Sprout Fall 2025
Course Catalog

Domenico Scandella (more commonly known as Menocchio) was an Italian peasant with radical ideas targeted by the Roman Inquisition. His incredible story was long lost until it was unearthed deep in the records of the Catholic Church by Carlo Ginzburg, founding the vibrant field of microhistory. In this course, learn about Menocchio's unique beliefs (including that God may be a worm) and life story, and discover the stories microhistory has to tell.


Prerequisites
Some understanding or interest in medieval/Renaissance Europe would be helpful but is not strictly required

In this course, we journey through the powerful intellectual history of geometry, from Euclid's axioms to the shattering of his assumptions with developments by Saccheri, Gauss, Bolyai and others. We will examine both the dramatic historical story behind these breakthroughs and the mathematical ideas that make these new geometries possible.


Prerequisites
Knowledge of geometry is strongly recommended

Welcome (back) birders! Join us to learn about the eight major divisions of birds: paleognathes (ostriches and relatives), galloanserae (turkeys and relatives), columbaves (doves and relatives), gruiformes (cranes and relatives), anatidae (ducks and relatives), accipitriformes (hawks and relatives), and passeriformes (sparrows and relatives)! In this deeper dive into birding, we'll introduce you to a few birds from each group—their characteristics, their quirks, their awesomeness. Fly on in—no prior experience needed!

Really basic ASL, learning the alphabet, learning greetings, and some fun words as well to build interest in American Sign Language!

Ever wondered how jugglers keep all those balls in the air? In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of juggling — from simple two-ball patterns to three-ball cascades, and even some creative variations! We’ll explore different juggling styles, discuss how rhythm and timing make it all work, and if time allows, experiment with juggling clubs or even four-ball patterns. No experience needed — just a willingness to drop things (a lot) and have fun picking them back up.


Prerequisites
None!

Tea is the the most consumed beverage in our world behind water. Throughout history, many different peoples and cultures through time and space have had unique relationships with the drink. This course aims at highlighting some of the unique traditions which have formed surrounding the drink. We will also be learning an how tea has spread around the world and become the prolific beverage that it is today.

The immune system lies in a delicate balance between the Light and the Dark, mediated by the Force: inflammation. Like in Star Wars, the mediators of inflammation work together and against each other to ensure our bodies are capable of fighting disease, toxicity, and cancer. Inflammation seems to play a role in almost every major disease (including a major role in the progression of COVID), but there's so much we still don't know about it. Do the keys to curing diseases like Alzheimer's, pulmonary fibrosis, and heart disease lie in controlling our body's inflammatory response to them?

In this course, we'll use Star Wars as an analogy to take a closer look at your immune system and the inflammatory response, especially how macrophages -- the white blood cell commanders of your disease-fighting army -- are the "chosen ones" destined to bring balance to the Forces of inflammation, and how inflammation plays a larger role in disease than you might have ever imagined.


Prerequisites
Basic biology knowledge, no knowledge of Star Wars required!

Ever wonder how doctors are able to figure out what's wrong with their patients with just a few questions and tests? In the first session of this class, we'll use an example to talk about how doctors approach a patient's chief concern and ask smart questions to develop a potential diagnosis and guide treatments. In the second (interactive) session, we'll try our hand at diagnosing a fictional patient based on questions we come up with together and information you'll learn in class and in assigned readings.


Prerequisites
Biology knowledge preferred

Quantum computers are emerging as some of the most exciting new pieces of technology of our generation. In theory, with a working quantum computer, one could simulate the unfolding of proteins to develop new medicines, break traditional encryption schemes that protect our data, or even gain insight into the origins of the universe and the big bang. In this class, we will discuss how quantum computers are fundamentally different from the computers that we use in our regular lives and what gives them the ability to accomplish these incredible tasks. In the second part of the course, we will discuss different designs and hardware platforms that are being used to actually build quantum computers. This class is absolutely open to all, so just come in with an excitement to learn about the weirdness and beauty of the quantum world!


Prerequisites
None, although some familiarity with basic algebra and geometry will be useful.

Did you know that recycling is actually one of the worst ways trash could end up?

