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.
If you've ever wondered why your brain does what it does, this class is for you! We'll cover topics like motivation and emotions, learning and forgetting, intelligence and personality, and social behavior. You'll have the opportunity to apply it to your own life through a final research project.
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.
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.
This course uses interactive games, case studies, and real-life scenarios to help young leaders build confidence to make choices that impact their lives and the world around them. Learn to approach problems logically, break down complex issues, and explore strategies to find solutions.
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.
This hands-on, lab-based class will help you scientifically explain your chemistry successes and disasters. You will be introduced to the essential molecules in food, water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, and learn how they interact with each other.
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.
In this class, you will have the opportunity to build a character from scratch as well as code brand-new interactions with an environment. You will learn about essential processes in game development and experiment with coding to generate characters with unique powers.
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.
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.
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.
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!
During Exploring Engineering, each class will focus on a different discipline of engineering, with stations and hands-on projects to foster exploration and discovery.
Get ready to bend your brain and twist your mind! In this course, you'll discover the thrill of solving puzzles, cracking codes and solving logic challenges. Through a variety of hands-on activities, games and teamwork, we'll explore real-world problems and develop creative strategies to solve them. From puzzles to brain teasers, you'll sharpen your critical thinking skills while having a blast with your fellow classmates. Just watch as your confidence and problem-solving skills grow!
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.
Prepare to be amazed, astonished, and maybe even a little grossed out in Gross Biology! Here you’ll go on a mind-boggling quest to uncover the squirmy, slimy, creepy, crawly, and downright bizarre features of the natural world. You’ll be intrigued by parasites, mucus, bacteria, and more! Put on a brave face, and maybe some gloves, as you complete hands-on experiments to uncover the purpose of some of nature’s oddities. By the end of class, you’ll challenge your perceptions of what it really means to be gross. This course is designed as a challenging enrichment opportunity for students completing grades 3-4.
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!
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!
