamics.

This is also a good class to take if you are interesting in engineering!

After this class you can boast to your friends that you are pretty much a genius now.


Prerequisites
Understanding of basic Physics concepts

We will begin with discussing the need for going into space. We will briefly talk about the popular space missions. We will then talk about the various aspects of a space mission including orbit, launch, space environment and discuss why dealing with space missions is not a trivial task. We will then talk about the various components of a satellite such as payload, power generation, communication with ground station etc. We will conclude with a discussion on how students can get involved in the process of satellite design, right at the high school level.


Prerequisites
Basic concepts of physics and mathematics such as force, acceleration, gravity, trigonometry etc.

So you know how a transistor works. But how does it become a "computer". Transistors sitting on silicon don't magically start doing the things you ask them to in your code. This class explains how code you write "magically" gets executed by the millions of non-sentient (dumb) transistors.

This class requires student participation and interaction, despite the abstraction of the subject. Come prepared to run around and act out silly things, like pretending to be a Register File, or the Arithmetic/Logical Unit.

And stick around for Part 3 of the series, "From Atoms to Apps - Part 3: Software Isn't Hard".


Prerequisites
Coding experience would be helpful, but not required. If you know what a data hazard is (the original title for this class was "The Dukes of Data Hazards"), then you shouldn't be in this class. You should be helping me teach it. Preferably you should have taken "From Atoms to Apps - Part 1: Silicon. It's what's for breakfast".

In this class, we discuss how electromagnetic waves and mathematical algorithms are used to design modern imaging systems. We discuss how to characterize imaging system performance. We will start with the well-known digital camera, and then discuss more advanced optical imaging systems, such as telescopes and adaptive optics systems. We then examine how microwave radars can image the Earth from outer space, and discuss how CT and MRI systems form images of the human body. Along the way, we will explore some advanced mathematical topics, such as vector calculus and Fourier Transforms, and see how these tools are applied in the design of imaging systems.


Prerequisites
Basic math background.

a time sequence review of the actual project, including a photo slide show of sequential progress since the very beginning


Prerequisites
a genuine interest in the Bay Area project

We drink, shower, cook, and clean with water from our taps every day, but this water usually doesn't start out so clean. Learn about how engineering deals with challenges in cleaning up water and even get a chance to build your own water filter! This is a more advanced introduction to water quality intended for high-school students to find out how water is purified before it reaches the tap.


Prerequisites
A basic understanding of biology, chemistry, and/or environmental science and algebra.

How major steel structures are conceived, designed, fabricated and built. The class will discuss both ancient, traditional, and modern digital means of designing structures, the methods of procurement and fabrication of materials, the mobilizations and equipment used, and of course, the incredible people who actually do the work,

actual examples of well known structures will be used as learning models, .such as the Transamerica Pyramid structure


Prerequisites
A genuine interest in the subject materials and a willingness to participate in discussions.

Design your own speakers out of household objects (plus magnet wire) and analyze how their sound output changes when you make specific changes to the design. I will teach you the basics and give you some design ideas. You should come ready to ask questions and analyze your design. You might want to look at http://www.josepino.com/?homemade-hifi-speaker or http://www.josepino.com/?howto-speaker before class. I will bring in a wide variety of materials, but if you want to try something, feel free to bring it along.


Prerequisites
You might like the class more if you have an interest in electronics, but there are no prerequisites.

Dazzle your friends! Intimidate your foes!

Though it looks mind-bogglingly complex and has 43 quintillion possible configurations, the dirty truth is that anyone can solve a Rubik's cube with some guidance and a little practice. I'll teach you the classic "layer method," which can be used for solves of 4 minutes or less.

Everyone in this class will solve a cube before they leave--guaranteed.

Cubes provided.


Prerequisites
None.

Don't let fussy patterns intimidate you! Whether you've had some experience sewing or have never even sewn on a button, you can enjoy simple sewing projects with amazing results.

In this class, we'll use both hand and machine sewing to create decorative pillows. You'll learn to operate a sewing machine and sew basic seams, to use fusible interfacing to applique one fabric to another, and to sew both simple and decorative seams by hand. The focus of this class will be on developing the skills to create your own projects in a fun, low-pressure environment. No complicated must-get-it-exactly-right patterns and directions here: you'll simply think up a design, take the scissors and "whack" out your shapes, and sew as your whimsy takes you!

All materials will be provided; you can take your pillow home at the end of class!


Prerequisites
None

Ever wanted to learn to move your hips like Shakira? This is your chance! Learn the basics of Oriental Middle Eastern Dance such as hip drops, shimmies, and undulations to fast-beat Arabic beats. The instructor will perform a short solo to provide the full effect and then break down the moves step by step. Time providing, the students will learn some choreography. Don't be shy, this class is for anyone who is interested.


Prerequisites
None! Just come with a positive attitude and be ready to learn.

Learn to make simple Indian food fast and easy. Also learn the age old wisdom of use of spices and their health benfits.


Prerequisites
None, Should be able to deal with instructors sense of Humor

We will take you on a journey to China, one of the world’s cultural treasure-houses and greatest travel destinations. We will explore the beauty and legend of the dramatic landscapes, and history and life of the popular cities as well. Dim Sum and snacks from China will be provided.

HALLOWEEN IS COMING UP! WHY NOT LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MASQUERADE MASK?!?!?!

Do you have stress in your life? Feel like your mind sometimes races out of control? Want to develop a way to center yourself, finding the place of peace within you, even when craziness surrounds you?

In this class we will explore some basic principles of Insight Meditation, a Buddhist meditation method of exploring the mind that cultivates wisdom and compassion. We will specifically discuss conditioned patterns of mind that often create stress and suffering and how seeing these clearly can lead to joy and equanimity.


Prerequisites
None

Learn the basics of Ultimate Frisbee! We'll practice different kinds of throws, in addition to learning the rules and strategies behind playing organized frisbee. The class will end with 7 on 7 scrimmages.


Prerequisites
Athletic apparel (sneakers, t-shirt, shorts). Please bring both a light and a dark t-shirt (no gray) and water or your preferred sports beverage of choice.

English homework, new friends, concerned parents, a big presentation, tomorrow's track meet, a health concern, future aspirations--all these things can cause stress, in different ways and to varying degrees. In this interactive class, you'll have the opportunity to bring up some of the stresses that you've been juggling and to learn a set of tried-and-true techniques tailored to combat each of them. Come discover how to manage stress so that it doesn't manage you!

A practical guide for ordering computer parts, ensuring compatibility, estimating performance, and designing the system you want. No knowledge of computers is required, and some knowledge won’t hurt. Students will have limited hands on interaction and are able to ask questions at any time. In response to feedback from last year, an entire computer will be assembled during class.

This class is going to teach technical skill in chalk pastel, specifically touching on color theory, shading forms in color, rules of drawing perspective, and the history of street painting. The majority of the class, we will be working together to complete a street painting of Van Gogh's "Starry Night". No previous experience is required, you just have to be willing to get a little messy and have fun. I will provide hand wipes, but you should also wear shorts or pants that you don't mind getting chalk on. The chalk should wash out easily, but your pants will get dirty for the time being. Also, we'll be spending class outdoors, so I suggest bringing a hat and sunglasses.

Come learn really practical advice on how to portray yourself as a more confident person. This class will teach you how to improve your body language, voice, and communication skills. It covers topics such as detecting lies, acting in uncomfortable situations, and meeting new people. This class draws from over 1500 pages of research to help you understand negative and positive behaviors in social interactions you never thought actually mattered.

Do you burn water? Do you get scared by those humongous knives you see on Top Chef? Take this class if you want an introduction to proper knife skills, preparing vegetables, and cooking simple dishes.

