Splash! Spring 2014
Course Catalog
Filter by Grade:
Filter by Class Length:
Filter by Difficulty:
Filter by Open/Closed Status:
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 Computing?
4. Different types- Public, Private, Hybrid and Community
5. Cloud service models - Iaas, PaaS, Saas and more
6. Benefits of Cloud Computing
7. Challenges in the Cloud - Security, Multi Tenancy
8. Future of Cloud
Prerequisites
General Computer Industry knowledge
1. Evolution of Computer Industry
2. Different technologies such as Virtualization in Cloud Computing
3. What is Cloud Computing?
4. Different types- Public, Private, Hybrid and Community
5. Cloud service models - Iaas, PaaS, Saas and more
6. Benefits of Cloud Computing
7. Challenges in the Cloud - Security, Multi Tenancy
8. Future of Cloud
Prerequisites
General Computer Industry knowledge
M3463: Binary Dancing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Andrea Hawksley
Learn the basics of binary operations through movement in this interactive workshop on Binary Dancing.
M3692: A Gentle Introduction to Calculus
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Omkar Deshpande,
Vivek Kaul
It is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of the human mind. But Calculus is also the greatest source of terror and anxiety for students. In this course, we will build your intuition for this important area of mathematics, preempting any reason to be fearful of it. We will go into a brief history of its development from precursors in ancient Greece and India, to the modern calculus developed by Newton and Leibnitz in the 17th century. Through problems involving simple geometric concepts that you will participate in solving, you will come away with an appreciation for the two ideas underlying all of calculus -- integration and differentiation.
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra and geometry
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra and geometry
M3376: Code.org - Hour of code
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Alvin Sng
Have you ever wanted to learn how to code? If so then this is the perfect class for you. Coding can be fun and easy to learn. This class is designed for those who have never coded before. We will use the course material from code.org
M3387: Generalizations of Game of Life
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Rafael Cosman
This class will explore some beautiful variations of Conway's Game of Life. Here's a sneak preview of the software we'll be playing with:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVVyjIbypwM
This class complements "Generalizations of Go" nicely.
WARNING: DEMONSTRATIONS WILL INVOLVE FLASHING LIGHTS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVVyjIbypwM
This class complements "Generalizations of Go" nicely.
WARNING: DEMONSTRATIONS WILL INVOLVE FLASHING LIGHTS
M3508: Two Cute Math Problems
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
xinyi jiang
I'll introduce two of my favorite math problems
1. Prove there are only five different Platonic Solid: tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dohecahedron, and OlIcosahedron.
2. Monty Hall Problem (three door problem) Does probability cheat? Or does intuition cheat?
Prerequisites
Interest in math!interest in math!interest in math! Fundamental probability, algebra, and geometry.
1. Prove there are only five different Platonic Solid: tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dohecahedron, and OlIcosahedron.
2. Monty Hall Problem (three door problem) Does probability cheat? Or does intuition cheat?
Prerequisites
Interest in math!interest in math!interest in math! Fundamental probability, algebra, and geometry.
M3504: Introduction to Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Litecoin... it's been all over the news lately. What is cryptocurrency? Why does it have value? How do you use it? In this class, you will learn the basics of cryptocurrency and set up your own wallet. You will even receive some free Dogecoins! Wow, such amaze!
Prerequisites
Please bring a laptop. Tablets and smartphones are also OK, but not recommended.
Prerequisites
Please bring a laptop. Tablets and smartphones are also OK, but not recommended.
M3700: Great Mathematicians-Archimedes
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Omkar Deshpande,
Vivek Kaul
Considered one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists among the ancients, we will see Archimedes’s contribution specifically in computing areas and volumes of different shapes and his fascination with the number infinity. Want to know how the value of the famous number pi comes from? To appreciate Archimedes better, you will interactively learn his approximation to pi.
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra and geometry
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra and geometry
M3710: Intro to Programming with Python and Arduino
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Rohit Talreja
Python is one of the easiest programming languages to learn and can be used to make fun and powerful programs. The first half of the class will be a gentle introduction to fundamental programming concepts in Python. The second half of the class will cover Arduino basics and how to make software interactive through games. This class is designed for students with basic or no programming experience as an enjoyable introduction to coding.
Prerequisites
Desire to learn about software and how to make computers and microcontrollers do awesome things.
Prerequisites
Desire to learn about software and how to make computers and microcontrollers do awesome things.
M3368: Comparison Logic Puzzles
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Dima Kamalov
We'll spend the class solving the following logic puzzle:
You have a balance with two sides; it can determine which of the two sides is heavier.
You also have some coins, and one of them is slightly lighter or heavier than the rest.
How many times do you need to use the balance to find the defective coin?
Prerequisites
You like solving logic puzzles
You have a balance with two sides; it can determine which of the two sides is heavier.
You also have some coins, and one of them is slightly lighter or heavier than the rest.
How many times do you need to use the balance to find the defective coin?
Prerequisites
You like solving logic puzzles
M3373: Introduction to Machine Learning with Chocolate
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mahalia Miller,
Daniel Wiesenthal
The field of Machine Learning is getting a lot of attention, and indeed, it's pretty cool. It's a field in which computers can actually teach themselves to do things that not even their programmers are capable of. This is your opportunity to learn about what Machine Learning is, where it came from, and form an introductory understanding of how it works. We'll go through several examples, run some demos using chocolate bars, and, for those interested in programming, we'll discuss implementation in code.
M3426: Inequalities
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Benjamin Yang
An introduction and overview of some common (and maybe not so common) inequalities from math competitions. We'll start from basics such as the trivial inequality and AM-GM and move towards more complicated ones up to Muirhead and Karamata (if time permits).
Prerequisites
some experience with math competitions and/or proofs
Prerequisites
some experience with math competitions and/or proofs
M3472: Web design and trends
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kevin Liang,
Eric Xiao
We will be discussing the latest trends and designs that you see on websites. There are many things to consider when designing a website such as aesthetics and the user experience. It takes a long time to come up with a mockup of a website but this class will try to uncover some of the uses of great design trends you see today!
M3605: Matrix Math
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jitesh Shah
Learn to solve equations using Matrix calculations. Learn the basics of matrices, how to use them and have fun.
More important, learn the reason why knowing matrix math can make solving complex math problems real easy.
Prerequisites
None
More important, learn the reason why knowing matrix math can make solving complex math problems real easy.
Prerequisites
None
M3609: Paradoxes in Statistics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jeremy Booher,
Betsy Williams
On a gameshow, there are three doors. Behind two are goats, and behind one is a wonderful surprise. You pick a door. The game show host opens a different door, revealing a goat. She asks if you want to change your mind and pick the third door in hopes of getting the wonderful surprise. Should you?
We will discuss this tricky question and several other results in probability and statistics which seem paradoxical. The problem is not with mathematics, but with our understanding of concepts like independence and expectation and our lack of appreciation of confounding variables. Come learn, so that you will not be fooled by the data.
Prerequisites
Algebra.
We will discuss this tricky question and several other results in probability and statistics which seem paradoxical. The problem is not with mathematics, but with our understanding of concepts like independence and expectation and our lack of appreciation of confounding variables. Come learn, so that you will not be fooled by the data.
Prerequisites
Algebra.
M3366: A People's History of the Calculus
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Sam Nolen
In this class we'll discuss the history of the ideas of differential and integral calculus. Why did Newton and Leibniz succeeding in developing it, where the ancient Greeks failed? How can we explain its timeless utility, and what are its limitations as a tool? How did the various modern scientific revolutions change our perspective on calculus? What has calculus meant over the centuries to inventors, artists, philosophers linguists, and the man on the street?
We'll see that, while there is something permanent about mathematics, it can nevertheless be transformed radically by the characteristics of the societies and cultures which use it.
Prerequisites
One semester of calculus (i.e. understanding of derivatives, integrals, and the fundamental theorem of calculus.)
We'll see that, while there is something permanent about mathematics, it can nevertheless be transformed radically by the characteristics of the societies and cultures which use it.
Prerequisites
One semester of calculus (i.e. understanding of derivatives, integrals, and the fundamental theorem of calculus.)
M3377: Intro to web design - HTML, CSS & Javascript
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Alvin Sng
This is a popular class that many students enjoy at Splash. In this course I will be teaching you how to make your own website from scratch. You will be learning HTML, CSS & JavaScript in this course.
M3398: How To Make a Video Game
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gregory Bentsen
Ever wanted to design and build your own video game? Do you want to learn how to code? Do you dream of mapping out your own loot-filled, monster-infested dungeon? Then this is the class for you.
In this course you will build your own 3D video game using the Unity engine. Along the way, you will learn to program in Javascript, how to design levels, and basics of good game design.
Prerequisites
A love for great video games. Design elements of classic video games will guide our discussion. In order to facilitate critical discussion of game design, students should be familiar with some of the most famous and highly-regarded games. If they haven't already, students should play through some of these (The Legend of Zelda, Half Life, and Super Mario 64 are great examples)
In this course you will build your own 3D video game using the Unity engine. Along the way, you will learn to program in Javascript, how to design levels, and basics of good game design.
Prerequisites
A love for great video games. Design elements of classic video games will guide our discussion. In order to facilitate critical discussion of game design, students should be familiar with some of the most famous and highly-regarded games. If they haven't already, students should play through some of these (The Legend of Zelda, Half Life, and Super Mario 64 are great examples)
M3429: how2crypto
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ningrui Li
This class will extremely briefly cover a history of cryptology, the study of creating secret codes. There will be a focus on some historically significant ciphers, such as the Vigenère cipher and RSA. We will cover how they work and how they can be decrypted (or not).
