Splash Spring 2026
Course Catalog

Decoding Mafia: Psychology of Lying turns the game Mafia into a fast-paced deep dive into deception. Play, lie, accuse, and analyze as you learn why people lie, how deception actually works, and common telltale signs. Through gameplay and quick psychology insights, you’ll uncover how confidence, bias, and group dynamics shape who we believe. If you like mind games, strategy, and calling people out— this class is for you.

How to Write a Song

Trendy carbonated beverages like Celsius, Ghost, Olipop, and Bloom are seen everywhere on social media! They promise energy, better metabolism, gut benefits, and much more. However, are these claims actually true?
In this class, we will break down the ingredients of popular caffeinated and prebiotic carbonated beverages, how they affect your body, and if the marketing claims are true. After this class, you’ll be able to look past the advertising and understand the real science behind these drinks and their ingredients, allowing you to make better choices about what you drink!

This class will help guide high school students through the college exploration and application process. Join Project LTF in learning about options for higher education and how to prepare to apply to colleges. We will discuss a wide range of college application topics, including an overview of the timeline and the materials required for applying.

Get a quick look at how digital products are actually designed! We’ll walk through the UI/UX research and design process, and then you can put it into practice. Experience a whiteboard challenge where you’ll design your own solution to a real problem!

When applying to college, many high school students feel alone. Sometimes guidance counselors are just too busy to provide personalized college application assistance, and teachers can sometimes give conflicting messages about what colleges are looking for and how to be admitted to your dream school. In this class, you'll receive an introduction to the holistic college application process that is unique to the United States and gain brief insights into how to strengthen each area of your college application to make you stand out a little bit more.

Using pertinent examples of past successful applicants, we'll try to take some stress away from the process by covering what you should articulate in your essays, how best to present your achievements, whether or not to report your test scores (or even to take the SAT/ACT), and that painful question of, do I need to have already started a $5M business at 14 years old to get into Harvard? (hint: no)

This class is best suited for high school sophomores and juniors who are beginning or in the process of their college hunt. Freshmen who are looking to start early may also find the class valuable.

Learn how to twist balloon dogs, turtles, and hearts in Balloon Art 101! This skill may seem unconventional and a little
bit silly, but I promise you that it will serve you well. Everyone LOVES balloons and you will be the talk of any event or
party.

In this course, we will be teaching you how to play 4 traditional Korean instruments: janggu, buk, swe, and jing. Each instrument will be taught by the members of our club and students will be able to learn and play any instrument they wish! We will be teaching a rythym, from a song called Yeongnam, and students will play what they learned, together, towards the end of the session!

Whether you already have big plans for the future or are still exploring where life might take you, goal-setting and visualization can be powerful tools for building motivation, confidence, and a positive mindset. In this interactive workshop, you’ll Map Your Mission by creating a personalized vision board, designed to help you stay focused, inspired, and energized throughout the school year, 2026, and beyond.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make friendship bracelets? Now is your chance to learn! In this class you'll learn how to make a classic chevron style bracelet.

New or want to dance? Join this fun dance session! The dance style is open style with a more hip hop focused choreo. In this session, you'll learn some basic foundations in dance and how to start choreographing your own dance. Be ready to pop and lock and groove out!

Hi everyone! We are the HeARTbeat at Cornell, Cornell’s premier medical humanities journal. Our publication focuses on providing a creative outlet for any members of the community who want to express their experiences and perspectives on various discussions related to health. We look at health through a multitude of perspectives, such as a biological, anthropological, and historical lens. Transforming thoughts, memories, and emotions into powerful representations of health, The HeARTbeat at Cornell serves as a way to create a deeper connection to the ingenuity and interdisciplinary nuance that exists within science.

In our class, students will learn the flexibility of various creative mediums, and weave a cohesive narrative about a certain topic related to medicine. We will focus on the importance of the humanities in medicine, specifically going over different creative sectors and how they can each integrate medicine in their own unique way. This class is meant to be highly interactive! Students will get the chance to experiment with various creative styles, ranging from drawing and poetry to origami, where we’ll create healthcare-themed designs together. Even though the mediums may differ, each piece of work will contribute to a shared story about medicine and the human experience. By the end, students will have a greater view of the importance of humanities and arts in conveying ideas related to medicine.

We hope to see you all there!


