Spark 2026
Course Catalog
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| Science | Walk-in Activity |
| Miscellaneous | Social Studies |
Arts
A16479: Brazilian Cultural Beats
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Marcus Santos
Brazilian Cultural Beat is a hands-on, interactive class that introduces students to Brazilian culture through rhythm, storytelling, and collective participation. Students will explore how music functions as a tool for identity, communication, and community-building, while learning to play a simple Brazilian rhythm using body percussion and accessible instruments. The class combines short video excerpts, guided listening, and group play-alongs to show how rhythm carries history, emotion, and social meaning. No prior musical experience is required. The focus is not performance, but participation, curiosity, and cultural awareness.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.
A16494: Fountain Pens 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Victoria Pham,
Graciela Rodriguez
Come learn about the magical writing implements that are fountain pens! This class will teach you about how fountain pens work and how to use them for a range of purposes from writing letters to making delightful works of art!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
A16519: A capella 101: Fun Singing Exercises!
Difficulty: *
Do you want to learn how to win an A Capella battle? Do you want to learn how to do beatbox/vocal percussion? Are you looking for fun singing exercises to practice with friends?
Join the MIT Wellesley Toons (MIT's one and only cross-campus a capella group) in this fun saturday class full of a capella warm ups, beatbox and music training exercises. No previous musical experience needed, just a lot of initiative to learn!
Class Style
Activity
Join the MIT Wellesley Toons (MIT's one and only cross-campus a capella group) in this fun saturday class full of a capella warm ups, beatbox and music training exercises. No previous musical experience needed, just a lot of initiative to learn!
Class Style
Activity
A16486: Innovation in the Middle: How Breakthrough Design Emerges During Process
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Steven Faerm
What separates truly innovative design from the ordinary? The answer lies in a critical yet often overlooked phase: the exploratory middle stage between initial research and final design outcomes.
This lecture examines exceptional undergraduate design projects to reveal how breakthrough creativity emerges during the process itself—not just in the finished work. Through detailed analysis of student case studies, Faerm demonstrates how experimental methods, iterative play, and conceptual risk-taking generate designs with intellectual depth and emotional resonance—qualities that distinguish meaningful work from mere problem-solving.
You will gain practical strategies for enhancing ypur own creative practice by understanding the strategies behind these successful projects. Whether you're developing your artistic voice or refining your art/design methodology, this session offers insights into cultivating innovation at the most pivotal stage of your creative process.
Please note: This is a lecture presentation, not a hands-on workshop.
Presented by Steven Faerm, Professor of Fashion, Parsons School of Design.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None
This lecture examines exceptional undergraduate design projects to reveal how breakthrough creativity emerges during the process itself—not just in the finished work. Through detailed analysis of student case studies, Faerm demonstrates how experimental methods, iterative play, and conceptual risk-taking generate designs with intellectual depth and emotional resonance—qualities that distinguish meaningful work from mere problem-solving.
You will gain practical strategies for enhancing ypur own creative practice by understanding the strategies behind these successful projects. Whether you're developing your artistic voice or refining your art/design methodology, this session offers insights into cultivating innovation at the most pivotal stage of your creative process.
Please note: This is a lecture presentation, not a hands-on workshop.
Presented by Steven Faerm, Professor of Fashion, Parsons School of Design.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None
A16473: Make A Chair for Your Favorite Animal
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mona Li,
Wing Lok Lui
Taught by Master of Architecture students at MIT, this class invites students to explore scale, comfort, and materials by creating a custom chair inspired by an animal they love—real or imagined. Students will learn how to translate an animal’s movement, behavior, and needs into a functional furniture design using provided materials. They’ll also learn basic techniques for building scaled wooden models and have the option to create a design drawing, just like architects do. Along the way, students will discover how designers think about users, scale, and materials through hands-on making—and refine their craft in the process.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
A16487: The Value Shift: From Material Goods to Emotional Experience in Design
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Steven Faerm
Award-winning author and professor Steven Faerm will present insights from his recent book, "Introduction to Design Education: Theory, Research, and Practical Applications for Educators," exploring how and why US design industries are rapidly evolving. His talk will examine the shifting role of designers across sectors and experience levels, the implications for design school curricula, and what it means to be a design student or professinal today. Faerm will conclude with forward-looking strategies for navigating the future of both design education and the design profession.
This talk is intended for students interested in pursuing careers in art and design. Presented by Steven Faerm, Professor of Fashion, Parsons School of Design.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None
This talk is intended for students interested in pursuing careers in art and design. Presented by Steven Faerm, Professor of Fashion, Parsons School of Design.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None
A16490: History of Street Dance and Dance Battles
Difficulty: *
A semi-theatrical introduction to the histories of modern street/club dance culture(breaking, hip hop, and house) and the proliferation of dance battles. We'll go from the social and economic challenges of Black and Latino communities in the 1960s all the way to the modern day large scale performances and events that include or harbor these street/club dance styles. Forms of media showcased include short informative videos, presentations, REENACTMENT, and dance battle clips.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
A16520: Anatomy of a Song
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Grace Smith,
Shashaank Venkatesh
Why does the Interstellar score give you chills? Why do people cry at Coldplay concerts? Why are some songs perfect for a workout playlist while others belong in a late-night cry session? And what actually happens in your brain—and your vocal cords—when you try to belt those songs in the shower or in front of friends?
In this course, students will explore these questions and more through the combined lenses of math, neuroscience, music theory, and singing. We’ll learn the main techniques songwriters and composers use to create tension, grief, joy, and excitement in their work—and then embody those techniques with our own voices. Along the way, you’ll:
- Practice singing exercises that connect directly to music theory (intervals, modes, chord progressions, rhythm), so you can hear and feel the structure of music in real time.
- Explore mixed voice, resonance, and breath support, with a strong emphasis on vocal health—how to sing louder, higher, and longer without straining or damaging your voice.
- Analyze how your brain processes melody, harmony, and lyrics—and why certain sounds make you want to cry, sprint, or hit “repeat.”
- Deconstruct songs from theater, orchestras, pop stars, and movies, then experiment with singing and lightly arranging these pieces in class.
You’ll not only identify the tricks behind iconic musical moments—you’ll also try your hand at performing and even writing them. Expect low-pressure group singing, playful vocal warm-ups, nerdy deep dives into why that key change hits so hard, and creative experiments that feel a bit like musical puzzles.
Whether you love music, the brain, or math, this course will open your eyes to the intricacies of the sounds many of us take for granted everyday, and hopefully make you a better listener and composer!
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
N/A
In this course, students will explore these questions and more through the combined lenses of math, neuroscience, music theory, and singing. We’ll learn the main techniques songwriters and composers use to create tension, grief, joy, and excitement in their work—and then embody those techniques with our own voices. Along the way, you’ll:
- Practice singing exercises that connect directly to music theory (intervals, modes, chord progressions, rhythm), so you can hear and feel the structure of music in real time.
- Explore mixed voice, resonance, and breath support, with a strong emphasis on vocal health—how to sing louder, higher, and longer without straining or damaging your voice.
- Analyze how your brain processes melody, harmony, and lyrics—and why certain sounds make you want to cry, sprint, or hit “repeat.”
- Deconstruct songs from theater, orchestras, pop stars, and movies, then experiment with singing and lightly arranging these pieces in class.
You’ll not only identify the tricks behind iconic musical moments—you’ll also try your hand at performing and even writing them. Expect low-pressure group singing, playful vocal warm-ups, nerdy deep dives into why that key change hits so hard, and creative experiments that feel a bit like musical puzzles.
Whether you love music, the brain, or math, this course will open your eyes to the intricacies of the sounds many of us take for granted everyday, and hopefully make you a better listener and composer!
