Splash! Spring 2014
Course Catalog
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This is the course catalog for our past spring Splash in 2014.
Biological and Medical Science
B3363: How to Distinguish Medical Knowledge from Hoaxes?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kun-Hsing Yu
There are lots of newspaper articles talking about the "recent advances in health sciences". Some suggest "beer helps to prevent cancer", others assert "beer increased risks of getting cancer". Which one should we believe?
How do doctors decide what to do when coming across contrary scientific evidences? And what doctors don't know about the surgery they perform or the drugs they prescribe?
We will do some hands-on experiments on drawing conclusions in the world of uncertainty, and take a quick survey of current methodologies in medical sciences.
Prerequisites
Have flipped coins, or played any other games involving probability or uncertainty.
How do doctors decide what to do when coming across contrary scientific evidences? And what doctors don't know about the surgery they perform or the drugs they prescribe?
We will do some hands-on experiments on drawing conclusions in the world of uncertainty, and take a quick survey of current methodologies in medical sciences.
Prerequisites
Have flipped coins, or played any other games involving probability or uncertainty.
B3410: HIV/AIDS: The History, The Virus, and The Present Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Devan Diwanji,
Katherine Nabel
Think you know what HIV is? Want to become an expert on HIV/AIDS? In this class, you can. In our informal seminar we aim to investigate the history of the domestic and global HIV/AIDS epidemic, mechanisms of viral transmission and cellular entry, and current research and preventative educational directions.
Prerequisites
High school biology recommended
Prerequisites
High school biology recommended
B3431: A brief introduction to population genetics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nandita Garud,
Sandeep Venkataram
The human genome is comprised of three billion base pairs, of which, 99% are identical across the entire human population. Only a very small fraction of the genome harbors any variation. It is this small, variable fraction that plays an important role in natural selection and can inform us about events such as demography.
With genomic sequencing technology becoming increasingly cheap and accessible to the public, we are now entering an exciting era of personalized genomics and medicine. In this course, we will learn about the signatures of genetic variation that can help us understand our susceptibility to diseases and our human demographic history.
With genomic sequencing technology becoming increasingly cheap and accessible to the public, we are now entering an exciting era of personalized genomics and medicine. In this course, we will learn about the signatures of genetic variation that can help us understand our susceptibility to diseases and our human demographic history.
B3486: All about bees!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jason Schwarz
Come learn a bit about honeybees! Not only do they produce delicious honey, they also pollinate flowers, allowing us to enjoy almonds, plums, apples, oranges, raspberries, mustard, cabbage, and many other fruits, nuts and vegetables! What's so special about the queen bee? And what are drones? How do hives of 50,000 bees live in such harmony? Have you heard that bees are in trouble? Why are they in danger and what can we do to help them?
In this class, you will learn about the honeybee lifecycle, how bee hives function, how and why we keep bees, and the problems facing bees right now.
Prerequisites
High school biology
In this class, you will learn about the honeybee lifecycle, how bee hives function, how and why we keep bees, and the problems facing bees right now.
Prerequisites
High school biology
B3612: Ethics of Scientific and Medical Research
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Paul Nuyujukian
Learn about the core ethical ideas that govern all scientific and medical research. Discover the criteria that must be met for medical research and clinical trials. Explore the level of adherence of various forms of scientific research to these core principles and the means of oversight setup to ensure research is conducted in an ethical manner. We will also explore specific topics, examples, and cases; where the ethics of research are non-trivial to evaluate and often accompanied with social controversy. We will apply the core principles learned to actively debated areas of scientific and medical research.
B3693: Observing Ocean Biology from Space
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kate Lowry
Marine phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that form the base of the food web in the ocean, take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and produce the oxygen that we breathe.
In this class, you will learn about how satellite images taken from space can be used to study phytoplankton in the ocean.
We will explore the theory behind ocean remote sensing, the types of satellites that image the ocean, and how you can access satellite images of the ocean to do your own scientific research!
In this class, you will learn about how satellite images taken from space can be used to study phytoplankton in the ocean.
We will explore the theory behind ocean remote sensing, the types of satellites that image the ocean, and how you can access satellite images of the ocean to do your own scientific research!
B3381: Sleep and Dreams 101
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jaz Salomón,
Lauren Wedekind
Have you ever wondered what happens in the third of our lives that we spend sleeping? A lot more than you might think. Sleep stages, lucid dreaming, sleep disorders, and the dangers of sleep deprivation are all covered in this course. Drowsiness is red alert!
B3497: DNA FUN
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Dena Leeman,
Jana Lim
In this class we will discuss DNA and the properties of DNA, and use this knowledge to figure out how to extract DNA from strawberries or other things (you can pick!)! Come ready to act like a scientist to solve the mystery of how to extract DNA - you will have the chance to experiment and see amazing things before your very eyes!
B3516: The Inner Life of a Cell: How Our Cells Use DNA to Give Us Everything We Need
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Chris Miller
This class will explore the basic machinery inside of a typical human cell and how it uses this equipment to transform DNA into mRNA and proteins that are essential for everyday life, while also providing students with an appreciation of how cells accomplish these extraordinary functions---automatically and with amazing speed and accuracy.
Prerequisites
High-school biology that includes a basic understanding of cell structure and DNA structure
Prerequisites
High-school biology that includes a basic understanding of cell structure and DNA structure
B3706: Dendrology Walk: An Introduction to Tree Biology and Identification
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Henrietta Bennett
This class uses Stanford's collection of indigenous and imported plants to demonstrate interesting facts and features about trees.
During a walking tour of campus, students will learn about tree anatomy, ecology, and the cultural relevance of certain tree species.
Students will also learn the identifying characteristics of common tree families.
Prerequisites
None
During a walking tour of campus, students will learn about tree anatomy, ecology, and the cultural relevance of certain tree species.
Students will also learn the identifying characteristics of common tree families.
Prerequisites
None
B3392: The Challenging Case of Robin Roberts
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Suparna Dutt
When standard treatments fail to cure blood cancers then bone marrow transplantation is the only curative option. Patients receive bone marrow cells from a healthy donor. This provides a new healthy immune system that helps keep the cancer cells from reappearing. Good Morning America host Robin Roberts received a bone marrow transplant in 2012 for this reason. Stanford researcher Dr. Suparna Dutt will give an overview of Bone Marrow Transplantation- Blood Stem Cell Therapy that has saved thousands of lives over the past 30 years.
Prerequisites
Grade 7
Prerequisites
Grade 7
B3480: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the RNA Galaxy
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Brian Do
We’re usually taught that RNA is the "ugly duckling" in the cell. But over the past decade, monumental advances have completely redefined its role in the cell. We now know that RNA comes in different sizes, shapes, and identities, and by virtue of this flexibility, cells use them as crucial factors in immune defense, development, and environmental responses. RNA is also being commandeered by scientists in novel ways to revolutionize our study of diseases and molecular mechanisms. From simple concepts, we’ll embark on a whirlwind tour of the currently known RNA world, and you will leave the class with knowledge at the cutting edge of RNA biology. You will not only have an appreciation for how dynamic the cell really is, but also understand how RNA makes all of this possible.
Prerequisites
Currently taking or have taken AP Biology, or some experience in biology research
Prerequisites
Currently taking or have taken AP Biology, or some experience in biology research
B3549: Coughs, sneezes and wheezes
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Mary Cavanagh
How are you feeling? Have you been sick this winter and wondered why your immune system let you down? Do you suffer from asthma or allergies? In this class, we'll discuss the immune system. What are the cells involved? How do they communicate and coordinate to make an immune response? How do vaccines work? What happens when the immune system goes wrong (allergies, asthma and immune pathologies).
Prerequisites
Some basic biology knowledge and previous experience using a microscope would be an advantage but are not required. This class will involve (if allowed!) pricking your own finger an looking at white blood cells under a microscope. You will not be required to prick your finger to attend.
Prerequisites
Some basic biology knowledge and previous experience using a microscope would be an advantage but are not required. This class will involve (if allowed!) pricking your own finger an looking at white blood cells under a microscope. You will not be required to prick your finger to attend.
B3588: Termite Trails: How to Lead Your Insect Army
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Vander Harris
Come learn how to effectively command termites to follow your every order. Learn about the power of pheromones and how they can be used to lead your army of termites to victory.
B3613: Introduction to Neuroprosthetics
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Paul Nuyujukian
Learn about the emerging field of neural prosthetics: electronic systems that interface with and connect to the brain and nervous system. We will start with a brief introduction to neuroscience as well as some of the guiding principles used in the field, transitioning to real-world examples. This class will cover descriptions of neural prosthetic systems that are commercially available or under active development. Systems discussed will include retinal prostheses, cochlear implants, and cortical communication and motor prosthetics.
B3629: How scientists tell stories -- a case study in genetics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Yifei Men
You may have heard of the term "the selfish gene." (If you haven't don't worry, we'll go through where it came from and what it means.) But are genes really all self-centered things that fail at sharing, or is the whole 'selfish gene' just a story that scientists made up?
In this session we will first talk about some basics of genetics and understand why genes appear to be selfish; we will then discuss alternative personalities of genes (hint: some genes are nicer than others!). At the end of the class, you'll have a chance to tell your own scientific story by creating your own characters and plots.
Prerequisites
Some background in biology will be helpful but not necessary
In this session we will first talk about some basics of genetics and understand why genes appear to be selfish; we will then discuss alternative personalities of genes (hint: some genes are nicer than others!). At the end of the class, you'll have a chance to tell your own scientific story by creating your own characters and plots.
Prerequisites
Some background in biology will be helpful but not necessary
B3652: Small things make big differences: how nanotechnology changes our lives?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jiang Yang
Nano science is the subject that investigates extremely tiny things. Nano is a controlled matter typically ranging from 1-100 nanometers (10^-9 m) where their unique properties enable novel applications. They are so small that even regular microscopy can hardly visualize them. Are there any such tiny things around us and affect our lives? We can't even live without some of them? This class gives a brief introduction to the world of nanotechnology and unveils the unnoticeable nano-related things in our lives, with some hands-on experiments.
B3694: Doing Science at Sea: Polar Oceanography Fieldwork
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kate Lowry
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be an oceanographer who goes to sea to study the ocean? Or what it is like to do research in Antarctica or the Arctic?
In this class, you will see pictures and hear stories of sea ice, science, and marine life in the polar ocean. You will also learn what it is like to live on a ship at sea for more than 50 days!
In this class, you will see pictures and hear stories of sea ice, science, and marine life in the polar ocean. You will also learn what it is like to live on a ship at sea for more than 50 days!
B3517: Cranial Nerves and Neurological Exams
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Chris Miller
This class will explore the basic structure and function of cranial nerves and then use this new knowledge to understand some of the diseases that result when they are damaged and how doctors check for them by performing some common neurological tests.
B3659: Getting a ‘taste’ of experimental biology: DNA extraction from strawberries
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Tricia Deng,
Jillynne Quinn
In this section, students will get a basic introduction about the molecule that is the blueprint of life: DNA. After learning about some of its physical and biological properties, we will isolate DNA from strawberries, which you can then take home!
Prerequisites
Do you like strawberries? Note that eating one is not required.
Prerequisites
Do you like strawberries? Note that eating one is not required.
B3430: Welcome to Your Brain
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Suraj Pradhan,
George Vidal
Ever wonder how your brain helps make you who you are? How does your brain help you see and move? Can we come up with a cure for brain diseases? This class is a hands-on introduction to the brain and its various functions. You'll get to see and touch real human brains and ask your burning questions to Ph.D. students who are becoming brain experts!
B3454: Neuroscience of Pleasure, Pain and Purpose Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Carreon
What motivates us? What systems in the brain drive us one way or another? Why did I just check Facebook again?
In this talk, you’ll learn about sex (now I have your attention :P), addiction, pornography, drugs, altruism, self-control, and even the meaning of life. You’ll learn about how dopamine and oxytocin work and why they matter. You’ll also get some practical advice on ways to boost willpower, develop good habits and break bad ones.
If you’ve got behaviors you’d like to change, you should take this course! :)
In this talk, you’ll learn about sex (now I have your attention :P), addiction, pornography, drugs, altruism, self-control, and even the meaning of life. You’ll learn about how dopamine and oxytocin work and why they matter. You’ll also get some practical advice on ways to boost willpower, develop good habits and break bad ones.
If you’ve got behaviors you’d like to change, you should take this course! :)
B3530: Biotic gaming
Difficulty: **
Interested in biology? Interested in games? Come to our session on biotic games and learn how to combine these interests! In this session you will combine biology, optics, fluidics, electronics, and programming to create a cool game where you interact directly with biology.
B3701: It was the potato salad...in the kitchen...WITH THE SALMONELLA
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Angela Cattani
Ever wondered how scientists can connect the dots from food poisoning in California to a poultry farm in the Midwest? Or seen the movie Contagion and wondered how accurate its portrayal of public health really is? In this class, we'll be investigating the science of public health through real-life case studies of food-bourne illness and other health crises in populations.
And we will, of course, finish class with a tasty snack of... (properly refrigerated!) potato salad.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic science vocabulary will be helpful.
And we will, of course, finish class with a tasty snack of... (properly refrigerated!) potato salad.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic science vocabulary will be helpful.
