Splash Fall 2019
Course Catalog
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Chemical and Physical Sciences
C7549: Quantum Cryptography
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Kevin Zhou
Earlier this year, Google's Quantum AI lab achieved "quantum supremacy", making a quantum computer that could solve a problem no classical computer reasonably could. This poses a future challenge for classical cryptography, because many forms of it only work as long as certain problems remain hard to solve.
But just as quantum computers threaten classical cryptography, quantum mechanics itself offers a way out. In this class, we'll cover the basics of quantum cryptography, showing how one can send a message and have its secrecy guaranteed by the laws of physics themselves, against any adversary, classical or quantum.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of vectors and the Cartesian plane will be helpful, but not necessary
But just as quantum computers threaten classical cryptography, quantum mechanics itself offers a way out. In this class, we'll cover the basics of quantum cryptography, showing how one can send a message and have its secrecy guaranteed by the laws of physics themselves, against any adversary, classical or quantum.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of vectors and the Cartesian plane will be helpful, but not necessary
C7446: Get Ψ’ched: Quantum Mechanics in a Nutshell
Difficulty: ***
Can one particle really be in two places at once? How can a single particle interfere with itself? How do we know light is made of photons? Why is it that the more we know about something’s speed, the less we know about its position?
Learn the answers to these questions and others that baffled scientists like Einstein, Schrödinger, and Heisenberg.
Join us as we explore the limits of our mathematical models and the fundamental limit of what we can know about a system. Discover quantum mechanics, the strange physics that explains lasers, computer chips, and all of chemistry.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Algebra and trigonometry. Basic calculus, complex numbers, and introductory classical mechanics recommended.
Learn the answers to these questions and others that baffled scientists like Einstein, Schrödinger, and Heisenberg.
Join us as we explore the limits of our mathematical models and the fundamental limit of what we can know about a system. Discover quantum mechanics, the strange physics that explains lasers, computer chips, and all of chemistry.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Algebra and trigonometry. Basic calculus, complex numbers, and introductory classical mechanics recommended.
C7383: Sweet Science Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alyssa Clay,
Holly Hajare
Come learn the fundamentals of chemistry using your favorite candies! Learn how Skittles, chocolate, and other treats can teach us about polarity, density, and solubility.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Please note that the candies used in these experiments may contain common allergens, such as nuts, milk, and wheat.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Please note that the candies used in these experiments may contain common allergens, such as nuts, milk, and wheat.
C7342: Science of Boba Full!
Difficulty: ***
We will make various type of boba, and explain the chemistry and polymer science behind boba
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Passion for Boba!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Passion for Boba!
C7368: Introduction to Plasma Physics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Christopher Naughton
Everyone knows about solids, liquids, and gases, but what about the other forms of matter? Come learn about the state of matter that makes up over 99% of the universe: Plasmas!
We’ll begin with a basic introduction of what is and isn’t a plasma, dive into the effects of electric and magnetic fields, and then briefly talk about some real world applications of plasmas like ion thrusters and fusion reactors.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of electric and magnetic fields (if you know the right-hand-rule you're good), as we're going to be talking about their effects on particles.
We’ll begin with a basic introduction of what is and isn’t a plasma, dive into the effects of electric and magnetic fields, and then briefly talk about some real world applications of plasmas like ion thrusters and fusion reactors.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of electric and magnetic fields (if you know the right-hand-rule you're good), as we're going to be talking about their effects on particles.
C7520: Rain From Space: Cosmic Rays Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Richard Nally
The Earth is constantly being hit by high-energy particles from space. Although invisible to the eye, these "cosmic rays" hit the atmosphere and erupt into a shower of lighter partices, which can be seen by specialized, ground-based detectors. These muons in these cosmic rays have been some of the most energetic particles we have ever seen. In this class, we will discuss cosmic rays, and from them learn about both particle physics and astrophysics.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
While there are no formal prerequisites (other than a desire to learn!), past students have suggested that some familiarity with physics is helpful. In particular, concepts like conservation laws will appear in the lecture, and while I will certainly introduce them, seeing these for the first time can be intimidating.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
While there are no formal prerequisites (other than a desire to learn!), past students have suggested that some familiarity with physics is helpful. In particular, concepts like conservation laws will appear in the lecture, and while I will certainly introduce them, seeing these for the first time can be intimidating.
C7418: Introduction to Scanning Electron Microscopy
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Maryann Tung
Beyond the capability of the human eye, there exists an entire landscape accessible only through microscopes. Join us for an exploration of the invisible world at the nanoscale through scanning electron microscopy (SEM)!
In this class, we will cover the basic physics and functionality of this powerful tool and compare it to traditional optical microscopes. We will take a field trip to the Stanford Nano Shared Facilities to visit the SEM and image some samples. Get excited to see everyday objects, such as your hair, in a whole new light!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of what an electron is
In this class, we will cover the basic physics and functionality of this powerful tool and compare it to traditional optical microscopes. We will take a field trip to the Stanford Nano Shared Facilities to visit the SEM and image some samples. Get excited to see everyday objects, such as your hair, in a whole new light!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of what an electron is
C7551: How to Find a Particle
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Kevin Zhou
CERN has found the Higgs boson, but nobody has ever seen one. The Higgs decays almost instantly, and its decay products are buried in the wreckage of a violent proton-proton collision. So how do we know there ever was a Higgs boson there at all?
In this class, we'll talk about how the complex, noisy data of the LHC is turned into concrete results. We'll start with an overview of the LHC detectors, then describe how each fundamental particle leaves its own subtle mark on the data. At the end, you'll test your skills by identifying a few particles from real LHC data!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic physics (momentum and energy) will be helpful, but not necessary. It would also be helpful to know a bit about the fundamental particles beforehand (quarks, gluons, etc.), which you can get from the Wikipedia page.
In this class, we'll talk about how the complex, noisy data of the LHC is turned into concrete results. We'll start with an overview of the LHC detectors, then describe how each fundamental particle leaves its own subtle mark on the data. At the end, you'll test your skills by identifying a few particles from real LHC data!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic physics (momentum and energy) will be helpful, but not necessary. It would also be helpful to know a bit about the fundamental particles beforehand (quarks, gluons, etc.), which you can get from the Wikipedia page.
C7429: Calculus of Variations: An Idea that Changed Physics
Difficulty: ***
Newton's Laws have been presented as a fundamental law, but a century later Lagrange proposed a new paradigm that can prove the Three Laws of Motion. We will be using the tools of Calculus of Variations both to derive Newton's Laws and easily tackle problems once seen very difficult like proving the shortest distance between two points is a straight line and finding the curve that maximizes a bead's speed.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
HS Physics + Calculus or AP Physics C: Mechanics
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
HS Physics + Calculus or AP Physics C: Mechanics
C7394: The Science of Smash Bros Ultimate
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Charles Huang
Have you ever wondered about the physiology of Olimar's pikmin, the physics of Wario's fart, or the materials science of Isabelle's fishing rod? We'll look into the physics, chemistry, and biology of characters of Smash and learn about all the hypothetical ways of bringing the super smash bros universe into our own.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None
C7546: Clocks: More than just a Tool to Measure Time
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Eric Cooper
We all know that clocks measure time, but did you know that they also play a central role in navigation (like GPS) and other precision measurements? Clocks were even used to take a picture of a black hole last year!
