She’s married to who? He painted what!? Why!? Let me spill some Art History tea to you. Looking at beautiful works of art is one thing but how do we read them and understand their subjective purpose? Visual art in pictures and form can tell us a lot about the time period it was created, the subjects in the artwork, and why the artist did what they did. Here we will decipher paintings like uncovering a mystery. You’ll be able to read artworks and get the inside scoop on some gorgeous and famous pieces.

Join us for a fun and energetic K-pop dance session! We'll be learning a short piece of choreography inspired by the K-pop hits. This class is open to all levels—no dance experience is necessary, so beginners are more than welcome! Just come with a positive attitude, comfortable clothes, and shoes that allow you to move with ease. Get ready to dive into the world of K-pop and enjoy an exciting experience where we’ll dance, move, and have a great time together!


Prerequisites
No previous dance experience is required!

Ever seen those aesthetic bullet journals on Pinterest and wondered if you could do the same? Now you can! Join our class for planning tips, scheduling ideas, and all around creative freedom. Use cute stickers and plan to your heart's desire!


Prerequisites
Bring your own journal!!

Analyzing the power of music in social movements. Discover how music has been a universal language for change and protest. From classical music to Ethiopian jazz to Vietnam and The Temptations, music has been the heartbeat of social justice. Open to high schoolers and no prior music experience is necessary!


Prerequisites
Enthusiasm!

Ever wondered how a single piece of paper can transform into intricate structures? Explore the art of modular origami! Our class unveils the secrets behind creating stunning sculptures from multiple folded units, offering a hands-on journey into creativity and precision. Join us and unfold the magic!

Ever wondered what it's like to be the person calling "Action!" on set? In this course, you'll step into the director's chair and learn the art of filmmaking. Through hands-on activities, you'll direct actors, experiment with camera angles, and shoot a short scene on a professional cinema camera—all while learning the skills that make directors the true visionaries behind every great film. Whether you're a cinephile or an aspiring filmmaker, this workshop will give you a taste of what it means to lead behind the lens.

Do you imagine exciting worlds or ever wonder how to become a writer? Join us to learn how to turn your life or imagination into incredible stories! Your imagination is your most unique and powerful tool—let’s uncover the world of storytelling together.

An introduction to control theory, a fundamental concept in robotics and engineering as a whole. We will explore how to design systems that react to the world around them, and work through some fun examples


Prerequisites
Basic programming knowledge ideal!

Dragons, cyborgs, and mermaids, oh my! Speculative fiction is the umbrella term for stories that take place in settings different from reality. Speculative fiction subgenres includes: fantasy, science fiction, horror, superhero fiction, dystopia, apocalyptic, and more! In this course, we will explore the history of speculative fiction, different branches of the genre, and tips on how to craft your own speculative fiction stories and worlds! Whether you’re an aspiring fantasy author, avid science fiction reader, or simply a curious adventurer, all who are interested in diving into the wild, weird, and wonderful world of speculative fiction are welcome!

Is Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass connected to Queen Victoria?

This class will be a crash course on Queen Victoria's life, Alice in Wonderland, and Through the Looking Glass. We will look at evidence that points toward the notion Alice is actually a parallel to Queen Victoria and her reign as monarch and discuss what it reveals about Queen Victoria's rule and the public view of her at the time.


Prerequisites
Familiarity with Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass + Queen Victoria would be helpful (but not needed) !!

o kama sona e lili pi toki pona!
Come learn the basics of toki pona!

toki pona, which literally translates to "good language" or "simple language," is a constructed language that was created in 2001. Originally, it only had 120 words, however it has since developed a community through which new words have come in and out of use.

Because of the few words and the simplicity of the language, in just one hour, we will already be able to translate simple english phrases and hold basic conversations with each other.

In "The Pill Mifepristone: Medical, Legal, and Ethical Perspectives," students will gain an in-depth understanding of mifepristone, a critical medication used in medical abortions. The class will begin with a comprehensive lecture that covers the scientific, legal, and ethical dimensions of mifepristone.

The lecture will start by explaining the medical aspects of mifepristone, including its mechanism of action, how it is used in combination with misoprostol to induce a medical abortion, and its effectiveness compared to other abortion methods. It will also address the controversial history of mifepristone’s development and its impact on reproductive healthcare.

