Do you like working with your hands? Do you find satisfaction in creating things from scratch? Are you curious about how to transform a useless ball of string into something beautiful and practical?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, come learn the fundamentals of knitting in one simple class! Come in knowing nothing and leave with all the skills required to make your own hats and scarves, exactly the way you want them! Once you learn these basics, the sky's the limit-- socks, stuffed animals, wraps, sweaters, and really anything you can think of are within your grasp.

This class will be very hands-on. All materials, including your first pair of needles and a ball of yarn, will be provided to start your first project!


Prerequisites
None!

Do you enjoy putting oil onto canvas, saturating brush tips with mixed pigments, and creating meaning from strokes and colors? Then this class is for you! Come paint and make new friends!


Prerequisites
This class is meant for intermediate oil painters and may be slightly fast-paced for beginners, but I will accept advanced painters and also beginners who have no difficulty drawing outlines and copying images. You must bring an at least half a page large colored image to copy, the less cluttered and simple the better (for example, one flower is better than a garden).

Learn the basics of east coast six count swing dancing! No parner, fancy shoes, or experience required.

Learn the basics of Charleston, a fast, dynamic dance from the 1940s. No partner, fancy shoes, or experience required.

Interested in watching and learning magic? Want to be the next David Blaine or Criss Angel? In this workshop, we'll show you some of our favorite tricks and teach you how to make the impossible possible. Whether you'd like to read minds, make playing cards appear out of thin air or defy the laws of gravity, we'll help you learn magic to amaze your friends and family.

In this class, you’ll develop your own clown character using the power of observation. Then you’ll put your new skills to work in a short, silent scene. Come ready to clown around!

Have you ever wished you could juggle? In this class we'll learn the basics of three-ball juggling! This course is intended for complete beginners.

Photography.is.awesome...but most people just think of it as pressing a button. This class will teach you to think again!
In this class, students will learn the very basics of aperture, ISO, and shutterspeed. More importantly, however, they will learn about all of the often unexplored avenues of photography--photography is NOT just going out and taking pictures as you see things happen! Drawing from innovative photographers all across the internet, students will learn about these new approaches to looking at photographs, and will also be discussing what sets photography apart from every other art form in an age which is becoming overwhelmingly digital and image-oriented.


Prerequisites
bring a camera to follow along if possible, but not required

ZIP BAM BOOM! Learn about the human figure, proportions, gesture drawing, and draftsmanship! Collaborate on an awesome comic with your newly acquired skills! KABLOOEY.


Prerequisites
Intensive drawing. Some drawing experience preferred, but not required. Students MUST be able to focus on small-scale drawing projects that may last up to 20 minutes at a time. Fun class but maturity is a must!

Learn how to tell stories (of ancient Indian gods or modern-day superheroes) through Kathak - North Indian Classical Dance!

Dynamic Footwork, Complex Rhythms, Mathematics, Music, Dramatic Storytelling, Tradition and Improvisation

Sick of going to museums and being bored out of your mind? In this class we will approach art in terms of line, color, and form to gain a deeper affection for art's greater power.

Do you remember your happy times making colorful messes in preschool? Do you lament that "making art" is now restricted to people who have advanced beyond the stick figure?

Lament no more! This class will set you loose with fingerpainting, paper mache, Gods-eyes, paper snowflakes, and more! Revisit all your favorite childhood crafts, only this time with (a few) more motor skills! Make things for your ceilings, your room, and your friends. Come for the sheer joy of messy creation!


Prerequisites
None!

TEETH Slam Poets will do a writing workshop with students. We will perform poems as prompts and have them work on their own.

We will have 3-5 performers.

What do the Romance languages all have in common? How are they different? In short, why the Romance languages are so romantic!


Prerequisites
None, but any knowledge of a Romance language will be helpful.

The course will examine how Chiang-Kai Shek's Guomintang government squandered its numerous advantages after the Second Sino-Japanese War and allowed Mao's Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to rise to power.

Thereafter, the course will balance China's competition with the Soviet Union as leader of the world Communist movement against its domestic failures, focusing on the Socialist High Tide and Great Leap Forward. How were the two connected?

Finally, the course will trace the life of intellectuals in early Communist China. How would extremely gifted high school students have been treated under Mao?


