Build a vibrant vocabulary and learn the secrets to deciphering new words. Explore the fascinating and often humorous world of word and phrase origins. Increase your verbal reasoning skills. At the same time, gain experience and practice writing effectively and creatively by analyzing and editing your own work. Learn how to create a masterpiece of characterization and setting. Discussions about style, the structure of fictional pieces, and reader involvement will help you understand the functions of writing as communication of knowledge as well as of creative expression.

"Hear ye, hear ye...the trial is about to begin." Mock courtroom drama will unfold as you become the players in a series of exciting simulated trials that depict the way our legal system functions. The structure of our court system, the functions of judge and jury, basic trial procedures and the strategies that attorneys use to win cases will be explored. Develop your abilities to organize and interpret facts, to ask questions, and to make effective decisions.

Literature is replete with the search for the key to immortality. What drives the human fascination with never-ending life? Evaluate humankind's need for eternal life in literature, from vampire tales to the Greek Gods. Investigate historical quests for immortality, including the search for the Fountain of Youth and the alchemist's dream of the Philosopher's Stone. Create your own story of the quest for immortality.

Extra, extra, read all about it! The art of journalism has changed drastically since newsies sold papers on street corners. Evaluate the ethics of journalism, from early newspapers to modern internet news sites. Learn how to be a good consumer of news: who do you trust (and how do you know?). Predict the future directions of journalism. Create a newspaper during your three weeks at SIG.

Ever wonder how chemical, mechanical, electrical, aeronautical, and civil engineers solve real world problems? Come learn basic engineering principles surrounding stability of structures, buoyancy, heat phenomena, and electricity. Perhaps you will use your interest in scientific and mathematical principles to design towns, factories, airplanes, toys, and other products that will enhance your life in the future, or maybe you will pursue one of the many great career opportunities that abound in engineering!

The human body could be considered one of the last frontiers. This course is an introduction to human biology and the science of medicine that surrounds it. Medical Microbiology is the branch of both medicine and microbiology which deals with the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, all of which are capable of causing diseases in humans. You'll examine the essential biochemical reactions that occur within the human body. Then delve into the imbalances and resulting diseases that inevitably occur, as well as their treatments. Come see if you think trailblazing this fascinating frontier is for you!

For math lovers who have not yet studied geometry, here's a chance for you to explore this fascinating field of math. Learn the secrets of the Golden Rectangle and the Divine Proportion. Investigate the power of symmetry. Topics may include the notion of proof, congruent triangles, perpendicularity, parallelism, geometric inequalities, similarity, circles and spheres, area and volume, and vectors. Pre-requisite: Algebra I

Come hit the highlights of Algebra II, such as quadratic and cubic polynomials, the binomial theorem, the Principle of Mathematical Induction, irrational expressions, complex numbers, and exponential and logarithmic functions. A scientific calculator is recommended. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry

Do you worry that today's generation is leaving a devastating ecological footprint on your future world? Become informed about effective sustainability efforts that protect and preserve the resources of the planet and analyze how to use these resources and solutions in ways that will benefit present and future generations. Examine the network of dependent relationships that exist among the environment, the economy, and the culture. Explore solutions for protecting and restoring our ecosystems, using fossil fuels efficiently, and promoting economic growth within socially responsible objectives.

What are the theories behind why we act as we do? Study the psychology of human behavior to help you understand more about yourself. This course will survey past and current theories in human development, mental health, and social relationships. You'll examine the roots of personality and behavior as seen through the theories of Freud, Skinner, Maslow, and Erickson. You'll have a chance to evaluate the validity of the theories in the light of your own life experiences.

Children laugh over 300 times a day, while adults laugh on average only 15 times a day. Annually, the amount of garbage that is dumped in the world's oceans is three times the weight of the fish caught from the oceans. 45% of Americans don't know that the sun is a star. Have you ever wondered where statistics like these interesting facts originate? Statistics help determine causality and provide tools for prediction of future trends and events. In this introductory course you will learn the basics of research design and statistical collection techniques, as well as data analysis and presentation. You will explore statistical phenomenon, become informed about the misuses of statistics, and conduct your own mini statistical research project!