Following the medical overview, the lecture will delve into the legal landscape surrounding mifepristone. This will include a discussion of key legal cases and regulatory changes that have shaped the availability and accessibility of the drug, as well as current legislative trends and their implications for reproductive rights.
The lecture will also cover the ethical considerations related to mifepristone.

Topics will include debates around reproductive autonomy, access to healthcare, and the broader social and political context of abortion rights. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the implications of these issues and how they affect individuals and society.

After the lecture, the class will shift to a discussion or debate format. Students will be divided into small groups or pairs, with each group assigned specific topics or perspectives related to mifepristone. Discussion points may include the impact of recent legal restrictions on access to mifepristone, ethical dilemmas associated with its use, and the role of medical professionals and policymakers in shaping abortion care.

The class will conclude with a summary of key discussion points, addressing any remaining questions, and providing additional resources for further exploration of the topic. Students will leave with a nuanced understanding of mifepristone and its implications for reproductive health and rights.

Can I marry my cousin? What should I do if I catch my wife having an affair? How should I distribute my property among my children? For over 1,000 years, ancient Romans answered these and many other questions key to their daily lives. In doing so, they did not only develop an effective framework to rule an empire with more than 50 million people, but also created one of the most sophisticated legal systems in human history — and one which continues to influence Western jurisprudence today. This course will provide a brief overview of Roman law development, as well as teach students about real Roman laws regarding family, succession and property. By the end of this course, students will even be able to solve some basic cases like a real Roman lawyer/jurist!


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Roman history is helpful, but it is not required. Come with curiosity, willingness to learn and maturity!

Imagine yourself as a young child. You looked different, you thought differently, and you had different fears and desires than you do today. All your cells have died and been replaced (I think) and your personality has probably changed a lot too. So, in what way are you still the same person? This course will explore the question of personal identity through discussion of brain transplants, cloning, and growing up. We will examine our intuitions, consider moral and practical implications, and redefine how we see ourselves and others.

Have you wondered how the Aztecs built a city on a lake or pyramids that towered above the trees. Well, this class will answer those questions and many more. The History of the Aztecs is an introduction to the history of Mesoamerica, with a specific focus on the Aztecs. It will examine how the Aztecs grew from a small community of warriors for hire to the dominant, ruling community of the valley of Mexico.

Using poems from various established authors across time periods, this course will introduce how structure leads to meaning in poetry and the ways in which poetry can serve the self in both consistent reading and writing.

The central question of this class: Would you pull the lever?

This offers an engaging and (hopefully) fun exploration of various moral and ethical frameworks through the iconic “trolley problem.” This thought experiment places us at both a literal and moral crossroads. Imagine standing by a fork in the tracks, as a train hurtles toward five individuals tied to the rails. You hold the power to pull a lever, diverting the train onto a different track—where only one person is tied.

So, what do you do? Will you pull the lever and sacrifice one in order to save five? Or would you choose to let the train barrel down its current path?

Our goal is to decode this complex scenario and explore how different philosophical approaches—utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics..etc—would approach a solution. While we might not reach a final consensus, you’ll gain all the tools you need for solving moral quandaries and on the fly sophistry.

Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta, and most recently Visa have all been sued by the government in recent years for monopolizing sectors of the American economy. What does it mean for a company to become a monopoly? Why should we care? In this class, we will do a deep dive into monopolies: how they come about, how they affect the economy, and how our nation's laws check them. We will start with a brief history lesson on the robber barons of the late 19th century and the emergence of antitrust laws. Then, we will go through the elementary basics of how economists today model the effects of monopolies on markets--things like supply, price, and quantity. Finally, we will discuss hot topics and current events in antitrust law and policy.

James Bond. Ethan Hunt. Jack Ryan.

The world of intelligence and espionage has long captivated popular culture. But what does intelligence actually look like? More importantly, what does it mean? Is it more than just wearing a suit, rappelling down a skyscraper, and looking at a stack of manila folders?

This course intends to answer those questions and demystify the cloak-and-dagger work of spycraft. In doing so, its intention is that you will develop a keen understanding of intelligence and espionage in the real world.

