Splash! 2008
Course Catalog
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Note that Class Sections are equivalent! If a class has two sections, the content in each section will be the same. This makes it easier to avoid schedule conflicts. It does mean that there's no reason to sign up for more than one section of a class, though.
Computer Science
Computer Graphics Programming with Processing Full!
Teachers:
Carlos Andrés Rocha,
J.D. Zamfirescu
Come learn about graphics programming with the Processing language (www.processing.org).
We'll talk a bit about how to run animations and how to make interactive graphics.
Prerequisites
Some programming experience (HTML, PHP, Python, etc. are all fine.)
We'll talk a bit about how to run animations and how to make interactive graphics.
Prerequisites
Some programming experience (HTML, PHP, Python, etc. are all fine.)
Common Sense Reasoning for Artificial Intelligence
Teachers:
Catherine Havasi
When people communicate with each other, their conversation relies on many basic, unspoken assumptions. We often learn the basis behind these assumptions long before they can write at all, making the difficult for computers to learn. These assumptions underlie all forms of human communication from teaching, to giving directions, to ordering dinner at a restaurant.
A user who interacts with a computer interface, however, can become frustrated because the computer does not understand their goals and motivations. For human-computer interaction to become as fluent as communication between humans, computers need to be able to understand the user's basic, unspoken assumptions.
These assumptions form the body of knowledge known as ``common sense'' and we'll be discussing how it is collected and used by the AI research community.
Prerequisites
Exposure to computer science and some preconceptions about AI. Linear algebra experience will helpful to demystify some of the algorithms discussed at the end of the class but is by no means required.
A user who interacts with a computer interface, however, can become frustrated because the computer does not understand their goals and motivations. For human-computer interaction to become as fluent as communication between humans, computers need to be able to understand the user's basic, unspoken assumptions.
These assumptions form the body of knowledge known as ``common sense'' and we'll be discussing how it is collected and used by the AI research community.
Prerequisites
Exposure to computer science and some preconceptions about AI. Linear algebra experience will helpful to demystify some of the algorithms discussed at the end of the class but is by no means required.
Scheme
Teachers:
Reuben Aronson,
Alex Dehnert
Ever wanted to learn to Scheme? Want to take over the world? We recommend a class in the social studies category.
Ever wanted to learn Scheme? Have you heard of functional programming, but never learned any functional languages?
Come to our class, and we'll teach you the basics of Scheme, and how to learn more.
Prerequisites
Some exposure to programming, but not Scheme.
Ever wanted to learn Scheme? Have you heard of functional programming, but never learned any functional languages?
Come to our class, and we'll teach you the basics of Scheme, and how to learn more.
Prerequisites
Some exposure to programming, but not Scheme.
Promiscuous Mode: Network Protocol Analysis Full!
Teachers:
Harvey Yee
Do you want to be in Promiscuous mode? You may if you are a hacker or a network engineer. Join us in learning what is involved in Network Protocol analysis, and along the way learn about network architecture and protocols. Depending on what is available in the class room, a demonstration of a wired or wireless network session will be provided. A free copy of Linux LiveCD will be provided so that you can continue your learning of network protocol analysis after this class. The only prerequisites for this class is that you have a sense of curiosity!!!
Prerequisites
A sense of curiostiy, adventure, and fun.
Prerequisites
A sense of curiostiy, adventure, and fun.
Real-time Graphics: Drawing pretty pictures REALLY REALLY fast!
Teachers:
David Benjamin
Your spaceship has been boarded. You have no means of communication with the rest of the crew. It has been ages since the last save point. After a glance at the odd green bar in the corner and a bite of mango, you turn into the corridor and go.
While you are having fun running around saving the universe from evil brain-eating alien pirate zombie ninjas from Cleveland, a chip in your computer is drawing pictures over and over again just so everything looks pretty.
This class will explore how computers render real-time 3d scenes, like what you see in video games, and how they are able to do so very quickly 60 times a second. We will see how one builds up a basic software renderer from only knowing how to draw individual pixels and discuss some things graphics cards do to make this efficient.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra and geometry. Familiarity with vectors and matrices will be useful, but not strictly required.
While you are having fun running around saving the universe from evil brain-eating alien pirate zombie ninjas from Cleveland, a chip in your computer is drawing pictures over and over again just so everything looks pretty.
This class will explore how computers render real-time 3d scenes, like what you see in video games, and how they are able to do so very quickly 60 times a second. We will see how one builds up a basic software renderer from only knowing how to draw individual pixels and discuss some things graphics cards do to make this efficient.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra and geometry. Familiarity with vectors and matrices will be useful, but not strictly required.
Deviant Perl: Living up to a Reputation
Teachers:
Leonid Grinberg
Perl is a programming language developed by a man named Larry Wall in 1987. Many consider it to be messy and complicated, with programs written in it being unreadable and difficult to maintain. Though the extent to which this is true is a matter of debate, Perl does have a variety of features that, at the very least, make it easier to write strange and cryptic code than in most languages.
In this class, we will look at the "dark side of Perl". Using two very cryptic Perl programs, which, though looking completely different, somehow produce essentially the same output, we will investigate some of Perl's more interesting features.
Perl's motto is "there's more than one way to do it" and this class will focus on some of the worst.
Prerequisites
You should have some experience with programming, and understand concepts such as variables, operators, conditionals, loops, functions, etc. It would be helpful (but not required) if you knew a C-style language (C, C++, C#, D, Java, or Perl itself).
In this class, we will look at the "dark side of Perl". Using two very cryptic Perl programs, which, though looking completely different, somehow produce essentially the same output, we will investigate some of Perl's more interesting features.
Perl's motto is "there's more than one way to do it" and this class will focus on some of the worst.
Prerequisites
You should have some experience with programming, and understand concepts such as variables, operators, conditionals, loops, functions, etc. It would be helpful (but not required) if you knew a C-style language (C, C++, C#, D, Java, or Perl itself).
Introduction to the Lambda Calculus
Teachers:
Nelson Elhage
This will be a rapid introduction to the Lambda Calculus, a theoretical model of computing originally proposed by Alonzo Church in the 1930s. We will explore how, starting from the barest primitive ideas, you can derive all the comutational power of a modern desktop computer! NOTE: This is not the calculus you've heard about in school! In fact, there are almost no numbers involved, and you don't need to know any math -- just have a curiosity for some slightly abstract reasoning.
An Insider's View of the Internet and Computer Networks Full!
Teachers:
J.D. Zamfirescu
Have some programming skills but at a loss when it comes to computer networks? This is the class for you!
Come get an insider's perspective on how the Internet works. We'll talk a bit about TCP, IP, HTTP, SMTP, POP...and lot of other acronyms that end with P; we'll talk a lot more about tools you can use to um..."explore" networks, and we'll see some of those tools in action.
Bring a laptop if you have one!
Come get an insider's perspective on how the Internet works. We'll talk a bit about TCP, IP, HTTP, SMTP, POP...and lot of other acronyms that end with P; we'll talk a lot more about tools you can use to um..."explore" networks, and we'll see some of those tools in action.
Bring a laptop if you have one!
Binary logic: How your computer works
Teachers:
Aviv Ovadya
Learn about how computers do stuff. We'll begin with a single bit and go up to an adder and hopefully a cpu.
Prerequisites
If you actually understood the description, this class will be too easy for you.
Prerequisites
If you actually understood the description, this class will be too easy for you.
Mac OS X is better than j00
Teachers:
Marc Held
One of the most well thought out Operating Systems in the OS world has a cult following, wanna find out why?
I'll go over the graphic design aspects as well as the actual operating system stuff.
Prerequisites
A love for either graphic design or operating systems.
I'll go over the graphic design aspects as well as the actual operating system stuff.
Prerequisites
A love for either graphic design or operating systems.
Introduction to Programming using Second Life Full!
Teachers:
Greg Malkov,
Manan Thakkar
Learn to program in LSL, the scripting language of Second Life, an online virtual world. We will build and script several objects including a door, a talking parrot, a rocket, and maybe some other things too.
This class will assume that no prior programming knowledge is known, so we'll be starting from scratch. The LSL scripting language is very similar to C, and this course will be an easy and fun way to begin programming.
Prerequisites
Please bring your own laptop with Second Life installed. Also, make sure you create an account and get at least somewhat familiar with the Second Life layout. It's absolutely free to download. To create an account and download Second Life, go to the following URL: https://join.secondlife.com/
This class will assume that no prior programming knowledge is known, so we'll be starting from scratch. The LSL scripting language is very similar to C, and this course will be an easy and fun way to begin programming.
Prerequisites
Please bring your own laptop with Second Life installed. Also, make sure you create an account and get at least somewhat familiar with the Second Life layout. It's absolutely free to download. To create an account and download Second Life, go to the following URL: https://join.secondlife.com/
Intro to Machine Learning
Teachers:
Ammar Ammar,
Maria Guirguis
This class is intended to give you a rough idea about machine learning. It covers some of the history of the field, the basic ideas, and a few exciting applications.
The Singularity: Is it Near? What Does it Mean?
Teachers:
David "davidad" Dalrymple
"Radical life extension", "transhumanism", "posthumanism", "techno-utopia", "technological singularity"...
Many terms, each with their own baggage, have emerged in the past decade representing one version or another of a future in which there is no useful distinction between human life and human-created technology (where human minds are no longer exclusively bound to organic bodies). Ray Kurzweil calls it the singularity in his popular book "The Singularity Is Near". I have acquired Kurzweil's slideshow, which he presents at conferences around the globe spreading his vision. While I may not agree with him on every point, I think it is a lot less crazier than it sounds, and I would like to present (as much as possible) a fair and balanced treatment of what the singularity means, how it could happen, and what it would mean for you.
Many terms, each with their own baggage, have emerged in the past decade representing one version or another of a future in which there is no useful distinction between human life and human-created technology (where human minds are no longer exclusively bound to organic bodies). Ray Kurzweil calls it the singularity in his popular book "The Singularity Is Near". I have acquired Kurzweil's slideshow, which he presents at conferences around the globe spreading his vision. While I may not agree with him on every point, I think it is a lot less crazier than it sounds, and I would like to present (as much as possible) a fair and balanced treatment of what the singularity means, how it could happen, and what it would mean for you.
Introduction to Programming using Second Life
Teachers:
Greg Malkov,
Manan Thakkar
Learn to program in LSL, the scripting language of Second Life, an online virtual world. We will build and script several objects including a door, a talking parrot, a rocket, and maybe some other things too.
This class will assume that no prior programming knowledge is known, so we'll be starting from scratch. The LSL scripting language is very similar to C, and this course will be an easy and fun way to begin programming.
Prerequisites
Please bring your own laptop with Second Life installed. Also, make sure you create an account and get at least somewhat familiar with the Second Life layout. It's absolutely free to download. To create an account and download Second Life, go to the following URL: https://join.secondlife.com/
This class will assume that no prior programming knowledge is known, so we'll be starting from scratch. The LSL scripting language is very similar to C, and this course will be an easy and fun way to begin programming.
Prerequisites
Please bring your own laptop with Second Life installed. Also, make sure you create an account and get at least somewhat familiar with the Second Life layout. It's absolutely free to download. To create an account and download Second Life, go to the following URL: https://join.secondlife.com/
Websites: The Good, The Bad, And Best Of All, The Ugly
Teachers:
Reuben Aronson
Website design is far from an exact science. However, there are a number of things that web designers should keep in mind when designing websites. We'll figure out some of these by looking at some of the worst sites out there and figuring out what they do wrong. And some of these sites are bad.
At the end, we might go through a sample website (say, this one) and think of what changes we should make. And who knows? They might even show up in the next version of this site.
Prerequisites
Some experience with or at least interest in website creation or development. No technical experience will be necessary, though it could help.
At the end, we might go through a sample website (say, this one) and think of what changes we should make. And who knows? They might even show up in the next version of this site.
Prerequisites
Some experience with or at least interest in website creation or development. No technical experience will be necessary, though it could help.
Beyond Computation
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
There exists a finite set of domino pieces with words on each side, for which it is impossible to deduce whether or not a domino chain of copies of those pieces can be set up so that the top, altogether, reads exactly the same as the bottom. The problem is simply not solvable, by computer, by a mind, by any reason. If you are willing to accept the previous sentence without /proof! ‘you cannot say something like that without proof!’/ you probably can skip this class, but if that kind of claim shakes your world up a bit, come to this class and be shaken… because it turns out that we can prove that there are problems, /with answers/ that we simply will never be able to find – clearly every set of dominoes either can be or cannot be used to make a chain as described above, but for many, many sets, we can never calculate the answer.
Prerequisites
For those with some experience in tcs (theoretical computer science) this class will assume knowledge of Turing machines and The Church-Turing Thesis. The class will cover The Halting Problem and Computational Undecidability. If you don’t know what a Turing machine is, you should research before coming or take the Theoretical Computation class before this one as a prerequisite. No other math required, but the class will be /very/ fast paced.
Prerequisites
For those with some experience in tcs (theoretical computer science) this class will assume knowledge of Turing machines and The Church-Turing Thesis. The class will cover The Halting Problem and Computational Undecidability. If you don’t know what a Turing machine is, you should research before coming or take the Theoretical Computation class before this one as a prerequisite. No other math required, but the class will be /very/ fast paced.
Algorithms for Awesome
Teachers:
David Benjamin,
Jacob Steinhardt
Algorithms rock
But sometimes they don't make sense
Segmentation fault
Topics: Big-O (runtime analysis), sorting, searching, data structures (heaps, trees, lists), hashing, graph theory (Dijkstra's algorithm, minimal spanning tree).
Prerequisites
In order to put things in context, it would be good to know how to program in a logic-based language (e.g. C,C++,JAVA,LISP,Python,Ruby). However, as long as you have an understanding of how computers work, you'll probably be fine.
But sometimes they don't make sense
Segmentation fault
Topics: Big-O (runtime analysis), sorting, searching, data structures (heaps, trees, lists), hashing, graph theory (Dijkstra's algorithm, minimal spanning tree).
Prerequisites
In order to put things in context, it would be good to know how to program in a logic-based language (e.g. C,C++,JAVA,LISP,Python,Ruby). However, as long as you have an understanding of how computers work, you'll probably be fine.
LaTeX Full!
Teachers:
David Benjamin,
Alex Dehnert
Ever tried to type up math, and found that Microsoft Word really is not up to the task? Want to learn a Turing-complete markup language? Liked the look of some of the textbooks you've read, and want to know how they typeset it?
The tool most mathematicians use for typesetting math is $$\LaTeX$$, and we'll try to teach you the basics.
We'll look at
* Writing a basic document without any math
* Basic math
* Defining simple commands
* Finding out more
$$
\begin{align}
\langle a, b \rangle &= \sum_{i=1}^n a_i\cdot b_i\\
(a+b)^n&=\sum_{k=0}^{n}{n \choose k}a^k b^{n-k}
\end{align}
$$
Prerequisites
None.
The tool most mathematicians use for typesetting math is $$\LaTeX$$, and we'll try to teach you the basics.
We'll look at
* Writing a basic document without any math
* Basic math
* Defining simple commands
* Finding out more
$$
\begin{align}
\langle a, b \rangle &= \sum_{i=1}^n a_i\cdot b_i\\
(a+b)^n&=\sum_{k=0}^{n}{n \choose k}a^k b^{n-k}
\end{align}
$$
Prerequisites
None.
Learn to Program Using C++ Full!
Teachers:
Jennifer Hsu,
Lisa Liu
For those who don’t know how to program, we will cover the basics of programming so you can continue to learn on your own. We will be using C++ language. First, we’ll show you some tools/places for you to get started. Then, we’ll take a stab at some programming. Topics may include: variables, output/input, if/else conditions, and/or operators, for loops, while loops, switches, and functions.
Note: No laptop required.
Prerequisites
This is an introduction class, so those with programming experience should not take this course.
Note: No laptop required.
Prerequisites
This is an introduction class, so those with programming experience should not take this course.
Computer Security: Keeping Your Bits Secret and Safe
Teachers:
Madison Capps,
Christopher Palmer
We'll talk how applications can break your computer, take down a website, or steal your data. We'll explore from the viewpoint of the attacker and the defender.
Topics: Human engineering, cryptography, anti virus and virus engineering, worm design, the government agencies involved, and the internet.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of computers is assumed (like how to turn one on), the more the students know, the more stuff we can do. Knowing algebra would be a huge help, but if you're especially bright I'm sure you can catch on.
Topics: Human engineering, cryptography, anti virus and virus engineering, worm design, the government agencies involved, and the internet.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of computers is assumed (like how to turn one on), the more the students know, the more stuff we can do. Knowing algebra would be a huge help, but if you're especially bright I'm sure you can catch on.
Turbo C++....That's easy!
Teachers:
Sudhanshu Khemka
In this course, we will start with the basics of C++. Topics that will be covered include header files,taking inputs, and displaying outputs. Some loop structures will also be covered.
Prerequisites
No prior experience in programming is required.
Prerequisites
No prior experience in programming is required.
Alice - 3D Computer Animation
Teachers:
Michelle Ng
Alice is an innovative 3D programming environment that makes it easy to create an animation for telling a story, playing an interactive game, or a video to share on the web.
For this course, we will be using Alice as a learning tool for introductory computer programming. The 3D graphics and a drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to learn and facilitate a more engaging experience for students with no programming background. We will begin with the navigation of the Alice tool and the basic steps in creating an animation - storyboard, character (objects), actions (methods). We will also learn about fundamental programming concepts such as class, object, parameter, if/else, loop, etc. The final hour of the course will be devoted for an "animation-hour" to encourage students to apply their new skills to create their own animation programs using Alice.
The Alice software is developed by Carnegie Mellon University and can be downloaded for free (http://www.alice.org).
Prerequisites
Love for imagination and storytelling... (no previous programming experience is necessary). Please bring a USB 2.0 key drive (512MB minimum) with you if you wish to save your animation files during class. If you are joining SECTION 1 of this class (Saturday 7-10 pm, Sunday 11 am-1 pm), then you'll have to bring your own laptop, because we do not have the computer lab for this section!
For this course, we will be using Alice as a learning tool for introductory computer programming. The 3D graphics and a drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to learn and facilitate a more engaging experience for students with no programming background. We will begin with the navigation of the Alice tool and the basic steps in creating an animation - storyboard, character (objects), actions (methods). We will also learn about fundamental programming concepts such as class, object, parameter, if/else, loop, etc. The final hour of the course will be devoted for an "animation-hour" to encourage students to apply their new skills to create their own animation programs using Alice.
The Alice software is developed by Carnegie Mellon University and can be downloaded for free (http://www.alice.org).
Prerequisites
Love for imagination and storytelling... (no previous programming experience is necessary). Please bring a USB 2.0 key drive (512MB minimum) with you if you wish to save your animation files during class. If you are joining SECTION 1 of this class (Saturday 7-10 pm, Sunday 11 am-1 pm), then you'll have to bring your own laptop, because we do not have the computer lab for this section!
How to Prove P=NP
Teachers:
Colin McSwiggen
You know about the famous P=NP problem, and you've heard that solving any one NP-complete problem in polynomial time will let you solve all of them. "But why???" you wonder, "That all seems just too darned mysterious." Well. I will tell you how it all works.
We'll do a brief overview of Turing machines, decision problems, and complexity classes, and then we'll dive right into reducibility and polynomial-time mapping reductions. At the end, we will sketch a proof of the Cook-Levin theorem, which states that everything in NP is reducible to the problem known as "SAT." If time allows, I'll discuss a method for proving that a problem is NP-complete by reducing backwards from SAT.
Prerequisites
This class will use some abstract mathematical ideas. I'll introduce everything that you need to know, but you should be comfortable with the concept of a theorem, and what it means to prove one satisfactorily. Some experience with computation/programming would be very helpful. If you know what a Turing machine is and can explain the difference between polynomial and exponential time complexity, you'll be fine. If you don't, don't worry; I'll tell you.
We'll do a brief overview of Turing machines, decision problems, and complexity classes, and then we'll dive right into reducibility and polynomial-time mapping reductions. At the end, we will sketch a proof of the Cook-Levin theorem, which states that everything in NP is reducible to the problem known as "SAT." If time allows, I'll discuss a method for proving that a problem is NP-complete by reducing backwards from SAT.
Prerequisites
This class will use some abstract mathematical ideas. I'll introduce everything that you need to know, but you should be comfortable with the concept of a theorem, and what it means to prove one satisfactorily. Some experience with computation/programming would be very helpful. If you know what a Turing machine is and can explain the difference between polynomial and exponential time complexity, you'll be fine. If you don't, don't worry; I'll tell you.
Information Retrieval
Teachers:
Michael Axiak
You've been Googling for information since you could spell, but how does Google get the information for you?
In this class we'll explore the concepts behind retrieving relevant information given keywords, web pages, nodes, or any other subspaces. We'll be able to use the results to answer questions like: Which person on Facebook is most like me? Given an unsorted pile of my classwork, how can I categorize them into my class subjects? And of course we'll explain the theory behind Google's PageRank algorithm and some of the interesting modifications they've had to make in due to the ever-changing web.
Some of the concepts that are explored in this class include projection, Markov chains, cosine similarity, tf-idf, and some probability.
Prerequisites
Linear Algebra is a plus, Algebra is required.
In this class we'll explore the concepts behind retrieving relevant information given keywords, web pages, nodes, or any other subspaces. We'll be able to use the results to answer questions like: Which person on Facebook is most like me? Given an unsorted pile of my classwork, how can I categorize them into my class subjects? And of course we'll explain the theory behind Google's PageRank algorithm and some of the interesting modifications they've had to make in due to the ever-changing web.
Some of the concepts that are explored in this class include projection, Markov chains, cosine similarity, tf-idf, and some probability.
Prerequisites
Linear Algebra is a plus, Algebra is required.
How to be Evil: Using language and math to know everything about everyone
Teachers:
Catherine Havasi
We live on the internet, leaving small digital breadcrumbs everywhere we go. The words we use, the movies we rate, the causes we support, and the transactions we participate in can be analyzed to yield greater understanding of who we are. This understanding can work to our advantage, or it can benefit those who wish to sell us something... or it can be used for more devious purposes.
We'll talk about modeling, prediction, and collaborative filtering. We'll look at how we can understand a community's spending patterns, figure out which customers will like what products, or carefully craft candidates' stump speeches so they will appeal to the most people. We'll also explore the astounding amount of information you can determine about someone from something as simple as the language they use.
Prerequisites
Some computer science. Linear algebra and statistics will help to demystify some the techniques discussed. I also welcome the curious.
We'll talk about modeling, prediction, and collaborative filtering. We'll look at how we can understand a community's spending patterns, figure out which customers will like what products, or carefully craft candidates' stump speeches so they will appeal to the most people. We'll also explore the astounding amount of information you can determine about someone from something as simple as the language they use.
Prerequisites
Some computer science. Linear algebra and statistics will help to demystify some the techniques discussed. I also welcome the curious.
Programming in Haskell Full!
Teachers:
Jonathan Sailor
Ever hear of Haskell? Unlike most programming language, Haskell tries to avoid running code. Unlike most programming languages, Haskell is very high-level. Unlike most programming languages, Haskell can check your program for type errors without being wordy or restrictive. And yet, Haskell is one of the fastest programming languages in use.
If you want to learn Haskell, this class is for you.
Prerequisites
You will get the most out of this class if you have some programming experience or a strong familiarity with math.
If you want to learn Haskell, this class is for you.
Prerequisites
You will get the most out of this class if you have some programming experience or a strong familiarity with math.
Introduction to Computability Theory
Teachers:
Paul Christiano
Many problems can be solved automatically by computers, but are there problems that can't be?
We will discuss some limitations on the problems which can be solved by any physical machine and some interesting examples of problems that cannot be solved in general, no matter how long you are willing to spend. If time permits there may be a discussion of Godel's incompleteness theorems and their connection to the subject.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with at least one programming language is useful, but not required.
We will discuss some limitations on the problems which can be solved by any physical machine and some interesting examples of problems that cannot be solved in general, no matter how long you are willing to spend. If time permits there may be a discussion of Godel's incompleteness theorems and their connection to the subject.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with at least one programming language is useful, but not required.
Cellular Automaton
Teachers:
Jayson Lynch
This class will introduce and experiment with some basic cellular automaton such as Conway's Game of Life and the Elementary Cellular Automata. We will observe some of the interesting patterns and properties within these simulations, and look at how different rules impact how these 0 player "games" unfold. Discussion may also include how complexity arises from such simple rules, and cellular automaton as universal computers.
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
Using Scratch to simulate the real world Full!
Teachers:
Agnes Chang,
Phillip Cunio
This class will use the Scratch software (developed by MIT's Media Lab) as the focus of a short introduction to coding , logic, and modeling complex systems.
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
An Introduction to Computer Programming Full!
Teachers:
Anika Huhn
This hands-on class is intended for people who want to start writing code (and learn how to use it) but have not been exposed to it before. I will start from the very beginning, and by the end of the class you will have seen enough to know how to learn more on your own and take on your own projects. I will also give you some direction as to what might be fun projects to take on.
Prerequisites
little to no experience. (You should not sign up for this class if you already know how to program. I would like the class to start off on approximately the same level.)
Prerequisites
little to no experience. (You should not sign up for this class if you already know how to program. I would like the class to start off on approximately the same level.)
What's Wrong With The Internets Full!
Teachers:
Benjamin Agre,
Michael Borohovski
Ever wanted a really high score on Tetris? Want to know what your friends are _really_ saying about on Google Chat? Well, we'll show you some techniques for figuring that sort of thing out.
Prerequisites
An interest in breaking things (ethically, of course); knowledge of how to use computers a must; programming experience, system design experience, and *nix experience recommended but not required.
Prerequisites
An interest in breaking things (ethically, of course); knowledge of how to use computers a must; programming experience, system design experience, and *nix experience recommended but not required.
Error Correcting Codes
Teachers:
Maria Guirguis
What are messages? How are things communicated over networks? Signals go in one end and out the other, how can we know we got the right message? Come to this class to find the answers to these questions and more!
Metacircular Scheming
Teachers:
Aviv Ovadya
An impractical introduction to Scheme, a ridiculously flexible and powerful programming language. I will teach how to implement Scheme in Scheme, while learning Scheme.
Prerequisites
This class is meant for people who don’t know Scheme (or other Lisp variants). However, you should have some minimum programming experience - you should know how to use 'if statements', functions and recursion.
Prerequisites
This class is meant for people who don’t know Scheme (or other Lisp variants). However, you should have some minimum programming experience - you should know how to use 'if statements', functions and recursion.
How to build a Grandmaster: Introduction to Game AI Full!
Teachers:
Nelson Elhage
Have you ever wondered how computers are able to play board games like Chess? It turns out that the way humans play these games is very different from how we know how to make computers do so. We'll look at the minimax technique for building AIs for Chess or other games, and we'll discuss some of the tricks you need to do to make it perform on a truly grandmaster level.
[Deprecated] Hobbies
Canasta 101 Full!
Teachers:
Naomi Hinchen
Canasta is a card game for four players: simpler than bridge, but still involving a good measure of strategy. You'll learn the rules, then get a chance to practice playing against your classmates.
Prerequisites
None. You don't even have to know how to shuffle a deck.
Prerequisites
None. You don't even have to know how to shuffle a deck.
Speleology Full!
Teachers:
Rachel Bowens-Rubin,
Sid Creutz
The theory and practice of caves and caving: what caves are, how they form, and how we explore them.
Responsible Pet Parenting
Teachers:
KIMBERLY SAVINO
Thousands of animals are needlessly euthanized in shelters each year. Many of these discarded pets could have been saved, if only their caregivers had been better educated regarding responsible pet ownership and care. This class will help to teach the student about the many issues regarding responsible "pet parenting" issues. The topics will include assessing one's readiness for a pet, type and breed selection, an eye-opening look at the real costs of pet care and upkeep, obtaining an animal responsibly, general care and upkeep of common pets, healthcare issues, solutions to managing common problems (training issues, moving, job changes, etc), legal considerations of pet ownership, overview of common activities to do with pets, and issues pertaining to pet death, euthanasia, grieving, and aftercare options. A guide will be given to each student, which will contain summaries of all lessons covered, as well as resource listings. This class is fast-paced, as it contains a number of topics to cover in a short period of time. Break will be provided.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Flim Studies: a discussion on CRASH
Teachers:
Jeffrey Wong
Sanda Bullock, Brendan Fraser, Ludacris, Matt Dillon, and more make up the cast of this stunning movie set in LA.
"This compelling urban thriller tracks the volatile intersection of a multiethnic cast of characters struggling to overcome their fears as they careen in and out of one another's lives. In the gray area between black and white, victim and aggressor, during the next 36 hours, they will all collide."
Watch Crash (a 2 hour movie) and discuss the characters, stage setting, motifs, messages, the theme and more!
Prerequisites
Crash is rated R for language, sexual content, and some violence. You must be 17 years old to watch such a movie, or bring a note from your guardian saying that it is OK to watch this movie.
"This compelling urban thriller tracks the volatile intersection of a multiethnic cast of characters struggling to overcome their fears as they careen in and out of one another's lives. In the gray area between black and white, victim and aggressor, during the next 36 hours, they will all collide."
Watch Crash (a 2 hour movie) and discuss the characters, stage setting, motifs, messages, the theme and more!