With a mixture of lecture and hands-on clock building, we will trace the history of clocks through the centuries, culminating with a discussion of the atomic clock - a device at the heart of our interconnected information age.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Familiarity with high school physics helpful but not required
With a mixture of lecture and hands-on clock building, we will trace the history of clocks through the centuries, culminating with a discussion of the atomic clock - a device at the heart of our interconnected information age.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Familiarity with high school physics helpful but not required
C7382: Learning Chemistry with Virtual Reality
Difficulty: ***
Come learn chemical reactions by playing with molecules in our real-time interactive computer simulations using virtual reality headsets!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Have taken or enrolled in a high-school chemistry course. Basic understanding of atoms and bonds
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
Have taken or enrolled in a high-school chemistry course. Basic understanding of atoms and bonds
C7400: Black Holes, Dimensionality, and Imaginary Time
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Diego Celis
Ever wondered how black holes work? Why do they do the things they do, and what do they actually do? What's a singularity, and why are they important?
Or perhaps you've wondered about what our world is made out of. How many dimensions are there, and how do they work? What is the heart of our space made out of?
And imaginary time?! What is that?
Well, if any or all of these topics interest you, then you're in for a treat. This class will give you a solid introduction and understanding of how our world works and the tools we can use to study theoretical physics and the cosmos.
This class will be challenging, but if you are at least the tiny bit interested please attend! I can most definitely work with you and ensure you leave Stanford with a comprehensive understanding of the material. I look forward to meeting you!
NOTE: this class will not take up the entire 105min block. You'll be dismissed early, but feel free to stay to ask questions.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Integral and differential calculus. Physics I and preferably preliminary understanding of AP Physics C. Multivariate differentials preferred, but not required.
Or perhaps you've wondered about what our world is made out of. How many dimensions are there, and how do they work? What is the heart of our space made out of?
And imaginary time?! What is that?
Well, if any or all of these topics interest you, then you're in for a treat. This class will give you a solid introduction and understanding of how our world works and the tools we can use to study theoretical physics and the cosmos.
This class will be challenging, but if you are at least the tiny bit interested please attend! I can most definitely work with you and ensure you leave Stanford with a comprehensive understanding of the material. I look forward to meeting you!
NOTE: this class will not take up the entire 105min block. You'll be dismissed early, but feel free to stay to ask questions.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Integral and differential calculus. Physics I and preferably preliminary understanding of AP Physics C. Multivariate differentials preferred, but not required.
C7431: From E to B: Electrodynamics and Relativity
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Patin Inkaew,
Armaun Sanayei
Did you know that the electric field and magnetic field are the same thing? We will learn that the electric field is not just some calculational trick, but a real, living entity that has its own dynamics!
We will use Einstein's relativity to show that the B-field is a relativistic phenomenon of the E-field.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Basic E&M, basic calculus, multivariable calculus is a plus. Special relativity is helpful, but not required.
We will use Einstein's relativity to show that the B-field is a relativistic phenomenon of the E-field.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Basic E&M, basic calculus, multivariable calculus is a plus. Special relativity is helpful, but not required.
C7432: Forensic Chemistry
Difficulty: **
Learn all about the science of crime scene investigation!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
C7528: Fun With Chemistry Full!
Difficulty: *
Chemistry is exciting and it happens all around us every day. In this class we will talk about the states of matter, a little about polymers (like plastics), and really anything else that gives us a chance to do cool demos for you all! You may get a chance to make a souvenir to take home, too. You'll just have to come and find out!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
C7444: Basics of Special Relativity
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Brandon Sandoval
Einstein's theory of special relativity is based off two basic principles: the speed of light is always the same, and physics is the same in every inertial frame. In this class, we will discuss and show how these assumptions lead to time dilation, length contraction, and the loss of simultaneity. By the end of class, you will be able to solve the famous "pole-barn" paradox, and gain some intuition into the most famous formula in physics: E=mc^2.
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
Algebra skills and familiarity with mechanics might be useful when we derive relativistic quantities, but definitely not necessary to learn about the effects of relativity! The class should be open to anyone interested!
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
Algebra skills and familiarity with mechanics might be useful when we derive relativistic quantities, but definitely not necessary to learn about the effects of relativity! The class should be open to anyone interested!
C7386: Interacting with Light
Difficulty: **
Why is the internet so fast? Can you measure microscopic objects without a microscope? Why is spear fishing so hard? Learn how light plays tricks with our eyes, how we can INSTANTLY send memes to our friends around the world, and how to measure the width of your hair without a microscope! We will explain refraction, diffraction, and fiber optics using demos and hands-on activities.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No background is necessary!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No background is necessary!
C7388: A single molecule: the smallest thing you can see
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Petar Petrov,
Annina Sartor
Have you ever wondered what a molecule looks like? In this course, we’ll learn how we can use an optical microscope to see individual molecules. To understand how this works, we’ll learn about lenses and look at what all the parts of a microscope do. Then, we’ll explore the concept of diffraction and how it affects what we see in the microscope. We’ll see how some molecules radiate light by a process called fluorescence, and how we can use that light to see a single molecule even though it’s surrounded by millions of other molecules. Finally, we’ll learn about a Nobel Prize-winning technique called super-resolution imaging, which combines all these big ideas to look at biological structures like DNA, mitochondria, and the cell membrane one molecule at a time.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Introductory course in chemistry or physics
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Introductory course in chemistry or physics
C7535: When two black holes collide: Extreme objects in our Universe
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Edgard Bonilla,
Mae Teo
What are black holes? What are neutron stars? We'll take you on a visual tour and introduce you to these extreme objects out there. What happens when you're near a black hole? How are neutron stars even made? What happens when they collide? Can we feel it happening?
We'll answer these questions and more using Einstein's Theory of Relativity, computer simulations, and what we have been able to witness so far through gravitational and light waves.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
No background in astronomy needed, but knowing what an atom is will be useful.
We'll answer these questions and more using Einstein's Theory of Relativity, computer simulations, and what we have been able to witness so far through gravitational and light waves.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
No background in astronomy needed, but knowing what an atom is will be useful.
C7542: Acids, bases, and pH: What is all the fuss about? Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Aisulu Aitbekova
Have you ever wondered how many substances around us are acids or bases? Do you know that common household supplies such as baking soda and vinegar are a base and an acid?