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
N/A
A16536: Fasteners you'll endorse(t)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Caroline Chea,
Cindy Zhang
Learn to make thread-wrapped buttons originating from Dorset, England! Materials provided; no sewing experience needed.
The world has ended and modern society has collapsed. Your nice shirts are decaying, your grandmother’s tin of extra buttons has disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and you’ve become a ram herder, metalworker, or scavenger of wagons with bolted joints. Keep your clothes functional and fancy with thread-wrapped buttons you can make at home!
We will learn about the history of an English cottage industry and make Dorset buttons (and variations, if there’s time) with rings, needle, and thread.
Class Style
Activity
The world has ended and modern society has collapsed. Your nice shirts are decaying, your grandmother’s tin of extra buttons has disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and you’ve become a ram herder, metalworker, or scavenger of wagons with bolted joints. Keep your clothes functional and fancy with thread-wrapped buttons you can make at home!
We will learn about the history of an English cottage industry and make Dorset buttons (and variations, if there’s time) with rings, needle, and thread.
Class Style
Activity
A16508: the history of classical music, i guess
Difficulty: *
We'll trace the evolution of classical music from the middle ages to the modern era, examining styles and trends through various musical periods. We'll also listen to excerpts from major composers ranging from Bach to John Williams as case studies, diving into specific pieces and the juicy lore behind them. Examples of particular things we'll focus on include the curse of the 9th symphony (and the various ways composers have tried avoiding it), what Tchaikovsky No.6 could reveal about his death, and etc other ways composers' music has been intimately intertwined with the historical and personal context from which they originate. No prior musical experience required.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None.
Languages and Literatures
B16476: Historical Linguistics 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Taylor Yeracaris
Come learn the secrets of how languages evolve and relate to each other! All the world's languages are the product of systematic historical changes, and understanding those changes can reveal incredible connections. "Piano" and "flat"? Kyoto's "kyo" and Beijing's "jing"? "Factory" and "do"?? Yes, all these pairs are cognates! In this class we'll zip through the basics of phonetics, talk about the most common sound changes you'll see in the world's languages, and cover a basic history of sound changes in some of the biggest European (and maybe East Asian!) languages — including English, of course!
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
B16485: Languages of Middle Earth
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Bridget Duffy,
Ryker Reed
Love Lord of the Rings? Ever wondered where all the names in Middle Earth come from? Come find out more about the complex linguistic systems underlying Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series. For instance, did you know that Tolkien was a linguist and actually invented an entire Elvish language before even writing the Lord of the Rings books? Learn about some of the real world languages that inspired and influenced Tolkien’s invented languages. And find out more about the history of Middle Earth and how its languages came to be what they are now.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None, if you've taken this class before, it will be the same material.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None, if you've taken this class before, it will be the same material.
B16505: Poetic Meter
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Maciej Dzumala
Learn how to analyze syllabic structure to discover how the form and rhythm of a poem reinforces its content. We will study both traditional sonnets and contemporary free verse to reveal the underlying architecture of poetry.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
B16447: Sentences & Their Shenanigans: Introduction to Syntax
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Maya Honda,
Jacob Kodner
Sentences in human language are like puzzles — they have hidden rules that, when figured out, lead us to fascinating discoveries! We can create sentences that have multiple meanings ("I saw the girl with binoculars" has two!?). We can create sentences that could be infinitely long ("I told my friend that Mia heard that her brother said that ..."). We put words in a certain order in English — "I ate this apple" — but many languages have different word orders, like "I this apple ate" in Korean and Turkish.
This class is a crash-course introduction to syntax, the branch of linguistics that studies sentence structure. Together, we will learn how to visually show the structures of sentences in English (known as "syntax trees"), explore the different and surprisingly similar ways sentences are formed in many different languages, and think through the fascinating effects of sentence structure on meaning and intonation.
Class Style
Lecture
This class is a crash-course introduction to syntax, the branch of linguistics that studies sentence structure. Together, we will learn how to visually show the structures of sentences in English (known as "syntax trees"), explore the different and surprisingly similar ways sentences are formed in many different languages, and think through the fascinating effects of sentence structure on meaning and intonation.
Class Style
Lecture
Computer Science
C16466: How do Neural Networks Work?
Have you ever wondered how ChatGPT works? Are you curious about what people actually mean when they talk about AI? Come find out! In this class, we’ll talk about neural networks - the basis of modern AI.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
C16496: How to Optimize Anything and Why You Shouldn't (Grade 9/10)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Hannah Rajput,
Martin Staadecker
This hands-on workshop will guide students in using the Python programming language to solve an optimization problem inspired by their own life. The techniques taught are grounded in mathematics and used daily across the world for numerous practical applications. Then, students will learn to navigate the tradeoffs required to represent real-world situations as optimization problems. They will learn to think critically about when optimization tools should and should not be used.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Students should bring a computer to class and have access to a Google Drive. Programming experience is NOT required.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Students should bring a computer to class and have access to a Google Drive. Programming experience is NOT required.
C16497: How to Optimize Anything and Why You Shouldn't (Grade 7/8)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Hannah Rajput,
Martin Staadecker
This hands-on workshop will guide students in using the Python programming language to solve an optimization problem inspired by their own life. The techniques taught are grounded in mathematics and used daily across the world for numerous practical applications. Then, students will learn to navigate the tradeoffs required to represent real-world situations as optimization problems. They will learn to think critically about when optimization tools should and should not be used.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Students must bring a computer to class and have access to a Google Drive. Programming experience is NOT required.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Students must bring a computer to class and have access to a Google Drive. Programming experience is NOT required.
C16533: From Spears to Silicon: Understanding AI as Human Technology
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Eva Ge
Spears extend our reach. Maps extend our spatial memory. Telephones extend our voices. So what does AI extend?
AI isn’t magic; it’s the latest layer in a long history of technologies that enhance human abilities.
We’ll explore how tools evolve from human needs like navigation and communication, and then map how modern AI systems actually work -- from physics and hardware all the way up to human meaning-making.
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
None, interest in technology and society is helpful.
AI isn’t magic; it’s the latest layer in a long history of technologies that enhance human abilities.
We’ll explore how tools evolve from human needs like navigation and communication, and then map how modern AI systems actually work -- from physics and hardware all the way up to human meaning-making.
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
None, interest in technology and society is helpful.
C16500: CoCo: Build Multiplayer Scratch Games, Collaborative Art, Stories, Animations, Interactive Video, and More!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Manuj Dhariwal,
Shruti Dhariwal
In these hands-on sessions, you will get to explore CoCo (coco.build), a new platform developed by a team of PhD researchers from MIT Media Lab.
On CoCo, you can co-create, code, and collaborate with peers in real-time across a variety of languages (such as Scratch, Javascript, and others). Link to a short video of the platform in action: https://bit.ly/mit-coco-video
We’ll explore how you can use CoCo to build multiplayer games, collaborative art, stories, animations, music, and also physical computing projects with hardware devices such as Micro:bit and Makey Makey.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
1) Please bring your own devices (laptops preferred, but tablets can work too). You’ll be building projects on an online platform during the session. 2) Some experience with Scratch is preferred, but not required.
On CoCo, you can co-create, code, and collaborate with peers in real-time across a variety of languages (such as Scratch, Javascript, and others). Link to a short video of the platform in action: https://bit.ly/mit-coco-video
We’ll explore how you can use CoCo to build multiplayer games, collaborative art, stories, animations, music, and also physical computing projects with hardware devices such as Micro:bit and Makey Makey.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
1) Please bring your own devices (laptops preferred, but tablets can work too). You’ll be building projects on an online platform during the session. 2) Some experience with Scratch is preferred, but not required.
Engineering
E16480: Generating motors - and motoring generators
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Christopher Miller,
Gustavo Velez
Design and build both a generator and motor then watch them swap roles.
