STEM Academy
Course Catalog
Courses are offered based on instructor availability. Not all courses are offered each session.
Check the course schedule for course offerings.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.034
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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, students 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.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.001
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Want to learn about circuits and electronics but unsure 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. And there is no work done outside of class time.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.023
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Want to learn more about circuits and electronics? This intermediate course builds on the concepts presented in Circuits I. 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: Must have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy Circuits I course.
Overview
- Discipline: Research Skills
- Course Number: RS.001
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
In today's world, we are constantly overloaded with information. How can we interpret what we read or hear to draw conclusions? We apply critical thinking! Critical thinking involves asking questions and looking for answers, applying information learned to solve problems, and listening to others to debate ideas. You will learn:
- what critical thinking is and what values and skills are associated with critical thinking
- about what makes a fact a fact and implicit bias
- techniques to better understand, evaluate, and develop effective and powerful arguments
- how to research and use data analysis to propose solutions to real-world problems
Special Instructions
Outside of class time, there are homework assignments each week and a group final project that is required as part of this course.
Overview
- Discipline: Research Skills
- Course Number: RS.004
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Do you want to apply your critical thinking skills? You will:
- explore STEM topics like what math can tell us about our world and how not to be fooled by deceptive information
- investigate how AI technology can be used responsibly
- learn about 16 habits of mind that help you overcome and reach success instead of giving up
- explore STEM-related career paths
Special Instructions
Outside of class time, there is a 30-minute homework assignment to complete after each class and a final project as part of this course.
Prerequisite: Must have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy Critical Thinking I course.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.026
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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, as 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 as part of this course.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.033
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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 I 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: Must have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy Cybersecurity I course.
Overview
- Discipline: Research Skills
- Course Number: RS.002
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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.
Overview
- Discipline: Research Skills
- Course Number: RS.003
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Do you want to learn more design thinking methods, start user testing, and understand intellectual property? In this intermediate course, you will:
- explore a problem of your choice using design thinking methods
- learn how to create digital wireframes for prototypes in InVision
- build your own application or website wireframe
Special Instructions
Outside of class time, you will need to work on your final project and complete short homework assignments.
Prerequisite: Must have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy Design Thinking I course.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.031
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
WiFi, radar, satellite transmissions...how do invisible waves travel around Earth and space and convey information? Have you ever wondered what is actually happening when you change the radio station? If you are curious about the answers to these questions, then join us for this theory and applications-based course where you will learn 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
- build your own Arduino Bluetooth speaker as your final project
Special Instructions
This course is for students in grades 9-12 only.
There is no work done outside of class time.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.030
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Do you want to invent and build your own hardware products? Have you taken a software/coding course and are ready to explore hardware? Then join us for this hands-on course where you will learn how to use the power of open hardware to create technology. Open hardware lets you build new things using tools and code from other creators. You will use the Arduino platform to control things like motors (for building robots for example), lights (including multicolored light strips), circuits, and scientific instruments, as you design and build your own inventions. In this course, you will:
- learn the basics of how to set up and program the Arduino
- learn how open-source hardware works and how to find free online resources to get what you need to build your inventions
- learn to copy/paste the code you need from free online applications
- design, build, and share your own final project using a selection of available hardware tools
- take home your final project
Special Instructions
Previous programming experience is helpful, as this course might be difficult with little to no coding background. This course is also suggested for anyone who wants to take their Design Thinking projects to the next level.
There is no work done outside of class time.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.014
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.006
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Are you interested in an engineering or science career and you have completed MATLAB I? Then continue learning to code with MATLAB. MATLAB II picks up where MATLAB I 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: Must have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy MATLAB I course.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.018
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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. And no special tools or software are needed.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.028
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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 I. 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: Must have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy Programming in C I course.
Overview
- Discipline: Communication
- Course Number: COM.001
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Do you want to learn how to deliver a powerful speech that will help you in school presentations, 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.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.002
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
What is a great first programming language to learn? Python! Python is easy to understand, even with no programming experience, and is used in many projects—from web development to machine learning to data science. In this beginner course, you will learn:
- the fundamental of coding in Python: variables, conditionals statements, lists, strings, loops, and functions
- programs in Python using comments to explain your code
- code a final project using the skills you learned
Special Instructions
This course has no prerequisites and uses basic math skills. Outside of class time, you are required to finish any assignments not completed during class time and work on your final project.
Note: Please contact stemacademy@jhuapl.edu if you are unsure of which Python course to take based on past programming experience.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.022
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Python programming skills are the building blocks of many STEM careers such as web developers, software developers and engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals. In this intermediate course, you will:
- learn how to encrypt and decrypt messages using cryptography and program a chatbot
- define and use classes and objects
- explore file operations
- gain a basic understanding of data visualization and web development
- code your own website portfolio as your final project
Special Instructions
Outside of class time, you are required to finish any assignments not completed during class and work on your final project.
