Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program

The Science of Seeing

Dates: June 2-6

Eligibility: Middle School (rising 7th - 9th graders)

Description: Dive into the fascinating world of vision, focusing on how we perceive and interpret the world through our eyes. Throughout this course, participants will uncover the intricacies of eye anatomy, explore how visual information is processed by the brain, and discover various vision disorders and their impacts on perception. Using a combination of lectures, hands-on experiments, and interactive activities, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of eye physiology and the neurological aspects of seeing. They will see firsthand the anatomy of the eye using animal tissues prepared for participant dissection and participate in activities that measure visual accuracy and illustrate common visual phenomena such as blind spots, color blindness, and optical illusions.

By exploring vision disorders and simulating different visual impairments, participants will develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by those with sensory disabilities. participants will foster critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills by investigating how our brains interpret conflicting information from vision and other senses. This course aims to encourage participants to reflect on the essential role vision plays in our lives and how it shapes our interaction with the world. 

During this course, participants will observe and investigate a cow eye that has been prepared for dissection. 

Prerequisites: Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course.

Eco-Printmaking: Sustainable Art for People and the Planet

Dates: June 9-13

Eligibility: Middle School (rising 7th - 9th graders)

Description: In this hands-on course, participants will explore eco-printmaking techniques and create original artwork using specialized printmaking equipment in the OSU Printmaking Studio in the Department of Art. Traditional printmaking often involves toxic materials and methods that can be harmful to both human health and the environment. This course introduces innovative printmaking techniques that prioritize the well-being of the artist and sustainability. Each day, participants will learn eco-friendly approaches to various printmaking techniques, including screen-printing, relief printing, monoprinting, and risography.

Throughout the week, participants will engage in lectures, demonstrations, and discussions with guest speakers, as well as have time for individual exploration. They will practice printmaking with a focus on sustainability, creativity, and the importance of art in environmental protection. At the end of the week, participants will have the opportunity to share and exchange their original prints in a class print exchange, culminating in a unique portfolio of eco-conscious artwork.

Prerequisites: Previous studio art experience is not required. A general interest in creative thinking and artmaking is beneficial. 

Course Specific Requirements:

• Close-toe shoes are recommended
• Clothing may get art materials on them. Participants should dress accordingly

Geographies of the Future

Dates: June 23-27

Eligibility: Middle School (rising 7th - 9th graders)

Description: In this course, we will use speculative fiction stories, games, art, and short films to study diverse relationships between people and environments and generate ideas about future geographies of Ohio. Participants will practice identifying foundational concepts in human geography (place, scale, landscape, development, dependency, and ecology) in speculative fiction. We will experiment with mixed media to craft collective representations of the Midwest as it is now and as we imagine it in the future. Expect to travel around campus and in Columbus as we learn to narrate geographic tales from the future!

This course may include an off-campus field trip. More information will be shared with participants when the curriculum is finalized in the spring. 

Prerequisites: Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course.

Dates: June 2-6

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description: This course offers a combination of fieldwork, practical identification skills, and instruction to develop an understanding of aquatic ecosystems and wildlife of Ohio. Participants will explore various aquatic ecosystems, including their unique traits and importance. They will gain hands-on experience in collecting macroinvertebrates and understanding their role as bioindicators of water quality. Participants will also learn about the birds of Ohio, focusing on bird anatomy, identification, and survey techniques. Next, they will engage in practical learning about common fish species, their habitats, and effective management practices. Lastly, the course will allow participants to interact with live snakes, learn about the evolution and recovery plan for the Lake Erie Water snake, as well as investigate local reptile and amphibian populations in the Columbus area.

This course will take place at two locations. Three days will be held at the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park located at 352 W. Dodridge Street. Two days will be held on the Columbus campus. 

During this course participants will spend time outdoors in natural environments and interact with wildlife. As a result, they may encounter insects that bite or sting, or handle animals that have the potential to bite. participants will use sharp tools to dissect prepared animal specimens. Participants will be supervised throughout the course, but there is an inherent risk of injury.

Prerequisites: Participants should have completed high school biology prior to taking this course. 

Specific Course Requirements: 

• Personal laptop and charger
  • Contact ExploreASC@osu.edu if lack of access to a personal computer would limit participation

Dates: June 2-6

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description: Thanks to the proliferation of smart phones, selfies are everywhere. We all aim to capture a moment in time and to remember our place in the scene. But did you know it was once quite rare for an artist to depict themselves as the subject of their artwork? In this class we will take a look back at the history of self-portraiture and how it evolved into the ubiquitous “selfies” that dominate social media. Following the art history lesson, the ultimate goal of the class will be for participants to create their own self-portrait while learning the techniques of Digital Collage.