B3372: The Science of Optical Illusions
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Chris Baldassano
Seeing the world around us feels effortless, but our visual system is actually incredibly complicated. We automatically use assumptions about the natural world to influence the way we see objects, and our brain has specialized areas to process different types of visual information. In this class, we’ll use optical illusions to investigate the surprisingly complex tricks that our brains use to help us understand the world. We’ll learn that all of us are partially blind, that colors are not what they seem, why faces are so important, and much more!
B3420: Neuroscience
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Everett Frost
I will talk about modern neuroscience from a biology perspective. Topics will include optogenetics, cellular transport, devices and techniques in research. I plan on delivering some prepared remarks/presentation but am very flexible based on student interest.
Prerequisites
Curiosity, some basic biology or science background useful but not required
Prerequisites
Curiosity, some basic biology or science background useful but not required
B3470: Microscopic Puzzles: How to Build an RNA Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Clarence Cheng,
Thomas Mann
Just as a key must be the right shape to open a lock, the exact shapes of molecules in our bodies dictates their functions. One major type of molecule in our cells, RNA, is important for controlling how our genetic code makes us who we are, and understanding how RNA molecules fold into their proper shapes is a critical puzzle that scientists seek to solve.
Through a series of biology-inspired logic puzzles and discussions, learn about the challenges facing scientists who aim to be able to predict the shapes of RNA and design all-new RNAs to do exciting, original things.
Through a series of biology-inspired logic puzzles and discussions, learn about the challenges facing scientists who aim to be able to predict the shapes of RNA and design all-new RNAs to do exciting, original things.
B3518: Heart Physiology: How the Heart Works and What Can Go Wrong
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Chris Miller
This class will explore the basic composition of blood, structure of the heart, and process of blood circulation---and then use this new knowledge to explain common medical issues such as blood types, heart rate, blood pressure, heart attacks, sickle-cell anemia, stroke, and more.
Prerequisites
High school biology that includes a basic understanding of the human body
Prerequisites
High school biology that includes a basic understanding of the human body
B3535: Why do we need flu shot?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mrinmoy Sanyal
This class will give an overview of human immune system followed by an introduction on how our body recognizes different infectious agents like bacteria and virus. Then we will discuss how our immune system fights infection. Finally, benefits of immunization like flu shot will be discussed.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
B3536: Chocolate Food of the Gods
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Howard Peters
A fun lecture on the biology, chemistry, biochemistry, religious, social , economic aspects of chocolate.
Small samples of chocolate will be provided for attendees for comparison.
For those who stay to the bitter end, there will be a free drawing for bittersweet chocolate.
Prerequisites
none - as taught before
Small samples of chocolate will be provided for attendees for comparison.
For those who stay to the bitter end, there will be a free drawing for bittersweet chocolate.
Prerequisites
none - as taught before
B3553: Introduction to Dream Theories
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Devangi Vivrekar
Why do we dream? Is dreaming therapeutic? Is it an evolutionary advantage? Do dreams represent our subconscious selves? Come learn about some of the research and theories that try to answer these questions!
Prerequisites
None!
Prerequisites
None!
B3585: Vegetarianism. Is it for Me?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Raji Lukkoor
To present a lesson on vegetarianism; to help bring about awareness of foods that constitute a wholesome vegetarian diet with an understanding of how eating more fruits and vegetables can improve our overall health and well-being; to offer a few general guidelines to those who want to adopt some form of vegetarianism; and to provide insight on why going vegetarian is good for the planet.
B3361: Adult Stem Cells
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Shrividhya Srinivasan
Embryonic stem cells have been in the limelight for a while now. But scientists are also interested in another class of stem cells - the adult stem cells. What are they and why are they important? What happens when adult stem cells stop functioning as they were programmed to?
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of cell biology concepts, specifically cell division and cell signaling.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of cell biology concepts, specifically cell division and cell signaling.
B3451: Psychology and Neuroscience of Religion
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Carreon
What is meditation? Why do people believe in God? What’s it like to have an ecstatic experience?
This course will talk about the latest science of religion, pulling in anthropological, psychological, and neurological perspectives. We’ll talk about why belief in something like God has been so darned persistent throughout human evolution. We’ll discuss what it’s like for a “believer,” and also take a look at religious brains in action. We’ll discuss both Western and Eastern experiences including prayer, ecstatic experience, meditation and ritual.
We’ll also talk about practical take-home lessons we can learn from these extreme brain states.
You’ll learn:
-Why babies are religious.
-What it's like to die.
-What the “God spot” is in the brain and whether or not magnetic stimulation can cause religious experience.
-The difference between mindfulness, meditation and prayer and why it’s important.
-And more!
[Warning: Close-minded people should not take this class. It will involve objectively evaluating the claims of various religious people]
This course will talk about the latest science of religion, pulling in anthropological, psychological, and neurological perspectives. We’ll talk about why belief in something like God has been so darned persistent throughout human evolution. We’ll discuss what it’s like for a “believer,” and also take a look at religious brains in action. We’ll discuss both Western and Eastern experiences including prayer, ecstatic experience, meditation and ritual.
We’ll also talk about practical take-home lessons we can learn from these extreme brain states.
You’ll learn:
-Why babies are religious.
-What it's like to die.
-What the “God spot” is in the brain and whether or not magnetic stimulation can cause religious experience.
-The difference between mindfulness, meditation and prayer and why it’s important.
-And more!
[Warning: Close-minded people should not take this class. It will involve objectively evaluating the claims of various religious people]
B3528: Microbes and Mud!
Difficulty: *
Mud is not just for little children. There's a lot of great biology going on down in the muck. Did you know that there are microbes that breathe metal and ones that will die if they're exposed to oxygen? There's a whole world of bacteria that has nothing to do with the stuff we worry about being in your food. We'll be making and learning about Winogradsky columns (self sustaining microbial ecosystems that fit in a soda bottle) that show the amazing diversity of microbes in a clear, colorful way that you can take home and watch grow.
Prerequisites
A willingness to get your hands dirty!
Prerequisites
A willingness to get your hands dirty!
B3562: It Looks Human: Exploring Bad Biology in Movies and Television
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Mike Brown,
Billy Lau
A lot of the science fiction you watch has, well, less science than fiction. In this course, we'll:
-discuss how bad science in movies and TV can have a negative effect on our culture
-see some specific examples of bad biology in popular media
-talk about the real science behind these misrepresentations
-show how it would be possible to fix these problems without affecting artistic integrity
-learn how to identify good and bad science on your own
Prerequisites
Be a fan of TV shows and movies
-discuss how bad science in movies and TV can have a negative effect on our culture
-see some specific examples of bad biology in popular media
-talk about the real science behind these misrepresentations
-show how it would be possible to fix these problems without affecting artistic integrity
-learn how to identify good and bad science on your own
Prerequisites
Be a fan of TV shows and movies
B3356: Intro to Epigenetics: From Development to Cancer
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Melissa Ko
Does DNA determine exactly how a living organism will look or behave?
How do all the many cells in the human body function differently despite having the same DNA?
Discover how non-genetic factors in our cells lead to a diversity of cell states or identities, allowing us to function as complex, multicellular organisms, but also causing serious problems such as cancer when these factors go awry.
Prerequisites
basic understanding of cancer and cell biology (if you know what oncogenes are, the structure of DNA, and what a cell is made of, you will be fine)
How do all the many cells in the human body function differently despite having the same DNA?
Discover how non-genetic factors in our cells lead to a diversity of cell states or identities, allowing us to function as complex, multicellular organisms, but also causing serious problems such as cancer when these factors go awry.
Prerequisites
basic understanding of cancer and cell biology (if you know what oncogenes are, the structure of DNA, and what a cell is made of, you will be fine)
B3438: The Human Body from the Inside
Difficulty: **
Medical students will take you through a tour of human anatomy. Note: students will learn with human cadavers, people who have died and donated their bodies to be studied by medical students. Students who are squeamish or uncomfortable around dead bodies should not enroll in this class.
B3501: Parasitic Worms: The Monsters Within
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Connie Fung,
Katie Wu
Parasitic worms have been living inside the human body since times before our earliest recorded history. Unlike the infectious microbes that cause diseases more familiar to us (i.e. the flu, the common cold, gastroenteritis, etc.), adult worms tend not to be microscopic in size—some can even reach 10-20 meters in length (imagine that living inside your gut)! Come and learn about how these disgusting yet fascinating creatures find their way into human hosts, where and how they survive within the human body, and the consequences that may result from worm infections, ranging from blindness to severe deformation of body parts to impairment of physical and mental development.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology would be great, and an interest in learning cool things about infectious organisms will be a plus!
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology would be great, and an interest in learning cool things about infectious organisms will be a plus!
B3519: Action Potentials: How Neurons Use Electricity and Chemicals to Send Signals
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Chris Miller
This class will explore the process of how neurons send signals throughout the brain and to the rest of the body by opening and closing ion channels and releasing chemical neurotransmitters. It will then use this new knowledge to briefly explain common medical problems ranging from seizures to depression and more.
Prerequisites
1) High school biology that includes cell structure and function as well as membrane transport 2) High school physical science or chemistry that includes basic understanding of concentration, ions, electrical charge, and simple line graphs
Prerequisites
1) High school biology that includes cell structure and function as well as membrane transport 2) High school physical science or chemistry that includes basic understanding of concentration, ions, electrical charge, and simple line graphs
B3634: The Science of Taste Perception
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Dan Sakaguchi,
Jacob Waggoner
Have you ever wondered why your food tastes the way it does? Why does salt make your food taste better, and why does milk help cool you down after eating a spicy pepper? In this class we will discuss the chemistry and psychology of taste, taste-testing included! We'll talk about the types of taste, discuss how they differ from each other chemically, and chat about how the brain perceives different flavors. In the end we'll talk about ways in which you can trick your sense of taste, allowing you the opportunity to try a miracle berry, which makes sour foods suddenly taste sweet!
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
B3722: To Test or Not To Test? The Ethical Debates of Genetically Inherited Diseases
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ravali Reddy,
Lina Vadlamani
If you could find out whether you will develop a disease with no known cure, would you want to know?
This course will provide an introduction to the science behind Huntington’s Disease, which is a genetically inherited disease that affects both the mind and the body. After an overview of cool topics like DNA and genetics, we will talk about genetic testing – what that is, and how it applies to parents or children who may have Huntington’s Disease. You will then use this knowledge to debate the ethical concerns that arise when screening for inherited diseases.
If your parents have Huntington’s Disease, would you get tested? If you were going to have children but did not know if you had the disease, would you get tested? Would you have kids if you tested positive?
Prerequisites
Basic biology knowledge is helpful, but we'll provide a quick intro at the beginning of the course for context!
This course will provide an introduction to the science behind Huntington’s Disease, which is a genetically inherited disease that affects both the mind and the body. After an overview of cool topics like DNA and genetics, we will talk about genetic testing – what that is, and how it applies to parents or children who may have Huntington’s Disease. You will then use this knowledge to debate the ethical concerns that arise when screening for inherited diseases.
If your parents have Huntington’s Disease, would you get tested? If you were going to have children but did not know if you had the disease, would you get tested? Would you have kids if you tested positive?
Prerequisites
Basic biology knowledge is helpful, but we'll provide a quick intro at the beginning of the course for context!
B3364: The Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation of African Elephants
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Patrick Freeman
Elephants have fascinated humans for centuries. Their immense size, their curious physiology, and most recently their complex social lives. However, humans have also heavily exploited elephants for their valuable ivory tusks and another surge in hunting for ivory threatens the future of elephants across Africa. In this class students will get the chance to learn about the ecology of elephants, some fascinating facts about their behavior, and what challenges exist to their conservation!
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
B3455: Practical Neuroscience
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Carreon
What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger?
You’ll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We’ll cover what you need to know about the brain.
If you’ve got a brain, you should take this course! :)
You’ll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We’ll cover what you need to know about the brain.
If you’ve got a brain, you should take this course! :)
B3661: Genes, Genetic Engineering, and Synthetic Biology
Difficulty: **
This class will go over some basics of molecular biology - or how DNA is converted into proteins. Proteins are what give the different parts of life their special characteristics. The class will then demonstrate some exciting applications of this knowledge, showing how people can engineer cells to glow different colors, make cool spider silk, or control the brain.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
B3670: Molecular Biophysics: How Life Works at the Smallest Scale
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Andrew Savinov
At the smallest scale, life is made possible by very special molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins. Yet though they are special, these molecules follow the same physical rules as the rest of the universe. Molecular biophysics is the study of how these molecules of life physically work. In this class we will explore selected topics in molecular biophysics, looking at different examples of how biological molecules function and what experiments we can do to uncover these molecules’ mysteries.
Prerequisites
Prior exposure to basic biology and/or chemistry and/or physics will be helpful.
Prerequisites
Prior exposure to basic biology and/or chemistry and/or physics will be helpful.
B3450: Unraveling Your DNA
Difficulty: **
Ever wonder what your DNA looks like, up-close and personal? DNA is the most important molecule in our bodies, but we rarely stop and think about what the 6 billion letters of DNA in our genomes are really doing! In this class, you’ll get the inside scoop on DNA: what it looks like, how it copies itself, how changes in DNA can happen, and how scientists study DNA in the lab. We’ll also talk about some bioethical concerns that accompany our growing knowledge of DNA. We’ll debate tough questions, like: Do scientists have the right to patent DNA? Should we create synthetic life just because we can? Do we need to worry about genetically modified foods? Come discuss these DNA dilemmas with fellow students and some real life scientists. And best of all, you’ll isolate your own DNA and get to take it home with you, a test-tube full of the DNA blueprint that makes each of us who we are!
