Badger Precollege Classes

Are you interested in finding out more about how forensic science helps us solve mysteries? Intro to Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary class that builds upon the skills explored in our Secret Agents class. We introduce forensic science techniques used in the field.

We introduce students to the major systems of the body through interactive and engaging activities. They will not only learn how the inner body looks, but also how it works. We explore the muscular, skeletal, nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems through models and experiments.

A Walk Through History will transport students to a living history museum! Students will choose a historical figure, research them, and write a speech as if they were that person. During family visiting day, students will dress up and stay in character, give their speeches, and answer questions.

In this course we will explore the wonderful world of magical creatures through literature, writing, and the arts! We will read about fantastic beasts, write our own stories and poems, improv and perform pieces about these magical creatures, and create art using our limitless imaginations.

Inside Out/Upside Down will introduce students to the world of psychology using the movie Inside Out as a base for exploring emotions, actions, and memories. Students will be learning about the foundations of psychology through role play, hands-on activities and class discussions.

Students in this class will think deeply about the design elements necessary to create a livable city. They will become urban planners who consider how a city is shaped by its natural borders and what impact urban sprawl will have on the surrounding environment. They will consider the needs of their citizens and look for innovative solutions to meet them, in every area from public transportation, public space and cultural identity. Students will examine cities from around the world, as well as studying urban space in Madison, to think critically about what ultimately makes a city livable. By the end of the course, students will have used this knowledge to create a model city.

The Green Team: Introduction to Environmental Science offers a multi-disciplinary approach to learning about environmental issues by increasing knowledge and building critical-thinking skills that will help our students make informed and responsible decisions in an age-appropriate format.

This course will review the history of poverty and its recent trends in the U.S., and examine the myriad effects of COVID-19 on people at, or near, the poverty threshold. We will pay particular attention to the key players and processes operating at local, state and national levels, and evaluate the role of the highly polarized political environment that predates this current situation.

Big changes start small. Students in this course look at the role that individuals and communities can play in achieving real social change. Through active learning, students work on communication skills and mindsets that are needed to affect change. Topics may include racial and social justice, health equity, food systems and sustainability. Learn how to become a changemaker in your community.

This course will explore a long philosophical tradition of taking these questions seriously as things one might be right or wrong about. We will examine them systematically, with an emphasis on rigorous argumentation and analyzing the assumptions behind different positions. 

Modern science is increasingly surrounded by controversial public debates about its societal applications and political implications. Genetically modified organisms, artificial intelligence and COVID-19 have been a powerful illustration of how unprepared many societies are for what the WHO has called an infodemic — the onslaught of information, some correct, much of it incorrect or misleading — that makes it difficult for citizens to separate signal from noise when it comes to identifying the best available science. This class will explore how we make personal and political decisions in the midst of this infodemic.

Sports and popular culture are very intertwined in our world. Delve into the relationships that sports media has with social, cultural and political structures. Learn how sports media impacts activism and social change. Topics may include ethics, the role of a celebrity figures as role models, and gender equity.

Summer Music Clinic offers the opportunity to learn from experienced educators from around the country, develop new music skills and enhance existing ones, meet and collaborate with those who share your interests, develop and express your unique, creative style, and enjoy new experiences in a welcoming, supportive community.

High school students will be taken on a journey of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) as they chart their own educational and career pathways to become the STEM superstars of the future. Students will investigate their own interests, values, and skills, as well as explore the dynamic world of STEM careers and trends.

Are you interested in Pre-Vet studies or animal sciences? Immerse yourself in the world of veterinary science. This course will help you to learn about topics such as animal nutrition, genetics, physiology, and welfare of a variety of animal species. You will gain an appreciation for the complex relationship between animals and humans, and how this may impact society. In addition, you can explore the many career and education opportunities related to working with animals.

In Write on! Words Have Power! Students will explore the intersectionality between writing and activism. Students will broaden their idea of what is possible through inspirational readings, writers, guest speakers and activities. Together with University of Wisconsin–Madison’s top tier Creative Writing Program and a vibrant community of fellow high school writers, you’ll learn how to integrate personal experiences and Social Justice into your work and find authentic expression to answer the following questions: What kinds of Power do words really have? How can each of us get involved in writing for Social Justice?

Adventures in Coding will spark your curiosity about the connections between math, computer coding and programming. If you geek out about video games, computers, equations or even different mathematical languages, join us for this coding adventure!

Artful Architecture combines elements like drawing and mathematics to help students visualize and create their own dream buildings. Through hands-on and engaging activities, this class will go through the entire planning and designing process: site plan, floor plan, section and elevation. If you like looking at tall skyscrapers or cool-looking buildings in your neighborhood, this class is for you!

Creative Writing will explore many of the ways that words can express our imaginations and our ideas. Through exercises, reading, feedback from classmates and instructors, and other exploratory activities, we will grow as writers together in this class. 

Game of Economics will spark your curiosity about one of the driving factors in the world today, economics. Through critical reasoning, creative problem solving, and hands-on learning, you will construct your own games to help you understand large economic concepts such as scarcity, supply, demand, opportunity costs and diminishing returns.