Puzzles, Patterns, and Problem Solving 

Puzzles are a great pastime which involve critical thinking and investigation to solve. They feature in games, in challenges, and in real life. As we work on one puzzle, we naturally figure out strategies and new facts about them. Figuring out these tricks of the trade can allow us to complete puzzles which at first glance seem impossible.

No Ticket Necessary: Private Access

A unique and exciting class for students where you'll go behind the scenes at Michigan State University (MSU) to discover the hidden gems of the campus! This class offers exclusive VIP tours of new and exciting venues and sites at MSU for the 2025 school year, giving you a first-hand look at spaces not usually accessible to the public. Students will explore cutting-edge academic buildings, research facilities, athletic arenas, and student spaces, and meet with university staff, faculty, and students who make MSU a leader in education, innovation, and community.

Throughout the class, you will learn about the history and culture of Michigan State University, explore the opportunities available to university students, and see how the campus supports creativity, learning, and advancement in many different fields. This class will not only offer you a behind-the-scenes look at MSU but also help you envision your future as a university student, exploring the incredible possibilities that higher education offers!

Understanding the Mind and Brain Behavior

An exciting and interactive course designed for students who are curious about the most complex and fascinating organ in the human body: the brain! In this class, students will explore the different parts of the brain, how neurons communicate, and how the brain controls everything we do. Through hands-on activities, engaging discussions, and captivating experiments, students will begin to understand the brain's role in shaping thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

This course will also delve into the mysteries of the brain, exploring what we know, what we don’t know, and what scientists are still discovering about this incredible organ. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper appreciation for the brain's complexity and the ways it influences our everyday lives.

Schedule:

  1. The Structure of the Brain:

    • Parts of the Brain: Students will learn about the major parts of the brain, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. They will understand the functions of each area, such as the cerebrum's role in thinking and decision-making, the cerebellum's function in movement and balance, and the brainstem’s control of basic life functions.

  2. Neurons and Communication in the Brain:

    • What Are Neurons? Students will learn about neurons, the brain's communication cells, and how they transmit signals across the brain and nervous system. They will understand how neurons communicate with each other through electrical impulses and synapses.

  3. How the Brain Controls Behavior:

    • Motor Skills and Coordination: Students will study how the brain controls movement, from simple actions like walking to more complex activities like playing an instrument or sports.

  4. Understanding the Brain's Plasticity:

    • Brain Development and Learning: Students will learn about neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt over time. They will explore how learning new skills, practicing habits, or even recovering from injury can change the structure and function of the brain.

    • Critical Periods in Brain Development: Students will understand the importance of early brain development and how experiences during childhood can shape the brain’s growth and cognitive abilities.

  5. What We Don’t Know About the Brain:

    • The Brain’s Unanswered Mysteries: Students will discuss the many unanswered questions scientists have about the brain, including how consciousness works, how we dream, and why we forget things. They will engage in discussions about the brain’s potential and its limits.

Michigan Herpetology: Snakes, Turtles, Frogs, and Salamanders Up Close!

Step into the wild world of Michigan's reptiles and amphibians with this hands-on herpetology adventure! Over the course of this week-long class, students will meet and interact with live, state-native reptiles and amphibians, gaining a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures. Each day will focus on a different order—snakes, turtles, frogs, and salamanders—and give students the opportunity to observe and, in some cases, handle live specimens in a safe, controlled environment. From the slithering mystery of snakes to the hopping wonders of frogs, students will discover how these animals live, thrive, and contribute to Michigan’s ecosystems.