Prerequisites
As long as you're excited to learn about DNA and debate some bioethical questions, we'd love to have you join us!
Prerequisites
As long as you're excited to learn about DNA and debate some bioethical questions, we'd love to have you join us!
B3456: Mind and Body: How Your Mind Makes It Real
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Carreon
Can a sugar-pill cause morphine release? Can hypnosis cure blindness? Can looks kill (literally)? Can getting shot not hurt?
We'll talk about old history and new science developing around "mind-body" medicine, how your mind and brain affect your body in really interesting ways. We'll meet people with paralysis who can regain their movement, and blind people can regain their sight by the power of words. We'll see how the brain can produce pain completely independently of any "physical" cause. We'll discuss theories of how the brain might be involved in diseases like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.
If that's not enough, you'll learn about ritual executions that rely on the victim's expectation, and soldiers in WWII who get shot but don't seem to mind.
In short, we'll explore the strange and perplexing frontier where Mind meets Body.
We'll talk about old history and new science developing around "mind-body" medicine, how your mind and brain affect your body in really interesting ways. We'll meet people with paralysis who can regain their movement, and blind people can regain their sight by the power of words. We'll see how the brain can produce pain completely independently of any "physical" cause. We'll discuss theories of how the brain might be involved in diseases like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.
If that's not enough, you'll learn about ritual executions that rely on the victim's expectation, and soldiers in WWII who get shot but don't seem to mind.
In short, we'll explore the strange and perplexing frontier where Mind meets Body.
B3515: Evolution: Myths and Truths
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Chris Miller
This class will explore the most common misconceptions regarding evolution by natural selection and explain the basic mechanisms that allow species to change over time and adapt to their environments and the major events that have occurred from the origin of life leading up to the appearance of modern humans.
B3594: Why do you need to get a flu shot every year?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Joyce Wong
Why is it that most of your vaccinations are over with just a few doses which may be spaced out over years, while you must endure the long lineups and unpleasant jab in the arm for your flu vaccination once a year for a lifetime? Learn about the molecular mechanisms driving change in the influenza virus, resulting in the annual arms race of flu monitoring and vaccine generation. The ability of influenza to undergo rapid gene mutation and genetic reassortment, leading to changes in the structure of key proteins that allow the virus to evade the body’s defenses, will be covered.
Prerequisites
basic knowledge of cell biology and biological molecules (nucleic acid, protein) would be helpful.
Prerequisites
basic knowledge of cell biology and biological molecules (nucleic acid, protein) would be helpful.
B3626: Inside Out: Skeletal Anatomy
Difficulty: *
Have you ever wanted to know what your body actually looks like on the inside? Well, now you can! Come learn about your skeletal anatomy by looking at and analyzing real bones from people and animals!
B3360: Heart 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Martha Dadala,
Beulah Dadala
Biological and Medical Science
Prerequisites
Why is your heart so important? What could you do without it? What makes it so special? What can go wrong with the heart? Find out how the heart works and what it does!
Prerequisites
Why is your heart so important? What could you do without it? What makes it so special? What can go wrong with the heart? Find out how the heart works and what it does!
B3397: Cancer Biology for Dummies
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Stephanie Casey
One in every three women and one in two men will contract it. We wear cute pink tee shirts and run 3 Days for it. You pay $20 of hard-earned cash to your friends who do Team in Training. But how much do you really know about cancer? In this class, we'll discuss causes, biology, types, and treatments for cancer.
B3447: Enzymes-The Key to Life
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Michael Su
For hundreds of years, enzymes have been used by almost every organism to perform crucial functions to sustain life. In this class, we will learn exactly how enzymes work and why they literally are the keys to survival. Together, we will participate in a series of interactive discussions and a hands-on activity to fully understand the power and potential of enzymes. We will also briefly explore some of the ongoing research towards using those enzymes to create new medicines and other natural products.
Prerequisites
High school biology and chemistry.
Prerequisites
High school biology and chemistry.
B3457: The Science of Willpower
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Carreon
The Art and Science of Piloting Your Self
From ancient sages to modern science, we'll talk about this most central of human virtues.
Why don't we do what we want? Why do we procrastinate? Check FB? Eat more than we wanted?
We'll talk about the neuroscience of it, the biochemistry of it, and the practice of it. We've been at this a long time, so you'll hear from the Greeks, Eastern sages, from modern scientists, and willpower Olympians.
-Why your willpower is powered by sugar
-The top exercises proven to increase your willpower
-The crazy scientist who showed that willpower was like a muscle
-People whose willpower puts us all to shame
Whatever it is you want to accomplish, willpower will help you do it. And this class will help you build willpower.
From ancient sages to modern science, we'll talk about this most central of human virtues.
Why don't we do what we want? Why do we procrastinate? Check FB? Eat more than we wanted?
We'll talk about the neuroscience of it, the biochemistry of it, and the practice of it. We've been at this a long time, so you'll hear from the Greeks, Eastern sages, from modern scientists, and willpower Olympians.
-Why your willpower is powered by sugar
-The top exercises proven to increase your willpower
-The crazy scientist who showed that willpower was like a muscle
-People whose willpower puts us all to shame
Whatever it is you want to accomplish, willpower will help you do it. And this class will help you build willpower.
B3514: Brain Basics: How Our Brains Encode Who We Are
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Chris Miller
This class will explore the basic structure and function of the nervous system and show students how the brain enables and encodes sensation, movement, language, memory, personality, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions--as well as tell the fascinating stories of how scientific pioneers made these remarkable discoveries.
Prerequisites
N/A
Prerequisites
N/A
B3667: Hepatitis B: What Should I Know?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lina Vadlamani
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease that affects the liver and can lead to liver cancer. Although it affects everyone, it is particularly prevalent in Asians and Pacific Islanders and is an interesting health disparity in our time. Learn more about the disease, the people affected by Hep B, and what you can do to fight against it!
B informed, B tested, B free!
Prerequisites
None! Everyone is welcome!
B informed, B tested, B free!
Prerequisites
None! Everyone is welcome!
B3716: New ethical and security questions in the age of designer biology
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alex Yuan
Recent advances in biotechnology have enormous potential for good: Some scientists can now grow bladders and windpipes, while others are developing bacteria that destroy cancer cells.
On the other hand, with great power comes great responsibility, and some folks are worried about the ethical and security-based challenges of new biotechnologies. A 2012 article in The Atlantic magazine (written in part by a microbiologist) warns of a world where viruses are engineered to carry out assassinations. Some technologies allow people to control the actions of animals in a very direct way.
Does someone have a responsibility to make sure that these technologies are used in a safe and ethical way? If so, who is in charge? The government? Ethicists? Scientists? Patients who benefit from new therapies?
In this seminar we will explore a few technologies that have enormous power to make the world better but have also been cited as having potential for misuse. The class will be discussion based; after understanding the basics of the science we will spend most of our time talking about questions to which there is quite possibly no one right answer.
On the other hand, with great power comes great responsibility, and some folks are worried about the ethical and security-based challenges of new biotechnologies. A 2012 article in The Atlantic magazine (written in part by a microbiologist) warns of a world where viruses are engineered to carry out assassinations. Some technologies allow people to control the actions of animals in a very direct way.
Does someone have a responsibility to make sure that these technologies are used in a safe and ethical way? If so, who is in charge? The government? Ethicists? Scientists? Patients who benefit from new therapies?
In this seminar we will explore a few technologies that have enormous power to make the world better but have also been cited as having potential for misuse. The class will be discussion based; after understanding the basics of the science we will spend most of our time talking about questions to which there is quite possibly no one right answer.
B3559: Wrap Your Brain Around It
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Julia Turan
Learn about the brain in a different way- not just about your neurons, but all the other cells in the human brain!
Prerequisites
None! (although a little biology background would obviously be good)
Prerequisites
None! (although a little biology background would obviously be good)
B3644: Forever Young! Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Elena Mancini
The class is divided in 2 section. In the first part I'll provide a general overview about healthy eating, active lifestyle, and longevity. I'll introduce some basic concept of healthy meal (five food groups) and I'll explain why some food choices are better than others. In the second part the kids will be asked to create an healthy meal containing food from each food groups. The kids will be divided in 4 groups and each group will be responsible of one meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks). At the end of the activities each group has to explain to the class which ingredients they picked and why they are good for them.
B3679: Mind, Self, Society: Mental Health & the Brain
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jimmy He,
Virginia Wang
Did you know that mental health issues affect one in every five American families?
Mental health is often a difficult subject to speak openly about. This may be for several reasons, including the unwillingness and fear of individuals to see themselves or others close to them as "diseased", the lack of a culturally sensitive, mainstream vocabulary for the discussion of mental health issues, and the stigma of seeking aid or treatment for psychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, by not speaking openly and competently about these issues, we as a society risk leaving many individuals untreated, endangering their lives and damaging their communities and families, and holding back on potential advancements in care.
The aim of this class is to promote more open and informed conversations about mental health issues and their impacts in the larger community. We hope to shed some light on different types of mental health disorders, their current care and treatment methods, and perhaps most importantly, how we as students can serve as allies to those who seek to make mental health a priority in their lives and to those who are struggling with mental health issues.
Prerequisites
Willingness to learn! Trigger warning for discussion about trauma, rape, depression, suicide.
Mental health is often a difficult subject to speak openly about. This may be for several reasons, including the unwillingness and fear of individuals to see themselves or others close to them as "diseased", the lack of a culturally sensitive, mainstream vocabulary for the discussion of mental health issues, and the stigma of seeking aid or treatment for psychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, by not speaking openly and competently about these issues, we as a society risk leaving many individuals untreated, endangering their lives and damaging their communities and families, and holding back on potential advancements in care.
The aim of this class is to promote more open and informed conversations about mental health issues and their impacts in the larger community. We hope to shed some light on different types of mental health disorders, their current care and treatment methods, and perhaps most importantly, how we as students can serve as allies to those who seek to make mental health a priority in their lives and to those who are struggling with mental health issues.
Prerequisites
Willingness to learn! Trigger warning for discussion about trauma, rape, depression, suicide.
Engineering
E3604: Designing Products by Storytelling a Great User Experience
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tyler Bengtson
Did you ever wish you were a better storyteller?
Storytelling is one of the clearest and most profound ways we communicate ideas. It also is a design technique for creating great products with amazing user experiences--even before you know what the product will be or how it will be built.
This class is an interesting mix of product design, story form and improv technique. We will not focus on theory, but rather on real techniques used by the designers who have created some of your favorite products.
So come learn how to create products people love by telling a better story, whether you are a poet, an engineer, or some favor in between.
Prerequisites
Must be a human with a desire to make life better for people.
Storytelling is one of the clearest and most profound ways we communicate ideas. It also is a design technique for creating great products with amazing user experiences--even before you know what the product will be or how it will be built.
This class is an interesting mix of product design, story form and improv technique. We will not focus on theory, but rather on real techniques used by the designers who have created some of your favorite products.
So come learn how to create products people love by telling a better story, whether you are a poet, an engineer, or some favor in between.
Prerequisites
Must be a human with a desire to make life better for people.
E3542: LightUp Electronics Playground: Learn by Making!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Joshua Chan
Snap together LightUp's magnetic blocks to build a working electronic circuit in seconds, even if you've never built one before. Take a photo of your circuit with the LightUp Learning app to get some immediate guidance or see an enlightening animation. Finally, program your circuit to do something cool with our Arduino-compatible microcontroller block.
E3633: Engineering Design: From Start to Finish
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Chrystal Lau,
Austin Lewis
This class will lead students through two design challenges. While these projects have a foundation in engineering and physical concepts, these tasks also demonstrate the importance of creativity and teamwork. The first design challenge involves building a high rise from simple materials like marshmallows, spaghetti string, and tape. This tower will have to withstand different types of "naturally" occurring forces. The second design challenge consists of building an aluminum boat that can hold pennies. There will be a competition to see which boat holds the greatest number of pennies. Then, if time permits, students will get the chance to rebuild their boats using their knowledge from their first attempt. Each of these challenges will be performed in teams. Ideally, these groups will consist of no more than 4-5 students.
Prerequisites
None, other than an excitement within a team!
Prerequisites
None, other than an excitement within a team!
E3672: The Truth About Flight
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rick Fenrich
What makes an airplane fly? Why are airplanes shaped like they are? This class takes a brief look at the history, physics, and engineering behind flight, and ends with a paper airplane contest where you can test out your own flying creation.
Prerequisites
Basic physics is helpful, but not necessary.
Prerequisites
Basic physics is helpful, but not necessary.
E3406: Wireless Music Transmission and Build Your Own Speaker
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sandra Kjono,
Nicole Rodia
Each student will build a simple speaker. We will transmit music wirelessly and learn about sound, how speakers work, and basic circuits.
Prerequisites
Please bring a portable music player such as an MP3 player or smartphone.
Prerequisites
Please bring a portable music player such as an MP3 player or smartphone.
E3464: Flexible and Wearable Electronics Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Huiliang Wang
Interested in learning more about the next cutting edge technology that will affect our daily life?
