Splash Fall 2024
Course Catalog

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Miscellaneous Arts
Engineering Humanities
Physical Education Lunch
Math & Computer Sciences Physical & Biological Sciences
Social Sciences


Miscellaneous

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?954: Let's Plan a Party
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Elle Petrizzo

Want to learn how to plan an awesome event and build your leadership skills at the same time? In this fun, hands-on workshop, you'll work with a small team to create your very own mini event! Get ready to think on your feet, listen closely, and bring your creativity to life!

?974: Perfect fit plants
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Breawna Smith

This course will go over some plant basics and the considerations of making a good garden.

?979: Earth Heroes: The Science of Saving the Planet
Difficulty: *

This course explores simple yet impactful environmental initiatives that students can implement in their homes and communities. It will delve into how our everyday choices contribute to the planet's health, both short and long-term. Additionally, students will gain a foundational understanding of greenhouse gas effects and their role in climate change, setting the stage for more advanced environmental topics.

?957: Basic Business Concepts
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Gabriel Mallare

Teaching students basic business concepts such as investments, credit cards, and savings.

?972: Basic Outdoor Shelter Building
Difficulty: *

Students will learn the basic principles of outdoor shelter building, understand the importance of shelters for safety and survival, watch virtual and live demonstrations of shelter building, and draw a simple shelter illustrating the principles presented in the lesson.


Prerequisites
None!


Arts

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A961: Introduction to Water Color painting
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Camila Tedesco

Students will learn the basics of watercolor painting, including how to use water to control color intensity, create washes, and experiment with different techniques (wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, etc.). By the end of the lesson, they will create a simple landscape or abstract watercolor painting using the skills they have learned.


Prerequisites
n/a

A992: 3D Crafts: Paper Quilling!
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Aaryaa Chiney

Level up your arts and crafts with paper quilling! We'll cover how to roll strips of paper and shape them into coils, teardrops, squares, scrolls, and more. After learning the basics, you'll be able to create your own artwork using paper quilling techniques and take it home with you!

A973: Balloon Art 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Jena Le

Students will learn the fundamental techniques of balloon art, including inflating and tying balloons, creating balloon bubbles, and twisting a basic balloon dog.


Prerequisites
Please make sure you are not allergic to latex!

A985: Writing science fiction: far beyond the stars, yet close to home!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Rohan Joshi

In this lesson, students will learn to boldly take their creative vision where it might not have gone before - in the form of sci fi poetry or prose! Students will be encouraged to think about stories which they can tell, through the medium of science fiction. Further, I also hope tot each them that writing is not arduous or intimidating - it can be fun!


Engineering

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E970: Introduction to Game Development
Difficulty: *

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of game design, guiding students through the core elements that contribute to creating engaging, interactive games. Divided into four key sections—Programming, Art, Sound, and Game Design—students will explore each aspect through hands-on projects and collaborative activities.

E971: Intro to CAD design with CUAUV

Learn the basics of CAD (computer-aided design) with the Cornell University Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Mechanical Subteam. Please bring a computer.


Prerequisites
None

E994: Eggscellent Engineering
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Becky Lee

Have you ever wanted to use your engineering skills to save a life? Well now you can with eggscellent engineering. You will be working in teams in order to protect your egg from danger by using engineering and teamwork skills to create a contraption for your egg. At the end of the class, we will test out everyone's invention and we will have a little friendly competition.

E995: The Secrets of 0s and 1s
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Becky Lee

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.

E959: CUAUV: Intro to Electronics

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!

E975: Engineering and Circuitry Applications: Making Toys More Accessible

Join Cornell Assistive Technologies (CAT) to learn more about engineering processes and circuitry! We will be working together to form small circuits made from batteries and wires. Additionally, we will demonstrate how much circuitry can be applied to other engineering disciplines. In particular, CAT is focused on reverse engineering toys to make them more accessible to students with physical disabilities in the Ithaca community.

E986: DIY Speakers: Exploring Electricity, Magnetism, and Sound
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Aditya Rao, Sean Tao

Today’s world is driven by circuitry, electronics and computing. Electromagnetic processes power the backbone of our modern society, from appliances that enable us to live comfortably, to life saving devices that extend lifespans, and the data servers upon which the internet relies. But what physical processes underlie the phenomena of electricity and its close relationship with magnetism? How can we harness these processes to create the useful devices we are familiar with?

In this 1h50m course, we will dive into the fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, exploring electrostatics, circuits, and magnetic induction through engaging demos. We will then discuss applications to sound, particularly speaker building, and engage in a paper-plate speaker construction project for the last half of the class.


Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic physical principles preferred, but not required


Humanities

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H948: Less is More: 100-Word Short Stories
Difficulty: **

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!

