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Frontiers & Launch The Real Thing. On Campus. This Summer.
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Frontiers
Frontiers:
A summer residential program for soon-to-be high school juniors and seniors interested in science, mathematics, and engineering. Session I: July 12–24, 2009; Session II (robotics only): July 25–August 1, 2009.
Frontiers is an on-campus, residential, research, and learning experience that challenges soon-to-be high school juniors and seniors to explore the outer limits of knowledge in science, mathematics, and engineering. Now in its 26th year of operation, it continues to be enthusiastically received by its participants. You will learn from outstanding professors and use state-of-the-art experimental, analytical, and computer technology and facilities. WPI students majoring in your area of study will assist you in the lab and in study groups. Frontiers focuses on current laboratory techniques and unsolved problems in aerospace engineering, biology, chemistry/biochemistry, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, interactive media and game development, mathematics, and physics (Session I); and robotics (Session II).
Rounding out the academic experience are communications workshops in areas such as writing, art, music, speech, history, law, and theatre. A full schedule of activities includes evening workshops, field trips, movies, live performances, and tournaments. During scheduled hours, you are encouraged to use the campus athletic and recreational facilities. Also available for your use is Gordon Library, which supports study and research with its collection of more than 298,000 books, 90,000 audio and videocassettes, films, music recordings, and microforms. You will have accounts on WPI's computer system and access to PCs and UNIX workstations. A detailed schedule of activities will be provided upon your arrival. We think you’ll find this summer enrichment experience challenging, well-balanced, and loads of fun!
Session I July 12–24, 2009 (Session I particpants enroll in a science, technology, or engineering program and a communication workshop.)
Science, Technology, and Engineering Aerospace Engineering Explore the science of flight to learn how wings and aircraft create lift to fly. Basic concepts in aerodynamics— including drag, streamlining, airfoil stall and aircraft design—will be studied. You'll conduct wind- and water-tunnel experiments to visualize the flow over aircraft, and run computer simulations for different airfoil shapes. Using what you have learned, you'll design and build a simple model aircraft, test it in the wind tunnel, and see it soar in free-flight.
Biology and Biotechnology Explore this science from molecules and cells to ecology and evolution. You will cut, splice, and insert DNA to engineer new bacteria; eavesdrop on your own nerves and muscles using computerbased technology; prepare and view cells in an electron microscope; extract and test hormones that make crabs change color; meet a tiny roundworm that is the new favorite of geneticists; use DNA fingerprinting and antibodies to track genes and the proteins they code for; and study reproduction, ecology, anatomy, and scientific contributions (including a Nobel Prize!) of the ancient horseshoe crab.
Chemistry and Biochemistry Shrink down to the world of molecules and explore how life functions at one of its most fundamental levels. Combine the newest technologies in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry to explore what happens when molecules collide; peel apart proteins and DNA; discover how enzymes work; and use computer modeling to see what biomolecules look like in 3-D. You’ll see how chemistry can make color, fire, light, and electricity; you’ll use the latest genetic and biochemical techniques to create organisms that glow.
Civil and Environmental Engineering The field of civil and environmental engineering is essential for improving the quality of life in our society and protecting the environment. This discipline includes sustainable design and construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, tall buildings, and water and wastewater treatment plants, among others. You will learn about different areas of civil and environmental engineering, and you will also complete hands-on projects involving laboratory testing of materials and structures, computer analy-
sis and design of structures, water quality sampling and testing, and computer analysis to understand how human activities affect water quality in the environment.
Computer Science In this self-paced program, you'll have the opportunity to explore the world of programming as it is used in the World Wide Web and object-oriented languages such as Java. You'll also explore graphical and distributed programming environments. You'll have the chance to incorporate the work as part of effective multimedia interfaces for content of interest to you. In addition, special topics in computer science will be discussed according to student interest.