We will look at how spies conduct their work by examining the intelligence process. We will also study key players in the world of espionage, namely the members of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Lastly, we will discuss the history of modern espionage by looking at several case studies, followed by an analytical simulation where students will play the role of analysts, receive “intelligence,” and make assessments based on that knowledge.


Prerequisites
An interest in intelligence, espionage, and the world of spies!

This course will examine the Tupac vs. Notorious B.I.G beef and compare and contrast it with Kendrick Lamar and Drake's recent beef. We will examine content of the disputes, their forms, and analyze their lasting impacts and consequences. Students should be prepared to engage in full class discussion and should have a very basic knowledge about Kendrick and Drake's dispute.

Free speech is protected by the First Amendment! Everyone knows that, right? But what can—and can’t—I say, really? What does “free speech” actually mean?

This course will examine the right to free speech as constitutionally protected, the values that free speech promotes, the mechanisms by which it can be lawfully regulated, and the ways in which free speech shapes the structure of our society. Bring your questions and be ready to participate. We’re going to have a blast!

The Occupied Times writes that "critical cartography is the idea that maps – like other texts such as the written word, images or film – are not (and cannot be) value-free or neutral. Maps reflect and perpetuate relations of power, more often than not in the interests of dominant groups." Jumping off from this point, we want to interrogate the way maps are used (and misused) to create a dominant narrative about our society. In this class, we will be analyzing different ways of communicating information through maps; different manifestations of cartography (literal, epidemiological, even literary); along with various methodologies of cartographical critique. We will end our session together by testing out our own mapmaking abilities, taking pen to paper and enacting our own cartographic visions on the page.

Perhaps the greatest literary movement to emerge from the 19th century was Romanticism — an emphasis of emotion, individualism, nature, and the sublime, and a reaction to rationalism and industrialization. In this course we will analyze works of 19th-century Romanticism, and we will seek to create our own definitions of what Romanticism is, what it seeks to accomplish, and how we can apply its lessons and philosophies to our own lives. In an hour, we will read excerpts containing some of the most beautiful language from the 19th century, and inspire you to engage deeper with not only Romantic texts, but with literature as a whole.

Writing can seem a daunting task — especially when regularly exposed to the greatest works of literature. However, even the greats have writing that they surely hope will never see the light of day, including the first drafts of those works you've come to love so much! Writing is a skill, not a pure natural talent. In this class, we will hone that skill, and leave as better and more inspired writers.

With high school on the horizon, chances are you've heard whispers of what many consider to be the hardest flavor of high school mathematics: Calculus. This class seeks to myth-bust the inflated reputation calculus has gained by offering a simple, logical perspective into the field of calculus. If you've heard of Calculus and feel anxious over it, this class is specifically for you!


Prerequisites
Algebra I

You open a browser on your phone to look at cat videos, and in no time your device is talking to a server halfway across the world as if they were in the same room. How is this communication not only possible, but consistent when you factor in connectivity delays, dropped packets, and hackers prowling the web? Join us for an intuition-focused introduction to the architecture behind TCP/IP, the protocol suite underlying the Internet!

How and where does AI work...and where can it go wrong? A brief introduction to deep learning, modern machine learning methods and tools, types of poisoning attacks and defenses, ways to explain current models, and algorithmic bias.

This course explores the fascinating derivation of the heat equation, tracing its roots in thermodynamics to its unexpected applications in finance and other fields. Beginning with the classical heat equation, students will develop an understanding of partial differential equations (PDEs), diffusion models, and boundary conditions. We’ll then leap into modern applications, discovering how this fundamental equation governs stock options in the Black-Scholes model and the spread of information or substances in various domains. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to apply mathematical methods from physics to solve complex problems in finance, biology, and beyond.

Teachers' note - Take this class even if you aren't the most mathematically inclined! We promise there's something for everyone in this course, we will attempt to derive everything from first principles and make it digestible for a wide array of backgrounds.


