Learn about the six simple machines, which underpin just about all of mechanical engineering! I'll include some cool examples of conventional (and unconventional) applications to everyday life as well as cutting edge science. Will also feature demonstrations.

Learn about the engineering that goes into your everyday automobile! Will cover basic principles of heat engines, powertrains and transmissions, and braking technology.

An engineering-based introduction to thermodynamics and heat transfer. Learn how we use the basic principles of heat and work to generate electricity, power cars, and fly airplanes.

Learn how products go from sketch to reality and why brand names are more expensive. We'll go over basic manufacturing processes and discuss how products can be designed for easier manufacturing and assembly.

Discussion of ferro-equine transportation. More information to follow.

Introduction to the laws of fluid mechanics. Learn how dams are engineered, how bearings work, how fluids flow in pipes, and how that pesky air resistance works. We'll try to cover most or all of the following: hydrostatics, Bernoulli's Equation, viscosity, drag, mass transfer, and the Navier-Stokes equation.

A whirlwind tour of railroading, ranging from the dawn of the industrial revolution through the present day. Locomotives, signalling, track structure, bridges and tunnels…plus the engineering behind it all. Whether you’re a hardcore train buff or just a curious observer, this is the class for you!

Have you ever wondered how the things you use every day were manufactured? Well, if you have (and even if you haven't), this is the class for you! We'll go over most of the major manufacturing processes that drive our world today, in addition to going through a couple of examples of how specific products are made.

Have you ever wondered how the things you use every day were manufactured? Well, if you have (and even if you haven't), this is the class for you! We'll go over most of the major manufacturing processes that drive our world today, in addition to going through a couple of examples of how specific products are made.

Come watch Youtube videos of structures that have failed spectacularly! After we watch bridges twisting and tearing and buildings toppling, we'll talk a little bit about why they failed so terribly and what the engineers could have done differently.

Ever been curious about how engines work? How the power you use in your home is generated? If you have, then this is the class for you! We're taking an interactive approach to the often-feared subjects of thermal and fluid dynamics. You'll get an introduction to energy, entropy, the laws of thermodynamics, and basic fluid dynamics. We'll culminate the course with connections to electricity generation, jet engines, and other awesome applications.

Trains. How do they work? We'll learn about locomotives and railroad operations, from the evolution of locomotive design to how trains are scheduled and dispatched.

Who needs 3D modeling software when you can draft with paper and pencil? Come learn the basics of the art behind drafting, and you’ll have the skills to take on fields from scenic design to mechanical engineering. Things that we'll cover: line weight and type, standards and conventions, orthographic and isometric projections, and more!

A whirlwind tour of railroading, ranging from the dawn of the industrial revolution through the present day. Locomotives, signalling, track structure, bridges and tunnels...plus the engineering behind it all. Whether you're a hardcore train buff or just a curious observer of steel-wheeled things, this is the class for you!

The word "science" is thrown around a lot these days. But can you tell where the REAL science is? We'll teach you some science. And some things that people only think are science. And then we'll correct those pesky misconceptions. For Science.

A course for anyone who has wondered about how the MBTA came to be what it is today. We will focus particularly on the current and former rail routes, from the times when trolleys ruled the streets of Boston right up to the proposed Green Line extension into Somerville.

A look at how people have modeled matter, from the start of time right up the the quantum model of the atom. Geared toward those who haven't taken a chemistry course before.

Have you ever been taught about the periodic table and wondered what is really behind its arrangement? Come learn about the reasoning behind the ordering and grouping of the elements, how atoms really work and the history behind our present view of the building blocks of the universe. This is mostly an introductory class for people who haven't taken in-depth chemistry before, so If you've taken high school chemistry (especially AP), this class will probably bore you to death.

Ever wondered how to use one of those big, professional-looking cameras? Come learn the basics of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and maybe even some tips on composition. I'm far from the most professional photographer around, but I'll be glad to show you the basics. Hopefully we'll have time for you all to take some pictures yourselves.

Learn the basics of derivatives and integrals. A good background in algebra is definitely recommended, but I'll do my best to stay away from trigonometry for the benefit of younger students. If you're currently taking or have already taken calculus, you will probably be bored.

From the early years of the American Colonies to the mid-19th century, the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts formed a serious obstacle to transportation between Boston and Albany. We'll talk about how three major rail links helped resolve this problem and prevent Boston from losing its position as a port city. Anyone who like trains or early American history will enjoy this class, along with anyone who has wondered about the history of the MBTA's Commuter Rail Lines.