Piracy is taking something that doesn't belong to you. Sea pirates of old took valuables from ships while internet pirates today steal music, movies, and even identities. Many people have found themselves open to scrutiny and exploitation from such intruders as identity thieves, telemarketers, and cell phone eavesdroppers, exacerbated by continuing innovations in information gathering. With an unprecedented amount of data available in digital format, others know more about you than ever before. In this class, you'll learn how to keep your private information private, what the law says about internet piracy, and other valuable information. This class will be your guide to a safer, saner, and more private life in the future.

If we could unify quantum gravity, quantum mechanics, and general relativity into one theory, physicists argue that time travel would be possible. Journey with us through a study of black holes, negative energy, and cosmic strings as we research current theories of time travel. Study the experiments of physicists around the world and what they have revealed about paradoxes and mutable timelines. Create your own theory of time travel based on your research.

People and nations have formed strategies for dealing with their adversaries since the beginning of recorded history, guided by cultural, social, political, organizational and historical influences of their time. In this class, you'll sample periods in history when military leaders have implemented strategic action against their enemies, such as during the Peloponnesian Wars, the French Strategy under Louis XIV, or the U.S. strategy from 1920-1945. You'll also evaluate the characteristics of powerful female and male warriors and strategists and how these characteristics can be applied to your life. Research and analyze a historical period of particular interest to you and then ponder the application of these strategies to your future or to a current event.

Want to make a difference in the world? Then first you should understand the relationships among countries and states, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and multinational corporations. Today's changes in world politics, economics and ecological concerns for the planet are creating the need for our nation-based policies to become more global in scope. Perhaps you'll want to examine such topics as the role of personalities in global decision-making processes or analyze how science and technology impact global health, business, environment, technology, and development. Finally, use your new-found knowledge to create a new or improved policy related to such issues as ecological sustainability, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, global finance, organized crime, human security, or human rights. Work toward the difference you want to see!

Do you want to move people with your words? This intensive workshop in exposure to the varied styles of contemporary authors and in developing your own writing style will challenge and motivate you. You'll gain invaluable practice in communicating your thoughts, feelings, and knowledge, vividly and expressively, through the written word.

What you really need to know about the college application process from test taking, to the essay, to the campus visit, to the interview! Learn how to write an essay that will impress the reader with its unity and coherence. Gain valuable test-taking strategies. Create a résumé that describes the real you. Practice interview questions and behaviors that will make a lasting impression. Gain the confidence to improve your chances for acceptance into the most highly-regarded colleges.

Did you know Louisa May Alcott was told she would never publish? Albert Einstein had a headmaster who said Albert had no chance of a career because he failed mathematics. Helen Keller, deaf and blind from 19 months old, graduated cum laude from Radcliffe and became active in social reform. Louis Armstrong was committed to an institution for delinquent boys where he learned to play an instrument and become a band leader. What inspired these creative people to persevere? Creativity is a hallmark of ingenuity; the world is full of truly creative people, including you. In this course you will learn from well known entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors so you can understand what it takes to be a truly creative productive person. You will explore multiple theories and models of creativity. Through the use of biographies and studies of eminent people you will develop a new construct of creativity or design a new program to foster and develop creative production in self and others!

The etymology of words is a fascinating study in unlocking the complexities of linguistic relationships. This class will improve your vocabulary and understanding of word origins. You'll have the chance to practice taking sample tests, learn test-taking tactics, and improve your verbal confidence. You'll employ your new vocabulary as you practice writing for the current SAT writing component.

Now, more than ever, the western and eastern parts of the world must strive to understand each other. Survey the major philosophical traditions of Eastern and Western civilization and analyze important social and political issues from various perspectives. Study some of the famous philosophers such as Lao-Tze, Confucius, Socrates, Plato, Hume, Kant, and Nietzsche. Develop a philosophy of your own.

This chemistry class will look at the theories and laws of chemistry. You will study stoichiometry, chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, organic chemistry, equilibrium, and redox reactions. A pocket calculator is required.

Don't sweat those Math SATs; prepare for them. This class is designed to help you improve your math scores on standardized exams. Using past sample practice tests, you'll gain the confidence and skill you need to score well on standardized tests. Bring your scientific calculators. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry.

Cosmologists research the origins and structure of our universe, which they believe began 15 billion years ago. Starting from the simplest components, the universe has self-organized to an astonishing level of complexity. One of the most important discoveries in cosmology is that the expansion rate of the universe is accelerating. In this class you will gain an understanding of the theories about the origins of the universe and investigate some of science's most difficult questions. How did our universe come to be what it is today? What is reality? Is space an entity? Why does time have a direction? Could the universe exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? How credible is the Big Bang theory? Come research your own questions about the cosmos as well.