Did you know that we could extract carbon dioxide out of thin air to reduce global warming?

Tackling climate change isn’t just about doing less harm: it’s about creating new ways to live on this planet. In this 2-hour course, you will learn how scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are inventing solutions to climate change.

We will take a look at what’s damaging our planet, different ways to fight back against climate change, how climate technologies evolved over the years, and whether startups, scientific innovations, and the government could save humanity.

Why do people even go to school? What is the purpose of education?

In this class, we will explore a series of short, thought-provoking passages about the meaning and purpose of education, and reflect on how we might respond to them. We’ll discuss our own experiences as students—moments when we’ve felt most inspired or learned the most, as well as the challenges and struggles that come with learning. Finally, we will each create our own creative vision—our own dream—of what education, at its best, could be. With art, writing, and creativity, we will each begin to imagine what the spirit of education could mean to us.


Prerequisites
None. Art supplies will be available for a creative component, so if you enjoy drawing or painting you might especially enjoy the class—but absolutely no experience necessary!! Everyone is welcome.

Adapted from the popular Johns Hopkins University Poker course, this class explores poker as a game of logic, psychology, and smart decision-making—not gambling. You’ll learn the basics of Texas Hold’em, how to think in terms of odds and strategy, and how to read people at the table. Through fun examples and practice rounds, we’ll see how poker teaches patience, reasoning, and the art of staying cool under pressure. No experience needed—just bring curiosity (and your best poker face)!


Prerequisites
- Seen classic deck of cards before - Please bring a device if you can (Ipad/Phone)

Why do people keep going back to Disney parks and spending way more than they meant to? Why do some Disney characters stick in our minds while others make us question what “perfect” looks like? In this class, we’ll go beyond the magic to uncover how Disney uses psychology to make us laugh, cry, spend, and believe. Together, we’ll explore what Disney movies teach us about heroes, princesses, and villains, and how this magical empire shapes the way we see ourselves and the world.

What does it take to win the Nobel Prize in Economics, and what can the history of the award tell us about the evolution of the discipline?

In this course, we will explore some of the major ideas, people, and debates that have defined the study of economics since the Prize's establishment in 1968. We will explore how key winners of the Prize, including Paul Samuelson, Milton Friedman, and John Nash, influenced everyday thoughts, such as "Should I buy coffee or make it at home?", "Who pays for the lunch I eat and the chair I sit in?", and "Golden scar or chug jug?". We will discuss what questions the Nobel Committee has cared about in the past, consider what questions they will care about in the future, and make a case for the "GOAT" Nobel Prize-winning economist.

Students should leave the course with a healthy introduction into the history of economics as a study, key concepts and figures in economics since the inception of the Nobel Prize in economics, and, time permitting, trends regarding the Nobel Committee's selection process. In addition, students should leave with tips on how to, one day, win the Prize themselves!


Prerequisites
Students should be interested in economics and mathematics. Although some complex formulas may be presented, mathematical instruction will be kept to algebra. A limited knowledge of economics is plenty: familiarity with Adam Smith, scarcity, and supply and demand is fantastic.

This course will introduce students to the ways in which social, environmental, and cultural conditions affect one’s health – otherwise known as a social determinants of health framework, which helps contextualize one’s health outcomes in the context of their broader life and community. For example, how does education access relate to healthcare outcomes? Or race, gender, and social class? What about material circumstances – where one lives and works? Is quality food accessible? These are the sorts of questions that we want to tackle in this course, pushing students to widen their understanding of health beyond just the individual. Ultimately, the key takeaway from this class is to recognize and address the root causes of health inequities that exist between advantaged and disadvantaged groups – and how social determinants of health shapes these inequities. Including both informative and interactive components, students will gain hands-on experience researching how social determinants of health may affect their lives and the health of those in their communities.

Come learn about literatures from around the world! We will briefly explore Italian, South Korean, Brazilian, Russian, South African, Nigerian, and Indian literature. We’ll practice comparing and contrasting these traditions, and we’ll learn how to read works from cultures we may not know well- and how to learn from them.

Do you think critically about the media you consume? In this class, we’ll develop skills to distinguish real news from fake news, AI-generated, and biased content. Through hands-on exercises, we’ll learn how to be more informed about what we consume and how to check sources, spot red flags, and share information responsibly.