Prerequisites
Crash is rated R for language, sexual content, and some violence. You must be 17 years old to watch such a movie, or bring a note from your guardian saying that it is OK to watch this movie.
Invent Your Own Brownies + Other Chocolatey Goodness
Teachers:
Erika Bildsten
Learn how to make awesome brownies from scratch, and then let your creativity run wild as you individualize yours with all sorts of amazing mix-ins and toppings! No two people's brownies will ever be the same!
Then, as we enjoy the aroma of baking brownies, continue the chocolate festivities while we make more chocolate creations!
Guaranteed to be fun and VERY YUMMY!
Prerequisites
A love of chocolate!
Then, as we enjoy the aroma of baking brownies, continue the chocolate festivities while we make more chocolate creations!
Guaranteed to be fun and VERY YUMMY!
Prerequisites
A love of chocolate!
Duct Tape Design Full!
Teachers:
Nelson Elhage
Come learn how to make things out of duct tape! We will discuss techniques to construct just about anything out of that most wonderful and versatile of building materials -- duct tape! And not just the standard fare -- we'll also look at smaller, trickier things, that need more cleverness and finesse, like gloves. Bring your own tape if you've got it!
Careers & Activities Involving Animals
Teachers:
KIMBERLY SAVINO
Do what you love, and love what you do! This course will provide a basic overview of the many animal-related areas of work available to students. Each overview will explain the necessary education, certifications, estimated expenses, and other considerations associated with each type of work involved. Questions will be answered, and resource lists will be given to students, to help them get started on the right "paw" in their animal-related careers and activities! A segment on animal-related volunteer work will also be provided.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Introduction to 2D Animation Full!
Teachers:
Daniel Dahan
This class will teach the basics in two dimensional computer animation using Macromedia Flash, as well as basic principles used in all forms of animation.
Prerequisites
Needs to have expressed interest in learning animation
Prerequisites
Needs to have expressed interest in learning animation
How to be the Rain Man
Teachers:
Michael Ciuffo,
Volunteer Teacher
In the 1998 classic film "Rain Man", Dustin Hoffman showed his wicked acting chops by playing the part of "Raymond," an autistic savant who could count cards, tell the day of the week of your birthday instantly, and many other awe inspiring mental feats. We will teach you how a few of these.
So if you want to learn a few tricks, and impress your friends, come to this class.
Prerequisites
Basic Math Skills
So if you want to learn a few tricks, and impress your friends, come to this class.
Prerequisites
Basic Math Skills
Creative Cake Decorating Full!
Teachers:
Lauren McGough
Do you like decorating cakes? Have you ever thought about the different possibilities while decorating a cake? Come explore different possibilities and have some fun while making cake designs that are beautiful, tasty, crazy, or even weird!
Beyond Friendship Bracelets Full!
Teachers:
Hannah Rice
Remember those brightly colored knotted friendship bracelets that were all the rage when you were in the fourth grade? This is even better!
There will be more colors that you thought possible, and designs to match any ability. If you thought diagonal lines of contrasting color was all there was to homemade jewelry, you were missing out. The number of amazing possible patterns is staggering. I can teach you how to finger weave, make a chevron, etc, and for those of you who want a real challenge, I'll have patterns to test even the most experienced. Don't worry if you've never done it before, there are designs for anyone!
Relieve your childhood! Make jewelry to coordinate with any outfit! Learn how to do something productive that can also function as a time killer! the possibilities are endless!
Prerequisites
none
There will be more colors that you thought possible, and designs to match any ability. If you thought diagonal lines of contrasting color was all there was to homemade jewelry, you were missing out. The number of amazing possible patterns is staggering. I can teach you how to finger weave, make a chevron, etc, and for those of you who want a real challenge, I'll have patterns to test even the most experienced. Don't worry if you've never done it before, there are designs for anyone!
Relieve your childhood! Make jewelry to coordinate with any outfit! Learn how to do something productive that can also function as a time killer! the possibilities are endless!
Prerequisites
none
How to make fun of Bollywood movies
Teachers:
Maryam Mian
We will watch Bollywood movies and have a discussion with emphasis on the flaws in the story line, acting, storyboard, characterization etc.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Spinning Poi Full!
Teachers:
Greg Echelberger
This class is a systematic introduction to a few of the building blocks and basic moves in poi.
Wikipedia says: "Poi is a form of juggling or object manipulation employing a ball suspended from a length of rope which is held in hand and swung in circular patterns, comparable to club-twirling. Poi spinning originated with the Māori people of New Zealand (the word poi means "ball" in Māori) as a means of promoting increased flexibility, strength, and coordination -in particular, the dexterity of the wrist- and as an exercise of movements central to the use of hand weapons, including the patu, mere, and kotiate. "
You can find more information at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poi_(juggling)
Prerequisites
none
Wikipedia says: "Poi is a form of juggling or object manipulation employing a ball suspended from a length of rope which is held in hand and swung in circular patterns, comparable to club-twirling. Poi spinning originated with the Māori people of New Zealand (the word poi means "ball" in Māori) as a means of promoting increased flexibility, strength, and coordination -in particular, the dexterity of the wrist- and as an exercise of movements central to the use of hand weapons, including the patu, mere, and kotiate. "
You can find more information at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poi_(juggling)
Prerequisites
none
Introduction to Chinese Brush Painting Full!
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
If you've never heard of Chinese brush painting:
http://studioboone.com/art/index.html
a beautiful art, no?
Beginning with a very short introduction to the culture and tradition behind the art of Chinese brush painting, this class will be an hour of learning the basic techniques of painting layered bamboo forests.
http://studioboone.com/art/index.html
a beautiful art, no?
Beginning with a very short introduction to the culture and tradition behind the art of Chinese brush painting, this class will be an hour of learning the basic techniques of painting layered bamboo forests.
Pipe cleaners
Teachers:
Catherine Olsson,
Amanda Turk
Pipe cleaners are fuzzy. And colorful. And bendy. And fuzzy. And did we mention they're colorful?
Come learn how to make things out of pipe cleaners. We'll walk you through some simple examples of awesome creations (like penguins! fuzzy, bendy, colorful penguins!) and then let you figure out how to make some things on your own. At the end we'll offer prizes for the best creations in certain categories... like, cutest animal, awesomest robot, most structural house, fuzziest, bendiest, or most colorful.
Think you can handle it?? Then sign up!
Prerequisites
High tolerance for fuzziness, bendiness, and LOTS OF DIFFERENT COLORS!
Come learn how to make things out of pipe cleaners. We'll walk you through some simple examples of awesome creations (like penguins! fuzzy, bendy, colorful penguins!) and then let you figure out how to make some things on your own. At the end we'll offer prizes for the best creations in certain categories... like, cutest animal, awesomest robot, most structural house, fuzziest, bendiest, or most colorful.
Think you can handle it?? Then sign up!
Prerequisites
High tolerance for fuzziness, bendiness, and LOTS OF DIFFERENT COLORS!
ParaPara!
Teachers:
Emily Pittore
ParaPara is a type of Japanese club dancing. It's very easy and fun to learn! We'll be learning "Night of Fire", so if you learned that last Splash and want to learn something new, sign up for ParaPara 2!
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
(Beginners) Crash Course Swing Dancing
Teachers:
Svetlana Chekmasova,
David Zou
Love Dacning?
Hate Dancing?
CAN'T DANCE?!?
Well then you'll love learning how to swing dance. We'll skip all the boring difficult stuff like footwork (at for the most part) and going right into turns, spin, and other impress (and easy to learn) moves. Beginners welcome and encouraged (especially male students who may or may not have two left feet).
Prerequisites
NO Previous experience required.
Hate Dancing?
CAN'T DANCE?!?
Well then you'll love learning how to swing dance. We'll skip all the boring difficult stuff like footwork (at for the most part) and going right into turns, spin, and other impress (and easy to learn) moves. Beginners welcome and encouraged (especially male students who may or may not have two left feet).
Prerequisites
NO Previous experience required.
More Chinese Brush Painting Full!
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
This class will cover techniques for painting several forms of colored flowers, trees, and animals in the traditional style of brush painting. There will be several brief periods of instruction during the hour and a lot of time to just relax and paint.
Prerequisites
For students having just learned the basic techniques of brush painting in the prior class, or with independent experience with the art.
Prerequisites
For students having just learned the basic techniques of brush painting in the prior class, or with independent experience with the art.
ParaPara 2!
Teachers:
Emily Pittore
ParaPara is a type of Japanese club dancing. It's very easy and fun to learn! We'll be learning a new dance this time, so if you took the class last year and want new material, sign up for this one!
Learn Beatboxing! Full!
You may have seen it on TV, on YouTube, or perhaps even some of your cooler friends can do it, but you probably decided that beatboxing, while awesome, is something you will never learn to do. Well, after this class, you will be popping beats like a pro!
This class is a jam-packed start to the world to beatboxing: basic sounds and techniques, rhythms, future resources, and insight into beatbox culture will all be explored. The class, however, is designed to be super-accessible to people of all levels (read: those of you with absolutely NO experience with anything musical, let alone vocal percussion, have nothing to worry about!). Hope to see you there!!
Prerequisites
Bring your mouth (and a fun, open attitude)!
This class is a jam-packed start to the world to beatboxing: basic sounds and techniques, rhythms, future resources, and insight into beatbox culture will all be explored. The class, however, is designed to be super-accessible to people of all levels (read: those of you with absolutely NO experience with anything musical, let alone vocal percussion, have nothing to worry about!). Hope to see you there!!
Prerequisites
Bring your mouth (and a fun, open attitude)!
The Game
Teachers:
Cheri Mah
Do you like to solve puzzles and riddles? Do you like treasure hunts and scavenger hunts? Do you like to use cyphers or want to learn how to use cyphers to decode hidden messages? This class is a mix of all the above and will introduce you to basic cyphers and how to use them. You will also have the chance to solve a miniGame where you will solve clues which lead you to various locations!
Learn to crochet lace!
Teachers:
Alyssa Mensch
Ever wondered how to edge a pillow? Do you know what a doily is? This course will introduce you to various kinds of crocheted lace (including fillet crochet!) that can be used to make all sorts of edgings, trims, and decorations.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic crochet stitches: single and double crochet, chain stitch.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic crochet stitches: single and double crochet, chain stitch.
Cake as a Canvas Full!
Teachers:
Shirin Kasturia,
Emily Suter
Are you the kind of person that enjoys playing with your food? Well, we are too, and now is your chance to take it to the next level.
In this intensive two-hour tutorial, you will get to decorate your cake AND eat it too. We will delve into the theories behind spreading, sculpting, and sprinkling, as well as frosting flowering, and fine food.
Join us for a unique lesson in art with cake as your canvas.
In this intensive two-hour tutorial, you will get to decorate your cake AND eat it too. We will delve into the theories behind spreading, sculpting, and sprinkling, as well as frosting flowering, and fine food.
Join us for a unique lesson in art with cake as your canvas.
Explore MIT
Teachers:
Beth Schaffer
This is not your average campus tour! We’ll explore the winding basements, the towering Green Building and some of the wackier elements of the architecture around MIT. I’ll be taking you on a tour of a lot of the stranger places around campus as well as some of the prettiest sights. Be prepared to walk!
Patrol Full!
Teachers:
Nicholas Zehender
Travel to strange new classrooms. Meet interesting, unusual people, and kill them! Patrol is a high-action game of live combat with rubber-dart guns. Shoot your friends, then watch out as they try to take their revenge. Sponsored by the MIT Assassins' Guild
NOTE: Since this event is run by a separate student group at MIT, you will need a separate permission slip for it. Please print out the form found at http://web.mit.edu/lizakova/Public/Patrol%20Permisson%20Sheet.txt, have your parent/guardian sign it and bring it with you. You will not be allowed into the class otherwise.
NOTE: Since this event is run by a separate student group at MIT, you will need a separate permission slip for it. Please print out the form found at http://web.mit.edu/lizakova/Public/Patrol%20Permisson%20Sheet.txt, have your parent/guardian sign it and bring it with you. You will not be allowed into the class otherwise.
Being a Browncoat 101: An Intro to the Firely 'Verse Full!
Teachers:
Michael Lin
For any of you who have heard of Firefly (or even if you haven't - especially if you haven't), or for any of you who are intrigued to see what one of the world's few sci-fi western television shows was like, this is a class for you. We'd love to have lots of young blood, but those who have already seen Firefly/Serenity are certainly welcome - it's always nice to connect with fellow Browncoats, and who knows? You might learn something new. The class will consist of a discussion about the history of the show, as well as about the characters and backstory of the Firefly universe. At least one episode WILL be screened. If you're looking to join our ranks, know this: Browncoats have done the impossible. Welcome to Serenity.
Reading Comics Full!
Teachers:
Harrison Brown,
Paul Kominers
They say a picture is worth a thousand words; in that case, an issue of Batman should be as long as War and Peace. Come learn about comics, talk about comics, read comics, and just generally be awesome, because hey, comics.
Both print comics and webcomics will be covered, from the Silver Age up through today. The focus will be on Western (i.e., U.S. and European) comics.
Both print comics and webcomics will be covered, from the Silver Age up through today. The focus will be on Western (i.e., U.S. and European) comics.
Crash Course Future Perfect Full!
Teachers:
Dustin Hennessey
Back for Splash, the Crash Course Course kicks down the concepts of time and space to bring you even more tips and tricks to help you out in ordinary - and extraordinary - life. We'll get up to 88 miles an hour and it'll be time to split!
Prerequisites
Be awesome.
Prerequisites
Be awesome.
Introduction to Counted Cross Stitch Full!
Teachers:
Meghan Reedy
Ever looked at an embroidery piece and wondered how it's done? Now's your chance to learn! It's easy and fun, and great for working on in front of the TV or to stay awake in class. We'll be working on counted cross stitch, a particular type of embroidering. Plus, you'll get your own small piece to make. In the first hour, I'll show you the basics of counted cross stitching, and get you started on a simple beginner's kit. The second hour is optional, and you're more than welcome to stay and ask questions or keep working on your kit. I'll be on hand to help out.
Granny squares...
Teachers:
Alyssa Mensch
They're not just for your granny. This course will teach you how to crochet these squares in the round. We will also explore historical uses of the granny square, and take a look at contemporary possibilities for this versatile building block of crochet.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic crochet stitches: single and double crochet, chain stitch.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic crochet stitches: single and double crochet, chain stitch.
10 Bad LARPs in 100 Bad Minutes Full!
Teachers:
Jacky Chang,
Jasmine Florentine
Ever want to play a fairy princess, a communist spy, or a peace-loving werewolf who really only cares about saving the environment? Then Live Action Role-Playing (LARPing) is probably for you. LARPing is, as the name implies, role-playing that involves players physically acting out their characters' roles, and LARPs themselves are wildly varied in the what you can play and do.
And we're here to bring you the worst of them. Join us for a hilarious 100 minutes of ridiculous role-playing and games. Including such beauties as the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group, Amnesia: The LARP, and Football: The Musical.
Prerequisites
A willingness to be silly.
And we're here to bring you the worst of them. Join us for a hilarious 100 minutes of ridiculous role-playing and games. Including such beauties as the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group, Amnesia: The LARP, and Football: The Musical.
Prerequisites
A willingness to be silly.
Adventures in Pixel Art Full!
Teachers:
Lyndsey Moulds
Even with the advent of cutting-edge graphics applications, creating pictures pixel by pixel - a la SNES graphics, Habbo.com, or the end credits of WALL-E - is still a thriving form of computer art. This beginner-level class will familiarize students with different styles of pixel art and help them create their own 8-bit color masterpieces.
Prerequisites
This course assumes basic computer knowledge (intuitive use of menus, minimizing and maximizing windows, et cetera).
Prerequisites
This course assumes basic computer knowledge (intuitive use of menus, minimizing and maximizing windows, et cetera).
advanced poi spinning
Teachers:
Greg Echelberger
a freeform class to practice at whatever level a student is at, going into as much detail as the students are interested in. Anything from 3 beat variations, between the legs, 5 beat, the five beat wall plane fountain, crossers of all types, pendulums, butterfly hybrids, mercedes, antispin, isolations, or any other crazy combination we can come up with.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poi
Prerequisites
having picked up a set of poi before and figured out a few moves you like
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poi
Prerequisites
having picked up a set of poi before and figured out a few moves you like
Paint with Watercolor! Full!
Learn how to paint in Watercolors! We can paint anything you want. No prior experience necessary. Paint, brushes, board, and masking will be provided, simply bring yourself and some creativity. An image of what you would like to paint would be recommended. Also, you may want to bring a rag (to wipe off water, or to touch up your painting).
In this class, we will learn some basic watercolor techniques and then do some experimentation!
Also note that watercolors can be messy, so come prepared.
In this class, we will learn some basic watercolor techniques and then do some experimentation!
Also note that watercolors can be messy, so come prepared.
Bacon! Full!
Teachers:
Vikki Chou,
Kyle Fritz
Bacon is one of the most beloved of foods. However, many people who enjoy the delectable delights of bacon are woefully undereducated about its origins. In this class, we will explore where bacon comes from (point to the right part of the pig!) and what different kinds of bacon exist (Canadian? Smoked? Cured?).
There will be a tasting of different kinds of bacon, both in its pure state and as part of interesting confections (bacon cupcakes?).
If time and resources are available, we might also make some bacon sculptures.
Prerequisites
A desire to know more about bacon. Willingness to eat cooked bacon in various confections and perhaps to touch raw bacon.
There will be a tasting of different kinds of bacon, both in its pure state and as part of interesting confections (bacon cupcakes?).
If time and resources are available, we might also make some bacon sculptures.
Prerequisites
A desire to know more about bacon. Willingness to eat cooked bacon in various confections and perhaps to touch raw bacon.
Manga and Comics: Creating Sequential Art
Teachers:
Jennifer Fu
Has your love for comics or manga inspired you to create comic-related art? Are you interested in taking your craft to the next level and creating real comics or graphic novels? Sequential art is a rich and complex art form that involves more than just superheroes and giant robots. Learn how to turn comic-style artwork into living and breathing comic stories.
This class will walkthrough the comics creation process step-by-step:
1) Story concept
2) Concept art and character design
3) Scripting
4) Storyboarding (with extended emphasis on sequential art storytelling, including panelling, page composition, angle shots, and the difference between Western comics and manga)
5) Pencilling
6) Inking
7) Rendering
8) Final effects (lettering, SFX)
Non-artists and comics writers are welcome. Although these techniques are applicable for most kinds of comics, this class will be taught with slightly greater emphasis on manga, or Japanese sequential art. This class will go more in-depth into production than its counterpart (Comics and Manga II: Storytelling and Production) last year.
Prerequisites
Basic drawing experience and familiarity with comics of manga is encouraged but not required. A genuine interest in learning and generous attention span IS required.
This class will walkthrough the comics creation process step-by-step:
1) Story concept
2) Concept art and character design
3) Scripting
4) Storyboarding (with extended emphasis on sequential art storytelling, including panelling, page composition, angle shots, and the difference between Western comics and manga)
5) Pencilling
6) Inking
7) Rendering
8) Final effects (lettering, SFX)
Non-artists and comics writers are welcome. Although these techniques are applicable for most kinds of comics, this class will be taught with slightly greater emphasis on manga, or Japanese sequential art. This class will go more in-depth into production than its counterpart (Comics and Manga II: Storytelling and Production) last year.
Prerequisites
Basic drawing experience and familiarity with comics of manga is encouraged but not required. A genuine interest in learning and generous attention span IS required.
Student Opinion Forum: The Future of ESP
Teachers:
Michelle Bentivegna,
Andrew Geng
We'll have an informal discussion and feedback session about ESP in general. Here's a chance to tell us what you like and dislike about the way we do things and to toss around some ideas about the future of our programs. Bring breakfast and we'll make it a breakfast forum!
How to solve a Rubik's Cube
Teachers:
Marcel Thomas
This section will show how to solve a Rubik's cube. It will include the history of the cube, several different methods used to solve the cube, how to modify the cube, and it will even include solutions to other mechanical puzzles, such as the 4x4x4 cube, the 5x5x5 cube, and Square 1. It will even introduce a computer program that has a Rubik's cube in the 4th dimension!
Prerequisites
No experience necessary, however experience will lead to a much deeper understanding of the material. Also, IF YOU HAVE A RUBIK'S CUBE, BRING ONE.
Prerequisites
No experience necessary, however experience will lead to a much deeper understanding of the material. Also, IF YOU HAVE A RUBIK'S CUBE, BRING ONE.
The Art of Etch-A-Sketch Full!
Teachers:
Shirin Kasturia
While for some people an etch-a-sketch is a simple red plastic toy, for others it is a challenging medium for artistic expression, a blank canvas awaiting to be filled by creative inspiration.
Come learn some fundamental techniques in fine art using that toy you once thought could only draw in straight lines.
All levels of etch-a-sketch and artistic experience are welcome. Materials will be provided.
Come learn some fundamental techniques in fine art using that toy you once thought could only draw in straight lines.
All levels of etch-a-sketch and artistic experience are welcome. Materials will be provided.
Origami for fun!
Come learn how to make fun stuff with paper! Things that we have done in the past are: boats, camera, flying boxes, pacman, and more! This class is for beginners. If you've done any origami before, you might be get bored. All ages are welcome.
Build Your Own Headphone Amplifier Full!
Teachers:
Michael Price
I enjoy do-it-yourself (DIY) audio because you can build loudspeakers and electronics with immediate, enjoyable results. We can't build a pair of speakers in a short Splash class (wait until Spring HSSP for that); but we can start small. A headphone amplifier uses the same type of circuit building blocks as many other electronic devices. And it might noticeably improve the sound quality of your headphones!
I'll teach you how to build and test simple circuits using lab equipment at the MIT Edgerton Center. We'll see how you can use simple filters to change the tone of sounds, and how they allow us to build accurate (or at least good sounding) speakers.
Each brave student will receive a kit of electronic parts, from which you'll build and keep a battery powered headphone amp.
I'll teach you how to build and test simple circuits using lab equipment at the MIT Edgerton Center. We'll see how you can use simple filters to change the tone of sounds, and how they allow us to build accurate (or at least good sounding) speakers.
Each brave student will receive a kit of electronic parts, from which you'll build and keep a battery powered headphone amp.
Low-Tech Animation Full!
Teachers:
Tatiana Soutar
Animation is all about telling stories, so we'll toss the technology (for now) and jump right into the heart of animation. We will discuss some principles of animation, design characters, and start working on flipbooks that tell stories in the space of just a few seconds.
Card Throwing Full!
Teachers:
Kevin Hwang
Learn to throw ordinary playing cards!
Prerequisites
functioning wrists
Prerequisites
functioning wrists
Make Chain Mail
Teachers:
Jesse Ashcraft-Johnson
Learn the ancient craft of chain mail. Weave fabric or rope from steel rings. Make delicate, intricate jewelry or hardcore, badass clothing.
Deflect swords! Make chain mail!
Prerequisites
Patience. A sizable piece of chain mail will take a while to make.
Deflect swords! Make chain mail!
Prerequisites
Patience. A sizable piece of chain mail will take a while to make.
The Tasty Goodness of Juice Full!
Teachers:
Greg Brockman
You have never tasted juice like this. Learn (by doing) how to prepare and juice fruits to create the most delicious beverage known to man. And the best part: you get to drink your creation afterwards. Mmm.
Prerequisites
You should like fruit juice.
Prerequisites
You should like fruit juice.
Things from Australia That Can Kill You Full!
Teachers:
Jessie Mueller
Australia is a neat place, filled with cute koalas and coral reefs. Below the surface, however, the country can also be deadly. Come learn about dangerous creatures and situations in Australia, along with honorable mentions and a chance to taste Vegemite!
String Figures
Teachers:
Teresa Gomez
We'll cut and fuse string loops, then use them to make all kinds of figures. Traditional patterns, moving figures, and tricks will be learned- no experience necessary!
Prerequisites
Ten or more fingers
Prerequisites
Ten or more fingers
Skills that Could Save Your Life #74
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
Wait!? Do I know that person? We're going to pass each other - do I stop, do I wave, do I smile, how long should I maintain eye contact?! ... How to survive... dun dun dun Social Navigation of Public Transportation (Subways, Busses, Elevators, Escalators, and Hallways -- note: we are well aware of the current contentions concerning moving sidewalks, but, so as not to prematurely discourage and confuse introductory-level students, this material will not be covered in class)
Bridge Building Contest
Teachers:
David Farhi,
Albert Wang
Test your engineering skills with toothpicks and jelly beans.
Manga and Comics II: Getting Your Comic Out
Teachers:
Jennifer Fu
Continuation of Manga and Comics: Creating Sequential Art. Once you've finally gotten your awesome new comic underway, how do you go about showing it to the world? This class will discuss various ways to present and distribute comics, from webcomics to self-publishing to (gasp) print. We will also look into how to create a pitch, how to compile a portfolio, what publishing companies are looking for in new works, how to work a medium, and how to be successful in comics contests.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with comics of manga is encouraged but not required. A genuine interest in learning and generous attention span IS required.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with comics of manga is encouraged but not required. A genuine interest in learning and generous attention span IS required.
The Art of Money
Teachers:
Chris Su
Just this summer, inflation in Zimbabwe topped 11 million percent, forcing the government to print banknotes bearing the denomination of 100 billion ($$10^11$$). Also, by the end of this year, you will see the Hawaii quarter, marking the 50th unique quarter released since 1999.
Money design is an integral part of preserving our history, and this class invites you to explore the story contained in US and international money.
If not for anything else, come and see 100,000,000,000 dollars live. :D
Money design is an integral part of preserving our history, and this class invites you to explore the story contained in US and international money.
If not for anything else, come and see 100,000,000,000 dollars live. :D
Learn How to Solve the Rubik's Cube in under 5 minutes!!! Full!
Teachers:
Manan Thakkar
Do you want to learn how to solve a Rubik's Cube in under 5 minutes? It's easier than you may think, and it's a very impressive trick among friends.
The first 60 to 90 minutes of the class will focus on simply getting you to solve the Rubik's cube for the first time. After that, we will spend the remaining time improving your time and memorizing how to solve it.
If you already know the basics of how to solve a Rubik's cube, feel free to come over for tips on improving your speed. Currently, I average around 45 seconds to solve a scrambled cube and I can certainly help you get faster.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at thakkar.m@neu.edu
Prerequisites
You will definitely want to bring your own Rubik's cube. I will try to bring a few, but there will likely not be enough for everyone. So if you have your own Rubik's cube, and you probably do somewhere in your house, then be sure to bring it in.
The first 60 to 90 minutes of the class will focus on simply getting you to solve the Rubik's cube for the first time. After that, we will spend the remaining time improving your time and memorizing how to solve it.
If you already know the basics of how to solve a Rubik's cube, feel free to come over for tips on improving your speed. Currently, I average around 45 seconds to solve a scrambled cube and I can certainly help you get faster.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at thakkar.m@neu.edu
Prerequisites
You will definitely want to bring your own Rubik's cube. I will try to bring a few, but there will likely not be enough for everyone. So if you have your own Rubik's cube, and you probably do somewhere in your house, then be sure to bring it in.
Truffles-Making 101
Teachers:
Kendra Beckler
Come learn to make homemade truffles, elegant and delicate. Impress your friends and family! Students will take their creations home.
Bookbinding
Teachers:
Jason Alonso,
Daniel Zaharopol
Ever wonder how books are made? Ever think it would be cool if you could have your creative writing in hardcover? Ever wanted to use the word "signature" in a way that none of your friends understand?
Come bind copies of the novel written in "How to Write a Novel in 3 hours." You will practice some basic techniques and learn about more of them in the course of this class.
Come bind copies of the novel written in "How to Write a Novel in 3 hours." You will practice some basic techniques and learn about more of them in the course of this class.
25 Years of Transformers: Separating Fact from Fanfiction Full!
Teachers:
Daniel Look
25 years ago the Transformers came to the US. Not the giant robots, but their toy counterparts. Today, the Transformers label is seeing a huge increase in popularity with the live-action movies and the Transformers: Animated television series. However, between the original Transformers cartoon, which left the air in 1987, and the arrival of the TF live-action film in 2008 the Transformers line was far from dormant. In this class we will discuss the various time-lines and continuities existing in the TF universe (this will include watching clips from the various US and Japanese series and checking out the comics). We will discuss the Transformers as an epic story, including an analysis of the characters' "Jungian Archetypes". We will also, of course, get to play with toys. I will be bringing select toys from each of the various Transformers lines along with some rare figures.
ULTIMATE Wikiracing Full!
Teachers:
Lauren McGough
Are you a master at getting lost in a whirl of links while you are on Wikipedia? Want to show off your skill in getting from random page A to random page B as fast as you can using only links on Wikipedia? Have you ever heard of Wikiracing?
Come learn to wikirace, then show off your skills in the ultimate Splash Wikirace Showdown! Small prizes will be awarded to winners.
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with wikipedia is suggested.
Come learn to wikirace, then show off your skills in the ultimate Splash Wikirace Showdown! Small prizes will be awarded to winners.
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with wikipedia is suggested.
Orienteering: map and compass navigation for fun Full!
Teachers:
Catherine Olsson
Imagine racing through the forest, no roads or trails in view, map in hand and constantly checking off features in the terrain around you, plowing onwards determinedly in the direction of your goal - a flag hidden in the forest at a certain location, and your task is to find it. Once you've found it, you set off again to find the next one, and the next... this is the sport of orienteering, a fast-paced navigation race through unknown terrain guided only by a map and compass.