Come and learn what you are eating!!
We will explore label reading on packaged foods - fresh, frozen, canned, as a meal, desserts, cereals and more.
There will be samples and hands on practise. At the end, let’s have some fun and strength a little. There will be a short but fun session on introduction to Chi Quong for health and everyday exercise. It is simple and easy to do.




Prerequisites
None

Do you have a digital camera, but always use it on automatic? Unlock the potential of your camera by knowing what of all those camera settings mean. Topics Covered: Color Perception, How a camera works, Post-processing, such as High Dynamic Range images and much more.

This is a more of a technical overview than artistic concepts.


Prerequisites
An interest in taking pictures

Circuit training consists of several full body strength or cardio exercises done back to back with very little rest. It is ideal for anyone who wants to improve sports performance or simply get into a better shape.

You are actually going to work out in this class (though not at full intensity). You'll also learn to make your own circuit with minimum number of equipments.

Please wear comfortable cloths (gym cloths), sports shoes and carry a bottle of water with you. Please do not eat anything heavy for about an hour before the class.

Express yourself with a Two in One deal, where you get to collage and end up with a piece of poetry. Collaging is an easy-going and creative way to piece together something they way you want it to be.

We are going to have fun writing verses and reading out each others verses! I shall give a short introductory lecture on the different types of meters, rhythms and styles, but we shall get down to the fun part of actually composing verses as soon as possible.

Do you know what a MAD is? What about doujins? You might have heard some of these terms if you have perused various online creative communities. These Japanese products are all fan-make works produced by the fans, for the fans, yet they are the source of some of the most viral memes on the internet. We will explore the sources of these phenomena in Japan, and how it has impacted Japanese popular culture and the internet, with a focus on the Touhou Project series of danmaku games and the virtual singing idol software Vocaloid, as well as the vehicles for such expressions of creativity, the Comic Market convention and the NicoNicoDouga website.

Stamps are used to celebrate everything including people, sports, holidays, history, Disney, and culture. Any interest you have, there are stamps for you. This class will teach you how to start your own stamp collection. It's a simple, yet rewarding hobby that is shared by people all over the world.

Have you ever folded an origami flower? What about a rose? Here we will learn how to fold a very nice origami rose, along with leaves if we have time.
Minor folding experience would be helpful.

We will be discussing safe, non-toxic ways to clean that will save you and your family money. We will also cover some tips on personal care products that will not harm your body. We will also identify some natural ways of boosting the body's immune system.


Prerequisites
None

Bring your bike to a course intended to help both of you align your functions in harmony with nature. We will skim the surface of various philosophies and apply them to bike maintenance in a hands-on interactive practical and whimsical session. We hope to center ourselves and our wheels, adjust our attitudes and our shifters, lean on each other and our brakes. We hope to find the proper position both for ourselves on the bikes and for the bikes in the world.


Prerequisites
Bring a bike that you think needs to be brought into harmony with you.

In this class, we'll be learning to fold a few origami pieces including the paper crane, iris, rabbit, snake, jumping frog, and six-colored cube. Beginners are definitely welcome as we'll start with a simple piece but bear in mind that some of the pieces will get a little more complicated.


Prerequisites
No course prerequisites are needed, although some experience with origami will definitely give you an edge. Just come in with patience and a willingness to learn. The more you practice, the better you get! Note: limited paper supplies. Bring your own paper if you can! Notebook paper, printer paper, construction paper--all of these will do. And scissors will be helpful but not necessary.

Explore the possibilities of unusual bicycle design and construction. You can learn ways to make a bike that could set you apart from the crowd.
Bike history,
Bike design strategies,
Ergonomics of bicycling.
CAD (Cardboard Aided Design) system development for full scale 3-D modeling.
Wood bike construction techniques.
We will design bikes and review each others' designs.



Prerequisites
Ability to brainstorm, (share ideas, explore ideas and add to/build upon ideas of others.)

Ever feel like escaping out of routine into the world of a professional travel? In this course, I will teach you how to setup your very own backpacking trip from raising money, finding a time window, finding cheap tickets around the world, finding jobs around the world, and basically how to save your precious dollars while traveling safely. I will address everything from hitchhiking to food, and draw from my experience traveling continuously for the past 10 months to countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, Egypt, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Nepal...and many others!


Prerequisites
A heart to follow.

If you're already set on how to throw and catch, the next best thing is to throw and catch in large groups. This is a course for those who are already comfortable enough with a three-ball pattern that they would like to learn passing tricks. You can also just come to show off, swap tricks, and hang out and practice hard throws in a juggling-supportive environment.

If you'd like to bring your own props, please do!


Prerequisites
Relatively-successful (or at least cheerful) completion of Juggling 101; or the ability to juggle 3 objects already.

Ever wonder what you really are? Ever want to rise above the changing phenomenons of the world? Please join me to explore the answer to these questions. We will follow the ancient traditions of Zen Meditation, and share stories about the history of Zen. Discussion group may follow if necessary.


Prerequisites
Please wear comfortable attire for the class, for example, gym out-fits should be fine.

We will take normal everyday materials you find in your household and recreate them into art, jewelry, etc. Projects include purses from jeans, bracelets from wrapping paper, necklace pendants from pine cones, grocery bags from T-shirts... Your imagination is the limit to what you can do!


Prerequisites
none

Each section is divided into groups and gets materials to make their own musical instruments. We will use everyday objects to make musical crafts. We will then use those instruments to compose a song!!

Come now, everyone tells you that juggling is a life skill, but most of them have lost track of their metaphor. In this course, we'll teach you how to make a set of juggling balls out of easy to find materials, and we'll show you the simple steps that will have you juggling in no time. Anyone can learn; no prior experience or especial coordination is required. By the end of this class, you'll be well on your way to juggling ninjutsu, and you can take your juggling balls home so as to hone your skills!


Prerequisites
Hands, and a robust ego that can handle dropping things and picking them back up for an hour.

Learn to take pictures that are more thrilling than your average vacation snapshot. We will explore several important principles behind the aesthetics of photography such as, composition, depth of field, angle etc. A sense for the beautiful can be developed and by following a few fundamental rules we can successfully portray what captures our eye.
May include a short field trip on campus to apply techniques, and learn how a photographer "sees" his/her environment. Some basic photo editing introduced.


Prerequisites
bring your digital camera, if you have one

Come learn how to make fun stuff with paper! Things that we have done in the past are: boats, camera, piano, pacman, and more! This class is for beginners. If you’ve done any origami before, you might be get bored.

Learn the fabulous and delicious art of cake decorating! With a few simple techniques, you can impress your friends and family with your edible creations. I will show you how to mix and color icing, tricks for covering your cake smoothly, and how to use various decorating tips to make stars, flowers, and other designs. After I discuss the basics, it's all hands on! Use what you learn to decorate your own personal cake to take home and share. I will provide cakes and decorating supplies.

How an airplane flies and how to fly an airplane.
I will introduce you the basic structure of airplanes, basic maneuvers of flying and anything you want to know about flight training.



Prerequisites
N/A

By now we all know that the environment-- and how we treat it-- matters. But to go a step further and actually make sustainable, environmentally friendly choices requires a little bit of practice and background information. This class will give you the basics on recycling, composting etc. We'll go over easy, quick, and fun ways to reduce your carbon footprint. We'll also spend some of the class decorating reusable bags that you can bring with you to the store instead of using plastic or paper ones!

We will buy the largest paper we can find (and afford/transport). And then we will teach you how to fold something awesome out of it. Depending on the size of the paper, you may be working in teams with 10 foot squares, or individually/pairs with 3 foot squares. (So you may not be able to keep what you make - but it might not fit in the car anyway so don't feel so bad.)
No previous experience necessary, but we are more likely to pair up origami newbies.