It will be awesome.
Here's one for you guys: 987412365 74123 741963456 98754741!
It will be awesome.
Here's one for you guys: 987412365 74123 741963456 98754741!
M3443: Scraping the Web
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Pan Wangperawong
Ever wonder how Facebook and Google was able to provide you with various news articles from other websites or how to get data for an app you want to build?
Come learn how to scrape information from the web and build your next app. This course will introduce to you techniques and tools for collecting website data.
Prerequisites
experience programing, HTML, CSS
Come learn how to scrape information from the web and build your next app. This course will introduce to you techniques and tools for collecting website data.
Prerequisites
experience programing, HTML, CSS
M3567: Introduction to Big-O Notation
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Karen Wang
Big-O notation is an important tool used by computer scientists the measure the time and space complexities of computer algorithms. In other words, it is a way to measure how much “slower” an algorithm is when you give it a bigger input size.
Imagine Facebook was testing out their website and found that it worked perfectly when ten people are using the site. That would be fine and dandy, but how do you make sure the website also works perfectly when ten million people are using the site? You would need to use Big-O to analyze the algorithms behind your website.
This class will cover the different types of Big-O notation, including O(N), O(logN), and O(N!). You will learn how to develop an intuition for understanding Big-O and how it is used in computer science.
Prerequisites
Some programming experience is preferred, but not necessary. Anyone interested in learning about the theory and conceptual side of programming is welcome to take this class.
Imagine Facebook was testing out their website and found that it worked perfectly when ten people are using the site. That would be fine and dandy, but how do you make sure the website also works perfectly when ten million people are using the site? You would need to use Big-O to analyze the algorithms behind your website.
This class will cover the different types of Big-O notation, including O(N), O(logN), and O(N!). You will learn how to develop an intuition for understanding Big-O and how it is used in computer science.
Prerequisites
Some programming experience is preferred, but not necessary. Anyone interested in learning about the theory and conceptual side of programming is welcome to take this class.
M3622: Knot Theory: da Vinci & Math
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
David Hyde
Knot theory is an exciting branch of topology, the mathematical study of shape. With knot theory, we can analyze the very rich structures and patterns hidden within knots. We can also make fascinating discoveries - for example, did you know that knots appear in the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and many other of Leonardo da Vinci's works? This Splash class looks at knot theory from both mathematical and artistic perspectives and should be a lot of fun for anyone who likes math, puzzles, or art!
Prerequisites
Interest in puzzles, art, math, or some combination thereof!
Prerequisites
Interest in puzzles, art, math, or some combination thereof!
M3505: Advanced Topics in Cryptocurrency
This class deals with advanced concepts regarding cryptocurrency. Covers history of cryptocurrency beginning with Satoshi Nakamoto's whitepaper on Bitcoin and continuing on to new developments in alternate cryptocurrencies (altcoins). Discusses technical details of the blockchain and mining. Examines the economic effects and regulatory challenges of Bitcoin.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of cryptocurrency. Taking my other class M3504: Introduction to Cryptocurrency or reading the Wikipedia article on Bitcoin will suffice. Strong mathematical background encouraged. Please bring a laptop. Tablets and smartphones are also OK, but not recommended.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of cryptocurrency. Taking my other class M3504: Introduction to Cryptocurrency or reading the Wikipedia article on Bitcoin will suffice. Strong mathematical background encouraged. Please bring a laptop. Tablets and smartphones are also OK, but not recommended.
M3600: Mathemagical Puzzles
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ilana Arbisser,
Alison Feder
Explore a world of mathematical thinking and problem solving in this interactive workshop. Topics will be presented and then students will break into groups to further explore the concepts for themselves. Likely topics will include geometric intuition on algebraic ideas, Pascal's triangle, unintuitive probabilistic results, logic puzzles and possibly a foray into high dimensional geometry! The emphasis of the class will allow for students to grapple with problems and work with others to develop their own intuition on approaching new concepts.
Prerequisites
Algebra and geometry will be used
Prerequisites
Algebra and geometry will be used
M3621: Math: Prove It!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Hyde
Mathematics is based on proof, i.e. logical justification. This class will introduce a few common techniques, including direct proof, proof by induction, and proof by contradiction, for proving mathematical statements. I will give a brief lecture with some examples, and then we will work in groups on some cool problems to practice these techniques. If you like math, this class will give you a small taste of how new mathematical facts can be discovered!
Prerequisites
Generally, you should be curious about why things are true! Specifically, having a solid grasp of algebra will help.
Prerequisites
Generally, you should be curious about why things are true! Specifically, having a solid grasp of algebra will help.
M3680: Wallpaper Symmetries
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Theodore Hwa
In this class, we'll study wallpaper patterns. For two-dimensional wallpaper (the most common kind :) it turns out there are 17 distinct possible types of symmetries in a wallpaper pattern. We'll look at different patterns, see how to identify and classify their symmetries, how to construct patterns with particular symmetries, and briefly discuss why there are only 17 possible patterns.
Prerequisites
Some basic geometry would be helpful, but not necessarily required.
Prerequisites
Some basic geometry would be helpful, but not necessarily required.
M3696: Games of Chance: An Introduction to Probability
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Omkar Deshpande,
Vivek Kaul
Our lives are significantly influenced by random events -- weather forecasts, stock market fluctuations, the traits we inherit from our parents, car accidents, how well you do in your exams, etc -- these are all examples where chance plays a role. Nowhere is that role more prominent than in games of chance. In tossing a coin, or rolling dice, or flipping cards, we are blatantly playing games of chance. In fact, it was in the context of gambling that the basic ideas of probability were first invented. We will look at those basics: what is probability, and how do we assign a numerical value to the likelihood of an event when we have no idea what will happen? Believe it or not, even basic questions like these about probability are still a source of debate among mathematicians (and we will see why). But that also makes probability one of the most interesting topics to learn about in mathematics. So we invite you to join in -- you will enjoy the experience (with a high probability).
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra
Prerequisites
Basics of algebra
M3550: Problem Solving with Computer Algorithms
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kapil Yedidi
Computer algorithms are behind many of the things we do in our day to day life. Whether it's finding mutual friends on Facebook, using the iPhone autocorrect, or searching for something on Google, computer algorithms enable us to do things that we otherwise could not. We’ll also cover the logic behind these algorithms and others in the products we use every day.
We'll discuss things that computer are really good at (like sorting a list of 1,000,000 numbers in less than a second), and things that computers are really bad at (like figuring out the optimal way to organize student's schedules at a school).
We'll spend the first half of class understanding ways to break down problems like a Computer Scientist. In the second half of class, students will choose an algorithm (like a sudoku solver or a spelling autocorrect) and devise an algorithm on paper to solve that problem.
Much like the study of Computer Science in college, this course focuses on problem solving over writing code. No programming experience is needed for this course.
We'll discuss things that computer are really good at (like sorting a list of 1,000,000 numbers in less than a second), and things that computers are really bad at (like figuring out the optimal way to organize student's schedules at a school).
We'll spend the first half of class understanding ways to break down problems like a Computer Scientist. In the second half of class, students will choose an algorithm (like a sudoku solver or a spelling autocorrect) and devise an algorithm on paper to solve that problem.
Much like the study of Computer Science in college, this course focuses on problem solving over writing code. No programming experience is needed for this course.
Physical Science
P3417: Shedding Light on Lasers
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Corinn Herrick
The year is 2020 and robots are taking over the world. Everyone is in panic, everyone, that is, except for you. You came to Spark 2014 and learned all about lasers. You learned about how lasers generate light and how that light is different from normal light. You also learned about the different kinds of lasers and their applications. Including lasers so powerful that they can burn through sheets of metal! You run to your secret lab in your basement and build a giant robot-killing laser weapon! ...or maybe you realize 2 steps down the stairs that such a weapon was utterly impractical given the supplies at hand.
No matter, maybe the robots will be so impressed by your ingenuity that their creator will spare you and make you his partner.
Prerequisites
You should understand that matter is composed of elements which have electrons. Some of the details of this class may be hard to understand if you haven't taken a chemistry class. If you're okay with accepting some things as "magic" when you don't completely understand the explanation, you should be able to get the big picture of what's going on.
No matter, maybe the robots will be so impressed by your ingenuity that their creator will spare you and make you his partner.
Prerequisites
You should understand that matter is composed of elements which have electrons. Some of the details of this class may be hard to understand if you haven't taken a chemistry class. If you're okay with accepting some things as "magic" when you don't completely understand the explanation, you should be able to get the big picture of what's going on.
P3395: Coral Reefs: Exploring Real Experimental Problems in Marine Science
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Staci Lewis,
Elizabeth Morin
Are you interested in the ocean, the environment or science in general? Staci is studying the oldest corals in the world and has a problem. She needs to develop a way to accurately measure the surface area of coral to determine how fast the colony grows. In teams, you will measure objects surface areas using conventional techniques and figure out for yourself why measuring coral is challenging. Finally, you will learn why this is an important technique and ways marine researchers currently determine surface area. This is a repeat of a Fall 2013 Splash class and we are hoping to see new faces.
P3452: Real Science: What It Is and How to Spot BS
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Carreon
Lots of people talk about what “Scientists say” and what is “experimentally proven”. We all want to be rational and make good decisions.