Prerequisites
Knowledge of the existence of the Cold War

An examination of the nature of conflict and resolution. Comparison of theories with examples from Gandhi, King, Hanh and others with those of Che Guevara, Stalin, and others. Experiential learning and discussion as well as theories.

The Spartans earned their reputation as the world’s fiercest warriors; from birth, their entire upbringing was geared towards forging soldiers out of men. This lecture will take students through the life and death of a Spartan male, while giving due attention to their mastery of phalanx warfare.

Interested in what makes a city live or die? This course will survey the urban trends that have led many major American cities, like Detroit, to lose their economic bases and be left with huge plots of empty land and decaying structures. We will then spend most of the session discussing techniques to combat shrinking cities, ranging from the brilliant to the absurd. Case studies will also include Venice and Halle.

Did you know there is an exorcist in New Haven? In fact, in almost every city in America? Want to know why? Interested in the 'weird' parts of history? Or just want to know if the stuff in movies like The Exorcist really happened?

In this class we will consider what demonic possession meant to those who experienced it, to those who witnessed it and to those exorcists who fought against it. We will look at cases throughout history right up to the present day and consider how the meaning of 'possession' may have changed throughout the centuries. We will also talk about exorcism and possession in the movies and on television, both in terms of historical accuracy and cultural value.

Arr! If ye be wantin' to learn what it was really like to sail the high seas under the black flag, and to hear the true and grisly tales of the Caribbean's most fearsome pirates, come aboard! We'll also be playin' a game to see how ye'd do as a pirate captain, and win real (candy) treasure!

A basic introduction to spoken and written Chinese. We will review conversational phrases and students can suggest phrases which they want to learn. No prior knowledge is required!

What is an essay? You've probably had to write one in class, but have you ever wondered where essays come from, what they're supposed to do, or perhaps most importantly, what works and what doesn't in an essay? This workshop will be an introduction to the literary genre of the essay, with a special focus on personal essay. We will read famous essays (none of which follow the five paragraph format!) and discuss what makes them so great (... or not! This will hopefully be more of a discussion than a lecture).

Are you fascinated by the world's multiple and diverse scripts? In this compact but structured crash course, we will take a look at the world's various writing systems. We quickly cover scripts one by one, and each time we learn how it works, examine it, and practice writing it (you get to take home your works!), and discuss briefly how it came about and how it relates or derives from others. Main topics include European alphabets (Latin, extended/adapted Latin alphabets, Cyrillic, Greek, Caucasian alphabets), Arabic and Hebrew abjads, Indian and South Asian abugidas including Devanagari, Tamil, and Thai, Ethiopian, East Asian scripts (Chinese, Japanese, and the Korean alphabet), ancient/extinct scripts including Egyptian hieroglyphics, cuneiform, and Mayan glyphs. Will briefly visit undecipherable scripts and the fascinating idea of the invention of writing. If time permits, you'll apply your knowledge and skills in the creation of your own script!


Prerequisites
Some knowledge of foreign languages

What determines how we experience reality? Or rather, who? This seminar-style class will examine who the wielders of symbolic power are in contemporary society, ask how they came to hold such power, and equip students with the tools to begin to challenge the status quo and accumulate their own.

What is right? What is good? What actions should we take or not take? Overview of major ethical theories (consequentialism, deontology, virtue theory), and unified theories of right and good like Utilitarianism.

This class was created to allow students to have the most basic tools needed for a trip to France: very basic conversational French, a brief introduction to French culture and a short introduction to Paris.
About half of the class will be conversational games, the other half will be an interactive lecture including movie clips, songs, photo slideshows and a short game.

Ever wondered what all the spells that Harry, Ron and Hermione use actually mean? Ever thought where the basilisk comes from? Ever pondered why Malfoy's first name is Draco? Well, this is the course for you! Diving head-first into the weird and wonderful world of Hogwarts, we will be spending an hour looking at everything from the strange plants growing in the greenhouses to the terrifying creatures at Hagrid's hut, from the prophesies in Divination to the incantations in Charms, from Quidditch games to library books. Exploring the ways in which the classical past of Ancient Greece and Rome and the medieval legends of England in the Middle Ages influenced the world of Harry Potter, we will be asking central questions about how J.K. Rowling's seven-book series came to be the classic of our times. We'll explore exactly what it takes to make a classic, and how much that relies on an understanding of the legends and literary canons of the past. We'll even take up the pen ourselves and invent our own fictional character cast! So join us for a roller-coaster ride through the magical world of Harry Potter and discover your inner wizard - you never know what you might find!