Come learn how to improve your study habits. This course will focus on finding the optimal time to study, enhancing note-taking efficiency, improving listening skills, speed reading and critical thinking skills. It will also cover some aspects of the California university systems so that graduating seniors will be better informed of the available choices. However, this course will benefit everybody.

The most important thing about drawing (and life) is your MINDSET, or how you look at it. Come learn how to draw anything, in any style, by changing how you look at drawing. fun, dirty, frustrating, exciting, p.s. you can draw. AND if you can learn how to draw with this method you can prepare yourself to learn most anything.

You would be surprised how far being able to draw takes you. From professional graphics careers to impressing friends. The ability to sketch and clearly communicate your ideas helps streamline countless processes in your life. example: would you rather tell someone about your dream house/room/date or SHOW THEM with sketches? good times.

Learn the mindset of the old masters (michaelangelo, leonardo, raphael) current masters and beyond which allowed them to sketch what was on their mind. Energetic lessons complied from studies of art history, world travels, training with Disney, and success as a graphic designer. With bonus tips borrowed directly from the world famous Stanford Product Design Process.


-no skill necessary.
-I can teach you how to make this class look like gold on a resume.


Prerequisites
patience, open mind, excitement (no boring students), and supplies: - charcoals/old school pencils, -3 (or more) white square erasers (staples) - Large drawing pads/notebooks (no smaller than a sheet of loose leaf paper, but the bigger the better) we want "good" artists, "bad" artists, "not an" artist, anyone really just come on down.

Introduce students to public health issues and poverty facing children in developing countries through the examination of the world’s foremost humanitarian organization: the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).


Prerequisites
none!

Have you ever folded an origami flower? What about a rose? Here we will learn how to fold a Kawasaki Rose, a very pretty but somewhat complicated design.
This is a hard model, intermediate folding experience is required.

Learn basic design techniques for Henna pattern on hands. Practice few design. Choose design elements. Create henna tattoo on our own or your partner's hand.


Prerequisites
Creative mind. Wear clothes that you might get messy and you won't mind. Bring a paper / plastic bag to cover your hand so that the pattern doesnot spoil during travel.

This class will be the first of a three-part introduction to graphic design, with an emphasis on the thought process that goes into making something look great, rather than the technical skills required to carry a good design out (which will come in the second part).

We will go over things like balance, choice of typeface, use of color, stylistic decisions, fitting the design to the content, seeking out originality, and other choices that a graphic designer must consider over the course of any project.


Prerequisites
You must take this class to take Graphic Design II: The Skills, and Graphic Design III: The Project. You can take this class and not the other two if you choose.

A critique group can be an excellent venue for writers seeking to hone their skills as storytellers. Receiving criticism from other writers and readers allows the author to gauge the effectiveness of her work and catch problems that may not have been otherwise apparent to her. In a small group setting, we will exchange and cooperatively critique each other's work in a positive community environment. Students should bring to group ten copies of a story or excerpt (fiction or creative non-fiction) no longer than three pages, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins and 12-pt Times New Roman font. Content should not exceed a PG-13 rating. If time allows afterward, we will have a short creative writing workshop.

In this hour, we'll go over some basic skills in the repertoire of the graphic designer, both in digital and non-digital media. We'll do various things by hand, then briefly go over the Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign programs in the Adobe Creative Suite, and talk about how the particular medium you choose informs the actual content of the work you make, as well as the process.


Prerequisites
This class is the second part of a three-part introduction to graphic design. You must take Graphic Design I: The Thinking if you want to take this class. If you want to take Graphic Design III: The Project, you must take both this class and Graphic Design I: The Thinking.

Why do we tell urban legends as reality when they're seldom true? What makes a successful urban legend, and what does an urban legend say about the person who passes it along? What do urban legends have in common with religion, and what human needs and desires to urban legends exploit for propagation? Like religions, do urban legends serve some legitimate human purposes, or are they simply viral memes?

In this two-hour finale, you will be able, using whatever medium you choose, to work on a graphic design project suggested by the instructor, or one of your choice. You will use the ideas and skills discussed in the first two hours of the sequence as you make decisions and come up with a finished project.


Prerequisites
This is the third part of a three-part introduction to graphic design. You must take the first two parts to take this class.

Essays are everywhere. Between English classes, history classes, AP tests, SATs, and college applications, by the time you graduate high school, you will have written more than you can count--and that will be only the beginning. Being able to write a knock-your-socks-off essay is a skill that can give you a huge head-start in school--but what makes a good essay? In this short workshop, we will explore strategies for designing, writing, and refining top-of-the-line essays that are sure to affect and impress.

What do we really know about the men who have led our country? While anecdotes about Washington and his wooden teeth or his cherry tree are common knowledge, the goal of this class is to cut through the nationalistic myths surrounding the office of the Presidency and look at the Presidents as who they were...people. As people, they get can get sick, they can die, they can be crude, and sometimes they can even abuse their power.
The class will trace the history of the Presidents, with an emphasis on presidential disability, from the Constitution to the present day.


Prerequisites
None, but Interest in US History is a plus.

Have you ever been interested in American Sign Language? Want to look cool by communicating to your friends without speaking? This course will teach you a few fundamentals (the manual alphabet, the number system, simple greetings and vocabulary) in order to get you started in learning this great language!

Survey of the Fabulous Stories in the Old Testament from Genesis - First Kings. When were the stories written? Who wrote them?

What was her name? What was her
motivation?


Prerequisites
Interest. Willingness to ask questions.

Essays are everywhere. You've no doubt written your fair share of them already, but still more are looming on the horizon--and these aren't just any essays. AP essays, SAT essays, and college application essays have spooked many a student--but that needn't be the case. In this short workshop, we will explore strategies for designing, writing, and refining top-of-the-line essays that will give you an edge on the competition.

For many students, the scariest thing about the college application process is writing a personal statement. One 500-1000 word essay is supposed to capture your character and show who you TRULY are to college admissions panels.

Fortunately, there is a proven method for developing a better personal statement - and it's brought to you by the Stanford Daily.

Staff members at the Daily have identified a 10-step program that is designed to identify your strengths, discover cool stories to tell, and structure your essay to impress college admin boards.

Jason Shen, '08, is the Chief Operating Officer of the Stanford Daily and the creator of this program and will show you how you can be a stronger applicant by dominating your personal statement.

Arabic is one of the world's most fascinating and beautiful languages! Introduction to Arabic takes you through the fundamentals of the Arabic alphabet and script! By the end of this course you'll know the entire Arabic alphabet, you'll practice writing, and you'll learn a few common Arabic phrases!


Prerequisites
None

We have an abundance of opportunities to end oppression. In this experiential workshop, participants will participate in a support group meeting. Please be prepared to listen to others without side-conversations or interruptions and to contribute when inspired to do so.

Participate in a meeting of Slaves Anonymous for beginners. Begin to see the nature of oppression more clearly and imagining its demise through inquiry and mutual support.

Materials will be available that you can use to create a meeting in your own neighborhood.

Objective: Participants will learn how to increase personal autonomy and work with others to create the conditions needed for liberation.

Did you know there was a swine flu scare in the mid-1970's? Do you know that vaccines can cause chronic illnesses or worse? Become informed before you decide to take a shot.

Warning: Expect to be shocked. Although the co-teachers will strive to be gentle and sensitive in their presentations and interactions with each other and our audience, due to the nature of this topic, the content of this class will be disturbing.

Co-teachers will briefly introduce key concepts, historical facts and terminology related to swine flu and vaccinations. The co-teachers will converse on this topic with questions from each other and the audience. Questions about suitable preventative measures are encouraged.

Ever watched Star Trek? How about all those robot or superhero cartoons that used to air on Saturdays, such as Transformers or He-Man? What about Harry Potter or Dark Knight? We are surrounded by science fiction, fantasies, and tales of the supernatural from the very dawn of childhood, although we may not be consciously aware of this fact. These genres have been considered as having one foot buried in far-fetched fantasies (involving aliens, space ships or dragons!) and the other firmly planted in the realm of conventional, "aesthetically appreciated" art. We can likely agree that these stories are entertaining, but what about their meaning, their values?