Understand the science behind the headlines! Investigate the scientific implications of important events happening across the world, including oil spills and earthquakes. Understand the physics behind the breakdown of the levy system in New Orleans and the Minnesota bridge collapse. Become an informed consumer of news as you investigate the facts about nuclear power and get the full story behind global climate change.

The quest for immortality did not end with the search for the Fountain of Youth and the Philosopher's Stone. Study what exists beyond the myths; discover the science behind the search for never-ending life. Investigate both holistic and medicinal drugs that extend life. Critically examine plastic surgery as a tool for defying age. Research human cloning, cryonics, and cybernetics as methods of gaining eternal life and project the future of the field of immortal science.

As the baby boomers reach retirement age, opportunities in the field of medical research are expected to grow much faster than other occupations. There will be a great need for research related to the health issues associated with AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's and antibiotic resistance. Discover the nature of this work, the typical working conditions, and the training qualifications to find out if this is the field for you. Research related fields such as pharmacology, microbiology, and infectious disease control. This course may direct you toward your future career.

Humor has been found to stimulate the human brain in many important ways and has tremendous power to impact our lives positively. There is fascinating research about laughter's ability to boost the immune system. It has been found to moderate stressful experiences and is useful in times of crisis. Humor creates and encourages feelings of community, closeness, and control. It has even proven to be a powerful clinical intervention with POWs and the terminally ill in facing tragedy, death, and disaster. Humorists throughout history have used their wit to bring many large and small issues to our attention to stimulate thought and discussion. This class will help you become particularly aware of the potential of humor in your life as you improve your ability to apply humor to any situation.

Learn fingerprinting, hair analysis, handwriting analysis, and the importance of chain of custody when solving a crime. This introduction to forensic science will cover evidence collection guidelines, photography, profiling, and career training. Crime scene investigators draw upon their knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, entomology, botany, and computer science to solve their mysteries. Investigate whether this could be a career for you. Create a mystery for your peers to solve.

Examine dreaming from physiological, psychological, and spiritual perspectives. Compare gender differences in dreams. Debate links between dreams and ontology. Gain a greater understanding of dream incorporation, lucid dreaming, and dreams of absent-minded transgression. Examine historical perspectives of dreams and their importance. Study the work of artist Salvador Dali and others who depict dreams in their art. Keep a dream journal with interpretations based on both Jungian and Freudian point of view. Analyze the importance of dream interpretation in our present society.

If you have an interest in business and marketing, here's a chance to test and hone your skills. Teams of students will compete against each other in accomplishing increasingly challenging business and marketing tasks. After each task, students will enter the "boardroom" for an assessment of their results and then take their new skills and ideas into the next assignment with a newly formed team. While no one will be "fired", the competition will be tough! Great preparation for the real world!

Digital photography, a radically different technique from conventional photography, has changed the world of image recording. Learn how to enhance your own photographs to express yourself through a captured moment. If you like computers and cameras, this course is for you. You must bring your own digital camera to participate in this class. A 1G flash drive is highly recommended as well. Ages 13-17 only.

Express yourself in pencil, ink, watercolor, or three dimensions. Develop your techniques in perspective, light, shading, and color theory. Learn the fundamentals of positive and negative space. Create an original, displayable work.

Have you ever watched a television show or movie and felt you could have written it better? Learn the secrets of successful screenwriting. Gain the ability to influence people through characters and plot line. Find your original voice and tap into your own emotions. Learn how to write what is meaningful to you, and marketable to producers. Create an original series that could change the essence of today's television and movies. Ages 13-17 only.

This combination of dramatic and comedic improvisation will help you gain confidence in your ability to perform spontaneously, improve your storytelling skills, think on your feet, and improve your teamwork and communication skills. Focus will be given to creating a stage presence, developing scenes and projecting a character to the audience through coaching, warm-ups, games, and short scene work. Great practice for developing creativity, trust and cooperation in a fun atmosphere! Ages 13-17 only.

Sing! Dance! Act! The show will go on! Learn vocal techniques, dance and movement exercises, and character acting skills-all pertaining to a selected production. The class will present a mini-musical presentation at the end of the three weeks. Some recreation hour rehearsals may be required.