Over 5000 years ago, ancient Egyptians developed a complex language, comprised of hundreds of signs and symbols. In this class, you will learn how to approach Egyptian texts, and begin to translate these ancient writings. We will learn the order in which to read signs, how to pronounce the language, and how to translate basic sentences and formulas. After this class, not only will you be able to write your name in hieroglyphs, but you will know how to "talk" like an Egyptian!


Prerequisites
Familiarity with any foreign language is helpful, but not required.

Have you ever wondered where fairy tales come from? This class will explore the psychology and history of western and non-western fairy tales. We'll investigate why so many different cultures have Cinderella stories and whether that big wolf was really so bad. It's storytime meets psychology, anthropology, history, and conspiracy theories. Milk and cookies provided


Prerequisites
Childhood

Examine the life of the Greatest Briton of All Time and the changes during his lifetime that swept away the British Empire

We'll examine the decline and fall of the largest empire in history. At the turn of the 20th century, a quarter of the globe was painted pink. Within fifty years, it was on its last legs. Join us for a discussion on the events and characters of the last chapter of this glorious empire.


Prerequisites
None.

This class will offer a basic introduction to commonly used Japanese words and phrases. Come ready to learn and practice simple Japanese conversations!


Prerequisites
NO prior knowledge of Japanese!

This class is a basic introduction to American Sign Language. We'll teach you how to sign the alphabet and some basic vocabulary. By the end of the hour you'll know enough to talk to your friends in ASL!

Forty-three men have had the privilege of serving as the Chief Executive of the United States, but who were these men, how did they get to the highest office in the land, and what impact did they have on our nation? This class will try to answer these questions and more in order to get a better understanding of our Presidents and their legacies.


Prerequisites
A general knowledge of American history.

A review of the habits and processes needed to set and attain goals. An analysis of positive vs. productive thinking and optimism vs. realism vs. pessimism.

Do you want to know what? Is possibility to know. You can.


Prerequisites
A basic understanding

Who doesn't love a good movie? Comedy, Drama, Western, Mystery, Horror...everyone has their preference. Have you ever had a great idea for a film, but no idea how to go about writing it? Look no further! Learn basic screenplay format, how to create a good character, and what makes a good story. Watch scenes from great movies and work with classmates to write a short script. Then call your agent, because you're headed to Tinseltown, baby!

Reading and talking about poetry in a relaxed environment. If you find the poems interesting, we might talk about why this might be so. A similar course has been taught before but the poems we use will be different and likely more disturbing :-)

This course will explore what it means to be a mummy in ancient Egypt and how mummification-and specifically wrapping-developed over time. When did mummification and wrapping begin? What kinds of materials were used and how much material was required for such a process? How long did it take to properly mummify a single person? We will look at a number of intricate examples of both famous and lesser-known individuals from different periods throughout ancient Egyptian history to shed light on this fascinating procedure.

Join me as we look at the diverse architectural sites around Yale and see what the campus reveals about Yale's lengthy and interesting history.

Have you always thought of poetry as being boring and difficult? Well, it doesn't have to be that way! Using a magnetic poetry kit for inspiration, this class will revolutionize your perspective on poetry, while also introducing you to common poetic forms and giving you a chance to try your own hand at writing poetry.


Prerequisites
None

Are you interested in politics? In the American politics systems, Presidents, Congress and the Supreme Court? Do you enjoy watching Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert? This class will focus on politics and the popular culture that surrounds it. How do movies and televisions shows about politics represent our societies beliefs and anxieties about the political system? How can we use shows such as the West Wing to inform us and force us to be critical civic thinkers? This course will incorporate audiovisual clips in addition to information about American politics.

Somewhere in those rhymes and stanzas, there's a message. And we will be trying to find it!
Fifty minutes of reading poetry from Dr. Seuss to Maya Angelou and asking the questions, "What does it mean?" and "What can we learn?"

What is Hinduism? How was it 'created'? Is it even one religion? This class will consider these questions and some more through scripture, articles and a TV show! (We will go over some fundamental Hindu beliefs; no familiarity with Hinduism is assumed).

In "Life Lessons in Social Psychology" we will discuss some of the most fascinating findings in Psychology. From Inattentional Blindness to the Fundamental Attribution Error, discover how much your missing, why everything you think about everybody is inaccurate, and why you might have false memories. Guaranteed to change the way you look at the world.