Let's stop for a second and recall all those things that don't strictly fall into the category of the "realistic portrayal of the world" in our daily lives. They're nearly omnipresent, in ads, movies, books… all kinds of media teem with references to things that aren't always "real." What's the fascination here? Why such abundance if they're mere far-fetched fancies? In our class, we will use various references to elements of the "unreal" in various kinds of media, which may apply to any form of textual/visual representation (including film, literature, graphic novels, advertisements or even simple pictures or photos), as a way of preparing yourselves for critical analysis and research.



Prerequisites
Anyone who loves some meaningful fun!

How many times have you put off an assignment because of "Writer's block"? What are the steps to clear, successful academic writing and what analytical skills does effective articulation call upon? Drawing from legal writing workshop experience, this one hour course will help you develop, design and detail your thought process.

Most human societies stigmatize failure. In the past, failure often led to people being ostracized and ignored. Today, however, we're lucky to be in one of the failure-accepting societies in human history.

Join our discussion about failure, being wrong, and why it's ok (and crucial!) to make mistakes!


Prerequisites
Failure. You must have failed at something, so be sure to bring a story about it!

We will look at the role of intentional communities from ancient times to present day. We will begin focusing with utopia-driven communities of the nineteenth century, and discuss the similarities and differences of "the modern family" with other people-groupings.

The class will be primarily discussion-driven.


Prerequisites
Being open-minded and comfortable with other people's value systems. I welcome students of all moral and religious upbringings, so long as they welcome all of their classmates'. There will be no historical background you will be expected to know. Being comfortable with discussion-based class is important; while I will present some material, the majority of class will be run through discussions which you would learn best through participating.

Are you interested in writing stories of your very own, but don't know where to begin? Do you have an idea for a novel or short story, but you're not sure of how to get started? In this informal, two hour-long course, you'll get the chance to explore the basics of plot, character development, narration, style, and structure with a Stanford English major and published fiction writer. You'll also get the chance to develop your own storylines through a series of exercises and brainstorming sessions with other aspiring writers. No previous creative writing experience necessary; the only requirement is an active imagination.

Our class offers a survey of the ethical, environmental, and humanitarian issues surrounding meat and dairy consumption. We will also discuss the nutritional essentials of a veg*n diet and end by creating our very own delicious vegan treat!


Prerequisites
A love of food!

Explore your experience of the history of events connected to September 11, 2001.

Teachers will support dialog within (internal) and between participants (students and teachers) by encouraging deep listening and expression of personal experiences and understandings of events connected to September 11.

As participants, we will

1. make a safe space that honors emotions (attention to and acknowledgment of genuine feelings),
2. elicit inquiry (to be curious, wonder, to accept not knowing and question gently) and
3. develop epistemological understanding (why were we shown what we were shown, who benefited, etc.).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology

Learning goals: A participant will understand more about him- or herself and develop a stronger critical consciousness.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_consciousness

-------------------------------

"'A great number of things I once thought were amenable to cure are probably not. I guess I realize that more of what we do is not curing but just being there.'

"Which may explain why, on the day after September 11, he [Dr. Lloyd Thompson] accepted an invitation to visit the elementary school in the town where he resides....

"Christine [Thompson, wife and nurse] came along, with her 'bigger bucket of compassion,' though I think it was probably more of a Jack-and-Jill job: two bearers, one bucket. They had made a handout for parents explaining that for very young children there is no difference between the repetition of an image on television and the repetition of an event; the same building falling over and over, with the same people jumping out of it, will be for them a different building and different people each time, an endless multiplication of catastrophes. Beyond that, the program was fairly simple, as Christine explains:

"'We talked about people in a bad and scary time who were doing something good and what could we notice about that. What could we see? Who was helping? Who was taking care? I think it's important to paint the helpers with as big a brush as you paint the destroyers ... that even the smallest person can make a difference, can have something to add, some way to help. We didn't have any big-time answers. All we could say is that it wasn't so bad that it couldn't be talked about, and we were there to listen.'"

[An excerpt from Garret Keizer's *Help: The Original Human Dilemma* pp. 144-145.]


Prerequisites
Curiosity. Willingness to listen.

Learn the concepts behind basic photography, whether it be with a film or digital camera. Discuss how to compose a successful image, different types of camera formats, technical terminology, and how to improve current photography skills.

This class is for the absolute beginner with string instruments. (It’s fine if you play a different instrument and this is the first time you ever tried to learn a string instrument) You will be bored if you already know how to play.

We'll learn how to play a couple Beatles’ songs and hopefully by the end of the class you will be a pro. If you don't know Eleanor Rigby, listen to it a few times.

Conlanging--that is, creating constructed languages--is something of a peculiar hobby, and one likely to spark interesting discussions (and odd looks) around the dinner table. However, for people like J.R.R. Tolkien, it was so fascinating that it became a "secret vice." For many, conlanging provides a venue for exploration into the infinite possibilities of language. This lecture/workshop will walk through the basic first steps of creating an original constructed language, from designing a phonology to laying the groundwork for grammar and semantics. We will investigate many real-world languages and how they can inform the creation of artificial ones--we will try to break out of the English "box" and discover entirely new ways of expressing ideas. For any students who have tried or been intrigued by conlanging in the past to anyone who simply loves language and studying how different people express their thoughts, this is the seminar for you.

Can you be influenced to think or not think or behave in certain ways? Are you? How can you be less vulnerable to oppressive control?

Warning: Expect to be shocked. Although the co-teachers will strive to be gentle and sensitive in their presentations and interactions with each other and our audience, due to the nature of this topic, the content of this class will be disturbing.

Co-teachers will briefly introduce key concepts, historical facts and terminology related to mind control at the individual and collective levels. The co-teachers will converse on this topic with questions from each other and the audience. Questions about suitable preventative measures are encouraged.

Ever wonder what makes a good story? Through the lens of JK Rowling's wildly popular Harry Potter novels, this class provides an introduction to the mechanics behind effective writing. Students will engage with passages from the novels to explore what basic features make stories interesting, engaging, and enjoyable to read. This class is for anyone looking to either improve their writing skills or increase their knowledge of the writing process (and a must for all Harry Potter fans).

Use your right brain to release your creative energy. Through various creative methods you will learn to utilize your whole brain. This course is designed for both artists and engineers, writers and scientists. It celebrates a whole brain approach to learning and living.

Join us on the main quad for lunch - either bring your own, or pick up a sandwich or pizza from us.

Join us on the main quad for lunch - either bring your own, or pick up a sandwich or pizza from us.

In this course, I will discuss several probabilistic models of evolution. In the first hour I'll discuss two discrete time processes: the Wright-Fisher model (which looks into the future) and Kingman's coalescent (which looks into the past). In the second hour, we'll turn to the continuous-time model of Moran. Mathematical objects called interacting particle systems can be brought to bear in the analysis of Moran model dynamics. We'll discuss these and again see that the analysis benefits from looking both forwards and backwards in time. In sum, this course will provide a concise view of techniques used in the modeling of evolution through time.

In celebration of new Millennium, the Clay Mathematics Institute offered $1 Million dollar to anybody who solves 7 selected mathematical problems. One of them has been solved, namely Poincare's Conjecture. We discuss one of the 6 unsolved problems, the Navier-Stokes Equation. While the subject in serious detail is apt for advanced graduate students, the class is intended only to give an idea of the significance of the Navier-Stokes Equation and its main difficulty.


Prerequisites
The lecturer will assumes no mathematical background except genuine interest in the topic.