Learn a variety of games from early American games to new 21st Century games! Before television and the wii, children played games that taught them how to aim, throw, and use their imaginations to solve problems! Take part in sack races and rolling the hoop! Fast-forward through time, learning games along the way like chuck-farthing graces. End your journey with newer recreation, such as hackysacks and Parkour! Create your own game with roots in games from history!

Enjoy your life to its fullest extent by being strong, healthy, and energetic. This course will help you do that through assessing your present state of fitness, making personal goals, individualizing your fitness activity according to your abilities, interests, needs and preferences, and learning more about the roles nutrition and emotion play in an overall approach to physical health. You'll exercise what you learn in the class and leave with a holistic approach to lifelong fitness.

Fencing - the sport of the aristocrats and a great way to connect mind and body! For novices, this class will develop basic technique, form, finesse, and balance essential for success as a fencer. Refine your skills as you are paired with others of similar ability. The foil technique will emphasize a strong defense and body attack. Foils and fencing equipment are provided.

For those of you who have had instruction in fencing with foils and are challenged by the cognitive aerobics of fencing, this class will develop your existing fencing skills. You will work with epees, to emphasize timing, point control, and good counter-attack, and with sabers, to emphasize speed, feints, and offense. Bring your own equipment if you have it. Otherwise, equipment will be provided. Ages 13-17 only. Prerequisite: Formal instruction in fencing with foils, beyond that of one or two previous SIG courses.

Self-defense strategies are important, not only in self-protection, but also in building physical and mental discipline. This class will help you present a commanding presence as you gain control and confidence through such strategies as awareness of your surroundings, wrist escapes, defense against body holds, and blocking. A healthy lifestyle is built on self-discipline, fitness and goal setting-the foundations of effective self-defense!

Bring your sneakers and your soul! It's all about having fun and feeling healthy. You'll learn the most up-to-date dance moves while you get a great aerobic workout! Learn body rolls, arm rolls, moonwalking and more! You too can create a new dance form like Zumba, created in the 1990s, which pulls from the rhythms of merengue, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, belly dance, flamenco, tango, and samba. Experience imaginative choreography and improve your stage presence.

Build a vibrant vocabulary and learn the secrets to deciphering new words. Explore the fascinating and often humorous world of word and phrase origins. Increase your verbal reasoning skills. At the same time, gain experience and practice writing effectively and creatively by analyzing and editing your own work. Learn how to create a masterpiece of characterization and setting. Discussions about style, the structure of fictional pieces, and reader involvement will help you understand the functions of writing as communication of knowledge as well as of creative expression.

"Hear ye, hear ye...the trial is about to begin." Mock courtroom drama will unfold as you become the players in a series of exciting simulated trials that depict the way our legal system functions. The structure of our court system, the functions of judge and jury, basic trial procedures and the strategies that attorneys use to win cases will be explored. Develop your abilities to organize and interpret facts, to ask questions, and to make effective decisions.

Literature is replete with the search for the key to immortality. What drives the human fascination with never-ending life? Evaluate humankind's need for eternal life in literature, from vampire tales to the Greek Gods. Investigate historical quests for immortality, including the search for the Fountain of Youth and the alchemist's dream of the Philosopher's Stone. Create your own story of the quest for immortality.

Extra, extra, read all about it! The art of journalism has changed drastically since newsies sold papers on street corners. Evaluate the ethics of journalism, from early newspapers to modern internet news sites. Learn how to be a good consumer of news: who do you trust (and how do you know?). Predict the future directions of journalism. Create a newspaper during your three weeks at SIG.

Ever wonder how chemical, mechanical, electrical, aeronautical, and civil engineers solve real world problems? Come learn basic engineering principles surrounding stability of structures, buoyancy, heat phenomena, and electricity. Perhaps you will use your interest in scientific and mathematical principles to design towns, factories, airplanes, toys, and other products that will enhance your life in the future, or maybe you will pursue one of the many great career opportunities that abound in engineering!

The human body could be considered one of the last frontiers. This course is an introduction to human biology and the science of medicine that surrounds it. Medical Microbiology is the branch of both medicine and microbiology which deals with the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, all of which are capable of causing diseases in humans. You'll examine the essential biochemical reactions that occur within the human body. Then delve into the imbalances and resulting diseases that inevitably occur, as well as their treatments. Come see if you think trailblazing this fascinating frontier is for you!