Prerequisites
None

orth of the United States lies the second biggest country in the world, which most Americans unfortunately know little about. This course, taught by a Canadian, will introduce students to our neighbor to the north. It will take a look at culture, geography, politics, sports, education, health care and more in Canada. So come and learn something, eh?


Prerequisites
none

What do math and writing have to do with each other? If the mathematical "and" is "plus," then why is there no "but" in math-speak?

Come see the answers to these questions, the relationship between how you write sentences and how you solve equations, and more!


Prerequisites
Basic algebra skills

Want to learn how to crack into a bank? This lecture is an introduction to the basic ideas in quantum computing and quantum information. Concepts covered include quantum bits, quantum circuits, and quantum algorithms.


Prerequisites
Basic computing

This class is intended to explain the questions often left unanswered by an introductory calculus course. In particular, it will sketch a construction of the real numbers and discuss how their properties relate to basic theorems from calculus.


Prerequisites
Pre-Calculus (no calculus required); some familiarity with proofs would be helpful

Games are ubiquitous in life. Children play simple guessing games, teens challenge one another at the game of chess, and adults engage in strategic games in the business/political realm. More importantly games are scrutable and often times solvable. This course begins with a discussion of some classical mathematical games like Nim and Hex. These zero-sum games entail a clear winner and loser given any initial condition. We will then move on to more complicated situations where conflict is avoidable and cooperation is possible. Modern game theoretic concepts such as dominated strategies, Nash equilibrium and incomplete information will be introduced in due course.


Prerequisites
Middle school algebra; some familiarity with simultaneous linear equations and linear inequalities

How big is infinity? What is beyond infinity? How can you work with infinity?

We'll be discussing different levels of infinitude, solving riddles with infinity, and perhaps taking a quick look at fractals.


Prerequisites
Basic Algebra

Learn how to make buckyballs using modular origami and also learn some cool math along the way. We'll go through the basics of graph theory and discuss some of the important problems in the field.

Want to know how Star Trek, Titanic, Call of Duty, and Mass Effect do their graphics? Introduction to computer graphics. Pixels, lines, polygons, curves. Examples of computer graphics in movies and games. Short tutorial in creating 2D and 3D graphics using popular software.


Prerequisites
Algebra and graphing.

The first part of the class will be a group challenge to build and fix a series electronic circuits using broken schematics, datasheets and simulation software. This section is designed to teach problem solving skills more than electronic theory, and unusual components will be used for this reason.

There will be a short lecture on debugging tools, techniques and resources, which is designed to make programming a more trouble-free and interesting experience.

Following on from this, there will be a second group challenge to fix logical errors in program code written using accessible programming languages.


Prerequisites
Familiarity with either programming or electronics.

An introduction to basic probability applications in games. Ever wanted to learn how to count cards? How to increase your odds of winning card games? It's all in the numbers! Get an introduction to basic probability concepts, with various demonstrations and games.


Prerequisites
Arithmetic

A fun geometry class teaching concepts such as coordinate geometry (graphing lines, determining slopes, graphing inequalities), finding the areas of shapes, and determining angle measurements.

You've probably heard that negative numbers have square roots. You may even know what the square roots of some negative numbers are! But what in the world are complex numbers good for?

In this course, I (yes, pun intended, but I really mean "we") will introduce some basic topics and beautiful results from the field of complex analysis. In other words, we'll talk about functions whose input and output is a complex number and we'll talk about how many amazing tasks these functions can accomplish.

(For liability reasons, please do not enroll in this course if you are easily surprised or otherwise faint at heart. The results of complex analysis are, in seriousness, legendarily breathtaking, shockingly concise, and dazzlingly beautiful.)


Prerequisites
Familiarity with single-variable calculus. If you already know $$i=\sqrt{-1}$$, that's a bonus!

Are you fond of sports and the numbers that often come up... in sports? Do you enjoy practical applications of math? Did you like Michael Lewis's "Moneyball"?

Then you'll LOVE "Mathletics: Mathematical Modeling in Sports!"

Brought to you by a co-teacher of "Complex Analysis," this course will eschew uppity references to calculus, analysis, and the advanced maths, in favor of blue-collar grind-it-out arithmetic and statistics. The course will introduce and glorify topics from the rapidly developing field of sports statistics, with a special focus on statistical analyses of baseball and basketball. Simple statistical methods to perform your own sports analyses at home will also be covered.