In this class, we will have fun while learning simple acid-base chemistry and how we can identify acids and bases using special colored stickers and an instrument called a pH meter.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No prerequisite is necessary
In this class, we will have fun while learning simple acid-base chemistry and how we can identify acids and bases using special colored stickers and an instrument called a pH meter.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No prerequisite is necessary
C7554: An Introduction to Quantum Biology: The Quantum Mechanics Governing Life
Difficulty: *****
Teachers:
Yağmur Erhan
When it comes to the physical scales in which they can the phenomena of, biology and quantum mechanics are the two opposite extremes. Yet it turns out that in order to explain some macro-level biological phenomena like photosynthesis, bacteria colonisation, human cognition and even love, the understanding of biology, chemistry and even Newtonian (classical physics) is simply not enough. Sometimes in biology,it turns out that, the greater picture is simply the collective of the individual behaviours of tiny atoms and even sub-atomic particles it is composed of. Established on this principle, this class will try to provide a re-interpretation of various biological phenomena through the conceptual basis of quantum mechanics. We will examine how various physical aspects, such as energy efficiency, of various biological processes are made possible through quantum mechanics.
**This class will not take all of 105 minutes. We will have some time at the end for discussion and questions, which you will be welcomed to stay!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
**All beginners are welcomed! (This is a VERY new field so no-one really knows about it :) ) Preferred: None to intermediate understanding of photosynthesis and nervous system.. At least, a conceptual understanding of some of the primary concepts in quantum mechanics like a wave function or wave-particle duality. (Conceptually, not mathematically) Please note this is a PHYSICS course not a biology course!
**This class will not take all of 105 minutes. We will have some time at the end for discussion and questions, which you will be welcomed to stay!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
**All beginners are welcomed! (This is a VERY new field so no-one really knows about it :) ) Preferred: None to intermediate understanding of photosynthesis and nervous system.. At least, a conceptual understanding of some of the primary concepts in quantum mechanics like a wave function or wave-particle duality. (Conceptually, not mathematically) Please note this is a PHYSICS course not a biology course!
Earth and Planetary Sciences
R7518: Ice Ice Baby: Glaciers and Their Importance to Our Climate Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Emily Dickey
Glaciers are some of the most interesting and beautiful landforms of our planet! But what are glaciers? Why does it matter that they're melting? In this class, we'll look at what a glacier is, why they are important to our climate, and why it is so concerning that they are disappearing.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
R7430: Our Living Universe
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Bennett Kapili
Life is unlike any other natural phenomenon we have discovered so far. But what exactly is it? What makes a collection of molecules alive? And how did the evolution of our physical universe lead to the emergence of life?
In this class, we’ll take a look at the physical events that set the stage for (Earth-like) life to arise, explore the first principles of living systems, and think about the evolutionary trajectory of life on Earth (and what it might mean for the prevalence of intelligent life elsewhere). Come learn about our place in the cosmos!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Previous coursework in biology and chemistry would be helpful, but a curious mind is all that’s needed.
In this class, we’ll take a look at the physical events that set the stage for (Earth-like) life to arise, explore the first principles of living systems, and think about the evolutionary trajectory of life on Earth (and what it might mean for the prevalence of intelligent life elsewhere). Come learn about our place in the cosmos!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Previous coursework in biology and chemistry would be helpful, but a curious mind is all that’s needed.
R7561: The Search for Life in the Universe
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Michael Dubreuil
Are we alone in the universe? How can we know? If we do find life, where can we find it and what will it look like? Will it be microbial or multi-cellular? Will life on other planets even have cells?
In this class we'll discuss these questions and the modern attempts to answer them in a brief overview of the Search for Life in the Universe!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
basic biology (recommended)
In this class we'll discuss these questions and the modern attempts to answer them in a brief overview of the Search for Life in the Universe!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
basic biology (recommended)
R7354: Dissecting the Anthropocene: Past, Present, and Future
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kelly Dunn
This class is both a lecture and discussion. Class will begin with a brief lecture on the various ways in which we have conceptualized the environment in the past. It will proceed to explain this current era which has been commonly deemed the Anthropocene and, through discussion, explore the utility of such a word in geological, political, and social contexts. This class will also examine the various strains of these coupled human-natural systems and how they are influenced by larger systemic issues. It will conclude with a discussion on what the future of it (and subsequently, of humans and the surrounding world) will be.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
R7534: Chew on This: The Environmental Impact of Your Dietary Decisions Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Madigan Brodsky,
Gillian Roy
We are so excited to help you explore all the ways you can make a positive impact on the environment with your dietary choices! In this class, you will learn about how the production of certain foods contributes to environmental degradation and what you can do to mitigate its impacts. We will cover everything from water use to nutrient over-enrichment, and we are excited to teach you about your role within the environment. See you there!
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
R7409: The Dirt on Dirt Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lindsay Filgas
When we think of soil, we often imagine static, non-living dirt beneath out feet. But it turns out there's much more to soil than meets the eye. This class will introduce students to the complex world or soil-- what is it, and why does it matter? From how soil forms to its impact on global climate systems, this class will open your eyes to an incredible world of life all around you.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
R7344: Extraterrestrial Life and Alien Civilizations
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Matthew Reinhold
Are we alone? Is there anyone else out there? This is an exploration of the possibility of life in the Universe, from simple microbes all the way to interstellar civilizations.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
R7413: Food, the Planet, and You
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Charlie Hoffs,
Benji Reade Malagueño
What does food have to do with climate change? How are cows reshaping the Amazon rainforest?
Are organic veggies really better? What's the deal with GMOs? In our discussion-based class, we'll explore the connections between food, the environment, and health. Learn about the problems facing our planet and be part of the solution! (And enjoy some fair-trade chocolate).
Class Style
Discussion
Are organic veggies really better? What's the deal with GMOs? In our discussion-based class, we'll explore the connections between food, the environment, and health. Learn about the problems facing our planet and be part of the solution! (And enjoy some fair-trade chocolate).
Class Style
Discussion
R7357: Python for Environmental Science
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Colette Kelly
Python is one of the most powerful programming languages for large, complex datasets, which makes it ideal for environmental research. In this class, you will use Python and Jupyter Notebooks to analyze a set of real oceanographic data (or data of your choice!). Please note that this class is for programming beginners — if you are looking for an advanced coding class, this one's probably not for you.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
R7426: Environmental Policy: Solving the Climate Crisis
Difficulty: **
Join the Students for a Sustainable Stanford in solving the climate crisis through environmental policy. Through a town hall-style activity, we'll learn why developing effective environmental policy is so challenging. Students will play the roles of different stakeholders, ranging from community members to leaders of environmental NGOs, and argue for their stake on policy, and in the end, we'll decide on a policy that just might save our planet.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
Engineering
E7369: Warp Speed Ahead: The Physics of Spacecraft Propulsion
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Christopher Naughton
From the Enterprise’s Warp Drive to the Millennium Falcon’s Hyperspace Drive, faster than light travel is an integral part of every science fiction story. Although humanity can’t travel faster than the speed of light yet, we’ve come far in our understanding of spacecraft propulsion.
This course describes the different techniques that have been used to propel spacecraft, from explosive rocket engines to plasma-powered hall thrusters. We will then discuss future methods of space transportation and explore the challenges associated with traveling faster than the speed of light.
Due to timing restrictions the class is scheduled for an hour and 45 minutes, but will only actually take about an hour and ten minutes.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
All are welcome to take this class, but a previous knowledge of physics would be helpful. Concepts such as momentum and electric fields will be discussed throughout the course.