Day 1: Introduction to planetary science, astrobiology, and signs of intelligent life in the universe.
Day 2: Group mission design to communicate with alien life. What would you tell them?

Democracy is among the rarest and most fragile forms of government. Of all political systems, it is perhaps the most difficult both to establish and to preserve. But why is that the case? And, more importantly, is democracy worth the effort required to sustain it?

In this course, we will explore a series of case studies of governments throughout history to address these questions. Beginning with ancient Athens and the Roman Res Publica, and moving through the American and French Revolutions, Colonialism, the revolutions of 1848, the rise of fascist regimes in the 20th century, the USSR, and the development of the European Union, we will identify key similarities, differences, and lessons that can help us better understand the challenges and promises of democracy today.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites. Everyone is welcome to attend the class.

In this course, we will explore how reading and writing shape our emotional intelligence. Some authors we will read include C. S. Lewis, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman. In addition, we will read excerpts from Atomic Habits by James Clear, Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most by Croasmun, Volf, and McAnnally-Liz, and Wonder by R. J. Palacio.

Students will be able to identify and analyze how authors articulate emotion through writing. They will learn about the connection between emotional wellness and academic success. We will work on personal reflections as well as strengthening literacy skills. Students will have the opportunity to discover how reading and writing have the power to influence their well-being, confidence, and passions.

We've all heard about leadership, community, and some of you will even be in clubs. Barring first hand experience and anecdotes and stories... what is leadership? What does it look like? How can we be good leaders? How can we be effective? Is there a formula to success as a leader? Asking these hard questions is important not just for our own development but for everyone around us! The rising tide raises all ships... but what if you feel like you're sinking? Like you can't keep up with clubs and class? Leadership often transcends the professional into the personal, which can be frightening, but is often the spark for personal growth. If this interests you, this course is for you!

In this course we will dive into the technology and physics behind how digital cameras work. We will cover a variety of topics including basic optics, digital sensors and signals and more in an effort to demystify the incredible science behind digital cameras. Throughout the class, we will also cover techniques for shooting photography like exposure, shutter speed and more.

By the end of the lecture, the goal is for all students to have a good grasp on how a camera works and how they can use that knowledge to be a great photographer!


Prerequisites
Basic trigonometry and geometry is useful.

Do you love reading? Do you love drawing? Do you have strong opinions? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this class is perfect for you!

A book cover communicates a lot of information to the viewer: story, themes, atmosphere, genre, etc. But a cover also has to be sold to consumers. We will explore the history of book cover design, investigate how designers infuse covers with meaning, discuss the role marketing plays in book cover creation, and try our hands at designing our own book covers! Readers, artists, and learners of all levels are welcome!

Have you been intrigued by the colors of a butterfly? Or curious about the parts of a beetle? In “Art of Insect Pinning”, you get to explore insect anatomy with your hands, learning about the anatomy of a bug and getting to go home with some art of your own.
We will cover the science behind what makes an insect an insect, how to identify them, and the ethics of bug pinning. Then, we’ll dive right into creation of your own pinned bug art!


Prerequisites
n/a

Have you ever wondered how the mysterious, extraterrestrial rocks that we see in pop culture actually work? How do they form? What are they made of? Are they actually magical (spoiler alert: they’re not…but they’re still very cool!) This course will provide a brief dive into all of these questions and more!


Prerequisites
A basic understanding of middle school chemistry is recommended but not strictly required.

This is a one-hour introductory lecture that offers a complete walkthrough of the cosplay process, perfect for absolute beginners. We will explore how a character concept becomes a reality, covering the essential stages of pre-production like costume planning, prop-making, wig styling, and makeup, followed by the execution of a photoshoot and the final touches of photo and video editing. The session will also briefly discuss the culture and communities where cosplay thrives. As a final exercise (if we have time), students will apply these concepts by designing their own cosplay idea.
(Or, just a place to gush about ACG!)


Prerequisites
At least have a little inkling of what cosplaying is before you need to google it? And have either participated in watching anime/ reading cartoons, or playing games, and is curious about cosplay!