This course is recommended for you if you have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy Python I course or Python for Girls I and II courses.
Note: Please contact stemacademy@jhuapl.edu if you are unsure of which Python course to take based on past programming experience.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.011
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Ready to show off your Python skills to build a functional web application? In this advanced course, you will:
- implement more advanced data structures, including dictionaries and databases
- create web pages that use simple forms
- define and use classes using a factory method
- use Flask, a web application framework written in Python, to build a functional frontend website with backend data storage
Special Instructions
Outside of class time, you are required to finish any assignments not completed during class and work on your final project.
This course is recommended for you if you have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy Python II course.
Note: Please contact stemacademy@jhuapl.edu if you are unsure of which Python course to take based on past programming experience.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.003
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Want to learn one of the world's most in-demand programming languages in an inspiring, encouraging, all-girl environment? With a lack of girls pursuing and completing degrees in computer science, this course is designed to inspire you to explore programming with Python. This all-girl course is usually led by a female instructor so you can work, play, and be inspired in an environment that supports you. In this beginner course, you will:
- learn the fundamentals coding in Python: variables, integers, strings, loops, and statements
- complete coding activities in a group and individually
- code your own game as your final project
Special Instructions
This is a no-experience needed, beginner class for girls who are interested in coding and learning the Python programming language. There are no formal homework assignments, but tasks (and final projects) that are not completed during class time should be completed before the next class.
This course is only offered to middle school girls and nonbinary students in grades (6-8).
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.012
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Do you want to continue to learn Python and be ready to take Python II in the future? This intermediate course builds on concepts learned in Python for Girls I. You will:
- review what you learned in Python for Girls I through quizzes and a mini-project
- learn additional concepts including functions, file input and output, and classes
- be more challenged as you code a more complicated final project
Special Instructions
Outside of class time, you will need to finish any assignments not completed during class and work on your final project. This course is only offered to middle school girls and nonbinary students in grades 6-8.
Prerequisite: Must have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy Python for Girls I course.
The completion of Python for Girls I and II allows students to continue coding in the STEM Academy Python II course.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.027
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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 suggested.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.016
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
In today's world with limitless connectivity, multiple devices, and unlimited choices, how can we measure and map relationships between people, organizations, and groups? And how can we map groups of people to computers and sites that they visit? Social network analysis (SNA) uncovers these patterns by analyzing relationships. You will:
- understand different types of networks and vocabulary associated with SNA like 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 necessary.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.005
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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 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 computer 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.
This is the first course in a three-course series. Completion of all three SOLIDWORKS courses will allow you to test for an industry-recognized SOLIDWORKS certification.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.008
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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 computer 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.
This is the second course in a three-course series. Completion of all three SOLIDWORKS courses will allow you to test for an industry-recognized SOLIDWORKS certification.
Prerequisite: Must have satisfactorily completed APL’s STEM Academy SOLIDWORKS I course.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.029
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
SOLIDWORKS III is the last course in the SOLIDWORKS series. This self-paced course on SolidProfessor focuses on preparing you to pass the Certified Solidworks Associate (CSWA) exam. In this advanced course, you will:
- review skills required for the CSWA exam
- complete CSWA practice exam exercises
- walk through a practice exam
- take the CSWA exam
Special Instructions
This course is completed at your own pace at home. There will be office hours offered via Zoom and monthly Zoom check-ins.
Prerequisite: Must have satisfactorily completed APL’s STEM Academy SOLIDWORKS I and II courses.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.032
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Are you interested in air and space vehicles and how APL simulates aerospace missions? 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 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
This course will familiarize you with the STK workflow and develop a basic understanding of STK software capabilities. You will be provided access to a free version of STK that you can install on your home device, in addition to using the software on APL laptops during class. The end of this course will focus on the STK Level I certification exam.
Special Instructions
Successful completion of this course will allow you to test for an industry-recognized STK Level 1 certification.
There is no work done outside of class time.
Prerequisite: Must have completed Algebra I. Completion of trigonometry is highly recommended, as this course can be difficult without trigonometry experience.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.019
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
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 helpful, as this course might be difficult with little to no background in programming.
Overview
- Discipline: STEM Application
- Course Number: SA.025
- Cost: $59.00
Course Description
Do you want to show off your video game designer skills and learn new skills? Unity II picks up where Unity I 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: Must have satisfactorily completed APL's STEM Academy Unity I course.