An introduction to probability from coin flips to poker hands. Learn how to calculate the probability for poker hands. Learn to calculate the odds.




Prerequisites
Interest in math and games of chance. This class is geared toward the 7-9 grade level range, but all grades welcomed.

Come build models of various interesting mathematical objects out of pipe cleaners! I will teach you a bit about dimensions then we will discuss applications in groups while you build.


Prerequisites
no prerequisites

Did you know that Connect Four is a win for Player 1 and the players of Checkers can always force a tie? We will talk about mathematical techniques used to prove when a game is winnable by one player or the other. We will talk about the difference between strong and weak solutions (knowing when a game can be won from any position or just the initial position). We'll use the concepts of invariants to tell us why FreeCell can have unwinnable hands and look at how computers use backwards induction to analyze complicated games such as Chess.

Cryptography plays an essential role in modern society; without it, using computers to send sensitive messages would be very dangerous. But thanks to some clever number theory, we can safely submit credit card information with little risk of interception.

In this class, we'll look at some encryption methods and some possible attacks on them.

In 1874, the mathematician Georg Cantor first came up with the profound ideas that led to "transfinite numbers." His insights allowed mathematicians to look at precisely what infinity means, to work with it, to understand exactly what they can do with this improbable concept. Now we can answer questions such as "when are two infinite collections of objects the same size?" We can understand how to compare the infinite set consisting of all integers with the infinite set consisting of all rational numbers (all fractions). And we can determine just how many sizes of infinity there are. Be prepared to have all your preconceptions thrown out the window in a challenging math class.

On the surface, probability is simple, usually requiring little numerical computation and memorization of only a few rules. But the way it is applied to specific situations can give rise to some contradictory interpretations. How can you win by losing? Make a game that would be worth any price to play? Keep changing your choices but never reach the better one? Create the downfall of democratic voting? We will look at these problems (and more) and see if we can resolve the paradoxes.

An ordinary piece of paper has two sides and four edges. A round piece of paper has two sides and just one edge. A sphere has two sides (the outside and the inside), and no edges at all. But can you make something with just one side and one edge? As August Ferdinand Möbius discovered in 1858, you can, and all you need is paper, scissors, and tape.

In the first half of the class, you'll be able to make lots of Möbius strips, and you'll be able to see for yourself the weird stuff that happens when you try cutting one up. In the second half of the class, we'll explain why these things happen when you cut up a Möbius strip. We'll also look at some other objects that are Möbius strips in disguise. If we have time, we'll try to glue the edge of the Möbius strip to itself. (It's trickier than you might think.)

You don't need to know anything about Möbius strips to take this class, but even if you do, I'm pretty sure you'll see something you haven't seen before.


Prerequisites
If you can, bring scissors and tape. We'll have some, too, so don't worry if you forget.

We'll look at games involving strategic decision making and guessing how other players will behave. We'll talk about decision trees, rational behavior, and Nash equilibrium. We'll play some short games demonstrating these concepts.

This course is meant to give you an idea of how to 'determine the unknown by experimentation'.

We'll use very basic probability to establish simple things - the chances of getting heads or tails in a coin toss, the area of a circle, etc.

Finally, we'll have a fun practical hands-on project to determine the value of $$\pi$$ - the winning group will get something yummy to take home! :)


Prerequisites
Nothing really - just an imagination and an idea of what 'probability' is.

Set is a game of visual perception involving a deck of eighty-one unique cards that can be played by people with little or no mathematical background, but the game can also be thought of as a collection of $$3^4$$ objects that can be used to prove things about the game. The class will cover an introduction to modular arithmetic, a proof of why there must be a set given any 21 cards of an 81-card deck, and, assuming time permits, exposure to a few variations of the game and proofs regarding them.


Prerequisites
Algebra I; previous exposure to the game suggested but not required

This class is about several different concepts in mathematics, and how they interact to produce some really stunning results. It's about the power of generalization. And it all starts with one simple question. What is distance?

We'll ask what the most important ideas about the notion of "distance" are, and then find a way to generalize them to places far different than just the distance between two points in space. This will lead us to define mathematical objects called "metric spaces," sets of points where we can tell how far apart two points are, but nothing else. Yet even with just that --- just a notion of distance --- we'll be able to come up with a huge host of results, including, finally, the idea of "compactness," one of the most fundamental notions in mathematics.

These ideas are extremely abstract, and you should come prepared for a very difficult math class. However, when we're done, we'll be able to prove a truly amazing result: every polynomial has a root in the complex numbers. With extra time, we'll use our results to discuss precisely the convergence of sequences and infinite sums.


Prerequisites
A big willingness for generalization, and, if you're not experienced in mathematics beyond school, a willingness to be lost.

Let's play a game! In this course, we'll explore how a number system called the Surreal Numbers can help us understand many different games. Games that, at first glance, look very different turn out to be equivalent because they correspond to the same surreal number. We'll study a variety of games such as Nim, Hackenbush, Domineering, Amazons, and possibly others!

Is math just memorization to you? Do you struggle through tests by memorizing formulas and hoping there are enough clues to know which number to plug in for which variable? Do you hate the word "variable?"

This class may or may not be the cure, but it will show you a new way of thinking about mathematics. We'll see some of the most beautiful --- yes, beautiful --- things about math. Maybe you don't think that math *can* be beautiful. But I think it is, because it gives you insight into the workings of the human mind, much like a good piece of art. Come see why.


Prerequisites
High school algebra.

Ever wonder how music has changed over the centuries? How Bach and Mozart have influenced your favorite pop melodies? In this class, we will trace classical music as it has evolved through the centuries. We will also explore its the ways it shows up popular music today. Join us for a fun, informative look at the history of music!


Prerequisites
None

Come learn a really fun and simple social partner dance, 4-count swing! It's very easy to pick up and can be danced to a wide variety of music.

Partners are not necessary, but you should be prepared to dance barefeet, with socks, or bring dancing shoes.

If you are a follow (usually girls) then sign up for this one, both sign-ups are for the same class. Sign up for the other section if you are a lead.

Come learn a really fun and simple social partner dance, 4-count swing! It's very easy to pick up and can be danced to a wide variety of music.

Partners are not necessary, but you should be prepared to dance barefeet, with socks, or bring dancing shoes.

If you are a lead (usually guys) then sign up for this one, both sign-ups are for the same class. Sign up for the other section if you are a follow.

We are going to teach latin dance, such as salsa, cha cha cha, rumba, samba, mambo, merengue, tumba, bachata, and cumbia. All levels are welcome to try out. It's going to be fun!


Prerequisites
There are no pre requisites. All levels (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) can try out. You don't need to bring a partner.

Back to SPLASH by popular demand… Argentine Tango for Beginners!
Come to this exciting workshop to learn the secrets of Tango, the dance of love and passion that has captivated the minds and bodies of many generations around the world, including Bay Area high schoolers at last Spring's SPLASH.
No partner necessary. Please wear comfortable shoes with soles you can pivot in (leather or suede, not rubber). If you don’t have any, just bring socks that you can put over your shoes. We will teach only one section this Fall so be sure to sign up early as space is limited.

Over a couple of hours we will look at some of the fundamental premises of improvisational theatre and explore them through some specialized games and activities.

We will cover the basics of music theory, including reading treble and bass clef staffs, identifying keys, learning notes and time signatures, and constructing simple chords. Taught with the assumption that students do not already know how to read music. We will also learn the solfege system (do-re-mi) and do some simple sight-reading exercises. Come prepared for some light singing (there will be no solos, I promise!).

Over a couple of hours we will look at some of the fundamental premises of improvisational theatre and explore them through some specialized games and activities.