This course describes the different techniques that have been used to propel spacecraft, from explosive rocket engines to plasma-powered hall thrusters. We will then discuss future methods of space transportation and explore the challenges associated with traveling faster than the speed of light.
Due to timing restrictions the class is scheduled for an hour and 45 minutes, but will only actually take about an hour and ten minutes.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
All are welcome to take this class, but a previous knowledge of physics would be helpful. Concepts such as momentum and electric fields will be discussed throughout the course.
E7387: Introduction to Earthquake Engineering
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Corinne Bowers,
Armando Messina
Earthquakes are one of Earth's most devastating phenomena. Come learn about earthquake mechanisms and design of structures in earthquake-prone area (like California) and experience shaking first hand! The class will cover the basic physics behind earthquakes and the principles of good earthquake engineering and design, and will include a demonstration of the effects of seismic activity on structures.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
E7408: 100% Clean Energy: How and When Will We Get There
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ryan Johnston
When considering how to prevent climate change, one of the easiest ways to reduce our carbon emissions is to remove carbon from our electricity grid. In this class, we will discuss the technologies that will allow us to do this and the serious challenges that come along with it.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
I encourage anyone interested to show up, but a high school science (chemistry or physics) would be helpful.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
I encourage anyone interested to show up, but a high school science (chemistry or physics) would be helpful.
E7427: Engineering Challenges
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kevin Longoria,
Alonzo Rodriguez
Interested in tech? Interested in writing code for a motor? Want to design a product for an engineering challenge? We got you covered. This is a fun activities class hosted by the Society of Latinx Engineers. We will be having various activities to engage students in what engineering can encompass!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
E7521: How to start a business
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Asrat Alemu
Do you have a startup idea? Have you thought about starting your own business? Is there a problem in your community or in the world that you want to solve? Come and let's talk about it. Learn about identifying problems, design thinking, finding a cofounder, prototyping, looking for funding and so on.
Class Style
Discussion
Class Style
Discussion
E7522: Building, Environment and Humans
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Andrea Coto,
Zhiye Li
We love our homes and we love our earth! How to use new material in our buildings to improve our life experience? How to select material to reduce damage to the environment?
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
E7558: How robots see, feel, and move
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Michael Raitor,
Guan Rong Tan
Humans have eyes to see, nerves to send signals, and muscles to move. How do we enable robots to do the same?
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
E7393: We Got the Power: Energy Resources, Impacts, and Future
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rayan Albraidi
It’s no surprise that many people believe climate change is one of the biggest issues plaguing urban development. But even after numerous inventions and increased social awareness, fossil fuels are still the primary resource of energy globally. That has a lot of different reasons ranging from cost, politics, and location. This class aims to examine the fundamental techniques of energy generation for the major renewable and non-renewable sources of energy such as coal, gas, solar, nuclear, and wind. First, we will cover the bare basics of energy thermodynamics and draw distinctions between renewable, semi-renewable, and non-renewable energy sources. We will then talk briefly about the techniques utilized to harvest the energy of each resource, the advantages, and disadvantages of each process as well as current ongoing research into potential greener solutions. This class is well suited for any person who’s interested in energy engineering (the study of techniques to harvest energy for various reasons) or is curious about the reasons that make fossil fuels the major energy resource worldwide. No prior knowledge in any subject is necessary aside from understanding basic algebraic manipulation and chemical symbols (If you can solve 6x+4=40 and know what CH4 and CO2 mean you’re good to go).
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
E7410: Experiments in Environmental Fluid Dynamics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jennifer Yin
Stanford Women in Fluid Dynamics will demo 3 experiments which showcase fundamental fluid processes in the environment and their underlying physics.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
E7482: Stories in Motion: Mechanical Automata and Rapid Prototyping Full!
Difficulty: **
Design and take home your own moving mechanism. Solve design problems, learn about mechanical automata, rapid visualization and prototyping, while telling a compelling story.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
E7340: Chemistry in Water and Wastewater Treatment
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Hang Dong
Water is critical to our lives, do you wonder how the drinking water is treated before consumption? What is actually in the drinking water that may be good or bad for our health? And how the wastewater is treated before discharge to protect the environment? You can find answers through this class! You will learn knowledge from environmental engineering and chemical engineering and know how the knowledge is applied to protect human health and the environment!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
None.
E7341: Create Your Own Speaker
Difficulty: **
In this class, you will learn about electricity and sound! We will discuss how electric signals get magically converted into sound waves in a speaker. And the best part, we will build our own speaker!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
If you have a phone, it can be useful in testing the speaker. If you don't have one, don't worry, we will be providing chromebooks as well!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
If you have a phone, it can be useful in testing the speaker. If you don't have one, don't worry, we will be providing chromebooks as well!
E7345: Materials Gone Wrong!
Difficulty: **
It's a bad day if your phone screen cracks, but it's something else entirely if your airplane falls out of the sky. Learn about the science and engineering behind materials failures in history through demonstrations and hands-on experiments. Emphasis on HANDS-ON demonstrations, not a boring lecture! We'll experience first-hand how liquid metals can catastrophically destroy structural materials in applications like space exploration and aerospace. We'll explore how many materials can change dramatically with changes in structure, temperature, and other conditions. You'll walk away from this class with greater knowledge of the atomic structure of materials and a deeper appreciation for the diverse properties of the materials that surround our everyday life.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
E7555: Intro to Airplane Design
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Caitlin Hogan,
John McNelly
Have you ever wondered what goes into the design of a plane? Do you ever question why they need tails? In this class, we will learn about some of the physics behind airplane flight, design principles, and how engineers model and test different ideas.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Some basic physics (understanding forces)
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
Some basic physics (understanding forces)
E7447: Let's get moving with motors!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Harry Thaman
Have you seen a Tesla and wondered what's going on under the hood? Are you curious how a jet engine works? Do you want to know how fungal spores get around? If so this class is the place for you!
This class discusses a variety of engines and motors and how they convert energy of various types into motion. Lecturing will be supplemented with a variety of hands on demos and discussion.
Class Style
Lecture
This class discusses a variety of engines and motors and how they convert energy of various types into motion. Lecturing will be supplemented with a variety of hands on demos and discussion.
Class Style
Lecture
Humanities
H7374: How the Python Got Its Name: Greek Mythology in Animal Taxonomy
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Emily Ho,
Alyson Melzer
You’ve probably heard of Greek gods, like Apollo and Athena, and Greek monsters like Medusa. These might seem like fantastical stories from thousands of years ago, but they are still relevant to our lives today - even to modern biology! In this class, we will explore the ancient stories that inspired the scientific names of all kinds of animals, and see what these stories can teach us about familiar and unfamiliar creatures. You’ll even get to do some storytelling of your own!
Class Style
Discussion
Class Style
Discussion
H7401: Existentialism, Nihilism, and Purpose Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Diego Celis
Why are we here? More importantly, what is the point of us even being here? Is it worth it? Is anything worth it? What is worth? Where are we going, and why are we going to begin with?
