GoSciTech - Residential Course Descriptions & Course Schedules

Are we alone in the universe? Until recently, this fundamental question about our place in the cosmos was only explored through philosophical discussion or works of science fiction. The growing science of astrobiology seeks to turn science fiction into science research. By combining classroom learning and hands-on experimentation, we will explore three main research areas: the search for habitable planets elsewhere in the universe, the study of so-called "extremophiles" on Earth, and the search for habitable zones and life elsewhere in the solar system. Become an astrobiologist for a week and join us as we search for answers!
Instructor: Dr. Patricia Craig
Grade Level: Rising 9th & 10th

What makes a colored pencil red? Why do oranges smell orangey? Why are some plastics rigid and others flexible? We will explore the chemistry behind the materials in our favorite clothes, the foods that make our mouths water, and more! You’ll get hands-on experience with essential chemistry techniques, make your own polymers, and learn about the chemicals that make up all the stuff around us!
Instructor: Mrs. Ashley Seagle
Grade Level: Rising 8th & 9th

Have you always thought that chemistry was all about blowing stuff up? Or, even worse, a boring class that you'll never use? Nothing could be further from the truth. We'll explore the ways that you use chemistry every day: when you eat, clean, get sick, swim, and much more. A week of varied lab experiments and learning, all about how chemistry impacts REAL LIFE.
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Crawford
Grade Level: Rising 9th & 10th

Are you a strategic thinker with a love of puzzles? Chess has been played for over a thousand years, and this seemingly simple game is famous for its ability to enhance your critical thinking, focus, creativity, and even empathy. The camp is designed for beginning and intermediate players (up to about 1000 ELO level); we learn the rules, notation, and tactics to become mentally agile players and students of the game. Throughout the camp, you'll have the chance to play plenty of chess games, participate in friendly competitions, and even learn from guest speakers. By the end of the week, you'll leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the game of chess, as well as new friends who share your passion for this timeless game.
Instructor: Dr. Gordon Brown
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Cryptography is more important now than ever. How can we keep private information secure? You will examine coding theory in relation to transmitting and communicating data accurately, cryptography techniques for security, public-key systems, and many common ciphers. As a class, we will investigate modern-day applications that involve error-correcting codes like those used in barcodes, CDs, financial transactions, and digital television.
Instructor: Dr. Gary Salazar
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Just how do video games work and how can you make your own? Learn the basics of video game design and development from level design and programming to art and music through interactive projects! We will create our original games with the PICO-8 fantasy console by building custom sprites, sounds, and objects. In this course, you will become familiar with object-oriented programming and basic video game development. And you’ll use the iterative design process to improve your game based on player feedback – just like real video game companies!

This class is designed for enthusiastic gamers and/or aspiring game designers with little to no computer programming experience.
Instructor: Mr. Taylor Belcher
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Why do we look like our parents, but also different? What is DNA and how does it make us all similar and unique at the same time? DNA carries all of the information that determines the functions of our cells and how they respond to their environment. We will look at how DNA is studied in scientific laboratories and how genetic information can be used by medical doctors. You will learn what DNA looks like, how it is inherited by offspring, and what can happen when a change, called a mutation, occurs.
Instructor: Dr. Janay Vacharasin or Dr. Crystal McGee depending on which week.
Grade Level: Rising 9th & 10th

Are you a creative scientist? Or a curious artist? Together, we will discover the “how” of photography by working with light-sensitive materials. You will combine historical photographic processes with modern digital techniques for one-of-a-kind prints. Whether you are an artist, scientist, or something in between, join us and learn how to make decisions that can transform your snapshots into memorable works of art.
Instructor: Mrs. Julie Mixon
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Did you know that for every cell of your body, there are also around 10 microbe cells? Microbes are in us, all around us, and are essential for life on Earth. In this class, we will study how microbes impact human health and the environment we live in. You will cultivate and observe microbes in the lab, examine their growth and metabolic activities, and even learn to identify different microbial organisms! We will also learn how these cellular organisms have influenced human history and contributed to important scientific breakthroughs. Join us as we investigate these tiny, powerful life forms!
Instructor: Dr. Crystal McGee
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

In this fun and interactive course, participants will dive into the world of coding by learning JavaScript, one of the most popular programming languages used to create websites and games! Students will explore the basics of coding, such as variables, loops, functions, and events, and see how these concepts come to life in real projects. Through engaging activities, students will build interactive web pages, simple games, and creative projects while developing problem-solving skills and logical thinking. No prior coding experience is required—just a curiosity to learn and create. By the end of the course, students will have the foundation to continue their coding journey and start building their own digital creations!
Instructor: Mr. Travis Dalton
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Coral reefs are some of the most breathtaking ecosystems on Earth. Among the giant boulders and towering forests of branched corals live thousands of creatures. Vibrant wrasses hide in every nook and cranny, predatory barracuda wait for a snack, all while beaked parrotfish nibble at the structure of the reef itself. The clear waters around the reef are patrolled by sharks and sea turtles. Unfortunately, human activities around the world are threatening these vital yet delicate ecosystems. In this course, you will determine the effects of ocean acidification on shell formation. You will assess how pollution affects algal photosynthesis. Finally, you will use sea anemones to investigate how increased ocean temperatures can lead to coral bleaching. 
Instructor: Dr. Geoffrey Mitchell
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th & 10th
 

Would you love to create and customize your very own 3D world? Virtual and augmented reality offers us the opportunity to have an immersive experience in areas like entertainment, education, and travel as we interact with digital content in a 3D space. We will use Unity3D to program VR headsets to bridge the gap between our physical and virtual worlds. Join us this summer to create and customize your very own 3D room, park, street, or garden as we transform the way we use technology to cause the real world and the virtual worlds to collide.
Instructor: Dr. Oliva Nche
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th & 10th