We are going to teach 4 30-45 beginner workshops for the following dances: American Foxtrot, International Waltz, Salsa and International Cha-cha



Prerequisites
None

A step-by-step presentation of how to adapt the script for a one-act play into the screenplay for a feature film. The teacher will provide concrete examples based on his adaptation of the script for “El Centro Basco,” which was produced for five performances by the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, starting in April 2009. The teacher will contrast the independent film production process with that for theatrical productions. Film excerpts will be shown. The teacher will also provide each student with a complimentary copy of the copyrighted script and screenplay.


Prerequisites
Familiarity with theatrical perfromances and related films.

Do you have notes or chord progressions floating through your head, but don't know how to fit words with them? Do you want to write in a way that feels true to yourself?

Although there is no "one way" to write a song, we will explore different ways to access your own voice, and how it can come out through writing lyrics and melodies. We'll also play with sound, words, rhythm, and movement, to access the mental and emotional parts of ourselves that need a creative outlet. Come with an openness to challenging your creative boundaries, letting your voice out, and having fun together.

Bring the chords in your head, songs-in-progress, or a musical instrument if you've got one!


Prerequisites
Come as you are.

Make-up is a special art in Chinese operas, especially in Peking Opera, where it distinguishes different roles and reveals their dispositions and moral qualities via artistic exaggeration, truthful portrayals and symbolism. A mostly red face, for example, stands for courage and loyalty, and white represents brutality and cruelty.

In this course, we will explore the world of Peking Opera and have fun with the application of face painting. Students will be divided in groups of two. You may design your own Peking Opera characters and paint it on your partner!

Love Mia Michaels? Think that learning a jazz routine would be fun?

Come out and dance with me! We will do a warm-up, cover some basic technique, and learn a short routine. The level is beginning-intermediate with options of challenging yourself with more advanced style. Please come dressed in comfortable clothing that you can move in. No dance shoes necessary.

Join a dermatologist and an artist as they attempt a cross disciplinary experiment. Be a part of a happening Become living sculpture. Perform in a fluxus concert. We will combine performance art, the simple act of washing your face and the acting exercise of a “personal moment” via film fragments in a participatory event.

This course will explore familiar categories such as art/culture, theatre/drama, media/politics, hygiene/ medicine and the public/private practices of everyday life. Through the ritual of washing your face, we will challenge the norm and explore the interrelation, fusion and interdependency of the disciplines above, emerging with an understanding of embodiment and embeddedness.

How will you wash your face?

We will end with an exploration of the “skin ideal,” and its manifestations in art, medicine and society as a whole. We will also learn the basics of skin biology and how to optimize our own skin care regimens (if we really want to…)



Prerequisites
Participants are encouraged to bring a towel.

Cartoons- you probably remember watching Thundercats, Transformers, or Pokemon, but are you aware of the effect these show may have had on you? This seminar's mission is to give students a aew appreciation for children’s media, especially about its careful crafting and implementation for the utmost impact upon innocent children.
I want to expose a close parallel between political socialization through propaganda and children’s media.
I hope that this class will cause its participants to take another look at their childhood and make them pause and reflect upon making a future decision, especially regarding media choices.



Prerequisites
Must have watched children's TV at some point

Learn how to STEP OFF! Using out feet and hands, we'll learn to create hip hop rhythms.


Prerequisites
Participants must wear sneakers

Did you know there are about 50 lightning strikes on Earth every second? That the most powerful lightning in the world is in Kansas? How does a big cloud of water vapor do that?… What actually happens in lightning is very intricate and ranges from the very small sparks that start everything off to the tree-branch structures we see in the sky to the hot channels (hotter than the sun!) that make thunder. This course will talk about Lightning, how, why, and when it happens, and what it can do. We’ll even do some experiments that may shock you - that is, if you want to be shocked.

How Come We Haven't Made an HIV Vaccine Yet? This course will describe the fundamentals of vaccine science and HIV biology, and describe some of the reasons why we as a scientific community and as a society have not been able to come up with a vaccine that can prevent HIV transmission.


Prerequisites
High school biology.

In the future, mankind will head to Mars and make it our second home. But how will this be done? Come learn about terraformation: the process of making a planet more like Earth.

Enzymes, life’s chemists, can accelerate the rates of biological processes by up to 20 orders of magnitude over the uncatalyzed reaction. In this exploration, students will become enzymes (oreo-ases), and experiment with how mutations affect the rates of reaction, to gain an intuitive understanding of enzyme kinetics. Also, using HIV protease as the case study, students will explore the atomic level details of how mutations affect the structure of the enzyme, which, in turn, affects the rate at which it can carry out reactions. We will use a molecular viewer (SwissPDB) in this part of the exploration.


Prerequisites
A good knowledge of chemistry and chemical kinetics would be helpful but not required.

This course will cover the basic properties and processes of the atmosphere, weather, and storms. Topics discussed include the structure of the atmosphere, why the wind blows, how clouds and precipitation form, and the science behind lightning and thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Several in-class demonstrations will help illustrate these concepts.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites needed

We are used to thinking of the universe as a hot
place, full of bright stars, quasars, gamma ray bursts,
and so on. So, instead, what I want to do is to try to persuade you that the universe is a remarkably cool place. We will discuss the coldest things in the universe as well as the basics of temperature and light.

Some lesser-evolved organisms have the ability to regenerate parts of their bodies. Starfish can grow new arms, lizards can grow new tails, and tarantellas can regenerate their legs. Why then can’t highly evolved humans do the same? Join us to learn a little about stem cells and how exciting new advances in stem cells are starting to change the way we think about regenerative medicine.


Prerequisites
A little bio knowledge would nice but not necessary!

Charles Darwin's theory of Evolution by Natural Selection ranks among the greatest achievements of humankind, and yet it has not been widely accepted by the American public (according to one poll, more Americans believe in flying saucers than in evolution). In this course, we'll talk about what Darwin's theory actually says and try to understand the evidence that it's based on. Then, we'll talk about common misunderstandings of the theory that lead some people to reject it. Finally, we'll look at some real-world examples of how our understanding of Evolution has benefited mankind.


Prerequisites
Very basic understanding of biology (you should know what a cell is, what a gene is, what DNA is, etc.)

The Physics of the everyday world, how balls roll, people walk, boats float, planes fly, and rollercoasters work. While not as exotic as some of the other concepts in physics, it is the basis of most of what will follow and it has some pretty wild ideas in its own right.

We are a bunch of Neuroscience graduate students and we are really passionate about learning and teaching about the brain. It is after all, the most important organ of the body! What is the brain? What makes up a brain? What does the brain do? We will attempt to answer these questions and more as well as show you some real brains.


Prerequisites
None

Have you ever wondered what’s going on in your brain when you see that cute girl in chemistry class? Ever wondered how scientists would figure that out?

Come learn about the logic of designing experiments to answer these questions as well as about current research on the biology behind why we find certain people attractive and why some people are more likely than others to stay in committed relationships!

How does a microwave oven work? Why is the sky blue? What are x-rays? This class will illuminate the the topic of electromagnetic radiation.

Our two hour class will start with simple facts about the impact of the disease both locally and internationally. Because our local beneficiary works specifically with people 26 and under, they have great information that is relevant to both high school and college student. We will also provide information on health care in other countries such as Rwanda where our beneficiary is currently located.

The rest of the class will involve us explaining what students can do at their schools to raise money and awareness to combat HIV/AIDS. This will be a session of brainstorming ideas from them but at the same time us explaining what we do and how we do it. The goal is to start getting some of the schools around here to have their own Dance Marathons or even just a 6 hour event.

This is great for anyone that loves to fundraise, wants to learn more about HIV/AIDS and its impact, and anyone who likes to plan parties or dances.


Prerequisites
interest in helping others, having fun doing it, and making a diference

The physics of complicated systems, ensembles, heat and probablities give way to the weird world of the very small and the quantum realm of what really is reality. Why If you have seen one electron you've seen them all, and why in reality you can't stand still if you stay in the same spot.