Supplies may include legos, magnets, bolts, bread, alligators, and a 50-pound motor from 1875.
Class Style
Activity
Supplies may include legos, magnets, bolts, bread, alligators, and a 50-pound motor from 1875.
Class Style
Activity
E16543: Living on Mars
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Bruce Mackenzie
How would you build a house on Mars?
I’ll show lots of pictures of possible Mars structures to build and live in.
We will review the conditions on Mars which affect how you would live, work, grow food, and build houses. Differences from Earth include: low temperature, very low pressure, carbon-dioxide atmosphere, almost 25 hour days, long seasons, dust, and radiation.
One advantage is lots of cheap land. The Mars soil and air have every chemical element we need to live and build structures, but not in convenient building forms such as wooden 2x4’s. We could make fiberglass, brick, or aluminum structures. They should be cylindrical to hold the internal air pressure, with air-locks for doors. (Domes are not great.) We can also live in the landing craft, such as SpaceX StarShips. We call these living quarters “StarHab”(tm).
Most of my examples are by teams of the Mars Foundation, Space Development Network, or my own work; and do not reflect plans of NASA, SpaceX, nor other large aerospace contractors.
Oh, incidentally, how to pay for the rocket to get you there is not included. I will also suggest ways you can personally be involved and help the settlement of space.
Disclaimer: Although I prefer small groups, due to the overwhelming interest in Mars this must be a large, somewhat boring, lecture style presentation. Sorry. And, I have not been an MIT student for many decades. So, if you want to meet current MIT students with free discussion in a small group; take other classes instead.
Class Style
Lecture
I’ll show lots of pictures of possible Mars structures to build and live in.
We will review the conditions on Mars which affect how you would live, work, grow food, and build houses. Differences from Earth include: low temperature, very low pressure, carbon-dioxide atmosphere, almost 25 hour days, long seasons, dust, and radiation.
One advantage is lots of cheap land. The Mars soil and air have every chemical element we need to live and build structures, but not in convenient building forms such as wooden 2x4’s. We could make fiberglass, brick, or aluminum structures. They should be cylindrical to hold the internal air pressure, with air-locks for doors. (Domes are not great.) We can also live in the landing craft, such as SpaceX StarShips. We call these living quarters “StarHab”(tm).
Most of my examples are by teams of the Mars Foundation, Space Development Network, or my own work; and do not reflect plans of NASA, SpaceX, nor other large aerospace contractors.
Oh, incidentally, how to pay for the rocket to get you there is not included. I will also suggest ways you can personally be involved and help the settlement of space.
Disclaimer: Although I prefer small groups, due to the overwhelming interest in Mars this must be a large, somewhat boring, lecture style presentation. Sorry. And, I have not been an MIT student for many decades. So, if you want to meet current MIT students with free discussion in a small group; take other classes instead.
Class Style
Lecture
E16430: An Introduction to Aviation, Energy and the Environment
Difficulty: **
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the broad field of aviation, energy and the environment, i.e., the air quality and climate impact induced by flying on an airliner, and the potential approaches to mitigate this impact. Teachers are current members of the MIT Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment (LAE), and will combine their expertise to not only introduce students to this field, but also share insights of their current research. The lecture will include topics related to contrails, hydrogen and biofuels, inter modality, and electrification, among others.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None! Just willingness to learn about aviation and the environment!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None! Just willingness to learn about aviation and the environment!
E16524: Bioinstrumentation: The Cool Tools Scientists Use to Collect Data
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Maya Roseboro,
Kami Wendelken
Have you ever wondered how scientists actually see cells, measure tiny things, or collect their data? This class reveals the high-tech tools of the trade! We'll dive into electron microscopes that can see smaller than anything you've ever imagined, special machines that can count thousands of cells, and even AI-powered technology that helps analyze what scientists find. Plus, you'll get an intro to how scientists use coding and programs like MATLAB to make sense of all their data.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
E16478: Satellite Telecommunications: How We Communicate Across Space
Difficulty: *
Ever wonder how we get photos back from Mars or how a satellite is able to detect and alert us about hurricanes? In this hands-on workshop with the MIT Satellite Team, you’ll become a Mission Controller. We’ll learn about CubeSats, tiny satellites the size of a tissue box, and learn how they communicate across the vacuum of space using the basics of binary and packet-based communication (telemetry). You’ll help us run a "Selfie Telemetry" experiment, where we encode, transmit, and decode data across the room just like a real orbiting spacecraft. No rocket science degree required!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
N/A
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
N/A
E16482: How to Build a Solar Car
Difficulty: **
Interested in sustainability? ♻️ solar energy? ☀️ cars? 🚗 engineering? Learn how to build a solar car from the ground up! We will cover our design process, the different technical projects on the car, manufacturing, and racing! Topics include solar cells, welding, steering system, battery design, PCB population, composites, CAD and FEA validation of mechanical systems, carplay development, and more!
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
E16516: 3D Design for Makers
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Violet Cato,
Nicole Tynan
Bring your projects to the next level!
This class will teach you how to digitally design parts in 3D. We will give a brief overview of 3D printing, laser cutting, and machining, and learn how each process is different for a designer. By the end, students will be understand how to design basic parts for their own projects.
We will be using the online CAD program OnShape
Class Style
Activity
This class will teach you how to digitally design parts in 3D. We will give a brief overview of 3D printing, laser cutting, and machining, and learn how each process is different for a designer. By the end, students will be understand how to design basic parts for their own projects.
We will be using the online CAD program OnShape
Class Style
Activity
E16465: Ocean-Proof Engineering
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lydia Kresin,
Caitlyn Sutherland
What happens when you put stuff in the ocean? Buoys, anchors, robots, cables, sensors—all of them have to survive one of the harshest environments on Earth.
In this class, we’ll talk about real ocean robots and chemical sensors used by scientists to study seawater and the engineering challenges they face when saltwater, electricity, and time all work against them.
Then, you’ll step into the role of an ocean engineer. You’ll see how metals change in salty water and why material choice matters for long-term ocean instruments. You’ll then speed up corrosion to create your own custom-etched keychain!
If you’re curious about the ocean, robotics, or how real science tools are designed to survive extreme environments, this class is for you. No prior experience needed!
Class Style
Activity
In this class, we’ll talk about real ocean robots and chemical sensors used by scientists to study seawater and the engineering challenges they face when saltwater, electricity, and time all work against them.
Then, you’ll step into the role of an ocean engineer. You’ll see how metals change in salty water and why material choice matters for long-term ocean instruments. You’ll then speed up corrosion to create your own custom-etched keychain!
If you’re curious about the ocean, robotics, or how real science tools are designed to survive extreme environments, this class is for you. No prior experience needed!
Class Style
Activity
Humanities
H16511: tlhIngan Hol (The Klingon Language)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Violet Cato,
Nicole Tynan
Do you want to learn to speak a real, working alien language? Do you wish to earn your honor in battle serving the empire? Do you simply enjoy a good Klingon opera?
Whatever you cause may be, this class will surely be helpful. We'll be learning a brief bit about the Klingons (of Star Trek), and then we'll spend the rest of the class learning and practicing our lKlingon language skills.
I hope you join us as we...
- discuss the politics of the homeworld, Q'onos
- are regaled by the trumph of Kahless that formed the empire
- eat Gagh
- plot our victories in battle
Qapla!
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
HONOR!!!
Whatever you cause may be, this class will surely be helpful. We'll be learning a brief bit about the Klingons (of Star Trek), and then we'll spend the rest of the class learning and practicing our lKlingon language skills.
I hope you join us as we...
- discuss the politics of the homeworld, Q'onos
- are regaled by the trumph of Kahless that formed the empire
- eat Gagh
- plot our victories in battle
Qapla!
