Summer STEM Course Descriptions & Course Schedules

Summer STEM Course List

Check out the 2023 Course Schedule and descriptions below!

Daily Schedule

Monday – Friday*

  • 8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Technology Check-In
  • 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Online Instruction
  • 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Offline Worktime & Virtual Office Hours
  • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch/Open Time
  • 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Online Instruction
  • 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Offline Worktime & Virtual Office Hours

*Friday’s class will conclude with a Final Project Showcase starting at 2:00 p.m.

Week 1: June 19-23

1A. STEM's Greatest Hits! Mrs. Robin Dantzler 6 & 7
1B. Creative Inventions Mrs. Brittany Smith 6 & 7
1C. Coders of the Future Dr. Brian Lane 8, 9, & 10
1D. Engineering Around Town Dr. Dimitra Michalaka 8, 9, & 10
1E. Virtual Physics for Virtual Worlds Dr. Nicholas Nelson 8, 9, & 10

Week 2: June 26-30

2A. STEM's Greatest Hits! Mrs. Robin Dantzler 6 & 7
2B. Webpage Design Mrs. Brittany Smith 6 & 7
2C. Anatomy Ms. Kristine Amatuli 8, 9, & 10
2D. Coders of the Future Dr. Brian Lane 8, 9, & 10
2E. Programming with Javascript Mr. Travis Dalton 8, 9, & 10
2F. The Science of People Ms. Bethany Spencer 8, 9, & 10

 

Anatomy

Have you ever thought of becoming a doctor? Discover the anatomy of various structures by watching animal dissections, explore the structure of the human skeleton, and conduct at-home experiments on your own body! Learn the basic anatomy and physiology that all doctors must master.
Instructor: Ms. Kris Amatuli
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Coders of the Future

Have you ever wanted to use computers to solve technical problems? Learn the basics of computer programming in this hands-on course! We will learn to read, run, and understand code in the Python programming language. Using STEM applications for basic programming structures, you will extend example codes to carry out new tasks and communicate your unique projects to your classmates. All coding materials will be hosted and run online, with no software installation required, giving everyone a project portfolio to share with others.
Instructor: Dr. Brian Lane
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Creative Inventions

Do you often wonder how things work?  Have you ever wanted to invent your own product?  This class is for you!  You will learn how to solve everyday problems with a new invention.  By applying the scientific method and using the engineering process -- to design, build, and test your idea -- you will walk away with everything you need to market your own creative invention.
Instructor: Mrs. Brittany Smith
Grade Level: Rising 6th & 7th

Engineering Around Home

Do you like to design cool things? Do you want to change the world? Discover the engineer within you by using online software, doing hands-on activities, and learning about different types of engineering. 

Participating students will need a computer that can run the Bridge Designer software.

Instructor: Dr. Dimitra Michalaka
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

Programming with Javascript

What is JavaScript? Why is it so popular? Together, we will learn fundamental programming concepts using one of the most popular languages out there. You will develop a working knowledge of JavaScript, which can be used to build applications, games, and interactive web systems!
Instructor: Mr. Travis Dalton
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th

STEM's Greatest Hits

Calling all STEM enthusiasts and explorers of science! Are you someone who is always asking "why" or "how" something works? Let your imagination and creativity inspire you as we take you on a journey exploring some of STEM’s greatest hits! Throughout this week-long adventure, you will do hands-on activities and experiments to explore the chemistry of water, the human eye, optical illusions, creating a cotton ball launcher and so much more. Get ready for an amazing adventure through the exciting world of STEM!
Instructor: Mrs. Robin Dantzler
Grade Level: Rising 6th & 7th

Web Design

Where do websites come from?  And how can you make one?  You will learn the ins and outs of CSS and HTML coding for web-based applications.  We will build and share our own websites as we develop our web design skills!  A PC or Mac is required.  Tablets, iPads, and Chromebooks are not compatible with the course.
Instructor: Mrs. Brittany Smith
Grade Level: Rising 6th & 7th

The Science of People

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

Virtual Physics for Virtual Worlds

What does physics have to do with animation and virtual reality? How does the computer know whether you scored in your basketball video game? Computer programs with objects that push, pull, and run into each other need their own set of physics—rules for how things move and interact. We will build upon your previous programming experience as we use Python to create rules for your computer to apply to a virtual world. You will create a presentation showing how you have programmed objects to behave in your virtual reality. This is not an introductory class, previous programing knowledge is needed. 
Instructor: Dr. Nicolas Nelson
Grade Level: Rising 8th, 9th, & 10th