Computers are something we often take for granted. We use them every day, but most of us haven’t even the slightest idea about how they actually work. This course will demystify some of the technical aspects of computers by showing you what's actually going on under your keyboard. We'll try to keep things comprehensible to everyone while exploring some of the building blocks of modern computer systems. We will start by discussing binary numbers and their relevancy to computers. We'll then talk about how these concepts are implemented on a technological level within computers. We'll go over the ways they are used to store numbers and perform calculations. Students will then be able to build their own mini calculators using the concepts they've learned. We'll close with a foray into storing and processing other types of data. Full list of topics: binary math, transistors, logic gates, adders, two's complement, calculators, ASCII codes, files

Curious how the latest iPhone was designed? How about Pokemon Go or Instagram? Whether you think about it or not, most things in your everyday life are designed, from the toothbrush you use in the morning, to the computer you use to finish your homework. Each object helps fulfill a particular need in your life—solves a problem or makes a process more efficient. How do you come up with a product that helps fill someone's need? This course will walk you through the process of ideating a product through a design-centered approach. Whether you're interested in art or engineering, the humanities or science, this course if for you; the design thinking process thrives on having as diverse a set of perspectives as possible!