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
HONOR!!!
H16423: History as a Science
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Stirling Newberry
This class will go over how history can be made a science by introducing the scientific method and theory of convolutions. We will start with the Uruk Period and explain slowly how history developed out of prehistory by means of convolutions.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Some calculus would be helpful, but not required.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Some calculus would be helpful, but not required.
H16541: Letterlocking: a hands-on history of sending messages
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Caroline Chea,
Cindy Zhang
Do you want to send secure messages? Secure your messages with letterlocking! Letterlocking is the historical practice of securing a letter through folds, cuts, wax seals, and more. (The letter is its own envelope!)
Do you like origami and hands-on activities? We’ll go over some historical examples, like from Mary Queen of Scots, Shakespeare, a Dutch spy, and a Russian soldier. Then you’ll have the chance to reverse-engineer and fold some letterlocks yourself.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Just a willingness to fold & cut some paper :)
Do you like origami and hands-on activities? We’ll go over some historical examples, like from Mary Queen of Scots, Shakespeare, a Dutch spy, and a Russian soldier. Then you’ll have the chance to reverse-engineer and fold some letterlocks yourself.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Just a willingness to fold & cut some paper :)
H16549: Where the Wild Things Are: Children & Literature
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Carolina Kusumanegara
Oftentimes, we look back on our earliest years in a distorted manner -- from idealization to amnesia, there are a lot of gaps in our knowledge about children and how they contribute to culture more broadly. In this class, we'll analyze literature created by children and how their words subverted (or continue to subvert!) society's expectations for them. The last quarter of class will have student discussion of the (short) excerpts shown during lecture.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
Lunch
L16547: Lunch Period
Difficulty: None
Teachers:
Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.
L16548: Lunch Period
Difficulty: None
Teachers:
Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.
Mathematics
M16510: Chess... in higher dimensions‽
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Violet Cato,
Trinity Dysis
In this class, we'll use chess as a means to explore both board gaming and higher dimensional geometry.
We'll start with 0-D chess, and work our way up to 5-D. We'll also take a detour during 3-D chess to try Star Trek's Tri-D chess.
We will learn how expanding the scale of the game dimension-ally influences the pieces, the rules, and most fun, the strategy involved.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Familiarity with chess may be helpful, but not at all required (:
We'll start with 0-D chess, and work our way up to 5-D. We'll also take a detour during 3-D chess to try Star Trek's Tri-D chess.
We will learn how expanding the scale of the game dimension-ally influences the pieces, the rules, and most fun, the strategy involved.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Familiarity with chess may be helpful, but not at all required (:
M16527: Mathematical Matchmaking
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sophie Vulpe
Come one, come all, to Mathentine’s Day! Celebrate the discount (and platonic) version of Valentine’s Day that is so close yet so far from Pi Day by meeting some new friends and secretly doing some math in the process. Like dating apps, we’ll use a super secret algorithm to pair you up, but unlike dating apps, we’ll eventually explain how the algorithm works. All you need is a willingness to learn about people and numbers alike!
Note: The activity we have planned requires an even number of participants, so it is important that if you sign up for this class, you show up. Some sweet treats will be provided.
Class Style
Activity
Note: The activity we have planned requires an even number of participants, so it is important that if you sign up for this class, you show up. Some sweet treats will be provided.
Class Style
Activity
M16446: Strange numbers to scare friends and family with
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ashen Chutinan
Ever wanted to write down symbols that make no sense to anyone else but you, or possibly an in-group of friends? Well, try $$+_{\textbf{on}} = \{ 0 | \textbf{oof} \} = \{0 \| 0 | \textbf{off} \}$$ for size.
This class is an introduction to combinatorial game theory. CGT analyzes games by assigning numbers to positions and trying to figure out the arithmetic of games. While the starting ideas are simple, and the games we'll talk about will be simple, that doesn't mean that this introduction will be shallow! We'll need just a bit of imagination, a bit of whimsy, and a little bit of willingness to stretch your idea of what a 'number' is.
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
Basic arithmetic and algebra, and maybe a little bit of exposure to logical deductions.
This class is an introduction to combinatorial game theory. CGT analyzes games by assigning numbers to positions and trying to figure out the arithmetic of games. While the starting ideas are simple, and the games we'll talk about will be simple, that doesn't mean that this introduction will be shallow! We'll need just a bit of imagination, a bit of whimsy, and a little bit of willingness to stretch your idea of what a 'number' is.
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
Basic arithmetic and algebra, and maybe a little bit of exposure to logical deductions.
M16538: What makes real numbers, real numbers?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Amir Ghani
The real numbers are our building blocks for modeling everything in reality. On paper, they seem pretty easy to define, but what actually makes them real? What's the distinction between them and other kinds of numbers? This course will explore how the real numbers are defined as well as the idea of axioms and how they make math what they are. Some elementary proofs will be discussed in this class, but it is open for anyone to attend, and encouraged!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Algebra I
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Algebra I
M16424: Call of Cthulhu
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Stirling Newberry
This is supposedly about Old School Renaissance, but is actually about learning classical game theory, and it's inside in to which decisions a player can make. The players will take on characters who are investigating a strange occurrence in Miskatonic and leading it to where it follows. The idea is to teach the Nash equilibrium and similar concepts in a matrix form.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None, some knowledge of HP Lovecraft universe will be helpful.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None, some knowledge of HP Lovecraft universe will be helpful.
M16491: Origami
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ivy Guo,
Olivia Guo
Has anyone ever told you that you can't trisect an angle? Well, they're wrong! (Sort of.) Learn how you can in fact trisect an angle, as well as other cool math consequences of origami!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Algebra 1
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Algebra 1
M16460: The Mathematics of Games
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lyman Hurd,
Glenn Hurd
This course gives an introduction to world's simplest non-trivial game, nim, and explains some of the fascinating mathematics behind it. We will discuss representing numbers in binary including the ability to do this in one's head and a new way of adding unique to games.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
M16531: Paradoxes
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Srinivas Arun,
Jordan Lefkowitz
In this class, we'll explore some famous paradoxes -- situations that defy our expectations about reality -- and their history. Along the way, we'll expand our knowledge of probability, combinatorics, and even philosophy.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
Pop (and not-so-pop) Culture
P16467: Stop Motion! Foley! & History of Animation
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Aditya Peddi,
Kat Perez
Become the director of your very own, very short film! Learn about the history of animation, the basics of stop motion, and the art of foley (sound design). The game plan:
- 30 mins: lecture on animation history, learn how to get started!
- 60 mins: design, film, and direct a ~10 second short film, complete with sound effects! All materials will be provided, and we will show you to how to download a stop motion app.
- 30 mins: showcase! see your classmates' work and learn how to put your newfound skills to use.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Must bring a mobile phone with Internet and a working camera. Otherwise, go ham!
- 30 mins: lecture on animation history, learn how to get started!
- 60 mins: design, film, and direct a ~10 second short film, complete with sound effects! All materials will be provided, and we will show you to how to download a stop motion app.
- 30 mins: showcase! see your classmates' work and learn how to put your newfound skills to use.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Must bring a mobile phone with Internet and a working camera. Otherwise, go ham!
P16474: History of Animation in Film! :)
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Akash Krishna
In 2010, Tangled was considered visually advanced, but these days it couldn't stack up to the likes of Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse or K-pop Demon Hunters. How have we progressed so much in computer animation technology in just 15 years?