Electrical and Computer Engineering Discover the fascinating world of analog and digital electronics through classroom exercises and laboratory hands-on activities. Learn to use lab equipment such as power supplies, function generators, and oscilloscopes to test circuits that you build. Apply this knowledge to a design project that you'll be working on throughout the course. Topics include audio amplification, infrared optical transmission, analog signal processing, and digital logic.
Interactive Media and Game Development Combine technology with art to create an interactive experience. Take on the role of programmer and artist, and work on a team to bring a game to life. Draw and model your environment, add your characters and sound effects, program your behaviors, and tell your story. Break down your idea into simple rules, write your algorithm, use powerful scripting languages, and publish your game on the Web.
Mathematics Learn how a mix of classical mathematics and modern technology can be used to solve current problems and open up new areas. Use this background to examine encryption of numbers on the Internet via the RSA algorithm, and analysis of human voice patterns and musical instruments through Fourier methods. Specific problems of current information technology that these address include the need for secure transmission of data, such as credit card numbers over the Internet, voice-print technology, and storage and use of music in digital format (WAV vs. MP3 files, for example).
Mechanical Engineering This broad discipline includes many areas of interest: energy production and transfer, mechanical design, materials science, biomechanics, and fluid flow, among others. Explore the breadth of mechanical engineering through a mixture of fundamental concepts and experimentation. The program emphasis will be on energy transfer, starting from human power to an understanding of steam power to today's ensemble of conventional and alternative energy sources.
Physics Investigate selected fields or applications of modern physics—such as interplanetary travel, atomic spectroscopy, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), quantum computing and black holes—through a combination of lectures, audio-visual presentations, hands-on laboratory experiments, and visits to research facilities.
wpi.edu/+frontiers
Frontiers Communications Workshops American History through Film and the Internet This course combines film sources, class discussion, and internet research. Material covered will focus on four central themes: Work; Leisure/Recreation; the Urban Environment; American Politics. For each of the four modules you’ll view films on the central theme, research the theme using Internet sources, and discuss their findings and conclusions with the class.
Creative Writing Conduct a series of experiments with words, imagination, and ideas: fiction or nonfiction prose, poetry, or playscript. What you create will depend on your group members, the Frontiers experence, and what you've been writing along the way.
Elements of Writing Investigate what happens when an author chooses certain vocabulary, sentence structure, and overall organization. This approach will help you improve the expository writing you will have to do in college. You’ll also be given an opportunity to write college application essays in which you may reveal your individuality. You are encouraged to bring with you topics that appear on admission forms for colleges where you intend to apply.
Law on Film We live in a world where legal matters have become part of the popular culture. “Judge Judy” is a ratings-winner, "Law and Order" is in its second decade of popularity, and celebrity legal battles, such as the trials of Michael Jackson and Robert Blake, are fodder for late-night television hosts. However, the entertainment value of law and justice has a long pedigree in film. Stories of law elicit drama, emotion, suspense, and sometimes humor. Central to these sto-
ries are images of lawyers who might personify good, evil, or a gray area in between. In this course, you’ll explore selected films that present interesting concepts of law and lawyering—and discuss the themes the films address, how the lawyers are portrayed, and what the films tell us about the views of society (and perhaps what effect, if any, the films have on society).
Music Participate in music activities and rehearse daily in an instrumental ensemble appropriate for your instrument. Perform in a concert at the conclusion of the program, presented in conjunction with the drama activities. Music selected will vary in style from jazz to pop to classical. Any student interested will also have the opportunity to improvise in a jazz setting.
Speech Discover how to present your ideas in an organized format for optimal impact and understanding. Learn specific approaches and implement them through planned presentations that will be videotaped and analyzed. Explore the techniques that minimize the threat of nervous reactions and learn to utilize nervous energy for peak performance. The primary focus of the workshop will be on individual presentations, but some attention will be given to interactive communications (e.g., the campus interview for prospective college students).