But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word “science”? We’ll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.
But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word “science”? We’ll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.
P3619: The Invisible Universe
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Yao-Yuan Mao
On a clear night, you may see hundreds of stars in the sky. All the stars you can see with your naked eyes are stars living in the Milky Way Galaxy, the very galaxy our own Sun also lives in. With the help of telescopes, you may see some more extragalactic objects, such as other galaxies, supernovae, and quasars. However, the universe consists of not only things that emit light, but also things that are completely invisible. It may surprise you that the universe is actually dominated by its invisible components, which account for more than 95% of the total mass-energy in the universe. In this class we are going to learn about these invisible components --- dark matter and dark energy.
P3379: Gravitational Lensing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alfred Zong
You probably know that light usually travels in a straight line, unless a magnifying glass (i.e. a convex lens) bends it. But why do physicists claim that our Sun can also act like a lens? In this class, you will be introduced to Einstein's famous general theory of relativity and you will learn the reason for this magic lensing effect!
Prerequisites
No advanced math or physics knowledge required. If you know F = ma and you're ready to embrace some really weird (but true) phenomenon, this class is for you!
Prerequisites
No advanced math or physics knowledge required. If you know F = ma and you're ready to embrace some really weird (but true) phenomenon, this class is for you!
P3490: Fun with Acids and Bases
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sofia Izmailov,
Elizabeth Morin
Let’s be crazy chemists and mix bases and acids! Hehe. Oh, what I meant to say was: Learn more about reactions by mixing acids and bases. Learn which common household items are bases, which are acids, which are neutral and which combinations give the best volcano for that science fair? Test it out! Also, be prepared to channel your inner sourpuss and react with your basic classmates. Will the entire group wind up sour, basic or neutral? Only time will tell!
P3421: Quantum Mechanics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Andrew Guo
A theorist so deft in his craft,
To his kitten, did something quite daft.
Placed the cat in a state
Of indeterminate fate,
Where the odds it was dead(alive) were one half.
Much cruel. How uncertainty. Very Doge? Oh well. Join me on a whirlwind tour of the fascinating world of quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of classical mechanics and a basic understanding of probability.
To his kitten, did something quite daft.
Placed the cat in a state
Of indeterminate fate,
Where the odds it was dead(alive) were one half.
Much cruel. How uncertainty. Very Doge? Oh well. Join me on a whirlwind tour of the fascinating world of quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of classical mechanics and a basic understanding of probability.
P3499: Molecular Gastronomy: The Chemistry of Cooking
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Samuel Cady,
Kenneth Qin
We’re surrounded by chemistry each and every day but some instances are more obvious than others. Most people recognize that their medicine is the product of chemistry; far fewer would say the same about their lunch. But they should. The flavor of their grilled chicken is the result of complex browning reactions, their salad dressing an emulsion of immiscible liquids, and the texture of their ice cream governed by thermodynamic principles. In this class, you’ll learn how to view food and cooking from the standpoint of a chemist and hopefully you come to see why chemistry is useful (and pretty cool!)
Prerequisites
High school chemistry
Prerequisites
High school chemistry
P3510: Catch a Falling Star: Meteor Observation
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Geng Zhao
Have you ever seen a spectacular meteor shower with hundreds of meteors per hour? Curious about how meteor showers form? Want to know when and where to look for a meteor shower?
In this course, we will discuss what causes meteor showers and how to observe them. We will also introduce the observing conditions of the main meteor showers in 2014.
In this course, we will discuss what causes meteor showers and how to observe them. We will also introduce the observing conditions of the main meteor showers in 2014.
P3598: Create a hologram!
Difficulty: *
Join graduate students of the Stanford Optical Society to learn about light and in what different forms it can be created.
Measure the width of your hair using just a laser pointer and a ruler!
Find out how holograms are made and create one yourself.
Measure the width of your hair using just a laser pointer and a ruler!
Find out how holograms are made and create one yourself.
P3483: Introduction to Variable Star Astronomy and Observation
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Geng Zhao
The time scale of the universe is overwhelming for humans. Even a rapid astronomical process (e.g. a planetary nebula diffusing in tens of thousands of years) can still last too long for us to witness any significant changes during our lifetime. Variable stars, however, are an exception. Some of them may get a hundred times fainter than usual in only two hours; some of them are among the brightest stars for a certain period of time, while becoming totally invisible by naked eyes during other times. All these notable phenomena in measurable timescale make variable stars an exciting topic in astronomy.
In this course, we will explore how and why variable stars vary, and the significance of studying variable stars. More excitingly, we will discuss how amateur astronomers practically observe variable stars. That's right, you can do observation and contribute to the variable star database even if you live in a big city! Come to the class to learn more about it!
Prerequisites
Knowledge about astronomy (constellations, magnitudes, black body radiation) preferred, but not required.
In this course, we will explore how and why variable stars vary, and the significance of studying variable stars. More excitingly, we will discuss how amateur astronomers practically observe variable stars. That's right, you can do observation and contribute to the variable star database even if you live in a big city! Come to the class to learn more about it!
Prerequisites
Knowledge about astronomy (constellations, magnitudes, black body radiation) preferred, but not required.
P3524: The Science of Jurassic Park
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Samantha Zarate
Why is a Brontosaurus simply wrong? What's so special about the La Brea Tar Pits? Are organisms that have been dead for millions of years really that interesting?
The real question: Who hasn't always wanted to know more about dinosaurs and fossils? Come and fulfill your childhood dream of learning the basics of paleontology, mistakes Steven Spielberg made in Jurassic Park, and more!
Why? Because dinosaurs are cool.
Prerequisites
None - you don't even need to have seen Jurassic Park; this is just a basic paleontology class! BUT fair warning: this class will majorly spoil the movie if you haven't seen it.
The real question: Who hasn't always wanted to know more about dinosaurs and fossils? Come and fulfill your childhood dream of learning the basics of paleontology, mistakes Steven Spielberg made in Jurassic Park, and more!
Why? Because dinosaurs are cool.
Prerequisites
None - you don't even need to have seen Jurassic Park; this is just a basic paleontology class! BUT fair warning: this class will majorly spoil the movie if you haven't seen it.
P3617: Organic Chemistry Origami!
\usepackage{chemfig}
\chemfig{*6(=-=-=-)}
\chemfig{**5(-----)}
\chemfig{C(<[:345]A)([:90]B)(-[:200]C)(<:[:285]D)}
Organic chemistry is awesome. So is (modular) origami. Come learn how to do both (and use origami to help you visualize organic compounds)!
Prerequisites
Some basic chemistry knowledge of atoms and bonds (how many bonds certain atoms form, etc) would be good. This is intended to be an introductory organic chemistry course that mainly focuses on the basic construction of compounds and their orientation in 3-D space.
\chemfig{*6(=-=-=-)}
\chemfig{**5(-----)}
\chemfig{C(<[:345]A)([:90]B)(-[:200]C)(<:[:285]D)}
Organic chemistry is awesome. So is (modular) origami. Come learn how to do both (and use origami to help you visualize organic compounds)!
Prerequisites
Some basic chemistry knowledge of atoms and bonds (how many bonds certain atoms form, etc) would be good. This is intended to be an introductory organic chemistry course that mainly focuses on the basic construction of compounds and their orientation in 3-D space.
P3636: Speakers!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Dominic Borg
This class will explore the fundamentals of sound and the technology we use to capture, manipulate, and reproduce it.
Expect a small and informal class environment. We will start with a discussion of sound as a physical phenomenon, move on to the principles underlying the function of different audio devices, and finally construct our own speakers from paper, wire and magnets during free discussion.
Come with questions, iPods, and musical instruments ready!
Prerequisites
Curiosity
Expect a small and informal class environment. We will start with a discussion of sound as a physical phenomenon, move on to the principles underlying the function of different audio devices, and finally construct our own speakers from paper, wire and magnets during free discussion.
Come with questions, iPods, and musical instruments ready!
Prerequisites
Curiosity
P3587: Calendar Astronomy
How did we come up with the notion of a day, a month, a year? How do we predict seemingly irregular astronomical events in our solar system, such as eclipses?
This class will give an introduction to the periodic nature of our solar system that gave rise to the formation of the calendars of various cultures.
Prerequisites
Good grasp of mathematics, especially algebra.
This class will give an introduction to the periodic nature of our solar system that gave rise to the formation of the calendars of various cultures.
Prerequisites
Good grasp of mathematics, especially algebra.
P3474: Introduction to Interstellar War
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Daniel Kane
We discuss plausible technologies that might be used in an interstellar conflict involving known physics. Topics include, lazers, kinetic bombardment, planetary dodging and black holes.
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites. Basic algebra and physics will likely make the class easier to follow.
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites. Basic algebra and physics will likely make the class easier to follow.
P3502: Magic Sand
Difficulty: *
Hydrophobic “magic” sand is special sand that has been coated with a silicon compound, making it able to repel water. Because the silicon is only one nanometer thick, hydrophobic sand looks and feels like regular sand. However, it behaves very differently.
P3555: Guesstimation: Science on the Back of the Envelope
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Devangi Vivrekar,
Albert Wandui
How many cells are in the human body? How big would we be if the Earth were the size of a bowling ball? How much trash do we generate yearly? What if we could estimate the answers to questions like these without lots of complicated math and background knowledge? It turns out, we can! Come learn about the art and power of "guesstimation" and order-of-magnitude estimates - and see how it can transform your physical understanding and problem-solving confidence!
