|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
HSSP Summer 2008
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jump to Categories | |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | Hobbies |
| Liberal Arts | Mathematics |
| Science | Social Science |
We would like to remind parents that they should let their children choose which classes to take.
The Summer HSSP 2008 Catalog will be posted here at 8:00 pm on Monday, May 12, 2008. This year, HSSP students will not be able to sign up for HSSP classes ahead of time. Instead, you have the option of pre-registering as HSSP students online, and then you will choose classes on the first day of HSSP, Sunday, June 29, 2008.
Classes run during three time blocks: 10:00 am - 12:00 am, 1:30 pm- 3:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. You may only take one class per time period.
Unfortunately, we are not sure during which time block each class will be run yet, so the times currently posted are subject to change. We hope to know during which time blocks each class will be running over the next few days. days. Thank you for your patience.
The class catalog will be posted online so you have an idea of what classes are being offered. Then, on the first day of HSSP, the first half-hour of every period will be devoted to class selection. Teachers will set up stations where they can get to meet potential students and tell potential students what their class will be like. Then, you can choose one class you want to take during that time period by signing your name on a class list held by the teacher.
We strongly suggest that students review the catalog before the first day of HSSP, so they have some idea of what to take. Class registration will be first come, first serve, and popular classes will fill up quickly. Given the size of most of the classes we are offering this term, we expect that most students will get their first choice class.
Even if students do not get their first choice class, they can be put on a wait list. We expect the wait list to move quickly.
If you are only interested in classes that run during the afternoon blocks, you should arrive a half-hour before the block starts to check in, pay and confirm registration, and then participate in class selection.
If you are unable to attend HSSP on the first day, you should e-mail esp@mit.edu, and arrangements will be made.
Computer Science
| C1457: Intro to Circuits and Sensors | Ranbel Sun , Wolfe Styke | |
|---|---|---|
|
What is a photodiode? How does a Wii controller work? This class is geared towards beginners and will cover basic electrical engineering theory and practice, with an emphasis on interactive circuits. Those with no prior electronics experience are especially welcome.
Time will be split between lecture, problem solving, and hands-on lab. Specific projects to be determined based on student interest, but possibilities include lie detectors, light-responsive lamps, touch alarms, and more! Prereqs: Familiarity with algebra is a must. Basic physics knowledge (electrons, energy, charge, etc…) is recommended but not required for motivated students. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 15) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Course Outline
Click here to view all 1 documents for Intro to Circuits and Sensors |
||
Hobbies
| H1407: Subwoofer Project | Michael Price | |
|---|---|---|
|
There's a lot of science behind audio systems, even just the woofers. I'll teach you how speakers work, demonstrate the common types of distortion they produce, and discuss how to avoid them. We will look at signals (like music) in the frequency domain and see the effects of signal processing, both intentional and unintentional. With all this science in mind, we should be able to design, build and analyze a high-fidelity subwoofer. It might be impressive.
This course is not about electronics, but I can help students with individual electronics projects. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
10--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 14) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Subwoofer Project |
||
| H1418: Introduction to Competitive Starcraft | Nikolas Koutsopoulos | |
|---|---|---|
|
Historically, men have fought duels with swords and pistols, but if another man insulted my honor, my weapon of choice would be the Zerg. The Zerg are an alien race and one of three factions a player may choose to command in Starcraft, a challenging multiplayer real-time strategy game from 1998. Starcraft still enjoys worldwide popularity today thanks to the complexity of strategy, the precision mouse and keyboard control required, and the near-perfect game balance.
