Advanced Chemistry
This class is a laboratory study of abstract concepts that develop the foundation for studying higher levels of chemistry. You’ll study topics such as chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, writing chemical formulas and equations, precipitation reactions, stoichiometry, organic chemistry (esters, polymers, dyes) and acid-base chemistry. Create and take home your own acid-etched 5x7 piece of glass and dyed Tiger rag. Recommended for ninth- through 11th-grade students.
Advanced Robotics
Immerse yourself in the science of robotics. This intense, all-day, weeklong experience allows rising 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders to investigate the interplay between electronics and mechanics as applied to robotics. Studying industrial, medical and novel uses for robots with an emphasis on research is just the beginning. You’ll also construct, program and test a robotics system. You must have prior experience with robotics and computer programming through participation in robotics clubs or from attendance at previous Mindstorms® Robotics classes at Clemson. Recommended for high school students.
Architecture Design
You’ll experience the creative design process of architecture through theory classes, a design lab and field trips. This is a two-week, all-day program that meets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sunday. You must commit yourself totally to architecture for two weeks. Field trips include visits to a working architecture office, the Greenville County Museum of Art, the Pendleton Square and an all-day visit to Atlanta to observe a variety of architectural designs. Limited to rising 11th- and 12th-grade students and exceptionally gifted rising 10th-graders. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. An additional fee of $100 is required.
Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems
This field- and laboratory-based two-week course examines evolutionary adaptations, intraspecific and interspecific interactions (courtship, mating, competition, predation, etc.), and biodiversity. You’ll uncover evolutionary adaptations of the skeletal and organ systems found in various organisms, conduct various behavioral observations and experiments, and conduct a biodiversity study. Because of the depth of the material covered and the experiments conducted, enrollment is limited to rising 10th- through 12th-graders.
Computer Graphics and Special Effects Production
This two-week course will cover special effects production using basic compositing techniques. You’ll learn how to combine visuals from multiple sources to create new images of imagined or seemingly impossible scenes, just like you’ve seen in the movies. Topics include compositing with Shake, using a bluescreen, color correction and movie making. Limited to 11th- through 12th-grade students.
Geometry
Interactive software provides a great tool for studying geometry. In this two-week course, you’ll use Geometer’s Sketchpad to explore and model concepts in algebra, trigonometry, calculus and art. You’ll use the drawing tools to accomplish and extend Euclidean constructions as you visualize and analyze problems. You’ll also use transformational geometry, including translations, rotations, reflections and dilations, to create a variety of tessellating art forms similar to the work of M.C. Escher. In addition, you can work with Sketchpad to explore the geometric principles used in creating fractals. Specific lessons will deal with triangle properties, centers of triangles and related theorems. Finally, you’ll use PowerPoint to create a multimedia portfolio of your geometric discoveries and art.
History: Material Culture of the Clemson Area
In this two-week course, you’ll read about and visit local historic sites where you’ll examine material remains and create reports on the sites and the people who lived there. Field trips will include visits to Hopewell, Fort Hill, Old Stone Church, Hagood’s Mill and other prominent local sites. Restricted to rising ninth- through 12th-graders.
Introduction to Computer Programming and Image Processing
In this one-week course, you’ll learn how to write computer programs in C to create and change digital images. You’ll find out how pixels are stored in image files and how to read their values and change them. Programming projects include creating an image, making image patterns, converting images and digital photographs from color to grayscale and rotating and resizing images. Limited to 10th- through 12th-grade students.
Introduction to Wireless Sensor Network Programming
A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a collection of tiny computers that collect information about their environment and communicate that information to other systems and users. The applications are endless. A WSN that collects ecological data, for example, can be used to monitor crops, reduce water wastage or identify contaminants in streams and fisheries. Other WSNs are used to study volcanic activity, track forest fires and assist emergency aid workers. This two-week course will introduce you to the current state of the art in WSN technology and provide a basic foundation in embedded network programming. You’ll develop a small sensor network application to monitor temperature, light and humidity across a deployment region. This is an advanced course, and prior programming experience (in any language) is required. Restricted to rising ninth- through 12th-graders. An additional fee of $100 is required because of special hardware needed in this course.
Java Programming
Java is a popular object-oriented programming language used on university campuses and in commercial enterprises. The language is at the heart of interactive Web sites, video games and music-sharing services. This two-week course will introduce you to the basics of the Java language and some of the most important Java libraries used to create exciting multimedia applications. You’ll develop a simple media player similar to the popular Windows Media Player found on most Windows desktops. If time permits, you’ll extend your applications with basic support for file-sharing. This is a beginner/intermediate course, and prior programming experience (in any language) is recommended but not required. Restricted to rising ninth- through 12th-graders.