P3475: Introduction to Interstellar Empires
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Daniel Kane
Explores possible mechanisms for civilizations to gain access to the resources of multiple solar systems while dealing with problems posed by light-speed communications delays. Topics include: ramscoops, sunlight redirection, and mining stars with antimatter.
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites, but basic algebra and physics will likely make the class easier to follow.
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites, but basic algebra and physics will likely make the class easier to follow.
P3527: Black holes! And space, time, and all that
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Djordje Radicevic
Take a deep breath and start thinking about what our world must be built of. How to measure distances in a way that doesn't depend on the choice of a ruler? What's "distance," anyway? Why is time different from space? What kinds of universes can we think of, and which one of those do we live in?
These questions will kick off and propel our discussion until we reach the lofty goal: understand what black holes are, how they behave, and why they are crucially important for our understanding of the world.
Prerequisites
Algebra, algebra, algebra. There will not be many equations, and those that do show up will not be significantly manipulated. However, understanding what they *mean* will be important. Having some notion about vectors and matrices will be especially useful.
These questions will kick off and propel our discussion until we reach the lofty goal: understand what black holes are, how they behave, and why they are crucially important for our understanding of the world.
Prerequisites
Algebra, algebra, algebra. There will not be many equations, and those that do show up will not be significantly manipulated. However, understanding what they *mean* will be important. Having some notion about vectors and matrices will be especially useful.
P3462: Introduction to Supramolecular Chemistry
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Chao Wang
The life is composed of supramolecules. Supramolecular chemistry is the core chemistry for in our life, including proteins, cells, etc. Join us to shed some light on the essence of our life!
P3396: Global Warming Science and what you can do
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Sudhanshu Jain
Considering the large body of science supporting the fact that Climate Change is REAL and happening now, it's surprising how many people still have doubts.
In this class you will learn the science that support the fact that we're headed for serious trouble. For example, you'll learn how we know what the temperature and CO2 level was half a million years ago.
You'll also learn a little about what you can do to reduce global warming.
Prerequisites
None
In this class you will learn the science that support the fact that we're headed for serious trouble. For example, you'll learn how we know what the temperature and CO2 level was half a million years ago.
You'll also learn a little about what you can do to reduce global warming.
Prerequisites
None
P3602: Introduction to the Human Exploration of the Solar System
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Iskender Kushan
In this course we will talk about the exploration of our solar system and beyond!
We will start with the unmanned moon landings of 1960s, and cover missions to every single planet of the solar system.
Particular focus will be on the exploration of the Mars, Curiosity mission, and the Voyager missions. We will also talk briefly about a possible manned mission to Mars, and space exploration beyond our solar system.
A short list of the topics and missions we will cover:
- Basics of spaceflight
- Luna, Surveyor and Apollo missions to the moon
- Mariner and Messenger missions to the Mercury
- Magellan and Venera missions to Venus
- Viking, Pathfinder, Sojourner, Opportunity and Curiosity missions to Mars
- Galileo mission to Jupiter
- Cassini mission to Saturn
- Voyager, Pioneer and New Horizions missions to the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto)
- Exploration of star systems other than our Solar System, and the recent findings of planets in other star systems by the Kepler probe.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the solar system, and basic mechanics.
We will start with the unmanned moon landings of 1960s, and cover missions to every single planet of the solar system.
Particular focus will be on the exploration of the Mars, Curiosity mission, and the Voyager missions. We will also talk briefly about a possible manned mission to Mars, and space exploration beyond our solar system.
A short list of the topics and missions we will cover:
- Basics of spaceflight
- Luna, Surveyor and Apollo missions to the moon
- Mariner and Messenger missions to the Mercury
- Magellan and Venera missions to Venus
- Viking, Pathfinder, Sojourner, Opportunity and Curiosity missions to Mars
- Galileo mission to Jupiter
- Cassini mission to Saturn
- Voyager, Pioneer and New Horizions missions to the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto)
- Exploration of star systems other than our Solar System, and the recent findings of planets in other star systems by the Kepler probe.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the solar system, and basic mechanics.
P3453: The Birth of Science
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Carreon
Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner?
In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors.
If that's not enough, I'll tell you:
*Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat
*How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time
*Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)
[Warning: Not just a history class! We'll actually try to think scientifically]
In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors.
If that's not enough, I'll tell you:
*Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat
*How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time
*Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)
[Warning: Not just a history class! We'll actually try to think scientifically]
P3714: Nanoscience: Small Particles, Big Impact
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Devleena Samanta,
Mahima Sneha
Chemistry/Material Science
Prerequisites
Is bigger always better? Find out how size changes physical and chemical properties of materials at the nanoscale.
Prerequisites
Is bigger always better? Find out how size changes physical and chemical properties of materials at the nanoscale.
P3411: Secrets from Einstein
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Nick Sovich
Everyone has heard the name Einstein, but far fewer have an appreciation for why this man is actually so famous. Some of his most revolutionary ideas require nothing more than basic algebra skills (and some creativity) to understand, and yet Einstein is omitted entirely from virtually all high school physics classes. In this class we will explore unbelievable (yet entirely real and observable) phenomena such as time travel. We will not take a science fiction approach, but rather develop a mature understanding of how such events are not only possible but must in fact take place every day. What does it really mean to say that time is relative or that no object has any absolute size? Students with enough curiosity to seek answers to such questions will walk away from this class with truly mind-blowing results.
Prerequisites
Algebra and perhaps more importantly curiosity. (High school physics will be useful but not essential)
Prerequisites
Algebra and perhaps more importantly curiosity. (High school physics will be useful but not essential)
P3418: Spectacular Spectroscopy
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Corinn Herrick
Have you ever wondered how astronomers know which elements make up stars? Or how scientists identify unknown substances? Spectroscopy is an important tool that can help us do both of those things, and more. Come learn how it all works and build your own handheld spectroscope.
P3533: Talking To Aliens
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Michael Busch
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has focused on looking for any intelligent aliens that may exist. But how can we communicate with any such people?
I will review SETI, the problems of conveying information to any potential alien intelligences, and present a few different ways humans have proposed for talking to aliens.
Prerequisites
Nothing except an interest in SETI and in solving puzzles.
I will review SETI, the problems of conveying information to any potential alien intelligences, and present a few different ways humans have proposed for talking to aliens.
Prerequisites
Nothing except an interest in SETI and in solving puzzles.
P3548: Exploring Chemical Catalysis (...and other fun phenomena)
Difficulty: **
This course will be very Demonstration rich! Expect to see a little bit about cutting-edge research and cool experiments to reinforce chemical concepts!
Prerequisites
Suggested: Chemistry Classes, But all are welcome!
Prerequisites
Suggested: Chemistry Classes, But all are welcome!
P3556: The Physics of Waves
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Chi-Sing Ho,
Matthew Ware
Have you ever wondered how a wave moves through the ocean? Is the water itself moving with the wave? It’s a hard question to answer, but in this class, we will explore ocean waves and other wave phenomena through experiment. Together we’ll build up our intuition about waves using a simple string then explore interference (when two waves meet at a point) and diffraction (when a wave goes through a small hole) using water and lasers. The results will be quite unexpected.
Prerequisites
Appropriate and fun for all ages
Prerequisites
Appropriate and fun for all ages
P3422: Fun with Chemistry!
Difficulty: **
Chemistry is exciting and it happens all around us every day. In this class we will talk about the states of matter, a little about polymers (like plastics), and really anything else that gives us a chance to do cool demos for you all! You may get a chance to make a chemical souvenir to take home, too. You'll just have to come and find out!
P3663: Climate Change: Why is it happening and how do we stop it?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Danielle Touma,
deepti singh
Climate change! Global warming! The greenhouse effect! Extreme weather!
What are these things? How do they affect you? Can we avoid it?
Come learn about why our climate is changing and the impacts that it has on us. Then, explore ways in which global policies and strategies could help reduce the changes in our climate!
What are these things? How do they affect you? Can we avoid it?
Come learn about why our climate is changing and the impacts that it has on us. Then, explore ways in which global policies and strategies could help reduce the changes in our climate!
Social Science
S3374: Liberia: West Africa's "Little America"?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gillie Collins
Many Liberians consider their country the the "51st state," but most Americans know very little about Liberia, a small country on the West coast of Africa. Beginning in 1820, freed American slaves "colonized" the territory and declared the country independent in 1847. This settler class of "Americo-Liberians" dominated the country's politics and marginalized indigenous peoples. A military coup in 1980 overthrew the Americo-Liberian leadership and triggered over two decades of political instability and civil war, resulting in the deaths of over 250,000 people. Today, as Liberia tries to rebuild economically and politically, the U.S. continues to play an important role—for better or worse—in national reconstruction. In class, we'll not only learn about Liberia's devastating civil war and the politics of foreign aid, but also listen to contemporary Liberian music "Hipco" and read short excerpts from Liberian literature.
Prerequisites
An open mind!
Prerequisites
An open mind!
S3433: Chopsticks, Legos, and Hands! Learning about Supply Chain Management.
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Cassandra Calderon,
Nab Thavisin
Through an interactive game, students will have an opportunity to learn about supply chain management and the productivity of different workers. We will play the interactive game using different scenarios and we will discuss its real life implications. This class is ideal for students who may be interested in economics and understanding how products go from factories to consumers.
S3537: Stock Market 101: Basic Finance and Investments
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rotimi Opeke
Ever wanted to learn how the stock market works? Well this is your chance!