For the first hour in the classroom, you will learn the basics of map and compass orienteering, including some standard features and symbology of maps, methods for using a compass to orient yourself, strategies for choosing efficient routes, and most importantly, ways to relocate when you get lost. You don't need to have a good sense of direction or be in great shape. If you're quick-witted and can learn to use the map and compass to your advantage, then you can learn to orienteer!
In the second hour, we'll go out on the MIT campus and try out our newfound orienteering skills on a real orienteering course. Bring shoes you can walk/run in comfortably, and a compass if you have one.
Prerequisites
None.
For the first hour in the classroom, you will learn the basics of map and compass orienteering, including some standard features and symbology of maps, methods for using a compass to orient yourself, strategies for choosing efficient routes, and most importantly, ways to relocate when you get lost. You don't need to have a good sense of direction or be in great shape. If you're quick-witted and can learn to use the map and compass to your advantage, then you can learn to orienteer!
In the second hour, we'll go out on the MIT campus and try out our newfound orienteering skills on a real orienteering course. Bring shoes you can walk/run in comfortably, and a compass if you have one.
Prerequisites
None.
Beginners' Crochet Full!
Teachers:
Haneef Evans,
Ada Ren
The class will take less than 2 hours.... most likely
Better, Faster, Stronger... than knitting
We will be teaching:
Basic Stitches
Circular Stitches
Prerequisites
One Right Hand One Left Hand Preferably attached to the same person Legs not required Enthusiasm
Better, Faster, Stronger... than knitting
We will be teaching:
Basic Stitches
Circular Stitches
Prerequisites
One Right Hand One Left Hand Preferably attached to the same person Legs not required Enthusiasm
Introduction to Zombie Defense
In Voodoo, there is the belief that there are undead people who are controlled by a sorcerer: these people are known as zombies. As they are not in their own control, we have reason to be afraid, as we can not reason with them. We can run, but we can't hide forever. The only thing we can do is learn to defend ourselves and become masters of our own destinies.
Prerequisites
Interested in having fun, learning about zombies and other mystical creatures, gaining skills in tactics, communication and leadership.
Prerequisites
Interested in having fun, learning about zombies and other mystical creatures, gaining skills in tactics, communication and leadership.
Urban Orienteering at MIT
So you've seen the crazy lego-like Simmons dorm and the earthquake shaken Stata Center. Do you want to get to know the MIT campus even more? Welcome to Urban Orienteering! Equipped with only a map and your sense of direction, you must race your way through all the checkpoints across over campus. Traditionally, orienteering is done in parks, on and off trail. We will be doing the same thing on the MIT campus except instead of having a compass as your guide, you will be using your surroundings to help you. And of course there will be a special something for the fastest teams!!
NOTE: The course will be very similar to the ones in previous years.
Prerequisites
Have NOT taken the course in the past two years.
NOTE: The course will be very similar to the ones in previous years.
Prerequisites
Have NOT taken the course in the past two years.
Boffer Construction Full!
Tired of using a videogame controller to fight your battles? Come build a boffer weapon and be your own avatar! A boffer is a padded foam weapon constructed to strict safety standards used for fights in Live Action Role-Playing (LARPing) or just plain fun. In this class we will learn to build basic mid-length swords. ***Teacher's note: If you have attended this class before, PLEASE refrain from signing up so that others may try something new. Thanks!
Prerequisites
First-timers only, please!
Prerequisites
First-timers only, please!
Rocks and Foot-Tag
Teachers:
Solomon Spigel
Have you ever gone outside and sat down on a rock, felt totally relaxed, and suddenly had the urge to run around on the grass? Well that's what we're doing in this class.
Balloon Animal Bonanza
Teachers:
Julia Boortz,
Jessie Mueller
Want to impress your friends? Intrigued by the balloon twisting of a clown? Learn to make a balloon dog and more! No experience (or large red nose) required. **Note: Balloons contain latex**
How to solve a Rubik's Cube
Teachers:
Marcel Thomas
This section will show how to solve a Rubik's cube. It will include the history of the cube, several different methods used to solve the cube, how to modify the cube, and it will even include solutions to other mechanical puzzles, such as the 4x4x4 cube, the 5x5x5 cube, and Square 1. It will even introduce a computer program that has a Rubik's cube in the 4th dimension!
Prerequisites
No experience necessary, however experience will lead to a much deeper understanding of the material. Also, IF YOU HAVE A RUBIK'S CUBE, BRING ONE.
Prerequisites
No experience necessary, however experience will lead to a much deeper understanding of the material. Also, IF YOU HAVE A RUBIK'S CUBE, BRING ONE.
The Art and Craft of Flicking
Teachers:
Weijian Chuah
Take a big table. You place a poker chip at one corner. I place another at the direct opposite corner. We can flick the poker chip such that ours hits yours off the table, while ours stays! Come learn some skills of flicking. Anyone, beginner or master, is welcome! Tournament at the end of the class and win prizes. It's all about PRECISION!
Prerequisites
Enthusiasm. Nimble fingers.
Prerequisites
Enthusiasm. Nimble fingers.
Introductory Dark Chocolate Tasting
Teachers:
Meghan Reedy,
Paul Weaver
So you like chocolate. A lot. You even have a favorite brand. (Hersheys? Nestle? Dove?) But it's all just chocolate, right? Wrong! There's a lot more to chocolate than what you buy in the grocery store. There are gradations of how dark it is, different types of beans, even chocolate made from beans all from the same country or even the same plantation! And they all have distinctive tastes. We'll have a range of different chocolates, as well as information about the different types of chocolate. We'll explore several different aspects of high-quality chocolate (such as percentage cocoa contents, and what country it comes from) and discuss what these things do to the flavor. We'll also bring some suggestions for where to look for buying your own chocolate. Note: Although younger students may take this class, please make sure they can sit still and join in a reasonable discussion. Anyone being rowdy will be asked to leave.
Whistling together Full!
Teachers:
Joan Chen
I'm trying to find students to whistle tunes together and see if it sounds nice!
Prerequisites
You need to know how to whistle,(i.e. making simple tunes (at least!) come out of your lips). Or, if you know how to conduct a choir or something similar, please come because I don't really know how!
Prerequisites
You need to know how to whistle,(i.e. making simple tunes (at least!) come out of your lips). Or, if you know how to conduct a choir or something similar, please come because I don't really know how!
Magic: The Gathering - Theory of Drafting Full!
Teachers:
Amelia Browning,
Matthew Escoto
This will be a course designed to teach students about the Magic limited format known as drafting. We will go over some of the basic drafting tips and tricks, as well as actually draft the most recent set, Shards of Alara.
Prerequisites
Students should know how to play Magic comfortably well.
Prerequisites
Students should know how to play Magic comfortably well.
Learn How to Knit / Make a Camera Case, Etc. Full!
Teachers:
Lizi George,
Rena Katz
Knitting is fun and exciting! You will learn how to make a stretchy, fuzzy case for your camera, iPod, phone, or whatever small object you want to avoid getting scratched. A headband is another option. Any knitting skill level is welcome - I can help you with more advanced skills if there is time - but this class is geared towards beginners.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Experimental Muffin Engineering and Systems
Teachers:
Josh Muffin,
Katherine Thomas
the how to and what to of making all the muffins you could dream of. build outfits, radios, hair dye, elevators and our current administration out of muffins! We will cover basic brainstorming, design and fabrication techniques. Ingredients provided. Eager hands and minds needed.
Prerequisites
being able to set an oven to bake and checking a time
Prerequisites
being able to set an oven to bake and checking a time
TEATEATEATEATEA
Come learn about the awesomeness of Tea! It helps me survive and it can help you too! Try new kinds of tea, tea with milk, tea with boba, tea with scones, tea with sandwiches, tea with cake, tea with dim sum, tea with math... the possibilities are endless!
Video Games: An Insider's Look
Teachers:
Kahn Jekarl
Did you ever wonder how video games are made? Are you curious about the different jobs within the game industry? Are you interested in making video games? Then this is the class for you! Taught by Kahn Jekarl, a professional game developer that has made games for the PlayStation2, Xbox, and PC, this class will delve into issues such as getting into the game industry and how games are made. The only prerequisite is a love for games.
Monkey Island Full!
Teachers:
David Benjamin,
Rebecca Krentz-Wee
You are Guybrush Threepwood, mighty pirate of the Caribbean.
Well, actually you're not all that mighty, and you're not really a pirate yet... but you really want to be! And you can hold your breath for 10 minutes. That's got to count for something.
Join us as we play through this LucasArts adventure game with its notoriously complicated puzzles and witty humor. Face devious enemies including the evil ghost pirate LeChuck! Featuring vegetarian cannibals, odd uses of rubber chickens, insult swordfighting.
"You fight like a dairy farmer!"
"How appropriate, you fight like a cow!"
(We will play Monkey Island I and Monkey Island II in the two sections, so feel free to come to only one or both of them.)
Prerequisites
Not knowing how to beat Monkey Island already.
Well, actually you're not all that mighty, and you're not really a pirate yet... but you really want to be! And you can hold your breath for 10 minutes. That's got to count for something.
Join us as we play through this LucasArts adventure game with its notoriously complicated puzzles and witty humor. Face devious enemies including the evil ghost pirate LeChuck! Featuring vegetarian cannibals, odd uses of rubber chickens, insult swordfighting.
"You fight like a dairy farmer!"
"How appropriate, you fight like a cow!"
(We will play Monkey Island I and Monkey Island II in the two sections, so feel free to come to only one or both of them.)
Prerequisites
Not knowing how to beat Monkey Island already.
Learn to Play Bridge Full!
Teachers:
Benjamin Epstein
Bridge is one of the most intellectually stimulating, exciting card games around! This will be an introduction to the game: We'll learn lots of the basics about playing strategy, why one player is called the "dummy," a little bit about "bidding" your cards, and we'll finish up with a small tournament!
Bridge is played in pairs, so come with a friend! If you come alone, we'll match you up with someone else who comes.
Bridge is played in pairs, so come with a friend! If you come alone, we'll match you up with someone else who comes.
Introduction to European Games
Tired of Monopoly, Taboo and Trivial Pursuit? This class will introduce “European-style” board games, which range from monks in a monastery trying to solve a murder mystery to settling an island to building Arabian palaces. These games are social, fun and themed while still incorporating interesting strategy. We'll explore several varieties of European games, including some specific examples, and examine sources for these games. This class will include, of course, a “games tasting” session, where we will break into groups and play some of these games.
Estimated attendance: 10 students (including other sections of the same class).
Estimated attendance: 10 students (including other sections of the same class).
Introduction to Birdwatching
Teachers:
Mary Masterman,
Jennifer Melot
An introduction to some of the general ideas and techniques of birdwatching; also provides instruction on the identification of various common Massachusetts birds.
Manga 101
Teachers:
Emily Pittore
Do you read manga but want to know more about it? Have you never read it and don't know where to start? We're going to talk a little about what types of manga are out there, and give some recommendations in each genre.
Hardcore College Admissions
Teachers:
Chris Su
HYPSMC = Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, Caltech = the Holy Grail of College Admissions.
Want to get into one of these?
MIT Admissions Blogger and CollegeConfidential.com veteran with nearly 1,600 posts shares some insights (disclaimer: my opinions are strictly personal and do not represent the official positions of any college =p).
Want to get into one of these?
MIT Admissions Blogger and CollegeConfidential.com veteran with nearly 1,600 posts shares some insights (disclaimer: my opinions are strictly personal and do not represent the official positions of any college =p).
Massachusetts Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry Full!
Teachers:
Nicholas Pellegrino
Do you like Harry Potter? Then come discuss all about the world's favorite boy wizard. Topics will include (but are not limited to) the books, movies, fan culture, and anything else that makes you wish you had magical powers.
Prerequisites
Class open to all wizards, witches, Muggles, goblins, centaurs, and other magical beings.
Prerequisites
Class open to all wizards, witches, Muggles, goblins, centaurs, and other magical beings.
Make Your Own Fashion Project! Full!
Teachers:
Susana Hak,
Gabriella de Paz
This class is solely to enhance your own creativity! There is a store called the Garment District that is filled with clothes for cheap, though it'll take a bit of looking to actually find something. That's your job! Me and another student are going to take the class to the Garment District and have them scout out for items to create something ugly into in style fashion!
Prerequisites
Just bring your creativity and have fun!
Prerequisites
Just bring your creativity and have fun!
bouncing and sugar! take 3
Teachers:
Yuri Lin
bounce bounce bounce bounce
Prerequisites
bouncing and sugar, takes 1 and 2 (not really)
Prerequisites
bouncing and sugar, takes 1 and 2 (not really)
[Deprecated] Junction
Alternative Wiimote Uses
Teachers:
Daniel Gray
(Junction of Computer Science, Hobbies, and Math)
The Wii Remote, or Wiimote, is the controller for the Nintendo Wii gaming console. When it was first announced, gamers were awed by the ingenuity of its design and the gameplay opportunities it offers. You can aim it like a gun at on-screen enemies, swing it around like a tennis racket, or in some early cases, throw it through your TV as you bowl a strike. Have you ever wondered, though, what uses it might have outside of mainstream video gaming? In this class we will explore some of these possibilities, then take an in-depth look at how to implement one of them. You'll go home with a CD containing all the software you need to try it out yourself.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic trigonometry and object-oriented programming. If you've never programmed before, take a Splash C++ class first!
The Wii Remote, or Wiimote, is the controller for the Nintendo Wii gaming console. When it was first announced, gamers were awed by the ingenuity of its design and the gameplay opportunities it offers. You can aim it like a gun at on-screen enemies, swing it around like a tennis racket, or in some early cases, throw it through your TV as you bowl a strike. Have you ever wondered, though, what uses it might have outside of mainstream video gaming? In this class we will explore some of these possibilities, then take an in-depth look at how to implement one of them. You'll go home with a CD containing all the software you need to try it out yourself.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic trigonometry and object-oriented programming. If you've never programmed before, take a Splash C++ class first!
The Mathematics of Juggling Full!
Teachers:
Jeremy Kuhn
(Hobbies and Mathematics)
What on earth does juggling have to do with mathematics?!
How do you juggle "441"?
Siteswap notation is a means of expressing juggling patterns through strings of numbers. After introducing siteswap notation, we will use it to show some interesting and unexpected mathematical properties of juggling.
What on earth does juggling have to do with mathematics?!
How do you juggle "441"?
Siteswap notation is a means of expressing juggling patterns through strings of numbers. After introducing siteswap notation, we will use it to show some interesting and unexpected mathematical properties of juggling.
Reading Video Games (Will we ever get tired of shooting aliens in the crotch?)
Teachers:
Alexander El Nabli
What do we expect when we cough up $35-$60 for a video game and what ought we expect? Are video games a form of entertainment or pieces of art to reflect upon?
We will explore how video games differentiate themselves from other media and what could be required of such a peculiar industry if it wants to take advantage of these qualities (i.e. interactivity, the problematic, rules, fun, and princesses).
We will also briefly examine the history of gaming to situate ourselves in the current context of PC and console games.
Those brave of heart and strong of thumb are greatly encouraged to enroll.
We will explore how video games differentiate themselves from other media and what could be required of such a peculiar industry if it wants to take advantage of these qualities (i.e. interactivity, the problematic, rules, fun, and princesses).
We will also briefly examine the history of gaming to situate ourselves in the current context of PC and console games.
Those brave of heart and strong of thumb are greatly encouraged to enroll.
Survivorman: Prepping for and Surviving College
Teachers:
Leonardo Gomez
My goal is to provide you with a lens into the college experience. I'll be providing tips on putting together a successful application, prepping you for your first year, and surviving when you get there. I'll also take you on a virtual tour of a day in the life of an MIT undergrad. Essential survival tips and implements will be discussed at random throughout the lecture.
Prerequisites
an open ear and the slightest interest in going to college.
Prerequisites
an open ear and the slightest interest in going to college.
[Deprecated] Liberal Arts
Connecting Religious and Scientific Belief
Teachers:
David Nawi
It is our beliefs that help guide our decisions and help us make sense of the world. Religious and scientific belief can thus be seen as two distinct yet complimentary aspects of our beliefs as a whole, and not as mutually exclusive. Come discuss more about why so many people feel the need to separate the two and denigrate one or the other, and how you can weave the two together in your own life.
A Brief Conversation About the Baha'i Faith
Teachers:
David Nawi
Can you imagine covering an entire religion in one hour? Neither can I. So let’s sit down, get relaxed, and have a short conversation about a religion you may not have heard of or know much about. Be sure to bring your questioning nature and open mind along for the ride.
Build a World
Teachers:
Susan Shepherd
Do you have a plot that needs a setting? Are you hoping to write a fantasy, science fiction, or speculative fiction story or book, but you aren't sure how to make your world believeable? Fear not! This class will provide tips and advice on doing research, creating a culture, making up a history, creating a consistent magic system, avoiding cliches and integrating your characters into the society around them.
Prerequisites
An interest in writing or worldbuilding
Prerequisites
An interest in writing or worldbuilding
Beginner Latin I
Teachers:
Jean Cui
Beginner Latin I will teach some basic grammar (first declension, second declension nouns, first conjugation, second conjugation verbs in the present, imperfect, and future), some Latin vocabulary, some English words that derive from Latin, and some Roman history and culture.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Conversational Latin
Teachers:
Antony Nguyen
A minimal-grammar, no-translation introduction to the true spoken tongue of the Romans.
By the end of this course, you'll seem like an educated Roman elite with your vast knowledge of numbers, letters, and basic greetings, just in case you end up in ancient Rome.
Prerequisites
None. Toga optional.
By the end of this course, you'll seem like an educated Roman elite with your vast knowledge of numbers, letters, and basic greetings, just in case you end up in ancient Rome.
Prerequisites
None. Toga optional.
Playwrights' Workshop Full!
Teachers:
Daniel Zaharopol
Drama has great power. While movies and books have their own advantages, there is something special about being able to connect emotionally with real people that are right in front of you. But writing for the theater is hard. It needs to sound authentic, but it also needs to move the plot forwards. Characters must be true to themselves and each other. Each scene must have a point, it must have action, it must be engaging. Come join us as we explore some excerpts from plays, write our own short scenes, and discuss what it is that goes into a good play. If you've written any kind of play (or just a short scene) before, you are encouraged to bring several copies. But this class is open to anyone, including and especially those who have never written before!
How to Persuade: The Aristotelian Way Full!
Teachers:
Soren Rehn
Aristotle wrote that rhetoric is "the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion." So, what "available means" are staring you in the face? We'll be exploring how we can speak and act persuasively on the platform or in every day life through Aristotle's Rhetoric. And then we'll practice on each other! Come ready to convince or be convinced.
Learn basic Polish Full!
Teachers:
Martyna Jozwiak
Learn how to pronounce Polish words and phrases. Have your first conversation in Polish and get answers to any questions you may have about the culture and history of Poland.
The ideas of Charles Darwin Full!
Teachers:
Karishma Sekhon
The basic ideas of the evolution of species by Charles Darwin
Prerequisites
Non
Prerequisites
Non
Voices of the Tundra: Sámi Music, Past and Present
Teachers:
Alyssa Kersting
A short introduction to the music of the Sámi people of north Lapland, a indigenous group from the circumpolar regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. We'll start with an brief discussion of Sámi history and culture, followed by an introduction to the traditional song-style, the chant-like joik. Finally, we'll survey modern Sámi artists and their work, as they blend the ancestral joik with more contemporary influences.
Prerequisites
An open mind about other cultures' musical traditions.
Prerequisites
An open mind about other cultures' musical traditions.
The Black Plague
Teachers:
Michelle Bentivegna
The Black Death was one of the deadliest plagues in human history. It swept through Europe sporadically throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It's estimated Europe lost about one third of its population to this disease. What caused such a deadly disease? How did Europeans react, and how did the Black Plague change the course of history?
In this class, we will study both the biology of the plague (which is still poorly understood) and how it affected the course of European History.
In this class, we will study both the biology of the plague (which is still poorly understood) and how it affected the course of European History.
Spoken Word: the Power of Language
Teachers:
Lyla Johnston
Spoken Word is a rapidly growing art-form which blends performance and free verse poetry. This class will unlock the explosive quality of the dictionary and educate students on the beauty of free expression.
Introduction to American Sign Language Full!
Teachers:
Alice Ohlson
This class will be a brief introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), a language used by over half a million Americans. I hope to show you what a unique, fascinating, and beautiful language ASL is.
Split Personalities and the Human Mind
Teachers:
Karishma Sekhon
A brief study of the reasons and causes
of split personalities and the human mind.
Prerequisites
non
of split personalities and the human mind.
Prerequisites
non
Write a Novel In 3 Hours
Sound insane? Well, yeah. And yet, we shall boldly venture forth, writing without a prayer of proofreading, hacking out our chapters as fast as our fingers can type them. Be a part of this crazy experiment!
In the first 90 minutes, we will come up with a plot, sketch out chapter summaries, and divide them up. In the second 90 minutes, we will write, write, write! If you take bookbinding, you'll get to bind this novel afterwards.
Those who expect quality may be disappointed. Those few, brave, creative souls who want to see what happens anyway are warmly invited!
In the first 90 minutes, we will come up with a plot, sketch out chapter summaries, and divide them up. In the second 90 minutes, we will write, write, write! If you take bookbinding, you'll get to bind this novel afterwards.
Those who expect quality may be disappointed. Those few, brave, creative souls who want to see what happens anyway are warmly invited!
The Sonnet
Teachers:
Lance Ozier
The sonnet is one of the oldest and most durable forms of poetry. It’s been used by great poets from Shakespeare to e. e. cummings. Because it has certain rules, it poses creative challenges for any poet, but as a result can yield poems that astonish and delight. Come see how poets have met the challenges and reaped the rewards over the past 400 years.
Prerequisites
Interest in words, language, poetry.
Prerequisites
Interest in words, language, poetry.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to MUNs
Teachers:
Usman Masood
Model United Nations? Questions from what is it!? to what a moderated caucus is. In the last one hour, we will be having a mock UN committee session.
Getting Good at Grammar Full!
Teachers:
Allison Moore
Sure, you know the basics - their vs. there, to vs. too vs. two. But do you know when to use whom instead of who? Lay instead of lie? Have you heard of parallelism and noun-verb agreement?
Good grammar is so important - it organizes our language, makes text easier to understand, and, perhaps most importantly, makes you sound smart in daily conversation, class papers, and college essays.
This is a course for everyone from the student who gets her papers back covered in red editing marks to the kid who likes to obnoxiously correct others when they speak poorly.
Your teacher is a Boston University journalism major who's a huuuge grammar freak. She currently works as an editorial intern at a local children's book publisher. Feel free to bring an essay for her to edit - she'd be happy to look it over after class.
Prerequisites
None
Good grammar is so important - it organizes our language, makes text easier to understand, and, perhaps most importantly, makes you sound smart in daily conversation, class papers, and college essays.
This is a course for everyone from the student who gets her papers back covered in red editing marks to the kid who likes to obnoxiously correct others when they speak poorly.
Your teacher is a Boston University journalism major who's a huuuge grammar freak. She currently works as an editorial intern at a local children's book publisher. Feel free to bring an essay for her to edit - she'd be happy to look it over after class.
Prerequisites
None
Modern Jewish Cultural History
Teachers:
Evan Silberman
The story of the Jewish people in the modern world constitutes a parallel narrative to the usual story of European enlightenment, exploration, conquest, rebellion, and reform. We will discuss the idea of a secular Jewish culture, and follow its development from the dawn of the modern era in Europe to the end of the 20th Century in the United States.
How to Order Lunch in Athens
Teachers:
Malamo Countouris,
Constantine Speridakos
Technology! Democracy! Feta cheese! Where on Earth do these words come from?
Although it has existed in several different forms throughout its history, Greek has always been an energetic language, an academic language, and a brilliantly descriptive language. Its speakers created timeless works of drama and helped set the frameworks of our democracy. In this course we will discover the Greek roots of a few common English words and experience the color of the modern Greek language you might just hear during your next walk down the ancient streets of Athens.
After the class, students will be able to order lunch in the Greek capital for themselves!
Although it has existed in several different forms throughout its history, Greek has always been an energetic language, an academic language, and a brilliantly descriptive language. Its speakers created timeless works of drama and helped set the frameworks of our democracy. In this course we will discover the Greek roots of a few common English words and experience the color of the modern Greek language you might just hear during your next walk down the ancient streets of Athens.
After the class, students will be able to order lunch in the Greek capital for themselves!
Speculative Fiction Forum Full!
Teachers:
Kendra Beckler,
Kate Kuznetsova
Do you like science fiction or fantasy novels? Share what you do and don't like, give (and get!) lots of book recommendations, compare systems of technology and magic, and discover new perspectives on these interesting genres.
Demons! and the language they spoke: Dostoevsky and his beloved Russia
Teachers:
Soren Rehn
In 1869, Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote a brilliant and darkly prophetic vision of Russia's social turmoil and subsequent communist rule. But it wasn't all bad: like most of his works, Dostoevsky shares with us a glimpse of the fast, tumultuous, and impetuous nature of life in Russia. We'll be exploring the book, the language and trying to get a glimpse of life in "Mother Russia."
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Newcomb's Paradox
Teachers:
David Farhi,
Katya Radul
What does it mean to act rationally? In this class we'll discuss Newcomb's paradox, and talk about what constitutes a rational choice. We may get sidetracked into discussions of free will, time travel, and parallel universes. This class will be very discussion based.
Shakespeare and Sci-fi? Full!
Teachers:
Catherine Braine,
Alexa Kottmeyer
Ever wonder where the creators of the X-Files got their inspiration? Ever wonder what Shakespeare and Sci-fi could possibly have in common?
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic Shakespeare (ie. you know who the guy was).
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic Shakespeare (ie. you know who the guy was).
Beginner Latin II
Teachers:
Jean Cui
Beginner Latin II is a continuation of Latin I. There will be some grammar, some Latin vocabulary, some English words that derive from Latin, and some Roman culture.
Prerequisites
Beginner Latin I or knowledge of first and second declension nouns, and first and second conjugation verbs in the present, imperfect and future.
Prerequisites
Beginner Latin I or knowledge of first and second declension nouns, and first and second conjugation verbs in the present, imperfect and future.
Intro to Arabic Language: Alphabet and Conversation Full!
Teachers:
Nalika Vasudevan
In this course we will learn how to write using the Arabic Alphabet, learn to say a few common phrases and learn a little bit about some basic grammatical rules!
How to Read a Poem
Teachers:
Lance Ozier
Have you ever read a poem and wondered what the heck is going on? Or, as the poet T. S. Eliot once wrote, have you “had the experience but missed the meaning”? In this class you will learn some simple techniques to help you make more sense of the poems you read.
Prerequisites
Interest in words, language, poetry.
Prerequisites
Interest in words, language, poetry.
Moral Philosophy
Teachers:
Usman Masood
Was philosophy only Dubito, ergo cogito, ergo sum? Let's see what people like Khalil Gibran and Maulana Rumi have to say.
Learn the Runic Alphabet
Teachers:
Jennifer Hogan
Runic alphabets were used to write German languages between 150 and 1800 CE. There are thousands of runic inscriptions of great historic value, but even if you never plan on reading any of them, you have to admit it: runes are cool. We're going to focus on the one known as Younger Futhark used to write Old Norse, the language of the Vikings.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Amusing!
Teachers:
Reuben Aronson,
Paul Kominers
Reuben: Can you write the description?
Paul: Why should I?
Reuben: Do you know what it's about?
Paul: Isn't it about existentialism, with lots of schtick?
Reuben: Why would anyone want to take that class?
Paul: Because Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are amusing!
Reuben: Statement, one-love.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is highly recommended.
Paul: Why should I?
Reuben: Do you know what it's about?
Paul: Isn't it about existentialism, with lots of schtick?
Reuben: Why would anyone want to take that class?
Paul: Because Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are amusing!
Reuben: Statement, one-love.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is highly recommended.
Creating Believeable Aliens
Teachers:
Susan Shepherd
So you have a great story in mind - a flash video, a role playing game, a story, a book, a film, a play - and it requires aliens of some kind. But you don't want to just say that they're "elves" or "werewolves" or "grays" or "little green men from Mars." You want REAL aliens - ones that won't make your audience roll their eyes.
This class will show you how to create an alien species and a society for it to live in. Topics of this class will include:
Different ways to think about the term "alien."
Making aliens different.
The importance of avoiding cliches and stereotypes.
Contrariwise, how you can play around with those same cliches and stereotypes in order to create an interesting world.
Alien biology.
Alien societies.
Excuses you can use for "first contact" stories; explanations for why they haven't gotten here sooner.
This class will show you how to create an alien species and a society for it to live in. Topics of this class will include:
Different ways to think about the term "alien."
Making aliens different.
The importance of avoiding cliches and stereotypes.
Contrariwise, how you can play around with those same cliches and stereotypes in order to create an interesting world.
Alien biology.
Alien societies.
Excuses you can use for "first contact" stories; explanations for why they haven't gotten here sooner.
Type is Cool: An Introduction to Font Design Full!
Teachers:
Luke Joyner
We’ll warm up a bit by drawing some letters of all kinds. Then I’ll provide a short history of letterforms, alphabets and orthographies, from ancient times to the invention of the printing press and up to the most modern digital type design technologies, and give a very short introduction to the practice of designing a font. After that, you’ll get a chance to start designing a font of your own, using some of the techniques that you’ve learned.