(Students unwaveringly loyal to the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, or Miami Heat should seek the permission of the course instructor (jerry.wang@yale.edu) *before* enrolling so that a special standing-room-only area may be arranged.)


Prerequisites
Love of sports and winning. Strong sports loyalties highly preferred. Basic comfort with quantitative reasoning will help. But not as much as loving sports.

Doodles. Number games. Prime number mysteries. Fake proofs. Fractal fractions. Some puzzles. A bit of history. A bit of architecture. And maybe math.

A mathematical proof is a logical argument for why some statement is true. Certain proofs are thought of as elegant, beautiful, even divinely-inspired. We will briefly look at how proofs are constructed in general, then spend time admiring the beautiful ones without being too pretentious.


Prerequisites
love for math and/or appreciation for beauty

Understand the basics of trigonometry and learn how to solve different types of equations.

Information theory is highly relevant to many areas of research and has applications in almost all modern technology, from ipads to iphones.
This course will introduce basic ideas and results from information theory while exploring the following broad questions:
What is information, and how can it be quantified?
How can information be communicated efficiently?
What is the best way to compress or paraphrase a message?


Prerequisites
Familiarity with logarithms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logarithm Some intuition about probability: http://appliedmath30.pbworks.com/f/1264862893/chp_ace_cards.jpg

Graph theory is attractive because it is more or less intuitive, not very technical and yet extremely powerful. A graph is a collection of nodes and edges. Nodes are mere points, edges are lines connecting pairs of these points. From these simple definitions flow the issues of life. Knowledge of linear algebra helps but is not required.

From hypnotics and depressants to stimulants and hallucinogens, there are a wide range of psychoactive drugs that fundamentally alter our brain’s chemistry. This course will analyze how these types of drugs disturb the chemical balances within our brains and how we experience these disruptions.

From Quark to Cosmos will take students through a visual tour of our universe by using interactive examples, physical models, and the latest computer animations to convey the scale and true appearance of our universe at every level. After beginning at the subatomic level, the lecture will work its way up through atoms, molecules, cells, organisms, planets, solar systems, galaxies, and finally, the universe.


Prerequisites
None!

In Michael Crichton's novel "Prey", a research facility is swarmed by a solar-powered,self-sufficient, reproducing and evolving army of nano-robots. Could Crichton's fiction become reality? The course tackles this question (in a non-intensive manner) from a perspective grounded in physics as well as a sample of other scientific fields.


Prerequisites
None

An in-depth look into the "miracle" of human memory. How does our brain store the memories we can recall decades later? How do different chemicals in the brain affect the way we learn and remember? How do these pathways go wrong in diseases like Alzheimer's Disease and dementia?


Prerequisites
A course in biology or psychology is recommended. AP Biology is preferred.

A brief introduction to the human brain through the lens of the methods used to decode it. How do we form thoughts? How do we distinguish between colors? sounds? hot and cold? Starting at the cellular level, we will quickly jump into the basis for the neural networks that define thought, emotion, sensation, and language. Students will gain an understanding of how both historical methods and modern technologies have allowed scientists to “map” the brain, and most recently to decode thoughts (i.e. mind reading!). We will examine these topics through case studies, and will discuss recent advances and applications in the field of “mind reading,” or as it is more commonly known in neuropsychology, thought pattern recognition.


Prerequisites
A course in biology is recommended.

Learn about his achievements, personal life, dreams, and secrets. This class will teach you everything about Einstein from when he was born to when he passed away and the mark he made on history.

Looking at how people make incorrect decisions because they think too quickly or they don't understand what's actually going on. Cognitive science of misinformation


Prerequisites
Comfortable with fractions

We will figure out the energy used to generate light by the Sun, fluorescent bulbs and deep-sea jellies; we will find how a wave of light can sustain itself and radiate through the near-vacuum of intergalactic space; we will predict how surrounding materials can slow light and even bring it screeching briefly to a halt; we will see how the molecules of a berry and a plastic determine their colours, and how colour is perceived by the Eye; and we will consider how light can be transformed back into other forms of energy with solar sails, photosynthesis, photovoltaics and our own bodies.


Prerequisites
Familiarity with the calculus of elementary and transcendental functions will be useful but not essential.