For math lovers who have not yet studied geometry, here's a chance for you to explore this fascinating field of math. Learn the secrets of the Golden Rectangle and the Divine Proportion. Investigate the power of symmetry. Topics may include the notion of proof, congruent triangles, perpendicularity, parallelism, geometric inequalities, similarity, circles and spheres, area and volume, and vectors. Pre-requisite: Algebra I

Come hit the highlights of Algebra II, such as quadratic and cubic polynomials, the binomial theorem, the Principle of Mathematical Induction, irrational expressions, complex numbers, and exponential and logarithmic functions. A scientific calculator is recommended. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry

Do you worry that today's generation is leaving a devastating ecological footprint on your future world? Become informed about effective sustainability efforts that protect and preserve the resources of the planet and analyze how to use these resources and solutions in ways that will benefit present and future generations. Examine the network of dependent relationships that exist among the environment, the economy, and the culture. Explore solutions for protecting and restoring our ecosystems, using fossil fuels efficiently, and promoting economic growth within socially responsible objectives.

What are the theories behind why we act as we do? Study the psychology of human behavior to help you understand more about yourself. This course will survey past and current theories in human development, mental health, and social relationships. You'll examine the roots of personality and behavior as seen through the theories of Freud, Skinner, Maslow, and Erickson. You'll have a chance to evaluate the validity of the theories in the light of your own life experiences.

Children laugh over 300 times a day, while adults laugh on average only 15 times a day. Annually, the amount of garbage that is dumped in the world's oceans is three times the weight of the fish caught from the oceans. 45% of Americans don't know that the sun is a star. Have you ever wondered where statistics like these interesting facts originate? Statistics help determine causality and provide tools for prediction of future trends and events. In this introductory course you will learn the basics of research design and statistical collection techniques, as well as data analysis and presentation. You will explore statistical phenomenon, become informed about the misuses of statistics, and conduct your own mini statistical research project!

Piracy is taking something that doesn't belong to you. Sea pirates of old took valuables from ships while internet pirates today steal music, movies, and even identities. Many people have found themselves open to scrutiny and exploitation from such intruders as identity thieves, telemarketers, and cell phone eavesdroppers, exacerbated by continuing innovations in information gathering. With an unprecedented amount of data available in digital format, others know more about you than ever before. In this class, you'll learn how to keep your private information private, what the law says about internet piracy, and other valuable information. This class will be your guide to a safer, saner, and more private life in the future.

If we could unify quantum gravity, quantum mechanics, and general relativity into one theory, physicists argue that time travel would be possible. Journey with us through a study of black holes, negative energy, and cosmic strings as we research current theories of time travel. Study the experiments of physicists around the world and what they have revealed about paradoxes and mutable timelines. Create your own theory of time travel based on your research.

People and nations have formed strategies for dealing with their adversaries since the beginning of recorded history, guided by cultural, social, political, organizational and historical influences of their time. In this class, you'll sample periods in history when military leaders have implemented strategic action against their enemies, such as during the Peloponnesian Wars, the French Strategy under Louis XIV, or the U.S. strategy from 1920-1945. You'll also evaluate the characteristics of powerful female and male warriors and strategists and how these characteristics can be applied to your life. Research and analyze a historical period of particular interest to you and then ponder the application of these strategies to your future or to a current event.

Want to make a difference in the world? Then first you should understand the relationships among countries and states, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and multinational corporations. Today's changes in world politics, economics and ecological concerns for the planet are creating the need for our nation-based policies to become more global in scope. Perhaps you'll want to examine such topics as the role of personalities in global decision-making processes or analyze how science and technology impact global health, business, environment, technology, and development. Finally, use your new-found knowledge to create a new or improved policy related to such issues as ecological sustainability, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, global finance, organized crime, human security, or human rights. Work toward the difference you want to see!

Do you want to move people with your words? This intensive workshop in exposure to the varied styles of contemporary authors and in developing your own writing style will challenge and motivate you. You'll gain invaluable practice in communicating your thoughts, feelings, and knowledge, vividly and expressively, through the written word.

What you really need to know about the college application process from test taking, to the essay, to the campus visit, to the interview! Learn how to write an essay that will impress the reader with its unity and coherence. Gain valuable test-taking strategies. Create a résumé that describes the real you. Practice interview questions and behaviors that will make a lasting impression. Gain the confidence to improve your chances for acceptance into the most highly-regarded colleges.