Unbearable Lightness of Being: Nietzsche, Kundera and the Return
Teachers:
Race Wright
Sex, love, hate, power, control, fidelity, betrayal. The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
The universe is full of opposites: light-dark, soft-rough, love-hate, etc. Humanity has assigned values to many of these opposing elements, light is good, darkness is bad; love is good, hate is bad.
Milan Kundera explores the opposites of light and heavy in his novel, all the while asking the question: which one is good? which one is bad?
In this class, we'll examine themes and episodes within the Unbearable Lightness of Being, in order to decide for ourselves whether we prefer lightness or heaviness.
And Nietzsche? We'll talk about him too.
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of philosophy and or Milan Kundera will be helpful, but not required.
The universe is full of opposites: light-dark, soft-rough, love-hate, etc. Humanity has assigned values to many of these opposing elements, light is good, darkness is bad; love is good, hate is bad.
Milan Kundera explores the opposites of light and heavy in his novel, all the while asking the question: which one is good? which one is bad?
In this class, we'll examine themes and episodes within the Unbearable Lightness of Being, in order to decide for ourselves whether we prefer lightness or heaviness.
And Nietzsche? We'll talk about him too.
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of philosophy and or Milan Kundera will be helpful, but not required.
Eastern Poetry Full!
Teachers:
Usman Masood
I'm sure a lot of you love Wordsworth and Shakespeare. Let's take a look at the words of Shakespeares of the east.
Legends of the Samurai and Ninja Full!
Teachers:
Jennifer Yoo
Hear the stories of some of the greatest samurai and ninja that ever lived. Discover the legends of how the ninja came to be, and what glory truly means to a samurai.
New and improved from Splash 2007 with more stories to share!
New and improved from Splash 2007 with more stories to share!
Column Writing: A Crash Course
Teachers:
Bridget Pelkie
Have you ever wanted to write for a magazine?
Here's your chance to learn about magazine publishing and how to come up with great ideas for columns geared at your favorite publications.
We'll start by reading some samples to dissect what makes a good column. Then we'll take a step back and evaluate some magazines and how columns fit into them. Along the way, we'll discuss such important aspects of column writing as targeting an audience, researching material and interviewing subjects.
We'll do some in-class exercises on idea generation and research skills, so bring a magazine or two you'd like to write for and your handy reporter's tools (a notebook and a pen).
Prerequisites
An interest in writing/journalism.
Here's your chance to learn about magazine publishing and how to come up with great ideas for columns geared at your favorite publications.
We'll start by reading some samples to dissect what makes a good column. Then we'll take a step back and evaluate some magazines and how columns fit into them. Along the way, we'll discuss such important aspects of column writing as targeting an audience, researching material and interviewing subjects.
We'll do some in-class exercises on idea generation and research skills, so bring a magazine or two you'd like to write for and your handy reporter's tools (a notebook and a pen).
Prerequisites
An interest in writing/journalism.
Tips for High School and "Creative" Writing
Teachers:
Luis Amaya
This class will start out with some quick general tips to do well in high school. Then we will move on to the writing portion. This writing portion is to help improve basic writing skills and individuals' writing styles. We will concentrate mostly on usage of language, word play, and creativity. You will be asked to write and share some of the things you wrote.
Learn the Greek Alphabet
Teachers:
Jennifer Hogan
The Greek alphabet is used not only in writing the Greek language but also in mathematics, science, engineering, and many names in everyday life. We'll learn the names of the letters, how to write them, and how they're usually rendered in the Latin alphabet (what English uses). Come learn your $$\alpha$$ $$\beta$$ $$\gamma$$ 's with us!
Hebrew for Total Newbies
Teachers:
Jasmine Florentine,
Miriam Madsen
Ever wanted to write and read backwards? Learn the basics of one of the very oldest languages! We'll go over the alphabet, greetings, numbers, and basic grammar. Come to find out how to write your name in a new language; stay to enjoy the thrill of pronouncing "chanukah" correctly!
Prerequisites
Try to look at the Hebrew alphabet beforehand - and you don't need to know it in advance, but it'll help to think about how to read right-to-left for a few minutes. Check out http://themish.net/hebrew_with_vowels.jpg for a quick overview.
Prerequisites
Try to look at the Hebrew alphabet beforehand - and you don't need to know it in advance, but it'll help to think about how to read right-to-left for a few minutes. Check out http://themish.net/hebrew_with_vowels.jpg for a quick overview.
Parliamentary Procedure and Debate
Teachers:
Simone Agha
Motion to suspend the rules! Learn how to write your own bills and debate them using Robert's Rules of Order. Practice arguing issues from the serious to the downright silly.
How to go Gluten-Free
Teachers:
Tina Tallon
Ever wondered what would happen if all of the wheat in the world suddenly vanished in an inexplicable event of epic porportions? No, you probably haven't. But after coming to this class, you will be prepared! Come find out how to live without wheat and try some awesome gluten-free food!
Indo-European
Teachers:
Christopher Robinson
This course is an introduction to the study of the language family that English belongs
to. We will discuss the linguistics, history and culture of this group. Students will gain
a new perspective on language and be shown some directions to explore their curiosity
about words and language change.
Prerequisites
None
to. We will discuss the linguistics, history and culture of this group. Students will gain
a new perspective on language and be shown some directions to explore their curiosity
about words and language change.
Prerequisites
None
Glorious Music
Teachers:
Lance Ozier
Sure, you've heard of Beethoven and Bach. We'll start there, but move quickly to some of the most glorious classical music of the early 20th century, including pieces by Orff, Stravinsky, Ravel, Respighi, Gershwin, and Puccini.
Prerequisites
Interest in music.
Prerequisites
Interest in music.
Learn a Little Ladakhi
Teachers:
Colin McSwiggen
Ladakhi is a dialect of Tibetan spoken in the far northern region of India. It is extremely obscure. In fact, so few people speak it that within an hour I can make you one of the United States' leading experts on Ladakhi!
This class is an opportunity to to get a glimpse of a language very different from English. Though I will teach some basic vocabulary and conversation patterns, we will primarily be focusing on interesting grammatical and structural differences rather than on actually learning to say things.
Prerequisites
Strong interest in languages! Some experience with a language other than English would be helpful.
This class is an opportunity to to get a glimpse of a language very different from English. Though I will teach some basic vocabulary and conversation patterns, we will primarily be focusing on interesting grammatical and structural differences rather than on actually learning to say things.
Prerequisites
Strong interest in languages! Some experience with a language other than English would be helpful.
Storytelling, Rhetoric, and the Oral Tradition
Teachers:
Kendra Beckler,
Grace Kane
The class will focus on the theory and practice of oral storytelling and rhetoric. Each student should come prepared with at least one story (max. 5 minutes) to tell.
Russian Music, Russian Culture
Teachers:
Hannah Kirsch
Russian composers have long looked to everything from Russian mythology to Russian politics for inspiration in their music. Come eat tea cookies and drink tea while listening to and discussing Russian composers like Glinka and Scriabin and the effects their culture had on their music!
Prerequisites
Bring a love of classical music.
Prerequisites
Bring a love of classical music.
Veganism: An Introduction and Discussion on Living Cruelty-Free
Teachers:
Vicky Cassis
This class is for both vegans and people who are interested in becoming vegan or vegetarian. We'll be learning about and discussing different vegan ideologies, how to stay healthy, and the many benefits of this dietary practice. I'm excited to hear your opinions and teach you about something awesome!
One of my favorite things about veganism is cooking, so I'll be bringing some sample recipes for you to try at home. If you have a favorite vegan recipe, please feel free to share!
Prerequisites
none
One of my favorite things about veganism is cooking, so I'll be bringing some sample recipes for you to try at home. If you have a favorite vegan recipe, please feel free to share!
Prerequisites
none
Poetry in Petals
Teachers:
Rutuparna Das
For centuries, nature has been a burst of inspiration for poets. From fleeting mentions of a rose in the middle of a sonnet, to full blown stanzas dedicated to daffodils, nature turns up in poetry everywhere. Come read and discuss nature poetry from Wordsworth, Frost, and more, and even write your own verses!
Anatomy of a Metaphor
Teachers:
A L
Running short on time? Classes giving you stress? Financial troubles weighing you down?
These questions may not seem metaphorical, but they are.
Metaphors: we not only encounter them in the arts but also think with them. Find out how metaphors are described in Conceptual Metaphor Theory and how we encounter them in communication and reasoning.
These questions may not seem metaphorical, but they are.
Metaphors: we not only encounter them in the arts but also think with them. Find out how metaphors are described in Conceptual Metaphor Theory and how we encounter them in communication and reasoning.
Design and Marketing Basics: How to Make People Buy Things Full!
Teachers:
chaya kaufman
How do marketing and graphics people think when they choose a packaging and advertisement campaign for an item? We'll walk through the steps from brainstorming to final design.
How to Say 'Schwa'
Teachers:
Lauren Cross,
Chelsea DeSantis
Have you ever wondered why English spelling makes no sense? Or why speakers of Asian languages have trouble with ‘l’ and ‘r’? Or why Bostonians are always “pahking” their “cahs” instead of parking their cars? In this introductory linguistics course, you will learn the secrets behind the sounds we use in everyday speech. You will even learn how to write your name using the International Phonetic Alphabet (impress all your friends!). This course will be fast-paced and fun; please come prepared to have your minds blown.
And now for something completely different: Monty Python's Flying Circus.
Teachers:
Race Wright
It's Monty Python's Flying Circus!
The Ministry of Silly Walks. Cheese Shop. Dead Parrot. Argument Clinic. The Mouse Problem.
What makes these sketches funny? Are they funny? Does Monty Python have a message? Who do we understand the role of comedy in society?
In this class, we'll ask serious questions about not so serious subjects. We'll explore the meaning behind Monty Python's Flying Circus by watching scenes, deconstructing them, questioning them, and of course, laughing at them.
Prerequisites
A well developed sense of humour.
The Ministry of Silly Walks. Cheese Shop. Dead Parrot. Argument Clinic. The Mouse Problem.
What makes these sketches funny? Are they funny? Does Monty Python have a message? Who do we understand the role of comedy in society?
In this class, we'll ask serious questions about not so serious subjects. We'll explore the meaning behind Monty Python's Flying Circus by watching scenes, deconstructing them, questioning them, and of course, laughing at them.
Prerequisites
A well developed sense of humour.
Mathematics
How to be very very likely to Win Money off your friends Full!
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
How to make the right choice… in order to win money, of course. A bit of intro math, and then some situations in which the right setup makes most people /very/ likely to slip up. If you're not the kind of person who would trick others, at least learn how not to be tricked yourself!
Fourier and Laplace Transforms
Teachers:
Letitia Li
It's actually possible to change space and time with just math! They're strange tools in differential equations that one can use to make a problem much easier, or just things to do if you feel like doing math. Also great plot devices if you feel like giving kids nightmares about integrals.
Prerequisites
Calculus
Prerequisites
Calculus
Mass Points Full!
Teachers:
Sean Markan
"Mass points" is an intuitive method of solving certain geometry problems, especially ones that give you a scary diagram and ask for the ratio of two lengths. Mass points is (almost) never taught in schools, perhaps because it's too much fun. So come learn it here.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of geometry will be helpful.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of geometry will be helpful.
How to definitely Win Money off your friends
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
Not a gambler? – this isn’t cheating per se, it’s simply leading your opponent to assume that they have a chance…
Want to be a Groupie?
Teachers:
Lauren McGough
Come learn basic group theory, and learn about the coolness that is abstract algebra! Don't know what I'm talking about? You'll find out! The goal of this class will be to build up basic group theory through Lagrange's Theorem and the First Isomorphism Theorem. If you already know what these are, this class will probably be too easy for you. Otherwise, come learn about the fun that is group theory!
Prerequisites
None, but it will be helpful if you're comfortable with basic algebraic manipulations
Prerequisites
None, but it will be helpful if you're comfortable with basic algebraic manipulations
Algebra and the Hyperbolic Plane
Teachers:
Chris Kennedy
What if parallel lines could diverge, rather than staying the same distance apart? This kind of thing happens in the hyperbolic plane, where concepts of distance and area are not what you would expect.
We'll inspect the hyperbolic plane from the point of view of symmetry and geometry, using the powerful tools of abstract algebra. Pretty pictures and rather advanced math will both be present.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of matrices, and a head for math.
We'll inspect the hyperbolic plane from the point of view of symmetry and geometry, using the powerful tools of abstract algebra. Pretty pictures and rather advanced math will both be present.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of matrices, and a head for math.
Why are Circles so cool? Full!
Teachers:
Daniel Look
This class will focus on some neat, and non-trivial, properties of what could be considered the most amazing geometric object in history: the circle. Specifically, we will explore some fascinating pictures that arise through looking at limit sets of circle inversions. This talk will touch on Kleinian groups, Apollonian gaskets, limit sets and, because I love it so much, complex dynamics. Come for the pictures, stay for the knowledge. This class will touch on some deep mathematical concepts, but no specific knowledge is required.
Prerequisites
No specific knowledge is necessary. However, we will be touching on some heavy stuff so if thinking hard about math is not your thing you will not want to be in this class.
Prerequisites
No specific knowledge is necessary. However, we will be touching on some heavy stuff so if thinking hard about math is not your thing you will not want to be in this class.
S U D O K U
Teachers:
Robert Assaly
Come meet the challenge of solving these popular mind-enriching puzzles. I shall present up to three more difficult Sudokus, and after some interval of time, I'll show you procedures that I use to solve them. Please bring both a black pen and a red pen. You won't need an eraser if you use the same procedures that I use.
Prerequisites
An enjoyment of solving math puzzles.
Prerequisites
An enjoyment of solving math puzzles.
Introductory Topology
Teachers:
Lisa Danz
You've probably heard that a topologist can't tell the difference between a donut and a coffee cup. But what *can* a topologist do? In this lecture, I'll try to give you a glimpse into the topologists' world with the key definitions, and hopefully with an interesting result or two. In particular, among other things, you will find out precisely why the coffee cup and the donut are the same.
Prerequisites
1. A working knowledge of basic algebra (Middle/High School Algebra 1 or equivalent).
Prerequisites
1. A working knowledge of basic algebra (Middle/High School Algebra 1 or equivalent).
Beauty and Chaos: Exploring the Mandelbrot Set
Teachers:
Daniel Look
What does it mean for a mathematical function to behave chaotically? What exactly is the Mandelbrot set and what is the big deal? We will explore the field of Complex Dynamics, where math, art and chaos. You will need an inquisitive mind and basic algebra to understand this talk.
Prerequisites
Algebra.
Prerequisites
Algebra.
The Incompleteness Theorem
Teachers:
Daniel Kane
We discuss the proof by Godel that if the axioms of mathematics are consistent, that there must be statements that are true but impossible to prove.
Puzzles from Discrete Math Full!
Teachers:
Sean Markan
Try your hand at some fun yet difficult mathematical puzzles. The puzzles will involve logic and combinatorics, and some will be like the ones encountered on high school math contests. Students will have the opportunity to work on the problems before the answers are given away.
Mathematically advanced students below grade 10 are welcome.
Prerequisites
You should be familiar with permutations, combinations, and the binomial theorem.
Mathematically advanced students below grade 10 are welcome.
Prerequisites
You should be familiar with permutations, combinations, and the binomial theorem.
Mathematics of Music: Consonance and Dissonance
Teachers:
Miranda Holmes
Math is fun and beautiful. Music is fun and beautiful. Let’s do both! There are a number of aspects
of music theory and perception that can be understood using a little bit of mathematics. We will
talk about things things like:
• Why does a clarinet’s ‘A’ sound different from an oboe’s ‘A’?
• Why do some pairs of notes sound great together, and others sound terrible?
• Why and when do we hear notes that don’t really exist?
• Musical paradoxes - how we can construct a scale that always goes up, yet repeats itself infinitely many times (like Escher’s staircase).
And we won’t just talk - we’ll listen to these things too!
Prerequisites
Should be familiar with basic trigonometry, such as understanding $$\sin$$ and $$\cos$$. It will help to know a little bit about music theory, such as what is a perfect 5th, but the only real 'musical' prerequisite is an interest in listening to strange musical experiments!
of music theory and perception that can be understood using a little bit of mathematics. We will
talk about things things like:
• Why does a clarinet’s ‘A’ sound different from an oboe’s ‘A’?
• Why do some pairs of notes sound great together, and others sound terrible?
• Why and when do we hear notes that don’t really exist?
• Musical paradoxes - how we can construct a scale that always goes up, yet repeats itself infinitely many times (like Escher’s staircase).
And we won’t just talk - we’ll listen to these things too!
Prerequisites
Should be familiar with basic trigonometry, such as understanding $$\sin$$ and $$\cos$$. It will help to know a little bit about music theory, such as what is a perfect 5th, but the only real 'musical' prerequisite is an interest in listening to strange musical experiments!
Ask Me About Math
Teachers:
David "davidad" Dalrymple
If you have a conceptual math question, there is a 70% chance that I can answer it (assuming that the obscurity/difficulty of such questions follows a Pareto distribution). The odds increase to 98% if you allow me the use of Google and Wikipedia, and to 99.9% if you allow me to randomly make stuff up. Come empirically verify these probabilities by asking me about math! Anything from the Monty Hall problem to calculus to higher-dimensional geometry is fair game. You could even try your luck by sneaking a computer science question or a physics question -- not that different, in many cases, to math...
Graphing by Hand Full!
Teachers:
Jennifer Melot
Ever wanted to whip out a graph of
$$y = \frac{x^2+1}{x \sin x}$$
but just didn't know where to begin? Have nightmares about being stuck on a desert island without your graphing calculator and being unable to graph
$$y = \sin x \ln x$$
rapidly?
Even if the answer to both of these questions is "um, no", being able to draw reasonably accurate graphs of complicated functions without making a table of values or grabbing your calculator can be fun and useful.
Prerequisites
A willingness to participate in discussion. Discussions will touch on a few ideas from calculus but calculus is not at all a requirement. At a minimum students should know what the graphs of sin and cos look like.
$$y = \frac{x^2+1}{x \sin x}$$
but just didn't know where to begin? Have nightmares about being stuck on a desert island without your graphing calculator and being unable to graph
$$y = \sin x \ln x$$
rapidly?
Even if the answer to both of these questions is "um, no", being able to draw reasonably accurate graphs of complicated functions without making a table of values or grabbing your calculator can be fun and useful.
Prerequisites
A willingness to participate in discussion. Discussions will touch on a few ideas from calculus but calculus is not at all a requirement. At a minimum students should know what the graphs of sin and cos look like.
Introduction to Number Theory
Teachers:
Jacob Steinhardt
What is the remainder when you divide $$3999^4000$$ by 4001? What about if you divide 100! by 101? These questions have to do with an area of math called "modular arithmetic", and we will learn how to solve these and other problems.
Formal topics covered: modular arithmetic; arithmetic progressions in mods; inverses; Fermat's and Euler's theorems; Wilson's theorem.
Prerequisites
Algebra I
Formal topics covered: modular arithmetic; arithmetic progressions in mods; inverses; Fermat's and Euler's theorems; Wilson's theorem.
Prerequisites
Algebra I
SET Game: The Math Behind the Game
Teachers:
Catherine Braine,
Alexa Kottmeyer
We'll use basic math to find interesting properties about the game SET, including magic squares and "no sets".
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge of SET game necessary.
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge of SET game necessary.
Topics in Algebra
Teachers:
Lester Kim
This course is designed to fill any gaps in your knowledge of mathematics. The course's aim is to provide you with a better understanding of what you have learned so far in your math classes so that you will be better prepared for more advanced mathematics and science topics (i.e. calculus, linear algebra, analysis, physics). Topics will include: sets, number systems, modular arithmetic, groups, rings, fields, and functions.
Prerequisites
The most important prerequisite is an interest in mathematics. Having a sound background in basic arithmetic would suffice for this course. Note: if you know how to prove that Z(6) and Z(2x2) are isomorphic, then you may want to take a more advanced course.
Prerequisites
The most important prerequisite is an interest in mathematics. Having a sound background in basic arithmetic would suffice for this course. Note: if you know how to prove that Z(6) and Z(2x2) are isomorphic, then you may want to take a more advanced course.
Tea and Cool Mathematical Thought Questions Full!
Teachers:
Lauren McGough
Come relax, drink some tea and enjoy a mathematical journey as we explore different mathematical questions from different fields of math. Learn about the infinite, the mathematically beautiful, strange, bizarre, and just plain mind-blowing, as we explore interesting questions in mathematics and solve cool problems with the hope of gaining insight into some awesome topics.
Prerequisites
None - no technical math prerequisites are assumed. Just come ready to think about some crazy mathematical concepts!
Prerequisites
None - no technical math prerequisites are assumed. Just come ready to think about some crazy mathematical concepts!
Introduction to Symbolic Logic and Proofs Full!
Teachers:
Zoe Thorkildsen
Learn the underlying properties of logical proofs, used by mathematicians the world over to prove new theorems. We will start by introducing and mathematically defining “and” “or” “not” and “implies” and then we will discuss how to use these ideas to construct simple truth tables to establish equivalence. Once we have tackled these fairly simple tasks, we will construct proofs. We'll start with simple propositions but then begin proving the underlying principles of number theory at the end of the lesson. If you’ve ever asked your teacher “But why does multiplying by a negative number reverse the inequality?”, this is the class for you.
Prerequisites
No prereqs per se, but this class will be fast paced and the material will not necessarily be what you are used to from a math course. Be prepared to be challenged.
Prerequisites
No prereqs per se, but this class will be fast paced and the material will not necessarily be what you are used to from a math course. Be prepared to be challenged.
The Theory of Optimization I Full!
Teachers:
Michael Axiak,
Yalu Wu
Optimization is all about solving complex problems. For example, how many flavors of ice cream should your ice cream parlor carry in order to maximize profit? How would you cut a piece of yarn into four pieces to maximize the area of the quadrilateral formed? Where should you locate an emergency facility in order to minimize transportation costs? How should you drive in order to minimize gas usage?
We will show you how to model real-life problems and find optimal solutions of your own!
Familiarity with algebra is required.
If you are planning on taking Theory of Optimization II, sign up for this class as well.
Prerequisites
Algebra
We will show you how to model real-life problems and find optimal solutions of your own!
Familiarity with algebra is required.
If you are planning on taking Theory of Optimization II, sign up for this class as well.
Prerequisites
Algebra
Calculus: It's all Just One Theorem!
Teachers:
Lauren McGough
Zomg, did you know all of calculus comes from the Mean Value Theorem? In high school I thought the fundamental theorem of calculus was cool, but it turns out that the mean value theorem is the true calculus G (i.e., in the gangster respect)! Come as we discuss analysis and realize that all of calculus comes from ONE theorem! It's Craziness!
Prerequisites
Knowledge of precalculus will be assumed; knowledge of calculus might be helpful, but if you don't know calculus, this might be an interestingly rigorous introduction.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of precalculus will be assumed; knowledge of calculus might be helpful, but if you don't know calculus, this might be an interestingly rigorous introduction.
The Theory of Optimization II
Teachers:
Michael Axiak,
Yalu Wu
This course is a follow-up to The Theory of Optimization I.
In this class, we will explore the mathematical basis for optimization. We will discover the rich math of Hilbert spaces, dual spaces, and Fourier analysis. We will be able to use these concepts to solve a broader class of optimization problems, such as finding the path of least time (useful in relativistic mechanics), finding the optimal strategy to play Age of Empires, and deriving the equation entropy in statistical mechanics.
Some knowledge in Calculus is recommended.
Prerequisites
The Theory of Optimization I and some knowledge of Calculus are both helpful.
In this class, we will explore the mathematical basis for optimization. We will discover the rich math of Hilbert spaces, dual spaces, and Fourier analysis. We will be able to use these concepts to solve a broader class of optimization problems, such as finding the path of least time (useful in relativistic mechanics), finding the optimal strategy to play Age of Empires, and deriving the equation entropy in statistical mechanics.
Some knowledge in Calculus is recommended.
Prerequisites
The Theory of Optimization I and some knowledge of Calculus are both helpful.
Theoretical Computation
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
Can you add by dropping marbles through a maze of switches? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcDshWmhF4A (watch with the volume off and figure out how it works - /very/ simple, but elegant, no?)
That machine clearly only works as directed for some range of numbers. How about if you want to add arbitrarily large numbers with one, finite machine? Can you build such a machine and then tell someone how to drop marbles into it to add their numbers? – NO!! STOP!! I did not ask, ‘how would you’ – I asked CAN you? Sure, you could prove the affirmative by construction, by making a machine which does so (if one can exist) but can you more succinctly, more elegantly, simply prove that such a machine exists? What if one could not exist? How would you go about proving this?
If you like looking at machines and figuring out what they do, or constructing machines to solve problems, then you may be a bit disappointed, because examples in this class will be few (if awesome) and far between. Rather, this class is on the mathematical treatment of ALL machines, ALL languages, ALL algorithms. Exactly what abilities – finitely many states? finite memory? infinite memory? non-determinism? – are necessary to solve problems? What sets of abilities are equivalent? And are there problems that are simply impossible to solve, although they clearly must have an answer?
Prerequisites
Absolutely none. But this class /is a prerequisite/ for the Beyond Computation class later in the evening if you aren’t already fairly familiar with TCS.
That machine clearly only works as directed for some range of numbers. How about if you want to add arbitrarily large numbers with one, finite machine? Can you build such a machine and then tell someone how to drop marbles into it to add their numbers? – NO!! STOP!! I did not ask, ‘how would you’ – I asked CAN you? Sure, you could prove the affirmative by construction, by making a machine which does so (if one can exist) but can you more succinctly, more elegantly, simply prove that such a machine exists? What if one could not exist? How would you go about proving this?
If you like looking at machines and figuring out what they do, or constructing machines to solve problems, then you may be a bit disappointed, because examples in this class will be few (if awesome) and far between. Rather, this class is on the mathematical treatment of ALL machines, ALL languages, ALL algorithms. Exactly what abilities – finitely many states? finite memory? infinite memory? non-determinism? – are necessary to solve problems? What sets of abilities are equivalent? And are there problems that are simply impossible to solve, although they clearly must have an answer?
Prerequisites
Absolutely none. But this class /is a prerequisite/ for the Beyond Computation class later in the evening if you aren’t already fairly familiar with TCS.
The Banach-Tarski Paradox
Teachers:
Chris Kennedy
Sometimes you can get something for nothing. At least, you can when you manipulate a sphere in strange—but volume-preserving!—ways to make two spheres that are exactly the same as the one you started with. This is the essence of the Banach-Tarski Paradox—a mathematically tricky way to rearrange a sphere into two. In the process, we will explore the Axiom of Choice, rearrangements of sets, and some mildly mind-blowing math.
Prerequisites
This class is more or less a sequel to Algebra and the Hyperbolic Plane, with the same requirements: knowledge of matrices, and a curiosity for math.
Prerequisites
This class is more or less a sequel to Algebra and the Hyperbolic Plane, with the same requirements: knowledge of matrices, and a curiosity for math.
Two Proofs in Elementary Number Theory Full!
Teachers:
Jennifer Melot
Introduces students to a few of the ideas of elementary number theory by considering two elegant proofs.
Prerequisites
A willingness to participate in discussion. Familiarity with the definition of the reals, integers, prime numbers, and rational and irrational numbers preferred.
Prerequisites
A willingness to participate in discussion. Familiarity with the definition of the reals, integers, prime numbers, and rational and irrational numbers preferred.
Generating Functions
Teachers:
Drew Haven
Did you know that the nth Fibonacci number is $$F_n = \frac{1}{\sqrt{5}} \left[ \left(\frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2}\right)^n - \left(\frac{1-\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)^n \right]$$? What does this have to do with the infinite polynomial $$f(x) = 1 + x + 2x^2 + 3x^3 + 5x^4 + 8x^5 + \cdots$$? Generating functions are a beautiful tool for messing with sequences and figuring out recurrence relations. Armed with these and some arithmetic, we can come up with formulas like these with ease!
Prerequisites
Some calculus: derivatives, Taylor series, partial fraction decomposition
Prerequisites
Some calculus: derivatives, Taylor series, partial fraction decomposition
Randomness Full!
Teachers:
Luke Joyner
01010010100100100001011110.
01010101010101010101010101.
Which of these numbers is more random? Intuition tells you the first one... but why?
In this class, we'll go *very* briefly over some mathematical ideas of what it means for something to be random, and how these various ideas of randomness all end up being related. Along the way, we'll think about examples of randomness in other contexts, from computers to music to visual art to the design of cities, as a way to understand the math and its importance.
(NOTE: This may sound like an easy class, but it's meant for students with a strong interest in math. There are no specific prerequisites beyond algebra II, and I won't go into too much detail given the time constraints, but this *is* a math class and there will be math involved, however silly the topic sounds.)
Prerequisites
Completion of Algebra II and a strong interest in math.
01010101010101010101010101.
Which of these numbers is more random? Intuition tells you the first one... but why?
In this class, we'll go *very* briefly over some mathematical ideas of what it means for something to be random, and how these various ideas of randomness all end up being related. Along the way, we'll think about examples of randomness in other contexts, from computers to music to visual art to the design of cities, as a way to understand the math and its importance.