In this class, I will start from the basics of the game assuming no previous experience. After introducing the game mechanics, I will discuss standard opening build orders, how to effectively deal with the game's challenging UI, how to multitask effectively, what makes a good strategy good, and what standard plays to prepare for. We will watch videos from the Korean Starleagues, which showcase the highest level of Starcraft play in the world. You can also bring replays of games you've played and ask for analysis. If I get bored, I might discuss reverse-engineering and the internals of the game. This class is designed for players new to Starcraft. However, I aim to spend relatively little time on the basics of the game, so the class will be useful to anyone stuck in the D ranks of iCCup as well as anyone who doesn't know what I mean by this. You should expect to spend time playing the game at home if you want to get much out of the class. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 11 (max 16) |
|
| H1434: The Crash Course Course 4 | Jordan Persson | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Crash Course Course returns yet again, with a back-to-basics approach. Hoping to regain the awesomeness that the CCC's first session had, your fearless teacher is working on a fresh set of topics for the class that changes every week. If you're looking to learn (and discuss) a wide range of tricks and facts, this is the class for you.
Prerequisites: A willingness to participate and share your knowledge and ideas with the rest of the class, as well as a reasonable sense of maturity. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
9--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 30) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for The Crash Course Course 4 |
||
| H1444: Drawing 101 | Susan Shepherd | |
|---|---|---|
|
Drawing 101 is an introductory class for those who enjoy drawing and would like an excuse to develop their skills further. We will start with fairly basic exercises using pen and pencil and eventually work on a stippling or portrait assignment.
There are no grades and no way, really, to ensure that students finish assignments - an “assignment” being, for example, an exercise in shading boxes to show both a light source and a vanishing point. Nonetheless, students will probably get more out of this class if they practice at home. Note: One class will focus on drawing comic strip characters. This is just for fun, as Calvin and Hobbes, the Far Side and other comics have a wide following here at MIT. Students should bring their own pencils. Paper and other supplies will be provided by the teacher. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 15) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Drawing 101 |
||
| H1448: Cultural Secrets in the Arts | Zandra Vinegar , Allison Quach | |
|---|---|---|
|
What hides behind the masks of El Día de los Muertos? in the webs of Native American Dream Catchers? under the Henna of Indian tatoos?
What lurks in wait between the cracks of South African Batik, among the brush strokes of Chinese Brush Painting? tied away by the knots of English crochet? Spooky, eh? And only one way to find out. Most of the class will be doing art, but we will focus on the culture behind the techniques. |
||
|
Meeting Times
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM Section 2: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
7--10
Enrollment: 36 (max 20) |
|
Liberal Arts
| L1397: Humanity in Literature | Patrick Haigh | |
|---|---|---|
|
“What did I care about my hammer, about my bolt, about thirst and death? There was, on one star, on one planet, on mine, the Earth, a little prince to be consoled!” ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
We shall be reading three short works of fiction from the 20th Century: The Prophet by Khalil Gibran, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. We will endeavor to appreciate these masterful works in their fullness as pure art, as well as explore what meanings they hold for us in our relationships with other people and our existence in the world. We will, from time to time, bring into our discussion excerpts from the writings of post-Enlightenment philosophers such as William James, Martin Buber, and Emmanuel Levinas to aid us in understanding advanced interpersonal metaphysics (ethics and phenomenology) as they have developed through the industrial era of humanity. |
||
|
Meeting Times
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM Section 2: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 36 (max 16) |
|
| L1417: Paradox | Jongmin Baek | |
|---|---|---|
|
What is a paradox? Historically, many paradoxes have puzzled logicians, philosophers and mathematicians alike and contributed to advancement in different fields. Famous and interesting paradoxes in logic and philosophy will be introduced, along with some tools and background material to resolve them. Familiarity with proofs, analytic philosophy, or boolean logic is a big plus.