Prerequisites
Calculus and an understanding of probability and statistics (see teacher's note in description)

Throughout history, humans have often had the need to communicate secretly. But how can you make a message clear to its intended recipient and indecipherable to everyone else? This is the purpose of the ancient art of cryptography, which we will be plunging into in this class. We will explore some of the countless mathematical tricks that can be used to keep information secret, from simple letter substitutions to the complex algorithms used to secure your email and social media accounts. Regardless of your background or level of experience, this class will be sure to leave you saying "Epeh az xpdcausitny!"

What comes after calculus? Math, as it turns out, largely branches off into two general approaches: Analysis, studying the smooth and continuous (like calculus), and Algebra, studying structure and symmetry. The broader field of Algebra is quite different from the Algebra I & II you might have taken in school-- Algebraists unfortunately don't spend their lives studying y=mx+b.

Group theory studies symmetry, and is one of the first areas of Abstract Algebra students encounter, and it's like starting math from the beginning again. This course will focus on the visual intuitions of group theory and build toward using rigorous mathematical argument to prove theorems about groups.


Prerequisites
No hard prerequisites, but basic familiarity with sets, set builder notation, basic number theory, and proof will be very useful.

The main focus of my course is the Hydra Vulgaris, a fresh-water polyp straight out of a science fiction novel. These organisms are practically immortal in a lab setting and have been the inspiration for some very cool research related to aging, regeneration and the nervous system. I intend to bring in live Hydra with fluorescent neurons that can be visualized during firing. The students have an opportunity for some hands on experience by feeding the Hydra with Brine Shrimp.


Prerequisites
None

Do you want to learn to identify birds by both sight AND sound? Birds are the only living dinosaurs and there are some 10,000 species on Earth. We'll discuss the basics of bird identification, the importance of birds in the environment, and the steps we can take to protect them. You'll also learn to use binoculars and a field guide. Fly on in—no prior experience needed!

This course utilizes innovative and interactive activities to teach students about viruses and vaccines. The goal of this course is to learn about how we can protect ourselves against sicknesses and pandemics, focusing on key concepts such as antibodies herd immunity.

This class will discuss and explore different "marine mysteries" ranging from the Bermuda Triangle to the Marina Trench to octopus consciousness. We will investigate unexplained aquatic phenomena and concurrently discuss topics of marine conservation and why these hidden wonders must be protected.

In this class we will explore what makes quantum computing so special and how it can be used to beat out a normal computer at certain tasks. We will examine physical foundations including some information theory, qubits, superposition, quantum entanglement, and some simple example of quantum advantage. If time allows, we may also get into some different ways that quantum computers are actually made!


Prerequisites
Basic algebra and an excitement to dive into the strange world of quantum mechanics

This class exposes students to the exciting field of global health. They will learn about key issues in global health, such as Tuberculosis, and about current challenges in the field. After taking this class, students will leave with a better understanding of what global health is and its interdisciplinary nature.

Unlock the secrets of the universe in our exciting SPLASH course, "Hidden Symmetries: Nature Mogs All"! Have you ever marveled at the perfect petals of a sunflower or the delightful swirl of an ice cream cone? What if we told you that these everyday wonders hold profound insights into the laws of physics?
Join us for a hands-on exploration of symmetry—a fundamental concept that underpins everything from the structure of atoms to the rhythms of the cosmos. As we delve deeper, you'll be introduced to the powerful concept of the Lagrangian, a mathematical tool that encodes the dynamics of systems. We’ll explore Noether's theorem, the key that connects symmetry to conservation laws—like why energy remains constant over time. By the end of the course, you’ll understand how these principles not only govern the physical world but also inspire creativity and innovation in unexpected ways.
Whether you’re passionate about art, science, or just curious about the mysteries of nature, this course will ignite your imagination and equip you with a fresh perspective on the world around you. Don’t miss out on this chance to see symmetry as more than just a visual delight—discover it as a gateway to understanding the universe itself!
Come join us on this fascinating journey where art meets science, and learn how the hidden symmetries of nature can transform the way you see the world!


Prerequisites
Basic Understanding of Algebra

Join us for an exciting hands-on workshop where you’ll become a molecular biologist for the day! In this fun and interactive session, we will explore the fascinating world of DNA by extracting it from strawberries—one of the most accessible sources of genetic material. You’ll learn the science behind DNA, its role in living organisms, and why it’s often referred to as the "blueprint of life." Using everyday household items, you’ll mash, mix, and filter your way to visible strands of DNA, gaining a deeper understanding of cellular biology and genetic science. Whether you’re a budding scientist or simply curious, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to discover the building blocks of life in a fun and engaging way. Come unlock the mysteries of DNA with us!