(NOTE: This may sound like an easy class, but it's meant for students with a strong interest in math. There are no specific prerequisites beyond algebra II, and I won't go into too much detail given the time constraints, but this *is* a math class and there will be math involved, however silly the topic sounds.)
Prerequisites
Completion of Algebra II and a strong interest in math.
Differentiation and Integration of Friendly Functions I: the Basics
Teachers:
Michael Livshits
In this class we will try to understand the basics of differentiation and integration, starting with simple examples.We will concentrate on well-behaved, "friendly" functions, and will not have to wade through somewhat intimidating notions of continuity and limits to develop our theory. This class is for people who are fluent in high school algebra and geometry, and are curious about differentiation and integration;
some "precalculus" is a plus, familiarity with physics will help with motivation and appreciation. People who know some Calculus may also find this unorthodox approach entertaining and/or thought-provoking. Most of the content of this class is summarized in the first 10 slides for the talks that I gave at MathFest in 2004 and at the joint AMS-MAA meeting in 2006 (both fell on Friday the 13th), available at http://www.mathfoolery.org/talk-2004.pdf
Prerequisites
Fluency in high school algebra and plane geometry are required, familiarity with precalculus and physics will help.
some "precalculus" is a plus, familiarity with physics will help with motivation and appreciation. People who know some Calculus may also find this unorthodox approach entertaining and/or thought-provoking. Most of the content of this class is summarized in the first 10 slides for the talks that I gave at MathFest in 2004 and at the joint AMS-MAA meeting in 2006 (both fell on Friday the 13th), available at http://www.mathfoolery.org/talk-2004.pdf
Prerequisites
Fluency in high school algebra and plane geometry are required, familiarity with precalculus and physics will help.
Introduction to metamathematics
Teachers:
Jonathan Sailor
From almost all high-level math classes to the explanations of simple arithmetic tricks, math is all about proofs. But what does it mean to prove something? What is a proof, anyway?
In this class, we'll take a survey of metamathematics-- the study of formal systems and reasoning. We'll discuss topics like deductions, completeness, and consistency, some history, and some of metamath's best results.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with logic and proofs is preferable
In this class, we'll take a survey of metamathematics-- the study of formal systems and reasoning. We'll discuss topics like deductions, completeness, and consistency, some history, and some of metamath's best results.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with logic and proofs is preferable
Fractals and the Fringes of Chaos
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
Math through a kaleidoscope: http://www.fractal-recursions.com/
Beautiful, no?
This class will dive headfirst into the the key concepts of Fractals including Symmetry, Expressible Infinity, and Chaos. Specifically, we will take an in depth look at the Sierpinski Triangle (briefly covering the difference between fractal dimension and topological dimension), the Lorenz Water Wheel (illustrating the ideas of the Butterfly Effect and Strange Attractors), and the well-known Mandelbrot Set. If you want to see mathematics from a completely alien perspective, this class is for you.
Prerequisites
The course has no real mathematical prerequisites but material does require significant mathematical maturity. Come prepared to think hard and abstractly!
Beautiful, no?
This class will dive headfirst into the the key concepts of Fractals including Symmetry, Expressible Infinity, and Chaos. Specifically, we will take an in depth look at the Sierpinski Triangle (briefly covering the difference between fractal dimension and topological dimension), the Lorenz Water Wheel (illustrating the ideas of the Butterfly Effect and Strange Attractors), and the well-known Mandelbrot Set. If you want to see mathematics from a completely alien perspective, this class is for you.
Prerequisites
The course has no real mathematical prerequisites but material does require significant mathematical maturity. Come prepared to think hard and abstractly!
Something Unexpected
Teachers:
Daniel Zaharopol
Join us on a romp through some crazy, interesting mathematics. The catch? I don't know what it is yet. You'll get to vote.
Maybe we'll build arithmetic from the ground up, or maybe you'll discover the true meaning of "algebra" ... the graduate-student class. Maybe we'll study some topology, or build the real numbers, or study interesting phenomena in higher dimensions. It's up to you to decide.
Here's my guarantee: we'll do something cool, we'll do something hard, and you won't have seen whatever it is. Come and see a crazy piece of mathematics!
Prerequisites
Well, I don't know what I'll be doing, but I will freely assume high school algebra and possibly some trigonometry as well, depending on our topic. If necessary, I might teach you calculus... very quickly.
Maybe we'll build arithmetic from the ground up, or maybe you'll discover the true meaning of "algebra" ... the graduate-student class. Maybe we'll study some topology, or build the real numbers, or study interesting phenomena in higher dimensions. It's up to you to decide.
Here's my guarantee: we'll do something cool, we'll do something hard, and you won't have seen whatever it is. Come and see a crazy piece of mathematics!
Prerequisites
Well, I don't know what I'll be doing, but I will freely assume high school algebra and possibly some trigonometry as well, depending on our topic. If necessary, I might teach you calculus... very quickly.
Differentiation and Integration of Friendly Functions II: Some Theory
Teachers:
Michael Livshits
Continuation of Differentiation and Integration of Friendly Functions I. We will develop a streamlined theory of differentiation and integration based on some simple inequalities and prove the fundamental theorem of Calculus. We may akso a take a look at more sophisticated topics (power series, Taylor formula, integration and differentiation of multivariable functions, etc.) or discuss the relation of our approach to limits and continuity, if there is enough time and interest.
The core content of this class is summarized in the last 3 slides for the talks that I gave at MathFest in 2004 and at the joint AMS-MAA meeting in 2006 (both fell on Friday the 13th), available at http://www.mathfoolery.org/talk-2004.pdf Prerequisite: Differentiation and Integration of Friendly Functions I.
Prerequisites
Differentiation and Integration of Friendly Functions I, fluent in high school algebra and plane geometry, familiarity with "precalculus" and physics is a plus.
The core content of this class is summarized in the last 3 slides for the talks that I gave at MathFest in 2004 and at the joint AMS-MAA meeting in 2006 (both fell on Friday the 13th), available at http://www.mathfoolery.org/talk-2004.pdf Prerequisite: Differentiation and Integration of Friendly Functions I.
Prerequisites
Differentiation and Integration of Friendly Functions I, fluent in high school algebra and plane geometry, familiarity with "precalculus" and physics is a plus.
Modeling with Regression Analysis
Teachers:
Zoe Thorkildsen
Regression analysis is a statistical method that allows researchers to explore relationships between dependent and independent variables. These could range from the relationship between SAT scores and college admissions, or between natural resource abundance and likelihood of civil war. Far more than a simple correlation coefficient, regression analysis allows much more detailed and informative analysis. In this course, we'll touch on research methods, basic statistics, conceptual mathematics, econometrics, and the study of social issues. You'll get to participate in a mini-research project using statistical software to analyze some real world data using regression techniques.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra (y = mx + b) and some very basic intuition about data, models, correlations, and best fit lines.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra (y = mx + b) and some very basic intuition about data, models, correlations, and best fit lines.
Functions and Dimensions
Teachers:
Anika Huhn
We will build three dimensional models of four dimensional hypercubes and discuss functions in various dimensions. (This course takes some math that I find interesting and tries to make it feel more real with colorful, physical models.)
Unsolved Problems & Other Topics
Teachers:
Michael Kling
Some of the simplest problems in mathematics to describe are still unsolved. Come hear about a few of these, like the 196 algorithm, the Collatz conjecture, and others. We'll also look at a some other topics, related to magic squares and prime numbers if there is time.
Prerequisites
Algebra
Prerequisites
Algebra
Fair Division
Teachers:
Daniel Bulmash
Everyone knows that sharing is good, but how can you share fairly? And what do we even mean by "fair" anyways? This class examines what a "fair share" means and explores how to make everyone happy when sharing. Using very simple mathematical tools but a sophisticated mathematical mindset, we will present and prove algorithms for finding ways to, for example, share a pizza, distribute an inheritance, or split a cake. Students will have the opportunity to test these procedures.
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
Chaos: Beyond the Mandelbrot Set
Teachers:
Daniel Look
This course is designed for students that already know what the Mandelbrot set is and wish to learn more about Complex Dynamics.
In this course we will discuss the dynamics of complex rational maps. While many results regarding the Mandelbrot set still hold, the dynamics of a rational map often has features not found in the complex quadratic case. We will look at the notion of a connectedness locus, examining the connectedness loci for various rational maps (the most popular connectedness locus is the Mandelbrot set itself, the connectedness locus for $$f(z)=z^2+c$$ with $$c\in \mathbb{C}$$). Strikingly, the Mandelbrot set seems to permeate the connectedness loci of many rational maps. We will see that this is not as strange as it seems and can be easily understood using the notion of polynomial-like mappings. Examples of polynomial-like mappings will be discussed and we will investigate a few different parameterized complex functions.
Prerequisites
Although the course will begin with a rapid refresher on the Mandelbrot set, students are expected to have some familiarity with this object and complex dynamics in general.
In this course we will discuss the dynamics of complex rational maps. While many results regarding the Mandelbrot set still hold, the dynamics of a rational map often has features not found in the complex quadratic case. We will look at the notion of a connectedness locus, examining the connectedness loci for various rational maps (the most popular connectedness locus is the Mandelbrot set itself, the connectedness locus for $$f(z)=z^2+c$$ with $$c\in \mathbb{C}$$). Strikingly, the Mandelbrot set seems to permeate the connectedness loci of many rational maps. We will see that this is not as strange as it seems and can be easily understood using the notion of polynomial-like mappings. Examples of polynomial-like mappings will be discussed and we will investigate a few different parameterized complex functions.
Prerequisites
Although the course will begin with a rapid refresher on the Mandelbrot set, students are expected to have some familiarity with this object and complex dynamics in general.
Counting Infinity
Teachers:
Reuben Aronson
It's easy to tell when finite sets have the same size. We can just count the number of elements. But what if we can't count them? How can we tell if infinitely large sets have the same size? Which is bigger, the whole numbers or the even numbers? The whole numbers or the real numbers? Does "having the same size" even mean anything for infinitely large sets? We'll talk about all these things. Don't worry if you don't understand something in this description: we'll explain everything we need in class.
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
HARDCORE GROUP THEORY
Teachers:
Jacob Steinhardt
Back in the day when things were more hardcore, we proved the Orbit-Stabilizer Theorem in our heads! And then Burnside's Lemma, and Sylow's First Theorem! Man, you kids have it so easy these days. We classified all groups of order 16, and we liked it! Now the only group you wimps ever deal with is the Dihedral group.
This class is going to be HARDCORE! Think you're up to the challenge?
Prerequisites
You should be familiar with groups, subgroups, and quotients.
This class is going to be HARDCORE! Think you're up to the challenge?
Prerequisites
You should be familiar with groups, subgroups, and quotients.
Sequences
Teachers:
Robert Assaly
What comes after 1, 1, 4, 10, 28, 76,? If you enjoy puzzles like this one, then this class is for you! They are not just fun; they do lead to useful procedures for solving many math problems. We shall talk about the Fibonacci sequence, the Golden Ratio, Pascal's triangle, and continued fractions. We'll solve equations that would stump your classmates and maybe even your teacher.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra, and an enjoyment of doing math.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra, and an enjoyment of doing math.
Party Tricks, Geometry and Topology I: Mobius Band, Links, Knots and Projective Plane
Teachers:
Michael Livshits
Come to this class to learn some tricks with rubber bands and paper ribbons, to learn about knots and links, to experiment with the Mobius band, to explore the projective plane and to understand why it doesn't live in our three-dimensional space.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with geometry and mathematical reasoning.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with geometry and mathematical reasoning.
Complex Numbers and Trigonometry
Teachers:
Joshua Horowitz
So you know trig functions, like $$\cos(x)$$, and you know exponential functions, like $$e^x$$. Now would you believe me if I told you that they were (almost) exactly the same thing? And that you could use this connection to prove (almost) every trig identity known to man through simple algebra?
Best thing is, all of this comes out of one of the many beautiful connection between complex numbers and geometry, which have far more implications than I could possibly talk about here. But I'll explain a bit about where they come from, and leave you with, at the very least, a nifty trick to use on your exam when you've forgotten what $$\cos(x+y)$$ is supposed to be.
Prerequisites
Trigonometry. Also, although prior knowledge of complex numbers may not be /strictly/ necessary, I'm certainly not going to dwell on how weird it is for there to be a square root of negative one, so it's best if you come in comfortable with that fact and its immediate implications.
Best thing is, all of this comes out of one of the many beautiful connection between complex numbers and geometry, which have far more implications than I could possibly talk about here. But I'll explain a bit about where they come from, and leave you with, at the very least, a nifty trick to use on your exam when you've forgotten what $$\cos(x+y)$$ is supposed to be.
Prerequisites
Trigonometry. Also, although prior knowledge of complex numbers may not be /strictly/ necessary, I'm certainly not going to dwell on how weird it is for there to be a square root of negative one, so it's best if you come in comfortable with that fact and its immediate implications.
Ramsey Theory
Teachers:
Daniel Litt
Ramsey theory asks when certain simple structures are guaranteed to be found in large complicated ones. For example, if you color the integers red and blue, will there be any long arithmetic progressions of just one color? If there are a lot of people at a party, will some large number of them all know one another, or all not know one another? We'll look at some questions like this mathematically, with an emphasis on interaction and mathematical exploration.
Prerequisites
Some basic combinatorics (e.g. combinations, permutations, etc.) and familiarity with mathematical proofs would be great.
Prerequisites
Some basic combinatorics (e.g. combinations, permutations, etc.) and familiarity with mathematical proofs would be great.
Limits...Let's make it simple!!
Teachers:
Shailendra Khemka
You would be introduced to the concepts of limits: basic limit laws;L'Hospital Rule; geometric interpretation of limits.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
An Introduction to Differential Calculus
Teachers:
Andrew Spieker
We will first look at the concept of a limit, and why it is so important in calculus. Then we will derive a formula for the slope of a tangent line, called the derivative. As time permits, we will introduce techniques of differentiation, the derivative as a function, and applications.
The attempt is to introduce students to the theoretical and conceptual aspects of an introductory calculus course. It could also serve as a refresher for people who have already taken it.
Prerequisites
Algebra 1 and 2 are required; a precalculus course is strongly recommended. Students should be familiar with general families of functions.
The attempt is to introduce students to the theoretical and conceptual aspects of an introductory calculus course. It could also serve as a refresher for people who have already taken it.
Prerequisites
Algebra 1 and 2 are required; a precalculus course is strongly recommended. Students should be familiar with general families of functions.
Party Tricks, Geometry and Topology II: Rotations, Quaternions and Spinors
Teachers:
Michael Livshits
Attach some loose strings to a chair and the other ends of these strings to some other furniture. Tumble the chair once. Can you untangle the strings without futher rotating the chair or moving the other furniture around? The answer is "no," and we will try to see why during this class. Now tumble the chair once more in the same direction. The strings become even more messed up, but amazingly, you can untagle them now. Visit
http://gregegan.customer.netspace.net.au/APPLETS/21/21.html to get some idea how. Now grab a coffee cup by its bottom. Can you give the cup 2 full revolutions without spilling the coffee or twisting your arm and/or hand out of their joints? Hint: pass the cup under your forearm during the first revolution and keep it over your forearm during the second one. See page 1013 in section 23, chapter VII of the free physics book at http:/www.motionmountain.com for an illustration.
Don't attempt this trick with hot coffee in the cup before you become good at it. In this class, besides practicing these and some other party tricks, you will learn several ways to mathematically describe rotations in 3 dimensions. One particularly elegant description uses quaternions and will be especially handy in seeing the connection with quantum mechanics of electrons and understanding why the table of chemical elements is periodic.
Prerequisites: Fluency in high school algebra and 3-d geometry, familiarity with vectors, matrices, trigonometry and complex numbers.
Prerequisites
Fluency in high school algebra and 3-d geometry, familiarity with vectors, matrices, trigonometry and complex numbers.
http://gregegan.customer.netspace.net.au/APPLETS/21/21.html to get some idea how. Now grab a coffee cup by its bottom. Can you give the cup 2 full revolutions without spilling the coffee or twisting your arm and/or hand out of their joints? Hint: pass the cup under your forearm during the first revolution and keep it over your forearm during the second one. See page 1013 in section 23, chapter VII of the free physics book at http:/www.motionmountain.com for an illustration.
Don't attempt this trick with hot coffee in the cup before you become good at it. In this class, besides practicing these and some other party tricks, you will learn several ways to mathematically describe rotations in 3 dimensions. One particularly elegant description uses quaternions and will be especially handy in seeing the connection with quantum mechanics of electrons and understanding why the table of chemical elements is periodic.
Prerequisites: Fluency in high school algebra and 3-d geometry, familiarity with vectors, matrices, trigonometry and complex numbers.
Prerequisites
Fluency in high school algebra and 3-d geometry, familiarity with vectors, matrices, trigonometry and complex numbers.
Mathematical Analysis of the Psychology behind Noise and Music Full!
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
Gregorian chants are boring, Post-modern noise is insane, Pop music is incredibly repetitive, and Improve Jazz is recognizable as music, but is certainly not predictable. From a psychological perspective – WHAT?! However, mathematically, our enjoyment of music over noise and scales is a recognizable and, yes, computer-reproducible phenomena. Come listen to funny noises and bizarre music for an hour and learn what computations make your mind happy.
Build-a-Pringle
Teachers:
Rutuparna Das,
Yuxin Xie
Did you know that a pringle is actually a hyperbolic paraboloid? And grapes are ellipsoids. And an ice cream cone is a...cone. Come learn about weird quadric surfaces (that sometimes look like food) and then build your own out of wire.
Students should be familiar with precalculus.
Students should be familiar with precalculus.
Hyperbolic Functions
Teachers:
Andrew Geng
Meet the hyperbolic trig functions cosh and sinh! Maybe they aren't as famous as their cousins cos and sin, but they have their niche. We'll try to understand the motivation for having these functions at all, and then we'll look at some of their applications. Among the possible topics are the split-complex numbers, hyperbolic rotations, and catenary curves.
Prerequisites
Some experience with conic sections is needed; you should at least know what a hyperbola is and how to represent one with an equation. Knowledge of complex numbers is helpful.
Prerequisites
Some experience with conic sections is needed; you should at least know what a hyperbola is and how to represent one with an equation. Knowledge of complex numbers is helpful.
Hypercubes Full!
Teachers:
Maria Guirguis,
Melissa Kaufman
In this class we will explore the world of multiple dimensions. What is a dimension? What is the fourth (and higher) dimension? Build your own hypercube and take it home to impress your friends and family!
Calculus Without Limits
Teachers:
Michael Livshits
Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? Come to this class and see that it is not. I'll show you how differentiation and integration can be built - rigorously - from the ground up by using only elementary tools (algebra, geometry, inequalities). We will start with some simple examples and end with a proof of the fundamental theorem. I'll follow pretty closely the slides for the talk I gave at 2004 Mathfest at http://www.mathfoolery.org/talk-2004.pdf
This class is for those who already know calculus and want to take a fresh look at it, especially from a mathematical perspective. Those who don't know calculus yet may find it a bit too fast to understand everything, they may be better off taking Differentiation and Integration of Friendly Functions I and II.
Prerequisites
Calculus
This class is for those who already know calculus and want to take a fresh look at it, especially from a mathematical perspective. Those who don't know calculus yet may find it a bit too fast to understand everything, they may be better off taking Differentiation and Integration of Friendly Functions I and II.
Prerequisites
Calculus
Introduction to Lebesgue Measure
Teachers:
Eric Wofsey
A "measure" is a notion of length or area or volume. For example, we know what the length of a line segment is, but what does it mean to talk about the "length" of an arbitrary subset of a line? It turns out that there is a notion of length called Lebesgue measure that is defined for a very large class of subsets of a line. However, there are some sets whose length is impossible to define in a consistent way. I'll sketch the basic ideas behind Lebesgue measure and show why we can't define it on all subsets of a line.
Prerequisites
Set theory; you should be comfortable with countable and uncountable sets. You should know that the rational numbers are countable and the real numbers are uncountable. Also, be warned that this class will be fast-paced.
Prerequisites
Set theory; you should be comfortable with countable and uncountable sets. You should know that the rational numbers are countable and the real numbers are uncountable. Also, be warned that this class will be fast-paced.
Overlooked Mathematics
Teachers:
Andrew Spieker
There are a lot of things that high school mathematics teachers often don't have time to fit into their curriculum these days. This course will seek to teach you interesting little things about mathematics that may have been overlooked.
Some topics may include: mappings and functions, reading complex roots off of a real graph, elementary number theory, and derivation of common formulas that you may take for granted.
Prerequisites
At least two years of high school algebra and one year of geometry are required. One year of precalculus may be useful.
Some topics may include: mappings and functions, reading complex roots off of a real graph, elementary number theory, and derivation of common formulas that you may take for granted.
Prerequisites
At least two years of high school algebra and one year of geometry are required. One year of precalculus may be useful.
Trigonometry With Pictures
Teachers:
Andrew Geng
Trigonometry can be intimidating at first, especially if you're trying to understand it on an intuitive level. Formulas such as the law of cosines look pretty scary, but since they were designed to address questions from geometry, we might expect geometry to give us some insight into why they work! So, armed with the techniques of high school geometry, we'll draw some pretty pictures and derive the law of sines, the law of cosines, the angle addition formulas, the half-angle rules, and a few more obscure identities!
Prerequisites
I will assume (1) familiarity with high school geometry (particularly circles and triangle similarity) and (2) prior acquaintance with what functions like sine and cosine are. Knowledge of the rest of trigonometry is *not* required (but having that knowledge helps to understand what makes these derivations interesting).
Prerequisites
I will assume (1) familiarity with high school geometry (particularly circles and triangle similarity) and (2) prior acquaintance with what functions like sine and cosine are. Knowledge of the rest of trigonometry is *not* required (but having that knowledge helps to understand what makes these derivations interesting).
What are real numbers?
Teachers:
Eric Wofsey
Intuitively, real numbers are all the points on a number line, or all rational or irrational numbers. But what does this actually mean? It turns out that the defining property of the real numbers are that they are $${\textit complete}$$--that is, there are no "holes" in the real numbers in the way that irrational numbers are "holes" in the rational numbers. I'll show how to make this precise and give an abstract construction of the real numbers from the rational numbers.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra, rational and irrational numbers, and familiarity with sets.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra, rational and irrational numbers, and familiarity with sets.
Big Numbers!
Teachers:
Reuben Aronson,
Jayson Lynch
You can probably think of functions that get big pretty quickly. $$x^3$$ is fairly fast, $$2^x$$ even faster. But those are tiny compared to some other functions we can come up with. Want to see some really really big numbers? Come to this class!
Note: You should not come if you are afraid of expressions like $$7(2*3^7 + 1)(2*3^{7*(2*3^7 + 1)} + 1).$$
Prerequisites
Algebra I or equivalent
Note: You should not come if you are afraid of expressions like $$7(2*3^7 + 1)(2*3^{7*(2*3^7 + 1)} + 1).$$
Prerequisites
Algebra I or equivalent
[Deprecated] Performing Arts
Basic Jazz Improvisation [For Older Youngin's] Full!
Basic through intermediate techniques for Jazz improvisation, including scales and chords over blues and Impressions. This course will be custom-tailored to the skill levels of the students in the class. Experience on your instrument is required, but no Jazz experience is necessary. Bring your instruments!
Prerequisites
Experience on your instrument.
Prerequisites
Experience on your instrument.
Viennese Waltzing Full!
Teachers:
Julia Boortz,
Martyna Jozwiak
As an exchange student in Austria last year, I took dancing classes and opened two Austrian Balls. Now it is your turn to get a peek into Austrian Balls while learning the basic step for the Viennese Waltz.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Basic Jazz Improvisation [For Youngin's] Full!
Basic through intermediate techniques for Jazz improvisation, including scales and chords over blues and Impressions. This course will be custom-tailored to the skill levels of the students in the class. Experience on your instrument is required, but no Jazz experience is necessary. Bring your instruments!
Prerequisites
Experience on your instrument.
Prerequisites
Experience on your instrument.
Bollywood and Bhangra Fusion
Teachers:
Anshul Bhagi,
Akansha Kumar
Do you want to learn two new dance styles, get an aerobic workout, and have fun all at the same time? Come learn some moves from Bhangra and Bollywood dance that will impress everyone on the dance floor. Bhangra is an energetic dance from the Indian state of Punjab and Bollywood dance is, well, the main dance of Indian pop culture. Fuse these two dances together and get a healthy dose of fun Indian culture!
Prerequisites
energy
Prerequisites
energy
Improv Workshop
Teachers:
Catherine Havasi
You're the host of a party where everyone is spontaneously turning into chickens. You're a film director with a time machine. You're a row of dominoes contemplating their purpose in life. Act accordingly. In improv acting, you and a few other people are given an odd, open-ended situation, and together you act out a scene on the spot. If you've seen "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", you know the general idea. Improv is easier than you think! You don't need any acting or improv experience. We'll start with some games that get you thinking on your toes and building on each other's creativity. You'd be surprised what kind of scenes you can create.
A History of Music Full!
Teachers:
Dustin Katzin
Discusses each of the major time periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, and 20th century, as well as the defining characteristics of each. Will feature sound clips of various works, as well as a surprise at the end.
Prerequisites
None, although an appreciation of music is recommended.
Prerequisites
None, although an appreciation of music is recommended.
Cheezy Accents Workshop Full!
Teachers:
Jonathan Sue-Ho
Have you ever wanted to learn a really cheezy accent? In this workshop, you will work on developing an accent of your choice and helping you be comfortable with sharing it goofily in front of others for performing, wisecracking, or general-use purposes. From Japanese, Chinese, Australian, New Zealander, Italian, French, French Canadian, Regular Canadian, AT LEAST 3 different kinds of Spanish, West African, South African, Indian, Pakistani, Eastern European, Texan, ETC. If you don't see the accent you want listed here, we'll figure it out or fake it! There may be candy...
Prerequisites
A desire to learn a new cheezy accent and a willingness to have goofy fun.
Prerequisites
A desire to learn a new cheezy accent and a willingness to have goofy fun.
Truth in Comedy
Teachers:
Benjamin Park
Join members of Roadkill Buffet, MIT's premiere improv comedy troupe, and learn the basics of improv, the art of acting without a script. Learn why being funny isn't the most important part of improv and why a scene about an astronaut and beekeeper will never be successful!
Prerequisites
Experience with some sort of acting would be helpful, but is not absolutely necessary.
Prerequisites
Experience with some sort of acting would be helpful, but is not absolutely necessary.
How to Kick it Old School
Teachers:
Ari Nieh
Singers of early music are presented with a unique challenge: how do you connect with the audience via a composition that was written several centuries ago? We will take a fresh look at some famous motets and madrigals from the perspective of text painting, using the composers' intent to motivate our dynamics, tempo, and phrasing. The goal of this course is for you to learn how to take an unfamiliar piece of music and make it awesome.
We will spend most of the class singing. Please show up well-rested, hydrated, and ready to learn!
Prerequisites
For singers: basic sight-reading skills. For observers/listeners: none.
We will spend most of the class singing. Please show up well-rested, hydrated, and ready to learn!
Prerequisites
For singers: basic sight-reading skills. For observers/listeners: none.
Crash Course in Voice Full!
Teachers:
Lyla Fischer
Everything you ever wanted to know about singing, condensed into a single hour. What are those silly warm ups and why do singers do them? How can you sing the exact same note and make it sound different? We will be covering a lot of material, so be prepared. The topics include ombeture, breathing, posture, solfege, and tone. Maybe some sight reading, if time allows.
Teacher, Teacher...
Teachers:
Luke Joyner,
Race Wright
Do you like to teach? Interested in improving your teaching skills? This class will be all about teaching, and you'll get to teach the rest of us a little something along the way.
We'll spend the first hour going over some tips for teaching in a Splash-like context. Then, in the second hour, you'll get a chance to prepare a 15-minute mini-class of your own, on a topic you've chosen ahead of time. And finally, in the last two hours, we'll split into two groups of six, and you'll all get to teach your mini-classes. After each mini-class, there'll be 5 minutes for feedback.
You don't need to prepare your mini-class in advance, but you should come with a topic in mind, and with any materials you won't be able to create in the hour you have to prepare.
Prerequisites
None, but please come with a topic in mind for your 15 minute mini-class.
We'll spend the first hour going over some tips for teaching in a Splash-like context. Then, in the second hour, you'll get a chance to prepare a 15-minute mini-class of your own, on a topic you've chosen ahead of time. And finally, in the last two hours, we'll split into two groups of six, and you'll all get to teach your mini-classes. After each mini-class, there'll be 5 minutes for feedback.
You don't need to prepare your mini-class in advance, but you should come with a topic in mind, and with any materials you won't be able to create in the hour you have to prepare.
Prerequisites
None, but please come with a topic in mind for your 15 minute mini-class.
Storytelling Workshop
Teachers:
Jennifer Hogan
Storytelling is an ancient art that has existed since humans had language. It is how we share our experiences, teach, remember, and understand each other. This isn't just the stuff of children's bed-times. We listen to stories from newscasters, teachers, actors, and friends every day. Good storytelling draws in the audience, conveys information, and makes that information memorable.
Try your hand at sleight-of-hand
Teachers:
Hannah Bao
What's Splash without the classes on magic tricks? (we only missed 2003...) In this class we will learn some basic and classic sleight-of-hand magic tricks involving cards and coins. Impress your family, friends, crush and maybe even a college admissions committee!