There is no set prerequisite in the course, but I'll presuppose mathematical maturity at the level of high-school geometry. (This does not mean you need to know geometry.) [Possible topics] - Introduction to inductive logic and analytical philosophy - Prisoner's Dilemma - Paradox of the Heap - Expectation - Knowledge/Surprise - Raven's Paradox - Liar's Paradox - Sense and Reference - Presuppositions *** Caveat: Note that the course is not about open-ended debates about God, universe, religion, politics. Such varieties are fun as well, but we will stick to issues that yield themselves to somewhat more rigorous treatment. You'll not be “writing” any essays, but rather “constructing” proof-like arguments. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
8--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 30) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Week1_Syllabus,
Week 1 Lecture Slides
Click here to view all 2 documents for Paradox |
||
| L1425: Europe in Crisis: The World Wars in Europe | Michelle Bentivegna | |
|---|---|---|
|
World War I and World War II are often seen as one large war by historians. We will look at both wars from a political, military and social perspective.
This class will focus on the effect that these wars had on Europe. We might discuss non-European aspects on the war, though in less depth. This class is designed for students who have not studied European History in depth before. Light homework (about 1hr/wk) will be assigned, consisting mostly of vocabulary and reading. Homework will not be required. Syllabus is subject to change, but our classes will probably look like this: 1. Pre-War Europe 2. Direct Causes of WWI and Opening Game 3. The Horror of War and the Russian Revolution 4. Endgame of WWI and the Treaty of Versailles 5. Interwar Period 6. Direct Causes of WWII and Beginning of War 7. Invasion of Russia, and the Nazi Regime in Europe 8. End of WWII, Post War Settlements and the Start of the Cold War |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 30) |
|
| L1447: What makes a good government? | Mingwei Gu | |
|---|---|---|
|
Have you ever wondered what makes a government a good one? We'll be exploring this question by looking at classic writings as well as talking about current events. Role-playing will also be a key component of our learning. Take note: this class is not so much about finding the rights answers but more about asking the right questions, so bring lots of questions. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
9--12
Enrollment: 11 (max 15) |
|
| L1455: Darshan: a View into Hinduism | Lark-Aeryn Speyer , Teresa Elsey | |
|---|---|---|
|
Even the gods have something to learn in Hinduism—and we have a lot to learn about the world through them, too.
Come take trips with me into the worlds of Hindu story, art, and thought. Here, the same god may be enountered as a helpless infant, a fun-loving youth, or the Lord of All Creation. Now, the universe is in one of its infinite rebirths, as are each of the people. Come see into a very old way of thinking—and bring something new back into your thought. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 5 (max 20) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Tentative Class Schedule
Click here to view all 1 documents for Darshan: a View into Hinduism |
||
| L1463: Introduction to Conversational Sign Language | Shawn Westerdale , Elizabeth de Regt | |
|---|---|---|
|
LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE! Starting with the ASL alphabet, this course will teach the vocabulary and grammatical structure of sign language necessary for colloquial conversations. If we have time, I will also introduce the more formal forms of ASL used for story telling and music interpretation. |
||
|
Meeting Times
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM Section 2: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 37 (max 22) |
|
Mathematics
| M1414: Probability: Random Isn't So Random | Vina Nguyen | |
|---|---|---|
|
A lot of events in our life seem random or impossible to predict. However, with probability theory we can learn more about these things to solve interesting problems that range from the lottery to diagnosing medical diseases. By teaching you basic principles and more advanced topics about theorems and models, this class will give you the tools to see the world in a different way that may not be intuitive but is proved by the math behind it. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 18 (max 22) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Probability: Random Isn't So Random |
||
| M1421: Sabermetrics, Scouting, and the Science of Baseball | Chuck Korb | |
|---|---|---|
|
This course will discuss the most effective metrics used to evaluate offense, defense, and pitching in baseball today. We will also explore the scouting aspect of the game, and what specific things a scout is looking for in a player. Finally, we will investigate the science of baseball from both a biological/kinesiological and a physics perspective.
The classes will be taught by multiple instructors, some of whom have worked for, or are currently working for, Major League Baseball teams. You must have a love for the game, and an old ratty baseball cap in order to take this class. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 40) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus,
Recommended Reading
Click here to view all 2 documents for Sabermetrics, Scouting, and the Science of Baseball |
||
| M1422: Game Theory | Aleksandr Arkhipov | |
|---|---|---|
|
You and a friend take turns placing dominoes on an 8 by 8 chessboard. Each domino covers two squares and no two dominoes may overlap. You place dominoes vertically and your friend places them horizontally, and whoever can't fit a domino loses. Will you or your friend come out on top?