Prerequisites
No, pre-requisites! Just bring yourself and your creative mind :)

In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the fields of mechanical and biomedical engineering. Students will learn how engineers approach problems with tight constraints, limited supplies, and while working with a team. Through hands-on projects, students will explore how prosthetic devices work and their importance in biomedical engineering. In addition, students will dive deeper into mechanical and marine engineering principles, witnessing firsthand how physics concepts apply to real-world engineering applications. By the end of the class, students will gain a deeper understanding of mechanical and biomedical engineering concepts and be prepared to pursue any engineering challenges that come their way!

Using your engineering skills, can you make it to space in a
single class section?
In this hands-on course, students will be introduced to the
basics of aerospace engineering though the video game “Kerbal Space Program”. Students will explore orbital mechanics,
aerodynamics, and rocket design through the game’s simple
user interface. This class focuses on experimentation and no math is required, but mathematical topics can be explored through supplemental problems and discussion with the instructor.

Did you know the movement of the ocean can be turned into electricity? In this interactive class, students will explore how engineers capture energy from waves, tides, and ocean currents. We’ll learn how marine energy devices work and why the ocean is such a powerful renewable energy source. Through demonstrations and activities, students will see how motion in water can be converted into usable power.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites!

Interested in understanding the development of cities? Passionate about environmental justice? Want to learn more about the sociological underpinnings that shape urban ecologies? Join us for a case study of redlining in Saint Louis, Missouri. Gain an understanding of how historical legislative policies and real-estate practices shape the landscapes of cities. We'll dive into the mechanisms and histories of redlining, and their modern-day manifestations on environmental health. Food insecurity, air and water pollution, and transportation will all be discussed as they relate to environmental racism.

What makes you you — your memories, your brain, your body, or something else? We’ll test your intuitions with famous philosophical puzzles, argue different answers, and see why this question is harder (and cooler) than it sounds.


Prerequisites
none

Have you ever lost an argument you knew you were right about? Or struggled to explain why something that seems obvious to you isn't so obvious to everyone else? Debate is the key skill you can improve.

Whether you want to convince your mom to extend your curfew, talk your teacher into giving you an extension, or one day argue in a boardroom or courtroom, the ability to make a compelling case is one of the most powerful skills you can have.

In this class, you'll learn how to construct arguments, dismantle weak ones, and communicate your ideas with clarity. First, we'll explore the science behind persuasion, how logic, evidence, and reasoning work together to build a compelling case. Second, the art of delivering it: reading your audience, finding the right words, and portraying confidence in the words you deliver.

Through hands-on debates, real-world examples, and collaborative exercises, you'll develop skills that go far beyond the classroom.

Want to boost your creativity and practice writing? This workshop will be perfect for you! Students will be given five minutes to write the beginning of a story, then they will pass it along to the next person. The twist: you can only see the part of the story written directly before you. Get ready for some laughs as your stories take sudden, unexpected twists, and gain more confidence in your writing.

My course will use the popular singer Bad Bunny as an entry point to discuss US colonization in Puerto Rico and Latin America. It will cover the historical and cultural references made by Bad Bunny in his music. Specifically, the Spanish American War, modern gentrification and the impact of Hurricane Maria. Later in the lesson, the US’s role in colonization and subversion in other countries in broader Latin America will be covered, such as the Contras in Nicaragua and the removal of Salvador Allende.

This course will include an overview of comic books from their inception to the present day with a focus on American comics. It will include everything from the big publishers like DC and Marvel, independent publishers, underground comics and zines. We will explore the changing role of comic books in the media landscape and how the medium can be pushed. A number of examples will be brought for students to engage with and discuss.

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

The world of machine learning is really just one big optimization problem. Engineers and Scientists also face similar challenges when mixing chemicals, and business owners when weighing costs against revenue. At the core, all these are linear algebra problems built around finding relationships between variables by solving systems of equations. By the end of this class, through hands-on interactive exercises and games, students will feel confident formulating linear systems from real-world scenarios, solving them, and recognizing when a solution exists and when it doesn’t.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites needed

From night terrors to why we dream, in this class you will learn about the mysteries and secrets of sleep. We will also teach about methods to improve your sleep and why sleep is essential to survival and success.

In this course, you will learn about the inner-workings and mechanisms behind skin health and a scientific approach to helping clear up acne!

