In recent years, mental health problems have become increasingly prevalent. In part, this increase stems from the increased influence of social media on our daily lives. We will be addressing this issue and other related questions. How does social media impact mental health? What can you do to minimize the negative effects of social media? And what are the positives of social media?

Want to form healthy habits that will help you succeed in high school, college, and beyond? Come join us! We will be discussing how to plan, form, and maintain healthy habits in middle and high school. We will cover topics relating to nutrition, sleep, hygiene, screen time, healthy movement, and social interaction, while being sure to emphasize that perfection is not the goal!

"Bridging the Gap: The Art of Science Communication" is an interdisciplinary course designed to equip high school students with the essential skills needed to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. Through this course, students will explore the fundamental principles of clear and engaging science communication, emphasizing the importance of conveying scientific ideas in a relatable and accessible manner. By delving into strategies such as storytelling, use of relatable examples, and engaging presentation techniques, students will learn how to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public. Through interactive activities and practical exercises, students will develop their abilities to articulate scientific concepts confidently and compellingly, preparing them to become effective communicators in the realm of science and beyond.

Come learn about photography with this beginner friendly class that is open to all levels of experience! We’ll explore how a camera works, the basics of photo composition, and tips and tricks for taking pictures for any occasion. Feel free to bring your own camera or phone as you’ll get the chance to practice the skills you learn. A camera will also be provided for anyone in the class to use.

Have you seen people spin fire and wonder how they are able to do it? In this class you will be introduced to the art of spinning poi where you will be introduced the moves that firedancers use. You will learn about the history, different types of poi, and how to spin. Take this class to learn a new skill that keeps you active, unleashes your creativity, and will impress your friends and family!
Important: A majority of class time will be outside so please dress in clothes that are appropriate for the weather!


Prerequisites
In this class you will be introduced to the art of spinning poi. You will learn about the history, different types of poi, and how to spin. Take this class to learn a new skill that keeps you active, unleashes your creativity, and will impress your friends and family!

Music production is hard! Being economical with the frequency spectrum, rhythmic density, space, and instrumentation are all crucial factors to consider along the way. This brief lesson aims to equip students with the listening skills they need to analyze their favorite music and have a framework for creating their own material compositionally and electronically.


Prerequisites
None

Join Balloon Art 101, where creativity knows no bounds and learning is a breeze! Discover the joy of balloon artistry in this enjoyable and easy-to-follow workshop. We'll guide you through the delightful process of transforming simple balloons into fun designs, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for all. No prior experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm, and let's turn those balloons into imaginative creations together!


Prerequisites
No Experience Needed!

Space is really cool, but it's also really hard to figure out. So why not play video games while you learn about it? This class is designed to help students explore orbital mechanics in an accessible way, by way of the video game Kerbal Space Program. We will introduce the "how" and "why" of spacecraft, using the game to explain how spacecraft engineers exploit natural phenomena to achieve scientific and exploratory goals. Students will ideally exit the class having planned, built, and launched their very own space mission, keeping certain design parameters in mind. Furthermore, students will also gain an initial understanding of the design challenges faced by real spacecraft engineers. This class will take place in a computer lab.


Prerequisites
Basic physics understanding (conservation of momentum, conservation of energy).

Have you ever wondered how your computer works? How your computer is able to do complicated computations really fast? Then this is the class for you! In this class, we'll be learning about how your computers are able to take these simple numbers 0 and 1 and turn them into powerful tools for your computer to do complex things with.


Prerequisites
None

Students will learn how to model in OnShape, a computer aided design software for engineering. We will teach good practices and give advice when modeling, as well as practical applications within engineering and beyond. Experience is not required, but for those interested in learning more, we will have a more challenging assignment.

You will learn more about what electricity is, how it functions, and how we can use electric parts to build basic circuits.


Prerequisites
Basic physics knowledge is helpful

We will be talking about the importance of inclusive play and show that through rewiring plush toys. We will teach kids how to add an adapted button to a plush toy and the difference it makes in our community. We will be going over skills such as soldering and engineering skills that will be important in the future. Please sign up and come have fun with us to help create a better community through your newfound engineering skills.


Prerequisites
N/A

Unleash your inner dance-engineer in this thrilling class! Dive into the fascinating world where dance and engineering collide. From modeling dance moves that obey physics to freely dancing, let your imagination run wild while discovering the magic of movement and science.

Join this class for a brief introduction in electronics including hands-on experience working with an Arduino board. We’ll be going over the basics of circuits, electrical components, and code, and using this knowledge to complete fun challenges. Although we will move quickly, students will be split into smaller groups for a more tailored experience, so all experience levels are welcome!

This course is designed to stretch beyond what students traditionally learn about what it means to be kind. Roping in the direct experience of being a student and the school environment, we will discuss the ways in which our actions and the things we say matter, and how to prioritize kindness first. Not only will we focus on how to be kind to others, but also tie in the key element of being kind to ourselves.
Within our 50 minute section, there will be a mix of brief formal instruction and interactive activities.The hope is that students will leave with a new understanding on what kindness is and be motivated to take steps each day to be kind to others and themselves.


Prerequisites
None! Being a human is just enough.

Want to develop your creative writing skills in a fun and unusual format? Come join us for an introduction to the exciting world of microfiction. We will practice showing rather than telling, packing lots of action in a few short phrases, and working within time constraints – all in 100 words or less!

Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.

Have you ever wondered how math can be useful in the real world, if at all? Do you wonder if there is more to math than just equations and formulas? Are you simply curious about interesting math problems?

