Badger Precollege Classes

Do you love a good story? Do you enjoy creating characters and setting them loose in a world of your imagination? If so, join us for a writing workshop where you can express your voice through the endless possibilities of fiction. We'll explore what it is that makes for great storytelling and enjoy sharing our ideas with each other.

Exploring the Brain will take a deep dive into how the brain works and how psychology shapes the world around us.

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!

With the explosion of innovative technologies and new knowledge about the brain, the field of neuroscience remains on the frontier of contemporary science. This course will give a solid foundation in the anatomy and physiology of the brain and expand your understanding of how basic neurological processes relate to cognition, emotion and behavior.

In this laboratory-intensive course, you will learn how DNA and proteins are analyzed to improve food products, diagnose a disease or identify a suspect. Gain valuable laboratory skills such as micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, DNA extraction and protein analysis.

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?"

In this course, we'll explore the process of how an actor can effectively portray a character. Through scene work exercises we'll dive into the motivation of a character and consider the best tactics an actor can use to communicate that to an audience. We'll unleash your creativity through improv exercises as you set your character loose, creating a story on the fly!

Students will prepare themselves to be college-ready through a variety of interactive online workshops and in-person experiential learning. They will better understand the holistic approach to university admissions in the U.S. and the jargon that accompanies the admissions and educational process. They will identify their weaknesses in study and time management skills essential for college success and develop a plan to improve these habits.

In this course, we will explore a variety of the many afflictions of the human body and how the immune system reacts to heal. We will also explore the social element of disease management, looking at pandemics of the past and public health initiatives of today.

In "Laws of Negotiation and International Politics", students will be put in teams and assigned a country to represent. All the countries (teams) will be a part of a sub-committee in the United Nations, and will be asked to come up with a plan that deals with an international issue. After researching their country and the issue, students will partake in a committee conference where they will be allowed to present their country’s position on the issue and a possible proposal for a resolution.

From ski resorts under a dome in the middle of the desert to rotating skyscrapers, nothing is impossible for contemporary designers. This class will help you start thinking like an engineer and engage you in a series of increasingly complex competitive design challenges.

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.

Take a closer look at the main organs and systems of the human body and their important functions. Topics covered are the format and function of major human organs such as the heart and lungs as well as body systems such as the musculoskeletal system, circulatory system and digestive system.

Intro to Computer Science 2 is intended as a challenging opportunity for students who have taken a previous PACE computer science course (including Intro to Computer Science 1) or have other coding experience.

This course explores the diverse worlds of "anime," an animated entertainment medium that originates in Japan and has achieved extensive popularity all over the world. By viewing and discussing a series of anime films/series that represent various time periods, themes, genres and styles, we will develop a critical appreciation for the meanings and experiences of anime and its legacy today both in Japan and the United States.

This discussion-based class uses critical thinking and analysis to examine the question, "How do we know what we know?" in terms of historical narratives. By exploring commonalities over time, students will reflect on how dominant cultures control the narrative, "to the victor goes the spoils" and answer the question, "Who writes history and how do these viewpoints impact the narrative?"

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world of healthcare but unsure which medical path suits you best? Insight to Medical Fields of Study is designed to help you explore the diverse and exciting world of healthcare professions. Whether you dream of becoming a physician, nurse, researcher, therapist or medical administrator, this course provides a comprehensive foundation to make informed decisions about your future in medicine. By the end of the class, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions about your future career in the medical field. This course is an excellent foundation for high school students aspiring to pursue a medical profession. Join us on this exciting journey of discovery and exploration in the ever-evolving realm of medicine.

Have you ever wondered what goes into planning a major sporting event like the ones on TV? Are you curious about how athletes influence society? More Than Just a Game is the class for you! Sports and popular culture are very intertwined in our world. In this class, you will 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 celebrity figures as role models and gender equity. Within this context, this course will cover a variety of topics related to sports business including career options in sports, consumers in sports, ticket and sponsorship sales concepts, broadcasting and social media, event planning, uniform designs, community relations and communications, and a look at future industry considerations.

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 curious about cutting-edge biology and genetic engineering? Want to explore the latest innovations in medicine, agriculture and environmental engineering? This course will introduce you to the latest developments in biotechnology including personalized medicine, CRISPR technology, synthetic biology and sustainable environmental practices. This laboratory-focused course will allow you to experience biotechnology tools such as restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, microbial culturing and genetic engineering. In addition, opportunities to visit research laboratories on the University of Wisconsin campus and area biotechnology companies will introduce you to possible careers in the biotechnological field.