From Hippocrates to Galen, leeches to MRIs, medicine has changed a lot over the years! We will explore the foundations of ancient medicine, its development through the Middle Ages, as well as the present. Are you smarter than a Roman doctor? Find out!

Feeling overwhelmed? Join us for a hands-on, low-pressure workshop where you’ll quite literally squeeze your stress away. We’ll explore the science of stress—what causes it and how it affects the brain and body. In this interactive session, you’ll create your own custom stress ball while learning practical techniques for managing everyday stress.

Why is it so hard to stop scrolling? This quick workshop addresses this question through explanations of the brain's attention and reward systems and interactive video watching. It also discusses the larger public health implications of social media, addiction, and shorter attention spans.

What if you could read the instruction manual that builds every living thing? In DNA Decoded, we’ll explore the tiny code inside our cells that makes each of us unique. Students will discover how DNA works, how traits are inherited, and how scientists study genes to understand health and disease. Along the way, we’ll dive into exciting topics like mutations, epigenetics, and powerful new technologies like CRISPR that allow scientists to edit DNA. Through activities and games, students will be able to think like geneticists, decoding the science behind DNA while considering how these discoveries might shape the future of medicine, technology, and society.

Have you ever thought you’ve seen a shape in a cloud, or fallen for a magic trick? If so, there’s a pretty high chance you’ve heard about or seen an optical illusion! This class will dive into details on the science behind optical illusions and how it relates to visual processing. In this course, you’ll learn how optical illusions work, how to draw them, and how to recognize their appearances in everyday life.

Curious about how to extract DNA from strawberries? Learn how scientists isolate important molecules such as proteins, drugs, and genetic material in this two-part lecture and lab course.

We will briefly cover the underlying principles behind different molecular purification techniques such as column chromatography, differential, and liquid-liquid extraction. Students will learn how these processes are essential in fields like medicine and research before applying their knowledge in a hands‑on strawberry DNA extraction lab.

Ever wondered how soap actually works? In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create your own soap while discovering the fascinating science behind it. We’ll explore the chemistry of micelles and uncover how soap molecules trap dirt, oils, and germs so they can be washed away.

Participants will mix ingredients, mold their own bars of soap, and experiment with scents. Along the way, we’ll break down the science behind bubbles, why soap is so effective at cleaning, and how everyday chemistry plays a role in something we use every day.

By the end of the class, you’ll leave with custom handmade soap and a new understanding of the chemistry that keeps us clean.

This course explores the intersection of optics and neuroscience, examining how light can be used to study, visualize, and manipulate neural activity. Through demonstrations and interactive discussions, students will learn beginner- friendly optics and an introduction to modern neuroscience imaging and lab techniques.

Science used to think you were born with a set of instructions and that was it. Enter: Epigenetics. We’ll explore how environments, like pollution, nutrition, and even community trauma, can "flip switches" on your genes. We’ll look at fascinating studies on how social equity (or the lack of it) leaves a biological mark that can be passed down through generations.

What separates those who "test well" from those who don't? Almost always, the answer is how they study. Across all levels of education, students are assessed on their knowledge of course content in various formats, but under one universal name: the test. This course will explain the neuroscience behind how we remember and apply information in a high stakes exam environment. It's easy at times to feel hopeless while taking a test, but the data shows that oftentimes, all it takes for a good grade or score is an effective plan of action that will ensure you enter an exam ready.

Students will learn research-backed methods for remembering the most amount of information in the least amount of time. We'll do short memorization exercises that reveal the difference certain test strategies can make.

Whether you're studying for the SAT, figuring out how to prepare for a biology unit test, or simply curious about what happens in our brains while studying, this course is for you.

In this class, high school students will explore the fascinating field of synthetic biology and genetic engineering. We will discuss how scientists engineer DNA to create new biological systems, examine real-world applications, and learn about opportunities for students to participate in synthetic biology + a quick rundown of the iGEM competition!

Using the video game CellCraft, students will explore some of the most fascinating objects on the planet: living cells! They will learn the how the basic components of the animal cell work together to perform complex tasks, defend the cell from viruses, and help the cell adapt to new environments. They will answer important questions such as:

How do cells resist thousands of deadly viral invaders without an immune system?

How can scientists manipulate cells like "machines" to achieve fun, interesting, or important goals?