Come and learn the basic principles of the stock market, and play games to try and become a stock market master.
Come if you know a little, come if you know a lot! I promise that you will have a good time.
Come and learn the basic principles of the stock market, and play games to try and become a stock market master.
Come if you know a little, come if you know a lot! I promise that you will have a good time.
S3618: Science, Hoaxes, and Cranks
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Danny Bulmash
From randomly generated papers to essays full of 100% deliberate technobabble, academia has had its share of wacky hoaxes. We'll discuss some of the weird things people do to make a point and the real, actual problems they point out.
The class will focus mostly on science-related hoaxes and issues, but no science background is needed.
The class will focus mostly on science-related hoaxes and issues, but no science background is needed.
S3683: Great Empires, Great Powers: The Rising and Ebbing Tides of History's Grandest Civilizations
Difficulty: **
At the height of the Roman Empire, a Roman citizen could walk from one end of the empire to the other end armed only with the words "civis Romanus sum," and he/she could remain assured that no harm would befall him/her.
What were history's great empires? What led to their rises to power? And what caused their dramatic declines and collapses? What lessons do the stories of these empires teach us about our world today and the international system of great power politics?
We will cover a selection of case studies. Potential studies include the Roman Empire, the German Empire, the British Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, and more. We will discuss some of the trends in the histories of these civilizations and compare them to the United States today.
Prerequisites
An interest in history and a willingness to analyze the contemporary world in the context of history.
What were history's great empires? What led to their rises to power? And what caused their dramatic declines and collapses? What lessons do the stories of these empires teach us about our world today and the international system of great power politics?
We will cover a selection of case studies. Potential studies include the Roman Empire, the German Empire, the British Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, and more. We will discuss some of the trends in the histories of these civilizations and compare them to the United States today.
Prerequisites
An interest in history and a willingness to analyze the contemporary world in the context of history.
S3727: Race in the Media: Asian American Narratives
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Frank Chiang
Karate chops, straight A’s, piano, tiger moms, and exaggerated accents. In this class, we will explore the manner in which race is depicted in the media through the narratives of Asian Americans themselves and the varied reactions that America as a whole experiences towards these narratives. We will raise questions regarding the validity of these media portrayals and both the dangers and opportunities inherent in them. In the process, we will try to position the current state of Asian Americans in the broader context of Asian American history. What does it mean for the media to perpetuate stereotypes of certain groups, or to disregard them completely?
S3525: Divorced, Beheaded, Died
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Samantha Zarate
Treason! Affairs! Murder!
Who changes the religious hierarchy of England permanently just to call off a marriage? King Henry VIII does. This redheaded, temperamental monarch of medieval England might seem like an obscure historical figure, but in fact he lived a very interesting life. He married six times and personally beheaded two of his wives, all in an attempt to have a male son. This course will primarily cover the lives (and deaths) of Henry VIII and his six wives with plenty of violence, plotting, and drama in a storytelling fashion. We will also touch on the political goings-on of western Europe at the time as they become relevant to the story.
The best part? It’s 100% true!
Prerequisites
None - all you need is an interest in juicy historical gossip and really good stories!
Who changes the religious hierarchy of England permanently just to call off a marriage? King Henry VIII does. This redheaded, temperamental monarch of medieval England might seem like an obscure historical figure, but in fact he lived a very interesting life. He married six times and personally beheaded two of his wives, all in an attempt to have a male son. This course will primarily cover the lives (and deaths) of Henry VIII and his six wives with plenty of violence, plotting, and drama in a storytelling fashion. We will also touch on the political goings-on of western Europe at the time as they become relevant to the story.
The best part? It’s 100% true!
Prerequisites
None - all you need is an interest in juicy historical gossip and really good stories!
S3643: Who gets what?: The Economics of Group Decision Making
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Chi Ling Chan,
Bryan Hooi
How do people decide what they collectively want when everyone wants something different? What's good and bad about majority rule? What makes for a good voting system? Does there exist a perfect voting system? In the first part of the class, we'll discuss when majority rule fails, and various alternative voting systems that might work better. Next, we will explore what makes a good matching system in real life situations such as college admissions, marriage, jobs, kidney exchange and online dating.
S3369: A Horrible Death to Die: The Murder of Jane Stanford
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jaz Salomón
In 1905, Jane Stanford, the mother of Leland Stanford, Jr., was allegedly poisoned. Or perhaps not, according to a subsequent coverup that followed her death. So what really happened? This class explores the possibilities of Mrs. Stanford's death and the aftermath, and includes a short field trip to the mausoleum in which Mrs. Stanford is buried.
S3718: What Does Modern Technology Bring to us?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Zhuoqing Fang
Have you worried about that the smart phone and social network will occupy all your spare time or will one day dominate your mind and body? Can you live without the modern technology for just one day? How do you cope with troubles, embarassment or confusion without their aid? Or, have you ever been curious about the human future dominated by robots, cyborgs or super machines? Come join us and chat about all the things that interests you.
S3434: Are you shy?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Sujatha Marsden
Does the thought of small talk make your stomach turn? Learn how being shy can be a positive, and explore ways to come out of your shell.
S3554: Rethinking Society
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Bradley Wo
America's society, supposedly built on universal democratic beliefs, is remarkably controversial. Affirmative action, income inequality, globalization, abortion, human rights intervention, Syria, Ukraine. Come for a discussion where you can learn about others' views, speak your mind, and rethink society. Don't worry, it'll be chill.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of societal issues and an open mind.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of societal issues and an open mind.
S3649: Modern History and Politics of South Asia
Difficulty: **
Have you been interested in learning more about India? Pakistan? Nepal? Bangladesh? With almost half of the world's population concentrated in this region, no issue of global importance is complete without discussing the South Asia region. Whether it is issues of economic development, human rights, music, movie or culture, South Asia provides for an interesting study. The course will give students a brief introduction to the history and politics of South Asia in the past 60 years and also give insights on the relationship the United States shares with this region. This should be a great crash course to learn about South Asia!
S3382: What is Race?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Van Anh Tran
What is race? Join us as we begin to explore this idea of race--where it comes from, what it has been used for, its implications for history, and how it affects us today! Will be fun, interactive, and informative!
S3702: Kawaii Culture of Japan
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Tomoko Ikeuchi
This class will give an introduction to the culture of cuteness (kawaii) in Japan. We will talk about the origin and history of Japanese kawaii culture.
S3561: International Security and Simulation
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Wesley Tiu
How does the world respond to international terrorism and the threat of nuclear weapons? How does the United States shape policy to keep ourselves secure? How do we deter terrorists? What happens if a terrorist gets a nuclear weapon?
In this class, we'll spend some time talking about international security, deterrence, terrorism,and nuclear weapons. Afterwards, students will have a chance to put what they've learned to use in a simulation that will enable students to debate issues and negotiate policies to potentially resolve an int'l security challenge such as Iran or a conflict between India and Pakistan.
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of world events. Please bring a laptop for the simulation part of the class.
In this class, we'll spend some time talking about international security, deterrence, terrorism,and nuclear weapons. Afterwards, students will have a chance to put what they've learned to use in a simulation that will enable students to debate issues and negotiate policies to potentially resolve an int'l security challenge such as Iran or a conflict between India and Pakistan.
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of world events. Please bring a laptop for the simulation part of the class.
S3703: Much Ado About News
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ben Lei
Where does everyone get news? Is news important? How can we handle the constant deluge of information?
This class will have three parts.
Act I: Discussion of where we each get our news. We'll compile a list of everyone's recommended podcasts, magazines, websites, newsletters, etc. Hopefully, everyone finds a few new sources of news to try. If you're already a news junkie, we'll help stage an intervention.
Act II: Analysis of biases and logical fallacies found in news media. Yup, there'll be many examples. Also, what trends are happening in media?
Act III: Chaotic rapid-fire Q&A on current events and anything. Got a random question on Ukraine, bitcoin, charter schools, synthetic meat, shirt-folding shortcuts, college, etc.? I'll be at your disposal to answer all questions to the best of my ability.
Prerequisites
Be ready to participate and speak your opinion. This class isn't complicated, but is very fast-paced.
This class will have three parts.
Act I: Discussion of where we each get our news. We'll compile a list of everyone's recommended podcasts, magazines, websites, newsletters, etc. Hopefully, everyone finds a few new sources of news to try. If you're already a news junkie, we'll help stage an intervention.
Act II: Analysis of biases and logical fallacies found in news media. Yup, there'll be many examples. Also, what trends are happening in media?
Act III: Chaotic rapid-fire Q&A on current events and anything. Got a random question on Ukraine, bitcoin, charter schools, synthetic meat, shirt-folding shortcuts, college, etc.? I'll be at your disposal to answer all questions to the best of my ability.
Prerequisites
Be ready to participate and speak your opinion. This class isn't complicated, but is very fast-paced.
S3653: Politics of Modern China and Sino-American Relations
Difficulty: **
National People's Congress? Politburo? Standing Committee? Central Military Commission?
If you've ever wondered about the intricacies of Chinese politics, then this class is perfect for you. We will begin first with an exploration of the Chinese government system from a local to national level. We will discuss the challenges of governing such a large, multi-ethnic territory and how the Beijing central government will adapt to suit the needs of the populace. Time permitting, we will proceed to an open discussion on how the United States should approach China's rising influence in East Asia and the world.