This course will explain why fungi are really cool and why you should think about fungi as more than a food you eat sometimes. The course will focus mainly on endophytes, a type of fungus that lives within plants. Topics will range from where these guys can be located to the awesome chemicals they can produce. In addition, there will be lots of cool pictures of fungus and a living sample for students to see!

Each year, billions of dollars go to researching what causes cancer, how it works, and how we can treat it. In this class we will explore the molecular basis of cancer. We'll talk about how oncogenes and tumor supressors promote and limit cell division. Mutations in these genes can be harmful, and although your body has defense mechanisms to fight back, we will also discuss current and developing treatment strategies.

From the Plague of Justinian to HIV/AIDS, microscopic organisms, or "microbes," have made an indelible mark on human history. In this class, we'll explore the world's deadliest diseases, how they came to terrorize towns, cities, nations, and even continents, and how civilization eventually came to prevail over their deadly force - or didn't.

At the forefront of modern biomedical science is the study of stem cells. This course will cover the history and future of stem cell research, the basic science behind their function and their diverse applications across the fields of regenerative medicine, zoology, and disease therapy.

This course will cover the basics of the immune system. Learn about how the body fights invasion by pathogens. The immune system's "ammunition" comes in many shapes and sizes from tiny antibodies to engulfing macrophages. Thanks to these flu fighters, our body stays healthy.


Prerequisites
Basic biology recommended

Mix a few chemicals, light a candle, and watch pennies turn from copper into shiny silver and gold! Like magic! If we have time, a secret surprise bubbly reaction will also be demonstrated.

A broad and introductory look at waves in physics. The caracteristics of all waves, waves of special importance. A short look at waves in Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, and acoustics.


Prerequisites
Some calculus (familiarity with partial derivatives preferred).

Want to make pretty colors, finally get a chance to play with your food, all while learning a bit of chemistry? Then this class is for you! Small snacks will be provided.


Prerequisites
Basic Chemistry (familiarity with periodic table)

We will begin with a brief introduction to some founding principles of Quantum Mechanics (QM) There will be no math, but some graphs are necessary. Afterward, we will engage in guided discussion on the type of predictive ability QM gives us, how we know we can't do any "better", and what implications this has on determinism and free will.

The main goal of the course is to explore the idea that if we know the exact state of the universe right now (including the state of your brain!), the future is pre-determined for all future time (including every choice you'll ever make!). Along the way, you will learn some philosophically important concepts in QM, and I will do my best to answer any other questions you have about QM, including topics not immediately relevant to the course.

Time permitting, I will give a brief introduction to the formal concept of "chaos" in physics and mathematics, which allows us to see that the task of "knowing our state of the universe" is so impractical as to be a non-scientific concept.


Prerequisites
None, really, a willingness to engage will do much more than any formal training you have in Physics or Math. Some experience with Philosophy may be useful, but certainly not required.

If humans have been evolving for thousands of years, why is it that we still have so many medical problems? In this class we will look at the evolutionary basis of some modern medical issues including host-pathogen co-evolution, trade-offs in genetic diseases, and other topics. We will look at how these evolutionary diseases can help explain modern medical phenomena such as sickle cell disease and even cancer.


Prerequisites
Basic understanding of biology

Have you ever wondered where we came from? In this class, we will explore human evolution using evidence from both archaeological remains and genetic evidence. We will overview the different species of hominids and explain the different controversies of where we came from as a species and how we became the way we are.


Prerequisites
None

The biology behind exercise such as cellular metabolism, hemoglobin carrying oxygen to the body, etc.


Prerequisites
Biology

Have you ever wondered how twins that are identical at birth can grow up to be so completely different? In this class, we will explore how the environment and other factors can influence the way our DNA is expressed, and how some characteristics can be passed down from one generation to another.

Want to learn about Chemistry? Want to learn about cool experiments? Come join us as we explore the mysteries behind the blue bottle experiment and the disappearing color! No previous knowledge needed and all are welcome!


Prerequisites
None Chemistry knowledge would be very helpful

An exploration of how music and science are intertwined. Questions that will be answered in this course include: how does science explain principles in music? How has music impacted science (for example, music therapy in medicine)?


Prerequisites
Basic music and science (physics) knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required.