Decks of cards will be provided.
Prerequisites
You didn't take this exact class previously
Decks of cards will be provided.
Prerequisites
You didn't take this exact class previously
The History and Theory of Composing to Lyrics Full!
Teachers:
Kendra Beckler
You may have noticed that some song tunes seem made for their lyrics, while some don't. (For instance, did you know that any Emily Dickinson poem can be sung to the tune of "The Yellow Rose of Texas"?) So how have composers throughout western music history created tunes to fit their lyrics? How should you? This class will cover examples (good and bad) of tune creation from organum and music of the Trecento to modern popular music.
Prerequisites
Basic ability to read music preferred
Prerequisites
Basic ability to read music preferred
Change-Ringing on Handbells
Teachers:
Miriam Madsen
Ever wanted to be able to ring a plain course of Grandsire Doubles? What's the difference between a handstroke and a backstroke? Come learn about the British hobby of change-ringing! Instead of playing *songs* on handbells, we play mathematical patterns. We'll talk a little about the theory and then start ringing!
Actors' Workshop Full!
Teachers:
Catherine Havasi,
Daniel Zaharopol
Do you love acting, or want to get into it? Want to learn the basics and explore a few interesting parts? Or do you want to see how to make your roles more specific, how to add power and truth to the lines you utter? While we may not be able to answer every acting question, what we can do is create a supportive environment where we can all work on scenes and develop our skills with guidance from some experienced directors. We'll talk about acting, the process that goes into it and how to improve. Together, we'll work on some scenes: we'll split up, each work on a role, and then present them to each other at the end. From this class, you'll see some new perspectives on what goes into portraying a role convincingly, and you'll also get to work on your acting skills in a focused but low-stress environment. If you're new to acting, or if you've had years of experience, you are welcome here!
Early Music (especially for people who don't think they like early music)
Teachers:
Lauren McGough
Does Baroque music just not get you excited the way Romantic music does? Would you agree with the statement, "If it's not Baroque don't fix it"?
If yes, you should take this class! Starting with Medieval music and working our way up chronologically, focusing on Renaissance and Baroque, with a little bit of Classical thrown in, come discover how complex and modern music from five hundred years ago can sound! Explore the difference historically informed performances can make as we listen to recordings played on authentic instruments in settings similar to those which the composer might have intended. It makes a HUGE difference - I used to strongly prefer Romantic and Modern music, and now I'm an early music convert. Just think, you could be too!
And if you don't know what I mean by Baroque and Classical, but you're interested in learning more about classical music, you will definitely gain a lot from this class. We will be exploring the different time periods and going into depth about the differences between them. This class assumes NO knowledge about classical music - only an open mind and an open ear!
Prerequisites
None - just an interest in learning about classical music (no listening or performing experience necessary)
If yes, you should take this class! Starting with Medieval music and working our way up chronologically, focusing on Renaissance and Baroque, with a little bit of Classical thrown in, come discover how complex and modern music from five hundred years ago can sound! Explore the difference historically informed performances can make as we listen to recordings played on authentic instruments in settings similar to those which the composer might have intended. It makes a HUGE difference - I used to strongly prefer Romantic and Modern music, and now I'm an early music convert. Just think, you could be too!
And if you don't know what I mean by Baroque and Classical, but you're interested in learning more about classical music, you will definitely gain a lot from this class. We will be exploring the different time periods and going into depth about the differences between them. This class assumes NO knowledge about classical music - only an open mind and an open ear!
Prerequisites
None - just an interest in learning about classical music (no listening or performing experience necessary)
An Introduction to Playing the Sitar! Full!
Teachers:
Karishma Sekhon
Everything about the Indian instrument - the sitar- its history, playing it, its parts, its power!
Prerequisites
None!
Prerequisites
None!
Stage Fighting Full!
Teachers:
Solomon Spigel
Ever wanted to fake a fight in the middle of a crowd? After this class you should be able to choreograph a simple, and realistic fight. So when your friend is over for dinner you can beat him up, and when your parents start getting angry you can show them it was all staged.
Prerequisites
The willingness to follow all safety precautions no matter how silly they may be.
Prerequisites
The willingness to follow all safety precautions no matter how silly they may be.
Advanced Jazz Improvisation
Advanced Jazz Improvisation! This course will dive right into Jazz harmony, scales, free jazz, extensions, and performance techniques. We'll go over blues, Recordame, and Blue in Green. This course will be custom-tailored to the skill levels of the musicians who enroll. Experience on your instrument and experience with jazz improvisation is required. Bring your instruments!
Prerequisites
Experience on your instrument and proficiency in Jazz.
Prerequisites
Experience on your instrument and proficiency in Jazz.
Diabolo Full!
Teachers:
Jesse Ashcraft-Johnson,
Joshua Velson
Diabolo, or Chinese Yo-Yo, is a circus art that is practiced the world over for performance and enjoyment. This class is meant for absolute beginners to those with an intermediate working knowledge of single diabolo tricks. All props will be provided.
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
Scene 1: Act 1 - The Ultimate Drama Class
Day 1(the saturday):
We conduct a "hands-on" workshop on everything* you need to know to stage a play.
Day 2(the sunday):
You get to do just that; stage your own one-act play!
*Script-writing,Casting& Directing, Lights,Sound,Costuming,Sets & Props- we'll do it all!
Prerequisites
The willingness to participate and have some fun!
We conduct a "hands-on" workshop on everything* you need to know to stage a play.
Day 2(the sunday):
You get to do just that; stage your own one-act play!
*Script-writing,Casting& Directing, Lights,Sound,Costuming,Sets & Props- we'll do it all!
Prerequisites
The willingness to participate and have some fun!
Intermediate Jazz Improvisation Full!
Intermediate Jazz improvisation techniques, as well as practice techniques. Scales and chords with tensions over blues, Impressions and Autumn Leaves. This course will be custom-tailored to the skill levels of the musicians who enroll. Experience on your instrument and experience with jazz improvisation is required. Bring your instruments!
Prerequisites
Experience on your instrument and with Jazz
Prerequisites
Experience on your instrument and with Jazz
Guitar Technique
Teachers:
Lester Kim
This course will cover the fundamentals of playing the guitar with a pick (alternate picking, economy picking, sweep picking, hybrid picking, artificial harmonics) as well as legato, two handed tapping, 3-note-per-string scales, pentatonic and blues scales, arpgeggio patterns, technique exercises, and other topics as time will allow.
Prerequisites
This is not a class for the absolute beginner. Being able to play basic chords and scales is necessary to follow along with the exercises and examples.
Prerequisites
This is not a class for the absolute beginner. Being able to play basic chords and scales is necessary to follow along with the exercises and examples.
Dancing with Glowsticks for Novices Full!
Teachers:
Colin McSwiggen
I am a mediocre glowsticker. In one hour, you can be too! This class really is for novices - if you know nothing about glowsticking, you can expect to leave knowing a couple of moves to impress the ignorant at your next dance party. If you're an expert, don't expect to get much out of it.
Random Musical Adventures
Teachers:
David "davidad" Dalrymple
Bring a musical instrument (your voice will do in a pinch) but don't bring any sheet music! We'll explore simple means for generating interesting music without everything written out in advance. For example, the most basic is to repeatedly play the same melody, bringing in one new instrument each time. More advanced techniques might include following hand signals, playing randomly from a limited set of notes, and modifying the melody in some way on each iteration. Come prepared to follow the rules, but don't expect anything like your typical music lesson.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of music theory would be helpful, and to participate, you need to be able to play some kind of musical instrument (doesn't matter what! kazoo, spoons, whistling are all good) well enough to stay in tune and on rhythm. Note, however, that technical musical skill is *not* a prerequisite (unless your instrument inherently requires it, like violin).
Prerequisites
Knowledge of music theory would be helpful, and to participate, you need to be able to play some kind of musical instrument (doesn't matter what! kazoo, spoons, whistling are all good) well enough to stay in tune and on rhythm. Note, however, that technical musical skill is *not* a prerequisite (unless your instrument inherently requires it, like violin).
Modern Music: The Ridiculous, The Awesome, The Minimalist
Teachers:
Lauren McGough
Sick of the dominance of Beethoven and Mozart? Interested in hearing what's happened in classical music since Rachmaninoff and Chopin? Yeah, we all love the classics, but come hear about the crazy things that have happened in classical music during the 20th century. Starting with Shostakovich, Bartok, Stravinsky, and moving quickly to the likes of John Cage, Ligeti, and Steve Reich, come hear the awesome things composers have done since 1900!
Prerequisites
None, but an interest in classical music and an open mind to craziness is helpful!
Prerequisites
None, but an interest in classical music and an open mind to craziness is helpful!
Where the Musical Scale Comes From
Teachers:
Rob Speer
Why does the musical scale we know consist of 12 notes, and why are they those notes in particular? It turns out that there's some simple math that describes what sounds good to the human ear, and you can use that math to build up the familiar Western scale. Like curious engineers, we're going to take apart the scale and see how it works -- and then we're going to put it back together differently.
By making different choices, you can end up building other musical scales used through history and around the world, or exotic scales that few people have ever heard. Instead of 12 notes, you could have 5, 19, 22, or even 53 notes in each octave.
You'll hear some examples of music that doesn't sound like anything you've heard before, learn why every piano is "out of tune" in one way or another, and you'll even have the opportunity to play a keyboard with a 19-note scale.
Prerequisites
This class will make use of basic math. You should understand how to multiply fractions and raise numbers to a power. If you are familiar with logarithms, you will get more out of the math. If you are familiar with musical intervals -- for example, what thirds and fifths sound like -- you will get more out of the music.
By making different choices, you can end up building other musical scales used through history and around the world, or exotic scales that few people have ever heard. Instead of 12 notes, you could have 5, 19, 22, or even 53 notes in each octave.
You'll hear some examples of music that doesn't sound like anything you've heard before, learn why every piano is "out of tune" in one way or another, and you'll even have the opportunity to play a keyboard with a 19-note scale.
Prerequisites
This class will make use of basic math. You should understand how to multiply fractions and raise numbers to a power. If you are familiar with logarithms, you will get more out of the math. If you are familiar with musical intervals -- for example, what thirds and fifths sound like -- you will get more out of the music.
Science
Units & Dimensional Analysis Full!
Teachers:
Ian Leroux
We're all used to writing units after homework answers, but what do they actually mean? How are units defined? How can they help you catch mistakes (your own and other people's) and make educated guesses about the answers to hard problems?
And why is $$g\approx\pi^2$$ anyway?
Prerequisites
Know the difference between an inch and a kilogram.
And why is $$g\approx\pi^2$$ anyway?
Prerequisites
Know the difference between an inch and a kilogram.
Synthetic Biology: How to Program Cells
Teachers:
Miles Miller
Advancements in molecular biology allow us to genetically program cells to perform functions we define, much like computers. Current systems that have been built include "blinking" bacteria, bacteria that form into patterns (like a bulls-eye, for example), and even stem cells that are programmed to become pancreas cells. We will explore basics of how to program simple functions in bacteria, and spend time trying to create a novel living machine.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Projectile Motion
Teachers:
Julie Hui,
Dan Lorenc
Find out how the pros have fun with projectiles. Learn the fundamental equations behind projectile motion to calculate at what angle and speed to launch projectiles. Then use our potato cannon to launch potatoes hundreds of feet away. Can you hit the target?
Prerequisites
algebra
Prerequisites
algebra
Intro to Geology and Tour of Geology on the MIT Campus
Ever wondered about the Earth under your feet? What it's made of? How it was formed? Then join us for this intro to geology class. We'll introduce you to different rocks, minerals, and geologic principles with lots of hands-on samples. Then we're going to take a walk around campus and discuss different rocks and minerals that are used in buildings at MIT. There are way more than you would think! We'll answer any questions you have about rocks, minerals, and planetary formation!
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
Human Vision Full!
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
From the physics of optical lenses, to parallax, to the bio-chemistry of rods and cones, this class will explore, in depth, the mechanisms of human vision. Three lecture segments will be broken by two blocks of hands-on lab. The first lecture will be an introduction to the eye biologically and to the physics of the eye’s lens. The first lab will be on the mathematics of how parallax gives you depth perception. The second lecture will dive into the chemistry of the rods and cones which lead to our experiences of light and color. The second lab will be a series of experiments on the associated phenomena of “primary colors.” And the final lecture will introduce some of the neurological components of sight, specifically those which lead to our experience of optical illusions.
Prerequisites
None, but we will move quickly as to cover a huge amount of material. Come prepared to be focused and responsive for the full two hour period. Bring questions.
Prerequisites
None, but we will move quickly as to cover a huge amount of material. Come prepared to be focused and responsive for the full two hour period. Bring questions.
When cells die Full!
Teachers:
Andrew Thompson
A mini-introduction to pathology, the study of disease. We will explore the body's various tissues through examples of micro-anatomy and describe the changes they undergo as they encounter insult, injury and death. Hopefully your basic biology knowledge will be sharpened to explain many sophisticated phenomena of disease and death.
Prerequisites
1 year Introductory Biology. If you can draw and label a cartoon cell, you should be fine.
Prerequisites
1 year Introductory Biology. If you can draw and label a cartoon cell, you should be fine.
The Physics of Fairytales
Teachers:
Emily Pittore
Ever wonder why Rapunzel's hair didn't just fall out when people climbed up it? This class will look at some classic fairytales and either debunk or find some scientific evidence for various oddities.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Nuclear Energy: Its Place in the World's Future
Teachers:
Bronwyn Edwards,
nicolas stauff
The twentieth century has seen many major scientific breakthroughs, such as cars and computers, but these discoveries have something in common: they require huge amounts of energy. Today we are beginning to face an energy crisis. How are we going to solve this crisis without harming our planet? This course will discuss why nuclear energy is, today, one of the most promising energy options.
The first three minutes of the Universe (and a bit beyond) Full!
Teachers:
Antoine Cerfon
High energy physics has been extremely successful at describing the early stages of our Universe, and at explaining how it evolved from the post-Big Bang very dense and hot soup of particles that it once was to the Universe we now know. You want to become a high energy physicist for one day, and understand by yourself what happened during the fascinating and crucial first three minutes (and a bit more) of the Universe? You want to learn about the role of the photons, the quarks, and the neutrinos in this big story? You want to know when hydrogen, the fuel of the sun, first became stable? You want to know how light suddenly appeared in the whole Universe? Welcome onboard, this class is for you!
Prerequisites
There are no prereqs! I'll take the time to introduce each and every concept we will be talking about so we can all follow the full two hours of this class. Also, feel free to come with questions on the topic you prepared in advance!
Prerequisites
There are no prereqs! I'll take the time to introduce each and every concept we will be talking about so we can all follow the full two hours of this class. Also, feel free to come with questions on the topic you prepared in advance!
The X PRIZE: how $10M can change the world
Teachers:
Erika Wagner
In 2004, the Ansari X PRIZE handed out ten million dollars for the first commercial spaceflight. Building on that success, the X PRIZE Foundation is now developing new prizes to focus innovation around "Grand Challenge" themes, including energy, healthcare, and exploration.
Join us for a look at these mega-prizes and a no-holds barred brainstorm on how to change the world again.
Prerequisites
none
Join us for a look at these mega-prizes and a no-holds barred brainstorm on how to change the world again.
Prerequisites
none
Orbital Mechanics Zero
Teachers:
Phillip Cunio
This class covers the basics of astrodynamics - how things move in space around the Earth and between planets. It is not a chemistry course, although students of chemistry are welcome.
Prerequisites
None. This is intended as an introductory course, not an in-depth study.
Prerequisites
None. This is intended as an introductory course, not an in-depth study.
The Dark Universe
Teachers:
Andrew Geng
The universe is full of darkness! You might have heard that there’s this mysterious "dark matter" that holds galaxies together and an even weirder "dark energy" that’s accelerating the expansion of space.
It's no joke! Come see the evidence that this stuff actually exists and some predictions about what it’s going to do to our universe. We might even talk about a few guesses at what some of it actually is.
It's no joke! Come see the evidence that this stuff actually exists and some predictions about what it’s going to do to our universe. We might even talk about a few guesses at what some of it actually is.
Time Loop Genetics
I am my own grandfather! But wait... What happens with your DNA when you go back in time to do that? What if you kill your grandfather instead? We intend to explore the genetic implications of going back in time and changing your family tree. We will consider both stable and unstable time loops. Come learn about the genetic implications of time travel with us!
Prerequisites
None. We will go over all the basic biology needed.
Prerequisites
None. We will go over all the basic biology needed.
Harnessing Light Full!
Teachers:
Michael Melgar,
Ian Rousseau
What is light and how can we make it do cool, useful things? In this class, we'll explain the science of capturing, controlling, and generating light using real-world examples-- how your cell phone display works, why solar energy is promising, and much more. At the end of the class, students will build their own solar cells and use them to power light-emitting diodes.
Prerequisites
Some high school chemistry
Prerequisites
Some high school chemistry
The Chemistry of Poisons Full!
Teachers:
Sid Creutz,
Kevin Hwang
Overview of the structure, chemistry, and mechanisms of action of well-known and lesser-known poisons. May include cyanide, arsenic, nerve gas, and various other poisons used for murder, assassination, and war throughout history.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with first-year high-school chemistry and biology will be assumed.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with first-year high-school chemistry and biology will be assumed.
Meet the Semiconductor
Teachers:
Liza Plotnikov
We all know the standard high school chemistry explanation: metals conduct, insulators insulate, and semiconductors can't make up their minds. Let's go beyond that. We'll start out by exploring the electronic structure of semiconductors and what it is that makes them so useful. Then we'll move on to looking at what types of devices can be made from semiconductors at a very basic level.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of atomic bonding and/or basic chemistry will be useful but is not absolutely required.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of atomic bonding and/or basic chemistry will be useful but is not absolutely required.
Linguistics : an intro to physiological acoustics and phonetics
Teachers:
Jeremy Kuhn
What is sound?
Why do some vowels appear more commonly across languages than others?
How can I determine the size of a Rhesus monkey with my eyes closed?
This seminar will use concepts from mathematics and physics to rigorously investigate the way in which we communicate using the tools of the human vocal tract.
Prerequisites
Basic trigonometry (know what a sine wave is)
Why do some vowels appear more commonly across languages than others?
How can I determine the size of a Rhesus monkey with my eyes closed?
This seminar will use concepts from mathematics and physics to rigorously investigate the way in which we communicate using the tools of the human vocal tract.
Prerequisites
Basic trigonometry (know what a sine wave is)
Maxwell's Equations... Derived Full!
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
$$\oint_S \mathbf{E} \cdot \mathrm{d}\mathbf{A} = \frac {Q_S}{\varepsilon_0}$$
$$\oint_S \mathbf{B} \cdot \mathrm{d}\mathbf{A} = 0$$
$$\oint_{\partial S} \mathbf{E} \cdot \mathrm{d}\mathbf{l} = - \frac {\partial \Phi_{B,S}}{\partial t}$$
$$\oint_{\partial S} \mathbf{B} \cdot \mathrm{d}\mathbf{l} = \mu_0 I_S + \mu_0 \varepsilon_0 \frac {\partial \Phi_{E,S}}{\partial t}$$
These four equations describe one of the most universal and elegant relations in physics. They are Maxwell’s equations, unifying all observations of relativity, electricity, and magnetism. Don’t let the notation scare you off – this class has no prerequisites (as in, just be able to graph a function), but we will rigorously derive Maxwell’s explanation of electromagnetic phenomena (including light, electricity, magnets, …). “Derive” with the catch that, as I don’t believe in writing long equations on the board, everything in this class will be presented as a series of intuitive /and/ rigorous deductions, preserving concepts rather than constants.
We will begin with only two observations. First, the relativistic nature of light: you can’t catch up to a light beam – it will always move away from you at speed c. Second, our observations of the force between two charges described by $$\frac{q_1*q_2}{r^2}$$: $$q_1$$ and $$q_2$$ being the magnitude of the two charges, and r being the distance between them. From these two observations, we will DERIVE the explanation of everything else. Aka, the world will unfold before you and it will be beautiful.
Prerequisites
All this said, and there being no “hidden prerequisites,” the world will need to unfold before you *very* quickly. I basically just claimed that I would introduce all of single-variable calculus and about half of multivariable calculus in the first hour of class – which I believe is an attainable goal – but this class will be rigorous, will be extremely intense, and will require the full two hours.
$$\oint_S \mathbf{B} \cdot \mathrm{d}\mathbf{A} = 0$$
$$\oint_{\partial S} \mathbf{E} \cdot \mathrm{d}\mathbf{l} = - \frac {\partial \Phi_{B,S}}{\partial t}$$
$$\oint_{\partial S} \mathbf{B} \cdot \mathrm{d}\mathbf{l} = \mu_0 I_S + \mu_0 \varepsilon_0 \frac {\partial \Phi_{E,S}}{\partial t}$$
These four equations describe one of the most universal and elegant relations in physics. They are Maxwell’s equations, unifying all observations of relativity, electricity, and magnetism. Don’t let the notation scare you off – this class has no prerequisites (as in, just be able to graph a function), but we will rigorously derive Maxwell’s explanation of electromagnetic phenomena (including light, electricity, magnets, …). “Derive” with the catch that, as I don’t believe in writing long equations on the board, everything in this class will be presented as a series of intuitive /and/ rigorous deductions, preserving concepts rather than constants.
We will begin with only two observations. First, the relativistic nature of light: you can’t catch up to a light beam – it will always move away from you at speed c. Second, our observations of the force between two charges described by $$\frac{q_1*q_2}{r^2}$$: $$q_1$$ and $$q_2$$ being the magnitude of the two charges, and r being the distance between them. From these two observations, we will DERIVE the explanation of everything else. Aka, the world will unfold before you and it will be beautiful.
Prerequisites
All this said, and there being no “hidden prerequisites,” the world will need to unfold before you *very* quickly. I basically just claimed that I would introduce all of single-variable calculus and about half of multivariable calculus in the first hour of class – which I believe is an attainable goal – but this class will be rigorous, will be extremely intense, and will require the full two hours.
Relativity Without Light
Teachers:
Andrew Geng
Light plays a pivotal role in relativity because its speed (in a vacuum) is invariant. Yet to have relativity we need not assume a priori that there is an invariant speed! Instead, all we really need are some friendly-looking assumptions about space being pretty much the same everywhere. From there we will show that the formula for adding velocities has one invariant speed (which may be infinite) and discuss how this speed could be determined by experiment.
This class is essentially a walkthrough of two papers from back in the day:
* Mermin N D 1984 Relativity without light Am. J. Phys. 52 119-24.
* Singh S 1986 Lorentz transformations in Mermin's relativity without light Am. J. Phys. 54 183-4.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of calculus will be assumed.
This class is essentially a walkthrough of two papers from back in the day:
* Mermin N D 1984 Relativity without light Am. J. Phys. 52 119-24.
* Singh S 1986 Lorentz transformations in Mermin's relativity without light Am. J. Phys. 54 183-4.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of calculus will be assumed.
The strange world of relativity
Teachers:
David Farhi
Did you ever want to travel forward in time? Fit a 20ft pole into a 10ft barn? Weigh as much as the sun? Come see how you can do these and other really weird things, just by traveling really fast.
Prerequisites
You should be comfortable with high school algebra and have a basic understanding of mechanics and Newton's laws.
Prerequisites
You should be comfortable with high school algebra and have a basic understanding of mechanics and Newton's laws.
Maggots, Murder, and Mystery: Forensic Entomology (High School)
Teachers:
Melinda Dooley
How can insects help solve crimes? This class will cover the categories of Forensic Entomology, with an emphasis on Medicolegal Entomology (aka Awesome CSI Stuff.) We will learn about fly and beetle life cycles, the processes of death, and the march of insects that will check in to your body once you check out. We will discuss determining time of death and postmortem interval, the difference between manner and cause of death, and how bugs can tell us about all of these things.
Gross things will definitely be included.
Prerequisites
None! Some material may be potentially upsetting to more squeamish individuals, but I will try to warn them when they ought to close their eyes. This is the high school section.
Gross things will definitely be included.
Prerequisites
None! Some material may be potentially upsetting to more squeamish individuals, but I will try to warn them when they ought to close their eyes. This is the high school section.
Intro to Chemical Sensors
Teachers:
Chris Kennedy
How do you detect a bomb without a metal detector, x-ray equipment, or any kind of search? The answer lies in chemical sensors, which are extremely sensitive devices that can pick up traces of TNT, nerve gas, or other dangerous chemicals from several meters away. We'll examine the inner workings of chemical sensors that rely on polymers that conduct electricity, which currently give the most sensitive equipment known to man. If you like chemistry, you'll like this class.
Prerequisites
A good background in chemistry--say, a year of it in school--is pretty necessary to understand what's going on here.
Prerequisites
A good background in chemistry--say, a year of it in school--is pretty necessary to understand what's going on here.
Interesting Tidbits of Pharmacology (or All About Drugs)
Teachers:
Zak Fallows
Did you know that Viagra might reduce jet lag, or that the chemical warfare agents BZ and VX nerve gas are mutual antidotes for one another? Would you be surprised to hear that there is a narcotic painkiller ten thousand times more potent than heroin? This class will explain these fascinating pharmacological tidbits and many more, including topics like SSRI antidepressants and ADHD medications. Students will learn the foundations of pharmacology, including how drugs work, what they do, and why they are so interesting.
Prerequisites
A strong interest in the science of drugs, and/or one of the connected fields of study such as medicine, physiology, psychology, chemistry, biology, physics, or sociology - they all relate to drugs, and we will briefly talk about them all.
Prerequisites
A strong interest in the science of drugs, and/or one of the connected fields of study such as medicine, physiology, psychology, chemistry, biology, physics, or sociology - they all relate to drugs, and we will briefly talk about them all.
Everything
Teachers:
Nicholas DiBella
Reality may be far richer than you've ever imagined. Our "universe" could very well be one of infinitely many, where not only physical conditions differ from our own, but also where physical “constants” and spacetime dimensionalities differ. But why stop there? It might even be that there exist universes that obey entirely different laws of physics. In fact, it has been proposed that for every mathematical structure, there exists a physically real universe, forming an ensemble of universes known as the Level IV Multiverse --- thus, all logically possible worlds exist. This is Everything.
The Physics of Siege Weapons
For centuries, nations have made war using all manner of weapons and armament. Among the most frightening and dangerous of these in medieval times were siege weapons, designed to break even the most fortified of defenses. In this class, we will look at the physical principles behind some of these weapons, aided by practical demonstrations and activities.
Prerequisites
A basic familiarity with physics (kinematics) is recommended.
Prerequisites
A basic familiarity with physics (kinematics) is recommended.
Virus Genetics & HIV Full!
Teachers:
Samin Houshyar
This is a short introduction to viruses: their life cycles (lytic & lysogenic), mechanism of infection (acute & chronic), and their genetics (DNA & RNA). In the last half of the class I will talk about HIV, T-cells, B-cells and the AIDS epidemic.
Prerequisites
Some background in Biology is helpful but not required.
Prerequisites
Some background in Biology is helpful but not required.
Tracking Neutrons: Reactor Physics Basics Full!
Reactor Physics is the cornerstone of nuclear engineering. In this course you will learn how engineers track neutrons through the reactor core. You will lean about interaction rates, neutron multiplication, and critical geometries. After you are done, you will know how to create your own small nuclear reactors (on paper anyway)!
Prerequisites
Nuclear Energy: Its Place in the World's Future
Prerequisites
Nuclear Energy: Its Place in the World's Future
Visual Cognition
Teachers:
Joel Leibo
How do we recognize objects in the visual world? How can we program computers to do the same?
We'll consider perspectives on these issues from philosophy, psychology, computer science and neuroscience.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites.
We'll consider perspectives on these issues from philosophy, psychology, computer science and neuroscience.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites.
Brief Introduction to Some Interesting Physics
Teachers:
Anika Huhn
This will be a class that will involve hanging out and talking about a few interesting things in many fields of physics. My goal is to introduce you to enough that you can go out and learn lots of neat things on your own. The first hour will be a lecture, and the second hour will be time for you to talk to the people around you about the physics that was just introduced. There will be questions to think about and toys to play with (an old computer to take apart and some lenses, polarizers, and other physics toys). :)
Prerequisites
I will not assume that you have any specific knowledge, but the discussion will be more interesting if you have had an introductory physics course already or know your way around electronics.
Prerequisites
I will not assume that you have any specific knowledge, but the discussion will be more interesting if you have had an introductory physics course already or know your way around electronics.
Blowing in the Wind Full!
Teachers:
Kevin Brokish
Build your own wind turbine from simple materials! See a miniature wind turbine generate electricity! All while discussing the ins and outs of wind turbines, wind power, and the inherent challenges of adding wind power into the electricity grid.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Bizarre Cases in Neuroscience and What They Taught Us About the Brain Full!
Teachers:
Kim Reinhold
Why do patients with "alien hand" syndrome wake up to find themselves being strangled by their own left hand? How are some blind people able to see without being consciously aware of it? We will deal with such bizarre and unfortunate neural disorders, asking "why" -- why do certain syndromes produce these contradictory behaviors? Studies of these types of syndromes have revolutionized neuroscience. What can we learn about the human brain from these cases? Is one brain really a crowd of bickering voices?
