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 1–12 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
This discussion-based class will teach critical thought and debate about how technology shapes our world and impacts our daily lives. Topics to explore will include the digital footprint, plagiarism, AI vs. creativity and equitable access.
Have you heard the latest buzz? Insects are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the world around us! In this class, we'll explore the challenges with the bee population, monarch migration, insect defense mechanisms (ouch!) and the interdependence of all living things.
Explore plant anatomy, ecology, and their vital roles in the environment. Plan to explore campus gardens and consider the role of agriculture, landscape architecture and other ways human and plant life interact. Gain skills to observe and understand the natural world.
Explore written works centered on the theme of bravery. Expect a mix of essays, short stories, speeches, and stories to be discussed. Master literary analysis techniques to help reflect on and confidently articulate ideas on what it means to have courage and "be brave."
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!
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.
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.