We'll look at the math and the theory behind certain games. How do you find a winning strategy? Can you break the game up into smaller games? Although we will play a few games, the focus is on figuring out who will win before the first move is even made. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 16 (max 22) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Game Theory |
||
| M1423: Abstract Algebra | Chris Kennedy | |
|---|---|---|
|
Does high school math seem too simple? Bored with trigonometry and logarithms? Then this is the course for you. Starting with some fairly simple notions like operations and properties of sets, we'll explore the beautiful area of math called abstract algebra. In particular, the course begins with groups and their properties, and then moves to rings and fields, finishing up with a bang: a proof that it's possible to move a sphere around using only rotations to get two copies of the same sphere you started with.
Background: This will be a pretty hard course. Fluency with high school algebra and familiarity with functions, trig, and some matrices is strongly suggested. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
9--12
Enrollment: 10 (max 40) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Abstract Algebra |
||
| M1427: Sequences & Series | Robert Assaly | |
|---|---|---|
What comes after 1, 1, 4, 10, 28, 76? If you enjoy puzzles like this one, then this course is for you. They are not just fun; they do lead to useful procedures for solving many math problems. We shall discuss how to solve equations by using sequences, obtaining square roots, examining the many facets of the Fibonacci sequence, the Golden Ratio, and Pascal's Arithmetic Triangle. I shall devote the last class to different ways that the value of  is obtained, its curious properties, and its history.
Fun problems will be presented and solved throughout the course. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 31 (max 40) |
|
| M1453: Logic Puzzles | Jeremiah Sheehan | |
|---|---|---|
|
Do you like brain teasers? Word games? Are you good at solving riddles and mysteries? Do you like mathematical puzzles? Ever played boxes, chopsticks, mancala, or tetris? Is it possible to win every game of solitaire? Would you like to learn the science of these games, the best strategies, the best moves, how to win?
Nearly everything can be analyzed in a logical fashion. Logic and thought are the keys to human learning, understanding, and progress. To solve any problem, or puzzle, or riddle, requires a way of thinking without preconceptions; “thinking outside the box,” to use the colloquial. As such, one cannot be taught to solve logical puzzles. Therefore this class will be based on the presentation, and attempts to solve different puzzles. Students will never be told the solution to a problem until they have first solved the problem. There will also be presentations of very complex and very difficult problems. We will discuss different strategies that have been developed to solve these problems, and how computers can be used to implement these strategies. Some puzzles presented will require use of a computer, and some will require knowledge of advanced mathematics, but these skills can be learned, and neither are required knowledge to take in this class. This course is cross-disciplinary, involving significant aspects of both computer science and mathematics. In solving the puzzles from this class, students will inevitable learn about both subjects. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 9 (max 20) |
|
| M1460: Theory of Computation | Kayla Jacobs | |
|---|---|---|
|
What are computers, and what can they do? Forget PCs and Macs: we're going build our computers not out of electronics, but out of mathematics.