It will be fast-paced, exciting journey into the mysterious world of government in the world's largest "communist" nation!
Prerequisites
An interest in international affairs and a willingness to learn.
If you've ever wondered about the intricacies of Chinese politics, then this class is perfect for you. We will begin first with an exploration of the Chinese government system from a local to national level. We will discuss the challenges of governing such a large, multi-ethnic territory and how the Beijing central government will adapt to suit the needs of the populace. Time permitting, we will proceed to an open discussion on how the United States should approach China's rising influence in East Asia and the world.
It will be fast-paced, exciting journey into the mysterious world of government in the world's largest "communist" nation!
Prerequisites
An interest in international affairs and a willingness to learn.
S3446: Doing Good in the 21st Century
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Michael Dickens,
Kelsey Piper
From 'Kony 2012' to disaster relief to late-night ads for abused puppies, we're bombarded with messages about how to help others. But some of those organizations are doing more harm than good, and very few are highly effective and supported by data. This class will take a hard look at our obligations to the world, and introduce students to contentious issues in the growing field of high-impact altruism.
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
S3678: So You Want to Be President
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Albert Gehami
No one says the job is easy, but someone's gotta do it. Why not you? We'll explore the world of politics from a statistical perspective. Looking at what the numbers have to say about the entire campaigning process. If you've ever been curious about why people vote, what they vote for, and what you can do to change them, then hop on the campaign trail!
S3403: Class on Class: Social Structures from the Neolithic to Mean Girls
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Maggie Teets,
Bright Zhou
This class on class examines the development of social structures ranging from Neolithic communities to the dramatized cliques behind "Mean Girls." Course concepts will be addressed from an archaeological and ethical focus. Particular emphasis is placed on the morality behind class structures.
Prerequisites
A love of cultural history and movie watching!
Prerequisites
A love of cultural history and movie watching!
S3489: Introduction to Law
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
R Sachdev
This class provides an intriguing introduction to what law means. It will overview common misconceptions about what law is, gives an overview of the legal system and legal profession in the US and students will learn how law affects our daily lives.
The seminar is provided by an Attorney.
(No legal advice provided in this seminar).
Prerequisites
None.
The seminar is provided by an Attorney.
(No legal advice provided in this seminar).
Prerequisites
None.
S3529: Introduction to Western Philosophy
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Daria Godorozha
Do you enjoy thinking about the nature of life, the universe and beyond? Are you ready to question, debate and consider the theories of understanding which shape our society and thought. If you enjoy any of these and posses an open and curious mind then this class is for you. This class will take a brief look at some of the main philosophies which have shaped western thought mainly focusing on the philosophies of Socrates and Plato as these are often called the fathers of philosophy. There is a possibility of doing a quick skim though other influential philosophers including Aristotle, Hegel, Hume, Kant, Spinoza and Nietzche depending on interest and the time we have left.
S3607: Capitalism vs. Socialism: The Big Questions
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jeff Jacobs
"From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs." - Karl Marx
"It is not from the benevolence of the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest." - Adam Smith
In this class, we will delve into the big questions addressed by capitalism and socialism:
What is the purpose of money?
Are people inherently selfish?
How should we define freedom?
Who should have control over a nation's wealth and resources?
And many more, while taking a historical tour of the great social, political, and economic ideas of the past 300 years and examining how these ideas were put into practice in the US, China, the Soviet Union, and North Korea.
"It is not from the benevolence of the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest." - Adam Smith
In this class, we will delve into the big questions addressed by capitalism and socialism:
What is the purpose of money?
Are people inherently selfish?
How should we define freedom?
Who should have control over a nation's wealth and resources?
And many more, while taking a historical tour of the great social, political, and economic ideas of the past 300 years and examining how these ideas were put into practice in the US, China, the Soviet Union, and North Korea.
S3654: Ethics of Politics
Difficulty: **
"To be feared is much safer than to be loved." -Niccolo Machiavelli
Why are citizens today so distrustful of their governments? Why are we so apprehensive of our politicians?
Our class will focus on ethical theories in political philosophy. We will discuss different moral systems in the realm of political and social thinking, such as utilitarianism and libertarianism. We will cover the writings and thoughts of Niccolo Machiavelli, John Rawls, and more. We will also have discussions, debates, and time permitting, simulations to further the proposed curriculum.
Ready to question your own worldview? Join us for an exciting journey through history and politics!
Prerequisites
An interest in politics and moral philosophy.
Why are citizens today so distrustful of their governments? Why are we so apprehensive of our politicians?
Our class will focus on ethical theories in political philosophy. We will discuss different moral systems in the realm of political and social thinking, such as utilitarianism and libertarianism. We will cover the writings and thoughts of Niccolo Machiavelli, John Rawls, and more. We will also have discussions, debates, and time permitting, simulations to further the proposed curriculum.
Ready to question your own worldview? Join us for an exciting journey through history and politics!
Prerequisites
An interest in politics and moral philosophy.
S3642: How to Invest Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
McKenzie Andrews,
Victoria Zuo
What's the difference in a stock and a bond? What does the stock market actually do?
Learn about the "Random Walk Down Wall Street" with three Stanford students who have background working at UBS, JPMorgan, and in financial policy research in the Texas' State Legislature.
We'll explain how to diversify, stock market basics, and a few basic suggestions as students think about their own views and plans for personal finance.
Prerequisites
An open mind and interest in finance
Learn about the "Random Walk Down Wall Street" with three Stanford students who have background working at UBS, JPMorgan, and in financial policy research in the Texas' State Legislature.
We'll explain how to diversify, stock market basics, and a few basic suggestions as students think about their own views and plans for personal finance.
Prerequisites
An open mind and interest in finance
S3715: 1066: The Most Epic Invasion Ever
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mackenzie Stein
An enthralling and interactive historical survey/ partial reenactment of the year 1066 and the Norman invasion of England!
Prerequisites
None!
Prerequisites
None!
Visual and Performing Arts
V3494: Documentary Film and the World Around Us
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Yvette Dickson-Tetteh
This class looks to promote critical awareness of our world, our lives, and our identities. It is intended to spark - and to develop - an artistic engagement with culture, society, friends, and family through the medium of documentary film. There will be a short practical component where students will produce their own short films.
V3412: American Folk Music
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Derry Akin
What is folk music? Where does it come from and how is it different from classical music? Ever wonder where those lively jigs and foot-stompin' reels you hear of actually come from? In our class, we'll learn about the answers to these questions, and many other interesting aspects of American folk music!
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of music theory would be helpful.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of music theory would be helpful.
V3599: Jazz Improv! Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Malcolm Campbell,
Chris Davis
Ever wanted to play jazz but couldn't find a group / don't play an instrument / don't know the first thing about music? Come learn about how fun it is to express yourself in jazz!
Everyone who comes will get a chance to improvise in a safe and friendly environment.
Backing you up are three experienced jazz musicians on piano, bass, and drums who want to share their love of jazz with you.
Prerequisites
No experience in music necessary at all. You don't even need to have an instrument, although if you have an instrument you should totally bring it.
Everyone who comes will get a chance to improvise in a safe and friendly environment.
Backing you up are three experienced jazz musicians on piano, bass, and drums who want to share their love of jazz with you.
Prerequisites
No experience in music necessary at all. You don't even need to have an instrument, although if you have an instrument you should totally bring it.
V3614: Popular Scottish Dances
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Juliet Davoren
Try some of the most popular traditional dances in Scotland. Social, energetic and fun, these are danced at parties and weddings. Here’s one of the dances we’ll try: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1iE_NTFhcQ
V3709: Intro to Jazz Dancing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Karina Liker
Learn some fun basic jazz moves, technique and dance combos to your favorite pop songs!
Prerequisites
The desire to dance and show off your sweet moves. Wear comfortable athletic clothing.
Prerequisites
The desire to dance and show off your sweet moves. Wear comfortable athletic clothing.
V3731: The Next Act: You
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Catherine Zaw
Even with the increasingly diverse performing arts, not everyone’s stories or faces are equally (or even proportionally) represented on stage. Is there really such thing as being “race-blind?” Join us while we explore this topic, culminating in the creation of your own monologue! No experience or background in writing/acting needed at all. After all, it’s your turn to take the stage.
V3425: Ceili - Irish social dance!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Derry Akin,
Bob Carragher
Learn basic Irish Ceili dancing, a fun, energetic social dance done in groups! Here’s an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=api8c7vAihk
Our focus for this class will be reels and jigs.
We’ll teach you dances you can do almost anywhere, to many types of music! You’ll be moving throughout the class, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Students who have taken our previous Splash classes on Irish Dance are very welcome and encouraged to take this one too!
Our focus for this class will be reels and jigs.
We’ll teach you dances you can do almost anywhere, to many types of music! You’ll be moving throughout the class, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Students who have taken our previous Splash classes on Irish Dance are very welcome and encouraged to take this one too!
V3432: Intro to Video Game Music
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sarah McCarthy
Game studies is an academic discipline in its infancy. Game sound and music design are major aspects of the gaming experience. In this class we will examine the history and practice of video game music. We will explore questions like: Why was music included in games? How has gaming music changed over time? How does music affect the user experience? What are some of the common tropes of video game music? How is game music created and implemented?
We will start our journey with the "beeps" and "boops" of the earliest arcade games and end with a look at major symphonic scores and mobile gaming music.
Prerequisites
Appreciation of music and video games is required!
We will start our journey with the "beeps" and "boops" of the earliest arcade games and end with a look at major symphonic scores and mobile gaming music.