Think you can tell which country an athlete is from by just looking at the flag during the Olympic games?
Love Geography and want to learn more about the most defining national symbol?
Or maybe you're hoping to win $100 someday when a YouTuber stops you on the street to quiz you about country flags?
If you're thinking of impressing your friends (and pay for their meal with your winnings), then this class is for you!
We'll journey through the fascinating world of flags — uncovering how colors, shapes, and symbols tell the story of a nation’s identity, culture, and history. From ancient empires to newly formed nations, flags have marked revolutions, celebrated unity, and expressed pride in ways words can’t. Whether you're hoping to major in Global Affairs in college, aspiring to become a diplomat, or simply curious about the world, this course is sure to make you the undisputed flag champion among your friends and family.


Prerequisites
nil

An introduction* to life-saving techniques, such as CPR and thrusts (formerly called the Heimlich maneuver), as well as ways that we can stay safe in both medical and social situations. Demonstrations of CPR and thrusts using a dummy will be made.

*Please Note: Students will not be officially CPR certified by taking this course. However, information on where to receive official CPR certification can be shared.

Intro to Creative Writing class with a focus on world-building fantasy stories, from the politics of the nation to the intricacy of its magic system, to the people and social hierarchies within. We will also explore how our characters interact, adapt, and interpret the worlds we create. Come prepared to get creative, share ideas, and have fun!

An introductory lecture into some of the physics, math, and history behind tuning and sound production. The class will cover basic properties of sound waves, just intonation, and lightly discuss historical discourse on best tuning practices. Some familiarity with basic music theory might be helpful, but it is not required. The class is designed to be accessible to all students regardless of music background.

Welcome to the strange and fascinating world of quantum mechanics, where the rules of everyday life no longer apply. In this course, we’ll explore the big ideas behind the tiniest particles: uncertainty, superposition, and entanglement. No math or physics background is needed — we’ll use experiments, stories, and simple examples to understand how quantum mechanics changes the way scientists think about reality. By the end, you’ll see why Einstein called it “spooky” and how this “weird” science might power the future!


Prerequisites
Basic Algebra

Global Health 101 focuses on exploring the main perspectives, goals, and challenges of work in global health. The course expands upon the interdisciplinary nature of global health to create a better understanding of the many fields that impact global health. Additionally, this course introduces the mission of Partners in Health Engage, a non-profit grassroots organization that works towards making health a human right.

Ever tell yourself you’ll just check TikTok for a minute... then realize it’s been 6 to 7 hours? In this class, we’ll dig into why that happens!

Together we’ll uncover the tricks behind the scroll, what our brains love about it, and how to take back control without giving up the fun parts of being online.

Discussing how sound and rhythm plays a role in poetry and how we can use music and poetry to convey our emotions when we cannot find the right words. Looking at Shakespeare, Gwendolyn Brooks, Prokofiev, and other artists.

Barbie didn’t just leave Barbie Land--she went on a hero’s journey worthy of The Odyssey. In this class, we’ll uncover how ancient myths like The Iliad and The Odyssey still shape the stories we see on screen today. Why do certain tales keep coming back, no matter how much pink glitter or CGI we add? Through discussion and clips, we’ll explore the timeless patterns of heroes, quests, and transformations that connect ancient Greece to modern Hollywood.

In this course, we'll explore basic concepts of knot theory through experimentation, problem-solving, and theorizing. We'll explore basic knots, what makes one knot different from another, and how to solve complicated knots. Get ready for a thrilling lesson of pipe cleaner constructions, diagram making, and complete creativity!

Have you always wondered what philosophy is really all about? Is it simply asking confusing questions with no clear answer?

In this elective, we will learn the basics of philosophical study by engaging with Stoicism. In addition to diving into the history, principles, and prominent figures behind Stoic philosophy, we will also gain a better understanding of how we can apply Stoicism in our daily lives. Philosophy does not have to be intimidating, and what better way to explore it than by reading passages from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, journaling peacefully, and maybe even enjoying some sweet treats along the way?


Prerequisites
All you need is your curiosity!