The Art of Science What are the boundaries between art and science? Does it matter? This course will explore the impact of science and technology throughout art history. Topics to be considered include the painter's interest in light and optics; the influence of invention, exploration, and scientific discovery on techniques and materials; the science of conservation; controversial materials; art and astronomy; nature and the environment, and more. You will
look at artists who have advanced scientific technique, and attempt simple experiments used by artists, such as the function of pinhole cameras and camera obscura. Time will be left to discuss subjects of particular interest to the students.
Theatre Produce a show from soup to nuts in under two weeks. Create a character, make a costume, hang the lights, record the sound, and build a set. Explore a wide variety of theatrical exercises and techniques, including warm-ups, expressive movement exercises, collective improvisation, and interpretive reading. Become familiar with essential elements of traditional comedy and tragedy, as well as contemporary experimental theatre. Put theory into practice by making an audience laugh, cry, and maybe even think.
Session II (robotics only) July 25–August 1, 2009 Robotics Immerse yourself in robotics and discover the science and technology behind robot design and operations. Learn sensor operations, programming, pneumatics, and manufacturing techniques and use this information to solve a challenging robotics problem. Each subgroup in the session will brainstorm, design, build, and test its own creation. During the week you'll spend time outside of the lab exploring important business aspects of robotics including marketing, entrepreneurship, management, and teamwork skills. The chance to show your team's design superiority will come when robots meet for the climactic end-of-session tournament! This session is particularly useful in preparing participants for entry or leadership within the FIRST robotics team in their high schools.
Tuition Tuition for session I only is $1,950. Tuition for session II only is $1,500. Tuition for session I & II is $3,300. Your tuition payment covers academic programming, room, board, and activities. Personal expenses vary, but should not exceed $100. A $500 nonrefundable deposit, which is applied to the tuition, is due upon acceptance into the program with the enrollment forms. The program balance is due June 15, 2009.
Room and Board Frontiers participants will be accommodated in one of WPI's residence halls, supervised by current students and administrative staff. Rooms are double or triple occupancy; private rooms are not available. Meals will be served in one of WPI's oncampus dining facilities, or at an appropriate off-campus location during field trips. With advance notice, we are happy to accommodate participants who may have dietary restrictions with specially prepared meals.
To Apply This program is offered to soon-to-be high school juniors and seniors only. Complete the application form or apply online by visiting wpi.edu/+frontiers. Applications are due by May 31, and completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. If selected, every effort will be made to place you in your first-choice area of study or workshop. However, we will enroll you in your second or third choice if your first choice program has been filled.
Application Requirements • A completed Frontiers 2009 application form with $50 application fee. • Recommendation from your mathematics teacher, science teacher, or guidance counselor. • Your official high school transcript submitted by your guidance counselor. Standardized test scores are not required. However, if you have taken standardized tests (PSATs, SATs, ACTs), feel free to send them with your application. Strong consideration is given to students maintaining a “B” average or better in a rigorous academic program, and have taken or are on track to complete precalculus before graduating high school.
Application Instructions Please review the following information carefully to ensure that your application is received on time for full consideration. 1. Please print legibly in blue or black ink, or complete your application online at wpi.edu/+frontiers. 2. For Session I, you must select a science, technology, or engineering program and communications workshop. Session II is centered on robotics only.
be made on a rolling basis from that point forward. Admitted students will receive priority placement in their program of choice based on the date the application was received. Please note: Your application will not be reviewed until we have received your reference and transcript(s). Late applications will be reviewed on a space-available basis. Send the application, along with your $50 application fee, to WPI Frontiers Program Bartlett Center 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609-2280
3. Print the recommendation form and have your math teacher, science teacher (computer science is acceptable), or guidance counselor submit it with the completed application. 4. Please arrange to have your high school forward an official transcript of your courses and grades (including your most recent report card) directly to WPI Frontiers Program, Bartlett Center, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609-2280. 5. The application is due May 31, 2009. The application review process will begin on March 1 and decisions will
wpi.edu/+frontiers
Launch
August 3–7, 2009: A ďŹ ve-day program for soon-to-be freshmen and sophomores interested in biology, chemistry/biochemistry, interactive media and game development, botics.
