Course Description

Long before the ancient Greeks began their journey of science and philosophy, humans were enchanted by light. Where does light come from? Why and how does light intermingle with matter? Through discussion and experimentation, this course will follow the development of our understanding of light and matter, from early Islamic knowledge to Einstein's questioning of space and time, to the revolutionary quantum research being conducted today. Finally, we'll study the nature of science itself. The birth of optics, Edison bulbs, solar energy – together these tell a version of our human story through the ages, through the lens of light and matter.

Through collaboration with peers, they will learn about the science and physics that operate our world - through learning about forces, momentum, energy, and more. There will be laboratory experiments, writing prompts, and demonstrations as well as more collaborative creative projects.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, student will know/ be able to:

  • Understand and explain the historical contributions of different cultures and scientists in the development of modern physics.
  • Understand and explain how measurement relates to scientific thinking, and how measurement, technology, and science have co-evolved.
  • Understand the fundamental laws of motion as put forth by Newton, including concepts of projectile motion and moment of inertia.
  • Understand the basic principles of thermodynamics. 
  • Develop a functional understanding of practical electronic components such as batteries and bulbs.
  • Develop and present a final project showcasing the integration and application of all the concepts learned throughout the course.

Other Information

  • Students will be required to bring a laptop (no tablets). The Robinson Center can provide a device if your student does not have access.
  • This course requires some homework to be completed outside of the program day.
  • This course includes field trips on UW Campus and we will walk.

Who Should Apply

  • Students currently in 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th grade

Week Overview

Date Theme/Topic 
Week 1 Scientific Roots & Measuring Motion. Explore science as a human endeavor across cultures. Establish fundamentals: measurement, position, velocity, acceleration, inertia, and mass.
Week 2 Forces, Energy & Electricity. Uncover Newton's Laws, projectile motion, and energy. Investigate electromagnetic forces through static, magnetism, and simple circuits.
Week 3                           Duality, Optics & Quantum Glimpses. Confront light's wave-particle duality through lenses, mirrors, and diffraction. Peer into the quantum world. Use telescopes and microscopes to change scale. Field Trip: UW Planetarium.
Week 4 Heat, Relativity & Modern Frontiers. From thermodynamics to Einstein's relativity. Explore the current edges of physics. Synthesize learning in Final Project Presentations.

Instructors

Details

Cost

  • $1450
    • $1400 (tuition)
    • $50 (registration fee)

Time

9am - 2:30pm

Location

  • University of Washington Seattle Campus
  • Building and Room TBD

Date

  • June 30th- July 23rd, 2026
  • Monday - Thursday
    • First class is on a Tuesday

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full tuition refund: April 10th
  • 50% tuition refund: April 11th-May 8th
  • No refund: after May 8th