Think like a Badger. Badger Precollege offers in-person and online programs in humanities, music, business, psychology, government, STEM, college prep and more — all designed to help students in grades 2–12 find their passion, meet new friends and explore their future.
Use the search filters to find the class, program or workshop that matches your interests.
If you are looking for information about sports camps, field trips and other youth programs offered by our UW–Madison partners — including Badger Sports Camps, Wisconsin 4-H, the Language Institute and others — view campus programs.
Explore your creativity and discover what it takes to be a compelling writer. This class is designed for avid readers and writers who read well above grade level and are serious about improving their skills and preparing for high school writing.
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.
Learn about modern veterinary science through in-class presentations and demonstrations, field trips, and hands-on activities. If you love science, enjoy working with or being around animals, or are interested in knowing more about the field of veterinary science, this is the course for you!
Did you know that in 30 minutes, the human body gives off enough heat to boil a gallon of water? The human body is a complex machine made up of systems that keep us active and alive. In this class, you will take a closer look at the main systems of the human body and their important functions.
How does AI "learn" about art styles, and what does it mean for AI to "understand" artistic principles? AI is becoming increasingly important as technology plays a larger role in our daily lives, especially in matters involving art. This course empowers you to understand, create, and critique art generated by AI, delving into how technology reshapes traditional and digital artistic expressions. Students will learn foundational AI concepts, experiment with tools like image generation, text-based art and algorithmic design and explore ethical and philosophical questions surrounding AI in creative fields. Whether you're just curious about art in the age of AI or an aspiring young artist with a passion for creativity, this course offers a hands-on, thought-provoking journey into the future of art.
This course explores theater and writing in order to help develop your skills as a writer and an effective member of an ensemble. After exploring new acting techniques, the class will culminate in a virtual presentation using different topics and skills learned in the course.
Collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes and use logical thought processes and scientific inquiry skills to interpret evidence and explain crimes. Learn to interpret evidence such as fingerprinting, hair and fiber analysis, impression analysis, forensic entomology and anthropology.
STEP Law courses are an introduction to the law and the legal system in contemporary American society. Using the case study method, we'll analyze individual rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and as interpreted by the courts. We examine the criminal and civil branches of the law.
In this class, you will dive into the blueprints of structural engineering and design. You will be asked to design and create models based on creative parameters and specifications. As a team, you will take on and propose solutions to real-world design challenges.
This course explores topics such as ecosystems, environmental challenges and sustainability. Through hands-on activities in nature and engaging projects and labs, students will explore how natural systems function, how human activities impact the planet and how to create a sustainable future.
What makes a decision "good" or "bad," and how do we measure the success of our choices over time? Step into the world of leadership and strategic decision-making with Board of Directors: The Art of Decision-Making for Young Leaders. In this interactive course, students will learn how to approach complex challenges, make impactful choices, and understand the responsibilities of leadership. Modeled after real-life boardroom scenarios, students will act as board members, working through group exercises, simulations, and case studies to practice balancing competing interests, managing risks and finding solutions that benefit all stakeholders. From ethical dilemmas to high-stakes decisions, this course empowers young leaders with the confidence, strategic thinking skills, and sense of accountability needed to navigate today's interconnected world and to prepare for future roles in business, community and beyond.
Do you love the hustle and bustle of a big city? Maybe you dream of skyscrapers, light rails, sprawling parks, and impressive museums? If so then join us in a quest to become a visionary urban planner shaping the future of civilization! We will learn about all the decisions that go into making a city, especially the important design elements that make it liveable. We’ll consider the needs of citizens and search for innovative solutions to meet them. We’ll examine cities from around the world, as well as the urban space right here in Madison, to think critically about what it takes to make a city successful. By the end of the course, you’ll put your knowledge to work designing a city of your own! This course is designed as a challenging enrichment opportunity for students completing grades 2-3.
This class will spark your curiosity about the objects in the world around you. Did you know that everything is basically made of the same three ingredients? Participate in hands-on experiments, make observations and learn how to communicate your findings like a scientist.
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.
During Exploring Engineering, each class will focus on a different discipline of engineering, with stations and hands-on projects to foster exploration and discovery.
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.
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.
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!
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.
This three-week, immersive program invites all international students seeking a higher education experiential learning opportunity. Students will experience college life as a student on UW–Madison's extensive campus. The program offers interactive workshops and presentations in sustainability, college preparation, admissions, financial aid, leadership and development. Students will participate in excursions and community outreach activities that sample the culture, traditions and values of the Midwest. After completing this program, participants will have finished an exceptional educational program with all the benefits of studying abroad that will prepare them for their future endeavors in higher education learning.
