Splash Spring 2023
Course Catalog

Have you ever wondered where the original "hero" archetype came from? Maybe you've heard of the characters of Achilles and Odysseus, but why exactly are they important in the modern world? How has the world of gods and monsters influenced stories throughout history? In this class, we'll take a deep dive into what exactly these epic poems talk about and why they have been used as inspiration for writers and artists for thousands of years.

Join us for a crash course in ancient Roman history! Learn all about important historical figures and battles, with a side of mythology and Latin.

This course will discuss tree coverage within the city of Rochester and analyze the social factors that have led to the inequitable dispersion of these trees. Specifically, this course will discuss benefits of urban forestry, inequities that underlie this field, historical context, and the future.

Ever thought 'What do I want to do with my life?' or 'How can I go about getting the most out of my time here?' Well then this may be the course for you! This course aims to offer philosophy as a potential guide in your journey to explore these big questions. We will briefly discuss how the history of philosophy has sought to tackle topics like these and will focus on how themes in contemporary philosophy can help us reframe how we understand our lives and experience of the world through phenomenology and existentialism.

The brake of a trolley has just failed. On the track ahead of the trolley are five people who, due to some reason, cannot get off the track. There is another track leading off to the right, on which stands one person who, due to some reason, cannot get off the track. You are a bystander and you can pull a switch to turn the trolley from its original track to the right track. Would you pull the switch? In this class, we will discuss our own intuitions on the case and try to offer satisfying reasons for our beliefs. At large, using this case as an example, we will examine what subject matters philosophers deal with, what questions they pose, and what makes philosophical investigation relevant to our own lives.

In this class, high school students will dive into the world of Python programming. They will learn the basics of coding and how to apply it to solve real-world problems. From creating simple programs to designing complex systems, students will gain a strong understanding of the power of Python and how it can be used in a variety of industries. By the end of the class, students will have the skills to continue their programming journey and unlock the power of code.

Psychology is widely used in our daily lives. Do you know why first impressions are important? How to be highly motivated every day? How to get along with your friends and partner? If you are thinking about these questions and want to find the answer, welcome to Psychology in Everyday Life! In this course, you will learn some interesting psychology experiments and theories that can help you understand yourself and others and live a better life.

This course will explore how and why humans engage in the Scientific method. We will explore the extent and limits of human understanding through select topics from fields of Evolutionary Ecology, Economics, and others.


Prerequisites
None

In this course we will discuss gardening 101: how to actually grow plants that you can eat, display and enjoy both indoors and outdoors! We will also discuss some of the basic scientific principles that govern gardening. Finally; we will begin the propigation for a take-home succulent to grow at home!

This course goes through different movies and other pop culture areas to explore the chemistry of what is happening. For example, teleportation, the "quantum realm", and the multiverse. This is a very concept based class that will go over how these ideas are possible in theory but not yet a reality.


Prerequisites
General chemistry

This class goes into the possible reasons behind psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Dissociative Identity Disorder (multiple personalities), Schizophrenia, and more.


Prerequisites
General biology is recommended but not needed

A broad overview of major biochemical pathways that lead to human diseases. Specific case examples like cancer and the Blue Fugates.

A crash course into our solar system featuring eight great planets, their little brother, the sun, and much more! Elements of physics will be mentioned but not in depth. For all levels.

The metabolism of ethanol disrupts the pathways in the liver that results in symptoms of hangovers. The Kreb’s cycle and Glycolysis within the human body will be discussed as they generate the sugars and energy source necessary for the breakdown of ethanol. The byproducts of each pathway discussed will show heavy importance on its intermediates.


Prerequisites
General biology and general chemistry.

Exploration of different types of careers in biology/medicine and what these jobs are doing today!


Prerequisites
none!

I plan to talk about the chemistry behind of some of the various drug classes used today such as stimulants like coffee and depressants such as alcohol. I hope enlighten students about the chemistry behind these drugs, talk about common ones found in day to day life, and how they can be used to treat people.


Prerequisites
None

This class will discuss themes from multiple disciplines, including Anthropology and Ecology, but don't worry if you're not quite sure what either of those are! We will be discussing how our culture is a lens through which we view the world, and how other cultures have different relationships with the environment. We will also talk about the different ways in which Anthropologists and Ecologists conduct fieldwork. This is a chance to learn about subjects and career paths that you may not have encountered in your classes yet!


Prerequisites
None!

In this course you will learn everything there is to know about backpacking! Backpacking is like hiking but a lot harder. Learn how to pack light and efficiently, and respond to unexpected circumstances on the trail.
I’m a seasoned hiker and Eagle Scout who has backpacked large parts of the NJ/NY Appalachian mountains (about 200 miles total) and the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains(about 150 miles total).