GoSciTech - Residential Course Descriptions & Course Schedules

2026 course schedule and descriptions.  

Exciting Courses, Top Notch Professors and an amazing staff!

 

2026 Course schedule and descriptions are below.

Week 1: June 14-19, 2026 
 

Week 2: June 21-26, 2026 

Week 3: July 5-10, 2026 

 

**FULL/WAITLIST**-Indicates the class is full and a waitlist exists. If you would like to join the waitlist, please complete the online application and submit the students first semester grades. The student will be automatically placed on the waitlist, and we will notify you if a spot becomes available. There is no fee to add your name to the waitlist.

**FULL**-We are no longer accepting additional students for this waitlist.

**CLOSED**- Indicates that the class is closed and we are no longer accepting applications for this class.

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Summer Camps

Anatomy & Physiology

Have you ever thought of becoming a doctor? By participating in animal dissections, you will discover the anatomy of various structures and conduct experiments to understand the physiology of the body. We will also investigate what happens when things go wrong in the human body and result in disease. Through this hands-on introduction to anatomy and physiology, you will learn the basics that all doctors must master.
Instructor:  Dr. Bonnie Draper, Dr. Jim Wetzel, or Dr. Shayna Wrighten depending on week.
Grade Level: Rising 8th & 9th

Arduino Electronics **FULL/WAITLIST**

Unleash your inner inventor and dive into the world of smart devices! In this hands-on camp, you’ll learn how to build and code your own internet-connected gadgets from scratch using Arduino. Imagine creating a motion sensor that secretly alerts your phone when someone walks by your room, or designing a dazzling LED light show that you can control from any web browser. You'll master the basics of electronics and programming to bring your ideas to life, connecting them to the cloud for ultimate control. At the end of the week, you'll not only have amazing new skills, but you'll also take home your custom-built creation.
Instructor: Dr. Taliver Heath
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Astrobiology & Planetary Exploration **FULL/WAITLIST**

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 8th, 9th & 10th

Astonomy of Stars

Ever wonder what a star is or where they come from? Why do they shine, and will they shine forever? Join us on a trip through the cosmos to find the answers to these questions and more. Explore the nature of light and see how astronomers use spectroscopy to decode a star's life cycle and classification from a single beam of light. Learn the difference between Isaac Newton’s gravity and Albert Einstein’s modern theory. Finally, discover why we are truly made of stardust and witness the creation of the universe's most bizarre objects: neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes.
Instructor: Dr. Jonathan Craig
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Image of student looking through spectroscope.

Build Your Own Computer **FULL/WAITLIST**

In this hands-on course, participants will learn the fundamentals of computer hardware and how to build their very own desktop computer from the ground up! Through fun, interactive lessons, students will explore the essential components of a computer, such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage devices, and more. They'll gain practical skills in assembling parts, connecting cables, and troubleshooting common issues. By the end of the course, students will have not only assembled a fully functioning computer but will also understand the key concepts behind how computers work. This course is perfect for curious minds looking to dive into the world of technology, problem-solving, and creativity! The class price includes the purchasing of a take-home computer kit.
Instructor: Mr. Travis Dalton
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Chemistry: What’s That Stuff? **FULL/WAITLIST**

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

Chemistry of Everday Life

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

Chess: The GSSM Gambit

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

Codes and Cryptography

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

Cybersecurity

Have you ever wondered how to protect our digital frontier? Gear up for a week of cybersecurity and ethical hacking! Join us to learn about digital security principles, uncover modern cyber threats, and deploy the same techniques professionals use to defend systems, networks, and personal data. The week culminates in a high-stakes simulation where you must protect your infrastructure from a relentless live attack. This is the perfect course for curious minds who love problem-solving and are interested in a future in tech and security.
Instructor: Mr. Fred Durand and Joe Durand
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Drone Innovators **FULL/WAITLIST**

Have you ever wanted to learn to fly a drone?  Would you like to help solve problems within your community? We will explore how to use drones to solve a local community challenge. After learning safe flight operations and core drone skills, students will analyze a real problem, design a prototype solution, gather aerial data, and evaluate their results. Whether mapping, measuring, or delivering, learn how drones drive innovation across multiple fields. At the end of the week, teams will pitch their drone-powered solutions to peers, educators, and others.
Instructor: Mr. Christopher Williams
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Game Design **FULL/WAITLIST**

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! Every student will also take home a small hand-held gaming device loaded with the games they made during camp!

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

Genetics

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
Grade Level: Rising 9th & 10th

Photography: Where Art and Science Converge

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

Microbiology

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

Next-Gen Bio-Engineering **FULL/WAITLIST**

Energy isn't just something in a battery—it’s the pulse of every living cell. Step into the lab where biology meets high-tech engineering. We will go beyond basic photosynthesis to explore Bio-Electrical Engineering and Synthetic Intelligence. From learning about "organic" computers to exploring the mechanics of Biomimicry, you’ll discover how we’re rewriting the code of life to power the future. Don’t just study the world—learn how to re-engineer it.
Instructor: Ms. Traci Roman
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th & 10th

Psychology: The Science of People **FULL/WAITLIST**

What exactly do psychologists do? How do humans grow, develop, and learn? We will investigate each of the main topics in psychology, including learning and behavior, neuropsychology, sensation and perception, memory and cognition, development, and personality. You will gain an introductory understanding of the field of psychology with an emphasis on applied skills in clinical, social, and developmental psychology. And completing your own hands-on research project will further deepen your understanding!
Instructor: Ms. Bethany Spencer
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Reefs Under Siege

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
 

Reverse Engineering **FULL/WAITLIST**

Are you the kind of person that always has the desire to want to know “how something works”, or “how it was made”? Then this is the absolute best time you are ever going to have in a course! Reverse engineering, also known as back engineering, is the process of deconstructing a product to extract information about its design, structure, and functionality. This process can be applied to a wide range of products, including software, machines, aircraft, and architectural structures. This engineering design process works with hands-on and design-and-build challenges as an important part to every engineering field and as such will be the focus, and engaging purpose, of our time together. Students will need a working email that they have access to for the software applications that will be used during the course. 
Instructor: Dr. Attila Uregen
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th & 10th
 

Science and The Law

Do you have a love for science and an interest in the world of law? Explore the intersection of these topics, along with potential law careers for those with a scientific background. In this course, we will research ethical and legal controversies surrounding cutting-edge discoveries and medicine. You will act as a lawyer or witness in our interactive mock trial sessions, explore the evolving world of scientific evidence, and review patents to figure out how to protect your intellectual property!  We will focus on public speaking skills, basic trial procedures, the structure of the legal system, logical reasoning, and constitutional and technology law. If you have ever considered a law career, this introductory course is for you!
Instructor: Ms. Charlotte Lomnicki
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Vet Med **FULL/WAITLIST**

Do you love working with animals? Would you like to solve puzzles to help animals in need? This class will explore veterinary medicine as a career. We will spend time learning about how you can become a veterinarian and the various services that veterinarians perform for society. We will explore what a veterinarian does every day, and we will work through real life scenarios that may be presented to a veterinarian.
Instructor: Dr. Kathrine George
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Virtual Reality

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

Kid playing VR