This class will explore a brief history of animation from early hand drawn methods to modern day blockbusters. We will emphasize the use of animation in Western film, but we will touch on a variety of topics. There will be opportunity for discussion if time allows.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Be awesome sauce
This class will explore a brief history of animation from early hand drawn methods to modern day blockbusters. We will emphasize the use of animation in Western film, but we will touch on a variety of topics. There will be opportunity for discussion if time allows.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Be awesome sauce
P16542: Intro to Puzzlehunts!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rebecca Chang,
Lumia Neyo
Ever wondered what it’s like to solve the kinds of puzzles that take over MIT every January during the world-famous Mystery Hunt? Puzzlehunts aren’t just crosswords or Sudoku- they can be about Taylor Swift songs, abstract math, or even famous memes.
In this session, we'll talk about the basics of how puzzlehunts work, and work together on some fun and exciting puzzles and enjoy the “aha!” moments. No matter what you enjoy, puzzlehunts have something for everyone. You’ll see how wildly fun (and a maybe addictive) puzzlehunts can be. You don't need to have prior experience with puzzles- just curiosity and creativity!
Class Style
Discussion
In this session, we'll talk about the basics of how puzzlehunts work, and work together on some fun and exciting puzzles and enjoy the “aha!” moments. No matter what you enjoy, puzzlehunts have something for everyone. You’ll see how wildly fun (and a maybe addictive) puzzlehunts can be. You don't need to have prior experience with puzzles- just curiosity and creativity!
Class Style
Discussion
P16512: TRON
Difficulty: *
Greetings, programs!
This class will be an exploration of everything in the TRON franchise.
We'll take a look at everything through an academic and artistic lens, and discuss...
- CGI and rendering in film ...did you know TRON (1982) was the first film to use fully CG/rendered scenes?)
- Color symbolism in media
- Abiogenesis
- Orchestral composition & film scoring
- Religious symbolism & narrative influence
- Politics, Ideals, & Regime change in-universe
And we'll also just enjoy delving into the bright and vibrant world of TRON...
- the timeline in universe
- the vocabulary of the grid
- the original video game its successors
We'll have a lot of fun discussing everything there is to talk about, listening to the music, playing the games, and watching some of the films/show.
END OF LINE
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
There are no strict requirements, however: We won't have time to watch all ~13 hours of trontent (TRON-content) in class, so it's recommended that you watch at home before coming to class (anywhere from the first episode of the show to everything)
This class will be an exploration of everything in the TRON franchise.
We'll take a look at everything through an academic and artistic lens, and discuss...
- CGI and rendering in film ...did you know TRON (1982) was the first film to use fully CG/rendered scenes?)
- Color symbolism in media
- Abiogenesis
- Orchestral composition & film scoring
- Religious symbolism & narrative influence
- Politics, Ideals, & Regime change in-universe
And we'll also just enjoy delving into the bright and vibrant world of TRON...
- the timeline in universe
- the vocabulary of the grid
- the original video game its successors
We'll have a lot of fun discussing everything there is to talk about, listening to the music, playing the games, and watching some of the films/show.
END OF LINE
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
There are no strict requirements, however: We won't have time to watch all ~13 hours of trontent (TRON-content) in class, so it's recommended that you watch at home before coming to class (anywhere from the first episode of the show to everything)
P16532: Modern French Pop(corn) Music
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Adam Simkins,
Emilia Szczepaniak
You've probably come across francophone music during your many doomscrolling sessions: Stromae's “Alors on Danse”, Gims' "Ego", and Indila's "Tourner Dans Le Vide" are some of the few renown pop songs in French-speaking music. Come join us to learn about the modern trends and artists in French pop music and even learn a song together! There will also be a popcorn challenge (to be revealed in class).
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Recommended: beginner’s level French
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Recommended: beginner’s level French
Science
S16530: Vroom Crash: Traffic Calming
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Shaha Bhugra,
Adrian Maciuca
Cars go fast. We like that. Sometimes they crash. We don't like that. How can we stop them from crashing without slowing down? Come to Vroom Crash and learn about sneckdowns, roundabouts, and other ways to not cause crashes and then create your own fast and safe city road system.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Must want speed.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Must want speed.
S16522: Exoplanets: A Crash Course on Other Worlds!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nairi Davidian,
Yanna Tenorio
Have you ever wondered about planets outside of the Solar System? Look no further! Explore how these planets are detected, what kinds of planets we have found so far, and even how we evaluate their habitability!
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
S16459: Neuroscience of Music
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Imane Aboulqassim
Do you ever wonder why a song makes you tear up, happy, or energized? This course dives into the connection between music and the human brain. We will discuss how sound is perceived, why melodies impact our mood, and how music shapes mental health. If you love music, this class is made for you!
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
S16432: Pre-pre-history: The Universe from the Big Bang to today
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
James Sullivan
What happened right after the beginning of it all?
How did the atoms in your body like H and He condense out of the primordial soup?
Why is it impossible for the Milky Way to exist without dark matter?
We'll touch on all these questions (and more!) - you will think quantitatively about our cosmic origins!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Algebra is required. Some physics or calculus would help people get more out of it, but are not required.
How did the atoms in your body like H and He condense out of the primordial soup?
Why is it impossible for the Milky Way to exist without dark matter?
We'll touch on all these questions (and more!) - you will think quantitatively about our cosmic origins!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Algebra is required. Some physics or calculus would help people get more out of it, but are not required.
S16504: How Do We Know? Bayes' Theorem, Chairs, and (Descartes') Demons!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Peyton Li,
Emma Zhang
What is knowledge? How is it acquired and what are its limits? Join us as we question the hypothesis of knowing from Bayesian statistics (How is truth updated? Can it be changed?) to philosopher Rene Descartes' evil genius demon (and obsession with wax) to political disagreement. If we know something because we know something else which we know due to something else, how do we find out what's at the end of all this knowing? Our proposal: the chair!
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
S16493: Can We Choose Our Genes?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kruthi Gundu
What if we could choose our genes? From eye color myths to real genetic diseases, this class explores how traits actually work and how close science is to editing them. Learn how DNA becomes traits, why siblings are so different, and how technologies like CRISPR are changing medicine. We’ll also debate the ethical limits of genetic editing and ask one big question: just because we can change genes, should we?
Class Style
Discussion
Class Style
Discussion
S16428: Glow Lab: The Science of Bioluminescence
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Holly Cheng,
Zach Pracher
In this hands-on lab, you won’t just learn about bioluminescence—you’ll actually get to see and experiment with it yourself! After discovering how and why some creatures glow, you’ll work directly with living bioluminescent algae. You’ll make them glow in the dark and see what they look like under a microscope. It’s a chance to hold living light in your hands and explore one of nature’s most fascinating tricks up close!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
S16518: MYTH BUSTERS: Real or Fake?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Constantine Bulavenko,
Lars Wust
Can you pop a balloon with just a lemon? Are flames hollow? Do you know why? Sign up to find out for yourself!
LET'S GO MYTH BUSTING! During this class, we will be doing a series of hands-on experiments and nerdy party tricks. Together, you will try to predict and explain what happens. But most importantly, there will be lots of fun (and snacks???!?!)!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of physics and chemistry is recommended (but not required!).
LET'S GO MYTH BUSTING! During this class, we will be doing a series of hands-on experiments and nerdy party tricks. Together, you will try to predict and explain what happens. But most importantly, there will be lots of fun (and snacks???!?!)!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of physics and chemistry is recommended (but not required!).
S16434: Learn How to Edit the Genome! (with CRISPR-Cas9)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Carolina Kusumanegara,
Selena Yang
How are gene therapies for sickle cell anemia designed? How do current researchers create the cell lines they need? Currently, it's by using the CRISPR-Cas9 system to edit the genome!
In this class, we'll learn how to use computational tools to design effective edits on certain parts of the (mouse) genome. Students will be able to use some of these tools themselves, either on their own laptops or ones provided. Broad questions related to the applications of gene editing in both current research and medicine will also be discussed as a seminar-style group.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Basic biology knowledge (i.e., what is DNA, what nucleotides does DNA have, etc.)