Have you ever wondered what the world would look like if you just kept zooming in? What if I told you that on a really tiny scale, objects behave as both a particle and a wave? It sounds crazy, but these are the discoveries of the field of quantum mechanics! Quantum mechanics is the study of extremely small objects and how they construct the world around us. It is a fascinating and challenging field of physics with applications in many other sciences. In this class, we will get a little taste of the concepts of quantum mechanics by exploring the behavior of electrons in atoms. No background knowledge of physics or chemistry is required!


Prerequisites
Algebra

An interactive introduction to the principles of organic chemistry— modeling the flow of electrons, protons, reactants, and products with stereochem

Maybe you've heard about Einstein's strange and beautiful theory of special relativity: the way that time warps, space contorts, and some of our most fundamental assumptions about reality break down at high velocities. Maybe you haven't. Either way, this class will discuss where all of these mind-bending ideas come from and why you should care about them. Our discussion will be centered on the concepts of relativity and light on the math, but expect to have your brain broken anyway.


Prerequisites
None, but students who have taken at least one physics class will be especially well-prepared.

Are you an aspiring scientist interested in viruses? This seminar-style class will cover the foundational molecular biology discoveries during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the novel mRNA vaccine. This class will involve several pieces of scientific literature, the history of coronavirus diseases, the progression of the pandemic, and scientific methods that led to the modern mRNA vaccine. Topics include: SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, antibodies, mRNA Vaccine, and Paxlovid.

With the consequences of climate change becoming increasingly visible around the world, discussing it has become ever more important. Yet, to fully engage in discussions about the causes, effects, and actions to solve the climate crisis, one needs a fundamental understanding of the processes that drive it.

How can a gas such as CO2 (making up only 4 molecules per every 1000 molecules in the air) have such a serious effect on the planet? In this lecture, we will try to answer this and many other questions.

The goal of this lecture is to build a fundamental intuition behind the “Physics of Climate Change”. We will largely be following Lawrence M. Krauss’s book of the same name and will discuss:

1) How did we discover climate change, and why is what is happening now unique in history?
2) How does climate change work?
3) Why is it serious, and why should we care?

It is impossible to fully explain all the intricacies of climate change in 1 hour. However, we will do our best! We will focus on building intuition and giving you some important facts. Hopefully, you will be left feeling more informed, interested, and ready to engage in discussions about this issue. Throughout the lecture, we will look at fundamental topics in physics, such as light and radiation, energy, and thermal expansion, in an approachable (and hopefully fun!) way.


Prerequisites
Prior physics interest and knowledge can be helpful but is absolutely not required. If you are interested in climate and/or physics, chemistry, and biology, and are not afraid of plots and graphs you are more than welcome to join.

We have all heard of the tree of life: the idea that all species are somehow connected to one another through similar genes and evolutionary events. But how exactly do we come to these conclusions? In this course, we will talk about the basis of the phylogenetic tree. We will dive into the characteristic of these evolutionary trees, taking a peak at the math and data used to construct them. We will also discuss how these trees not only describe current species but also help predict important evolutionary relationships in the future. Join us as we branch out into this new topic!

This course is designed to be a fun and fascinating exploration of the ideas of time and space and the physics behind them. The course will delve into special and general relativity and include how its findings show us the reality of time travel. Along the way, students will also learn about the philosophy of time and what is possible beyond our technological capabilities and our narrow perception of the world.


Prerequisites
Reccomended: High school physics and an aptitude for mathematics OR lack of fear of big fancy equations.

An introduction to the scientific process by doing fun experiments that you can (probably) recreate at home!


Prerequisites
n/a

Students will learn about ecosystems, renewable resources, climate change, and the impact of human activities on nature.
Through hands-on projects, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies, participants will discover innovative solutions to environmental challenges and develop critical thinking skills. Students will learn how to be good stewards of the Earth as well as more informed citizens.