We’ve all seen elephants and lions in zoos or on TV, but do you know what they do when roaming across the savanna? What plants do they eat? And what happens when they disappear from an ecosystem? In this class, we’ll take a look at what makes an African savanna tick: we’ll start out learning about the main savanna animals, and how the animals and plants work together to create this beautiful and iconic ecosystem. The class will end with a discussion of how people – both in Kenya and around the world – are changing this ecosystem.

With the Space Shuttle program ending and the International Space Station set to de-orbit in a few years, the future of human space exploration is up in the air (literally!). Should we go to Mars next? the Moon? an asteroid? or just stay in low-Earth orbit? This science-based lecture and discussion will enumerate many of the reasons a return to the Moon is in our best interest.

What is it like to ride a beam of light? how fast is fast, and why is gravity more like driving on a curved surface then being pulled by a wire.

A brief look at technology that allows bomb squads, airports, and soldiers abroad to detect explosives, nerve gases, and other dangerous chemicals from a distance. We'll focus on two different sensors, which are made from polymers (long repeating chains of atoms) that conduct electricity. If you enjoy chemistry, you will enjoy this class.


Prerequisites
About a year of high school chemistry would be good (in particular, bonding, electronegativity, and intermolecular forces)

As much as many of us want to see wildlife when we go for a walk, animals are often secretive and hard to spot. However, as animals move they leave behind tracks that can be found and interpreted by the observant tracker. In this class we will talk about how to identify tracks from bay-area species like coyote, bobcat, deer, raccoon and others. In addition to tracks, I will also talk about how a group of tracks can be taken together to interpret how the animal was moving and observing the environment from its perspective. Additionally, we will also discuss remaining aware of “sign” (e.g. chewed vegetation and bird calls) and how to hone your skills in urban areas.


Prerequisites
None

Have you ever wondered about why we get sick and how we can protect ourselves from pathological agents that exist everywhere? Besides viruses and bacteria, do you know that we can also be attacked by a variety of parasites? In this class we will discuss the biology, ecology, evolution, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and prevention of a few parasitic diseases that infect humans. In addition you will gain a better understanding of the host-parasite relationship in the context of a deadly parasite--malaria.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in biology, i.e. human body parts and immunology, is preferred but not required. As long as you have an interest in learning about diseases and preventive measures, that's what counts.

This course is an introduction to the pill and other forms of birth control. We will discuss the risks and benefits to various methods of birth control. If you're curious about what you should know about the pill, sign on up!


Prerequisites
None

Come and learn about one of the most enthralling areas of science, yet one of the most poorly understood. Quantum mechanics dominates in systems that are much smaller than we are used to in our everyday lives, such as atoms, and therefore produces unexpected results. In this course, we'll dive into some of the basic postulates and consequences of quantum mechanics, and clear up some common misconceptions.

Where we see our current ideas and descriptions of the natural world and the many holes in them. Where the strange worlds of special relativity and quantum mechanics collide.

In this course, students will learn about the following topics:
How do cancers arise?
How does our immune system protect us against cancers?
What can cancer cells do to evade immune surveillance?
Cancer immunotherapy approaches.
Challenges in clinical trials.

Imagine making something a million times smaller than an ant's eye. That is what nanoscience is all about - moving around microscopic atoms and molecules to make new exciting things. Come explore about the applications of nanoscience all while using food to learn!


Prerequisites
Basic biology background.

The basics of nuclear fusion, the process that powers the stars and maybe humankind one day. This class covers basic principles, such as energy, nuclear binding energy, the main fusion processes, and the conditions needed for fusion. Version "1" is for younger students. The follow-on class "Applications" will cover stellar and terrestrial fusion systems.

Science fiction is rapidly becoming science reality. Do you ever wonder what is the science is behind the coolest mutant powers or the fountain of youth? This course is designed to give students an understanding of genetic principles that impact our lives. With the explosion of medical and genetic advances, today’s students must be literate in scientific terminology and methods of scientific discovery.


Prerequisites
Biology

String theory, Quantum Gravity, Inflation, Supersymmetry phenomenology.
The bleading edge of research today, Why we are building a multi-billion dollar collider in europe to find a particle named after a guy called Higgs, and why the universe might be even stranger then we ever imagined. Plus nods to current topics in reasearch of other physiocs frontiers like in condensed matter theory, Chaos, and Quantum Information science.

Is a trillion larger than ten billion? A question so obvious and yet complex. In our daily lives, we rarely deal with numbers that large, and our minds aren’t tuned to understand them.

Thinking about big numbers is incredibly important in science—where we must consider $$6.02\cdot10^23$$ little atoms flying around right here on Earth, or the $$10^40$$ kilograms in the biggest black holes known to man. But big numbers are also important in the real world—to understand just what a trillion dollar health plan means, or whether playing the lottery is ever a good deal.

You’ll learn how to think outside the box about the large and the small, using techniques developed in the scientific community, and at Harvard Law School. Expect to come out with a new perspective on just how big a trillion is, and just how improbable some events can be.

Use your right brain to release your creative energy. Through various creative methods you will learn to utilize your whole brain. This course is designed for both artists and engineers, writers and scientists. It celebrates a whole brain approach to learning and living.


Prerequisites
You must have a brain.

A brief introduction to special relativity at a high school level. We will cover the need for special relativity, the Michelson-Morley experiment, a few relativistic effects, spacetime diagrams, and resolve the famous paradoxes.


Prerequisites
Fluency with algebra and graphing (on a precalculus level) is required. An introductory high school physics course is helpful but not required. Calculus is helpful but not required.

Since the existence of two sexes, there has always been a race to be the sexiest. Animals have been growing and shaking tail feathers and competing for the chance to mate with that oh-so-desired member of the opposite sex for millenia. Find out what defines "sexy" in the animal kingdom and how sex drives evolution.



Prerequisites
A decent level of maturity

This class will be about different kinds of Leukemia and the genes that maybe involved in causing the disease. What do we know about the function of these genes and what are we doing about the information we have to make drugs.

With NASA, I was leading a project that was using inspiration from Biology/Nature to make revolutionary things happen. One such thing was to make flight on Mars possible by inspiration from insects and birds
Mars has a very thin atmosphere which makes it hard to fly traditional airplanes up there for exploring it. I will describe to you creative ways by which attempts are being made, or can be made to make Mars/planetary exploration more feasible using bio-inspired ideas. The main focus of this class will be on showing you how Nature/Biology can inspire us to accomplish new solutions to problems that were very hard or impossible to do otherwise.

Stem cells are in the news everyday ranging from treating cerebral palsy to offering potential solutions to blindness. What are the newest developments in stem cell research? How is this research done while maintaining ethical standards?


Prerequisites
High school biology background is preferred but not required

Did you know that fruits like strawberries have DNA, just like we humans do? What makes a strawberry's DNA different from that of humans? Come learn more about the biologic basics of DNA as we explore and even extract DNA ourselves!

In this class, we will learn how to make a lemon battery and run real digital clocks and calculators on your lemon batteries. Interested? Join in and you will have lot of fun making your own battery with household material. You will also learn what a battery is and how it works.


Prerequisites
No prequisites

The basics of nuclear fusion, the process that powers the stars and maybe humankind one day. This class covers basic principles, such as energy, nuclear binding energy, the main fusion processes, and the conditions needed for fusion. Version "2" is for older students. The follow-on class "Applications" will cover stellar and terrestrial fusion systems.

This course will use fun and interactive methods to get students engaged in meaningful and stimulating discussions about sex and sexuality. The class will be as much me teaching you as you teaching me. We will discuss issues ranging from relationships to STDs to pop culture. If you've never gotten a chance to explore these topics, but have always wanted to - then this is the class for you!

