You meet a new friend at CTY who teaches you a dice game. The rules are simple: if you roll a 4, you win and the game ends. If your friend rolls a 5, she wins and the game ends. You take turns rolling until one person wins. If you roll first, what is the probability that you will win the game? There are several ways to solve this problem, and the answer is not obvious.

In this course, students develop a greater understanding of probability and statistics, two areas of mathematics that easily transfer from the classroom to the real world. Students conduct experiments and generate data which they display in graphs, charts, and tables in order to compare the effects of particular variables. For example, students might analyze data to examine how various design characteristics of a paper airplane, such as weight or length, affect the distance it will travel. In addition, students consider other data sources, including newspapers and journals, and identify examples of incorrectly gathered or misrepresented data that have been used to mislead consumers or influence voters.

Students also explore probability, the study of chance, to learn how to use numerical data to predict future events. Students examine permutations and combinations; develop strategies for calculating the number of possible outcomes for various events; calculate probabilities of independent, dependent, and compound events; and learn to distinguish between theoretical and experimental probability.

Do computers make mistakes? How does a machine even know what to do? Is Artificial Intelligence really intelligent? This course will guide students through the principles of computer science, exploring the theory and real-world applications of the concepts that govern it. Students will learn about the concepts of algorithms, binary mathematics, Boolean algebra and digital logic, and the theory of computation. They will be introduced to the workings of computer architecture, operating systems, computer networks and embedded systems, and gain insight into the neural networks that power modern AI systems. Throughout the course, the students will have the opportunity to build on their newfound theoretical knowledge through simulations on topics such as Digital Design and Turing Machines, as well as a plethora of hands-on programming challenges, primarily in C++.

Learning Objectives

• Gain a broad understanding of how computing and technology are shaping our world.
• Formulate and implement algorithms in one or more industry-standard programming languages; Investigate code errors, debug and test programs, and evaluate complexity of algorithms
• Think algorithmically to solve programming problems using conditional, iterative and recursive structures, and other techniques.
• Compare and contrast procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms
• Develop collaboration skills in team, project-based learning environments

Did you know that if one person’s DNA was unraveled and placed end to end, it would stretch to the sun and back at least 60 times? Or that humans and chimps share a surprising 98.8 percent of their DNA? How can we be so similar and yet so different? How does all that relate to having your mother’s eyes, or your father’s nose? Or even your great grandmother’s hair? And how did complex, multicellular organisms evolve from simpler, single-celled ones? We begin with an exploration of Mendelian genetics to determine how simple traits are passed from parents to offspring, delve into more complex concepts such as sex-linked traits and polygenic inheritance, to move towards understanding the genetics of inherited disorders. We will also take a look into the fascinating world of 6 million years of evolution. Furthermore, we learn and practice some of the methods and techniques that geneticists use to explore these concepts, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and bacterial transformations. 

Learning objectives

• Predict the impact of mutations and the inheritance patterns of different diseases.
• Utilize biotechnological laboratory skills to determine the genotypes of individuals and explore the process of transformation, a key technique in genetic engineering. 
• Research and present a genetically inherited disease/syndrome including characteristics such as genetic heterogeneity, penetrance and expressivity.

So small yet so powerful … We cannot see it, but it can change our everyday life! “Nano” indicates something small, something minute, about a billion times less than a meter. In these dimensions materials can go ‘crazy’ and display unique, unprecedented properties. How does the size of a material affect its properties? How do some plants manage to repel water and clean themselves? How can I make my clothes stain resistant? How does the gecko lizard walk on the ceiling? How can a robot climb onto a glass window? How do all this relate to bio-mimicry and everyday life?

Nanotechnology is linked to many disciplines, such as physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics, to produce useful applications with innovative properties. Through a series of approaches, including problem-solving, designing and conducting experiments, games, studying natural and artificial nanomaterials, searching for information, modeling, and group activities, students are introduced to the exciting world of science and technology at a nanoscale!

Are robots smarter than humans? Will automated control systems eventually become clever enough to control us? In this course, students embark on a journey into the world of technology, engineering, algorithmic thinking and programming. They learn how to design, build, and program their own robots and clever control systems using LEGO EV3 Mindstorms and Arduino UNO.

In the course’s robotics segment, students delve into the capabilities of LEGO EV3 Mindstorms, a versatile robotics kit renowned for its ease of use. Through engaging activities and challenges, students learn to assemble robots, utilize sensors, and program behaviors using a Scratch 3-based programming environment tailored for EV3. They discover how to navigate obstacles, follow lines, and complete tasks, all while honing their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

In the course’s automation segment, students explore the world of electronics and clever control systems using Arduino UNO, a popular microcontroller platform. With Arduino, students learn to interface sensors, motors, and other peripherals, enabling them to automate processes and create clever control systems like an automated plant watering system or a home security system. Using a Scratch 3-based programming environment adapted for Arduino, students write code to control inputs and outputs, create responsive behaviors, and bring their projects to life.

By the end of the course, students emerge with a deeper understanding of robotics, automation, and programming, equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges in the ever-evolving field of technology.

Learning Objectives

• Develop construction skills for building robots using LEGO technic pieces, including structural stability, gear mechanisms and attachment methods, and assimilate the basic features of the Arduino UNO board including digital and analog input/output pins, power supply options, and communication interfaces.
• Understand the use and different types of sensors (e.g. touch, color, ultrasonic, and gyro sensors) to gather and use sensor data to create responsive behaviors in robots, such as obstacle avoidance, line following, and object detection.
• Learn basic principles of electronics, including voltage, current, resistance, circuits, and components such as resistors, LEDs, and how to connect and use various sensors with Arduino boards, including temperature, light, motion sensors and ultrasonic sensors.
• Develop problem-solving skills to diagnose issues, troubleshoot hardware or software problems, and debug Arduino or robot projects effectively, utilizing the basic safety practices when working with electronics.