Prerequisites
Appreciation of music and video games is required!
V3571: Introduction to Indian Classical Music
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Vishesh Gupta,
Aditya Kanukurthy
Do you learn a musical instrument? Or do you just have that itch for learning about different forms of music? Then come learn about Indian classical music. We will cover characteristics of the two main forms of Indian classical music and compare and contrast them to each other and Western classical music! Purpose is not to learn Indian music, but to develop an appreciation for it.
Prerequisites
A passion for music and other cultures! No prior musical background necessary
Prerequisites
A passion for music and other cultures! No prior musical background necessary
V3660: Ink Wash Painting Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Wenzhao Zhang
Let's paint!
Ink wash painting is a traditional Chinese art that used to be practiced only by highly educated people. We use brush and ink similar to what we use for Chinese calligraphy.
No drawing skills required! Just come and enjoy.
Ink wash painting is a traditional Chinese art that used to be practiced only by highly educated people. We use brush and ink similar to what we use for Chinese calligraphy.
No drawing skills required! Just come and enjoy.
V3371: A Cappella!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Cayla Pettinato
Learn a song with Everyday People, Stanford's hip-hop, motown, R&B and soul a cappella group!
V3532: 1000 Years of Music in 100 Minutes
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Timothy Anderson
1000 years of music history in 100 minutes. We will listen to and analyze various examples from the major musical time periods starting with Medieval and going all the way up to modern music. Focus will be on the lives and history of the composers and the historical significance of their musical innovations and compositional techniques. The last hour of the class will be devoted to questions and diving deeper into any material requested. Students are more than welcome to come and go since time periods will be taught chronologically and fairly independently of each other.
Prerequisites
Some foundation in music. Being able to read music is preferable, but interest in the material is all that's necessary.
Prerequisites
Some foundation in music. Being able to read music is preferable, but interest in the material is all that's necessary.
V3615: Scottish Dance: Mathematics in Motion
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Juliet Davoren
Do terms like reflection, rotation, translation, fractions and lines of symmetry sound like math to you? In this class, we teach simple Scottish Country Dances, showing why they are so popular with mathematicians and computer programmers.
V3563: Bollywood Dance Workshop - Beginner
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
AFROZ ALGIERS,
Swathi Koduru
Bollywood movies comprise a big chunk of the Indian movie industry, and influence popular culture greatly.
Music is an essential part of these movies, and tend to be high energy and a delight to dance to. Recently, Bollywood dancing has also risen in popularity as a fitness activity.
So come take a break, and enjoy some Bollywood Dancing at SPLASH 2014!
Prerequisites
No dancing experience necessary.
Music is an essential part of these movies, and tend to be high energy and a delight to dance to. Recently, Bollywood dancing has also risen in popularity as a fitness activity.
So come take a break, and enjoy some Bollywood Dancing at SPLASH 2014!
Prerequisites
No dancing experience necessary.
V3579: StanShakes
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Clara Luu
Fun activities with the Stanford Shakespeare Company!
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
V3521: Jazz it Up - the art of solo jazz dance
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
M.J Ma
Have you ever heard music and just wanted to dance to it, but didn't know what moves to do? Did you worry that you would look silly? Or - do you think you are already an awesome dancer and want to be even more awesome?
Come to this class and learn some solo jazz! We will start with simple and silly moves you can already do and build up to more complex and fancy ones that you will be able to whip out confidently on any dance floor!
Prerequisites
Not afraid to be silly and move your body :)
Come to this class and learn some solo jazz! We will start with simple and silly moves you can already do and build up to more complex and fancy ones that you will be able to whip out confidently on any dance floor!
Prerequisites
Not afraid to be silly and move your body :)
V3445: Tinikling - Philippine Folk Dance w/ bamboo poles
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Loy Oppus-Moe
Within one class session, learn how to dance the TINIKLING -- world-renowned Philippine folk dance with clapping bamboo poles to depict birds hopping around sticks in rice paddies.
V3500: Beginner Ballet
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Helen Thomaides
Ballet is a beautiful art form that's been around for centuries and is still super popular today. If you've thought about trying it out, here's your chance! Even if you don't want to become a prima ballerina or a principal danseur, studying ballet improves posture and balance, strengthens muscles, and is just a fun, creative hobby. In this class we'll learn the basics (positions, steps, and some general tips), do some barre work, and learn a few combinations at the center.
Prerequisites
No prior experience necessary!
Prerequisites
No prior experience necessary!
V3531: The Music and the Math
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Timothy Anderson
Some of the basic math/physics behind waves with a focus on sound waves and a look into how these properties of sound have been a driving force behind music history. First half of the class will focus on the math/physics, second half will focus on music history, analysis, and composition and the applications of the material from the first half. For the history portion, the emphasis will be on the mathematics and physical properties of music and instruments throughout history. Students are more than welcome to pop in for only one half.
Prerequisites
For the music portion, some foundation in music is necessary. Students would preferably be able to read music and play an instrument or sing, though this is not required. For math, the more math the better. Through Calculus AB is preferred, though a bulk of the class will be geared towards those with just some precalculus.
Prerequisites
For the music portion, some foundation in music is necessary. Students would preferably be able to read music and play an instrument or sing, though this is not required. For math, the more math the better. Through Calculus AB is preferred, though a bulk of the class will be geared towards those with just some precalculus.
V3647: Bollywood Dancing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Avisha Mehra,
Pooja Varman
Learn to dance to some on the greatest hits of Indian cinema!
Prerequisites
No prior experience necessary!
Prerequisites
No prior experience necessary!
V3496: Beethoven's 5th: The Symphony That Changed Everything
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jeffrey Davis
Beethoven's "Symphony #5 in C minor" (Beethoven's 5th) is one of the most iconic and influential musical compositions ever written. But do you really know "why" this symphony changed the course of music? We will explore the making of this incredible piece of music starting with the iconic "da - da - da - daaa" and how Beethoven crafted an entire symphony out of those "first four notes." We will also look at why modern music traces it's roots back to this defining symphony and why we are all musically "children of Beethoven."
V3593: Taylor Swift, meet Bach
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Vishesh Gupta
What do Taylor Swift and Bach have in common? In this class we will investigate the underpinnings of music, starting with notes, intervals, and moving up to chords and chord progressions!
Then we will look at famous old composers and compare their music to the modern generation!
Prerequisites
Should be able to read music, or at least understand the names of the notes as they appear on a staff. It would be really nice to know the intervals, but this isn't required. Note: this class is geared towards students who have yet to learn any music theory, but have played music.
Then we will look at famous old composers and compare their music to the modern generation!
Prerequisites
Should be able to read music, or at least understand the names of the notes as they appear on a staff. It would be really nice to know the intervals, but this isn't required. Note: this class is geared towards students who have yet to learn any music theory, but have played music.
Writing, Literature, and Language
R3482: Intro to Chinese Characters
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Zhengyuan Ma
Where did Chinese Characters come from?
What do the pictograms mean?
How have they evolved over time?
How has the Chinese language changed over time?
Prerequisites
None
What do the pictograms mean?
How have they evolved over time?
How has the Chinese language changed over time?
Prerequisites
None
R3511: Conversational Hindi
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jayshree Jain
Learn Hindi langauge conversations in al simple way!
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
R3545: The overman, the death of god, and creating beyond yourself: The philosophy of Nietzsche
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Harry Desmond,
Andrew McLeod
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) is widely regarded as one of the most insightful, influential and revolutionary philosophers of all time. In this class we'll examine some of the major themes present in his writing, including his concept of the overman, his inversion of customary notions of morality and his vision for the advancement of mankind. Famous not only for his insights into the nature of society and the individual, Nietzsche also coined several provocative and controversial terms such as the "Eternal recurrence" and the pronouncement that "God is dead". We will discuss the meaning and significance of these ideas through a selection of readings from "Thus spoke Zarathustra" and "The Gay Science". No prior knowledge of philosophy required, just a willingness to explore new and unconventional ideas!
R3625: Writing The Hero
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Elizabeth Softky
The hero's journey is a story structure that has inspired imaginations for thousands of years, from Gilgamesh to Star Wars, and The Hunger Games. This workshop will explore the basic stages that almost every hero goes through, and how they guide character and plot development.
Prerequisites
Participants should feel comfortable with the writing process, and have some experience writing extended pieces, short stories, or have started a novel. This workshop is fun and highly collaborative. Please come prepared to participate, and bring writing materials or a laptop.
Prerequisites
Participants should feel comfortable with the writing process, and have some experience writing extended pieces, short stories, or have started a novel. This workshop is fun and highly collaborative. Please come prepared to participate, and bring writing materials or a laptop.
R3461: Creative Writing!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sierra Freeman
Get your write on! Whether you've dabbled in poetry, fiction/non-fiction, you've already written a novel (go you!) or have never written a sentence in your life, come explore Creative Writing!
We'll do fun, hands-on projects to get the ideas flowing for a short-story piece and get your the left side of your brain moving and get a great start to a short story.
We'll do fun, hands-on projects to get the ideas flowing for a short-story piece and get your the left side of your brain moving and get a great start to a short story.
R3492: Where Are Your Keys: Spanish Learning Game
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Luis Apolaya,
Jon Gauthier
Spend an hour touring Stanford and learning Spanish! We'll use an intuitive language learning game that will immerse you in Spanish from the start. We teach you simple phrases and show you how to "pull" more Spanish knowledge from our native speaker as we explore the center of campus. We'll run the game exclusively in Spanish, but no foreign language skills are required—the class is designed for absolute beginners.
