Course Descriptions

Topics: Arduino programming, design, electrical engineering and circuitry.

In this course, students will learn fundamentals of electronics and programming as they create their own interactive stuffed animal. Using a small computer called a LilyPad Arduino, conductive thread, and some simple programming, students combine sewing and circuitry in the form of a friendly monster that can light up, make noise, and respond to touch. No prior knowledge of programming or working with electronics is required.

Topics: Lunar atmosphere and environment, plants and water on the moon, engineering challenge, developing 3D models of Earth, moon and rocket, gravity, build a lunar colony.

If humans continue to deplete resources on Planet Earth, will there come a time when we need to create a settlement somewhere else in our solar system? In this course, students will explore what it might take to set up a Moon colony – what materials they will need to bring, how the very different lunar environment, including the lack of atmosphere, lower gravity, strong sunlight, and lack of food and water might impact the way they live, and what challenges they would face to survive on the Moon. Students will investigate impacts of the lunar environment and construct models of possible colonies to meet specific criteria and constraints.

Topics: Block Programming, Functions, Iterative Programming, Interactive Storytelling

Have you ever wanted to design your own video game from scratch? In this course, students will become game creators as they explore the exciting world of digital game design using MIT’s Scratch programming environment.

Students will start by learning the basic building blocks of game design, gradually developing skills in coding, storytelling, and interactive design. Along the way, they will create custom graphics, sound effects, and music to bring their original game ideas to life.

As students develop their games, they will learn how to focus their ideas, apply player feedback, and use the iterative design process to refine and improve their creations. No prior programming experience is needed — just creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment!

By the end of the course, students will have designed, coded, and shared their own playable video game with the world.

Topics: programming, mechanical topics, how to build and program a simple robot, design and build a robot to meet a certain goal, sensors, current world of robotics

Robots are around us each and every day, within our homes, stores, schools, and even our cell phones. Through the Robotics I course, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the wide-ranging topics in modern robotics. With various hands-on projects, students will learn the basics of the two sides of robotics: hardware and software. They will learn how to think logically, like a computer, and learn how programming in software results in the “real world” motion of the hardware. They will learn about the principles of force, torque, velocity, power, and work, and they will use electrical motors to create movement while learning about gear ratios, wheels, and the conversion of rotational to various other types of motion. Students will learn about sensors and begin to build robots that can truly “interact” by sensing their physical worlds, interpreting sensor data, and reacting by moving and completing a given task.

Topics: Genetics, DNA and the human body, anatomy, physiology, microscopic and macroscopic systems, perform simulated surgeries and biopsies, learn to suture

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a physician or surgeon? In this course, you will investigate how the body works by participating in a range of hands-on activities, such as dissections and construction of life-sized physiological system maps (skeletal, nervous, circulatory, immune). You will study systems, from the microscopic systems found at the cellular and molecular level to macroscopic systems like the components of an elbow joint, and you will learn how one small change in a piece of a structure in the human body can affect the entire human body system. You will conduct simulated surgeries, perform biopsies, and learn how to suture. You will also learn about important medical/surgical breakthroughs and famous medical marvels throughout history.

Topics: Plant Biology, Sustainable Technology, Engineering Design, Food Systems, Problem-Solving

What if we could grow fresh food right in the middle of our cities? In this hands-on course, students will explore the science and technology behind urban farming and discover creative ways to grow plants in small, urban spaces.

Students will learn how plants grow, how pollination works, and why bees are so important to our food systems. They’ll explore technologies like composting and irrigation, and use the engineering design process to build their own mini farming systems. Along the way, students will tackle real-world challenges like limited space, food waste, and population growth — using math, data, and problem-solving skills to find smart solutions.

By the end of the course, students will design their own urban farm models and explore how farming can shape the future of our cities.