Did you know Louisa May Alcott was told she would never publish? Albert Einstein had a headmaster who said Albert had no chance of a career because he failed mathematics. Helen Keller, deaf and blind from 19 months old, graduated cum laude from Radcliffe and became active in social reform. Louis Armstrong was committed to an institution for delinquent boys where he learned to play an instrument and become a band leader. What inspired these creative people to persevere? Creativity is a hallmark of ingenuity; the world is full of truly creative people, including you. In this course you will learn from well known entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors so you can understand what it takes to be a truly creative productive person. You will explore multiple theories and models of creativity. Through the use of biographies and studies of eminent people you will develop a new construct of creativity or design a new program to foster and develop creative production in self and others!

The etymology of words is a fascinating study in unlocking the complexities of linguistic relationships. This class will improve your vocabulary and understanding of word origins. You'll have the chance to practice taking sample tests, learn test-taking tactics, and improve your verbal confidence. You'll employ your new vocabulary as you practice writing for the current SAT writing component.

Now, more than ever, the western and eastern parts of the world must strive to understand each other. Survey the major philosophical traditions of Eastern and Western civilization and analyze important social and political issues from various perspectives. Study some of the famous philosophers such as Lao-Tze, Confucius, Socrates, Plato, Hume, Kant, and Nietzsche. Develop a philosophy of your own.

This chemistry class will look at the theories and laws of chemistry. You will study stoichiometry, chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, organic chemistry, equilibrium, and redox reactions. A pocket calculator is required.

Don't sweat those Math SATs; prepare for them. This class is designed to help you improve your math scores on standardized exams. Using past sample practice tests, you'll gain the confidence and skill you need to score well on standardized tests. Bring your scientific calculators. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry.

Cosmologists research the origins and structure of our universe, which they believe began 15 billion years ago. Starting from the simplest components, the universe has self-organized to an astonishing level of complexity. One of the most important discoveries in cosmology is that the expansion rate of the universe is accelerating. In this class you will gain an understanding of the theories about the origins of the universe and investigate some of science's most difficult questions. How did our universe come to be what it is today? What is reality? Is space an entity? Why does time have a direction? Could the universe exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? How credible is the Big Bang theory? Come research your own questions about the cosmos as well.

Understand the science behind the headlines! Investigate the scientific implications of important events happening across the world, including oil spills and earthquakes. Understand the physics behind the breakdown of the levy system in New Orleans and the Minnesota bridge collapse. Become an informed consumer of news as you investigate the facts about nuclear power and get the full story behind global climate change.

The quest for immortality did not end with the search for the Fountain of Youth and the Philosopher's Stone. Study what exists beyond the myths; discover the science behind the search for never-ending life. Investigate both holistic and medicinal drugs that extend life. Critically examine plastic surgery as a tool for defying age. Research human cloning, cryonics, and cybernetics as methods of gaining eternal life and project the future of the field of immortal science.

As the baby boomers reach retirement age, opportunities in the field of medical research are expected to grow much faster than other occupations. There will be a great need for research related to the health issues associated with AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's and antibiotic resistance. Discover the nature of this work, the typical working conditions, and the training qualifications to find out if this is the field for you. Research related fields such as pharmacology, microbiology, and infectious disease control. This course may direct you toward your future career.

Humor has been found to stimulate the human brain in many important ways and has tremendous power to impact our lives positively. There is fascinating research about laughter's ability to boost the immune system. It has been found to moderate stressful experiences and is useful in times of crisis. Humor creates and encourages feelings of community, closeness, and control. It has even proven to be a powerful clinical intervention with POWs and the terminally ill in facing tragedy, death, and disaster. Humorists throughout history have used their wit to bring many large and small issues to our attention to stimulate thought and discussion. This class will help you become particularly aware of the potential of humor in your life as you improve your ability to apply humor to any situation.

Learn fingerprinting, hair analysis, handwriting analysis, and the importance of chain of custody when solving a crime. This introduction to forensic science will cover evidence collection guidelines, photography, profiling, and career training. Crime scene investigators draw upon their knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, entomology, botany, and computer science to solve their mysteries. Investigate whether this could be a career for you. Create a mystery for your peers to solve.