In this class, we'll learn how to use computational tools to design effective edits on certain parts of the (mouse) genome. Students will be able to use some of these tools themselves, either on their own laptops or ones provided. Broad questions related to the applications of gene editing in both current research and medicine will also be discussed as a seminar-style group.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Basic biology knowledge (i.e., what is DNA, what nucleotides does DNA have, etc.)
S16492: Unlocking the Ocean's Secrets (With Mud!)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Cassandra Bartels,
Katherine Squires
Did you know that the bottom of the ocean floor is almost completely covered by mud? And did you know that we can use that mud to time-travel?
In this class, you will don your paleoclimatologist hat and learn all about the muds of the ocean floor, the critters that live there, and how we use the secrets of the mud to reconstruct the Earth’s past. Then, you’ll examine real sediment from the deep Atlantic Ocean and be the first to see what secrets it holds within it!
Class Style
Activity
In this class, you will don your paleoclimatologist hat and learn all about the muds of the ocean floor, the critters that live there, and how we use the secrets of the mud to reconstruct the Earth’s past. Then, you’ll examine real sediment from the deep Atlantic Ocean and be the first to see what secrets it holds within it!
Class Style
Activity
S16475: Exploring Earth's atmosphere
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jean Fitzmaurice
Why is the Earth's atmosphere thin?
What is the escape velocity of the Earth and why is it important?
Why do commercial jets cruise at an altitude of around 30,000 to 40,000 feet?
We will explore atmospheric physics and chemistry topics such as the chemical composition of the atmosphere and its layers and compare Earth's atmosphere to Venus's.
Class Style
Lecture
What is the escape velocity of the Earth and why is it important?
Why do commercial jets cruise at an altitude of around 30,000 to 40,000 feet?
We will explore atmospheric physics and chemistry topics such as the chemical composition of the atmosphere and its layers and compare Earth's atmosphere to Venus's.
Class Style
Lecture
S16489: Berry Scientific: DNA Extraction Lab
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sean Pascoe
Ever wondered why strawberries don't grow legs? Ok, maybe you haven't... but if that got you thinking about what makes a berry a berry, come find out! In this course, we'll get hands-on practice with experimental design while recreating the classic strawberry DNA extraction experiment and giving an overview of modern life sciences research. We'll also be giving a brief introduction to scientific literature, and how to use curiosity to investigate the (fruity) phenomena in life.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
interest in the building blocks that make up life :)
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
interest in the building blocks that make up life :)
S16501: Evolution, from Natural Selection to Gene Editing
Difficulty: **
In this class, we’ll learn about how evolution works, from mutations in DNA to natural selection, and explore these ideas through hands-on activities. We’ll also do a deep dive on modern gene editing and how it’s used in fields like agriculture and medicine. Finally, we’ll discuss ethical questions around gene therapy, editing embryos, and who gets access to these technologies.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
S16526: Career Paths in STEM: Finding Your Future in Science and Beyond
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Maya Roseboro,
Kami Wendelken
Do you like science, technology, engineering, or math—but aren't sure what jobs actually use those skills? Or maybe you're wondering "what will I be when I grow up?" Come explore the many paths you can take in STEM! We'll talk about figuring out what you're passionate about, what you're good at, and how different people work together on teams. You'll hear real stories about internships, following multiple interests, and discovering what career might be right for you.
Class Style
Discussion
Class Style
Discussion
S16499: Suturing Like a Surgeon
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sarah Gurnon
Have you ever wanted to stich something up like the Grey's Anatomy surgeons? Are you interested in applying your sewing skills in a medical sense? Do you want to be able to fix your friend's forehead when they fall off their bike (just kidding!)?
Come learn how to suture with me! We'll learn about different suture types, materials, patterns, and then its time to save lives...your turn to practice!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None!
Come learn how to suture with me! We'll learn about different suture types, materials, patterns, and then its time to save lives...your turn to practice!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None!
S16472: Life in Layers: Winogradsky Column Lab!
Difficulty: **
Want to build your own microbial ecosystem? Come build a Winogradsky column with us! A Winogradsky column is a stratified ecosystem that allows us to learn about the organisms that form in the different layers. We’ll go over the microbiology behind Winogradsky columns and then jump straight into the activity! If you love science and want to do something hands-on, this is the class for you!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
S16525: What is the "Brainbow"? - Exploring How We Study the Brain
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Maya Roseboro,
Kami Wendelken
Your brain has billions of cells all connected together—but how do scientists see and study something so tiny and complex? In this class, you'll discover the "brainbow," an amazing technique that lights up brain cells in rainbow colors so we can map how they connect. We'll explore cutting-edge tools scientists use to peek inside the brain and understand how it works.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
S16431: phonetics 101: how to pronounce anything (ft. many funny noises)
Difficulty: *
you’ve been making noises with your mouth ever since you learned to talk. but what are the fundamentals behind these noises? why do “m” and “n”, and “b” and “d”, sound so similar? what properties do various sounds share? join us as we organize these properties to build a sort of periodic table for sounds! learn what terms like “voiceless labiodental fricative” and "open front unrounded vowel" mean, and learn how to systematically pronounce fascinating sounds from other languages!
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
S16464: Friend or Foe: Predator-Prey Dynamics, Transcendentalism, and Natural Philosophy
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Hayim Sims
"Survival of the Fittest." Ever since Darwin formulated his theory of Natural Selection, belief in a world of brutal competition has reverberated through areas as wide-ranging as books, games, and movies to psychology and the halls of politics.
Still, must we accept that nature rewards only the strongest survivors? Why should we base any of these ideas on nature at all?!
Through in-depth analysis of primary sources and modern scientific papers, you'll get to decide for yourself. Along the way, we will encounter radically different ideas, both scientific and philosophical, that suggest an altogether different idea of evolution...
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of genetics would be helpful, but not necessary!
Still, must we accept that nature rewards only the strongest survivors? Why should we base any of these ideas on nature at all?!
Through in-depth analysis of primary sources and modern scientific papers, you'll get to decide for yourself. Along the way, we will encounter radically different ideas, both scientific and philosophical, that suggest an altogether different idea of evolution...
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of genetics would be helpful, but not necessary!
S16425: Introduction to Organic Chemistry and its Applications in the Real World
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Andrea Tang,
Samuel Xu
Come learn organic chemistry! Discover organic chemistry's application in the real-world, learn how to draw organic molecules and reactions mechanisms, learn simple reactions, and more.
Many snacks will be provided!! :)
Bringing pen and paper or a laptop/iPad is suggested (Pen and paper will be available as needed).
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Taking or haven taken an intro to chemistry course/equivalent is strongly recommended. AP chemistry or higher is also helpful to have but not necessary.
Many snacks will be provided!! :)
Bringing pen and paper or a laptop/iPad is suggested (Pen and paper will be available as needed).
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Taking or haven taken an intro to chemistry course/equivalent is strongly recommended. AP chemistry or higher is also helpful to have but not necessary.
S16529: Sound, Waves, and Electricity
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
John Gregg
What is sound made of? How do things work that make sound? We will explore this, as well as a lot of related questions in this fun, hands-on course. Fifth graders could understand everything here, but I guarantee high school seniors will learn something they didn't already know!
