Class Times - 9:00am - 5:00am each day
Drop-off 8:15am - 8:40am
Pick-up 5:00pm - 5:15pm
Below are the classes for MSTL students (grades 9-10).
Physics
In our everyday lives we encounter a variety of technologies from accelerometers and gyroscopes in our phones to the engines in our cars. Physics provides us the basis for a clear understanding of the natural phenomena behind all these interesting and important technological devices. This course will provide students with a solid foundation to understand the most important physics principles. The students will study four main areas of physics: mechanics (free fall and rotational motion), electricity (voltage, current, resistance), waves (sound waves and light waves), and nuclear physics (radioactivity). The physics principles will be shown through a large set of demonstrations in the first half of each class. Then in the second half the students will perform real laboratory experiments to deepen their understanding of the concepts.
Monday: Introduction to Physics
You will learn about the variety of phenomena that are studied in physics. Mechanics will be introduced as you observe and participate in demonstrations of Newton’s laws of motion. You will apply these ideas as you explore a mysterious spinning tube and a sinking diver.
Tuesday: Position, Velocity, Acceleration
You will continue your study of mechanics as you learn how mathematics and computers can be used to better understand physics. You will conduct a simple experiment to determine the gravitational acceleration here in East Lansing. Basic algebra and simple calculus will be combined in a computer spreadsheet to analyze the data collected.
Wednesday: Oscillations, Waves and Sound
You will study oscillations, wave phenomena and sound waves. You will investigate resonant frequencies of waves on a rubber cord as you determine the connections between several different wave variables. Data from the experiment will be graphed to study the relationship between frequency, wavelength, velocity and nodes.
Thursday: Wave Interference
The interference of waves will be introduced through many demonstrations involving sound waves and light. You will determine the wavelength of laser light emitted from an unknown source. Then you use your results to measure the diameter of a strand of your hair by shining laser on it.
Friday: Static Electricity and Electric Circuits
You will learn about basic electricity as you observe and participate in electrostatic demonstrations. Then you will conduct experiments with LED-s i.e. light-emitting diodes. You will interpret graphs constructed from the data to determine the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.
Foundations of High-Performance Computing
Hands-on introduction to the foundations of high-performance computing using the MSU Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research (ICER) High-Performance Computing Center (HPCC). Foundational topics include the concepts of distributed high-performance computing using HPCC hardware – software – filesystems as concrete examples, tools for managing large data on distributed high-performance systems, tools to develop – test – run – monitor workflows on the HPCC.
Class Objectives:
- Understand the HPCC hardware e.g., core, node, cluster
- Understand the HPCC software e.g., operating system, command language
- Understand the HPCC file system e.g., home space, research space, scratch
- Understand the HPCC software module system
- Install and build new software on the HPCC
- Securely transfer Big-Data to and from the HPCC
- Develop and test workflows on the HPCC
Leadership
Students will learn about self-discovery and develop the essential skills that make strong, effective leaders. Through a series of engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and group discussions, students will explore leadership concepts, build communication skills, and plan for a successful transition from high school to their future endeavors. By the end of the workshop, students will leave with a deeper understanding of how to navigate high school life, apply leadership strategies, and prepare for a variety of opportunities after graduation.