Here is the opportunity to understand about the applications, materials, advantages and challenges in the field of Flexible and Wearable electronics.
Here is the opportunity to understand about the applications, materials, advantages and challenges in the field of Flexible and Wearable electronics.
E3713: How This Website Works Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jordan Moldow
Ever wonder what was actually going on when Splash registration opened? Find out how the Splash website (or any website) works behind the scenes.
We’ll cover, very briefly, the basics of all the major concepts of web design, including HTML, CSS, databases, client-side and server-side scripting, servers, version controlling, and caching. All examples will be taken from the Splash website.
If time allows, we’ll take a look at some of the administrative portions of the website - the pages that help the Splash directors administer the program.
This class will be an overview of many different concepts of web design, and how they interact. It will not be an in-depth look at any one concept, though links to resources for additional learning will be provided.
No computer experience is required. In fact, if you have a lot of computer experience, you’ll probably be bored. But if you don’t already know most of the terms listed in the description, then you’re encouraged to register for this class!
We’ll cover, very briefly, the basics of all the major concepts of web design, including HTML, CSS, databases, client-side and server-side scripting, servers, version controlling, and caching. All examples will be taken from the Splash website.
If time allows, we’ll take a look at some of the administrative portions of the website - the pages that help the Splash directors administer the program.
This class will be an overview of many different concepts of web design, and how they interact. It will not be an in-depth look at any one concept, though links to resources for additional learning will be provided.
No computer experience is required. In fact, if you have a lot of computer experience, you’ll probably be bored. But if you don’t already know most of the terms listed in the description, then you’re encouraged to register for this class!
E3708: Topics in Engineering and Computer Science
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Corinne Horn
This class is hosted by IEEE (Institutes for Electronics and Electrical Engineering) and the point of this class is to be an open discussion about studying engineering and computer science.
This class is meant to be a discussion about a career in engineering, math, and/or computer science. If time permits, we will talk about a cool concept from one of these areas.
This class is meant to be a discussion about a career in engineering, math, and/or computer science. If time permits, we will talk about a cool concept from one of these areas.
E3390: Biomaterials Design for Tissue Engineering
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Midori Greenwood-Goodwin
"Will Your Next Burger Come From a Petri Dish?" Come to this class to learn the science behind the headlines! You will learn about how animal cells are cultured outside the body, and materials design for tissue engineering applications. A few applications that will be discussed include delivery of stem cells, 3D printing of tissues, and food tissues.
Prerequisites
Some basic biology knowledge and an interest in engineering design principles.
Prerequisites
Some basic biology knowledge and an interest in engineering design principles.
E3538: Invention Explained using Patented Toys as Props
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Howard Peters
You don't need to be a rocket scientist to be an inventor. This is a fun lecture describing the invention process in the USA to protect the intellectual property (IP. A free drawing will be held at the end of the talk for attendees for a patented toy SLINKY, FRISBEE, Yo-Yo) with a copy of the issued US patent.
Prerequisites
nonr - as taught before.
Prerequisites
nonr - as taught before.
E3597: Solar Cells
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Artit Wangperawong,
Yesheng Yee
Ever wondered how sunlight is converted to electrons that we can use for energy? This class will cover the basics of how a solar cell works. No prior knowledge or experience necessary. Just come with your curiosity and questions. Instructor has extensive experience in the field.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
E3610: Basics of Building Embedded Electronics
Ever wanted to build electronic gadgets but does not know where to start? In this short course we will teach you the basics of designing DIY embedded projects. We will use an arduino microcontroller as the processing unit, and you will learn to use both hardware and software methods to build a simple LED based game including push buttons and blinking LEDs. These knowledge will equip you for more complex electronic projects in the future.
Prerequisites
Basic coding in any language.
Prerequisites
Basic coding in any language.
E3394: Introductory Concepts in Biophysics
Difficulty: ***
Serves to introduce advanced high school students to cutting-edge research in the field of biophysics and how to perform calculations needed to study biology from a physical standpoint. Some topics that will be covered: Protein composition and structure and the role of protein structure to function Enzymes: basic concepts and kinetics Effect of force on chemical reaction kinetics Polymer dynamics and its role in biological function Will refer to recent publications from the field.
Prerequisites
General Chemistry, General Physics
Prerequisites
General Chemistry, General Physics
E3414: Polymers
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Joseph Barakat
Come and learn about some of the wonderful applications of polymers, from elastic materials to electronic devices to strange fluids. Concepts will be illustrated through hands-on activities.
E3705: How Cars become Safe
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Chengyue Li
Cars have never been as safe as they are today! Modern technologies have allowed cars to be safer both in preventing collisions and when collisions are inevitable. This class will not only teach you what these technologies are, but also challenge your presumptions: is it true that more rigid cars are always safer? By beautifully and simply applying basic physics to answer these questions, hopefully you will get to know the basic mechanisms of these technologies and the principles behind designing structurally safer cars.
Prerequisites
Just some interest in learning about this topic! Some understanding of physic such as F=ma will help but is not required.
Prerequisites
Just some interest in learning about this topic! Some understanding of physic such as F=ma will help but is not required.
E3460: Introduction to Polymers
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Chao Wang
The future is world of polymers! If you look around yourself, more and more traditional materials are now replaced by polymers. So join us to know the history and the future of polymers!
E3476: Arduinos: Building and Breaking Things for Kicks and Giggles
Difficulty: **
You will:
1. Build things.
2. Break things.
3. Make lights flash, buzzers buzz, and teach electronics to move, blink, and spin at your beck and call (and code.)
4. Have the time of your life.
5. Repeat.
Prerequisites
Advanced knowledge of quantum mechanics, machine learning techniques, and a basic understanding of rocket science. Alternatively: bring nothing, learn everything, and come prepared to have a blast.
1. Build things.
2. Break things.
3. Make lights flash, buzzers buzz, and teach electronics to move, blink, and spin at your beck and call (and code.)
4. Have the time of your life.
5. Repeat.
Prerequisites
Advanced knowledge of quantum mechanics, machine learning techniques, and a basic understanding of rocket science. Alternatively: bring nothing, learn everything, and come prepared to have a blast.
E3586: Seeing the world in a different light: Optics and spectroscopy
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Paul Shen
Light is composed of many "wavelengths" each responsible for a different color. In this class we'll pass light reflected from ordinary objects through a "diffraction grating" that separates out the different wavelengths. You'll see a rainbow of colors. Finally, we'll show how this science of "spectroscopy" is used in the real world to fingerprint different materials.
E3611: Introduction to Earthquake Engineering
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Cristian Acevedo
Earthquakes are one of Earth's most devastating phenomena. Come learn about earthquake mechanisms and design of structures in earthquake prone areas (like California) and experience shaking first hand!
The class will cover the basic physics behind structural earthquake engineering design; the focus will be on explaining concepts through demonstrations.
The class will cover the basic physics behind structural earthquake engineering design; the focus will be on explaining concepts through demonstrations.
E3650: How to Design a Great Product
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Michael Si
This class will discuss on the characteristics that make industrial products successful. We will look at products that exemplify and defy various design considerations, such as human fit, aesthetics, craftsmanship, etc. There will be many examples, case studies, and active discussions. It is supposed to be visual, fun, and interactive.
Prerequisites
Interest in art, engineering, and design!
Prerequisites
Interest in art, engineering, and design!
E3685: What's inside a Computer? - Unraveling the Mystery
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Anand Sampat
We'll take a top-down journey from the exterior of the computer to the components down into the circuits and devices that make it up. Once and for all we can all know what hardware really makes the computer work and makes it the amazing computing tool that it is today. Be prepared to learn about the history, the components, the people, and the companies behind the modern day computer and be ready to unravel the mystery that is the computer.
E3459: Making Bioplastics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Delaney Sullivan
What is bioplastic and how is it made? In this class, we will explore the properties of plastics derived from biomass and how they compare to traditional plastics. We will investigate the biochemistry of starch-based bioplastics and we will make thermoplastic starch, the most common type of bioplastic.
Prerequisites
Basic chemistry and/or biology
Prerequisites
Basic chemistry and/or biology
E3503: Engineering clean water- figuring out filtration
Difficulty: **
We will be teaching about water contamination and processes that are used to treat water to make it safe for drinking. The activity will allow students to design filters to clean water that is visibly dirty (i.e. turbid). We will split the students into groups of 3-4, and they will have the opportunity to make filters out of different materials to clean the water.
E3704: Who wants to be a millionaire
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kevin Wang
There are no guaranteed ways to becoming a millionaire, but there are ways for every person to increase his/her wealth over time.
This class will cover the basics of how to make your money work for you. We'll talk about ways to invest, the risks with investing, and how long it'll take before you can become a millionaire.
Prerequisites
Just a little bit of multiplication and division
This class will cover the basics of how to make your money work for you. We'll talk about ways to invest, the risks with investing, and how long it'll take before you can become a millionaire.
Prerequisites
Just a little bit of multiplication and division
E3359: 3D Printing: CAD to Kickstareter
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ben Allen,
Dave Lewis,
Riley Lewis,
Maher Osman,
KamyaK Venkatesan,
henry crome,
michael tuason
Come and learn how 3D printing can let you take a creative idea through a design process into a real object and even on to a successful Kickstarter.
Students will learn about the program at DCS/UPS and Silicon Valley Flex before they get a chance to see 3D printers in action and even create a small item of their own.
Students will get a chance to meet Henry and Riley who launched successful Kickstarters while in middle school.
At the end of the session participants will be able to:
- Define CAD
- Describe the process of 3D Printing
- Give a brief history of 3D printing
- Describe the "workflow" of going from a design to a tangible object in 3D printing
- Describe Kickstarter
- Print a small object of their own
Prerequisites
None
Students will learn about the program at DCS/UPS and Silicon Valley Flex before they get a chance to see 3D printers in action and even create a small item of their own.
Students will get a chance to meet Henry and Riley who launched successful Kickstarters while in middle school.
At the end of the session participants will be able to:
- Define CAD
- Describe the process of 3D Printing
- Give a brief history of 3D printing
- Describe the "workflow" of going from a design to a tangible object in 3D printing
- Describe Kickstarter
- Print a small object of their own
Prerequisites
None
E3717: How to Make a Calculator (on paper)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jordan Moldow
How does your calculator work? Surprisingly, the answer is not "magic". Rather, basic calculators only need two things: a voltage source, and some circuit elements. Even your computers use this simple technique to perform arithmetic!
In this class, we will discuss all of the core concepts needed to make a calculator, or arithmetic unit. We will also design our own calculator circuit diagrams on paper.
We will start by lerning binary arithmetic. While you may be used to decimal arithmetic (where numbers use the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9), in order to effectively harness the power of electricity, we must do arithmetic with only two digits, 0 and 1.
Then we will do computations on binary numbers in useful ways, using boolean logic gates, which have analogous circuit elements in real-life computers. Finally, after some practice, we will put all of our gates together to make a binary number adder.
No background in binary numbers, logic, or circuits is necessary. This class will teach everything you need to know in order to design your adder.
In this class, we will discuss all of the core concepts needed to make a calculator, or arithmetic unit. We will also design our own calculator circuit diagrams on paper.
We will start by lerning binary arithmetic. While you may be used to decimal arithmetic (where numbers use the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9), in order to effectively harness the power of electricity, we must do arithmetic with only two digits, 0 and 1.
Then we will do computations on binary numbers in useful ways, using boolean logic gates, which have analogous circuit elements in real-life computers. Finally, after some practice, we will put all of our gates together to make a binary number adder.
No background in binary numbers, logic, or circuits is necessary. This class will teach everything you need to know in order to design your adder.
E3370: Measure Your Heartbeat with Bio-Electronics!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nicholas Su
Students will learn about the field of bioelectronics, learn about basic circuit components and spend most of the class constructing a pulse-oximeter to measure their heart rate. Hopefully they will all work and can be demonstrated once completed!
Prerequisites
Just a little physics, and enthusiasm about building stuff!
Prerequisites
Just a little physics, and enthusiasm about building stuff!
E3493: Everything is Awesome! - Design Thinking with Legos
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kristen Pownell
Ever wanted to design something awesome but didn't know how? In this class, you'll use design thinking based off Stanford's Institute of Design to invent something that solves a real world problem and prototype it with legos! Save the world, and play with legos, all in one.
E3627: Design Workshop: Happy Spaces, Happy Faces
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Erica Savig
We will work together to design ways to bring happiness to children who must spend time living in the hospital. A little background will be given to expand your thinking about emotional environments for children. You will then learn a variety of methods that can be applied to designing for problems big and small, before working in small groups to design some kind of solution - as realistic or fantastical as you'd like to make it. Bring an open mind, drawing hands (even ones that don't draw so well) and a big heart.
E3631: Zero-Gravity and Water Bottle Rockets
Difficulty: *
Come design, build, and launch your own water bottle rockets! Learn about the basic principles behind the best design.
FUN FACT: The people presenting this will have just returned from Texas after flying in a zero-gravity plane --hear about their experience and ask them questions!
Prerequisites
FUN FACT: The people presenting this will have just returned from Texas after flying in a zero-gravity plane --hear about their experience and ask them questions!
