Badger Precollege Classes

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.

Learn about object-oriented programming, and how to write and execute code using the Java programming language, via the Greenfoot programming environment. Students will learn programming fundamentals while participating in authentic coding activities that place an emphasis on problem-solving and creativity. Explore coding by examining a set of interesting scenarios, solving coding problems and competing in a fun coding challenge. Then begin to design your own game or simulation!

Mythology means more than just Mount Olympus. In this course, you'll expand your horizons beyond Greece to explore the mythology of cultures from around the world. Join us as we travel from continent to continent to compare different types of mythologies and their influence on history, society and culture. Part literature and part geography, you'll be sure to enjoy this literary tour of the world!

This course explores various topics in veterinary and animal sciences. The course aims to expose students to diverse career options while exploring scientific and ethical questions. 

This class will introduce you to new fields of research, engage you in hands-on experiments and give you the opportunity to visit labs and science departments around campus. Past fields of exploration have included limnology, geology and a behind-the-scenes visit to the primate lab.

Spend each day discovering one of the many art areas on the UW–Madison campus, like theatre, visual art, dance, music or creative writing. Part of our day will be spent delving into the creation of pieces, and the other part of the day will include visits to campus arts hubs.

This course provides a foundational introduction to programming in Python. Learn essential programming concepts, including data structures, control flow, and visualization techniques, while developing an understanding of computational methods used in physics.

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 delves into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and business by exploring fundamental concepts and the transformative power of innovation. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them to thrive as entrepreneurs and business leaders.

This class will ponder the question, "What's next in the field of space exploration?", and will explore the evolution of space exploration, from rockets and satellites to animal explorers and the manned space missions of today. This discussion-based class will utilize space imagery and study recent developments in the field as we continue to ask, "How much farther, and further, can we go?"

This course delves into the fascinating psychology behind how we learn and what drives us to achieve. Through topics like motivation, memory, cognition, and perception, you'll explore how people process, interpret and act on information.

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!

Explore how the brain works and how it influences thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Focus on cognition and learning, linking brain structure and function to daily life. Learn how neuropsychologists help diagnose and treat disorders that impact brain function. 

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.

This course provides a nuanced understanding of how Political Science, Public Policy, and Law interplay and shape societal governance. Students will delve into the foundational theories of political science, the intricate processes of policy formulation, and the framework of legal systems.

This course provides an engaging introduction to the diverse world of engineering, offering students a comprehensive overview of various engineering disciplines and career paths. The course aims to help students understand the fundamental principles and real-world applications of each discipline.

Insight to Medical Fields of Study is designed to help you explore the diverse and exciting world of healthcare professions. This course provides a comprehensive foundation to make informed decisions about your future in medicine

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.

Learn the lingo and acronyms of the financial world, the basics of economic forces and how a wide variety of factors from weather to wars influence money. Analyze market movements over time and participate in a market simulation activity.