The Golgi Apparatus is one of the most interesting and under-appreciated cell organelles. In this class, we will study the Golgi Apparatus as a way to appreciate general principles in cell biology, including the function and structure of membranes, transport systems, and cell signaling.


Prerequisites
Students should be interested in biology and chemistry.

We'll survey a few mild "chemical volcanoes" and explore why they erupt.


Prerequisites
None, but familiarity with chemical formulas may be helpful.

"Global warming", everyone talks about it, everyone seems to care about it. But what can you DO about it? This class will be a brief introduction to environmental science. We will not only learn about global warming, but also engage in creative ways to recycle, reuse, and reduce in homes, schools, and local communities.

We will be exploring the science behind making ice cream and learning about the different ways it is made before trying out some experiments of our own. Due to time constraints we will be using liquid nitrogen to freeze the ice cream. Come hungry!

Einstein's theory of relativity is both simple and profound, challenging deeply rooted ideas about how space and time are related. This course will give a concise introduction to special relativity, and explore conceptually some of the implications. More advanced topics such as gravitation and electromagnetism will be explored time permitting.


Prerequisites
Some mathematical self-confidence. (familiarity with trigonometry and vectors will be helpful but is not necessary).

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form from preexisting blood vessels. While angiogenesis is vital to vascular homeostasis, it can also be deleterious in certain injury settings, such as vascular injury and cancer. In this course, we will discuss how angiogenesis can be good and bad, depending on context. We will also discuss current therapeutic strategies for promoting or inhibiting angiogenesis.

In this class, we will discuss what happens when your heart decides to beat to the tune of its own pathogenic drum, and how such arrhythmias can be corrected using a variety of treatments and techniques, including rhythm-restoring robots!

Ever played Monopoly? Scrabble? Battleship? Risk? If winning is your thing, come to this class and learn how to beat your friends in these and other popular board games. We’ll spend the first half of the time discussing strategy, and the second half playing and seeing what we've learned!

In this class students will be introduced to the growing sensation and wondrous labor of love that is genealogy and family history. Accessible internet tools for beginning basic genealogical research will be presented and discussed. Interesting case studies will show how simple detective skills permit everyone and anyone to mine the current mountain of public documents to uncover the mysteries of who we are, where we came from and why we are here.


Prerequisites
A desire for goodness

Do you cringe at the sight of a dance floor? Can't keep rhythm, but love music? Fear no more. Learn how to dance at any social function in just an hour! Whether you're at a club, a formal, a wedding, or a city sidewalk, you'll be ready to move and groove like a pro. Learn everything from swing dance to booty shaking to asking someone to dance to proper flash mob technique. Get ready to get FUNKY.

You can learn about cheese.

Which college is right for you? How to aim for the college of your dreams, write a good college essay, and form a strong college application.


Prerequisites
Ambition to attend a 4-year university.

A dash of insight, a spark of creativity, and a big ol’ helping of innovation... Whether you’ve got ideas or not, if you want to learn how to start your own company (next Mark Zuckerberg, anyone?), this class is for you. In this class, students will learn the basic entrepreneurial skills that can turn a fresh, innovative idea into a well-run, socially responsible business.

Join us as we uncover the secrets of unethical medical experimentation across the globe. We reveal the details of experiments such as the South African Aversion Project and the Willowbrook hepatitis studies.

Zombies are a pervasive part of our popular culture, but how long would you last in a world overrun by the living dead? Drawing from film, television, and literature about zombie survival, this class will introduce students to basic techniques of fleeing from zombies; finding food and shelter; and, of course, determining precisely what type of zombies one is dealing with. The class will end with an interactive outdoor exercise demonstrating the relative merits of zombie strength-in-numbers vs. human speed and maneuverability.

If you want to be the next Bear Grylls or Les Stroud, you've got to start with the fundamentals of wilderness survival. Lucas Wozny, a leader of the Polish Scouting Organization and an avid backpacker in his spare time, and Will Portman, a NOLS Patagonia mountaineering course graduate and a longtime whitewater kayaker, will serve as your guides on an interactive and hands-on tour of the most vital backcountry skills, including:

I) Orienteering-- interpreting a map; reading a compass; navigating/route finding; using the sun and the stars;

II) First Aid-- the contents of a basic first aid kit; initial assessments; responses to various scenarios such as hypo- and hyperthermia, shock, frostbite, and lightning strikes;