We'll look at simple models of computers, and explore their abilities and limitations through fun puzzle problems, learning some neat math tools along the way. At the end, we'll survey the exciting field of complexity theory, which investigates how quickly computers can solve problems. You'll even learn how to solve the famous “Does P = NP?” problem and win $1,000,000! (Disclaimer: You probably won't actually solve the problem and win the prize. But you *will* learn the necessary tools to try tackling it.) This will be a fun and challenging class. You should like math and problem-solving, and have successfully completed at least high-school level algebra and geometry. There will be no computer programming involved, so no prior experience is expected in that area. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
8--12
Enrollment: 5 (max 15) |
|
Science
| S1395: Cell Biology | Asad Moten | |
|---|---|---|
|
Topics include the molecular basis of cellular compartmentalization, protein trafficking, cytoskeleton dynamics, mitosis, cell locomotion, cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, cell-cell interaction, and the biochemical basis of diseases. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
9--12
Enrollment: 0 (max 20) |
|
| S1401: Spacecraft design and simulation | Andrew Rader | |
|---|---|---|
|
In the first class, I will introduce the solar system and spacecraft design concepts. After that, students will break into groups and plan space missions in a “make-your-own space program” simulation. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 18 (max 150) |
|
| S1402: Physical Botany | Ylaine Gerardin | |
|---|---|---|
|
Learn about plants! We will explore the world of land plants through their physical characteristics, guided by evolutionary history. Topics will include structure and function of roots, stems and leaves, classification, life cycles, hormones and responses, and photosynthesis.
Classes will consist of a lecture followed by a hands-on (and often edible) lab. Although no previous experience is necessary, knowledge of basic biological concepts is assumed. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 22) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Basic Biology Review
Click here to view all 1 documents for Physical Botany |
||
| S1404: Advanced Introductory Chemistry | Diandra Lucia | |
|---|---|---|
|
Want to know how the world works? Of course you do; plus, you'll be required to take a chemistry course in high school and/or college anyway. This class will prepare you for AP Chemistry or your first college chemistry course. We'll start with the very basics, so you don't have to be familiar with chemistry before enrolling, but we'll move quickly so be prepared for a pretty fast pace. At the same time, this class will seem slow for people who've already taken some chemistry, but it could be a good review (and fun, too!). |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
9--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 30) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Advanced Introductory Chemistry |
||
| S1415: Introduction to Neuroscience | Xiao-Ping Liu , Joshua Sarinana , Greg Hale , Livia King | |
|---|---|---|
|
How does the brain work? The field of neuroscience has really just begun to unravel the mystery of how our mental worlds arise from these three-pound organs; but many surprises have already been uncovered. We all take our ability to sense and manipulate the world for granted, but these abilities have been growing and evolving through intermediate states for millions of years. In our Introduction to Neuroscience class, we will learn experimental and theoretical insights into how people and animals ercieve the world, how we learn, how we think, and how we control our movement. We will discuss the evolutionary roots of the brain, and we will try to tackle some philosophical issues pertaining to consciousness and free will. You will also learn about what happens when brain circuitry goes bad: in Parkonson's disease, Alzheimer's dimentia, and dyslexia, for example; and how our own brains 'go bad' in surprisingly common ways. At the end of the course, we will learn about how
research in neuroscience is done by touring several MIT neuroscience laboratories, and we will conduct an (optional) sheep brain dissection to see first-hand how brains are organized. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
9--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 22) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Introduction to Neuroscience |
||
| S1419: Black Holes And Curved Spacetime | Tongyan Lin | |
|---|---|---|
|
What exactly is a black hole? In this class you'll learn how there can be a region of space from which nothing can escape, not even light. However, then you'll learn about the possibility that black holes might emit thermal Hawking radiation. This leads to the black hole information paradox: is information “lost” in black holes? We'll also discuss the thermodynamics of black holes. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
9--12
Enrollment: 24 (max 40) |
|
| S1420: How to live forever | Evan Hefner | |
|---|---|---|
|
Biology of aging. This class will cover the ways in which the body deteriorates with age, what causes these types of deterioration, and what science and engineering are doing about it.
We will cover approaches to the problem currently available, approaches being developed, and proposals that are not yet ready to be developed. Prereqs: A solid understanding of molecular biology; AP biology and/or chemistry is helpful, though not required. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
10--12
Enrollment: 6 (max 30) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for How to live forever |
||
| S1424: Recursion and Self-Consistency | Chris Kennedy | |
|---|---|---|
|
What do Einstein's theory of general relativity and evolutionary biology have in common? Almost nothing, but at least I've got your attention. In this class, we'll discuss recursion, self-consistency, and attainability, a set of concepts that relates to most areas of science. Mostly, it will be an excuse to talk about a lot of cool things: P vs. NP (computer science), the Banach-Tarski paradox (math), evolution of complex structures (biology), warp drive (physics), and predestination paradoxes (science fiction). If any of these sound interesting, take this class!
