For High School Students
Course Catalog
This page is for the high school program (grades 9-12)
Visit the STEM Academy Ignite page for the middle school program (grades 6-8).
Courses are offered based on instructor availability. Not all courses are offered each session.
Review the timeline and course schedule for more information on current course offerings.
Are you interested in air and space vehicles and how APL simulates aerospace missions? This course designed for experienced students will cover:
- the physics of flight, including lift and coordinated turns
- Kepler’s laws for satellite orbits
- satellite constellations
- optics, telescope design, and charge-coupled device (CCD) imagers
- satellite radio frequency (RF) and optical communications
Systems Tool Kit (STK) is a software tool used by APL to analyze how airplanes and satellites perform in collecting images of ground locations and communicating those images to users. This course will familiarize you with the STK workflow and allow you to develop a basic understanding of STK software capabilities.
Special Instructions
- Prerequisite: Trigonometry experience is highly recommended. STK is a physics tool, not a specific programming language, however if you have basic experience with MATLAB you will be more successful.
Biomimetics is the interdisciplinary study of biology and engineering to create solutions to complex engineering problems through functional analysis of biological systems. By learning more about the adaptations in the natural world, we are able to explore and innovate on some of the most difficult challenges facing the world today. In this course, you will learn how to describe living systems, identify nature’s adaptations to solve challenges, and translate their observations into engineering solutions culminating in a final team project.
Special Instructions
- This course has no prerequisites.
- There is no work done outside of class time.
Want to learn about circuits and electronics but not sure where to begin? Then join us for this hands-on course. Circuits are found all around us—from lights in our homes to computers, cell phones, and even medical devices. Become a junior electrical engineer as you work on projects to control lights, link colored LEDs, make buzzers, and have fun. Get your hands dirty with real-world electronic components. In this beginner course, you will:
- build a strong foundation in electronics
- understand the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance
- learn how to read and draw circuit diagrams
- create prototype circuits on breadboards
Special Instructions
- This course has no prerequisites.
- There is no work done outside of class time.
Want to learn more about circuits and electronics? This intermediate course builds on the concepts presented in Circuits 1. You will:
- learn how to solder to join two or more electronic parts together
- build more elaborate circuits using capacitors and resistors
- use LTspice, an integrated circuit simulation program, to simulate circuit designs
- learn about audio signals and amplifiers
Special Instructions
- There is no work done outside of class time.
- Prerequisite: Students must have satisfactorily completed APL’s STEM Academy Circuits 1 course.
In a world overloaded with information, how might we identify relevant facts and challenge assumptions? Mitigate our cognitive biases? Develop effective arguments?
Critical Thinking 1 allows us to practice careful observation and analysis in order to propose informed solutions.
Students will look inward to look outward—becoming self-regulated, reflective learners through the pursuit of evidence-based research and the application of structured analytic techniques to tackle real-world problems in STEM.
Special Instructions
- Outside of course time, there are homework assignments each week and a group final project that is required as part of this course.
Technology and digital advancement have permeated all aspects of our systems and society. How did we get here? What are the impacts and implications? Where are we going?
Critical Thinking 2 offers a multidisciplinary lens to reflect on changes in devices, networks, policy, artificial intelligence, and innovation.
Students will explore the various contexts and challenges faced today throughout STEM fields and equip themselves with tools and frameworks to successfully investigate, navigate, and evolve with emerging technologies in the modern world.
Special Instructions
- Outside of course time, there are homework assignments each week and a group final project that is required as part of this course.
- Prerequisite: Students must have satisfactorily completed APL’s STEM Academy Critical Thinking 1 course.
The internet is a huge part of everyone’s lives. But do you trust the security of your email, text messages, and browser history? How are messages and data passed through the internet? How can you stay safe when online? In this course, you will:
- become familiar with cybersecurity concepts
- gain experience scripting in Bash and Python programming languages
- understand basic network security threats
- describe how encryption works to protect privacy and gain experience cracking a password
- learn why companies still get hacked and strategies to protect against cyberattacks
Special Instructions
- Previous programming experience is required because this course is difficult with little to no background in Python.
- Outside of class time, there are four homework assignments and a group final project creating a cybersecurity solution to a real-world problem.
Do you want to show off your cybersecurity skills? In this intermediate course, you will:
- learn advanced applications of cybersecurity tooling, exploits, and mitigations
- build on topics and skills learned in Cybersecurity 1 within a UNIX environment
- investigate new cybersecurity topics by completing hands-on exercises (e.g., web-application security, Windows OS, and more)
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, you will need to complete research tasks related to concepts covered in class to strengthen your understanding of how course material practically applies to the world around you.
- Prerequisite: Students must have satisfactorily completed APL’s STEM Academy Cybersecurity 1 course.