The philosophical and realistic implications of scientific discoveries have stricken many with great dread, depression, and insecurity regarding the purpose of life and the world around us.
In this discussion seminar, we will seek to explore these issues and concerns to try and find answers within ourselves. A great goal of this class is to share your perspective with others and learn from others' perspectives so that you may enrich your view of your place in the world.
Be warned that this class openly and freely challenges in discussion topics like religion, purpose, and morality. This class will also deal with dark subject matter. However, by treating these subjects with gravitas we will learn and explore a lot about our existence.
NOTE: this class will not take up the entire 105min block. You'll be dismissed early, but feel free to stay to ask questions.
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
Must have an open mind. Must be able to discuss and challenge topics like religion, purpose, and morality. Must be able to handle discussing dark subject matter. No prior knowledge regarding philosophers or their works is required, as none will be used.
The philosophical and realistic implications of scientific discoveries have stricken many with great dread, depression, and insecurity regarding the purpose of life and the world around us.
In this discussion seminar, we will seek to explore these issues and concerns to try and find answers within ourselves. A great goal of this class is to share your perspective with others and learn from others' perspectives so that you may enrich your view of your place in the world.
Be warned that this class openly and freely challenges in discussion topics like religion, purpose, and morality. This class will also deal with dark subject matter. However, by treating these subjects with gravitas we will learn and explore a lot about our existence.
NOTE: this class will not take up the entire 105min block. You'll be dismissed early, but feel free to stay to ask questions.
Class Style
Discussion
Prerequisites
Must have an open mind. Must be able to discuss and challenge topics like religion, purpose, and morality. Must be able to handle discussing dark subject matter. No prior knowledge regarding philosophers or their works is required, as none will be used.
H7411: Ancient Greek Pottery and Artisanal Ceramics
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Tejas Athni
Pottery in the ancient world was an arduous endeavor. From the intensive harvesting of clay to the accident-prone firing of the kiln, this class covers the history, methods, and products of the time-honored artisanal craft of ceramics. We explore beautiful pieces of art and their creators in context, delve into their socio-cultural and political significance, and discuss their lasting impact on the world.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
No prior background or experience necessary. All students are welcome.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
No prior background or experience necessary. All students are welcome.
H7389: Riding the Korean Wave: Intro to Korean Language and Hallyu Culture
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Megan Faircloth
안녕하세요! Love K-Pop? What about K-Dramas? Wanna learn how to read and speak basic Korean and think critically about Korean culture through a *scholarly* lens? Then this class is for you! Whether you're a new Korean culture enthusiast or you've been watching Coffee Prince since before you were potty trained, everyone is welcome!
Logistics:
Approximately half of this class will cover Korean language, and the rest will be analyzing Korean Hallyu (i.e Kpop, Kdrama) culture through an academic (but still fun) lens.
Topics Covered: Reading Hangeul, Phrases and Basic Verb Conjugation, Cultural Studies Terminology and Critical Thinking Strategies
Class Style
Seminar
Logistics:
Approximately half of this class will cover Korean language, and the rest will be analyzing Korean Hallyu (i.e Kpop, Kdrama) culture through an academic (but still fun) lens.
Topics Covered: Reading Hangeul, Phrases and Basic Verb Conjugation, Cultural Studies Terminology and Critical Thinking Strategies
Class Style
Seminar
H7376: Introduction to Arabic Music
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ramzi Salti
A multi media, interactive presentation about the history of Arabic music
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
H7404: Science in Society
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Evan Nichols
Ever think about what you as an individual should do about climate change? Or that if you send your DNA to get sequenced to find out your ancestry, it is also going to be stored in a computer forever? Or just that you always have massive amounts of computing power just sitting in your pocket? Science is becoming a greater part of our lives. While this offers great benefits, it also comes with important questions about how we should be using it. In this class, we will talk through these questions for ourselves as individuals and as a democratic society.
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
H7531: How to Write, but in a completely non-academic manner Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Alex Durham
Have you ever wanted to roast someone, but only thought of the perfect response after your encounter? Do you ever catch yourself thinking of mildly offensive things that you know you shouldn't say in public? Join this class and learn how to channel those thoughts into eloquently worded articles that will (ideally) make people laugh!
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Must be able to read and write.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Must be able to read and write.
H7547: Exploring Empathy
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ariel Leong
We'll explore empathy through a series of fun exercises. There will be snacks!
Class Style
Discussion
Class Style
Discussion
H7403: Writing Across Genres
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Leah Harris
Do you ever have wanna sit down and write a short story? Or write a song? But then after you sit down, you realize you don't actually know how to do that at all? If so, this is the class for you!
In this class, you will do a deep dive into a type of writing that interests you or that you want to know more about (slam poetry, short stories, lyrics, etc.). We will have small group discussions about the conventions of that genre and how to get started writing, and then select a theme for the group to write about (heartbreak, food, sleep, etc.). You will then individually write in whichever genre you choose about the theme, and emerge with a final piece of writing in a genre that you can hang on your fridge/frame/publish!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None
In this class, you will do a deep dive into a type of writing that interests you or that you want to know more about (slam poetry, short stories, lyrics, etc.). We will have small group discussions about the conventions of that genre and how to get started writing, and then select a theme for the group to write about (heartbreak, food, sleep, etc.). You will then individually write in whichever genre you choose about the theme, and emerge with a final piece of writing in a genre that you can hang on your fridge/frame/publish!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None
H7361: Is Judge Judy a real court? An Introduction to the American Legal System Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Alex Akre,
Daniel Huang
In this class we will introduce you to the basic structure of the legal system! We will differentiate between civil and criminal cases, teach you how to read a case and how to prosecute/defend a client.
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
H7370: Neo-Nazism in the 20th-21st Century
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Mia Leonard
This class will explore the rise of neo-Nazism, beginning with the rise and fall of the third Reich, going through the Berlin Wall era, and ending somewhere around 2018-19.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
H7377: Trans Identity and the Medical Industrial Complex
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tee Hoatson,
Max Sutton
Are you interested in social justice and transgender liberation? Do you feel like there aren't enough opportunities for you to explore these topics in the classroom? This course is for you! Through a brief history lesson, a close reading of a classic academic paper, and a discussion activity, you will leave this course with a better understanding of the transgender studies discipline and a more critical eye with which to view media coverage of trans issues.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Basic familiarity with transgender identity. Decent resources include https://www.glaad.org/transgender/transfaq and https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/trans-and-gender-nonconforming-identities .
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Basic familiarity with transgender identity. Decent resources include https://www.glaad.org/transgender/transfaq and https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/trans-and-gender-nonconforming-identities .
H7378: Build-A-World™ Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Andy Lee,
Angela Yang
Skirt the rules of time. Sidestep the laws of gravity. Smelt the secrets of hidden friendships. Create the world of your dreams, whether it stretches across galaxies or fits in the palm of your hand.