III) Living Off the Land-- foraging; fishing; collecting water; building fires; building shelters from scratch;

IV) Leave No Trace principles-- seven rules to live by in the wilderness


Prerequisites
None

Want to be the President of the United States when you grow up? Sharpen your pencil and get ready to take notes, because we're walking step-by-step through the process of getting elected to the highest office in the land. We'll discuss issue positions, endorsements, fundraising, campaign staff, primaries, conventions, running mates, debates, the electoral college, and a host of other practical concerns. Then we'll consider what happens when the dog chasing the car actually catches it-- what do you do once you've finally become the leader of the free world? What are your governing responsibilities? What issues do you devote your time to? And, of course, how do you get reelected to a second term?? I can guarantee that at least one student in this class will grow up to become President.


Prerequisites
Please take some time before the class to familiarize yourself with the 2012 presidential race if you haven't been following it.

Tips for the SAT and college applications. How to choose a college. Ask any questions you want!

Learn how to give and receive feedback, how to collaborate and how to trust each other.

Do you want to know how to write in secret? Do you want to explore how famous figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson communicated without revealing their secrets? Codes and ciphers have been around for thousands of years, throughout nearly every language and culture. These vital tools of secrecy helped America win independence from Britain and the Allies win WWII. American spies used ciphers during the Cold War; criminals like the Zodiac used them to taunt the police and newspapers. In fact, one 19th century man named Thomas J. Beale wrote a cipher that gives coordinates to a $63 million treasure he buried in Virginia (to this day, no one has been able to solve the cipher and find the treasure!). These are just a few examples of how codes and ciphers have affected the course of human history. We will learn the basics of how to write and decode secret messages, starting with simple methods such as the Greek Square cipher, the Caesar shift cipher, and the PigPen cipher. By the end of the class, you'll be able to encode your writing and keep your secrets safe, just like the most well-trained spies!

Need help with the college application process? We can help you. With a special focus on the personal essay, we will walk you thorough the application process, as well as share with you the other ways we can help.


Prerequisites
For High School Juniors and/or Seniors

Introduction to the history and culture of eating, as well as the sensory factors that contribute to our experience of eating.


Prerequisites
None

Think you know what's next for the world? Learn what some of history's smartest people thought would be part of the future, what they got right, and what they got horribly, horribly wrong. Covers everything from the ancient Greeks to the present day--and beyond.

There will be a break in the middle to discuss your own predictions--for the world's future and your own. Also, snacks!


Prerequisites
When you enter the classroom, you must agree to give up the next 110 minutes of your future.

Have you ever been way off the mark about something? Have you noticed a key missing part of someone's argument. If so, then check out this course, in which we delve into the main fallacies behind everyday life.

Feeling stressed lately? Need something to take the edge off? Well we've got just what you need! Learn how to relax your mind and body with activities like yoga, making stress balls, and practicing other forms of meditation. So bring some stretchy pants and get ready to enter our stress-free zone because the weight of the world is about to be lifted from your shoulders!


Prerequisites
Make sure you wear stretchy pants, leggings, or shorts!

Each day, the world is presented to us as a bright display of colors, all made visible by the sun. But, take that away: remove the lights and look only to the dimness of the moon, should you be lucky enough it be there at all. What is there to be learned?

Come join me as we venture into this unknown world of darkness, with but only a candle to guide us. The world of light is intriguing when the sun is up, but all the more revealing to those who seek answers in the dark.


Prerequisites
Fun 101

Learn how to make decisions with your money.

Have you ever wondered how diseases are spread? Ever wondered what issues exist in health around the world, and what is being done to solve them? In this class, after getting an overview of global health issues, you will be divided into task forces to tackle some of the toughest issues baffling world leaders today. This class is perfect for those interested in medicine, global health, public policy, or anyone who is interested in improving the conditions of others!

There are lots of things you need to do to get ready for college and taking the SAT is one of them. Come to learn the basics of the SAT and to learn how to write that daunting 25 minute essay.

Want to learn about how financial markets work? You've heard about the billions of dollars of government bailout, the fall of major banks, and the stock market crash everywhere in the news. Sign up for this class to learn about in the real causes of the 2008 crisis, what investment banks are, what mortgage-backed securities means, and where we're heading right now. We look at movements like Occupy Wall St., try to see if finance is really that bad, and what are ways to fix it. No need for any financial or economic experience!


Prerequisites
None