Be amazed by these optical illusions! In this course, you'll realize that your brain tries to 'guess' based on the information it receives, but sometimes it doesn't guess correctly! Learn how your brain can be fooled by tricky patterns and confusing messages, even after you realize what's actually true.
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Imagine a future where we have tiny machines that live inside our blood that heal our cuts and wounds very quickly, or prevent us from getting sick. Nanotechnology is all about the secret lives of atoms and molecules, where the normal rules of physics do not apply. This class will explore how do we engineer things on such a small scale and the impact nanotechnology has on our lives-- as well as the impact it may have in the future
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Bordering between being alive and dead, viruses are unique because they need to live inside a host in order to survive. In this course we will learn not only about the biology and infectious nature of viruses but also about the current ways we use viruses in the areas of medicine, material science, and nanotechnology. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
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Did humans really evolve from monkeys? Is it possible for humans to grow wings and fly? Is being strong really the key to survival? Learn about Charles Darwin and his idea of evolution to see how we developed the way we are today, and why certain animals have changed so much over millions of years!
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Why do we get tired? What happens to our bodies and minds while we're asleep? Explore the stages of sleep, discuss the importance of getting a good night's rest, and learn about scary sleep disorders, like sleep paralysis, narcolepsy, and Ondine's Curse! This course may give you nightmares!
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From hotter summers to colder winters, we’ve all felt the effects of global warming. However, global warming can do far worse things to us than make us slightly uncomfortable-- it can create typhoons and even sink islands! Learn different theories surrounding its development and how we humans make it more severe. Students will be introduced to the problem, develop an understanding of the damage it can do to us if left unchecked, and hear about ways they can reduce their impact on the world’s climate.
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Humans are very resourceful. When we see problems, we try to create solutions to fix them, and some of these solutions are awesome and creative! Learn about the clever ideas that have shaped our society, as well as recent inventions that are currently being used to help people around the world.
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For thousands of years, mathematicians and artists have used the number of the Golden Ratio to create mathematical models, paintings, and sculptures. Evidence of the Golden Ratio can be found in famous architecture as well as in nature- in flowers, seashells, and even human DNA! Learn about the significance of these numbers and try to figure out the mystery behind them.
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An ant colony is an organized kingdom with a queen, an economy, and even an army. They can fight wars with complex battle strategies, take care of other animals like pets, and manage their own farms. Ants work together so perfectly. It seems like a single brain controls them. Come learn about the evolutionary techniques of the mighty ant, and discover how many similarities we have in common with them.
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Explore deep into the ocean and learn about what lives in the Twilight Zone, the depth at which sunlight cannot reach and the water pressure could flatten a submarine! Find out why we’re unable to venture to the bottom of the ocean! Hear about the challenges deep sea creatures have to face and the unique strategies they employ to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
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Dive into a realm of diseases and learn about the horrible infections that exist and have changed the course of human history! Develop a healthy fear of harmful bacteria and learn easy ways to protect yourself from them. Find out how scientists have defeated diseases in the past and how they’re attacking the current threats around the world, like cancer and AIDS.
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The Nobel Prize is a famous award given to people who make great progress in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Literature, and Peace. Learn about some of the recent winners, their achievements and discoveries, and the history behind the prize!
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How was the Milky Way Galaxy formed? What's in a galaxy, and what do they look like? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this course. Explore the unmapped galaxies full of mysteries still beyond our comprehension. What is it like way out there? What exactly are black holes? And what lies beyond what we can see?
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