How To Get Involved in Astronomy
Teachers:
Rebecca Jensen-Clem
Are you interested in getting involved in research astronomy? Or do you want to take a closer look at the night sky tonight? No matter what your interest level is, we'll show you how to find the opportunities you want in astronomy.
Topics will include:
- What can you do with just your eyes or a pair of binoculars?
- How to buy a telescope
- How to find a mentor or research observatory who will work with you
- How to find summer programs in astronomy
Prerequisites
An interest in astronomy! Whether you want to look at the sky with binoculars or take data with the world's largest telescope, we want to meet you!
Topics will include:
- What can you do with just your eyes or a pair of binoculars?
- How to buy a telescope
- How to find a mentor or research observatory who will work with you
- How to find summer programs in astronomy
Prerequisites
An interest in astronomy! Whether you want to look at the sky with binoculars or take data with the world's largest telescope, we want to meet you!
Introduction to Interstellar War
Teachers:
Daniel Kane,
Bram Sterling
Covers topics relating to means of interstellar warfare in a known physics universe. Possible topics include lazer weapons, kinetic bombardment, gray goo, and interstellar empires. Will likely have a large overlap with last year's course.
Thermodynamics
Teachers:
Melissa Kaufman
Want to learn the first and second law of thermodynamics? How are energy, heat transfer, and work related? What is entropy? In this class we will answer these questions and apply them to some everyday applications.
Prerequisites
Physics (be able to define work, energy, power). Some calculus is useful but not essential.
Prerequisites
Physics (be able to define work, energy, power). Some calculus is useful but not essential.
Common Sense vs Science Full!
Teachers:
Hannah Bao
Can you guess which of the following logical statements are false?
Giving people money for something makes them more willing to do it.
Playing violent videogames is just a way to vent anger in a safe manner.
People can tell when others are lying.
You're more likely to get help if many people are around.
Find the answers here! Note: this is a research psychology (not a general science) course. Be prepared to participate in (totally safe) social experiments.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the Scientific Method
Giving people money for something makes them more willing to do it.
Playing violent videogames is just a way to vent anger in a safe manner.
People can tell when others are lying.
You're more likely to get help if many people are around.
Find the answers here! Note: this is a research psychology (not a general science) course. Be prepared to participate in (totally safe) social experiments.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the Scientific Method
The Fascinating Life of the Crystalline Solid
Teachers:
Liza Plotnikov
Have you ever wondered what most solids actually look like on the atomic scale? How do the atoms stack together? What sort of patterns do they follow? Why can something that's strong and brittle and something that's weak and ductile be made of the same material? In this class, we'll talk about the structure of metals and other solids whose atoms tend to arrange themselves into ordered patterns. We'll talk about the energetics of solid formation, and how these materials behave under stress.
Geoengineering - Weird Solutions to Global Warming Full!
Teachers:
Michelle Bentivegna
The Earth is heating up, but humanity hasn't been able to significantly reduce carbon emissions. This has lead some scientists to try and develop crazy plans to combat global warming - like putting giant mirrors in space, or growing supertrees to take up carbon. We'll look at some of these strange solutions, and why people think they might work.
Science Discovers God
Teachers:
Yale Zussman
By identifying certain themes that connect the various sciences, it is possible to derive a scientific requirement for an entity having all the essential properties of God. Along the way, we will discuss the role of pure chance in physics and chemistry, what distinguishes life from non-life, why animals are different from other living things, what distinguishes humans from other animals, and the role of civilization. Recommended for participants in How Leaders Function. Although it will not be highly technical, this course is not for the intellectually faint of heart.
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with current thinking about the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and the development of civilization, and an open mind.
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with current thinking about the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and the development of civilization, and an open mind.
Basics of Circuit Design
Teachers:
Stephanie Cheng,
Courtney Hilliard
A basic introduction to circuits, including resistors, capacitors, inductors, and basic equivalent circuits. May extend to RLC circuits if mathematical background allows. The first half of the class is a lecture; the second half is a build-your-own project.
Prerequisites
BC Calculus co-requisite (enough calculus experience to integrate/differentiate e^x).
Prerequisites
BC Calculus co-requisite (enough calculus experience to integrate/differentiate e^x).
Physics of Circuits
Teachers:
Rui Hu,
Philip Tynan
Physics of basic circuit elements; linear elements: resistors, batteries. Non-linear elements: capacitors, inductors, diodes. DC circuits: circuit elements in series and parallel, Kirchoff's Rules. AC circuits: reactance and impedance, solving AC circuits using complex numbers. Superposition.
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with basic concepts of circuits would be helpful. The course will cover all of the introductory material from an AP Physics B level, but experience is not necessary. The main focus of the course will be on the AC circuit material. Some familiarity with trigonometry and arithmetic with complex numbers is recommended. Some familiarity with calculus knowledge is also recommended.
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with basic concepts of circuits would be helpful. The course will cover all of the introductory material from an AP Physics B level, but experience is not necessary. The main focus of the course will be on the AC circuit material. Some familiarity with trigonometry and arithmetic with complex numbers is recommended. Some familiarity with calculus knowledge is also recommended.
Experiments in Modern Physics
Ever wonder how the great physics experiments were done? Your teachers have spent all semester finding this out! We will present some of our lab highlights in a way you've never seen. These are not your professors' physics presentations.
Prerequisites
Prior exposure to physics is highly recommended. Curiosity is a must.
Prerequisites
Prior exposure to physics is highly recommended. Curiosity is a must.
Fusion: Generating the Power of the Sun
Nuclear fusion is often called the energy source of the future, but it always seems to be just 30 years down the road. Fusion energy from the sun is responsible for sustaining life on Earth. Without fusion, you wouldn't even be here today. However, we can't harness the power of the sun. Instead, we need to figure out how to make our own fusion power- and in a way, make our own sun. In this course, we will be discussing current fusion basics and what fusion could look like 30 years from now.
Water + Sun = Hydrogen?
Teachers:
Stephen Fried
In August, the research group of Professor Dan Nocera discovered a catalyst that oxidizes water at neutral pH with low over-potential. The result is considered to be a break-through in advancing a hydrogen economy. But did you know that you can make this catalyst with simple materials in a high-school chemistry lab? We'll talk about electrochemistry, what the new result means for solar energy, and make our own cell together to start making our own hydrogen.
Prerequisites
General chemistry.
Prerequisites
General chemistry.
Nothing
Teachers:
Nicholas DiBella
What is nothing? Is it simply empty space? Is it the vacuum? Is it the empty set? Well, if it were something, it wouldn't be nothing! In this class, I'll discuss these various ``nothings," and I hope to convince you that nothing is interesting!
Domo Arigato, Build a Robot-o
Teachers:
Marc Held
Learn the history of - and build some - Robots.
We'll be building a simple vibrobot by the end of the class.
Prerequisites
Some hand-eye coordination. An interest in robotics.
We'll be building a simple vibrobot by the end of the class.
Prerequisites
Some hand-eye coordination. An interest in robotics.
Earthworm Dissection Full!
Teachers:
Ylaine Gerardin
Ever wonder what earthworms look like inside? Students will each dissect their own worm and learn about the organs' structure and function.
Prerequisites
Maturity, ability to handle sharp objects
Prerequisites
Maturity, ability to handle sharp objects
Intro to Chemical Engineering: Designing and Analyzing a Process Full!
Teachers:
Lonna Gordon
Where do physics, mathematics, and chemistry come together as a logic puzzle? In chemical engineering.
Chemical engineers are the people behind everything. From canned soup to medicine to cleaning up oil spills, chemical engineers design the process to make it happen.
Use science and chemical engineering principles to design a process to produce jam, artificial lungs, or clean up pollution.
Prerequisites
- solving systems of equations with more than one unknown (intermediate algebra) - basic chemistry
Chemical engineers are the people behind everything. From canned soup to medicine to cleaning up oil spills, chemical engineers design the process to make it happen.
Use science and chemical engineering principles to design a process to produce jam, artificial lungs, or clean up pollution.
Prerequisites
- solving systems of equations with more than one unknown (intermediate algebra) - basic chemistry
One-Way Missions to Mars
Teachers:
Phillip Cunio
This class is a seminar on permanent colonization of Mars. Some background will be presented, and then students will break up into discussion groups and try to identify and propose solutions for issues related to the topic. I taught this class last year, with some very intriguing results, and look forward to seeing what creativity emerges this year.
Prerequisites
None. Be prepared to listen and discuss with me and with other students. A broad range of interests are welcomed - you need not care about Mars, science fiction, or even space travel to join this class.
Prerequisites
None. Be prepared to listen and discuss with me and with other students. A broad range of interests are welcomed - you need not care about Mars, science fiction, or even space travel to join this class.
When cells are murdered
Teachers:
Andrew Thompson
A continuation of "When cells Die" but may be taken on its own. We shall explore various specific mechanisms of cell death, focusing mostly on chemical toxins/chemotherapy. This shall expand on the physical and visual (microscopic) changes described in "When cells Die" and round out my attempt to introduce the student to pathology.
Prerequisites
1 year introductory biology
Prerequisites
1 year introductory biology
Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century
Teachers:
Netia McCray
Course explores various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities and exploration. Participants will also study the impact of science and technology on our world today.
Including but not limited to:
Artificial Intelligence
Robotics
Space Exploration
Oceanography
Engineering
Human Genome Project
and more...
Grade Level: 7th-9th Grade
Prerequisites
Prerequisites: None Preferences: (There's only two) *A Strong Interest or Curiosity for Science and Technology *Knowledge of how to turn on a computer
Including but not limited to:
Artificial Intelligence
Robotics
Space Exploration
Oceanography
Engineering
Human Genome Project
and more...
Grade Level: 7th-9th Grade
Prerequisites
Prerequisites: None Preferences: (There's only two) *A Strong Interest or Curiosity for Science and Technology *Knowledge of how to turn on a computer
Neurons 101
Teachers:
Abby Noyce
These cells are the fundamental information-handling unit in your nervous system. We'll talk about basic neuron structure, the workings of the action potential, and some of the chemicals and neurotransmitters that make the system go. This may be a bit basic for students with a strong biology background.
Origins of Modern Science from Copernicus to Newton
Teachers:
Lance Ozier
Only 400 years ago, most people thought the Earth was the center of the universe and that there were only four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. Come learn how five men, two supernovas, and the Black Plague changed all that.
Prerequisites
Interest in science.
Prerequisites
Interest in science.
What Can a Semiconductor Do for You?
Teachers:
Liza Plotnikov
Now that we know the basics of how semiconductors function, let's move on to what devices we can make from them. The first half of the class will be devoted to the devices themselves: LEDs, solar panels, transistors, etc. In the second half, we'll talk about how we can physically manufacture such devices (it's not easy!).
Prerequisites
Meet the Semiconductor, or some basic knowledge of how semiconductors function
Prerequisites
Meet the Semiconductor, or some basic knowledge of how semiconductors function
Chaos and Strange Attractors Full!
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
Banned to the backs of math textbooks as the “monsters” of mathematics, chaotic dynamics has become a frontier of physics. This class will rigorously cover the nature of chaotic dynamics and strange attractors including the well know logistic growth orbit diagram and the Lorenz attractor.
“People were talking about the end of physics. Relativity and quantum looked as if they were going to clear out the whole problem between them. A theory of everything. But they only explained the very big and the very small. The universe, the elementary particles. The ordinary-sized stuff which is our lives, the things people write poetry about – clouds – daffodils – waterfalls – and what happens in a cup of coffee when the cream goes in – these things are full of mystery, as mysterious to us as the heavens were to the Greeks…"
- Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
Prerequisites
This class will be very fast paced and very heavy in mathematics. As far as formal prerequisites, however, just be able to graph a function... without using a graphing calculator.
“People were talking about the end of physics. Relativity and quantum looked as if they were going to clear out the whole problem between them. A theory of everything. But they only explained the very big and the very small. The universe, the elementary particles. The ordinary-sized stuff which is our lives, the things people write poetry about – clouds – daffodils – waterfalls – and what happens in a cup of coffee when the cream goes in – these things are full of mystery, as mysterious to us as the heavens were to the Greeks…"
- Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
Prerequisites
This class will be very fast paced and very heavy in mathematics. As far as formal prerequisites, however, just be able to graph a function... without using a graphing calculator.
Fun with Periodic Table
Teachers:
Karishma Sekhon
A one hour lecture on the periodic table.
The basis of elemental classification, general trends and variations. Emphasis on s and p blocks.
Will also learn the s and p block with a song that I have created!!
Prerequisites
Non in particular. The lecture would be -basic for classes 9 and 10 -more informative for class 11 and 12.
The basis of elemental classification, general trends and variations. Emphasis on s and p blocks.
Will also learn the s and p block with a song that I have created!!
Prerequisites
Non in particular. The lecture would be -basic for classes 9 and 10 -more informative for class 11 and 12.
Introduction to the Immune System
Teachers:
Samin Houshyar
This is a short introduction to the human immune system. I'll talk about all the different immune cells (T cells, B cells, etc) in the body and how they fight bacterial and viral infections. We'll also talk about different infections that bypass our immune system.
Prerequisites
Some background in biology is helpful but not required.
Prerequisites
Some background in biology is helpful but not required.
Immunology 101
Teachers:
Roshini Zachariah
We'll do a 1-hour lecture on the basics of immunology, focusing on the human immune system. We'll learn about B, T and natural killer cells - about how your body responds to infections and how immunity develops.
Prerequisites
High school biology (not necessarily AP)
Prerequisites
High school biology (not necessarily AP)
Chemistry of Stink Full!
Teachers:
Andrew Thompson
We have been so obsessed with ridding the world of odor that the art of using your nose to investigate science is being lost. By examining the chemistry of some common odious odors and the chemicals used to eradicate them I hope to give students a more sophisticated understanding of whats in your household cabinets and the esoteric experience of judging a chemicals composition by smell alone.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of acids and bases.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of acids and bases.
Your Intuition Sucks
Teachers:
Paul Christiano,
Kenan Diab
Hear some crazy logical puzzles, weird physical truths, and other mind-blowing nuggets of reality that will completely change your life, make you rich and famous, and rocket you towards nirvana.
Prerequisites
Appreciation of awesome stuff.
Prerequisites
Appreciation of awesome stuff.
Quantum Tunneling, Black Holes, and The Weird Universe
Teachers:
Nabil Iqbal,
Hiro Miyake
It turns out that behind the scenes nature works in bizarre and wonderful ways. We'll explain some of these ideas, ranging from the very small - where particles routinely walk through walls and almost anything can happen - to the very large - where the fabric of space and time itself is curved, a glance at the sky can show you the birth of the Universe, and mysteriously named Black Holes are inescapable for anything, even light itself. We'll discuss these cryptic sentences and explain how weird our Universe really is.
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge needed. Only a desire to learn something new about our Universe.
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge needed. Only a desire to learn something new about our Universe.
Lateral Thinking Puzzles Full!
Teachers:
Jennifer Hsu,
Lisa Liu
Let’s try to think outside the box. We’ll provide the problems, and you guys will work together to solve them. Like 20 questions, the questions you ask will be answered with a "yes" or a "no". The puzzle is solved when you guys solve the “puzzling aspect” of the scenario.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Land Conservation... for Free!
Teachers:
Elizabeth Shope
Ecosystems are being rapidly destroyed by people clearing land to build houses, grow crops, and cut and sell wood. In order to ensure biodiversity, we need to conserve land. However, in the United States, land is expensive. Land conservation is a low priority to the government, so it is up to individuals and NGOs fund large-scale land conservation. But how could they finance the conservation efforts? Come find out how!
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
Theories of Chemical Bonding
Teachers:
Sid Creutz
Overview of antiquated and modern theories of chemical bonding, including valence bond theory, molecular orbital theory, and everything in between.
Prerequisites
High-school chemistry and calculus.
Prerequisites
High-school chemistry and calculus.
Stories from Nature
Teachers:
Kimberly Popendorf
If you know what to look for, nature is telling stories all around. Come to learn what the color of the sunset has to say about the weather, how to find North from trees, how to tell time by the moon, and much more!
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
Inside the Atom - What is Nuclear Energy?
Have you ever wondered what the sun and the atomic bomb have in common? Do you know how nuclear energy can power 20% of American homes? Find out how an object as tiny as the nucleus can create more energy than any other known energy source! This course will focus on basic nuclear physics, covering fission and fusion reactions.
Prerequisites
A basic chemistry background is recommended, but not required, for better understanding. Nuclear Energy: Its Place in the World's Future is highly recommended as a prerequisite.
Prerequisites
A basic chemistry background is recommended, but not required, for better understanding. Nuclear Energy: Its Place in the World's Future is highly recommended as a prerequisite.
Kinesiology and Human Movement
Teachers:
Tobie Tepfer
A brief taste of human locomotion; from the way individual joints work to the gait cycle.
Quantum Baseballs and Relativistic Bicycles
Teachers:
David Farhi,
Chris Kennedy
What would the world be like if the speed of light were only 1,000 miles per hour? If Planck's constant were only $$10^{-5}$$ joule-seconds? In this class we'll talk about the parameters of our universe, and investigate what would happen if they were different. In this class we'll see teleporting snowballs and time-traveling cars, and give new meaning to the glass that is both half full and half empty.
Prerequisites
The more you know about physics the more you'll get out of this class.
Prerequisites
The more you know about physics the more you'll get out of this class.
To the Stars: A Course in Modern Astronomy
Teachers:
Michael Shaw
Imagine life as an astronomer. You're trying to figure out whats happening billions of miles away. Your only tool is whatever light happens to reach Earth, through billions of miles of gas and dust--not to mention everything else in the universe. In this course, we begin to investigate this problem, using all the tools at our disposal. We'll start off with a brief history of astronomy, and then spend most of the class talking about some modern problems in the field--about the life cycle of stars, and the structure of the universe itself, and how we use the limited data available on earth to solve them. At the end, I'll discuss my research into blazars--supermassive black holes at the cores of galaxies all across the universe.
Maggots, Murder, and Mystery: Forensic Entomology (Middle School) Full!
Teachers:
Melinda Dooley
How can insects help solve crimes? This class will cover the categories of Forensic Entomology, with an emphasis on Medicolegal Entomology (aka Awesome CSI Stuff.) We will learn about fly and beetle life cycles, the processes of death, and the march of insects that will check in to your body once you check out. We will discuss determining time of death and postmortem interval, the difference between manner and cause of death, and how bugs can tell us about all of these things.
Gross things will definitely be included.
Prerequisites
None! Some material may be potentially upsetting to more squeamish individuals, but I will try to warn them when they ought to close their eyes. This is the Junior High section.
Gross things will definitely be included.
Prerequisites
None! Some material may be potentially upsetting to more squeamish individuals, but I will try to warn them when they ought to close their eyes. This is the Junior High section.
Sleep and Athletic Performance Improvements
Teachers:
Cheri Mah
Are you ever tired? Do you fall asleep in class? Want to run faster, make more basketball shots, or just be a better athlete overall? Perhaps you want to ace your next test. Maybe you just like to sleep a lot and don't know why. Come join this class which will explore all of these topics including why you are always tired and what you can do to improve your sleep habits. We will also talk about how you can become a better athlete in your sleep!
Crystal Structure Analysis Full!
Teachers:
Sid Creutz
This class deals with the structure, symmetry, and geometry of crystalline chemical compounds on an atomic level. We will discuss how scientists use x-ray diffraction to figure out how the atoms in a molecule or compound are arranged in space.
Prerequisites
High school algebra and geometry.
Prerequisites
High school algebra and geometry.
Hearing, Vision and Your Brain Full!
Teachers:
Katya Radul
Learn about the clever ways evolution came up with to bring you light and sound! If you think your eyes are just a biological camera, you're far off the mark. Brains are weird.
Prerequisites
Basic physics. Know the basics of how waves (light and sound) work.
Prerequisites
Basic physics. Know the basics of how waves (light and sound) work.
How the brain works: a hands-on introduction
Curious about how your brain works? Ever wanted to peek inside your head and see what’s going on? In this class, you’ll learn about different brain structures and some of their functions. After learning some basics, you’ll participate with a partner in dissecting a sheep brain (similar to the human brain). Come and learn how these remarkable biological computers work!
Prerequisites
None but students should be comfortable with dissection exercise.
Prerequisites
None but students should be comfortable with dissection exercise.
From Mine to Mountain: The Life of Nuclear Reactor Fuel
Teachers:
Matthew Denman,
Bronwyn Edwards
The nuclear fuel cycle is one of the more controversial subjects in nuclear power. Come learn how Uranium is mined, milled, converted, enriched, used to create energy, and ultimately disposed. Learn the differences between an 'open' and 'closed' fuel cycle. Find out why it's so hard to dispose of nuclear waste...
Information Theory and Entropy
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
What is information? And how does physics manage to loose it? Will the universe die as a result?
When I was in high school, I was slammed face first into an enormous paradox in how our physics was taught: Given completely reversible equations describing all of mechanics, somehow, by probability, the universe was irreversibly tending towards disorder – towards heat death (the warm kind, not the hot kind). Teachers tried to explain how ‘disordered’ states were simply more likely, however, given infinite time, shouldn’t even the most unlikely result occur?
Beginning with an introduction to binary, this course will rigorously derive what your teachers should mean by entropy. By rigorous, I mean derived from the mathematics of Claude Shannon’s information theory.
Prerequisites
This class will move through material at a very fast pace. It would be helpful to come familiar with logarithms – both algebraically and graphically, although we will cover necessary introductory math as needed.
When I was in high school, I was slammed face first into an enormous paradox in how our physics was taught: Given completely reversible equations describing all of mechanics, somehow, by probability, the universe was irreversibly tending towards disorder – towards heat death (the warm kind, not the hot kind). Teachers tried to explain how ‘disordered’ states were simply more likely, however, given infinite time, shouldn’t even the most unlikely result occur?
Beginning with an introduction to binary, this course will rigorously derive what your teachers should mean by entropy. By rigorous, I mean derived from the mathematics of Claude Shannon’s information theory.
Prerequisites
This class will move through material at a very fast pace. It would be helpful to come familiar with logarithms – both algebraically and graphically, although we will cover necessary introductory math as needed.
Genetic and environmental influences on the mind and brain
Teachers:
Timothy Brady,
Adena Schachner
What makes us the people we are? For thousands of years, the "nature versus nurture" debate has raged on. We'll see how we can actually measure the effects of heritability and environment, and begin to address how our genes interact with experience to produce mind, brain and behavior. We'll look at cool studies comparing identical and fraternal twins, talk about the evolution of human cognition, ask what innateness and heritability really mean, and discuss the philosophical questions that these issues bring up.
Introduction to Forensic Pathology Full!
Teachers:
Kathleen Clark-Adams
Come learn how to solve mysteries by examining dead people! Forensic pathology, the science of determining the cause and circumstances of a person's death, has been popularized on various crime shows like "Bones"; come learn about the real thing! We'll show you how the experts use chemistry, dentistry, entomology, and various other techniques to study the dead.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Extreme Insects Full!
Teachers:
Melinda Dooley
Let's talk about bugs: the tiny and the huge, the deadly and the domesticated, the drones and the masterminds. No matter how weird it may seem, there is some insect out there that does it. There are more known species of insects on Earth than any other taxonomic group. We'll briefly cover insect evolution, anatomy, and behavior, but focus will be on the bizarre.
Prerequisites
None!
Prerequisites
None!
Whirlwind Mechanics with Calculus
Teachers:
David Farhi
This class will be fast tour of kinematics, Newton's Laws, dynamics, and angular motion. This class will be geared towards students taking a high school physics class (without calculus) who want to see the deeper concepts behind the theory.
Prerequisites
Single variable calculus is required, multivariable calculus will not hurt.
Prerequisites
Single variable calculus is required, multivariable calculus will not hurt.
A Hardcore Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Teachers:
Kenan Diab
In this marathon class, we start from the fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics and build up the rest of the theory from there. We take a very mathematical approach that relies heavily on linear algebra and vector calculus, so prospective students are advised to take the prerequisites seriously. The precise extent of the class will be determined by how fast the class feels comfortable moving, but at the minimum, I hope to be able to offer a complete description of all the theory necessary for understanding two-state systems and their time evolution, including well-known examples such as neutrino flavor oscillation. Possible topics beyond this include a description of the hydrogen atom, charged particles in magnetic fields, time-independent/dependent perturbation theory, etc.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic mechanics and E+M at at least the AP Physics C level is essential. Linear algebra and vector calculus are extremely useful in this class.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic mechanics and E+M at at least the AP Physics C level is essential. Linear algebra and vector calculus are extremely useful in this class.
Defining Life (A science/math class, NOT a philosophy discussion) Full!
Teachers:
Zandra Vinegar
What is fire? Is it alive? How about a growing crystal? Or a virus? Or Clouds? Or a computer? But what definition can include these, include grass and frogs, but not rocks?
Surly the phenomena of life are interesting and distinct enough to warrant a definition answering the above questions, but can you think of one? I find textbooks and Wikipedia even lacking in this regard – as, at the least, ‘life’ seems to have little to do with ‘having cells.’ But what else is completely unique to everything that we think of as alive?
Please play around with this before class:
http://www.bitstorm.org/gameoflife/
and this: http://psych.hanover.edu/JavaTest/Play/Life.html
for the rules and theory: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conways_Game_of_Life - and we’ll discuss this more in class
Prerequisites
This is intended as a biology-related discussion for engineers, physicists, and mathematicians (or those of that mind set). You should be comfortable thinking about biology and chemistry as a complex network of physical processes, and should know what an atom is in the most general sense. You should also be insanely curious.
Surly the phenomena of life are interesting and distinct enough to warrant a definition answering the above questions, but can you think of one? I find textbooks and Wikipedia even lacking in this regard – as, at the least, ‘life’ seems to have little to do with ‘having cells.’ But what else is completely unique to everything that we think of as alive?
Please play around with this before class:
http://www.bitstorm.org/gameoflife/
and this: http://psych.hanover.edu/JavaTest/Play/Life.html
for the rules and theory: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conways_Game_of_Life - and we’ll discuss this more in class
Prerequisites
This is intended as a biology-related discussion for engineers, physicists, and mathematicians (or those of that mind set). You should be comfortable thinking about biology and chemistry as a complex network of physical processes, and should know what an atom is in the most general sense. You should also be insanely curious.
How to build a space ship and fly it to Saturn (or anywhere else)
Teachers:
Neil Forrester
With as little math as reasonably possible, I'll start with Newton's laws and then teach as much as I can about rockets of all types (solid fuel, liquid fuel, ion drives, nuclear rockets, photon drives, etc.), space elevators, orbits, interplanetary navigation, reentry, landing, and much more, both real and futuristic. I'll also demonstrate a free space flight simulator that you can use to play with some of these concepts on your computer if you don't just happen to have 100 million dollars sitting around to build a real spaceship with.
Look Around You
Teachers:
Jennifer Hsu,
Lisa Liu
First, we’ll watch the first series of “Look Around You”. The series was made to satirize early educational films, with a different scientific subject being discussed in each “module”. The episodes to be covered may include: “Maths”, “Water”, “Germs”, “Ghosts”, “Sulphur”, “Music”, “Iron”, and “Brain”. Then, we’ll discuss the modules.
Prerequisites
Sense of humor
Prerequisites
Sense of humor
Molecular Biology: FUNdametals and Medical Applications Full!
Teachers:
Dima Ter-Ovanesyan,
Richard Whalley
The first half of the class will teach the fundamentals of molecular biology in a simplified manner. What do DNA, RNA, and proteins do in the cell and why is this awesome/important?
We will then build on the fundamentals to talk about a few interesting examples of how scientists (from many fields and diciplines) are taking our knowledge of molecular biology to understand disease and find medical treatments.
Prerequisites
Some basic biology knowledge would be helpful, but is not necessarily required. Most of the talk will be simplified and geared towards inspiring people who would like to learn about modern biology. (People who have taken AP Biology might be a little over prepared for the first half of the class.)
We will then build on the fundamentals to talk about a few interesting examples of how scientists (from many fields and diciplines) are taking our knowledge of molecular biology to understand disease and find medical treatments.
Prerequisites
Some basic biology knowledge would be helpful, but is not necessarily required. Most of the talk will be simplified and geared towards inspiring people who would like to learn about modern biology. (People who have taken AP Biology might be a little over prepared for the first half of the class.)
Got Neuroscience Questions?
Teachers:
Abby Noyce
Every year, I try to teach classes on the workings of the brain, and every year, it devolves into "neuroscience free-for-all". This year, I'm planning ahead! So, bring your questions on how the brain works, anything from "How do we remember things?" to "Why do you sometimes fail to see things that are right there?" to "What does Prozac do, anyway?" We'll tackle anything.
Prerequisites
A high-school bio course is recommended - we'll assume that level of knowledge.
Prerequisites
A high-school bio course is recommended - we'll assume that level of knowledge.
Social Science
Battleground: Europe (WWI Simulation) Full!
Teachers:
Enrique Cintron,
Paul Weaver
It is the eve of 1914. Diplomatic relations are deteriorating. You assume joint leadership over the main powers of Europe. Can you keep the peace and lead Europe into a golden age of prosperity? If not, can you ensure prosperity built upon the smoking ashes of your former rivals?
Human Rights Full!
Teachers:
Nalika Vasudevan
This course will explore the basic history of human rights, what human rights are, and how they are practiced today.