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
S16454: Learn to use our SUPER STRONG microscopes!!!!!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Anna Beck,
Mark Suppiah
Zoom into rocks! hair! gloves? computer chips! under a scanning electron microscope and a super strong optical microscope! Discovery the scales on hair! What does a split end look like? Identify the elements in a mystery rock using energy dispersive spectroscopy!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
S16477: The Art of Self Thriving Ecosystems
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alvan Liu
Have you ever seen an someone create an aquarium, paludarium, or terrarium? Would you like to know how the cool science behind it works? Join the class to learn about ecology in creating a self thriving ecosystem.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
S16517: Radiation and Life
Difficulty: **
Learn about natural and artificial sources of radiation, and how they appear in your everyday life. This class covers the uses, dangers, and scientific interest of radiation and radioactive material.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
S16523: Introduction to Research Techniques in Biology, Chemistry, and Biological Engineering
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Maya Roseboro,
Kami Wendelken
Ever wondered what scientists actually do in a lab? Come find out! We'll explore how researchers grow cells (both human cells and algae), separate proteins using cool techniques like gel electrophoresis, and even work with stem cells to grow new tissues. You'll learn how scientists ask questions and find answers about diseases like cataracts, cancer, and heart conditions. No science background needed—just bring your curiosity!
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
S16528: The Science of 3D - Why Does It Pop Out Like That?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
John Gregg
In this hands-on course, we will explore the phenomenon of 3D, the "pop-out" effect of 3D movies, ViewMasters, and the like. We will see examples of many different ways this effect has been achieved since its discovery, and talk about (and see, and touch) related technologies.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
Walk-in Activity
W16484: Meet Spot the robot dog and learn about Human-Robot Interaction!
Difficulty: **
Come meet Chase, the Spot robot dog used in the Interactive Robotics Group to improve human-robot interaction!
When we think about developing robots, a lot of times we are thinking about better sensors, better motors, cooler appearances– but have you thought about the human and social aspects that let humans and robots coexist and work together as teammates? Come learn about trust, transparency, communication, and adaptation – and drive around a Boston Dynamics Spot robot!
Class Style
Activity
When we think about developing robots, a lot of times we are thinking about better sensors, better motors, cooler appearances– but have you thought about the human and social aspects that let humans and robots coexist and work together as teammates? Come learn about trust, transparency, communication, and adaptation – and drive around a Boston Dynamics Spot robot!
Class Style
Activity
W16545: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream!
Difficulty: **
Want to watch some cool chemistry and eat some cool liquid? Come join us for a delicious treat!!! Lactose-free options are available.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
W16498: CoCo: Build Multiplayer Scratch Games, Collaborative Art, Stories, Animations, Interactive Video, and More!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Manuj Dhariwal,
Shruti Dhariwal
In these hands-on sessions, you will get to explore CoCo (coco.build), a new platform developed by a team of PhD researchers from MIT Media Lab.
On CoCo, you can co-create, code, and collaborate with peers in real-time across a variety of languages (such as Scratch, Javascript, and others). Link to a short video of the platform in action: https://bit.ly/mit-coco-video
We’ll explore how you can use CoCo to build multiplayer games, collaborative art, stories, animations, music, and also physical computing projects with hardware devices such as Micro:bit and Makey Makey.
Class Style
Activity
On CoCo, you can co-create, code, and collaborate with peers in real-time across a variety of languages (such as Scratch, Javascript, and others). Link to a short video of the platform in action: https://bit.ly/mit-coco-video
We’ll explore how you can use CoCo to build multiplayer games, collaborative art, stories, animations, music, and also physical computing projects with hardware devices such as Micro:bit and Makey Makey.
Class Style
Activity
W16537: Finger Loop Braiding
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Cindy Zhang,
Eunice Zhang
Learn to make braids by interweaving loops on your fingers! Start with three loops and graduate to five, seven, nine, or more if you're interested :0
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
W16513: Stratego & Battleship (:
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Violet Cato
This is a walk in activity where students with extra time can come to play the board games Stratego and Battleship (:
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
W16506: Cardboard Armory
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ren Chai
Build swords (and/or other implements) out of cardboard!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
Miscellaneous
X16437: Winter Hiking 101: Warm, Comfy, and Alive
Difficulty: *
Winter hiking is much more fun when you're warm, comfy, and alive... join us to learn how you can be all of those things while you're at the top of a mountain in the middle of a snowstorm! We'll teach you about our winter hiking equipment, how we prepare for trips, and techniques for staying safe in the mountains. From mastering your 'triangle of happiness' to the many uses of an ice axe, we'll explore how to get from plan to peak (and back down).
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
X16495: Math in Pen: Fountain Pens and Figures!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Victoria Pham,
Graciela Rodriguez
Have you ever been told that math should only be done in pencil? Join us to challenge that notion by learning how to write with fountain pens and exploring their use in writing, art, and even... your math homework!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
X16502: πzza Making (Pizza Making)
Difficulty: *
Do you like π? Do you like to eat? Do you like memorizing a completely unnecessary amount of numbers for no reason? Then you should take this class. We'll be celebrating pi in the only logical way: making πzza (pizza) and having a π-reciting competition!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
X16481: Headphones 101
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jacky Li
Learn about the different kinds of headphone technology, basic EQ, and more!
Come prepared with some tracks; you will be able to demo some headphones for around 5-6 minutes.
Class Style
Lecture
Come prepared with some tracks; you will be able to demo some headphones for around 5-6 minutes.
Class Style
Lecture
X16509: Buffs and Nerfs
Never bring a sword to a gun fight, unless it is a foam sword against a nerf gun, in which case you would probably win.
Help me balance all these weapons against each other. Trial by combat... for SCIENCE!?
Class Style
Activity
Help me balance all these weapons against each other. Trial by combat... for SCIENCE!?
Class Style
Activity
X16503: MIT SHPE College Readiness
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Emma Martinez,
Maria Taveras
Are you confused, unsure of, or even intimidated by the college application process? No worries! As MIT's Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, we would love to have you join our session to learn more about the timelines, logistics, and factors to be aware of regarding college. We would love to offer our advice, share our experiences, and answer any questions you may have!
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
X16507: Introduction to Business and Finance x SBC
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rashmi Basu,
Zane Kohn,
Julia Mattiace,
Keon McClure,
Kathy Nie,
Rishabh Sharma,
Parker Yates
Want to learn what makes a good business or how to be a smart investor? Come to Sloan Business Club’s class at SPARK! We’ll teach you the basics of how businesses and markets work, analyze real companies like Netflix or Starbucks, and explore careers in entrepreneurship, finance, and consulting. SBC members will also share what it’s like to study business in college. Anyone can be an entrepreneur or investor — all are welcome!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
X16515: Melange of Interesting Topics (MIT)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Marvin Mao
Hi all! I'm directing Spark this year, so even though there are lots of things I'd like to teach, I won't be able to teach a full class on each one.
Instead, I'll teach one class full of interesting topics! I'll try to introduce you to a number of subjects that you might not know existed, or that you would be surprised to learn are deeper than you think.
Come learn a bit about lingustics, geography, cybersecurity, fancy spreadsheet tricks, Scrabble, editing Wikipedia, baseball stats, competitive Pokémon, and more. Maybe you'll broaden your horizons, find a new hobby, or start noticing things you haven't before!
If you already know about some of these topics, even better! You'll be able to share your expertise with the class.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Curiosity
Instead, I'll teach one class full of interesting topics! I'll try to introduce you to a number of subjects that you might not know existed, or that you would be surprised to learn are deeper than you think.
Come learn a bit about lingustics, geography, cybersecurity, fancy spreadsheet tricks, Scrabble, editing Wikipedia, baseball stats, competitive Pokémon, and more. Maybe you'll broaden your horizons, find a new hobby, or start noticing things you haven't before!
If you already know about some of these topics, even better! You'll be able to share your expertise with the class.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Curiosity
X16539: Why So Spherius?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Cindy Zhang
Shapes with more sides are superior to shapes with fewer sides. Circles, with infinite sides, are the most superior shape of all...
Wrong! Spheres are even cooler. Let us non-seriously talk about spherious things.
(Is a sphere even a shape?)