Can cell biology save a planet of *mysterious* aliens?

Your kidneys may be small, but they do powerful work every single day. In this interactive SPLASH class, students will rotate through hands-on stations to learn how the kidneys filter blood, regulate blood pressure, and keep the body in balance. Participants will check their BMI and discuss what it means for long-term health, measure blood pressure to understand its connection to kidney disease, and explore common risk factors and early warning signs of kidney problems. Through engaging activities and real-life examples, students will learn how to identify healthy versus unhealthy habits and discover simple steps they can take to protect their kidneys.

Students will participate in a hands-on “Hospital Simulation Day” where they learn about common fields in medicine, and then get a chance to participate in interactive medical stations.

Your body is built from the food you eat: literally. Learn how nutrients fuel your brain, energy, and growth, decode confusing food labels, and build an eating plan that actually works for your real life.

Have you ever wondered what happens to you emotional, philosophically and physically when you listen to music? This course will help you understand what happens in your mind and body when listening to music and the positive (and sometimes negative!) effects of certain musics. Which type of music should you listen to at different points and why do people like different genres? How is personality and music preference connected, how does it change over time? What is the experience of music at different states? If you want to learn more about this and discuss this further, come to this exciting course!

Students will learn the basics of food science and product development by making their own ice cream. Using ice and salt, they will explore the science of freezing reactions. After creating their base, students can customize their treat with a variety of toppings and mix-ins.

Learn first aid skills with CUEMS - Cornell's emergency medical services! This class will run through basics of bleeding control, splinting, and other first aid necessities! Hope to see you there!

Ever wondered what you’d do if someone’s heart suddenly stopped? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to perform CPR, use an AED, and understand the Good Samaritan Law so you can act quickly and safely in an emergency. By the end of class, you’ll have the skills and confidence to save a life and even earn a small prize for completing the training!

Do you ever wonder why temperatures are getting warmer all of a sudden?
I will be teaching about how climate change is perpetuating extreme heat temperatures and how that can affect human health. I will teach students how they can prepare themselves and their community for extreme heat events. Additionally, I will ensure that students know how to prepare for extreme heat in Ithaca specifically.

The heart is an incredible organ that pumps blood throughout the body to keep us alive. In this class, students will learn about the anatomy of the heart through a a cow’s heart dissection and explore how it works through an interactive, hands-on heart-pumping activity.


Prerequisites
None

What is plastic? How can we make an alternative that's both good for the environment and fun? Here, we’ll be learning about what a polymer is and how they are made. Afterwards, we’ll put this information together to make our own plastic algae worms!

Discussion on epistemic injustice and how racism and systemic oppression, especially as it relates to experimentation and denial of access to healthcare has affected the social, often cultural, and even biological context of black and brown bodies.

Why does it seem like some people are so good at school and others aren't? What makes people smart or successful? Why do some people seem to give great presentations, develop great ideas, or make perfect scores on tests, while others try just as hard, are just as smart, and accomplish little? How can I use AI in a way that helps me learn and reclaims my time instead of destroying my last few brain cells? In this class you'll learn the Ivy League study strategies preferred by Cornell students and educational professionals alike that will help you become a more powerful learner, for your classes and your life. This course will be most relevant to high schoolers intending to go to college.


Prerequisites
Please bring paper/notepad and something to write with.

If you've ever been sitting in class and thought to yourself, "When am I ever going to use this?" then you're not alone. And you have a point.

As the complex political, social, and economic landscape of the 21st century continues to develop, schools are increasingly outdated and irrelevant to the demands of the future, training students in a way that seems more suited to the 1970s than the 2020s.

In this course, we'll discuss some of the history of how the US education system came to be, why it looks the way it does today, and what school is even for. By the end of the class, you'll have developed new ideas about what school should be for and what your place is in the layered, messy, sometimes beautiful system of education we have in the United States. You'll also learn to position yourself inside of the school system in a way that ensures your future success and reclaims learning as a powerful force for meeting your own goals, rather than as hoops to jump through to get a diploma. Finally, we'll explore some ways we can redirect our flailing school system to get it back on track. If you are interested in becoming a teacher, this class is a must-take.

This class is best suited for high school students and will be taught at a high-school level, but will welcome seventh and eighth graders with high level interest in education or history.