Modern War and Geopolitics
Teachers:
Derreck Barber,
Evan Hefner
War is an ever-changing art. No longer are the days of lining up with muskets--modern warfare is a highly complex, information-hungry operation, relying on high technology, mind-boggling coordination, battlefield knowledge, and political strategy. How are these wars fought? Why do we even fight them?
The class will cover the following: modern military equipment, ground tactics, air and sea power, logistics, strategic operations, grand strategy, diplomacy, and other elements of modern geopolitics. In addition, we will illustrate these principles through discussion of the current geopolitical situation in East Asia.
The last half-hour of the lecture will introduce the East Asia war game (to be played the next day for those signed up), both going over the rules and the actors involved. Those not playing can feel free to leave the lecture at this point.
You are encouraged to come with questions about anything military or strategic.
This can be taken as a stand-alone class or as preparation for the war game.
The class will cover the following: modern military equipment, ground tactics, air and sea power, logistics, strategic operations, grand strategy, diplomacy, and other elements of modern geopolitics. In addition, we will illustrate these principles through discussion of the current geopolitical situation in East Asia.
The last half-hour of the lecture will introduce the East Asia war game (to be played the next day for those signed up), both going over the rules and the actors involved. Those not playing can feel free to leave the lecture at this point.
You are encouraged to come with questions about anything military or strategic.
This can be taken as a stand-alone class or as preparation for the war game.
Imagining the City: A Short Introduction to Urban Design Full!
Teachers:
Luke Joyner
Cities are wonderful, ever-changing places. They have personalities of their own. But they don't just arise from nothing... people devote their lives to thinking about how cities should look, how they should feel, how they should work, and how we should think about them.
This class will be about cities, and specifically how they're designed, planned, and conceived on a broad scale.
I will use examples from many cities, and will expect you to contribute examples from cities you know, as best you can. The class will be a mix of architecture and design, history, art, drawing, telling stories, and conversation.
We'll warm up by drawing maps of an urban neighborhood of your choice. From there, I'll talk a bit about a few important ideas in modern city design, then open up the conversation to whatever aspects interest the class most. Then, in the final hour of the class, we'll embark on two short projects that put the ideas we talk about into practice, and allow you to think like an urban designer.
Be ready to talk a lot in this class, especially about your own experience in cities you're familiar with, and feel free to come with questions or ideas. Also be ready to draw a lot; pens and paper will be provided.
Prerequisites
Some experience with at least one city is suggested, but not required.
This class will be about cities, and specifically how they're designed, planned, and conceived on a broad scale.
I will use examples from many cities, and will expect you to contribute examples from cities you know, as best you can. The class will be a mix of architecture and design, history, art, drawing, telling stories, and conversation.
We'll warm up by drawing maps of an urban neighborhood of your choice. From there, I'll talk a bit about a few important ideas in modern city design, then open up the conversation to whatever aspects interest the class most. Then, in the final hour of the class, we'll embark on two short projects that put the ideas we talk about into practice, and allow you to think like an urban designer.
Be ready to talk a lot in this class, especially about your own experience in cities you're familiar with, and feel free to come with questions or ideas. Also be ready to draw a lot; pens and paper will be provided.
Prerequisites
Some experience with at least one city is suggested, but not required.
Space Exploration and Education Discussion Seminar Full!
Teachers:
Phillip Cunio
Have any thoughts on learning about space travel? How space travel can be used to teach science and math? Ever wanted to talk about rocket science in terms of everything that's not rocket science? Ever wondered how somebody ends up studying rocket science? Want to learn more about studying rocket science at MIT? Come to this class and we'll chat.
Prerequisites
None. Verbosity recommended; extreme garrulousness perhaps less so - we have to listen as well as speak.
Prerequisites
None. Verbosity recommended; extreme garrulousness perhaps less so - we have to listen as well as speak.
Unschooling, or "What they won't tell you about compulsory schooling."
Teachers:
J.D. Zamfirescu
Come join a critical discussion on the origins of the modern American compulsory schooling system.
Some of the questions we'll talk about: why do more school hours *not* mean more learning? Whose idea was compulsory education? What impact does it have on society? What can you do for yourself to improve the quality of your education?
And of course, bring your own questions too!
Some of the questions we'll talk about: why do more school hours *not* mean more learning? Whose idea was compulsory education? What impact does it have on society? What can you do for yourself to improve the quality of your education?
And of course, bring your own questions too!
Japanese Culture: Traditional Meets Modern Full!
Teachers:
Jennifer Yoo
Before you can really understand a people, you have to have some idea of what their daily lives are like. Their traditions, their beliefs, their way of looking at the world.
This class will explore the daily lives of the Japanese. Come and find out about their festivals, traditions, performing arts, cuisine, education, and much more!
This class will explore the daily lives of the Japanese. Come and find out about their festivals, traditions, performing arts, cuisine, education, and much more!
Why Science Matters Full!
Teachers:
Michael Shaw
What is science, anyway? And why does it matter? Why should we worry that Kansas's Board of Education removed the word "natural" from their definition of science a few years ago? Or that neither presidential candidate this year agreed to participate in a debate about science? Our society is woefully un-informed about science, and yet, science is manifestly important to our future:
A former US Treasury Secretary once said "If you didn't know the name of five plays by Shakespeare, you would be embarrassed to admit it," he said. "But if you didn't know the difference between a gene and a chromosome, that's a technical subject." And he was running Harvard at the time.
The true challenges of our age--global warming, the energy crisis, and religious extremism have one thing in common. Science can help in their solutions--but the world hasn't yet come to accept this fact.
We will sit down and discuss both the importance of science in solving such problems, and what we, as young Americans, can do about them.
A former US Treasury Secretary once said "If you didn't know the name of five plays by Shakespeare, you would be embarrassed to admit it," he said. "But if you didn't know the difference between a gene and a chromosome, that's a technical subject." And he was running Harvard at the time.
The true challenges of our age--global warming, the energy crisis, and religious extremism have one thing in common. Science can help in their solutions--but the world hasn't yet come to accept this fact.
We will sit down and discuss both the importance of science in solving such problems, and what we, as young Americans, can do about them.
The Myth of Human Intelligence Full!
Teachers:
Glory Nguyen
Theory of Why People Suck, and how to keep them from Sucking too much. I don't mean people as individuals- I mean people in the plural sense. In two hours, you will have the chance to formulate a plan on how save the world from stupidity.
Prerequisites
Brief Understanding of Human History. Knowledge about Evolution. Understanding Gravity and Aerodynamics helps but isn't terribly required.
Prerequisites
Brief Understanding of Human History. Knowledge about Evolution. Understanding Gravity and Aerodynamics helps but isn't terribly required.
Game Theory Full!
Teachers:
Zoe Thorkildsen
Come and meet Rose and Colin in a brief introduction to the field of game theory. You will learn how to read a payoff matrix for a non-zero sum game, how to find the Nash Equilibrium, and how game theory has been applied to real life. We will also simulate and discuss some of the more famous games: Prisoner’s Dilemma, Chicken, Battles of the Sexes, Stag Hunt, and more. If time permits, we will also discuss how game theory is used to model real life situations, and create our own models for a few recent international or domestic scenarios.
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
Nuclear War Full!
Teachers:
Bruce Arthur
This class will cover the basic workings and theory of conventional nuclear warfare. The information covered will include:
(1) the different kinds of nuclear weapons, how they're built, and what each of them are good for;
(2) the different mechanisms for delivering nuclear warheads to their target (missiles, planes, and submarines)
(3) basic deterrence theory;
(4) how a nuclear war between great powers might play out;
If there is time at the end, there may be discussion of unconventional nuclear warfare (e.g., the dreaded "suitcase nuke" or "dirty bomb")
(1) the different kinds of nuclear weapons, how they're built, and what each of them are good for;
(2) the different mechanisms for delivering nuclear warheads to their target (missiles, planes, and submarines)
(3) basic deterrence theory;
(4) how a nuclear war between great powers might play out;
If there is time at the end, there may be discussion of unconventional nuclear warfare (e.g., the dreaded "suitcase nuke" or "dirty bomb")
49 Reasons Why California Is Better Than Your State
Teachers:
Vikki Chou,
Kyle Fritz
Every state in our country has rich culture and bountiful gifts. Yet, in our own completely unbiased opinions, California is the best state in the Union. But what specifically makes it so much better? In this course, we will look at what each state is best known for. Then, we will see how California does that same thing better. This most delightful look at California will enrich not only your knowledge of The Golden State, but also the rest of the country, and you too will be convinced that California is better than your state.
Days of the Wolves of Mibu: Shinsengumi Full!
Teachers:
Jennifer Yoo
They lived in a tumultuous time and became national heroes in a single night. Their swords were feared by countless revolutionaries. Their names were carved in stone and in the hearts and imagination of many. But just who were these great men called the Shinsengumi? Find out here! Learn about the real Wolves of Mibu, and how they compare to their media counterparts.
The Search for Meaning in Life Full!
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? (Not the Monty Python movie...)
We'll talk about religion and philosophy, personal pathways vs. groups, and just about every other thing we can think of.
Join us if you know the answers or if you don't!
We'll talk about religion and philosophy, personal pathways vs. groups, and just about every other thing we can think of.
Join us if you know the answers or if you don't!
Learning Organizations: Creating and Managing Them
Teachers:
Brock Adler
Do you ever wonder why sometimes you can work with a group of really smart people but somehow nothing ever gets done? But other times you can get better ideas and get more done because you’re working with others? The better you understand how organizations work (or don’t!), and how they “learn,” the more effective you can be in using them to achieve your goals.
This session will be a fun introduction to organizational theory using examples such as baseball teams, computer game companies, and brain surgery teams as models for organizations. Integral to understanding how organizations work is an understanding about how organizations learn and how you can shape this, whether or not you are officially “in charge.” These lessons are applicable to all kinds if organizations - businesses , nonprofit organizations, government, schools, etc.
It’s a big world and organizations don’t just happen… you have to know how to create and manage them. Prof. Peter Senge, Senior Lecturer, MIT Behavioral and Policy Sciences (BPS), will be co-teaching the course with me. He is the leading world expert on learning organizations and founded the field.
Prerequisites
Interest in being effective in the world.
This session will be a fun introduction to organizational theory using examples such as baseball teams, computer game companies, and brain surgery teams as models for organizations. Integral to understanding how organizations work is an understanding about how organizations learn and how you can shape this, whether or not you are officially “in charge.” These lessons are applicable to all kinds if organizations - businesses , nonprofit organizations, government, schools, etc.
It’s a big world and organizations don’t just happen… you have to know how to create and manage them. Prof. Peter Senge, Senior Lecturer, MIT Behavioral and Policy Sciences (BPS), will be co-teaching the course with me. He is the leading world expert on learning organizations and founded the field.
Prerequisites
Interest in being effective in the world.
Non-Linear Thinking in a Linear World Full!
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
Does doing one thing at a time drive you batty? Do people frequently tell you to pay attention or to stay on topic? Do you think in pictures instead of words? Does the whole "you have to do it in the right order" concept bother you? Join us for an exploration of hows and whys of non-linear thinking. We'll talk about how to recognize and develop strengths, not just how to "fit in."
Pedantry
Teachers:
Paul Christiano,
Kenan Diab
Learn how to endear yourself to friends and family with this special course on improving your skill in acting like an annoying, nitpicky snob. We cover techniques in picking apart grammatical errors, mocking minor flaws in logic, giving off an air of smug sarcasm, and other techniques for criticizing the inconsequential imperfections in the language of those around you.
Prerequisites
A strong command of the English language would be most desirable. Sadly, those who do not satisfy this prerequisite may not understand this sentence.
Prerequisites
A strong command of the English language would be most desirable. Sadly, those who do not satisfy this prerequisite may not understand this sentence.
World Domination in Theory and Practice
Teachers:
Jack Jester Weinstein,
Judith Vasquez
Admit it: You've always dreamed of taking over the world. This course is the first step toward making that dream a reality. We will discuss the nature of power, the structure of power in society, and what it would take for you to become the ruler of the world.
Political Strategy
Teachers:
Katy Peters,
Saurabh Vishnubhakat
The news networks watch the speeches and report on anecdotes and trivia, but what really goes on in a campaign organization? How do political parties identify their supporters, plan a message calendar and plot winning strategies? This course will focus especially on the ground game - what happens in field offices nationwide, far from the candidates and under the CNN radar. If you've been following the ins and outs of punditry, this is the perfect next step: become an armchair campaign manager!
Prerequisites
Post-election withdrawal
Prerequisites
Post-election withdrawal
Wisdom of the Ancients Full!
Teachers:
Emily Davidson,
Preeya Phadnis
This class is all about nifty things that ancient civilizations discovered -- and which modern technology has failed to recreate until just recently, or even not at all. We'll talk about concrete, Damascus steel, and Greek fire, to give just a few examples. Along the way, we'll hit some of the major milestones of human civilization, starting from 50,000 years ago.
Postmodern Critiques of Capitalism
Teachers:
Kenan Diab
That capitalism is the best possible economic system is something that most people in Western countries simply take for granted. Many modern thinkers, however, would readily challenge this statement. Particularly scathing lines of criticism come from postmodern movements, whose primary aim is to challenge fundamental assumptions about the world that we take for granted. This discussion-based class will address some of the stranger, more esoteric justifications from the philosophical community about why capitalism is unjust and undesirable.
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
Surviving an Apocalypse Full!
Teachers:
Murtaza Nek
What would you do with your last hours of freedom if an alien species took over Earth and enslaved the human race? Or if a tsunami wiped out the Eastern coast of the United States, resulting in mass migrations (and land riots) of unprecedented magnitude? Would you have what it takes to survive?
Put your creative thinking skills to the test in this class, where you'll discuss strategies and methods for surviving apocalypses! Come unassuming, leave thinking about hypotheticals you never thought you would.
Put your creative thinking skills to the test in this class, where you'll discuss strategies and methods for surviving apocalypses! Come unassuming, leave thinking about hypotheticals you never thought you would.
What We Say to People, What People Hear
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
"I don't understand!" "What do you mean?" "How could you do that to me?" Have any of these been said to you? Did you know the answer? If you aren't sure, take this course. We'll discuss some of the reasons you are so misunderstood. The class will be lecture/discussion, with references to major theories and theorists as an inclusion, but not the major focus. The purpose of this course is to give you some tools for self-examination. It is neither for counseling nor for therapy.
Prerequisites
The major prerequisite is open-mindedness, and the other is to be non-critical of other participant.
Prerequisites
The major prerequisite is open-mindedness, and the other is to be non-critical of other participant.
Voting systems and why they fail
Teachers:
Beth Schaffer
The electoral college isn't the best way to go about it, but neither is plurality, necessarily. We'll be taking a look at a variety of voting systems: Condorcet, Borda count, instant-runoff, approval voting, just to name a few. We'll examine real situations where they have been instituted, and hypothetical examples where they could be instituted while keeping in mind certain basic characteristics that we want the system to maintain:Independence of irrelevant alternatives,transitivity criterion, unanimity criterion, non-dictatorship. Finally, we'll prove Arrow's impossibility theorem that shows that no voting system can meet our basic requirements!
While this is a mathematically deep subject, we'll be keeping the math relatively simple and clear for the purposes of this class.
While this is a mathematically deep subject, we'll be keeping the math relatively simple and clear for the purposes of this class.
How to Become a Samurai and Ninja in 2 Hours
Teachers:
Jennifer Yoo
Samurai - "One who serves." Ninja - "One who is hidden." Almost everyone knows a little about these warriors. But what exactly were they like? Come and learn how to think, act, fight, live, and even die like a samurai and ninja. Which one will you be?
How to cope with being a geek
Teachers:
Marc Held
You're not weird. You're better than they are.
Come to this lecture to see why.
We'll go over:
"The difference between geeks, nerds, dorks, and losers"
"Staying cool while being geeky"
"Things to avoid so you don't move into nerd territory"
If you've got any questions or would like me to cover something special, send me an email at heldgeek at gmail dot com
Prerequisites
An open mind. A sense of humor
Come to this lecture to see why.
We'll go over:
"The difference between geeks, nerds, dorks, and losers"
"Staying cool while being geeky"
"Things to avoid so you don't move into nerd territory"
If you've got any questions or would like me to cover something special, send me an email at heldgeek at gmail dot com
Prerequisites
An open mind. A sense of humor
The Psychology of Attitude Change Full!
Teachers:
Jonathan Magin
Every day, people's attitudes affect their behavior, and vice versa. This course will investigate how attitudes form and change, as well as topics like persuasion, cognitive dissonance, and conformity.
Surviving an Apocalypse
Teachers:
Murtaza Nek
What would you do with your last hours of freedom if an alien species took over Earth and enslaved the human race? Or if a tsunami wiped out the Eastern coast of the United States, resulting in mass migrations (and land riots) of unprecedented magnitude? Would you have what it takes to survive?
Put your creative thinking skills to the test in this class, where you'll discuss strategies and methods for surviving apocalypses! Come unassuming, leave thinking about hypotheticals you never thought you would.
Put your creative thinking skills to the test in this class, where you'll discuss strategies and methods for surviving apocalypses! Come unassuming, leave thinking about hypotheticals you never thought you would.
The Financial Crisis Full!
Teachers:
Evan Hefner
How does the financial system work? Why is it breaking right now?
This class will look at the institutions that make up the financial system, the lead up to the current crisis, and what's going on now.
Next, we will compare the current situation to past financial mishaps, and finally, we will discuss the bail-out and the roll of regulation.
This class will look at the institutions that make up the financial system, the lead up to the current crisis, and what's going on now.
Next, we will compare the current situation to past financial mishaps, and finally, we will discuss the bail-out and the roll of regulation.
Piracy 101: An Introduction to Life on the High Seas
Teachers:
Lyndsey Moulds
Do you know your corsairs from your buccaneers? Ever wondered how Calico Jack got his name, or when crews raised the Jolly Roger? This class will explore the history of piracy and how it relates to its romanticized image in pop culture.
Copyright: Laws and Implications
We often hear scare stories about kids who download songs from the Internet and then gets sued for millions. Downloading music and other media is considered by many to be equivalent to stealing.
But what is it that the kid steals when he downloads a song, and from whom does he steal it? We would like to think that it is the music itself, but the downloaded file just contains a bunch of numbers that the computer uses to make sound. And why is the fine so high? Surely, the song doesn't cost thousands of dollars, especially when a CD with a dozen of them costs just a few bucks.
In this class, we will discuss the theory behind copyright laws, and what the court cases and battles that go into them are. We will also discuss some of the interesting implications of these laws (such as the fact that 80-year-old Mickey Mouse cartoons are still under copyright).
Prerequisites
None
But what is it that the kid steals when he downloads a song, and from whom does he steal it? We would like to think that it is the music itself, but the downloaded file just contains a bunch of numbers that the computer uses to make sound. And why is the fine so high? Surely, the song doesn't cost thousands of dollars, especially when a CD with a dozen of them costs just a few bucks.
In this class, we will discuss the theory behind copyright laws, and what the court cases and battles that go into them are. We will also discuss some of the interesting implications of these laws (such as the fact that 80-year-old Mickey Mouse cartoons are still under copyright).
Prerequisites
None
High School, College, & Life: a dialogue for students & parents
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
There are a lot of myths about what it takes to get ready for, get into, and succeed in college - let alone succeed in life! We'll explore these issues and try to help calm fears, answer questions, and perhaps provide direction. Come by yourself or come with your (parent/student), but come. While late additions are welcome, pre-registrants should email 1-3 questions to me at josh_shaine@yahoo.com by November 17th.
Prerequisites
You should be a student, a parent, an educator, or an otherwise interested person. You should come with questions and/or answers.
Prerequisites
You should be a student, a parent, an educator, or an otherwise interested person. You should come with questions and/or answers.
How You're Being Lied to With Statistics, and How To Tell
Teachers:
Daniel Zaharopol
On June 13, 2007, the New York Times reported that New York City students had made huge gains in math: as many as 11% more were passing the state math exam than the year previously. Does that mean that students had really gotten that much better in one year? It has been found that countries that use fluoride in their drinking water have a higher cancer rate than other nations. Should we stop using fluoride in our water? It has been reported in the media and elsewhere that 150,000 young American women die of anorexia each year. (I'll give this one away: only about 60,000 women under the age of 50 die in the US at all each year, making this statistic totally impossible.) Sometimes the math and numbers scare people. Come see the many subtleties of statistics, and get a step closer to being able to discriminate the good from the lies.
Pirates Versus Ninjas Full!
Teachers:
Susan Shepherd
You've seen them in movies. Now, learn the true stories behind the pirate ships and ninja clans you've watched on the big screen.
This short class aims to teach students about the history and background of pirates and ninjas, including what they're up to in the modern age, wiith some discussion of how they're portrayed in the media.
This short class aims to teach students about the history and background of pirates and ninjas, including what they're up to in the modern age, wiith some discussion of how they're portrayed in the media.
Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog Full!
Teachers:
Richard Prevost,
Paul Welle
Investigate the rise of internet media through a study of the sensational Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog! We will watch this short movie and follow with a discussion. I hope to cover such topics as the writers' strike, the rise of internet video, and how Dr. Horrible fits into all of that.
Social Innovation and Volunteerism - How to Make a Difference?
Teachers:
Michelle Ng
Social innovation and volunteerism is on the rise among young people. We all want to make a difference. The question is... how? This course will begin with a 1-hour lecture on various topics related to social issues we face today (e.g., health care, poverty, hunger, education, environment). The lecture will be followed by a 1-hour interactive discussion to engage students on different ways to examine these issues and potential solutions. Plenty of young people want to make a difference to our world. The intent of the course is to broaden their horizon and encourage them to seek ways to make their impact.
Prerequisites
An open mind and a desire to make a difference in the world.
Prerequisites
An open mind and a desire to make a difference in the world.
It's a Boy!/It's a Girl! Exploring Constructions of Gender Full!
Teachers:
Sara Simons
Using process drama activities, this course will explore how society affects our ideas of what it means to be a woman or a man. The course will involve group interaction and low-key performance, followed by discussions how gender expectations appear in our everyday lives.
How Leaders Function
Teachers:
Yale Zussman
Most leadership training programs leave out the key question, namely how leaders actually affect their groups. This course will fill this gap. We will cover the three processes that take place in every group: resource recruitment, combination of those resources, and distribution of the results; resource categories; modes of leader influence on member motivation; and leader motivational profiles. Suggested for students who would like to be more effective leaders.
Queer History
Teachers:
Abigail Carpenter-WInch,
A Coate
This will be a 1 hour class on the basics of LGBT history in the United States. We will cover everything we have time for up to the present day. Feel free to email us about anything you’d like us to cover, and we’ll do our best to do anything that we can!
Prerequisites
An interest to learn and an open mind!
Prerequisites
An interest to learn and an open mind!
A Discussion on Mathematics Education
Teachers:
Daniel Zaharopol
How should teachers teach? What, if anything, should tests test? We'll try to understand these questions through our own experiences learning math in school, and by studying debates that are ongoing in the education community, about topics such as the "Math Wars," the No Child Left Behind Act, unequal access to good teaching, and what it means to attract the best teachers.
This will be a discussion-oriented class. I'll provide some context and information about research, and together we'll better understand the many difficult issues in creating a good mathematics education for everyone.
This will be a discussion-oriented class. I'll provide some context and information about research, and together we'll better understand the many difficult issues in creating a good mathematics education for everyone.
Neuroscience for Future Presidents
Teachers:
Michelle Greene
Do we really only use 10% of our brains? Is the government developing brain scans to read my mind? What does brain dead mean? Are there pills that can make me smarter? Should I take them? Research in the brain sciences is moving at a rapid pace, providing many potential ethical problems. Get the knowledge you need to determine how you will decide on these issues, as a voter or as a future president.
Prerequisites
Curiosity.
Prerequisites
Curiosity.
The Election is over, What does it mean?
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
Your candidate won! You weren't sure that he would . . . but now, what does it mean? How will the next four years be different? The same? Join a discussion of the ramifications of the recent election. Explore the effects of the changes in the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives on the world, the country, and you.
Prerequisites
Passion and curiosity, and a cleaner result than in 2000!
Prerequisites
Passion and curiosity, and a cleaner result than in 2000!
Who Do You Think You Are?
Teachers:
Thomas Murphy
Almost everyone agrees that the way other people think of you will affect your quality of life. Most people also believe that what you think of *yourself* affects your living conditions as well. Still, you may be surprised at how much - and the ways in which - self-image affects your place in the world. Formatted something like a mixtape, with media and not discussion providing most of the tone and ground-level thoughts of the class, we will read, watch, listen to, and then discuss many diverse sources of reflection on self-image (not self-esteem!), from Haruki Murakami to Shaft to contemporary economics.
Prerequisites
must be able to see clips of a PG-13 movie
Prerequisites
must be able to see clips of a PG-13 movie
Amendments to the Constitution
Teachers:
Hannah Bao
Are your constitutional rights being violated? Do you even know your constitutional rights? This class will cover all 27 amendments and their historical and modern day relevance in a mostly-lecture format. Discussion and breaks possible.
So You Think You're Greater Than Napoleon? Full!
Teachers:
Kevin Yue
This class will cover modern military history, political science, the art of war, and other boring subjects, through a detailed step-by-step examination of... Board Games.
If your passion is board games, modern military history, political science or diplomacy, or if you really do think you'd make a better commander than Napoleon, come pit your wits against some of the most tense situations in history.
Prerequisites
Must have completed Kindergarten- no yelling, horseplay, throwing the board, or inturrupting the teacher.
If your passion is board games, modern military history, political science or diplomacy, or if you really do think you'd make a better commander than Napoleon, come pit your wits against some of the most tense situations in history.
Prerequisites
Must have completed Kindergarten- no yelling, horseplay, throwing the board, or inturrupting the teacher.
Pacific Rim War Game Full!
Teachers:
Derreck Barber,
Evan Hefner
Need to sharpen your warfighting skills? After taking Modern War and Geopolitics, come practice in the most underplayed hot-spot in the world: East Asia. Rich with natural resources, key strategic islands, and ambitious great-powers-to-be, peace in East Asia is getting hard to come by. Come and lead one of eight elements: Japan, China, Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, Vietnam, and the Untied States, controlling their diplomatic and military procedures in a great East Asian conflict of 2012. Fight on land, sea, and air to accomplish the goals of your country, and prevent the success of your rivals. Most importantly, be ready to put the principles learned in the Fundamentals lecture on Saturday to work! See joint operations, logistics, espionage, diplomacy, and back-stabbing in action in our fast-paced, high-action wargame, now in it's third running!
Note to people who did this last year: we have changed secret capabilities and objectives.
Note to people who did this last year: we have changed secret capabilities and objectives.
Paradoxes of Democracy, Voting, and Social Choice
Teachers:
Stephen M. Hou
Come learn ideas with applications in mathematics, economics, engineering, and political science! What if, in hypothetical two-way races, Clinton beats Obama, Obama beats Edwards, and Edwards beats Clinton? Is this even possible? (Yes.) What would then be a fair way to decide the "best" preferences of Democrats? Whether it's a T-shirt design contest or a presidential election, voting converts preferences of individuals into a single preference for the community. We'll discuss Arrow's Impossibility Theorem, which states that there is no "perfect" way of doing so. We'll demonstrate a few of the mind-boggling flaws that every voting method must have. Finally, interesting paradoxes in fair division (in particular, apportioning Congressional seats) will be shown. The prerequisites for this class were: Comfort with arithmetic; interest in voting, political science, decision-making, and/or economics.
Market Economics: Supply and Demand Full!
Teachers:
Zoe Thorkildsen
You hear about supply and demand on the news all the time, but what do they really mean? And are the newscasters even using the words correctly? (Answer: sometimes.) Learn about Adam Smith’s theory of the invisible hand, and about how markets reach equilibrium. We will also discuss elasticity of demand and supply and what implications they have for buyers and sellers in a market. From there, we will explore consumer and producer theory, as interest dictates. No previous knowledge of economics is required.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
What is Economics, Really?
Teachers:
Zoe Thorkildsen
Many people believe that economics is "money stuff". While that is, in part, true, economists study happenings and patterns in many areas of life. These vary from education, to sports, to physical fitness, to decision making, to why San Francisco has a high population of GLBTetc persons. In this session, we'll investigate a few recent and very interesting publications in various economic journals. There will be ample time for discussion and debate of the results of the papers, as well as their place in economics.
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
Intro to Criminal Justice
Teachers:
Shar Gunn
Intro to Criminal Justice is an interactive class, where students will learn the basic terms, definitions and procedures to help them understand the criminal justice system.
Students will learn about violent crimes, job and educational requirements, arrest procedures, the cycle of crime and finger printing analysis. Students will be able to analyze their own fingerprints and patterns and participate in classroom role plays.
Topics of discussion:
• Team building
• Booking
• Arrests and Pat Searches
• Crime and Trends
Prerequisites
Students should be mature and able to handle topics related to criminal justice, such as: Robbery, Assault, Rape and Murder = Uniform Crime Report (violent crimes). In which, we will have a brief discussion on.
Students will learn about violent crimes, job and educational requirements, arrest procedures, the cycle of crime and finger printing analysis. Students will be able to analyze their own fingerprints and patterns and participate in classroom role plays.
Topics of discussion:
• Team building
• Booking
• Arrests and Pat Searches
• Crime and Trends
Prerequisites
Students should be mature and able to handle topics related to criminal justice, such as: Robbery, Assault, Rape and Murder = Uniform Crime Report (violent crimes). In which, we will have a brief discussion on.