Prerequisites
E3674: Scene to Screen: How Cameras Work
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Schuyler Smith
Most of us have cameras in our pockets all the time, so it's easy to take them for granted. However, a lot of engineering goes into making the experience of taking a picture as easy and seamless as it is today. In this class we'll learn about the entire image pipeline, from lenses (what is chromatic aberration? how does a zoom lens work?, how does autofocus work?) to sensors (how do we detect color? what is sensor noise?) to processing (how does JPEG compression work? what is a color space?) and displays (how does an LCD work?).
Prerequisites
Some high school level trigonometry and physics will be assumed.
Prerequisites
Some high school level trigonometry and physics will be assumed.
E3682: Make Your Own Digital Circuit!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sunil Pai
In the fall, I had taught a class on basic digital electronics, but I didn't have the opportunity to teach students how to actually build and debug circuits. Fret no longer! This time, I plan to teach you not just basic digital electronics, but also how exciting it is to build and test your own clocks, counters, and logic circuits! Prior attendance at the fall class not required.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of circuits at the level of high school physics
Prerequisites
Knowledge of circuits at the level of high school physics
E3730: Space Communications
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Sawson Taheri
This class will cover the basics of radio communication, with an emphasis on space based radio communication. Learn about:
-Radio theory
-Antennas
-Time domain vs Frequency Domain
-Digital communication
-How to track and communicate with satellites
Students will get a chance to make their own amateur radio satellite contact!
Prerequisites
-Completion of beginning Algebra -Motivation to learn
-Radio theory
-Antennas
-Time domain vs Frequency Domain
-Digital communication
-How to track and communicate with satellites
Students will get a chance to make their own amateur radio satellite contact!
Prerequisites
-Completion of beginning Algebra -Motivation to learn
Hobbies
H3560: Intro to Jewelry Making
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Beatriz Cuevas
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make jewelry? Well, now is your chance! In this class you will learn the basics about jewelry making. You can make earrings, bracelets, or necklaces for you and your family and friends. Everyone is welcome!
Prerequisites
No experience necessary! I will teach you what you need to know :)
Prerequisites
No experience necessary! I will teach you what you need to know :)
H3401: Music 4 Social Change/Music Sharing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kenneth Huo
Music 4 Social Change: Music Sharing - Rock, Pop, Urban, Folk, Soul, Country, Opera, etc...
Bring your iPod, iPhone, iPad, your mobile devices, and share with us your favorite music, songs, music videos, you can sing, dance and perform for us and teach and sing along with us!
You can bring the music your created, and share with us!
Prerequisites
N/A
Bring your iPod, iPhone, iPad, your mobile devices, and share with us your favorite music, songs, music videos, you can sing, dance and perform for us and teach and sing along with us!
You can bring the music your created, and share with us!
Prerequisites
N/A
H3573: Motorcycles and Mechanisms
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Joe Johnson
We’ll be taking apart my Honda Dream motorcycle and exploring how it works.
Here’s a picture of a motorcycle similar to mine: http://www.rcycle.com/Ken_Fisher_Honda_305_Dream_068_cropped_op_800x512.jpg
Prerequisites
Be hands-on, desire to understand how things work
Here’s a picture of a motorcycle similar to mine: http://www.rcycle.com/Ken_Fisher_Honda_305_Dream_068_cropped_op_800x512.jpg
Prerequisites
Be hands-on, desire to understand how things work
H3666: Information Theory Powered Magic Tricks
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nick Sovich
Learn some incredibly cool magic tricks. For each trick we will explore the basic mathematics of information theory that allows the trick to work. Through this analysis we will prove that some types of other tricks are actually impossible, and prove that others are very possible.
H3402: Architecture 4 Humanity/Passion 4 Future
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kenneth Huo
Architecture 4 Humanity:
If you like architecture, we will talk and share about world architecture, we will be sharing about the architects in the world, that we love, from Frank Gehry, to Daniel Libeskind, from refugee camps to Crystal Palace, from your house to
Bauhaus!
Prerequisites
N/A
If you like architecture, we will talk and share about world architecture, we will be sharing about the architects in the world, that we love, from Frank Gehry, to Daniel Libeskind, from refugee camps to Crystal Palace, from your house to
Bauhaus!
Prerequisites
N/A
H3442: Vocaloid: The Fan Phenomenon
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Russell Chou
Have you heard of supercell? Do you know who Hatsune Miku is? We’ll examine how Japanese MAD’s and the virtual singing idol software Vocaloid have impacted Japanese (and now the world’s) popular culture.
H3441: What the heck is Touhou?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Russell Chou
You might have heard of Touhou Project, a series of indie shoot-em-up games that have taken the anime-comic-game community by storm, racking up hits on websites such as Pixiv, NicoNicoDouga, and conventions like Comiket and abroad. Come learn about why it is the #1 most popular fan franchise in internet history!
H3399: Action 4 Nature - Hawkwatching
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kenneth Huo
Action 4 Nature -
We will be talking about Hawkwatching, The Biology of Birds of Prey on Stanford Campus!
Bring your binoculars, scopes, your sketch books and your stories of birds/hawkwatching!
Prerequisites
N/A
We will be talking about Hawkwatching, The Biology of Birds of Prey on Stanford Campus!
Bring your binoculars, scopes, your sketch books and your stories of birds/hawkwatching!
Prerequisites
N/A
H3640: Not Only Knots!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
SY Qian
In this class we will look at different knots, practical and decorative, and the focus will be on the Chinese knots. Students will learn about the background, see some examples, and best of all, learn to tie 12 basic knots and more.
H3507: Introduction to Photography
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Tony Jin
Come find out what makes a great photo! You'll learn about topics like composition, exposure, lighting, etc. Don't know what those are? Great! We'll teach you all that. You'll come out of the class with a better understanding of how a camera works so you can use that knowledge to your advantage and show off your awesome photography to your friends!
After a brief lecture, we will go on a walking tour of the magnificent Stanford campus. We will start in the Main Quad and visit many other locations, taking pictures as we go. At the end we can compare photos on a computer and even edit them if we have time.
Prerequisites
A camera is required for this course, preferably a camera with manual controls such as a DSLR. You do not need previous experience in photography.
After a brief lecture, we will go on a walking tour of the magnificent Stanford campus. We will start in the Main Quad and visit many other locations, taking pictures as we go. At the end we can compare photos on a computer and even edit them if we have time.
Prerequisites
A camera is required for this course, preferably a camera with manual controls such as a DSLR. You do not need previous experience in photography.
H3400: Hoops 4 Hope - Dribble Like a PRO
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kenneth Huo
Sports 4 Humanity/Sports 4 Social Change - Dribble Like a PRO!
If you enjoy mingling with other students and dribbling your basketball like a PRO, joining us for some fun!
Bring your own basketballs!
Prerequisites
N/A
If you enjoy mingling with other students and dribbling your basketball like a PRO, joining us for some fun!
Bring your own basketballs!
Prerequisites
N/A
H3416: Advanced Knots
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Whalen
Sure, you can tie a square knot and a bowline, but there’s much more out there. Come learn to craft the butterfly knot, the icicle hitch, the zeppelin bend and whatever else we can teach you in 45 minutes.
H3435: Magic: the Gathering! A Collectable Card Game
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Lam,
Matt Stadnik
Magic: the Gathering is one of the oldest collectable card games and is still played today by thousands of people.
In this class, we’ll go over the basic rules of the game, find out why Magic is such an awesome game, and then make our own decks and play them against other people!
You’ll leave with a lot of free cards, an understanding of the game of Magic, and a great time!
Prerequisites
No experience required, but people that have some knowledge of Magic are advised to contact me @ lamdavid@stanford.edu before signing up. All you have to bring is an open mind and excitement.
In this class, we’ll go over the basic rules of the game, find out why Magic is such an awesome game, and then make our own decks and play them against other people!
You’ll leave with a lot of free cards, an understanding of the game of Magic, and a great time!
Prerequisites
No experience required, but people that have some knowledge of Magic are advised to contact me @ lamdavid@stanford.edu before signing up. All you have to bring is an open mind and excitement.
H3564: Crocheting Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
AFROZ ALGIERS
Crocheting is a process of creating fabric from yarn, thread, or other material strands using a crochet hook. The word is derived from the French word "crochet", meaning hook.
Crocheting can be a rewarding and fun hobby that can keep you company through long bus/train rides or rainy/snowy days. You always have something beautiful at the end to keep or gift to someone you love!
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.
Crocheting can be a rewarding and fun hobby that can keep you company through long bus/train rides or rainy/snowy days. You always have something beautiful at the end to keep or gift to someone you love!
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.
H3581: Intro to Magic Tricks!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
AFROZ ALGIERS,
Raja Srivastav Chirravuri
This class will go over basic card and coin magic tricks that can be used in everyday life to entertain the people around you!
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.
H3711: What makes a game fun ?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jean-Baptiste Boin
We've all played various kinds of games, and after spending some time on one of them, we usually get a clear idea of how fun it is. Trying to explain what makes a good game is however not easy to explain at all, and even the most brilliant minds have trouble answering it.
This class will introduce you to the basics of game design, and we will try to explain why players enjoy jumping on Goombas in Mario or collecting rupees in Zelda. We will look at many successful games (some board games but mostly video games, old or new), and try to define the common characteristics that make them really appealing to most players. We will deal with concepts like feedback, risk and reward, gameplay loops, etc, and explain why game design can make or break a game.
Whether you're planning to start a career in game industry or just playing games regularly (any kind, really !), this class will give you interesting insight in gameplay mechanics and hopefully help you analyze your own experiences. Picking up a gamepad will never be the same thing again !
Prerequisites
Anyone interested in understanding games is welcome !
This class will introduce you to the basics of game design, and we will try to explain why players enjoy jumping on Goombas in Mario or collecting rupees in Zelda. We will look at many successful games (some board games but mostly video games, old or new), and try to define the common characteristics that make them really appealing to most players. We will deal with concepts like feedback, risk and reward, gameplay loops, etc, and explain why game design can make or break a game.
Whether you're planning to start a career in game industry or just playing games regularly (any kind, really !), this class will give you interesting insight in gameplay mechanics and hopefully help you analyze your own experiences. Picking up a gamepad will never be the same thing again !
Prerequisites
Anyone interested in understanding games is welcome !
H3388: Horses 101
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Carson Kautz
A crash course in horses covering anatomy, basic care and grooming, introduction to specialized equipment, and various disciplines of riding (hunt seat, dressage, western). There will be no riding by students in this class, but with a waiver signed by a parent or guardian, you can cuddle, pet, brush and give treats to the horses as much as your heart desires!
H3506: Technical Aspects of Photography
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Tony Jin
Advanced photographic knowledge and techniques, including exposure triangle, light value, depth of field, lens optics, filters, and image processing tools like Photoshop.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic photography, at the level covered by my class H3507: Introduction to Photography. Due to time constraints, there is no hands-on photography in the present course; for that you should consider Introduction to Photography. Optional: Bring your best photos on a card, flash drive, computer, etc. to share with others.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic photography, at the level covered by my class H3507: Introduction to Photography. Due to time constraints, there is no hands-on photography in the present course; for that you should consider Introduction to Photography. Optional: Bring your best photos on a card, flash drive, computer, etc. to share with others.
H3616: Exotic Plants: A Brief Tour
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
David Hyde
Have you ever heard of the baobab tree? How about the Blue Mauritius Bellflower? How many different kinds of cacti, succulents, and carnivorous plants can you name? In this class, I will give a brief tour of some exotic and endangered plants. The goal is to expose you to some of nature's coolest plants and to explore interesting properties of the different species. Some live plants will be brought in for fun.
H3637: Yoga for All Bodies
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Paige Nethercutt,
Natalie Samuels
We will cover a brief background on the history and purpose of the practice of yoga. Then we will lead students in stretching, breathing exercises, and an introductory sequence of yoga poses. If you think you're not flexible, think again!
Prerequisites
Come ready to fully engage, have fun, and embrace our bodies!
Prerequisites
Come ready to fully engage, have fun, and embrace our bodies!
H3449: The beauty of community gardens
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
michaela elias
How community gardens and urban farms can have powerful effects on many pertinent issues such as nutrition, the environment, food access and community building. Why community gardens are so important and how to start a garden in your community.
H3469: Beginning Salsa
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mario Cuevas,
Nick Enge
Learn the basics of this exciting dance style! No dance experience required!
H3687: Knit Wit
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Saundra Davis
It’s Knittin’ Time!
Learn the basics of knitting and choose from awesome patterns that you can start IN CLASS!
Think knitting requires patience? You are right! The good thing is that knitting can actually GIVE you patience and as an added bonus, you have something you can wear or share.
Prerequisites
Yarn and needles will be provided. Just bring your smile and willingness to learn.
Learn the basics of knitting and choose from awesome patterns that you can start IN CLASS!
Think knitting requires patience? You are right! The good thing is that knitting can actually GIVE you patience and as an added bonus, you have something you can wear or share.
Prerequisites
Yarn and needles will be provided. Just bring your smile and willingness to learn.
H3440: Origami Roses w/ 4 petals Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Russell Chou
Learn how to fold a medium difficulty 4-petaled origami roses, based on the crane-base.
Prerequisites
Being able to fold a crane will help
Prerequisites
Being able to fold a crane will help
H3391: Math-y Beading
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Vivian Wang
Beads are pretty, but polyhedra are prettier. We'll learn to make buckyballs (a.k.a. truncated icosahedra for math folks or C60 for chem folks) out of beads and string, and possibly other geometric things if time permits. By the end of the class, you'll have your own shiny geometric trinket to keep!