Our main tools will be a camera, a computer, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, but in the spirit of collage, participants will also be able to include media such as drawings, paintings, found objects, textiles, plants, etc. into the final composition. While learning the tools, we will also engage in discussions regarding methods of non-verbal communication, symbolism, self-expression and embedded meaning. On the final afternoon participants will share what they created with the class, while classmates try their hand at interpretation.  

Prerequisites: Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course.

Specific Course Requirements: 

• Cell phone to use for photography
  • Participants without a cell phone may borrow a camera for use during this course. 

Dates: June 2-6

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description: Ever wondered why some neighborhoods have better schools or more parks than others? In Equity Lab, participants will explore how history, laws, and stories shape the communities we live in today—and how we can make them better.

Through fun activities like team challenges, interactive games, and "mini-hackathons," participants will dive into topics like segregation, housing, and education. they’ll learn how past decisions—like government policies and Supreme Court cases—still affect where people live and learn. But this class isn’t just about looking at the past; it’s about creating a better future.

Participants will work with classmates to design solutions to real-world problems, like how to make housing fairer or schools more inclusive. By the end of the course, participants will have created four unique projects that show off their creativity and problem-solving skills. They'll leave with a deeper understanding of fairness, justice, and how they can help make their community a better place for everyone.

Prerequisites: Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course.

Dates: June 9-13

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description: STEM skills are needed regardless of whether participants pursue STEM careers or majors. These next-generation skills are rapidly evolving in the context of artificial intelligence, so we must develop adaptable skills for a changing workforce climate. Many industries require participants to ‘think like a scientist'. Who identifies as a scientist and how science is conducted is evolving. The skills commonly attributed to scientists are being applied across many industries, and focusing on STEM skills as something only for scientists limits for whom and how these skills are applied.

This course aims to introduce participants to nationally recognized science practices and imbue participants with transferable skills that will prepare them for a dynamic workforce. Participants will engage in the scientific process by asking questions, designing small-scale experiments, collecting and analyzing data, constructing explanations, and engaging in argumentation using evidence. This will culminate in a final project presentation in which participants will employ science communication skills. This authentic research experience will help participants develop critical thinking skills to prepare for their coursework, careers, and citizenship beyond the classroom. Participants can select project topics ranging from health, biological, and physical sciences.

Prerequisites: Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course.

Specific Course Requirements: 

• Personal laptop and charger
  • Contact ExploreASC@osu.edu if lack of access to a personal computer would limit participation

Dates: June 9-13

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description:“Leadership” is a term that people are comfortable tossing about, yet when pressed, cannot define. It is a trait that we are increasingly expected to have, yet it seems elusive, perhaps only reserved for the most charismatic and business minded. This course will introduce leadership as a discipline, as a practice, and as a career. Importantly, we will debunk various stereotypes surrounding what makes for good and bad leaders (spoiler alert: charisma isn’t required).

Participants will learn that there are a diversity of theories and styles of leadership and be introduced to historical leaders, both good and bad. Participants will work to discern their own values and leadership styles and begin to cultivate various skills in leadership. Along the way, they will see leadership in action, hearing from leaders in a number of different fields. There are many pathways to leadership, as we will learn. At the end of the course, participants will have the building blocks to start to forge their own path to leadership. 

Prerequisites: Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course.

Dates: June 9-13

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description: Astronomy has entered the “big data” era, in which huge collections of measurements are analyzed to attack the most challenging problems. In this course, we will explore how even the simplest data – the positions and brightness of stars – can address an active research problem. We will build the components of a data analysis pipeline using the most basic parts of the Python programming language, and use real data to search for young stars that have diffused away from the clusters they were born in. 

This course will explore many aspects of competency in the data sciences. This is a true research project! We do not know the answers in advance but will discover them as part of our course. This course will include small group exploration, interviews, peer teaching, and pair programming. Through this course participants will learn basic statistical analysis, and gain experience in several fundamentals in the Python programming language. 

Prerequisites: Participants should have completed high school algebra or geometry prior to taking this course. 

Specific Course Requirements: 

• Personal laptop and charger
  • Contact ExploreASC@osu.edu if lack of access to a personal computer would limit participation

Dates: June 23-27

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description: This course is designed to introduce everyone to the building blocks of the short story. Together, the class will explore how elements of craft—such as dialogue, character, plot—function in stories and engage in exercises designed to help participants apply them in their own writing. In addition to discussing the works of published authors, we will go over how to discuss classmates' stories as the group participates in the “writing workshop”—a key component of this class and the literary community. During workshop, not only will participants receive feedback key to improving their own stories, but they will learn how respond to each other’s work in a way that is encouraging and constructive and helps the writers achieve the stories they have in mind. 