In this workshop, we will explore different scopes of worldbuilding in pop culture and literature, from the vast and expansive (The Avengers MCU, Rick and Morty, Star Wars, Harry Potter) to the personal and intimate (the Hubermanns’ basement in the The Book Thief, the narrator’s morbid imagination in The Raven). We will engage in a variety of activities to help you play god and brainstorm blueprints of your own worlds, large and small, and we will discuss how the rules of our lives translate into fictional experiences, interactions, and relationships. You will have the chance to begin a piece of written artwork -- an idea, a story, a poem, lyrics, screenplay, storyboard (literally anything!) -- that delves deeper into one of your realms.
Class Style
Activity
In this workshop, we will explore different scopes of worldbuilding in pop culture and literature, from the vast and expansive (The Avengers MCU, Rick and Morty, Star Wars, Harry Potter) to the personal and intimate (the Hubermanns’ basement in the The Book Thief, the narrator’s morbid imagination in The Raven). We will engage in a variety of activities to help you play god and brainstorm blueprints of your own worlds, large and small, and we will discuss how the rules of our lives translate into fictional experiences, interactions, and relationships. You will have the chance to begin a piece of written artwork -- an idea, a story, a poem, lyrics, screenplay, storyboard (literally anything!) -- that delves deeper into one of your realms.
Class Style
Activity
H7533: Linguistic Archaeology
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Mary Markley
Proto-Indo-Europeans lived in the late Neolithic period and left very little archaeological evidence. But we do know very specific things about them—their patrilineal society, their focus on animal husbandry, their lack of understanding of silver smelting. How? Their words. No one speaks their language today, but we do have reconstructions of their words based on languages that descended from Proto-Indo-European—languages as diverse as Bengali, Armenian, and English. Archaeology’s not just digging in the dirt. Come explore how old words can be put together to make discoveries, and how regular sound changes can tell us what words people were using thousands of years ago. We will reconstruct words and show how they can be adapted to fit other languages.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
An interest in linguistics/language/history would probably increase your enjoyment of this class!
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
An interest in linguistics/language/history would probably increase your enjoyment of this class!
Lunch
L7338: Lunch Period
Difficulty: None
Teachers:
Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.
L7339: Lunch Period
Difficulty: None
Teachers:
Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.
Mathematics and Computer Science
M7536: Taxicab Geometry
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Thomas Mayer
A look at what happens when you change the fundamental rules of Euclidean geometry.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
A general understanding of distance measurements and the Pythagorean theorem is recommended.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
A general understanding of distance measurements and the Pythagorean theorem is recommended.
M7550: Writing your First Web Application
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Andrew Benson
Ever wondered how a website really works and what really happens when you type "google.com" in your browser? In this class, we'll explore just that and write a simple blog website. Students can expect to learn about browsers, HTML/HTTP/etc, the Internet, and web applications.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of Python programming. You should know how to write if statements, conditionals, use dictionaries, have some idea what classes and objects are, etc. If you know another language like Java, you should be all right if you spend a couple hours on a Python tutorial to get used to how it looks. - You must bring your own computer to write your first web application! The computer must be running Linux, macOS, or a recent version of Windows 10. - If you are running a recent version of Windows 10, you should install WSL (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install-win10) with some version of Linux (use Ubuntu if you're unsure). Also install Python 3 on that Linux.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of Python programming. You should know how to write if statements, conditionals, use dictionaries, have some idea what classes and objects are, etc. If you know another language like Java, you should be all right if you spend a couple hours on a Python tutorial to get used to how it looks. - You must bring your own computer to write your first web application! The computer must be running Linux, macOS, or a recent version of Windows 10. - If you are running a recent version of Windows 10, you should install WSL (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install-win10) with some version of Linux (use Ubuntu if you're unsure). Also install Python 3 on that Linux.
M7537: Intro to Math Proofs Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Sophia Furfine
If you enjoy math in high school, then this is the class for you! I will provide a preliminary introduction to the art of proof-writing, which lays the foundation to the undergraduate study of math.
Class Style
Seminar
Class Style
Seminar
M7384: Assorted exciting mathematical problems with Stan
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Stanislav Fort
We will introduce and investigate several interesting mathematical problems and games. We will look at some of the following problems:
1) Prime spirals and other regularities in their distribution
2) Fractals and how to generate them as attractors of simple systems
3) Turing's Halting problem
4) Collatz conjecture and its variants
5) Curve shortening flows
6) The Monty Hall problem
7) Infinite sums and 1+2+3+... = -1/12
8) Proofs of e^pi > pi^e
9) Proofs of irrationality of nth root of 2 for n>2 using Fermat's last theorem
10) The combinatorics of postcards in a bag and binary necklaces
11) The volume of an n-dimensional sphere
12) A proof that there are two points exactly opposite each other on Earth that have exactly the same temperature and pressure
13) A proof that an apple with two spots on it can always be divided into two halves such that both spots are on the same half.
14) A proof that a random set of lines partitioning a 2D plane can be always be colored using 2 colors
15) How to simulate a 50:50 probability using a biased coin
16) And maybe some more
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
A keen interest in mathematics.
1) Prime spirals and other regularities in their distribution
2) Fractals and how to generate them as attractors of simple systems
3) Turing's Halting problem
4) Collatz conjecture and its variants
5) Curve shortening flows
6) The Monty Hall problem
7) Infinite sums and 1+2+3+... = -1/12
8) Proofs of e^pi > pi^e
9) Proofs of irrationality of nth root of 2 for n>2 using Fermat's last theorem
10) The combinatorics of postcards in a bag and binary necklaces
11) The volume of an n-dimensional sphere
12) A proof that there are two points exactly opposite each other on Earth that have exactly the same temperature and pressure
13) A proof that an apple with two spots on it can always be divided into two halves such that both spots are on the same half.
14) A proof that a random set of lines partitioning a 2D plane can be always be colored using 2 colors
15) How to simulate a 50:50 probability using a biased coin
16) And maybe some more
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
A keen interest in mathematics.
M7543: Cops & Robbers: Security and Safety in the Physical & Digital World
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Cooper deNicola
A brief dive into the world of physical and digital security. Starting in the kiddie pool, what is security, and progressing to the deep-end, LEET haxor. This class will primarily focus on the common techniques used in exploits and how to defend yourself against them.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
M7552: Hacking 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Noah Fields,
Connor Hogan
If you've ever had any interest in becoming a ~hackerman~, this is the class for you! We will be going over some basic hacking techniques and tying them to examples in history. We also will discuss some cyber-security laws, as well as ethical hacking.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
M7349: Human and Computer Vision
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
George John
The class covers mammalian vision, computer image representation and manipulation, image recognition, and deep learning with convolutional neural networks. We'll use Python, Jupyter Notebooks, OpenCV, and TensorFlow in Google Colab. The class is taught in a lecture style and the focus is on exposing the students to these topics generally but concretely in the hope that they continue to explore these concepts after the class. For example, we'll actually train a neural network to recognize images during the class, but won't go through all of the behind-the-scenes math and computation. We'll also look at examples of cutting-edge startups that are using computer vision in healthcare, farming, and other applications, including Elon Musk's Neuralink. A handout will give students pointers to online resources and open source software.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
none
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
none
M7392: Computing (Fun)damentals Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Julia Gong,
Benjamin Newman
Ever suspected that computer science was more than just programming? Ever been excited by this suspicion? Ever wonder about the basic, fundamental building blocks that go into computer science, from graph theory to bit-shifting to recursion to logic gates? Never heard of these concepts before, but think they sound cool? Come join us to dive into these intriguing computing fundamentals!