Prerequisites
We'll be working with seed beads, so some amount of finger dexterity would be helpful. Art/math ability welcome, but definitely *not* necessary.
Prerequisites
We'll be working with seed beads, so some amount of finger dexterity would be helpful. Art/math ability welcome, but definitely *not* necessary.
H3513: The Art of Origami
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Colleen Shang
This class will explore the origin and development of the art of paper-folding known as "origami". Students will follow the history of the art form from the early invention of paper to the contemporary and innovative masterpieces seen today. Throughout the class, students will gain an appreciation for the artistic and mathematical nature of origami, as well as its inspiration to humanity following World War II. Near the conclusion of the class, basic folding techniques will be introduced, followed by a hands-on origami project.
H3669: Texas Hold'em Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Qianying Lin
Rules and strategies of Texas Hold
em; may involve practice with other players
Prerequisites
None
em; may involve practice with other players
Prerequisites
None
H3707: Cup Stacking
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Nick Troccoli
What is cup stacking? Watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNPAF4sSAH0&list=UU_I1OD_vuDDIU0dStjTRV2A&feature=share&index=2
That's the current world-record holder for the "cycle" routine in cup stacking, a sport where you race to finish "upstacking" and "downstacking" certain pyramids of cups as fast as you can. (And no, that video isn't fast-forwarded). The best part is, cup stacking is super easy to learn (but hard to master!). In this class, you'll learn how to cup stack - the basic rules, routines, and tips and tricks on how to improve. Everyone will be given their own set of cups for the duration of the class so that you can practice individually. We'll also learn a few fun cup stacking relays to see how you can cup stack with other people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNPAF4sSAH0&list=UU_I1OD_vuDDIU0dStjTRV2A&feature=share&index=2
That's the current world-record holder for the "cycle" routine in cup stacking, a sport where you race to finish "upstacking" and "downstacking" certain pyramids of cups as fast as you can. (And no, that video isn't fast-forwarded). The best part is, cup stacking is super easy to learn (but hard to master!). In this class, you'll learn how to cup stack - the basic rules, routines, and tips and tricks on how to improve. Everyone will be given their own set of cups for the duration of the class so that you can practice individually. We'll also learn a few fun cup stacking relays to see how you can cup stack with other people.
H3589: Constellations: Mythology and Trivia
Ever wondered about what the stars looked like to ancient people?
This course will bring the participants through a short introduction on the major constellations, how to locate them, and the stories behind their creation.
This course will bring the participants through a short introduction on the major constellations, how to locate them, and the stories behind their creation.
H3712: How to take better pictures
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Rohit Talreja
Photography is a rewarding hobby that requires a balance of creativity, technical knowledge, and patience. Learn how to take better photos using any camera by choosing the best subject, lighting conditions and positioning. Post-processing tools such as Photoshop or GIMP will be mentioned but not covered in detail - this class is more about getting the best picture possible the first time around!
Prerequisites
Should be familiar with a camera, preferably a digital one.
Prerequisites
Should be familiar with a camera, preferably a digital one.
H3439: Japanese Riichi Mahjong
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Russell Chou
Learn how to play REAL mahjong, not mahjong solitaire. Riichi mahjong is the most common variant played in Japan, which is similar to but has a few key differences from Chinese mahjong.
Prerequisites
Knowing some basic Chinese characters such as numbers will help.
Prerequisites
Knowing some basic Chinese characters such as numbers will help.
H3467: Get Sticky: Learn Lacrosse!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jacqueline Le
Learn the basics of lacrosse and play your first scrimmage in under 2 hours! No experience necessary, and gear will be provided.
H3487: Beading and Jewelry making
Difficulty: **
Teach students how to make beaded necklaces.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
H3415: Understanding Diplomacy Through Wargaming
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Whalen
Much of historical European politics would have made more sense if you were there at the time. This class will give you a chance to recreate those politics. Take command of countries in a simple war game and learn about the balance of power by seeing it play out in action.
H3419: Nutrition Label reading + Introduction to Chi Quong exercise
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
May To
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 practice. 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
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 practice. 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
H3606: Quidditch For Muggles
Difficulty: *
Stanford Quidditch, Silicon Valley Skyfighters, Silicon Valley Skrewts, and San Jose State Owls want you! We'll go over the basics of quidditch as it is played by high schools, colleges, and community teams throughout the world, and play some scrimmages. We'll provide the brooms!
Wear shoes you can run in (e.g. sneakers).
Bring a water bottle so you can keep hydrated.
Sunscreen is recommended.
Wear shoes you can run in (e.g. sneakers).
Bring a water bottle so you can keep hydrated.
Sunscreen is recommended.
Life Skills
L3664: Introverts in an Extroverted World
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Steve Leung
Have you even been called quiet, awkward, or shy? Do these labels annoy you, or are they just not true?
You may just be an introvert - someone who is energized through alone time and whose energy can become drained by being around others. It's how we function, and there's nothing wrong with it.
In this session we will discuss what it means to be introverted vs. quiet/awkward/shy, and what we can do to avoid negative labels and boost self-confidence.
You may just be an introvert - someone who is energized through alone time and whose energy can become drained by being around others. It's how we function, and there's nothing wrong with it.
In this session we will discuss what it means to be introverted vs. quiet/awkward/shy, and what we can do to avoid negative labels and boost self-confidence.
L3732: Mock Trial
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Shawn Estrada,
Mark Gonzalez
Are you interested in law? Are you interested in public speaking? Then this workshop is for you! Members of the Nationally-competitive Stanford Mock Trial team will be hosting a workshop teaching students about law, public speaking, and trial procedures.
L3393: Interview Skills for Internship, College, and Job Applications
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Oriana Li Halevy
Are you anxious about internship, college, or job interviews? Come to this interactive course to receive solid tips from a Class of 1992 Harvard College pre-med turned United Nations intern turned US Department of State diplomatic interpreter turned multinational law firm corporate attorney turned venture investor, cross-border business consultant and strategist, and bilingual communications specialist and published translator/editor who has been on both sides of these interviews since high school. This course is for anyone wishing to develop and fine-tune interviewing skills that can be applied in a variety of settings. Topics will include: Preparation Presentation Common interview questions Common pitfalls Closing the interview Thank you notes.
L3458: Justice - What’s the Right Thing to Do?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Carreon
Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What’s right and what’s wrong? And how do we know?
This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what’s right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life.
This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what’s right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life.
L3522: How to Read the News
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alina Utrata
Daunted by the massive amount of information on the internet? Want to be more informed, but not quite sure where to start? Don't understand what articles are talking about?
This class will give you skills, tips and tricks, and basic knowledge to read the news and understand what is going on. We will go over different news sources, bias, different methods of reading the news (such as RSS feeds), and some basic background on current events.
Prerequisites
none
This class will give you skills, tips and tricks, and basic knowledge to read the news and understand what is going on. We will go over different news sources, bias, different methods of reading the news (such as RSS feeds), and some basic background on current events.
Prerequisites
none
L3655: Bicycle Maintenance
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tom Kabat
Let's adjust gears, brakes, and the way a bike fits to improve your ride. We even patch tires, and fix clunky, squeaky things. Bring your bike if you can.
L3551: Impromptu Speaking Workshop
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Devangi Vivrekar
Every day, we are faced with situations that require us to speak on the spot, whether in class discussions, meetings, interviews, or even just conversations! Come to this workshop to learn speaking drills and activities and ultimately develop the skill of giving a 5-minute speech on just about anything with only 2 minutes of preparation! We'll also discuss how this type of impromptu speaking transfers over to our daily lives!
Prerequisites
Everyone is welcome - no formal speech experience necessary at all!
Prerequisites
Everyone is welcome - no formal speech experience necessary at all!
L3465: Preparing for a career after college
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Benjamin Ting
This class touches on the key points that students may need to be aware of in planning their post-college career choices. This seminar, although tilted towards High Tech and Silicon Valley environment, is also applicable to more generic situations. Parents and students of all grades are welcome!
Prerequisites
An open-minded attitude and a big smile
Prerequisites
An open-minded attitude and a big smile
L3639: High School Prep for Middle School Students
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ranna Patel
High school years can be some of the most productive years if you are on the driving seat and take control of your education. Let's wear the seat belt and get ready to roll!
L3651: Stretch it out!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
M.J Ma
Stretching is one of the most important things to do in life that people often forget about. Come prepared to stretch and relax through some basic yoga moves, and also discover your body's limits and potential.
Prerequisites
Come in comfortable clothing, and mats if you have them
Prerequisites
Come in comfortable clothing, and mats if you have them
L3427: How To Bullshit
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Benjamin Yang
Facts. They are useful. But unfortunately, not always available. Luckily for you, this class is all about how to break your crippling dependency on facts.
Come learn all about creating information without worrying about inconsequential things such as "reality", or "truth". Become an expert at being an expert. I know what I'm talking about, and so can you!
Come learn all about creating information without worrying about inconsequential things such as "reality", or "truth". Become an expert at being an expert. I know what I'm talking about, and so can you!
L3485: Inspirational/ Comedy
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Logan Wildey
I am a stand up comic, a personal trainer, a kick boxing coach, and am currently writing a book on confidence. This class will be teaching students how to find humor in everyday situations. I will be teaching a lot of tricks I learned as a stand up comic to see the "Funny" in life. The root of this class will be based around finding what you want for the future and how humor can actually give you a great amount of confidence to go towards every goal.
L3534: The Art of Effective Communication: A Primer on Telling a Good Story
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Marius Cătălin Iordan
Do you like telling stories? Do you wish you were better at expressing your thoughts and ideas in front of an audience? Whether you're talking to a group of 2 or 200, whether you're a scientist, an engineer, or a politician, getting your audience to quickly understand your ideas and be convinced by your arguments is a very useful superpower to have.
We'll cover a broad range of tips and tricks, from how to engage and hold your audience's attention, to how to organize your thoughts and express your ideas clearly.
Our class philosophy is: this is a safe environment, with no grades or judgment. We are here to practice and learn something. So, whether you've never spoken in public before or you're looking to hone your skills, come by and let's talk.
We'll cover a broad range of tips and tricks, from how to engage and hold your audience's attention, to how to organize your thoughts and express your ideas clearly.
Our class philosophy is: this is a safe environment, with no grades or judgment. We are here to practice and learn something. So, whether you've never spoken in public before or you're looking to hone your skills, come by and let's talk.
L3624: Let’s Design a Sustainable Satisfying Life
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tom Kabat
Let’s brainstorm to design a satisfying and sustainable life. We'll have group discussion of values, choices and results. We'll explore the intersection of satisfaction, sustainability, consumption and community. People increasingly are viewed as "consumers". Let's explore the balance of many possible roles in our lives and how they can add satisfaction and promote sustainability.
L3595: The Science of Happiness
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Frank Chiang
Fuzzy slippers, friendship, cookies, money. We’ve heard it all. Humans have been obsessed with finding the secret to happiness for ages. And today, with the growing popularity of positive psychology–a field of psychology that focuses on human happiness–the number of these happiness theories has exponentially increased. But if we have discovered so many more “scientifically proven” ways for us to increase our happiness, then why aren’t we any happier than before? In this class, we are going to explore the validity of these theories. We will start briefly with the ideas of the ancient world and then move on to new research from current prominent psychologists. Hopefully, you will leave the class with an understanding of what makes us truly happy, as well as some easy ways to become happier in your life.
L3484: Start the Day Off Right! Cooking a Quick, Healthy & Delicious Breakfast
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Stephanie Nevel
This course will teach students about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast each morning and explain the components of a balanced meal. It will also allow them to create a delicious and energy/vitamin packed breakfast that they can easily and inexpensively recreate at home.
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
L3603: All About Money...
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jitesh Shah
Introduction to personal finance basics to help lay the foundation for lifelong learning about money management and its impact on your life.
What will be covered -
Basics of money, difference between cash and credit, banking and its purpose, checking and savings account, inflation, compound interest and elementary basics of stocks and bonds and its overall influence in our economy.
Prerequisites
None
What will be covered -
Basics of money, difference between cash and credit, banking and its purpose, checking and savings account, inflation, compound interest and elementary basics of stocks and bonds and its overall influence in our economy.
Prerequisites
None
L3635: Improv Isn't Just For Actors
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Pajnucci Vue
The skills you learn in an improv class can be translated to all other aspects of your life.
Whether your goal is to be the next SNL star or just want to break out of your shell, THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU!
You will learn various improv skills through games in a fun, supportive environment that you can later apply to the rest of your life, such as saying "Yes and...", learning how to fail fabulously, enjoying the ride, and many other things.
Should you take this class?
YES! and...
Prerequisites
An open mind
Whether your goal is to be the next SNL star or just want to break out of your shell, THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU!
You will learn various improv skills through games in a fun, supportive environment that you can later apply to the rest of your life, such as saying "Yes and...", learning how to fail fabulously, enjoying the ride, and many other things.
Should you take this class?
YES! and...
Prerequisites
An open mind
L3568: How to Dress for the interview
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Matthew Clark
Have you ever wanted to how to dress for an interview and make a great impression? Well this is your class. Men and Women included. Simple things that you never thought
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
L3646: How to Be an Entrepreneur
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Anjan Katta
This class will teach one the art and the attitude of the hustler. More and more in school you are encouraged for your book smarts, but more and more in the real world street smarts are what make you successful.
