MST Class Options
Below are the class descriptions for MST@MSU (grades 7-8). Students will select one course track for the week consisting of three academic classes. Students may choose to attend both weeks of MST.
Class Times - 9:00am - 5:00am each day
Drop-off 8:25am - 8:40am
Pick-up 5:00pm - 5:15pm
June 23-27, 2025
| Track | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Track 1 |
Sky Mission – Drones in Action |
Lasers and Lights |
The Queen of Mathematics: Understanding Number Theory and Prime Pursuits |
Sky Mission – Drones in Action
This class teaches students all about drones, including how to fly, how to collect interesting images and video, how to create 3D information from drone images and what it takes to become a certified drone pilot. Students will be exposed to various drone platforms and sensors, including fixed-wing and rotor-craft drones, and multispectral and thermal infrared sensors. Students will take part in all parts of a drone mission, from planning to flying to data processing.
Monday - Student will observe a demonstration where the instructor flies multiple types of drones and discusses safety, rules and how to become a licensed drone pilot.
Tuesday - Student will learn about a variety of drone cameras and the applications of each drone-camera combo. Student will use computer software to examine and discuss previously collected and processed drone imagery.
Wednesday - Student drone flights! Student will fly a drone themselves under the supervision of the instructor.
Thursday - Student will learn how to process previously created drone data to create 3D data and other products.
Friday - Student, as part of a team, designs a drone mission for a chosen application and presents their plan.
Lasers and Lights
Light is an amazing phenomenon, and one whose behaviors are remarkably similar. Students will apply both reflection and refraction to guide a laser from one spot to another, avoiding obstacles in the way.
The Queen of Mathematics: Understanding Number Theory and Prime Pursuits
Number Theory may be one of the oldest branches of mathematics, but its mysteries continue to captivate and challenge mathematicians to this day. In this class, students will delve into the fascinating world of prime numbers and uncover their fundamental role in mathematics.
Known as the "queen" of mathematics, Number Theory is the study of the properties and relationships of numbers, with prime numbers at its heart. In this course, students will also explore the unique properties of prime numbers, learn how they serve as the building blocks of all integers, and investigate their importance in modern mathematics and cryptography.
Through engaging discussions, problem-solving exercises, and hands-on activities, the class will explore why prime numbers are so elusive and captivating. Students will have the opportunity to solve complex problems, learn techniques for identifying and working with primes, and discover how these numbers play a key role in real-world applications, from secure communication systems to computational algorithms.
By the end of the week, students will have a deeper understanding of Number Theory, an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of prime numbers, and the tools to continue exploring this exciting and ever-evolving field of mathematics. Whether you’re a seasoned math enthusiast or just starting your mathematical journey, this course will offer a unique and rewarding challenge!
July 7-11, 2025
| Track | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track 2 | Nuclear Astrophysics |
Mastering Game AI Strategy |
Web-Based Game Design and Audio Creation with JavaScript |
Nuclear Astrophysics
Where were the elements made? Over the last 14 billion years, nuclear reactions such as fusion, fragmentation, and radioactive decay have created dramatic change. The fundamental nature of the atomic nucleus has driven the chemical evolution of the universe and the energy cycle in stars. This course, sponsored by MSU’s world-class Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), will pull back the curtain on nuclear research and careers!.
Mastering Game AI Strategy
Step into the world of Game AI and discover how developers make game characters think! In this class, you'll dive deep into the algorithms behind player decisions, NPC movements, and enemy strategies. Learn the secrets of pathfinding, explore the A* algorithm, and uncover how graph theory powers game logic. Perfect for anyone ready to take a closer look at how games work from the inside out.
Web-Based Game Design and Audio Creation with JavaScript
This course will explore techniques for building 2D side-scrolling web games with JavaScript. Students will learn the p5.js coding framework and build essential skills for programming audiovisual art for web browsers. Introductory game design techniques will be covered along with the basics of generating sound to create custom synthesizers and audio file players, culminating in the creation of a video game that can be shared through the internet.
This course requires no prior programming or coding experience, but having some previous background in these areas—particularly in web development languages such as JavaScript—will be a benefit.