Cancer is a disease of multicellularity: it exists because our (very) distant, single-celled ancestors began cooperating with one another, creating the opportunity for some cells to take advantage of each other. This class offers a novel, biological perspective to cancer: through ants! You'll learn how the evolutionary basis that gives rise to cancer can be analogized to the social structures found in tiny insects.


Prerequisites
One year of high school biology

An introduction to the world of film photography! We'll cover the origins and history of black and white and colour film, the science behind the film itself, and the process of developing and fixing film. We'll explain the concepts of film grain and dynamic range and relate them to the chemistry that's taking place. We'll look at different film formats as well as instant film.

Want to learn all about menstruation, menstrual equity, and menstrual health? In this class, we'll discuss topics ranging from how to put in a tampon, why we bleed, managing periods, and the worldwide inaccessibility of hygiene products. Menstrual health is a taboo topic. However, raising awareness for menstrual health is essential for the safety for all menstruators. Ultimately, this class will inspire students to develop their own period product advocacy initiatives that they can bring home to their communities!

This course will explore how characters, monsters, and representations within Little Nightmares II (part of the Little Nightmares game series) mirror that of human traits/characteristics, especially that of children and adult relationships.


Prerequisites
Familiarity with the Little Nightmares game series. This video will be helpful & will be suffice for the prereq: https://youtu.be/ZnE4lMYa2yE?si=6wigLXTcsZz7NzZe

Have you ever thought about the stock market, wondered how people retire, or just want to figure out how to use, save, and grow your money efficiently? This course, taught by volunteer instructors from Yale’s Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment Fund, will teach students how to responsibly manage their personal finances now and in the future. Topics will include saving, borrowing, and creating an investment portfolio (covering topics such as diversification, index fund investing, and the power of compounding interest). No prior finance-related knowledge is required!

In this class, we’ll discuss all things queer, starting from the question of what being LGBTQ+ even means (there are many answers!) to learning about queer history around the world, including in New Haven, itself. We’ll talk about issues in schools and in the community today. Join for a welcoming, interactive, open environment for sharing experiences!

Today we live in a world where periods are stigmatized and portrayed as something shameful or dirty. But how did we get to this point? This course aims to look at different cultures throughout history. We will analyze how these cultures viewed periods as well as how they treated those who menstruated.

In *Money Moves: The World of Stocks and Investments*, get ready to dive into the exciting and fast-paced world of finance! This course is designed to teach you how the stock market works, from the basics of buying and selling stocks to understanding how investments grow over time. You’ll learn how to spot trends, pick winning stocks, and build your own investment portfolio like a pro.

Through fun, hands-on activities and real-world case studies, you’ll explore how big money decisions are made and how everyday people (including you!) can make their money work for them. Whether you want to understand how to invest in your future or just learn what all the hype around stocks is about, this course will give you the skills to confidently step into the world of investing.

By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with key money management strategies, a grasp of risk vs. reward, and the ability to make smart financial decisions. Get ready to make some major money moves and set yourself up for success!

How will we Feed The World in 2050? How about in 2100? With the challenges of climate change, a growing population, and much more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, the challenge ahead of us seems daunting. However, with expected advancements in Energy Efficiency, technology, and production levels, Controlled-Environment Agriculture and BVertical farming can be the solution we need to feed a larger, more demanding world with fewer reseources. This class will discuss concepts like what is vertical farming and CEA, what are some examples of it in the modern world, what crops can currently be grown with it, what would it take to grow staple crops with these technologies, and projections for what the future of these technologies will be, and their benefits for humanity.


Prerequisites
None applicable! All Students from all educational backgrounds are welcome!

Back in my day, kid's movies weren't afraid to be weird and scary.

A seminar-based class, where we'll gather to remember old classic dark (or not) fantasy films such as the last unicorn, pan's labyrinth, coraline, the princess bride, donkey skin, etc. What societal factors has caused fantasy to leave the cultural zeitgeist? Is there simply no way to compete with sci-fi? Or will we see society modify the fantasy genre into new themes such as solar punk, magical realism or greco-futurism? We'll be using 'The Wild Robot' (2024) to discuss the latter.


Prerequisites
None! Just be willing to offer up your thoughts, and experiences.