With this class I will try to teach some of the ideas and thinking you can use to start your own company or business, with the goal of becoming successful.
Prerequisites
The right attitude.
With this class I will try to teach some of the ideas and thinking you can use to start your own company or business, with the goal of becoming successful.
Prerequisites
The right attitude.
L3544: Memory Techniques
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gail Wilson
Learn memory techniques and systems that will help you in your studies and in lifelong pursuits.
L3407: Why and How to Volunteer Locally and Abroad? Full!
Difficulty: *
Why should you volunteer local or abroad? How and Where? During this class we will answer these questions and also touch on how to use volunteer experience on college applications and job resumes. We'll provide personal examples of volunteering as co-organizers of our own volunteer group and unique experiences such as volunteering in prisons and various countries abroad.
L3436: Miss CEO: Becoming an Effective Leader
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Andreina Parisi-Amon,
Nita Singh Kaushal
The world needs great leaders to tackle its biggest problems… and that starts with YOU! Although women are underrepresented in today's leadership ranks, this class will inspire and teach you how to position yourself as a leader in high school, college, and beyond. Come learn about relevant leadership skills such as effective negotiation and clear communication that will help you excel in a variety of academic, personal, and professional situations. More importantly you will also learn how to put these skills into practice starting today --including securing dream mentors, finding internships, navigating the college application process, and getting on the right trajectory for career achievement early on.
The instructors for this class feature women from the Stanford community who have extensive experience leading and making innovative contributions to their fields. They also have a passion for helping students achieve their leadership potential, which you can learn more about at www.missceo.org.
Prerequisites
A desire to learn, grow, and discover your inner leader.
The instructors for this class feature women from the Stanford community who have extensive experience leading and making innovative contributions to their fields. They also have a passion for helping students achieve their leadership potential, which you can learn more about at www.missceo.org.
Prerequisites
A desire to learn, grow, and discover your inner leader.
L3569: Intro to Networking
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Matthew Clark
Do you want to know how networking works? this is your class. Start with the basics of networking so you can make the right connections. The basics are here.
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
L3380: Leadership/Managerial Skills
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Melisa Rillera
Discuss different leadership and managerial skills you will need not only in your professional career but in many aspects of your life. Talk about how to bring these aspects out of you. We'll go over the difference between leadership and management, discuss these skills, what it will take to develop and refine them, and how to apply them to your daily life.
L3498: The Chemistry of Baking
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Gabriele Fuchs
In this class we will learn what ingredients are used for baking cakes and cookies, and why we use those ingredients. We will learn about different measurement systems frequently found in recipes, and how to convert them.
Together we will prepare a cake batter and make cookies. Each student will have a chance to participate in the class, and decorate their own cookies.
Prerequisites
None Allergy information: The recipe I will be using to make cookies will require eggs, flour (gluten) and milk. No nuts of any kind will be used!
Together we will prepare a cake batter and make cookies. Each student will have a chance to participate in the class, and decorate their own cookies.
Prerequisites
None Allergy information: The recipe I will be using to make cookies will require eggs, flour (gluten) and milk. No nuts of any kind will be used!
L3552: The Great Debaters: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Louise Lu
Have you ever felt shy or nervous when speaking in front of a group? Want to learn how to win an argument (and do it in style)?
This class will engage you in the thrill of public speaking and provide you with a taste of competitive debate!
We will start off with fun drills to help you become fearless and confident in your public speaking skills, then progress to lively mini-debate rounds with your fellow classmates. It should be an interactive and fun time for all!
[Taught by the team of volunteer student coaches from the Stanford Youth Debate Initiative]
This class will engage you in the thrill of public speaking and provide you with a taste of competitive debate!
We will start off with fun drills to help you become fearless and confident in your public speaking skills, then progress to lively mini-debate rounds with your fellow classmates. It should be an interactive and fun time for all!
[Taught by the team of volunteer student coaches from the Stanford Youth Debate Initiative]
L3575: College Admissions-A Journey in Perspective
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ranna Patel
In this class, that is designed for high school freshman and sophomores, I will show you how to plan your high school journey so you are one of the most competitive and relaxed applicant when it comes to college admissions. Let's take the stress out of the admission process!
Prerequisites
Should be enrolled in a high school.
Prerequisites
Should be enrolled in a high school.
L3656: The Great Debate
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Somik Raha
In this class, we will examine the use of debate as tool for personal improvement.
We will introduce approaches to debating that are altogether different from the British or political formats. Stories of ancient Indian debaters will be followed by trying their methods.
Participants who have strong opinions on any topic will get a lot out of this class by learning how to debate with their biggest opponent - their own mind. We will try the art of arguing against oneself on various topics, and even find structured ways of doing this.
Join us for an experiential class where ideas will follow experimentation, and there will be lots of reasons to smile. You will never view debates in the same light again.
Prerequisites
You should have some topic that you hold dear to your heart and have often debated passionately.
We will introduce approaches to debating that are altogether different from the British or political formats. Stories of ancient Indian debaters will be followed by trying their methods.
Participants who have strong opinions on any topic will get a lot out of this class by learning how to debate with their biggest opponent - their own mind. We will try the art of arguing against oneself on various topics, and even find structured ways of doing this.
Join us for an experiential class where ideas will follow experimentation, and there will be lots of reasons to smile. You will never view debates in the same light again.
Prerequisites
You should have some topic that you hold dear to your heart and have often debated passionately.
L3570: Advanced Networking
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Matthew Clark
The next step in networking: the conversation starter, get what you want in a conversation, asking for the business/connection, and the follow up.
L3641: Acing the Interview
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Marisa Messina
Have you ever applied for something you're really excited for, then been daunted when you're asked to interview? When your parents' friends interrogate you over dinner, do you sometimes not know what to say? Do you dream of the day when you work at a big company, but shiver when you think of interviewing with your future boss? Do you simply want to improve your one-on-one interaction skills?
If you answered "yes" to any or all of the above, this class is for you! Learn interview preparation strategies, tips and tricks from someone who has interviewed others and been interviewed more times than she can count! Marisa, your dedicated teacher, has worked as a career counselor, mentor, and oral communication tutor, and she's eager to help you present your best self! :)
Prerequisites
willingness to "go for it" and desire to improve interviewing and interpersonal skills!
If you answered "yes" to any or all of the above, this class is for you! Learn interview preparation strategies, tips and tricks from someone who has interviewed others and been interviewed more times than she can count! Marisa, your dedicated teacher, has worked as a career counselor, mentor, and oral communication tutor, and she's eager to help you present your best self! :)
Prerequisites
willingness to "go for it" and desire to improve interviewing and interpersonal skills!
L3404: Make Everyday Thanksgiving: The Art and Science of Happiness
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Tim Huang
What is happiness? How do we find it? And how do we become more happy?
In this fun and interactive class, we'll explore scientific research on happiness and everyday practices for mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, and more.
By the end of the class, we'll have new tools for managing stress, being more authentic, and improving your academic, personal, and social life.
Prerequisites
An open mind!
In this fun and interactive class, we'll explore scientific research on happiness and everyday practices for mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, and more.
By the end of the class, we'll have new tools for managing stress, being more authentic, and improving your academic, personal, and social life.
Prerequisites
An open mind!
L3437: Hacking Your LIfe: Have a blast, meet new people, and learn more than you could ever imagine!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Shadi Barhoumi,
Rafael Cosman
Get ready, because your life is about to get SUPER AWESOME.
Prerequisites
Energy and enthusiasm!
Prerequisites
Energy and enthusiasm!
L3572: Are We Evil? How to Be Bad and Do Good in the 21st Century
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Claire Zabel
In this class, we will discuss the scary questions we all face but rarely really question. Should people be allowed to enhance themselves freely with genetic engineering and artificial parts? Who is better, the rich person that donates 50K (enough for a charity to hire a fulltime employee) but never sets foot in a soup kitchen or the one that works at the homeless shelter for a few hours every weekend? How can we live forever, and should we try to?
This class will be discussion and activity based. Please come ready to participate, debate, and maybe even change your mind.
Prerequisites
None, but If you are interested in learning more about the themes we will discuss in class, you might want to watch this TED Talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/peter_singer_the_why_and_how_of_effective_altruism.html)
This class will be discussion and activity based. Please come ready to participate, debate, and maybe even change your mind.
Prerequisites
None, but If you are interested in learning more about the themes we will discuss in class, you might want to watch this TED Talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/peter_singer_the_why_and_how_of_effective_altruism.html)
L3576: The Application Process Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ranna Patel
This Class is for high school sophomores and juniors. I will go over the nuts and bolts of the application process with one hour designed specifically for application essays.
L3658: Making your School Decision
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Somik Raha
As high school students, you will soon have to start thinking about where you apply. There are lots of great resources out there which give you a ton of information. Unfortunately, knowing your choices without knowing your preferences can be quite stressful. Imagine going to a restaurant with an unfamiliar menu and not being aware of your own likes and dislikes. Drawing from the discipline of Decision Analysis, this class reframes the search for a good school - it is easy to find a good school from rankings. It is much harder to find a school that is good for you, because that involves understanding your own unique voice.
This class will focus on understanding personal values and preferences, through stories and frameworks, and you will get an opportunity to map your own values.
Prerequisites
This is for students who are grappling with the decision of where to apply. Students should have read this article: http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4151 and Students are also encouraged to take this tutorial: http://www.decisionacademy.org/home/take-three-steps/making-good-decisions Also, please watch a few of these episodes: http://vimeo.com/channels/itsyourchoice
This class will focus on understanding personal values and preferences, through stories and frameworks, and you will get an opportunity to map your own values.
Prerequisites
This is for students who are grappling with the decision of where to apply. Students should have read this article: http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4151 and Students are also encouraged to take this tutorial: http://www.decisionacademy.org/home/take-three-steps/making-good-decisions Also, please watch a few of these episodes: http://vimeo.com/channels/itsyourchoice
L3662: Career Development- Creating the New Renaissance Men and Women
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Qianyuan Grace Wang
Preparing high school students to think widely and creatively about their career choices and aiding them to make fitting preparations early on. The goal is to help students understand the choices and challenges in various industries including current situations and future trends and create individualized career development packages for each student to shape them into New Renaissance Men and Women.
Prerequisites
Passion in self-improvement and constant learning.
Prerequisites
Passion in self-improvement and constant learning.
L3673: How to Make Valuable Connections That Will Change Your Life
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Sohaib Shaikh
Networking is the most important skill that an individual can develop. Networking is what will get you your very first job. Networking is what will help you get into the school of your choice. Without networking achieving many of your life's aspirations become significantly more difficult. If you are ready to take your communication skills to the next level and really understand what it takes to become a successful networker, this class is for you.
Lunch
L3728: Lunch Period
Difficulty: None
Teachers:
Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.
L3729: Lunch Period
Difficulty: None
Teachers:
Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.
Mathematics and Computer Science
M3681: What Can't We Know?: The Art of Diagonalization
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gabriel Ehrlich
"This statement is false." Is this statement true or false? As you can check, neither of these possibilities makes logical sense. This sentence one example of a technique called diagonalization that has been blowing minds since Cantor thought it up in his famous Diagonal Argument. In this class we'll look at how we can use this technique in computer science, number theory and physics to learn why certain things that seem to be possible simply cannot be accomplished. Format: lecture with liberal see-if-you-can-figure-it-out moments.
Prerequisites
As long as you're prepared to be patient with yourself as you think things through logically, I intend this class to be accessible to you.
Prerequisites
As long as you're prepared to be patient with yourself as you think things through logically, I intend this class to be accessible to you.
M3720: Music, Math, and Machines
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Han Altae-Tran
What is music, really? In this tutorial, we'll talk about the math that goes into music. Specifically, we'll cover signal processing and Fourier transforms and talk about how they can be used to make the sounds used by Skrillex, Deadmau5, Passion Pit, etc.
Afterward, we'll talk about sound design, and you'll get a chance to make these sounds yourself.
We'll also talk about the physics that goes into making string and wind instruments sound so organic.
Depending on your interests, we can also cover other topics ranging from simulating echo and choir effects. We can also talk about machine learning algorithms that classify music by genre, or even how to use machines to generate music itself. It's all up to you! :)
Prerequisites
Calculus might be helpful, but it's by no means necessary.
Afterward, we'll talk about sound design, and you'll get a chance to make these sounds yourself.
We'll also talk about the physics that goes into making string and wind instruments sound so organic.
Depending on your interests, we can also cover other topics ranging from simulating echo and choir effects. We can also talk about machine learning algorithms that classify music by genre, or even how to use machines to generate music itself. It's all up to you! :)
Prerequisites
Calculus might be helpful, but it's by no means necessary.
M3466: A Very Basic Introduction to Graph Theory
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Peng Hui How
A graph $$G = (V, E)$$ is made up of nodes $$V$$ and edges $$E$$. The study of graphs are useful in various areas, including electric circuit in electrical engineering, social network in computer science, DNA sequencing in biology, and others.
This class is aimed towards absolute beginners, as an attempt to introduce the basics of graph theory, which include the basic definitions and some immediate lemma such as the famous handshaking lemma, and some motivating examples such as eulerian circuits, and hamiltonian graphs and their properties. If time permits, I will discuss some miscellaneous results of some special classes of directed graphs.
