2011 Course Descriptions

Micro and Nano Technologies

In this course, students will learn about advanced micro- and nano-technologies including micro-robots, nanomedicine, sensor and actuators, wireless systems, lasers, optical communications and digital imaging. We will also discuss the basic principles behind these advanced technologies and their potentials in the future.

The Chemistry of Investigation

This course will look at the foundational concepts of chemistry, (atoms, molecules, bonding, and structure) and apply these concepts to field analysis in the environment and crime scene. From this, students will establish an understanding of atoms and molecules, develop skills and introduce tools for chemical analysis, and utilize these chemical skills applied to real-world analysis of environmental concerns, and forensic investigations.

Endless Ideas

The math class offered at TGS is a collection of mathematical ideas that are both historically significant and intrinsically interesting. A collection of ideas will be explored ranging from the Mandelbrot Set to the percent of possible acute triangles in the universe. The topics will be explored through a number of methods including manipulation, simulation, programming and proof.

Ecological Footprints

Advances in plant biology and finding new uses for plants and plant products will profoundly impact on our future. Plants are being turned to solve energy issues, provide new materials for industry, reduce the impacts of climate change and clean up polluted lands and waters. Students will examine the role that plants may play in addressing these problems by first studying plant growth and development then identifying unique characteristics that have pushed plants into the forefront of the current sustainability movement. This course largely consists of guided laboratory exercises but will also include field trips, formal lectures and group discussion.

Energy Use and Our Future: what to do when we can't do it anymore?

The Energy course will ask and discuss a variety of important questions related to our energy use habits and their likely impact upon our civilization. Our discussions will be framed around the likely energy alternatives to fossil fuels, and will encourage the students to critically analyze the outcome of changing our current energy consumption habits, especially associated costs and benefits to our society.

The Ethics of Science and Technology: A Philosophical Tool Box

Human beings are in the midst of constructing a new world through science and technology. The kind of world we create will be decided not simply by the expanding knowledge of science or the increasing powers of technology. It will depend more significantly on our visions about good and bad, right and wrong, justice and injustice. These visions will depend, in turn, on reflective thinking, cogent argument, and informed judgment. This course aspires to contribute to the cultivation of these skills by providing a philosophical tool box for assessing the tangled web of science, technology, and society. Some questions addressed include: What is justice? Is science value-free? Is Google making us stupid? Can biotechnology make better children? Should we sacrifice and manipulate animals for human health? Should we engineer earth’s climate?

The History of Science and Technology

Grey's Anatomy? Charges of heresy? These elements will come into play during this survey course of the history of science and technology. This course will provide a broad overview of major figures and developments in a variety of areas. Each class day will be divided between a college level lecture format and hands-on activities over diverse topics ranging from micro-biology to Darwin.

Stop Motion Animation

Have you always wanted to make your own movie? Then this is the class for you. In this class you will work with a small group to create a stop motion claymation film from scratch. You will create a storyboard, develop characters, sculpt your characters, design a set, shoot the digital pictures and download your pictures into Flash to create your film.

The Impact of Music on Society

Does music affect society? Does technology affect music? This course will be an exploration of topics in the area music literacy, technology, survey of jazz, classical, rock and country.

Catastrophes, Crises, and Cures

Students will explore effective non-fiction communication about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics of current interest and relevance to TGS 2010 focus. Participants will engage in various forms of science writing by considering exemplars and by producing their own pieces in the same genres: informative essay, op-ed piece, white paper, and script to accompany multi-media presentation.

Comics, Superheroes, Society, and Technology: An Adventure in Writing!

Bam! Pow! Wham! Through lectures and technology TGS students will meet the innovators and artists who developed the genre and study its evolution into the graphic novels of the 21st century.  You will create your own digital comic book using your personal phone or digital camera and internet publishing. Be sure to bring the USB cord for your phone or camera.

Lyric Response to in a Conflicted World

The forces of change and conflict maintain a close relationship, a relationship that can spur creativity. We want our students to explore the territory between these forces and their voices in writing. Will the exploration always be comfortable? Likely not. Will students be rewarded? Indeed yes. A new territory in writing calls to the adventurer. Students should expect to push into close examination of their ideas, look at their world in detail, and change their views of themselves as writers.

The Authentic College Experience: Preparing for the Education of Your Dreams

In this interactive course, students will explore the components of a successful college transition plan: identifying personal priorities, performing with distinction in high school, navigating the college selection and application process, ensuring a positive initial college experience, and mapping out a trajectory for professional success. Through collaborative discussion and research, students will begin securing the tools and strategies necessary to turn aspirations into reality. Students will exit the course with a framework in hand for fashioning an ideal education.

Life Directions

"Life Directions" is an interactive program to help high school students think about their future life goals. The process involves activities that are designed to assist students in exploring their interests, values and abilities for the purpose of choosing occupations and educational areas that will meet their life goals. A career interest inventory and a personality type indicator will be administered. Students will receive feedback on these results and will create a plan to research and explore the careers that are a good fit for them.