Some of the facts will be mathematical, but we will also try to throw in as many other spheres as we can! Probably not physically.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
If you hate math with a burning passion, you might not enjoy the math facts. If you think math is meh or boring but like spheres, we hope to entertain you regardless.
Wrong! Spheres are even cooler. Let us non-seriously talk about spherious things.
(Is a sphere even a shape?)
Some of the facts will be mathematical, but we will also try to throw in as many other spheres as we can! Probably not physically.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
If you hate math with a burning passion, you might not enjoy the math facts. If you think math is meh or boring but like spheres, we hope to entertain you regardless.
X16546: How to Run a Spark
Difficulty: *
Spark is run by undergraduate and graduate students at MIT. And beyond MIT, there are other similar educational programs at universities and high schools nationwide. How does it all happen, and what are some of the things behind the scenes that you don't usually get to see? Come learn about all of the intricacies that go into running a massive program like Spark and find out how you can do it too! We'll cover what goes into organizing Spark at MIT, as well as resources and next steps if you want to run something like Spark at your own school. Presented by former Spark directors!
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
X16514: When Your Brain Goes Haywire: How to Recognize and Respond to Nervous System Emergencies
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Samantha Holler,
Garima Rastogi
You stand up after an hour-long lecture, and your vision goes black.
You panic. Are you dying??? Do you need to go to the hospital?? Did you eat lunch?? Are you still conscious??
(Probably not, probably not, probably not, and yes. Thankfully, your vision clears quickly.)
It's important to be able to recognize emergencies when they occur, but we don't want to make mountains out of molehills. Luckily, the human brain typically displays a few key symptoms for serious damage. In this class, you'll learn what to look out for in yourself and others - and what to do should an emergency occur. We'll also explain the science behind these issues within the brain and nervous system as time allows.
Class Style
Lecture
You panic. Are you dying??? Do you need to go to the hospital?? Did you eat lunch?? Are you still conscious??
(Probably not, probably not, probably not, and yes. Thankfully, your vision clears quickly.)
It's important to be able to recognize emergencies when they occur, but we don't want to make mountains out of molehills. Luckily, the human brain typically displays a few key symptoms for serious damage. In this class, you'll learn what to look out for in yourself and others - and what to do should an emergency occur. We'll also explain the science behind these issues within the brain and nervous system as time allows.
Class Style
Lecture
X16521: How to (un)make almost anything
Difficulty: **
In classic MIT-fashion, get your hands dirty and learn to tinker. We will challenge students to take something apart and put it back together. Thrilling questions will emerge: how have objects changed over time? What can be repaired? Which tools do we need in our toolkits?
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
Social Studies
Z16488: Just (Don’t) Do It
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Won-Jae Chang,
Andrea Kim
Bored while scrolling? Congrats, you've discovered the paradox of modern life.
The psychology of doing nothing. The science behind what your brain is actually begging for. This class explores boredom as a cultural phenomenon and a skill worth mastering. We'll debate why "busy" became a personality trait, and figure out what actually happens when you stop filling every silence.
Plenty of (fun) thinking, creating, and maybe even some productive daydreaming.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
You've been bored at least once in your life.
The psychology of doing nothing. The science behind what your brain is actually begging for. This class explores boredom as a cultural phenomenon and a skill worth mastering. We'll debate why "busy" became a personality trait, and figure out what actually happens when you stop filling every silence.
Plenty of (fun) thinking, creating, and maybe even some productive daydreaming.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
You've been bored at least once in your life.
Z16550: Unlocking Finance: A Hands‑On Stock Market Workshop
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Rebecca Wang,
Nicolette Xydas
This interactive workshop will give students the opportunity to:
- Learn about different career paths in finance
- Explore how the stock market works
- Learn how to pitch a stock
- Participate in a stock pitch competition with the chance to win a prize
No prior experience in business or related fields is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn! Snacks included!
Only required material is a laptop or iPad (while we strongly encourage you to bring your own device, students who cannot bring one may borrow an MIT laptop, don't be discouraged from enrolling if you cannot bring a device)
Class Style
Activity
- Learn about different career paths in finance
- Explore how the stock market works
- Learn how to pitch a stock
- Participate in a stock pitch competition with the chance to win a prize
No prior experience in business or related fields is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn! Snacks included!
Only required material is a laptop or iPad (while we strongly encourage you to bring your own device, students who cannot bring one may borrow an MIT laptop, don't be discouraged from enrolling if you cannot bring a device)
Class Style
Activity
Z16461: Urban Africa: Where is it now?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gabby Bashizi,
Esther Helm
Are you interested in global cities? Do you want to learn more about Africa? Join us for an interactive workshop on African cities! In this introductory class, students will learn about the problems and opportunities that these cities face today. We will explore topics such as access to water and sanitation services, local transportation systems, and creative climate solutions, while introducing the basics of urban planning through real-world examples from across the continent. Africa's cities are among the fastest-growing and youngest in the world, and they offer much to learn about how cities evolve to serve the people who call them home.
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
Z16468: Predictably Irrational: A Crash Course in Human Weirdness
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Abel Beregi,
Magdalena Misiewicz
Humans are predictably terrible at making decisions and evaluating risks. Sharks scare us more than walking down the stairs, free samples rule our lives, and our decisions are often guided by others' opinions of us. In this class, we’ll explore stories, experiments, and research in behavioural economics to see why we consistently misjudge risk, overvalue immediate rewards, and get nudged in ways we barely notice. You’ll learn why it's often so hard to get started with your homework, and how small tweaks - nudges - can steer behaviour in the “right” direction. By the end, you’ll understand yourself and everyone around you a little better.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
Z16463: Introduction to Global Health
Difficulty: *
How do we guarantee medical care for all? How should we distribute resources if our medical system is under stress? Is it possible to balance protecting our economy, our environment, and our populations? Physicians, scientists, politicians, and advocates work tirelessly to promote global health equity... but how? In this class, we’ll learn about how we can work towards achieving equal, accessible, and quality care for all.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
Z16462: Health Policy and Equity
Difficulty: *
What are the origins of health disparities, and what policies have been created to address them? We will cover key social, structural, economic, and political determinants of health, how health policy is made, and how health policies impact diverse populations around the world. We will also explore how advocacy can contribute to creating more equitable health systems and promoting health literacy.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
Z16540: The History of the University
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Sidarth Erat
How would it be to study mathematics at Cambridge with Isaac Newton? To take a grueling multi-day civil service exam in Tang Dynasty China? To study common law at the medieval Inns of Court? This class will explore the history of the university degree and formal education in general. We seek to explore why universities came into existence, the history of the European law degree, and the various social and political currents surrounding these changes. We will discuss the Protestant Reformation and humanist tradition in Europe, the Islamic Golden Age and resurgence of the classics in medieval Arabia, and even Plato's Academy. Come join us for the most meta course at ESP to learn about learning.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
Z16534: From Data to Discussion: Hands-on Analysis of the Evolution of Home Ownership Equity
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
William Bland,
Merlin Gogolin
This course will teach students how to utilize available data to think critically about the world we live in. Using the history of homeownership equity in Harlem as a case study, students will go through the process of collecting and analyzing open-source data to foster discussion and thought on the subject. The beginning portion of the class will be a short, interactive introductory lecture into the Harlem of the last century. The second portion will be a hands-on, interactive activity, where students will be walked through a simplistic yet powerful data collection and analysis process, which will include accessing publicly available data, manipulating it (using Python, Excel, Google Sheets, or another software), and creating useful graphics to provide meaningful insight into the data. Finally, students will engage in a group and class discussion, where the class will discuss how we can use the data visualizations/graphs that we created to better understand and conceptualize the world around us, with an added focus on how we can look forward and make meaningful contributions to communities around us.
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
Ideally a laptop
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
Ideally a laptop