Do you want to change the world? Learn how to solve real-world, human-centered problems using design thinking—a process that involves creative thinking, teamwork, empathy, problem definition, concept creation, prototyping, and testing. In this beginner course, you will:
- learn what design thinking is and when to use it
- use design thinking to generate innovative ideas
- create and test a prototype
Special Instructions
- In this course, you will identify a problem and design a solution to that problem. Outside of class time, you will need to work on your final project by completing short homework assignments each week.
This course builds on foundational Python skills to introduce students to object-oriented programming (OOP) and more advanced problem-solving techniques. Students will learn how to design and use classes, implement inheritance and encapsulation, handle exceptions, work with file systems, and automate tasks. Emphasis is placed on organizing code, modeling real-world systems, and developing clean, reusable programs. Through hands-on projects and a final capstone, students will create fully functional applications that demonstrate mastery of OOP principles and intermediate Python features.
Special Instructions
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of “Intro to Programming with Python” equivalent beginning programming experience (including variables, data types, conditionals, loops, and functions)
This project-based course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer science using the Python programming language. Through interactive coding challenges and real-world projects, students will explore core programming concepts including variables, data types, conditionals, loops, functions, and basic data structures. Students will also practice problem-solving and algorithmic thinking, all while building practical applications such as chatbots, quizzes, and personal trackers. By the end of the course, students will have created a final project that showcases their understanding of Python basics and their ability to develop a functional program from scratch.
Special Instructions
- Prerequisite: This course has no prerequisites, but does require basic algebra skills.
Ever wondered how scientists decode DNA to unlock the mysteries of life? In this exciting STEM course, you’ll explore how biology meets programming to analyze genetic sequences and uncover how organisms are related. Using powerful genetic databases and Python-based tools, you’ll identify hidden patterns in DNA, construct evolutionary trees, and discover fascinating connections between species. Recommended for students with some prior experience in Python or R programming who are eager to blend their coding skills with real-world biology!
Special Instructions
- Prerequisite: Introductory Python or R programming experience is recommended.
This dynamic lab-based course will introduce you to the exciting world of materials science through hands-on experiments, real-world applications, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. In this class you will explore the properties and behavior of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, and learn how their structure influences function.
Through engaging laboratory investigations, you will gain practical skills in material testing, material characterization, and structuring materials science problems. Each two-day unit will connect directly to the work we do at APL to solve critical problems including recycling of electronic waste, glues that work in space, and new high strength composite structures!
By the end of the course, you will be able to analyze material performance, make data-driven decisions, and apply scientific reasoning to real-world engineering challenges in the context of materials science. The course will culminate in a capstone project where students will research and present on a novel material solution for a real world problem related to one of the topics we cover.
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, students are asked to complete short homework assignments meant to prepare students for the lab experience.
- Prerequisite: Familiarity with high school-level lab safety and procedures.
Do you want to learn one of the most popular physics-based software tools used by millions of engineers and scientists worldwide? Then learn to code with MATLAB! MATLAB combines math, graphics, and programming to manipulate data, design simulations, and create both 2D and 3D graphs. MATLAB is easy to use and fun to play with. In this introductory course, you will:
- create variables
- write MATLAB code using scripts
- gain hands-on experience with arrays, conditionals, loops, functions, and plotting
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, there are formal homework assignments that are required to be completed before the next class, in addition to a final project.
- Previous programming experience is required. You will also need knowledge of basic algebra.
- You will need to download MATLAB software if taking this class virtually. MATLAB does not work on tablets.
If you’ve completed MATLAB 1 and are interested in an engineering or science career, continue learning to code with MATLAB. MATLAB 2 picks up where MATLAB 1 left off. In this intermediate course, you will:
- explore multidimensional arrays, data loading/saving, and plotting
- gain a basic understanding of and practice with data analysis
- practice debugging
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, there are formal homework assignments that are required to be completed before the next class, in addition to a final project.
- Prerequisite: Students must have satisfactorily completed APL’s STEM Academy MATLAB 1 course.
Do you want to learn one of the most popular, widely used programming languages in the world? Then C programming is for you! C is a general-purpose programming language that is extremely simple and flexible. C (and C-family programming languages) can be used to write everything from operating systems, like Apple’s OS X and Microsoft’s Windows, to complex programs, like Adobe Photoshop and Google’s file system. In this beginner course, you will:
- learn the basics of software programming using the C language
- gain hands-on experience with data types, conditionals, loops, input/output, and functions
- understand how most of the things you learn with C can be transferred to other programming languages
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, there are homework assignments each week that are required to be completed before the next class, in addition to a final project.
- This course has no prerequisites.
- No special tools or software are needed.
