Montclair State University

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Section Name

Summer Camp 2008

Classes Grades 8 - 10

Math Courses

1 Math Skills for the SAT

2 Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry

3 Advanced Algebra

4 Statistics NEW

5 Fractals and Infinity NEW

Science Courses

1 Journey Through the Universe

2 The Way Things Work

3 Computer Graphics

4 Introduction to Engineering

5 Detectives in the Classroom

6 Bio-Chemistry NEW

7 Physics NEW

8 Hands-on Lab Experience in Biology and Molecular Biology (Double Period Lab)

Humanities Courses

1 Creative Writing

2 Verbal Skills for the SAT

3 Medieval Legends and Historical Murder Mysteries

4 Cartooning and Animation

5 Philosophy in the 21st Century

6 Literature Throughout the World NEW

7 Sociology NEW

Math Courses

1 Math Skills for the SAT (SM01)

This course will be geared toward improving scores on the SAT math section. Included in the course will be test-taking techniques and strategies with reinforcement units in arithmetic, algebra, problem solving, basic geometry and quantitative comparison. (Prerequisite: A full year's course in Algebra; some geometry background is also helpful.)

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2 Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (SM02)

This advanced course will use the students understanding of algebraic techniques to develop concepts used in calculus, providing an intuitive foundation for future work. Topics covered will include polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Emphasis will be on developing a combination of strategies to solve problems graphically, analytically, and numerically. (Prerequisite: A full year’s course in Algebra.)

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3 Advanced Algebra (SM03)

A challenging course for students who are experienced in algebra. Topics covered will be preparation for the study of trigonometry and pre-calculus. Students will learn about the system of complex numbers, to solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and by using the quadratic formula to express equations in terms of their roots, and to graph conics.

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4 Statistics (SM04) NEW

Statistics is a mathematical science pertaining to the collection, analysis, interpretation or explanation, and presentation of data. It is applicable to a wide variety of academic disciplines, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities, and to government and business. In this non calculus-based course students will explore the theory of probability, descriptions of statistical measurements, probability distributions, and experimental and statistical inference.

5 Fractals and Infinity (SM05) NEW

A study of the beauty of fractals, their numerical and geometric structure, and their fascinating connection to infinity and other branches of mathematical and related fields such as science, art, philosophy, and religion. Many hands-on, visualization, and computer activities and experiences that offer rich opportunities to explore, create and illustrate the dynamics of fractals and mathematics in view of the world we live in.


Science Courses

1 Journey Through the Universe (SS05)

It all starts with a study of our home planet, Earth, and its place in space. From there we go out...past the moon, the inner and outer planets, the meteors and the comets. Our studies will take us through the stars and constellations to the most distant galaxies in the universe. Can we humans really ever hope to make this journey? Will we find other beings out there? Join us for a thorough, in-depth look at astronomy and space science.

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2 The Way Things Work (SL12)
Have you ever wondered about the technological world around you? How does an airplane fly? How does a VCR work? What really happens inside these and other machines all around us? Explore and understand these and other technological systems through exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities. This course is based on the popular book of the same title by David Macaulay.
(Lab Fee: $30)
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3 Computer Graphics (SL17) 

Using up-to-date computer workstations and software, students will learn how to create and modify computer images. Learn to use presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, page design software such as Adobe PageMaker, and image manipulation programs such as Adobe Photoshop. Students will also learn the "ins and outs" of using the World-Wide-Web to conduct research and to search for images and information for their projects and reports.
(Lab Fee: $30)
(Limited to 15 students)

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4 Introduction to Engineering (SS06)

An introduction to how buildings and bridges are designed, built and tested. Working with a partner each team will design and build either a vertical or horizontal structure (think buildings and bridges). These buildings must meet minimum design characteristics and each structure will be tested to failure via tension, compression and rational pressures. Multiple building materials will be tested and used in the design and construction of these structures. These materials will include paper, pasta, toothpicks, balsa wood and craft stocks. Basic drafting skills will be taught and detailed design drawings must be developed and approved before construction efforts can begin. Different design methods will be reviewed: trusses, beam, arch, suspension, cantilever, cable stayed, post & beam, pre-fab and so on. Destructive testing methodologies will be employed in order to determine a structures' overall construction efficiency.
(Materials Fee: $30)

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Ever wonder why some people get sick when others do not?  Epidemiology is a science that deals with health issues and utilizes critical thinking skills to make decisions that may profoundly affect your society in which you live.  "Disease Detectives" are epidemiologists who look for causes for disease by looking for clues and asking where, when, how and why certain people get sick.  Based on their discoveries they generate and test hypotheses and identify causes and strategies for prevention.  Are you ready for the challenge?