Inspired by the Written computer theory questions on the American Computer Science League tournament questions, we're going to be exploring some of these fundamental concepts that will no doubt show up again if you plan to pursue computer science as a field of study (in more places than you'd expect). These concepts might sound daunting and complicated on the surface, but they can actually be really fun and accessible when you look at them from the right angle. That's what this class is for! We're assuming no background in these concepts at all, and only ask that you bring a curiosity to learn. :)
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Curiosity and a healthy appetite for learning! :)
Inspired by the Written computer theory questions on the American Computer Science League tournament questions, we're going to be exploring some of these fundamental concepts that will no doubt show up again if you plan to pursue computer science as a field of study (in more places than you'd expect). These concepts might sound daunting and complicated on the surface, but they can actually be really fun and accessible when you look at them from the right angle. That's what this class is for! We're assuming no background in these concepts at all, and only ask that you bring a curiosity to learn. :)
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
Curiosity and a healthy appetite for learning! :)
M7541: Why You Can't Solve Every Problem -- Foundations of Logic and Computer Science
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Praneeth Kolichala,
William Xi
In this class, we will begin with the rigorous foundations of modern mathematics. What are "axioms"? What does it mean to "prove" something formally? Ultimately, we will be answering a question that plagued mathematicians of the early 20th century -- is every problem solvable? The answer, by Godel's Incompleteness Theorem, is no. There are certain statements which can be neither proven nor disproven, regardless of what axioms you start with.
This incompleteness theorem is actually intricately connected to another foundational result in theoretical Computer Science -- the halting problem. We will explore the deep connection between the logical underpinnings of mathematics and, what at first glance, seems to be an unrelated problem in another field.
Class Style
Lecture
This incompleteness theorem is actually intricately connected to another foundational result in theoretical Computer Science -- the halting problem. We will explore the deep connection between the logical underpinnings of mathematics and, what at first glance, seems to be an unrelated problem in another field.
Class Style
Lecture
M7540: Quick Introduction to the Unix Shell
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Cheyenne Payne
We typically interact with our computers through graphics, like buttons and menus, that make up what are called graphical user interfaces, or GUIs. Another, often more powerful way that we can interact with our computers is through the command-line interface (CLI), which requires you to type instructions to your computer.
The Unix shell is a command-line interface that allows you to run programs and instruct your computer to perform tasks. It is a particularly powerful and efficient tool for automating many small tasks. In this brief introduction to the shell, we will learn how to navigate a computer filesystem and give basic commands to our computers using the command-line. The primary goal of this beginner-level lesson is to help students think of ways that the shell can be useful to them, and to show them that the command-line is pretty fun!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No prerequisites required, however students will need to provide their own computers (this will allow students to learn how to navigate their own filesystem). Students will need the bash shell or a bash emulator on their computer. Please follow these instructions to ensure you have access to bash on your operating system: macOS/Linux - bash should be available by default, you're good to go! Windows - Please download Git for Windows, which includes a bash tool called Git BASH.
The Unix shell is a command-line interface that allows you to run programs and instruct your computer to perform tasks. It is a particularly powerful and efficient tool for automating many small tasks. In this brief introduction to the shell, we will learn how to navigate a computer filesystem and give basic commands to our computers using the command-line. The primary goal of this beginner-level lesson is to help students think of ways that the shell can be useful to them, and to show them that the command-line is pretty fun!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No prerequisites required, however students will need to provide their own computers (this will allow students to learn how to navigate their own filesystem). Students will need the bash shell or a bash emulator on their computer. Please follow these instructions to ensure you have access to bash on your operating system: macOS/Linux - bash should be available by default, you're good to go! Windows - Please download Git for Windows, which includes a bash tool called Git BASH.
M7423: Quantum Computing
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Sydney Von Arx
Quantum physics alters what a computer can do in interesting and amazing ways.
Learn how to teleport tiny things, break encryption, prove Einstein wrong, and run your own algorithm on a quantum computer!
Note that we will not focus on quantum physics itself, but on how you can harness quantum physics to create an entirely new type of computing.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
No programming or physics experience required, though they might be helpful. A basic understanding of matrix multiplication and complex numbers is highly recommended.
Learn how to teleport tiny things, break encryption, prove Einstein wrong, and run your own algorithm on a quantum computer!
Note that we will not focus on quantum physics itself, but on how you can harness quantum physics to create an entirely new type of computing.
Class Style
Seminar
Prerequisites
No programming or physics experience required, though they might be helpful. A basic understanding of matrix multiplication and complex numbers is highly recommended.
Physical Education
P7529: Stanford Zumba
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Emily Choi
Join us for an hour of Zumba! Zumba is a fun, dance workout class with Latin and international music! No dance experience is needed, just come and have fun with us!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None!
Visual and Performing Arts
A7523: Singing and Rhythm
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Zimeng Liu
Singing techniques, improvisation and harmonisation, and experiment with the Cup song
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
anyone who's interested in singing!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
anyone who's interested in singing!
A7362: An Introduction to Indian Classical Music
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ujwal Srivastava
Enjoy listening to music, learning about new cultures, or both? If yes, then this is the class for you! Come learn about Indian classical music, a rich tradition of performing art that has been passed down for centuries. Students will gain understanding in raag (melody), taal (rhythm) and improvisation, three fundamental aspects of Indian classical music. There will also be a live performance at the end!
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
A7480: Improv Games
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Shikha Srinivas
Want to push your creativity? Become the best brainstormer on your project team? Learn how the funniest people warm-up their improvisational skills? Meet new people? Come play improve games with me! As someone whose taken d. School classes at Stanford, I've enjoyed the subtle ways these "improv games" have boosted my mood and creative ability, and I'd love to share these fun yet productive games with high schoolers too.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None! Ability to move around is helpful, but activities can be tailored to students with accessibility needs.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None! Ability to move around is helpful, but activities can be tailored to students with accessibility needs.
A7347: An Introduction to Bollywood Dance
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Archana Verma
Come learn how to "shimmy" and "thumka" in this introductory Bollywood dance class!
Bollywood refers to the Indian film industry centered in Bombay (now Mumbai). Bollywood movies are known for their intermittent musical numbers with lots of dancing. Bollywood dance is known to be an energetic, freestyle dance, fusing a variety of other dance styles - from indian classical and indian folk, to hip hop, and contemporary.