Star Wars, Simba, Taylor Swift, and 10 Things I Hate About You: Shakespeare in Pop Culture

Many pop culture tropes and plot lines were made popular by the Bard himself, who is often considered the greatest writer in English history. He’s made an enormous impact on literary canon and theater, as well as modern television shows and movies. In this class, we’ll discuss Shakespeare plays such as Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Taming of the Shrew, and examine modern adaptations that were inspired by or loosely based on them–the Lion King, Star Wars, 10 Things I Hate About You, Succession, and more. We’ll listen to Ophelia by The Lumineers and Love Story by Taylor Swift and discover the analogies. Shakespeare isn't boring: betrayal, ambition, love triangles, and murder aren’t just in Game of Thrones—Shakespeare did it first.


This course hopes to capture the brilliance, creativity, and wit of Shakespeare in a manner easily accessible (and fun) to middle schoolers.

We experience weather every day, but did you ever wonder what is really going on up there? This class will walk you through a conceptual understanding of the physics of clouds, storm formation, and common weather patterns. We will also cover some implications of these concepts for extreme weather in a warming world.


Prerequisites
Some knowledge of physics

Come listen to a beloved short story of Chloe and Alex's and then write a story of your own together as a group!

Love musical theater?? Come swing by to talk all things musicals. What structure makes a musical so good and why do we love the songs so much? What are some of the most important musicals recently and what can we learn about them?

Wanna dip your toes in sketch comedy and Improv?? Love SNL and wanna try it out yourself? Join a group of Yale students from The Fifth Humour Sketch Comedy group!! It’ll be so much fun!

Have you ever faced a choice with no perfect answer? In this class, we'll explore the famous trolley problem, a moral dilemma that weighs the merits of sacrificing one life to save five. From there, we'll dive into ethics, fairness, and what makes a good vs bad decision. Come ready to think deeply, debate with your classmates, and maybe even learn more about how you make decisions!

Every character begins with a question. Who are they? What do they want? What are they afraid to admit, even to themselves? This creative writing class is all about learning to write with wonder. We’ll explore how curiosity sparks imagination, and how asking the right questions can turn vague ideas into characters that feel real. Through fast-paced prompts, strange scenarios, and collaborative discussion, you’ll practice inventing characters who surprise you. People who feel like someone you’ve known forever, or someone you’re just beginning to figure out. Whether you’re a writer, a thinker, or just someone who loves a good story, this class invites you to write from a place of play, intuition, and discovery!

Think lifeguarding is just sunglasses and chilling? From the 1800s watermen of Atlantic City to today’s advanced ocean rescuers equipped with jet skis and drones, lifeguarding has an action-packed history. In this class, you’ll learn about the history of American ocean rescue, the training lifeguards must do to keep patrons safe, and how to spot dangers like rip currents and dangerous surf. Come see what it really takes to keep the beach safe!


Prerequisites
N/A

This course explores how literature can confront injustice, question authority, and illuminate the structures that shape our lives not through argument but through imagination. From 1984 to The Handmaid’s Tale, we will study how storytelling becomes a form of rebellion, allowing readers to think critically about society without feeling divided by ideology. Students will learn how fiction can expose power, provoke empathy, and turn resistance into art, crafting stories that speak with both courage and compassion.

Do you aspire to make a difference in your community? Look no further! In this course, you will learn about Community Based Participatory Research - a method for ensuring that interventions are what your community needs by making them central to the research and implementation process. You will learn about examples from the teacher's experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in South Africa and from the Community Based Participatory Research in the United States and engage in participatory research as a class.

This introductory workshop explores the art of traditional Chinese papercutting. Participants will learn basic cutting techniques, pattern design, and the cultural meanings behind classic motifs while creating their own handmade pieces. No prior experience required!

Have you ever wondered how our feathered friends evolved from enormous beasts? Or how scientists can separate all the different sparrows of the world into different species? This course will cover the evolutionary history of birds, starting from their dinosaur ancestors to the great diversity of bird life present today. The class will also examine how scientists determine what separates one species of bird from another and explore historical and modern approaches to speciation.

How do dictators gain power- and keep it? In this class, we’ll act like history detectives, studying case studies from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. You’ll compare how different dictatorships worked, learn the warning signs, and explore how people and communities can help prevent them. You’ll leave with lots of new knowledge and big questions to think about.