This course will answer those questions and more. Through interactive problem-solving and activities, students will be exposed to a wide range of topics in math in an easy-to-follow format. Students will learn how math can be used to solve complex, real-world problems and be exposed to some mind-bending paradoxes.

While the goal of this course is to give students a taste of what mathematics can be like beyond high school, no advanced math background is required. This course aims to provide students with a new perspective on math, so students of all backgrounds, from those who absolutely hate math, to those who are interested in majoring in mathematics, are encouraged to register.

This class will answer all of the questions you could possibly have or not have related to redistricting: the process in which political districts are drawn. These may include: What is redistricting? Why do we do it? What kinds of interests have to balanced during the process? What is a Gerrymander (and how do I make one)? How many people live in the US? Where do they live? Who is Dave? In this course we will meet Dave (or more accurately: his redistricting atlas) and draw a lot of congressional districts.


Prerequisites
Know how to use a computer.

Part 1: Learning
Students will be introduced to Python as a programming language. We will cover basic features and introductory knowledge.
Part 2: Hands-on Learning
Students will attempt to complete coding challenges based on a framework given to them. They will be attempting to guide a virtual submarine to its target!

In 1818, Mary Shelley demonstrated the issue of ethics in science with her text Frankenstein. A monster, created entirely by the hands of a scientist, develops his own emotions and life and yet he is held back by the grasps of his development. A metaphor for the overwhelming ethical dilemmas being proposed by the developing scientific technology, inventions, and observations, Shelley’s Frankenstein launched a much needed conversation about how and when ethics should be imposed on scientific communities. This course will explore the question: at what point does ethics become a barrier to scientific research, and how can ethics be applied to science without potentially limiting new discoveries?

This class will unearth the stories of human history through the lens of biology. We will cover some background on early humans and hominids, the use of mitochondrial, Y-chromosomal, and ancient DNA in understanding early history, and discuss some current discoveries in this field.

Do you love plants? Do you want to learn how to identify local plants when you're outside in Ithaca? Join us as we learn about local Ithaca plant life and go on a hike to apply what we learned by IDing the plants we find!

Pokémon evolve to grow stronger and survive. Animals do that too to suit their habitat and their changing environment. Come learn about the different habitats around the world and the animals that live in them through the lens of Pokémon.

Do you ever get ticked off by Lyme? Join Cornell HEART as we investigate Lyme disease — a dangerous illness carried by ticks that affects over 7,000 New York citizens every year. We will delve into the symptoms and treatment of Lyme, while also examining why ticks are so good at carrying and transmitting this disease. We will also do an interactive Lyme-based activity where we focus on proper removal of ticks.

Ants are some of the most diverse insects on the planet! They can do incredible things like lift dozens more than their own body weight and take down massive prey. Come join to learn more about what it means to be an ant and the captivating diversity that is ants!

Pollinators have been declining over the last few decades and we can take action to help save them. One of the best ways is to create a pollinator garden. This is an incredibly easy thing to make in your own yard or in your community. Come join to learn about this unique garden, pollinators, plant-insect interactions and how to make this garden yourself!

Have you ever wondered about what happens to the various materials you use and throw out? This class will seek to address the topic of materials sustainability. We'll cover the lifecycles of different types of materials, such as nylon, plastics, and metals. More importantly, we'll talk about how you can use this knowledge to better promote sustainability in your day-to-day lives.

Come explore the world of food fermentation with us as we look at different types of kimchi! We will be discussing the process of fermentation, how it affects our foods, and finally tasting different types of kimchi that have undergone different fermentation periods.
Note: traditionally, kimchi is not vegetarian, so if you have any dietary concerns, please let us know!

Wanna know what’s inside your head? Join us to make your own Play-Doh brain! Get ready to learn about all the parts that make up the most complex organ in your body.

How do we hold a pencil, play with toys, and eat our favorite foods? In this fun workshop, we’ll “Build a Body” with Play-Doh and learn how our arms and legs work.

This course delves into the intricate world of allergies, focusing on their development, progression, and the concept of the Atopic March, which explains how allergies can evolve over time. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of various allergy types, including environmental, food, and seasonal allergies, and explore why certain allergies tend to co-occur. The course also covers allergic reactions and the immune responses behind them. Through case studies, students will apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Additionally, the course delves into diagnosis techniques, treatment options, including the use of skin and blood tests in diagnosis, and Epipens. Ultimately, this course equips students with a valuable understanding of allergies, emphasizing their widespread relevance and profound impact on individuals from all walks of life and society as a whole.

A lesson on the importance of oral and dental health. Includes proper care, orthodontics, impact of lifestyle choices on dental health, and more.

Everyone knows that the US healthcare system is incredibly flawed, but why? This class will focus on the shortcomings of this multi-trillion dollar system and possible solutions from domestic thinking as well as ideas from abroad. We will also discuss why we should care about healthcare as youth in the US, and what we may may experience if policy changes are made.

Why is it important to take care of your mental health? Join us as we break down this question and break down the topic of mental health. We'll talk about the dangers of neglecting mental health care and learn what it means to be mindful and aware of your thoughts and emotions.

What makes a perfect city? From the grid plans in the Indus Valley to the Boulevards of Paris, urban design plays a major role in shaping the built environment and the individual. In this class, we’ll discuss the history of urban design and how these principles are used to create equitable and sustainable cities. Get ready to learn about zoning, transportation, and open spaces as we talk about our favorite parts of our hometowns and draw our ideal communities! :)

Don't know what taxes are? The difference between a debit and a credit card? This class will provide a brief introduction to basic business concepts that will be of use to you in the upcoming future. All grades welcome!

This class will go over the basics of accounting such as the components of the 4 accounting statements and different equations and rules applied in the process. Available to only high school students.