Background: You'll really just need the ability to think clearly, sometimes about challenging concepts. A little math and science knowledge will occasionally come in handy, but I'll try to explain background concepts as we go along. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
9--12
Enrollment: 16 (max 40) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Recursion and Self-Consistency |
||
| S1433: Introduction to Classical Mechanics | Adam Spanbauer , Enrique Cintron | |
|---|---|---|
|
Understanding the Universe is a goal that has persisted in the minds of many. Through quirky physics labs and explanations behind them, this class will seek to teach the fundamentals of how the world behaves. No prior experience in physics is necessary. Since math is the language of physics, you should be proficient with algebra and basic geometry. |
||
|
Meeting Times
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM Section 2: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
8--12
Enrollment: 1 (max 40) |
|
| S1441: Physics in Films: Fact or Fiction? | Sarah Harrison | |
|---|---|---|
|
Did you know that when something explodes in space it doesn’t make any sound? Do you want to be able to slip this (or something similar) into a casual conversation about a movie your friend just saw? We will analyze the physics present in movies in order to see who does it right and who does it wrong. From Newton’s laws and nuclear physics to optics and thermal physics, we will discuss simple problems (that can be done with knowledge of high school algebra), examine incredible, explosive, and sometimes apocalyptic Hollywood scenes, and do a few calculations of our own in order to determine their plausibility. Our film choices, both recent and classic, will include superheroes, science fiction, and action, as well as some other surprises. You will leave this course with a more discerning eye for physics not only in films, but also in everyday life. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 35) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus,
Syllabus (pdf)
Click here to view all 2 documents for Physics in Films: Fact or Fiction? |
||
| S1443: Disasters - What's the Risk? | Susan Shepherd | |
|---|---|---|
|
You've probably heard about tornados, earthquakes and droughts in the news if nowhere else. This course will cover those and other natural disasters, both likely and wildly unlikely, ranging from the eruption of the supervolcano in Wyoming to a comet impact to a global flu pandemic.
Other topics include strangelets, water shortage, global climate change (both warming and cooling), and tsunamis / flooding. The main point of this class is to inform students while pointing out that while these topics are certainly worrisome, the risk of one of these happening in to an individual in a given year is actually quite small. Classes will be taught using a mix of lecture and discussion - the teacher will give background information and history, then answer student questions. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 21 (max 30) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Disasters - What's the Risk? |
||
| S1445: The Big Questions | Nicholas DiBella | |
|---|---|---|
|
Why is there something rather than nothing? Was there a beginning of time? Will there be an end? Is time travel possible? Are there extra dimensions of space and time? Is the Universe deterministic? Is the Universe infinite? Are there parallel universes? Do aliens exist? Is immortality possible? Is a “theory of everything,” in principle, possible? Is the Universe as we know it merely a computer simulation? What is reality, anyway?
Obviously, we won't be able to definitively answer all of the above questions in eight weeks (maybe not even in eight lifetimes…). But I want to show you that, with recent advances in physics (as well as philosophy), we've finally been able to make some headway in these questions that have stumped our ancestors for thousands of years. There are no formal prerequisites for this class. However, students should exist in actuality and be located inside a universe, preferably this one. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 40 (max 150) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for The Big Questions |
||
| S1450: Anatomy and Physiology: Your Head, Toes and Everything Between | William Morejon | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ever had a fascination with how the body works? Want to know how to describe your body as well as your doctor does? This is the class for you! This rough introduction course will offer the basics of human anatomy (what body parts are made of) and physiology (what body parts do) covering the major actions of the cardiovascular, digestive, pulmonary, nervous and endocrine systems [although if time allows, we shall cover others]. Welcome!