We’ll dive into ethics through one powerful short story- “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursula K. Le Guin- which we’ll read together in class. Through discussion and activities, you’ll explore your own position in this ethical dilemma and learn how people think about right and wrong in complex situations. Bridging stories and ethics, you’ll practice your moral imagination and begin to understand more complex ethical questions.

In this course, students will learn how to produce hip-hop songs using a variety of techniques, including sampling. We will work with Soundtrap. In order to participate, students must bring their own laptops/chromebooks, and make/have a Soundtrap account.

We will cover melody creation using basic instruments and natural in-system plug-ins, basic drum pattern theory, and elementary sample synthesis, including techniques for how to splice a sample. If these words don’t mean much to you, don’t stress! We will learn together, and it should be relatively intuitive.

At the end if time permits, I will show my own catalogue of beats that I have made using Logic Pro, a professional DAW (digital audio workspace).

Also if time permits, we will go over mixing and mastering. But the whole class should be mostly you (the students) making beats and me teaching basic stuff to get you started.


Prerequisites
Students should bring their own charged laptops, and optionally headphones.

Each year, millions of tons of organic waste like food, paper, and yard trimmings end up in our nation's landfills. Inside these landfills this organic waste decomposes anaerobically and release large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates global warming, into the atmosphere. The nutrients from this waste, that would normally return to the earth and support the earth's food chains, are also trapped in these landfills and taken out of the natural chemical cycle. So what can we do to solve this issue? In this elective course, we will learn more about the current state of the U.S.'s organic waste management strategies, the solutions, both small and large scale, that are currently being implemented to manage our waste more sustainably, and how we as individuals can contribute to sustainable organic waste management practices in the New Haven community. Join us to learn how we can Grow from our Garbage!

Diamonds, gold, emeralds, and rubies are among the most well known examples of minerals, which form the building block of our society. From glittery makeup to the copper wiring used in electronics, minerals can be found everywhere in our daily lives. That being said, what exactly are minerals? What are their properties? Where do they come from? What can we do with them? In this interactive course, we will survey a variety of minerals and their unique properties, as well as how these minerals are formed, and how they are used in everyday life.

Chemistry makes up the world around us, and is prevalent in many of the processes that make life possible. That being said, how have chemical processes been applied? What tools do chemists use to extract certain substances?

This course serves as a quick, hands-on overview of major techniques in chemistry, with their applications in research, industry, and in everyday life.

Some of the techniques covered may include, but are not limited to filtration, distillation, extraction, chromatography, gas collection, substance identification, and more.

Do you believe in monsters? From glowing eyes in the woods to strange creatures lurking in mountain hollers, Appalachia is full of stories that blur the line between history and legend. Meet Mothman, the Flatwoods Monster, and other eerie figures that have haunted generations across this mountainous terrain. Learn how these tales grew from real events, local fears, and the power of storytelling itself. Join us for a journey through Appalachian history, mystery, and myth, and see which cryptid you’d dare to meet in the dark.

We will learn about the philosophical system of the inventor of calculus, Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz. The lecture will cover his work titled "The Monadology". This text is one of the most famous works in the history of philosophy. Learning it will show you just how much philosophy can inspire you to think outside of the box. The Monadology is the best first exposure to philosophy that I can think of. We will try to understand why Leibniz thought the physical world does not exist, why all objects have minds, why God exists, why the whole universe is One, why God lets bad things happen to you, why it is impossible to punch someone, and why you are a fish. Yes, the guy who invented calculus really believed all of this. If you want to know why, take this course.

You are welcome to read The Monadology before the lecture, but this is by no means required. In fact, I encourage you not to read it unless you are willing to discuss what you've read with at least one friend or family member before the lecture. The text is very strange, and 90% of the fun with reading it is commenting out loud on how Leibniz was out of his mind. If you read it by yourself and never say a word out loud about it, you will get very little out of it.


Prerequisites
This course will benefit students who have never done any philosophy and it will benefit students who have done lots of philosophy. The only prerequisite is being willing to think outside the box.