or ro-
For over 25 years, our summer pro-
sen field of study. With faculty, cur-
8 a.m.) and a closing luncheon cer-
grams have been enthusiastically at-
rent WPI students, and classmates,
emony will be held on Friday.
tended by hundreds of young
you will use state-of-the-art experi-
people.
mental, analytical, and computer
We think you’ll find this summer en-
technology to complete projects and
WPI Launch is a learning and research opportunity for students entering freshman and sophomore years of high school. You'll spend your days working with faculty focusing on current problems and challenges in the fields of biology, chemistry/biochemistry, interactive media and game development, or robotics.
assemble your findings.
richment experience challenging, creative, and lots of fun!
Program hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Launch staff and other WPI community members will be available each day at 8 a.m. for early arrival and will provide late-afternoon supervised activities until 5 p.m.; lunch will be included every day. At the start of the program, a one-hour ori-
At Launch you will attend workshops
entation program will welcome par-
and perform lab work in your cho-
ticipants and parents (Monday,
NOTE: Participants focus on one area of study.
Areas of Study Biology
Homegrown Biotech: Biotechnology in Everyday Life Explore the ways in
which the field of biotechnology affects our everyday life. Working in our biotech lab, you’ll have a chance to isolate your own DNA, conduct a molecular medical investigation, create root beer using fermentation, or analyze the foods we eat to see if they have been genetically modified. You’ll have a chance to carry out your own scientific investigations and share your findings with your family at the end of the week—along with some homemade liquid nitrogen ice cream!
the week, you will have created a project demonstrating your newfound skills with cool graphics and amazing animation, complete with audio and interactivity. Robotics
Robot Design and Operation Discover the science and technology of this exciting field. You'll learn about mechanical design, sensors, and programming. You'll build designs using Vex robots and program them using EasyC. Challenging robotics problems will culminate in a competition between student groups at the end of the week.
To Register Chemistry/Biochemistry Chem/Biochem Magic Have you ever wanted to work with bubbling flasks of colored concoctions? Ever think about engineering DNA or proteins? In our chemistry and biochemistry lab, you’ll alter liquids at the flick of a wrist, wield light and electricity, and cut and splice genes to create creatures that glow. By week’s end you’ll be dazzling your friends and family with your newfound talents! Interactive Media and Game Development Computer Games Want to know how computer games are made? You'll learn how to use a 3-D video game engine to create a game with graphics, sound, and animation. You'll work in teams to undertake hands-on lab exercises to understand important computer science and artistic design concepts related to interactive media. By the end of
WPI’s Launch program is offered to soon-to-be high school freshmen and sophomores only. Register online at wpi.edu/+launch and submit a $50 nonrefundable* registration fee, by July 15. The registration fee is applied to tuition. *Each area of study is limited to 20 registered participants. Should your selected area of study be closed, we will contact you to see whether you'd like to select another area of study. If this is not an option, your $50 registration fee will be returned to you.
Tuition Cost of the 2009 Launch program is $495. This covers tuition, lunches, snacks, activities, and equipment. (Although participants needn't worry about personal expenses, the WPI food court and bookstore are accessible to Launch students.) Total tuition is due by July 27. If sending payment by check, please make it payable to WPI. If paying by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, AmEx, Discover, or wire transfer), please call us at 508-831-5286.
Upon receipt of your registration and $50 registration fee, we will send you a packet including faculty and staff contact information, program policies, schedule, directions, and a what-to-bring list.
wpi.edu/+launch
WPI Frontiers Program Bartlett Center 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609-2280 frontiers@wpi.edu phone 508-831-5286 fax 508-831-5875
wpi.edu/+frontiers
WPI Launch Program
Bartlett Center 100 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609-2280 launch@wpi.edu phone 508-831-5286 fax 508-831-5875
wpi.edu/+launch 2008-317