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Bio-Chemistry has become the foundation for understanding all biological processes. It has provided explanations for the causes of many diseases in humans, animals, and plants. This course explores recent discoveries of chemistry in biological phenomena and is a systematic study of the structure and function of cellular components such as protein, lipids, amino acids, and other biomolecules.

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This course will help students build a strong conceptual understanding of physical principles ranging from force and motion to classical mechanics. With this platform, students will be equipped to understand the equations and formulas of physics, and to make connections between concepts and their everyday world.

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8 Hands-on Laboratory Experience in Biology and Molecular Biology (SL11)

This class will provide students with an opportunity to do hands on research in our state of the art new laboratory facility. Students will work with faculty members in the areas of ecology, molecular biology, and physiology. They will learn to design experiments, collect and analyze data and prepare a final project while they work one-on-one with the faculty of the Biology Department. (Limited to 15 students)
Double Period (Period 2 & 3)

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Humanities Courses

1 Creative Writing (SH10)

This course will develop the student's innate creativity. Each student will generate a portfolio of fiction and poetry. Through this course students will gain an understanding and appreciation for language, vocabulary, word and phrase structure and the artistic use of communication through various literary forms.
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2 Verbal Skills for the SAT (SH01)

The SAT verbal test places greater emphasis on the reading comprehension and sentence completion sections of the test. Success on the test, like success in school work, requires solid skills in critical reading and critical thinking. This revised verbal SAT preparation course emphasizes those analytical language skills as well as development of vocabulary and test taking strategies.
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3 Medieval Legends and Historical Murder Mysteries (SH09)
This is one of the most interesting and exciting history courses you will ever take. Imagine studying the life of Richard the Lionhearted, the J.F.K. assassination, the wreck of the Hindenburg, and the real Count Dracula. With extensive use of film, speculation, and the professor's collection of medieval weaponry, the greatest mysteries of all time will spring to life. From Hannibal to the Beatles, King Arthur to the Bermuda Triangle, the Vikings to Lizzie Borden, we will cover the best of the best. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the pages of time.
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4 Cartooning and Animation (SH07)

In this course a handmade animated film will be produced by the class. Students will continue to develop their own personal cartooning style. Art as well as writing skills will be improved. Examples of experimental and conventional animations will be viewed at each class meeting. Creativity will be emphasized and an anthology of student work will be displayed and published at the end of each session.
(Materials Fee: $30)

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5 Philosophy in the 21st Century (SH06)

Animal rights, environmental ethics, the impact of the internet, human cloning-these topics and more will be discussed from a philosophical point of view.  The class will be using the current events of the social, political, and ethical arenas to bring out some of the age-old questions that we have struggled with since the beginning:  How do we decide what is fair?  Is it ever OK to lie?  To kill?  What is freedom, and can we ever obtain it?  Classes will consist primarily of discussions based on modern say topics and situations taken from the headlines, as well as related philosophical thought experiments and activities.  An excellent choice for anyone interested in law, ethics, politics, government, social work, or learning how to make better arguments.

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6 Literature Throughout the World (SH15) NEW

Imagine spending three weeks in the summer walking the paths of Montclair State University while discussing Plato, Hemingway, and Jefferson. In this course students will read and discuss various literature from a variety of cultures and time periods. Reading selections will include Shakespeare, Dante, Jefferson, Homer, Hemingway, Sherwood Anderson, Jamaica Kincaid, George Orwell, Virginia Woolf, Tolstoy, Lincoln and others. We'll read and discuss selections using an approach that dates back to Socrates! Literature selections are intended to stimulate discussion amongst students. Students come away from this course with sharper critical thinking skills and a deep connection to other outstanding young people preparing to lead lives of distinction.

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7 Sociology (SH16) NEW

Ask yourself why there is poverty, crime and racism. What trigger these social issues in our society? In this course students will learn to understand the structure and dynamics of society, and their intricate connections to patterns of human behavior and individual life changes. It examines the ways in which the forms of social structure - groups, organizations, communities, social categories (such as class, sex, age or race), and various social institutions (such as kinship, economic, political, or religious) affect human attitudes, actions, and opportunities.

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