Prerequisites: Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course.

Dates: June 23-27

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description: Discover the wonders and mysteries of how we perceive the world around us. Participants will explore not only the traditional five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—but also examine proprioception, nociception, balance, and the complex neural networks that integrate sensory information. Through a dynamic blend of lectures, hands-on experiments, interactive activities, and group discussions, participants will learn the science behind how we perceive our environment and ourselves as well as enhance critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills by investigating how our brains interpret conflicting sensory information.

Each section will begin with an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of relevant organs and areas of the brain, which includes dissection of animal tissues prepared for participant use. This course also goes beyond the basics to uncover the fascinating spectrum of sensory and perception disorders. From the challenges of navigating the world with color blindness or anosmia to the extraordinary experiences of synesthesia, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how diverse the human experience of the world can be.  

During this course, participants will observe and investigate a cow eye that has been prepared for dissection. 

Prerequisites: Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course.

While plans for each course may differ slightly, the daily schedule follows this general model:

• Drop off 8:15 - 8:45 a.m.
• Morning session 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
• Travel to lunch 11:30 - 11:45 a.m.
• Lunch at Traditions 11:45 - 12:45 p.m. 
• Travel time 12:30 - 12:45 p.m. 
• On campus activity 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
• Afternoon session 2:00-3:45 p.m.
• Travel to pick-up location 3:45 - 4 p.m.
• Pick up 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Participants will always be escorted between pick-up/drop-off, their assigned classroom, the dining hall, and the on-campus activity by program staff. Additional information about the program will be emailed to participants and families, as needed, closer to the start of the program. 

Lunch will be provided daily at the Traditions at Scott dining hall and will be supervised by program staff. Traditions provides a wide variety of food options that meet the most common dietary needs and restrictions, including halal, gluten-free and vegetarian. However, kosher dining is not supported during summer term. 

The pick-up and drop-off location for students is the corner of Annie and John Glenn Avenue and Millikin Road, outside of the PAES building (see maps below). Please drop your child off from the eastbound lane of Annie and John Glenn Avenue. The drop-off/pick-up location will be marked with a sign and program staff will be present to check your child in and out of the program. 

If you are using a navigation system for directions, enter the following address: 305 Annie and John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210.

Please do not park in the drop-off/pick-up lane. If you need to park, or your child is driving themselves to and from the program, the closest surface lot parking is at the Ohio Stadium. The closest garage parking is Tuttle Garage. You can learn more about parking at Ohio State, including hourly rates, on the CampusParc website. 

The image above shows the ideal route to the drop off and pick up location. The image below shows the drop off and pick up lane from the street view. 

For those riding COTA, the closest bus stop to the drop-off/pick-up location is N. High Street & E. 15th Avenue. See the COTA website for more information. 

The first day of the program will kick-off with a brief orientation session. At 8:45 a.m. program staff will walk the students to the orientation location. At the orientation, students will receive a program t-shirt and lanyard, the program staff will be introduced, and the daily schedule will be reviewed. After orientation, students will be escorted to their classrooms and the morning session will begin.  

What to Wear

Participants should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the classroom, as well as for a range of temperatures. For most courses, participants will spend most of the day inside air-conditioned classrooms. However, we will be walking between the drop-off/pick-up location, classrooms, campus locations and the dining hall. Dressing in layers and wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Any course specific requirements are listed in the course description. 

Friday What to Wear

Each Friday on the last day of classes, we will take pictures of each class cohort. We encourage participants to wear their Arts & Sciences Summer Exploration t-shirt on Friday for this event!

Daily Packing List

• Cell phone and charger (optional)
• Personal academic supplies, such as pens/pencils, notebook, and backpack. 
  • Any special academic materials needed for courses beyond this basic list will be provided by the program.
• Snacks and water: Participants should bring a refillable water bottle every day. While the program will provide an afternoon snack, participants are allowed to bring their own snacks. However, we request that, for the safety of participants with nut allergies, no snacks containing nuts be brought to the program.
• Personal medications in their original labeled containers (if taken during the day)
• Sunscreen and umbrella or rain jacket (optional)

Shortly after an applicant accepts their offer of admission, the parent or legal guardian will receive an email from DocuSign with links to program policy and consent forms. These forms must be reviewed and signed by May 1, 2025.