Course Description:
This program is designed to help students develop skills and learn concepts in computational science and computational thinking, practice important scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills such as verification and validation, and become familiar with a variety of tools for building useful computational models. Students learn to use advanced computational science technologies, techniques, and tools to study a wide variety of scientific events. They are provided structured and open-ended learning opportunities in computational science and will be encouraged to collaborate with their peers and present their work to the group.
What is Computational Science?
Computational science is the newest method of doing scientific research. Computational science, sometimes referred to as "modeling and simulation", is the combination of science, mathematics, and computing. It is used to study scientific events that are difficult to study using "traditional" research methods because the problems are too big or too small, too fast or too slow, too far away, too dangerous, or too expensive.
Structure of Activities:
Session size is limited to 15 participants in order to assure a high quality learning atmosphere. Participants work both in teams and individually in a supervised, virtual learning environment. Each day, students learn about new scientific approaches and tools and then have the opportunity to try them out for themselves.
Who Is Eligible?
All applicants must be rising 9th-12th graders interested in science and mathematics. Successful applicants will have had at least one course in science, and should be on grade level for mathematics.
Facilities and Equipment:
Activities will take place online. Participants must have a valid internet connection and working computer. All class communication will be through Zoom.