Do you want to further develop your software programming skills in the C language? This intermediate course builds on the concepts presented in Programming in C 1. You will:
- review strings and loops
- gain hands-on experience with data scopes, function prototypes, and multiple source files
- understand how to use arrays, enumerations, and pointers
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, there are homework assignments each week that are required to be completed before the next class, in addition to a final project.
- Prerequisite: Students must have satisfactorily completed APL’s STEM Academy Programming in C 1 course.
Do you want to learn how to deliver a powerful speech that will help you in school presentations, in interviews, or just speaking to groups? This course is an introduction to public speaking that helps lessen speaker anxiety by developing and improving verbal communication, active listening, and presentation skills. You will learn:
- the importance of public speaking
- elements of a good speech
- how to organize a speech
- the importance of phrasing and body language when giving a speech
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, you will need to write and practice short (2–3 minute) speeches to present to the class and complete any additional homework assignments.
Robots are quickly becoming a huge part of everyday life, and we need to learn how to work with and create these machines. Are you ready to explore how robotic design and computer programming can solve problems while using your creativity to design, build, and test a robot to complete tasks? Then join us for this hands-on course. You will learn:
- what makes robot a real robot
- how to make a robot move using Arduino-based robotics projects with the ELEGOO UNO R3 Smart Car
- how to use sensors so your robot can make smarter decisions
- to develop a robot demo that shows how robots can be used to solve a real-world problem
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, you will need to complete homework assignments that take about 30 minutes each and work on your final project.
- Previous programming experience in C or knowledge of Arduino software is highly recommended.
In today’s world with limitless connectivity, multiple devices, and unlimited choices, how can we measure and map relationships among people, organizations, and groups? And how can we map groups of people to computers and to the sites they visit? Social network analysis (SNA) uncovers these patterns by analyzing relationships. You will:
- understand different types of networks and the vocabulary associated with SNA, including agents, nodes, edges, and clusters
- learn how to build a network
- learn how to measure centrality on a network
- be able to assess various clusters
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, you will need to complete homework assignments and work on your final project.
- Previous experience with Excel/CSV files is helpful but not mandatory.
Are you interested in learning about 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) to create 2D drawings and 3D models? SOLIDWORKS is one of the largest CAD engineering and design software applications used globally by people in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, defense, robotics, and construction industries. In this beginner course, you will:
- create 2D sketches and parts
- generate 2D drawings
- complete practice exercises around concepts learned
- create files for 3D printing
- print 3D parts
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, you will need to complete homework assignments on SolidProfessor and work on your final project.
- You will need to have a PC at home where you can download the SOLIDWORKS software. For in-person courses, we will provide laptops for use at APL with SOLIDWORKS already downloaded.
Do you want to continue developing your modeling skills in SOLIDWORKS? In this intermediate course, you will:
- learn about design intent and parts design
- use the Revolve feature to create wheels
- use the Patterns features to create copies of geometry
- create drawing files
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, you will need to complete homework assignments on SolidProfessor and work on your final project.
- You will need to have a PC at home where you can download the SOLIDWORKS software. For in-person courses, we will provide laptops for use at APL with SOLIDWORKS already downloaded.
- Prerequisite: Students must have satisfactorily completed APL’s STEM Academy SOLIDWORKS 1 course.
Are you interested in learning how to make video games? Learn how to create 2D and 3D video games using the Unity platform. In this course, you will program projects using C# (C sharp). You will learn:
- the difference between 2D and 3D perspectives
- how to write basic code using C#
- how to add and create 3D objects
- how to add sound effects
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, you will need to finish any lab work not completed during class. There are four labs and a final project for this course.
- Previous programming experience is recommended, but C# experience is not required.
Do you want to show off your video game designer skills and learn new skills? Unity 2 picks up where Unity 1 left off. You will learn:
- how to add particle effects
- about user interface (UI) design and how to improve the UI of a game
- the basics of game design
Special Instructions
- Outside of class time, you will need to finish any lab work not completed during class. There are two labs and a final project for this course.
- Prerequisite: Students must have satisfactorily completed APL’s STEM Academy Unity 1 course.
Wi-Fi, radar, satellite transmissions...how do invisible waves travel around Earth and space while conveying information? Have you ever wondered what’s actually happening when you change the radio station? If you’re curious about the answers to these questions, then join us for this theory- and applications-based course where you will learn about foundational communications components, including radios, antennas, and the Friis equation that links them together. In this course, you will:
- learn the basics of electromagnetic waves and how they are used to send information
- learn about different types of antennas and how they radiate
- draw block diagrams and understand the circuitry of a radio
- be introduced to specific applications such as GPS and cell phone networks
- learn about signal interference
Special Instructions
- This course has no prerequisites.
- There is no work done outside of class time.