NC School of Science and Math

This course is for 9th grade students participating in the STEM Scholars program. Technology that runs a computer program in some aspect is pervasive, and solving problems using massive data sets is more commonplace. This introductory course introduces students to the concepts of computer programming and computational thinking using problem-based, STEM-integrated activities. In this hands-on class with multiple projects, students will learn about cyber security, solar and wind power, programming music videos and games, and mathematical modeling. Students will meet mentors, leaders, and historical figures in a wide variety of STEM careers, some of whom have faced formidable obstacles to success. This class is fun and challenging; students will leave excited about future STEM coursework and possibilities for careers in STEM fields.

https://uniapp.ncssm.edu/registrar/catalog/course_detail.php?mycourse=72475

What do crime scene investigations, agriculture, medicine, conservation biology and manufacturing have in common? They have all been revolutionized by biotechnology! Almost every day we read about new developments in the rapidly changing fields of genetics and DNA-based biotechnology. In this course, students will first explore classical genetics and then move onto examining the structure and function of DNA and proteins. With state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, students will analyze DNA fingerprints from a crime scene, genetically transform bacteria and investigate their own DNA! Finally, they will survey the applications of biotechnology in many diverse fields and discuss in depth how biotechnology is changing our daily lives and our future. With the decline of traditional manufacturing in North Carolina, biotechnology is positioned to become a vital part of North Carolina’s 21st century economy.

Have you ever wondered how design decisions are made on your favorite websites? In creative multimedia and web design, you'll have access to 21st century tools like Adobe creative suite and develop some highly sought after, marketable skills. You'll learn how the web works and how to make thoughtful decisions while creating a website using responsive design. In this course, you'll also get an introduction to industry standard tools like HTML, CSS and Javascript. Creativity is at the forefront of this course. We'll also spend some time talking about how equity and accessibility impacts design decisions. You'll get a chance to talk and ask questions to guest speakers from different fields related to web design. We'll have a lot of fun and make some really cool stuff!

https://uniapp.ncssm.edu/registrar/catalog/course_detail.php?mycourse=72587

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, enables computer systems to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making. In this class students will explore how and what types of data can be collected for AI systems, how computers can “learn” from these data and use what is learned to help interpret the world and make decisions. Students will identify and explore the implications of AI systems currently in everyday use in areas such as social media, mapping software, and financial institutions, and consider the emerging areas where AI will be applied. Topics also include how AI has been portrayed in popular culture, how AI systems interact with humans, and the ethical considerations surrounding potential societal harm from inappropriately designed, trained, and/or applied AI systems. Students have opportunities to experiment and compute as they explore and solve problems associated with AI.

https://uniapp.ncssm.edu/registrar/catalog/course_detail.php?mycourse=72471

Students study profiles of leadership in relationship to racial justice and equality. They also acquire a knowledge of ethics and apply that knowledge to historical and contemporary issues involving racial identity and racial justice in the United States. Topics addressed in the course include mass incarceration, race-based medicine, eugenics, racial profiling, gerrymandering, stereotype threat, racial privilege, and cultural appropriation. Course materials and activities include readings, discussions, video clips, and guest speakers.

https://uniapp.ncssm.edu/registrar/catalog/course_detail.php?mycourse=72473

What is race? In this course we will explore the ways in which race and racism have been created, justified, or contested in scientific practice and discourse. Using a systems thinking approach, students will learn to examine the structure of “Science” and its implicit assumptions about race. Furthermore, we will investigate both the biological myth and social reality of race in our modern world. Topics covered may include racial passing, biomedical ethics and medical advancement, reparations for slavery, craniometry, affirmative action, eugenics, pop culture and media representations of race, population genetics and more.

This course if offered fall and spring semesters and focuses on the application of basic biological, chemical and physical science principles and technological practices to the purposes of justice in the study of forensic science as it relates to judicial and civil issues. The class is designed around authentic performance assessments with

students working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning. Through lab work, students will apply inference and deductive reasoning to the investigation and potential solving of crimes. It involves all areas of science including biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science with an emphasis in complex reasoning and critical thinking. In addition, students must incorporate the use of technology, communication skills, language arts, art, family and consumer science, mathematics and social studies. This course requires the ability to write clear and concise lab and investigative reports. Good writing skills are imperative. This course also deals with graphic content. Parents are asked to sign a permission slip at the beginning of the course, but students are expected to be mature when dealing with this content.

In this course, students design problems related to aerospace information systems, astronautics, rocketry, propulsion, the physics of space science, space life sciences, the biology of space science, principles of aeronautics, structures and materials, and systems engineering. Using 3-D design software, students work in teams utilizing hands-on activities, projects, and problems and are exposed to various situations encountered by aerospace engineers.

This North Carolina School of Science and Math course is a hands-on, inquiry based introductory course which combines both "conceptual" and "mathematical" approaches to learning physics. The course covers the laws of mechanics and their applications. Students will learn to solve real problems by investigating real systems. Investigations will cover physics topics that are fun and engaging for the students. Students will design experiments, use accurate measuring equipment and construct and test conclusions based on accurate data.