This class is aimed towards absolute beginners, as an attempt to introduce the basics of graph theory, which include the basic definitions and some immediate lemma such as the famous handshaking lemma, and some motivating examples such as eulerian circuits, and hamiltonian graphs and their properties. If time permits, I will discuss some miscellaneous results of some special classes of directed graphs.
M3623: The Pigeonhole Principle & Its Applications
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Hyde
The pigeonhole principle, in its namesake form, states that if you have $n$ pigeons trying to fit into $m < n$ holes, then at least two pigeons must be put into the same hole. While this is a simple idea, the pigeonhole principle is actually a very powerful mathematical tool that we can use to find surprisingly simple solutions to seemingly complex problems. We will go over a few examples of the pigeonhole principle together, and then we will spend the rest of the time in groups working on progressively harder problems. This class should be fun as long as you are interested in math, puzzles, and logic. This class is a must for those interested in math contests!
Prerequisites
While we won't be relying on a lot of standard school math, having good problem solving / critical thinking skills will make this class more enjoyable. As long as you are curious, though, most of this class should be accessible to you.
Prerequisites
While we won't be relying on a lot of standard school math, having good problem solving / critical thinking skills will make this class more enjoyable. As long as you are curious, though, most of this class should be accessible to you.
M3697: The Art of Summation
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Omkar Deshpande,
Vivek Kaul
Summing the numbers from 1 to 5 can be done quickly. Summing the numbers from 1 up to 100 would take more time. Or is there a quick way to do it? How about the general problem of summing the numbers from 1 to N? We will look at a few different ways to approach problems of this kind, including a trick Gauss used when he was supposedly nine years old! We will generalize the solution to compute the sum of an arithmetic series.
$$\textit{As I was going to Saint Ives,}$$
$$\textit{I met a man with seven wives.}$$
$$\textit{Each wife had seven sacks;}$$
$$\textit{every sack had seven cats;}$$
$$\textit{Every cat had seven kits;}$$
$$\textit{Kits, cats, sacks and wives,}$$
$$\textit{How many were going to Saint Ives?}$$
This children's rhyme will initiate us into summation of a different kind of series -- a geometric series.
We will also play with other summations: summing the first n squares, or the first n cubes, and try to discover connections between these different series.
To sum up, it'll be fun, so come and join us!
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra and geometry
$$\textit{As I was going to Saint Ives,}$$
$$\textit{I met a man with seven wives.}$$
$$\textit{Each wife had seven sacks;}$$
$$\textit{every sack had seven cats;}$$
$$\textit{Every cat had seven kits;}$$
$$\textit{Kits, cats, sacks and wives,}$$
$$\textit{How many were going to Saint Ives?}$$
This children's rhyme will initiate us into summation of a different kind of series -- a geometric series.
We will also play with other summations: summing the first n squares, or the first n cubes, and try to discover connections between these different series.
To sum up, it'll be fun, so come and join us!
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra and geometry
M3468: What can we construct using only compass and straightedge?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Peng Hui How,
Alfred Zong
The Greek mathematicians once asked whether or not we can perform the following using only
$$\textbf{compass}$$ and $$\textbf{straightedge}$$:
1) Doubling of the cube (i.e. construct a cube whose volume is double that of a given one)
2) Angle trisection (i.e. trisect an arbitrary given angle)
3) Squaring a circle (i.e. construct a square whose area equals that of a given circle)
In fact, we can't. I will tell you why we can't do so, and in general, what are the constructible numbers, i.e. the lengths that can be constructed using only a compass and a straightedge.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra
$$\textbf{compass}$$ and $$\textbf{straightedge}$$:
1) Doubling of the cube (i.e. construct a cube whose volume is double that of a given one)
2) Angle trisection (i.e. trisect an arbitrary given angle)
3) Squaring a circle (i.e. construct a square whose area equals that of a given circle)
In fact, we can't. I will tell you why we can't do so, and in general, what are the constructible numbers, i.e. the lengths that can be constructed using only a compass and a straightedge.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra
M3665: The Mathematics of Gambling Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Madhu Advani
The inventor of Information Theory (Claude Shannon) made a personal fortune by applying Gambling theory both to Vegas and the Stock Market. I'll talk about the math he used and a little about the mathematicians and physicists who became rich in the process.
Prerequisites
You need to like math. Knowledge of Calculus and Probability will be important to understand the concepts.
Prerequisites
You need to like math. Knowledge of Calculus and Probability will be important to understand the concepts.
M3677: What is Infinity?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nelson Elhage
What is infinity? Is "infinity" a number? Does `\frac{1}{0} = \infty`? What does it mean when a mathematician tells you that some infinities are bigger than others?
We'll explore what mathematicians mean by "infinity", talk about different sizes of infinities and how to compare them, and more!
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with abstract mathematical reasoning
We'll explore what mathematicians mean by "infinity", talk about different sizes of infinities and how to compare them, and more!
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with abstract mathematical reasoning
M3362: To Infinity and Beyond!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jonathan Kang
Ever wondered what is the biggest number? That's easy! There's no biggest number! But the notion of infinity is more than meets the eye.
In this course, we will attempt to answer questions such as: What do we really mean when we say there are infinitely many natural numbers? How did we arrive at our present understanding of infinity? Are there different kinds of infinities?
The infinite has preoccupied mathematicians and philosophers of centuries past. Come learn more about this fascinating topic!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with algebra, comfort with basic mathematical proofs.
In this course, we will attempt to answer questions such as: What do we really mean when we say there are infinitely many natural numbers? How did we arrive at our present understanding of infinity? Are there different kinds of infinities?
The infinite has preoccupied mathematicians and philosophers of centuries past. Come learn more about this fascinating topic!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with algebra, comfort with basic mathematical proofs.
M3495: When Summation Series Go Crazy
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Peng Hui How,
Alfred Zong
You probably have heard the anecdote that Gauss at the age of ten calculated $$1+2+3+\dots+100=5050$$ by applying the formula $$1+2+3+\dots+n = n(n+1)/2$$. What about other series, such as $$1^2 + 2^2 +\dots+ n^2$$? Or even infinite series such as $$1+2+3+\dots$$(until infinity)? In this class, you will get to see some interesting techniques in quickly evaluating these summation series, and be ready to embrace some astounding result, for example, $$1+2+3+\dots$$(until infinity) $$= -1/12$$ (the negative sign is not a typo).
Prerequisites
No math prerequisites, but an open mind to discover some strange but beautiful results.
Prerequisites
No math prerequisites, but an open mind to discover some strange but beautiful results.
M3698: Great Mathematicians- Pythagoras
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Omkar Deshpande,
Vivek Kaul
The first of the great Greek mathematicians, Pythagoras had a fascination for numbers and geometric shapes that raised their status to attributes of God! By studying his work, we will see the beginning of pure mathematics in Greece and contrast it with the more applied mathematics that was prevalent in ancient India and Egypt.
Any mention of Pythagoras is incomplete without his theorem, probably the most known mathematical theorem in the world. Do you know people have claimed over 350 proofs of the theorem? You will rediscover some of these proofs on your own in an interactive session.
Prerequisites
Basics of geometry
Any mention of Pythagoras is incomplete without his theorem, probably the most known mathematical theorem in the world. Do you know people have claimed over 350 proofs of the theorem? You will rediscover some of these proofs on your own in an interactive session.
Prerequisites
Basics of geometry
M3413: Demystifying the Computer: Its Organization, Design and Working
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nipun Agarwala
In this class, we will embark on a short adventure on how the computer actually works. We will start with the fundamentals of a digital device through digital logic and basic circuits and then learn how the following components work, what intelligent techniques are used and how they connect to the overall computer:
CPU, ROM, RAM, Hard Drive.
We will cover topics like Pipelining, Caching, basic Compilers, Machine language and the interface where the software meets the hardware.
Feel free to ask your own questions! We can direct the class based on them too, if needed. If I cannot give the answer, I can point you to resources or we can figure them out together!
Prerequisites
Basic exposure to computers, logic and circuits would be beneficial. It is not needed, but the class will most likely be fast paced.
CPU, ROM, RAM, Hard Drive.
We will cover topics like Pipelining, Caching, basic Compilers, Machine language and the interface where the software meets the hardware.
Feel free to ask your own questions! We can direct the class based on them too, if needed. If I cannot give the answer, I can point you to resources or we can figure them out together!
Prerequisites
Basic exposure to computers, logic and circuits would be beneficial. It is not needed, but the class will most likely be fast paced.
M3638: Basic Introduction to computer programming languages
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jemal Aytjanova
It's a basic introduction to programming languages such as a Python and Java. It will teach students how to code simple programs.
M3691: Unveiling the Cryptic Cryptography
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jiaxin Guan
An interesting overview of the development of classical and modern cryptography. Will introduce famous and easy-to-understand classical ciphers, see examples of how to perform attack on these ciphers and other interesting crypto topics, like playing cards on the phone, etc.
M3699: Great Mathematicians-Euclid
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Omkar Deshpande,
Vivek Kaul
The first person in Greece to actually systematically publish mathematics books covering both arithmetic and geometry, Euclid was instrumental in bringing ideas of great Greek mathematicians together. Believe it or not Euclid’s book “the Elements” is the most printed book after the Bible in the western world. We will cover the basic principles of geometry he used to derive many results in planar geometry. And we will also discuss a fascinating method Euclid found to get the greatest common divisor of two numbers.
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra and geometry
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra and geometry
M3365: Proofs of Binomial Theorem and Sums of Series of Integer-Powers
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Muhammad Shumail
1st Part (Combinations): For example, given 5 identical blue balls and 3 identical red balls, how many ways they can be put in a linear box with 8 slots.
2nd Part (Binomial Theorem): We'll derive a general formula to compute (a + b)^n, where n is integer.
3rd Part (Sums of Series of Integer-Powers):
We'll derive a general formula to compute sums of series like: 1^n + 2^n + 3^n + 4^n +....
Here n could be 1,2,3,....
4th Part (If time permits): We'll talk about Binomial Distribution.
Prerequisites
Nothing special.
2nd Part (Binomial Theorem): We'll derive a general formula to compute (a + b)^n, where n is integer.
3rd Part (Sums of Series of Integer-Powers):
We'll derive a general formula to compute sums of series like: 1^n + 2^n + 3^n + 4^n +....
Here n could be 1,2,3,....
4th Part (If time permits): We'll talk about Binomial Distribution.
Prerequisites
Nothing special.
M3386: Electrons are Smarter than Humans
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Rafael Cosman
We'll cover two analogous problems with a beautiful connection between them: measuring the resistance of circuits and finding the fastest route to drive from A to B.
M3448: Intro to Web Apps and Ruby on Rails
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Pan Wangperawong
Want to build a web app? Come learn what it takes to build a web app. This course will also get you started with the extremely popular Ruby on Rails programming framework.
M3488: Introduction to Sabermetrics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rohan Mehta
An introduction to the mathematical analysis of baseball. Find out how people evaluate players, predict outcomes, and come up with statistics like BABIP, wOBA, and WAR while learning important principles in statistics and probability theory.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the rules of baseball and basic baseball terminology required. No prior knowledge of statistics necessary.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the rules of baseball and basic baseball terminology required. No prior knowledge of statistics necessary.
M3509: Building iPhone Apps
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Nick Troccoli
Ever wondered how the apps on an iPhone work? Ever wanted to go behind the scenes and make your own? We’ll take a look at how an iPhone app is created, from designing the interface to writing the code. Get a taste of what real developers do on a daily basis, and how you can make your own apps!
Prerequisites
Core programming knowledge, including functions and variables (knowledge of object-oriented programming, including classes and methods, recommended).
Prerequisites
Core programming knowledge, including functions and variables (knowledge of object-oriented programming, including classes and methods, recommended).
M3558: “Learn Mobile Applications Development for iPAD in 105 minutes"
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sudhir Wadhwa
This is a hands-on demo workshop where participants will learn basics of iPad Mobile Application development.
participants will walk away with knowledge and experience of making one simple app.
Prerequisites
There is no perquisite for this class. You will see the instructor demo on how to build an iPAD App step by step.
participants will walk away with knowledge and experience of making one simple app.
Prerequisites
There is no perquisite for this class. You will see the instructor demo on how to build an iPAD App step by step.
M3676: The Lambda Calculus
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nelson Elhage
This will be a rapid introduction to the Lambda Calculus, a theoretical model of computing originally proposed by Alonzo Church in the 1930s. We will explore how, starting from the barest primitive ideas, you can derive all the comutational power of a modern desktop computer! NOTE: This is not the calculus you've heard about in school! In fact, there are almost no numbers involved, and you don't need to know any math -- just have a curiosity for some slightly abstract reasoning.
Prerequisites
Some programming experience will be helpful but not at all required.
Prerequisites
Some programming experience will be helpful but not at all required.
M3520: Cloud Computing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Vaishali Deshpande
Do you want to learn the hot topic in the computer industry? Join me to learn following:
1. Evolution of Computer Industry
2. Different technologies such as Virtualization in Cloud Computing
3. What is Cloud Compu
1. Evolution of Computer Industry
2. Different technologies such as Virtualization in Cloud Computing
3. What is Cloud Compu