Examine dreaming from physiological, psychological, and spiritual perspectives. Compare gender differences in dreams. Debate links between dreams and ontology. Gain a greater understanding of dream incorporation, lucid dreaming, and dreams of absent-minded transgression. Examine historical perspectives of dreams and their importance. Study the work of artist Salvador Dali and others who depict dreams in their art. Keep a dream journal with interpretations based on both Jungian and Freudian point of view. Analyze the importance of dream interpretation in our present society.

If you have an interest in business and marketing, here's a chance to test and hone your skills. Teams of students will compete against each other in accomplishing increasingly challenging business and marketing tasks. After each task, students will enter the "boardroom" for an assessment of their results and then take their new skills and ideas into the next assignment with a newly formed team. While no one will be "fired", the competition will be tough! Great preparation for the real world!

Digital photography, a radically different technique from conventional photography, has changed the world of image recording. Learn how to enhance your own photographs to express yourself through a captured moment. If you like computers and cameras, this course is for you. You must bring your own digital camera to participate in this class. A 1G flash drive is highly recommended as well. Ages 13-17 only.

Express yourself in pencil, ink, watercolor, or three dimensions. Develop your techniques in perspective, light, shading, and color theory. Learn the fundamentals of positive and negative space. Create an original, displayable work.

Have you ever watched a television show or movie and felt you could have written it better? Learn the secrets of successful screenwriting. Gain the ability to influence people through characters and plot line. Find your original voice and tap into your own emotions. Learn how to write what is meaningful to you, and marketable to producers. Create an original series that could change the essence of today's television and movies. Ages 13-17 only.

This combination of dramatic and comedic improvisation will help you gain confidence in your ability to perform spontaneously, improve your storytelling skills, think on your feet, and improve your teamwork and communication skills. Focus will be given to creating a stage presence, developing scenes and projecting a character to the audience through coaching, warm-ups, games, and short scene work. Great practice for developing creativity, trust and cooperation in a fun atmosphere! Ages 13-17 only.

Sing! Dance! Act! The show will go on! Learn vocal techniques, dance and movement exercises, and character acting skills-all pertaining to a selected production. The class will present a mini-musical presentation at the end of the three weeks. Some recreation hour rehearsals may be required.

Learn a variety of games from early American games to new 21st Century games! Before television and the wii, children played games that taught them how to aim, throw, and use their imaginations to solve problems! Take part in sack races and rolling the hoop! Fast-forward through time, learning games along the way like chuck-farthing graces. End your journey with newer recreation, such as hackysacks and Parkour! Create your own game with roots in games from history!

Enjoy your life to its fullest extent by being strong, healthy, and energetic. This course will help you do that through assessing your present state of fitness, making personal goals, individualizing your fitness activity according to your abilities, interests, needs and preferences, and learning more about the roles nutrition and emotion play in an overall approach to physical health. You'll exercise what you learn in the class and leave with a holistic approach to lifelong fitness.

Fencing - the sport of the aristocrats and a great way to connect mind and body! For novices, this class will develop basic technique, form, finesse, and balance essential for success as a fencer. Refine your skills as you are paired with others of similar ability. The foil technique will emphasize a strong defense and body attack. Foils and fencing equipment are provided.

For those of you who have had instruction in fencing with foils and are challenged by the cognitive aerobics of fencing, this class will develop your existing fencing skills. You will work with epees, to emphasize timing, point control, and good counter-attack, and with sabers, to emphasize speed, feints, and offense. Bring your own equipment if you have it. Otherwise, equipment will be provided. Ages 13-17 only. Prerequisite: Formal instruction in fencing with foils, beyond that of one or two previous SIG courses.

Self-defense strategies are important, not only in self-protection, but also in building physical and mental discipline. This class will help you present a commanding presence as you gain control and confidence through such strategies as awareness of your surroundings, wrist escapes, defense against body holds, and blocking. A healthy lifestyle is built on self-discipline, fitness and goal setting-the foundations of effective self-defense!

Bring your sneakers and your soul! It's all about having fun and feeling healthy. You'll learn the most up-to-date dance moves while you get a great aerobic workout! Learn body rolls, arm rolls, moonwalking and more! You too can create a new dance form like Zumba, created in the 1990s, which pulls from the rhythms of merengue, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, belly dance, flamenco, tango, and samba. Experience imaginative choreography and improve your stage presence.