We can only live in and observe one universe - fortunately the one we have is fascinating. In this class we will explore space on the largest scales, learning about what all is out there, what we know about our place in the cosmos, galaxies, dark matter, dark energy, how it all started, and where it might be going.

We will survey the relationship that humans have with the trillions of bacteria that live on and inside of them. This will include how these bacteria need people, but will focus mainly on how these bacteria contribute to general human health.


Prerequisites
None.

Did you know you can model most of the visible universe using just a web browser? Most of us don't give a second thought to our place in the universe. Most people are happy knowing that days come and go, tides rise and fall and seasons pass, but they don't know why these things happen. With a model of the solar system you can explore our place in the universe: see what things looks like from a different planet, work out why it took so long for scientists to get the world's oldest science right, predict solar eclipses, follow the crazy paths comets trace out in the sky, and more! Perfect for budding astronomers!


Prerequisites
If you've got laptop then bring that along! If you have one of these browsers then that's perfect: Firefox, Safari. If you've not got a laptop then come along anyway- we have enough for everyone! If you have any experience with computer programing you'll have a blast.

You are under attack! Constantly. Every minute. Every second. Fungi, viruses, bacteria -- they all try to invade your body. The one thing keeping them at bay: your immune system. It works hard to fight them off, and is extremely successful. Find out what cells make up your immune system, how they function, how they protect you from viruses, bacteria, amoeba and other evil pathogens.

And how some pathogens fight back...

Imagine a worm tunneling through your body and coming out your leg, or a fly that lays eggs in your sinuses. Strange but true. Come learn about the fascinating mechanisms parasites- from viruses to insects- use to make a home and a food source out of our bodies, all while masterfully evading our immune system. Students will then invent their own parasite, with prizes for the most creative one.


Prerequisites
Some basic biology recommended

We will briefly discuss some of the science behind making ice cream with an eye toward making it better (and safely). Largely directed by the students, we will be experimenting with various ice cream recipes and flavors. To test the quality of our batches, we will practice the related skill of eating ice cream. Due to time constraints liquid nitrogen will be favored over the traditional crank method.

Covers nuclear fusion in stars, nuclear explosives, and power reactor concepts. Magnetic- and inertial-confinement reactor schemes will be presented. This class is a follow-on to the "Fundamentals" (1 or 2) class. I will assume you know the material covered there for this class (with a brief reminder).

Interactions of molecules are normally studied by mixing billions of molecules together in reactions. But there is a new field emerging that enables the study of single, individual molecules. This could have results ranging from extremely fast and efficient electrical circuits to low-cost sequencing of DNA.

I'll give an overview of some aspects of single molecule science, focusing on recent research. Ample time will be provided for questions and discussions of topics that interest you. There will be a minimum of mathematics; an interest in learning about recent biology/chemistry/physics research is essential.


Prerequisites
First-year biology/chemistry/physics not required, but helpful.

If you could program cells to do anything for you, what would you make them do? Sounds like science fiction, but it’s becoming reality. In this class you’ll step into the shoes of a synthetic biologist.

We will design genes and genomes from scratch on the computer, learn how to synthesize the DNA we design, and discuss how to get cells to use our designs. In other words, we will rewrite cells’ genetic codes. Scientists are using this powerful new type of genetic engineering for all kinds of problems that haven’t been solved by standard chemistry or engineering: producing biofuels, cleaning up oil spills, synthesizing new antimalarial drugs, making cancer-killing cellular machines, and more. We’ll talk about these current applications and future ones (what would YOU design?), and talk about ethical concerns with the technology.

Pre/co-requisite: AP biology.



Prerequisites
AP biology

Have you ever wondered what kind insect you found flying outside your window, crawling on your dog, or hovering over a flower?

By using a dichotomous key and a brief introduction to insect anatomy, we will spend most of our time using pinned and live specimens to practice our insect identification skills. Because saying, "I found a lepidoptera pollinating my begonias" is so much cooler than, "Hey, there's a bug."


Prerequisites
A willingness to pick up or be in close proximity to live or dead insects.

People born in the 1960s witnessed the evolution of the 8-track into the cassette tape, then into CDs, then DVDs, then iPods.

They may have spent $5000 buying one of the first IBM PCs, only to realize that 20 years later they can now buy a machine 5000 times faster for $300.

Then came the Internet, e-commerce, Google, YouTube, Wikipedia, Facebook, and more.

Cell phones, which were expensive bricks 25 years ago, are now smaller than a wallet, and in the process of becoming portals to the Internet.

Science and technology are revolutionizing humanity: the way we live, how we interact. and the way we spend our time. Moreover, progress is accelerating, as scientists build upon past knowledge and experience, and each generation of scientists push harder and faster than the one before.

What scientific and technological inventions and breakthroughs will we see in our lives? Where is humanity headed? Will society be able to keep up?

Ever wanted to know how the universe we know today evolved, how stars work, what a pulsar is or what the future of our universe may look like? If so, then this class is perfect for you! If not, this class is perfect for you -- it's really interesting!


Prerequisites
Interest in the Subject!

We are in California, one of the most exciting places to study and see amazing geology. We will learn about the geology of the place we live in, how rocks form, how mountains, lakes and oceans take shape, and figure out why earthquakes occur. Session will include basic earthquake safety, short field-trip to the Mineral Exhibit at Branner Library and a hands-on examination of rocks and minerals.


Prerequisites
None

As we fight diseases better, and learn how to live longer and healthier, we face new enemies and one of them is cancer. Another reason why you hear more about cancer is because we have better tools to find cancer soon. The sooner we get to a "diagnosis", the better we can treat people and the longer and healthier we can make them.

Still the fight is not over. For the most part, it has just begun.

We will talk about our bodies, our cells, how cancer arises and we will also discuss a few "choices" we can make to try and beat cancer.

The class will be in three parts: Understanding the body and cancer ; Diagnosis and Treatment ; Fighting Cancer.


Prerequisites
A passion to live and stay healthy, fight and survive, and of course a little bit of Biology. Expect to ask and try to answer a lot of questions!

Green. By now you may have seen this word just about in every time you look at commercials or company websites. But what about Global warming and how will it effect all of our futures. This course will be going over all the basics of everything from carbon footprints to natural resource destructions. The content of the material is provided by a Non-Profit organization called Alliance for Climate Education. This class is perfect for anybody who is interested in learning about the environment and what can be done.

Like the sea the brain does not give up her mysteries without a fight. Science, however is relentless. In this brief course I present my top 5 most awe inspiring, face melting, fuse popping secrets that the brain has given up to date. These secrets that will change the way you look at the world and yourself (unless you know all of this stuff already). I will cover topics ranging from the neuroscience of animal superpowers to how the brain just plain makes stuff up. Your nucleus accumbens will fire my friend ...that much I will promise you.


Prerequisites
Interest in the subject matter

Ever here about the eruption of Mt. St Helens? Mt. Pinatubo? The ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii? Did you know that there are active volcanoes right here in California?

Come learn about the science of predicting when the next volcanic eruption may occur! Topics will include types of volcanoes, styles of eruptions, the tools volcanologists use to monitor volcanoes, and the interface between science and society.


Prerequisites
No special knowledge is required, but high school level math, chemistry, and physics will be helpful.

We encounter waves all the time. From sounds to water waves in the bathtub, to electromagnetic waves and seismic waves (in California, at least), and even quantum mechanical waves that are responsible for, among other things, the structure of the atom. What makes a wave wave? What do these seemingly disparate systems have in common that allows waves to happen? We'll discuss some interesting wave phenomena and ask what the behavior of more familiar waves can tell us about how quantum mechanical waves behave. In particular this course will treat diffraction, interference, chromatic dispersion, wave packets, and phase velocity vs. group velocity.


Prerequisites
Algebra II/Trigonometry