Advanced Explorations Workshop

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Course Description:

What's the secret to success in mathematics or science? Developing your skills as a good observer! In this weeklong intensive course, we will look at a variety of areas in different sciences and mathematics, combining hands-on activities with computer and network explorations, discovering the role of computers and communications technologies in modern science. The Advanced Explorations Workshop is intended for students in grades 9 through 11 (or the home school equivalent). Younger students who are particularly mature and older students who are well-behaved may also be considered. We will go beyond the typical SUCCEED workshop by introducing a more advanced look at topics we introduce in other workshops. We will take students to the "next level" in scientific modeling, engineering and electronics, web design, and graphics. This could be a great start on a science fair project that uses computer explorations. Scientific expertise among Shodor staff includes physics, astronomy, chemistry, anthropology, biology, mathematics, paleontology, the environmental sciences, engineering and biomedical studies.

Structure of activities:

Session size is limited to 18 participants in order to assure a high quality learning atmosphere. Participants work both in teams and individually in a supervised, hands-on learning environment. Each day they learn about new scientific approaches and tools, and then have the opportunity to try them out for themselves in our iBook computer lab.

Educational Objectives:

Students often do not have the opportunity to experience the tools and techniques that drive cutting-edge scientific research. In fact, most school science curricula hardly mention the revolutionary new approaches modern science uses daily to research such areas as galaxy formation, volcanic eruptions, cardiovascular activity, the spread of disease, and a host of other interests. The Advanced Explorations Workshop is designed to expose students to the high technology environment in which most scientists now work and the specialized critical thinking and communication skills they must have to be successful there.

Facilities and equipment:

All activities take place at the Shodor headquarters in downtown Durham, North Carolina. Participants will be using high-performance laptops, local servers, and remote supercomputers equipped with computational software which the students will learn how to use throughout their classes.

Prerequisites:

Participants should be 9th - 11th graders (or the equivalent) and interested in science and mathematics. Younger students who are particularly mature and older students who are well-behaved may also be considered. Since this is an advanced workshop, we do expect applicants to have some experience with the subjects we will be presenting.