Digging into Data Science

9-12th graders  |  Session A  |  8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Students will have a hands-on opportunity to experience the growing field of data science. After a brief introduction and appreciation on why data science is the most sought-after profession in the 21st century, the students will immerse in analyzing and visualizing a large data set to discover insights using state-of-the-art data science tools.

By means of a series of interactive examples in various domain/subject areas, they will gain experience in data science techniques such as data preparation and exploration, data visualization, and an introduction to predictive modeling. The hands-on working sessions will be complemented by tours of university research laboratories engaged in the exciting area of data science.

Instructor: Ajay Anan, faculty,  Goergen Institute for Data Science

Dreaming New Realities: Interactive Storytelling with Extended Reality (XR)

9-12th graders  |  Session A  |  1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Bring your ideas to life with XR (the umbrella term for augmented, mixed, and virtual reality)! Students will start with XR basics, including their history and application. They
will use design thinking, storytelling, world building, and low-fidelity prototyping to brainstorm and design a virtual reality mini-game or digital story. They will then learn the
basics of XR tools, such as Blender, a 3D modeling tool, and Unity, a real-time creation platform, through hands-on workshops to develop their own unique virtual reality
experience. Students will also engage in critical discussion of XR, including topics on privacy, accessibility, and empathy. All learning levels welcome. No experience necessary.
Just bring your creativity and big ideas!

Introduction to Engineering

9-12th graders  |  Session A  |  8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Through stimulating lectures, interactive labs, and informative field trips, this class introduces you to the many disciplines of engineering. You will get an overview of the necessary tools for analysis and problem solving and will use your creativity, energy, and interpersonal skills while participating in several in-class design projects. Additionally, you will learn the importance of mathematics, science, and technology in everyday engineering situations.

By the end of the course, you will have a better-defined idea of engineering, its requirements, and your options for a future within this field.

Instructor: Veena Ganeshan, faculty, Hajim School of Engineering

Biomedical Technology: Engineer, Doctor, or Both?

9-12th graders  |  Session B  |  8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This course teaches you the underlying physiology of crucial human organ systems and the process of recording the biological signals that dictate how they perform. You will learn about vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and electrical signals produced by the muscles and heart. You will also learn to interpret and integrate these signals with biological processes and diseases.

Instructor: Kanika Vats, assistant professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

9-12 graders  |  Session B  |  1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

An introduction to aerospace engineering for pre-college students, spanning aerodynamics; lift and drag forces via interaction with air; thrust forces for propulsion in air and in space; and structures and materials for aerospace applications, with emphasis on safety.

Students contrast aerospace and aeronautical engineering; assess properties of air as an engineering fluid at different altitudes; describe the dynamics of motion through air; compute drag and lift forces on aircraft based on aerodynamic principles; assess propulsion systems using fuel, ignition, and combustion to create thrust forces via propellers, air-breathing jets, or rockets for space propulsion; and evaluate how aerospace structures are designed to ensure mechanical safety under pressurized loads and fatigue conditions for materials ranging from light metals and their alloys to fiber reinforced composites.

These concepts are applied to outlining, applying, and assessing the “Great Flight Diagram” that encompasses and contrasts flying structures from the fruit fly to the Boeing 747 (and everything in between.)

The course includes one short experiment conducted in small student teams, and case studies of specific aircraft systems.

Instructor: John Lambropoulos, faculty, Mechanical Engineering