Prerequisites: High School Biology some chemistry knowledge is to your advantage but not fully necessary |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
9--12
Enrollment: 32 (max 40) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus,
course Outlinel
Click here to view all 2 documents for Anatomy and Physiology: Your Head, Toes and Everything Between |
||
| S1459: Sensation and Perception / Cancer | Sunny Lou , Randolph Li | |
|---|---|---|
|
In this class we will be covering assorted exciting topics in biology. For the first half of the class we'll be exploring the five senses with some cool demonstrations. In the second half, we will explore how cancer develops and how new developments in stem cell biology and RNAi can be used to treat it. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 10 AM to 12 PM |
Grades:
10--12
Enrollment: Class is full! (max 22) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus,
Lecture 1 - Cancer Outline
Click here to view all 2 documents for Sensation and Perception / Cancer |
||
| S1467: Biology and Astrobiology | Zandra Vinegar | |
|---|---|---|
|
Starting from the basic chemistry of cellular biology and the astronomy of planetary formation, I will, in class, build up the structure of life on Earth and the history of how it evolved. In parallel, I will introduce our best hypothesizes concerning the blueprints for life on planets with different properties than earth: more or less gravity, different atmospheric conditions, and/or exposure to different spectra or amounts of radiation.This research is know as Astrobiology: the interdisciplinary study of life in the universe, combining aspects of astronomy, biology and geology. Lecture topics will range from an introduction for chemical biology (good for people preparing for AP bio) to the definition of life to types and life cycles of stars to the ecosystems found in high methane high heat undersea vents to the evolutionary history of whales to NASA's current predictions for life on undiscovered planets and the currently observed signs for past and present life on Mars. This class has no prerequisites: introductary chemistry, biology, and physics will be covered as needed. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 1:30 to 3 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 32 (max 150) |
|
Social Science
| S1394: Leadership Training Institute | Lauren Rodda , Amanda Mok | |
|---|---|---|
|
Welcome to the Leadership Training Institute (LTI). The goal of the Leadership Training Institute is to teach motivated high school students the philosophy behind leadership, the importance of teamwork, and to promote self-reflection and the comprehension of self-identity.
In a world of advancements in technology, globalization, partnerships and interactions amongst nations, severe environmental problems and humanitarian crises, there must be leaders who will build the future. We plan to start with students in the Cambridge and Boston area. Currently, we feel students are engaging in leadership activities for the wrong reasons or do not know how to apply their innate leadership ability because they do not know the foundations of leadership. LTI seeks to enlighten students with the basics of leadership concepts while also engaging them in a supportive mentorship with successful, experienced MIT leaders. Ultimately, our goal is to fulfill and optimally apply their leadership potential. LTI is proud of our interactive curriculum. Instead of a lecture format, we encourage our students to scream, run, think, reflect and learn in their own way. We are currently accepting 40 students for the summer program. If you would like to join LTI in the spring or for more information about our program, visit our website at www.MITLTI.org |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
10--11
Enrollment: 37 (max 40) |
|
|
Materials for this class include:
Syllabus
Click here to view all 1 documents for Leadership Training Institute |
||
| S1468: The Many Faces of Japanese History | Jennifer Yoo | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gods, Emperors, Nobles, Courtesans, Priests, Artisans, Merchants, Farmers, Samurai, Ninja, Warlords, Ronin, Shogun
Throughout Japanese history and culture, all types of men and women have changed its course. Starting with an age where the Emperor was believed to be a god, and then to a time when warriors determined who truly ruled, Japan’s “face” has transformed time and time again. Join us as we not only witness these changes for ourselves, but also experience them. |
||
|
Meeting Time
Section 1: 3 to 5 PM |
Grades:
7--12
Enrollment: 14 (max 150) |
|
|
|
 |
 |