Prerequisites
Little to no formal training in Spanish
Prerequisites
Little to no formal training in Spanish
R3526: Sign Language Basics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Beth Capiro
Are you interested in learning American Sign Language, or
ASL? In this class we will go over the basics of this language
used by Deaf communities throughout the US and Canada
ASL? In this class we will go over the basics of this language
used by Deaf communities throughout the US and Canada
R3695: Poetry with a point
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rebekah Oragwu,
Shirley Yarin
This class will explore the intersection between poetry and college essay writing. It will attempt to answer questions like: How do I capture myself in 250 words or less? How do I communicate passion and unique challenges that I face? How do I distinguish myself from other applicants? We will look at poems by Billy Collins, Tupac, E.E. Cummings, and Pablo Neruda to demystify the college essay writing process.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
R3645: Korean? Aha!!
Difficulty: *
Are you interested in watching Korean dramas or listeng to K-Pops?
Is it too hard to understand since similar sounds have many different meanings?
Or just curious about Korean?
Everyone is welcome.
Depending on your level, you will learn from very basic to advanced Korean in small groups.
At the end of the class, you will be more comfortable in Korean and feel "AHA" experience.
Is it too hard to understand since similar sounds have many different meanings?
Or just curious about Korean?
Everyone is welcome.
Depending on your level, you will learn from very basic to advanced Korean in small groups.
At the end of the class, you will be more comfortable in Korean and feel "AHA" experience.
R3648: Think Like a Chinese
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Qingyang Xu
In China, when someone thanks you for your help or kindness, you should say "you don't need to be so polite" instead of "you are welcome." Surprised? Interested? Then you should definitely check out this class.
How do Chinese think? Why do they think in such different ways from the rest of the world? What can we learn from it?
This class examines the Chinese way of thinking and its historical, cultural as well as linguistic background. It also explores the relationship between the Chinese way of thinking and some social issues such as family value, philosophy, politics, religion, and why Chinese kids do well in math in general.
The content of the class can be adjusted upon the request of the students according to their interest.
Prerequisites
Open to anyone with interest in Chinese culture. No prior knowledge of Chinese language required.
How do Chinese think? Why do they think in such different ways from the rest of the world? What can we learn from it?
This class examines the Chinese way of thinking and its historical, cultural as well as linguistic background. It also explores the relationship between the Chinese way of thinking and some social issues such as family value, philosophy, politics, religion, and why Chinese kids do well in math in general.
The content of the class can be adjusted upon the request of the students according to their interest.
Prerequisites
Open to anyone with interest in Chinese culture. No prior knowledge of Chinese language required.
R3591: Playing Language: Learning Languages Absurdly Fast with Games
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jocelyn Lee,
Will Monroe
When you hear the phrase “Learning a foreign language,” what images come to mind? Do you see students huddled over their desks, scribbling in workbooks? Maybe grammar quizzes and tables of vocab? What if, instead, you saw a group of friends hanging out, laughing, shouting, and gesturing wildly in some kind of crazy charades game, only to realize later that without ever cracking a textbook or learning a grammatical rule, they had accidentally started to speak in another language? What if getting fluent took a couple of months, not years? “Where Are Your Keys?”, or WAYK, is a “language fluency game” designed for use in language revitalization movements. When an endangered language is going extinct and its community wants to save it, WAYK provides a way to learn the language at a break-neck pace without having to rely on textbooks or formally trained teachers. It is a distillation of learning techniques from many different fields, packaged into an active and addictive game that you can play with your friends. In the first half of this seminar, we will experiment with this notion of play-based language acquisition and see just how fast we can learn Japanese without actually studying it. Then we'll show you how you can use the game to learn any language you want easily and extremely fast, just by interacting with other speakers. What’s more, you can use many of the “rules of the game” to accelerate your learning in all kinds of areas outside of foreign languages. For more information about the game, you can visit http://www.whereareyourkeys.org, or contact Will at wmonroe4@stanford.edu. See you there!
Prerequisites
Whether or not you think you’re “good” at languages, the only thing you need for this class is a willingness to play!
Prerequisites
Whether or not you think you’re “good” at languages, the only thing you need for this class is a willingness to play!
R3689: Language Around the World: Introduction to Linguistic Typology
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Bonnie Krejci
Does every language have nouns, verbs, and adjectives?
What kinds of sounds do different languages use?
Why do some languages have different word orders than others?
Linguistic typology attempts to answer these questions -- to discover which properties of language are universal and which can vary across languages.
In this class, we'll work together to solve linguistic puzzles from English, Spanish, Hindi, and Native American languages, gaining a better understanding of the complexity and diversity of human language.
Prerequisites
None -- no foreign language background is assumed.
What kinds of sounds do different languages use?
Why do some languages have different word orders than others?
Linguistic typology attempts to answer these questions -- to discover which properties of language are universal and which can vary across languages.
In this class, we'll work together to solve linguistic puzzles from English, Spanish, Hindi, and Native American languages, gaining a better understanding of the complexity and diversity of human language.
Prerequisites
None -- no foreign language background is assumed.
R3721: "And the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay goes to..."
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Bruce McAuley
Four of the last eight Oscars for Best Original Screenplay were first time efforts - Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, Hurt Locker, and The King’s Speech! If you are a novice screenwriter, you've got to love those odds!
In this class you will acquire the tools that will allow you to transform 100 blank pages into a finished screenplay in just 14 days. You will be able to amaze your friends, family, and most of all yourself with a work of staggering genius.
We will review the elements of what makes a compelling story, analyze the structure of a screenplay through viewing movie clips, practice writing an effective scene, and help you get started on an outline for your first screenplay.
Prerequisites
A love of story and film
In this class you will acquire the tools that will allow you to transform 100 blank pages into a finished screenplay in just 14 days. You will be able to amaze your friends, family, and most of all yourself with a work of staggering genius.
We will review the elements of what makes a compelling story, analyze the structure of a screenplay through viewing movie clips, practice writing an effective scene, and help you get started on an outline for your first screenplay.
Prerequisites
A love of story and film
R3565: Introduction to Hindi Language
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Maneesh Kumar,
Shonali Srivastava
Basic Introduction to Hindi Language,Speaking,Alphabet recognition,Name, simple communication.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
R3620: The Anger of Achilles: Conceptions of Masculinity in Homeric Poetry and Gangster Rap
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sam Nolen
Western literature begins with the following lines:
"Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilleus / and its devastation, which put pains thousandfold upon the Achaians..." [Lattimore translation]
In Homer's Iliad, Achilles (Achilleus) is the fiercest fighter on the side of the Greeks (the Achaians) in the Trojan War. In some ways, he is what we think of as a man's man. However, he is also a deeply flawed and vulnerable figure, who is prone to errors of judgment, not least because of his tendency to anger.
Homer's poetry predates Plato and the true beginning of Western philosophy, but it is highly concerned with ethical questions. And in ancient Greece (with its deeply entrenched gender inequities) the question of how to live was closely connected to the question of what it means to be a man.
In this class we will explore how Homer's men define their masculinity, in terms of honor, physical strength, intelligence, authority, virility, and so on.
For point of contrast, we will also listen to excerpts from "gangster rap" albums of the '80s and '90s, which is no less deeply concerned with what it means to be a man (and which also frequently reaches highly questionable conclusions.)
"Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilleus / and its devastation, which put pains thousandfold upon the Achaians..." [Lattimore translation]
In Homer's Iliad, Achilles (Achilleus) is the fiercest fighter on the side of the Greeks (the Achaians) in the Trojan War. In some ways, he is what we think of as a man's man. However, he is also a deeply flawed and vulnerable figure, who is prone to errors of judgment, not least because of his tendency to anger.
Homer's poetry predates Plato and the true beginning of Western philosophy, but it is highly concerned with ethical questions. And in ancient Greece (with its deeply entrenched gender inequities) the question of how to live was closely connected to the question of what it means to be a man.
In this class we will explore how Homer's men define their masculinity, in terms of honor, physical strength, intelligence, authority, virility, and so on.
For point of contrast, we will also listen to excerpts from "gangster rap" albums of the '80s and '90s, which is no less deeply concerned with what it means to be a man (and which also frequently reaches highly questionable conclusions.)
R3473: Persian Language
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Afshin Babveyh
Persian is sugar!
Are you planning on learning a new language? Why not try Persian!
This is going to be an introductory class, (I'm assuming you don't know persian at all, unless proved otherwise)
Are you planning on learning a new language? Why not try Persian!
This is going to be an introductory class, (I'm assuming you don't know persian at all, unless proved otherwise)
R3375: Love Poetry Workshop
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Sibel Sayiner
Perhaps you have wanted to write a love poem before and didn't know where to start. Or maybe you've been writing for a long time and want some new prompts. Or, let's admit it, there's this cute person you really like and want to tell them in a creative way. Wherever you are and whatever you like to write about, come join this easy going writing workshop. We'll do several writing exercises and talk about how to begin to discuss something so elusive as love.
Prerequisites
A willingness to write and share your work.
Prerequisites
A willingness to write and share your work.
R3590: Realization Through Writing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Joshua De Leon
High school curriculum rarely affords students the opportunity to write their own stories and poems. Realization Through Writing is an interactive creative writing course that includes a lecture, discussion,and writing exercises, all oriented towards the art of written expression.