H987: Identity in Infinity Train: What it means to exist
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Amanda Oppong

Oxford defines the act of "being" as "to exist. Existence can mean different things to people within a multitude of circumstances. This course aims to use the show "Infinity Train" to explore the concept of identity across various stories depicted in the series. The students will then use what they've learned to apply their idea of "being" to themselves.


Physical Education

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L981: Non-Academic Test Prep
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Will Moss

Improve your test - taking skills in fun and engaging ways! There will be no practice tests or problems, instead, I will introduce students to various physical and mental approaches to remaining cool, calm, and focused during important exams. This includes breathing exercises, stretching, rapid meditation, week before/night before exam strategies, better sleeping strategies, safe caffeine management, and much much more!

L990: Sculpt & Shred: Crafting Your Best Self
Difficulty: *

This course is designed to give you all the right tools to help you in your bodybuilding journey. The class is beginner friendly and ultimately aims to get more people active and in the gym. If you're interested in sculpting the best version of yourself, be sure to tag along!


Lunch

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L996: 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.


Physical Education

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L984: Line Dancing 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers: MacKenzie Fountain

Learn fun dances like the Cupid Shuffle and Footloose while developing your rhythm and coordination. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced dancer, this course will guide you through each move. Come ready to dance and have a great time!


Math & Computer Sciences

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M951: Choose Your Own Adventure: Game Development Odyssey
Difficulty: *

This is an interactive course designed for high school students eager to explore storytelling through game design. Students will learn the basics of Python and Ren’py, a user-friendly game engine, while collaborating to create their own small Ren’py game.

Starting with an introduction to Ren’py and inspiring examples, participants will brainstorm story ideas and design flow diagrams before diving into coding. With essential tools like VS Code and provided assets, students will gain practical skills in game development.

By the end of the course, participants will have a playable game and a deeper understanding of the creative process. Join us to unleash your storytelling potential in the digital world!


Physical & Biological Sciences

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P947: Power Up: Illuminating Minds with Electricity

Are you ready to become a human conductor? Have you ever interacted with plasma? Join us for an electrifying journey into the captivating realm of electricity and magnetism! In this dynamic course designed for curious minds with no background knowledge required, we will delve deep into the fundamental principles and phenomena that govern the world around us.
Through engaging hands-on experiments and interactive discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the roles of electricity and magnetism in our daily lives. From understanding the basics of electrical current to conductivity, this course will spark your curiosity and ignite your passion for physics!

P949: Frankenscience: Ethics in Biology
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Peyton DiSiena

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?

P950: Humans: Our Ancestors and Our Stories
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Peyton DiSiena

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.

P955: Eye Health
Difficulty: **

This course will cover Eye Health including common eye diseases, what can influence vision, and recommended practices for improving eye health!

P956: The Invisible Shield: Sunscreen's Health Benefits
Difficulty: **

Is sunscreen actually useful? Join us in this engaging course to bust common sunscreen myths and discover its vital role in skin care and wellbeing.

P958: Aorta Learn the Cardiovascular System!

Take a trip through the cardiovascular system! This course will discuss various aspects of the cardiovascular system, including its components, how it operates, its importance, and diseases involving the system. The class will also include fun activities to test your knowledge on the cardiovascular system.

P960: Exploring Careers in STEM
Difficulty: *

Come explore different careers in STEM! Whether you are interested in being a scientist, researcher, doctor, nurse, public health educator, or any other career in science, this is the class for you! We will dive into different futures and end with an interactive activity :)

P966: Makeover Myths: Understanding Plastic Surgery

This course will encompass a variety of interesting topics and activities to learn more about the medical field of plastic surgery. Topics and activities include: myth-busters, history of plastic surgery, reasons people undergo plastic or reconstructive surgery, risks and benefits, and the importance of body positivity and self esteem.

P968: Respiratory Illnesses

It is (unfortunately) almost flu season, and you've probably already noticed that the cold is starting to go around. In this class, we will learn all about common respiratory illnesses -- specifically, the cold and the flu. We will delve into the basis of each, draw comparisons between the two, and learn how to best protect ourselves from catching them.

P989: The Path Of Our Food!
Difficulty: **

Have you ever wondered what happens to food in our bodies after we ingest it? How does our body use our favorite foods to keep us healthy? In this course, we will cover the major organs in the digestive system and end the class with a fun Kahoot!

P993: The Perfect Healthcare Career for You!