A short choreography will be taught in this class - beginners are encouraged!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None, other than being excited to dance and willing to learn! All dance backgrounds (including none!) welcome :)
Bollywood refers to the Indian film industry centered in Bombay (now Mumbai). Bollywood movies are known for their intermittent musical numbers with lots of dancing. Bollywood dance is known to be an energetic, freestyle dance, fusing a variety of other dance styles - from indian classical and indian folk, to hip hop, and contemporary.
A short choreography will be taught in this class - beginners are encouraged!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None, other than being excited to dance and willing to learn! All dance backgrounds (including none!) welcome :)
A7556: Landscape painting
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Gwen Bryan
We will paint a landscape as a group! Each person will go home with their own completed painting. We will use acrylic on canvas
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
A7397: Introduction to the Composer’s Toolbox
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Mingqian Tan
You’ve heard a lot of music throughout your life, but have you wondered about how it’s made? Why is your favorite song so catchy? And why does it sound way less catchy after a few months of listening to it?
In this class, you’ll be introduced to several basic core techniques used in modern soundtrack writing. We’ll talk about how to choose a good instrument palette, outline a composition, write melodies, and more!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
No knowledge of music theory is necessary! But being able to read simple musical lines in the treble and bass clefs will help you know what’s going on :)
In this class, you’ll be introduced to several basic core techniques used in modern soundtrack writing. We’ll talk about how to choose a good instrument palette, outline a composition, write melodies, and more!
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
No knowledge of music theory is necessary! But being able to read simple musical lines in the treble and bass clefs will help you know what’s going on :)
A7358: Scientific Illustration
Difficulty: *
This low-intensity workshop will cover what scientific illustration is, what a career in scientific illustration might involve, a quick demonstration of how to paint with watercolors, a collection of samples from the field, and guidance for painting the collected samples.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No artistic skills required; only an interest in science and art!
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
No artistic skills required; only an interest in science and art!
A7538: Lyrical Dance Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sophia Furfine
Learn to express yourself through lyrical dance movement. You'll exit class feeling energized and creative.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
A7371: An Exploration of Film Music
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Daniel Thomlinson
What makes the film scores of Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings so great?
How do they fit in the larger historical context of older Hollywood/international films, silent films, and even Wagner's operas?
And what are some other insanely cool films and scores you should know about?
If these questions sound interesting, then this is the perfect class for you!
Join me, an avid film and music enthusiast, as we all kick back and watch a bunch of film clips across all genres to figure out what the larger picture is and why certain audiovisual experiences really resonate with us.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
There might be some R-rated content (mild language and violence)
How do they fit in the larger historical context of older Hollywood/international films, silent films, and even Wagner's operas?
And what are some other insanely cool films and scores you should know about?
If these questions sound interesting, then this is the perfect class for you!
Join me, an avid film and music enthusiast, as we all kick back and watch a bunch of film clips across all genres to figure out what the larger picture is and why certain audiovisual experiences really resonate with us.
Class Style
Lecture
Prerequisites
There might be some R-rated content (mild language and violence)
A7395: Origami Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Elsie Wang,
benjamin hu
We will be teaching students about the wonderful art form of origami! We'll fold several different paper forms of varying difficulty levels: the fortune teller, the crane, mini-stars, and even advanced modular origami models.
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None
Class Style
Activity
Prerequisites
None
A7381: Performing Shakespeare
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Audrey Senior
Like bad puns? Fake deaths? Love triangles? Secret twins??? Come join StanShakes and learn all about the original soap operas.
Shakespeare is ridiculous and beautiful, but also super confusing and weird. (Godgigoden! Gramercy! 'Sblood!) We will teach you how to understand and perform Shakespeare so you can impress your friends. No acting experience is required, but a willingness to be silly is highly recommended.
Class Style
Activity
Shakespeare is ridiculous and beautiful, but also super confusing and weird. (Godgigoden! Gramercy! 'Sblood!) We will teach you how to understand and perform Shakespeare so you can impress your friends. No acting experience is required, but a willingness to be silly is highly recommended.
Class Style
Activity
Walk-in Activity
W7532: Nature Sculpture
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jerry Chen,
Sophie Kim
Build sculptures with nothing but the nature around you! You will surely obtain inspiration from taking a walk outside, enjoying the beautiful nature and figuring out what you can use for your own artwork!
*Note: students will have to gather their own materials for building their sculptures. Only hot glue guns will be provided for speeding up the building process.
Class Style
Activity
*Note: students will have to gather their own materials for building their sculptures. Only hot glue guns will be provided for speeding up the building process.
Class Style
Activity
W7359: Juggling: Down With Gravity!
Difficulty: **
Join us in Main Quad in front of the church to learn to juggle! It's the art of letting go. :-)
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
W7445: MathCounts Countdown Round
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Andy Chen
Calling all math speedsters! This activity simulates one of the most exciting parts of the MathCounts competition: the countdown round. In each game, two players compete head to head, attempting to answer tricky questions in under 45 seconds each.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
W7564: Heart 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Pireyatharsheny Mulorz
This is a fun class to learn how your heart works. You will learn about the basic anatomy of the heart and how it provides your body with blood.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
W7573: Basics of Quantum Computation: Myth or Dream?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Yağmur Erhan
What is a quantum computer? How does it work? Why is it exciting, and most importantly, is it executable? I will try to give a very VERY brief introduction to some of the key fundamentals of quantum computation and quantum algorithms using linear algebra and quantum mechanics. It's great if you've taken AP Calculus BC, have a strong interest in mathematics/physics or if you have a background knowledge in linear algebra or quantum.
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
W7575: Chinese Chess (xiangqi)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Louis Gosart
Come learn and play Chinese chess! This is a wonderful game and an interesting variation to regular western chess. If there are enough people that come and are interested in playing a mini tournament, then I can organize it and the winner will receive a Chinese chess travel set. Come by if you want to play or learn how to play. I will explain and demonstrate different aspects of the game in class. Hope to see you there!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
W7571: Math Games for when you're Bored in Class
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alyssa Lyn Fortier
Do you ever get bored in class, meetings, or long car rides, and resort to playing games like tic-tac-toe or hangman? Then it's time to spice up your game repertoire with these fun and easy math games! In this class, you'll learn to play several simple games, challenge each other, and perhaps even work out the winning strategies!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
W7576: America 2035
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Christian Giadolor
The future of America (new walk in! super fun!)
Class Style
Lecture
Class Style
Lecture
W7517: Social Board Games
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Justin Kruger
Would an octopus or a giraffe be better at hurdles? What's the best *spooky vision* to send your friends to tell them how you were murdered? How the heck are you going to defuse this bomb in five minutes? Answer these questions (and many more) by playing some fun, quick and occasionally really stupid board games.
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity
W7563: Quantum Mechanics of Light and Matter: A Hands-On Approach
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tao Large
How does a glow stick work? How about a fluorescent light bulb, an LED, or a glow-in-the-dark star? And what does this have to do with quantum mechanics? Light is all around us. It's how we see and how we communicate as well. In this walk-in activity, we explore hands-on demonstrations of everyday phenomena involving light (fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence) that provide a glimpse into the quantum world. Plus, take home glow sticks and more!
Class Style
Activity
Class Style
Activity