Are you interested in medicine and healthcare? Turns out, there are a lot of different careers other than your traditional physician or dentist. Come learn about pre-med, pre-dental, pre-vet, healthcare consulting, health policy, and others from some of the brothers of Cornell's only co-ed pre-health fraternity, Alpha Iota Gamma! In this course, there will be two parts: a discussion-based portion at the beginning where both brothers and participants will be sharing their healthcare interests through a fun, interactive game and then a fun kahoot to test participants' memory on the field of healthcare! This course will expose you to the vast selection of health-related careers and develop your professional skills to help prepare you for the future.

P953: Physiology of the Neuron
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Adam Ziegelmueller

This course will serve as a brief introduction to neuro-biology. If you want to be a veterinarian, doctor, or neuroscientist, this course is for you!

If you enjoyed the neurology unit of AP Biology or AP Psychology, this class will expand on that and discuss how neurons allow us to percieve the environment.

P965: Heart Harmony: The Science of Heartbeats
Difficulty: **

This engaging, hands-on lesson is designed for 7th-12th grade students and explores the fascinating process of how the heart functions. Over the course of 50 minutes, students will dive into the science behind heartbeats, learning about the heart's structure, the electrical signals that regulate its rhythm, and the importance of a healthy heart. Through a combination of visual aids, group activities, and demonstrations, students will:
Understand the roles of key heart components, learn how electrical signals trigger the heart to beat and how this process keeps the blood circulating, and investigate heart rate by measuring their pulse during different activities and discussing how exercise affects the heart. Students will leave the class with a deeper appreciation for the heart's intricate processes and the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health.

P969: We Are All Stardust: Origin of the Universe
Difficulty: **

Did your parents ever tell you that you are made of stardust? Because that’s true!
In “We Are All Stardust: Origin of the Universe”, we will explore the origin and composition of our beautiful universe. As an introductory level astronomy class, no prior knowledge in astronomy is required. Accompanied with stunning visuals and animations, students will learn and apply knowledge on big bang, dark energy, and molecular astrophysics. We hope that at the end of this class students will leave not only with astronomical knowledge and a Fuertes Observatory sticker, but also with a curiosity about our universe, and themselves.

P980: Beyond the White Coat: Exploring Healthcare Careers

Dive into the diverse landscape of healthcare careers with this course! While many believe the only path to a career in healthcare is through medical school, we unveil a multitude of opportunities catering to various interests and passions. From nurses and physician assistants to dental professionals and pharmacists, you’ll explore the rich tapestry of roles in the healthcare field. Discover the vital contributions of specialists, hospitalists, and the exciting realms of research and healthcare consulting. Whether your passion lies in patient care or business, this course will guide you to uncovering your ideal career in healthcare!

P988: Carnivorous Plants! Their Science and Cultivation
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Dylan Sheng

Ever wanted to grow your own Venus Flytrap? Wondered about why some plants trap insects? Join us as we explore the awesome world of carnivorous plants. In this class, you will learn about all types of carnivorous plants (from the famous Venus Flytrap to the rare Sun Pitchers), their ecology, and how to grow them! Live plants will be brought in and you will have the chance to grow your own from seed! No background knowledge is required for this course.

P991: Astronomy and Space Exploration

Join us to learn about astronomy and see some fun space demos


Social Sciences

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S963: Inside Out and the Psychology of Emotion
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Belicia Pinkrah

Do emotions actually live inside our head? Well, … it’s complicated. Find out about the different psychology theories concerning the types of emotions we possess, how emotions come about, and other fascinating theories all while analyzing clips from Pixar’s Inside Out!

S983: What is Health Equity?

Are you interested in the history, current issues, and steps towards the improvement of health equity? The this is the class for you! We will explain ways that health equity manifests itself (more than you may think!) and discuss how individuals and society can work to make healthcare accessible to all.

S952: Who Dunnit? A Healthcare Murder Mystery
Difficulty: *

Embark on an intriguing journey through the fictional town, Syracooze with "Who Dunnit? A Healthcare Murder Mystery," a unique course presented by the Cornell Center for Health Equity Undergraduate Chapter. This interactive class merges the excitement of detective games like "Among Us" and "Werewolf" with vital lessons on health equity. As players take on roles from detectives to healthcare professionals, they'll explore the social determinants of health, uncover the roots of healthcare disparities, and develop strategies for advocacy. This engaging format encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how equitable health access can be achieved in communities like Syracooze and beyond.

S967: EmpowerED
Difficulty: *

Our class, run by the Reproductive Justice Committee of the CUACLU, will focus on educating students about their rights in both higher education and K-12 settings, as well as on self-advocacy. We will cover topics such as setting boundaries, practicing self-advocacy, and understanding the legal obligations schools have to protect students. This will include a 'Know Your Rights' presentation, recreating fictional scenarios, and analyzing real student rights cases.