Accelerated Learning Academy: The Breakdown
The Accelerated Learning Academy (ALA) is split into 2 SEPARATE programs depending on the grade of the student. Due to COVID-19, both ALA programs will be held online, via a web conferencing platform.
1. The Accelerated Learning Academy for 8th & 9th graders.
This program offers four tracks: Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence & Technology, Biomedical Engineering and Technology, and Medical Science.
Dates:
March 3-5, 2023
March 31- April 2, 2023
May 5-7, 2023
Time Frame:
Fridays: 6 PM - 9 PM EST
Saturdays: 9 AM - 3 PM EST
Sundays: 10 AM - 1 PM EST
All time frames include intermittent breaks to prevent screen fatigue. Saturdays also include a lunch break.
2. The Accelerated Learning Academy for 10th & 11th graders.
This program offers four tracks: Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Applied Mathematics, Medical Science and Artificial Intelligence & Technology.
Dates:
January 6-8, 2023
February 24-26, 2023
April 21-23, 2023
Time Frame:
Fridays: 6 PM - 9 PM EST
Saturdays: 9 AM - 3 PM EST
Sundays: 10 AM - 1 PM EST
All time frames include intermittent breaks to prevent screen fatigue. Saturdays also include a lunch break.
The Accelerated Learning Academy (for 8th & 9th Graders)
Due to COVID-19, the 2023 ALA program for 8th & 9th graders will be held online, via a web conferencing platform.
Materials Policy
For ALA STEM Tracks that require students to have physical materials while participating in the online workshops at home, participants and guardians will be emailed a materials list and accompanying policy in advance - complete with website links for personal purchasing of each item. The total cost of materials aims not to exceed $25 per weekend workshop. Upon electronic submission of receipts, the Institute will reimburse families via Visa electronic gift card.
Related Videos
Related Videos
Biomedical Engineering and Technology Track
Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary field, so it has many applications to the traditional engineering disciplines, including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Materials Science. Each workshop in the Biomedical Engineering and Technology track will provide students with a brief introduction to a traditional engineering discipline, applications to biomedical engineering and the human body, and emphasize the use of technology. Each workshop will include a brief lecture, group activities, and hands-on demonstrations. Each workshop will also include real-world applications. To expose students to new ideas, career paths relevant to each workshop topic will also be discussed.Workshop I: Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering
March 3-5, 2023Explore the latest technological trends and the diverse fields of biomedical engineering
such as bio-instrumentation; biomaterials; biomedical imaging; biomechanics; cellular, tissue, and genetic engineering; rehabilitation engineering; and more!
Workshop II: Biomedical Engineering Innovations
March 31-April 2, 2023Discover the current uses of 3D bio-printing, and develop your own 3D bio-printed design! Investigate some of the major biomedical engineering innovations that changed the scenario of medicine and healthcare worldwide, such as artificial hearts, camera pills, robotic-assisted surgery, bionic contact lenses, and more!
Workshop III: Biomedical Imaging and Biomimicry
May 5-7, 2023Delve into the many powerful techniques for biomedical imaging from computerized tomography (CT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Then utilize biomimicry, inspiration from nature, to develop research ideas to improve medicine and healthcare.
Applied Mathematics Track
Mathematics, like other theoretical and applied fields, is based on observation and theorization. Through observation and hands-on learning, you will develop and further extend your knowledge and become aware of how to facilitate mathematics learning. Learn how to apply simple mathematical calculations to daily life and different areas of science, including chemistry, biology and physics.
Workshop I: How Math Explains the World
March 3-5, 2023 Explore and apply the rules of Algebra to problems related to daily phenomena. Utilize mathematical formulas to describe physical experiments that you will perform at home. Probabilistic events, motion, and force - investigate these topics and more during this workshop.
Workshop II: The Rate of Change of Functions
March 31-April 2, 2023Should you get a medium pizza or a large pizza? Why do the costs of video games fluctuate? Investigate the most powerful rules in Calculus! Then use these rules to describe the rate of change of functions and predict their future values using artistic experiments.
Workshop III: In the World of Logarithms and Exponentials
May 5-7, 2023Discover the wonders of logarithm and exponential functions as well as their algebraic properties. Use these functions to describe everyday events, such as growth and decay, and the Richter scale for earthquakes!
Medical Science Track
Medical Sciences encompasses basic sciences of medicine, medical specialties and other interdisciplinary fields dedicated to understanding animal/human health, as well as diagnosis and treatment of disease conditions. Although many challenges still exist, significant progress and advances over the years in medical sciences have improved human health, and we are now living longer. The medical science workshops provide an introduction to different areas of biology and science to provide a broader understanding of biological systems and advancements in science.
Workshop I: Scientific Inquiry and Themes in Biology
March 3-5, 2023
Learn the fundamentals of biology through an exploration of the scientific method. Embrace your ability to think like a scientist, design an experiment, and apply problem-solving skills to critically analyze information in a practical way. Explore the different sub-disciplines that comprise biology, learning about the different approaches that can be utilized in order to address pressing issues in the field.
Learn the fundamentals of biology through an exploration of the scientific method. Embrace your ability to think like a scientist, design an experiment, and apply problem-solving skills to critically analyze information in a practical way. Explore the different sub-disciplines that comprise biology, learning about the different approaches that can be utilized in order to address pressing issues in the field.
Workshop II: A Tour of the Cell: The Fundamental Unit of Life
March 31-April 2, 2023Investigate the different components that comprise a cell, and the different cells that make up complex living organisms. Explore how the specialization of cells gives rise to life as we know it through a series of lectures, discussions and readings. Perform a lab exercise to isolate your own genomic DNA for comparison and study of this fundamental molecule.
Workshop III: Applications of Biology to Health & Disease
May 5-7, 2023Discover how research in many organisms is interconnected to identifying and treating disease. Learn about model systems, notable findings, and their applications to health and medicine. Get ready for group discussions, case study analysis and an experiment from the comfort of your own home.
Artificial Intelligence & Technology Track
Voice-powered personal assistants like Siri and Alexa, personalized streaming recommendations, chess-playing computers, self-driving cars, cybersecurity software and applications, brain-computer interfaces, and smart technology all have one thing in common- they are based on artificial intelligence (AI). It is a branch of computer science that explores how devices and machines can learn from experience, adjust to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks. Many of these technologies are designed to perform specific tasks by processing large amounts of data and learning according to patterns in the data. Each workshop will include discussions and hands-on applications.Workshop I: Intro to Artificial Intelligence & Python Programming
March 3-5, 2023What is artificial intelligence (AI) and how do we use AI? Delve into Python coding and programming. Then investigate AI applications and how it is used to solve real-world problems.
Workshop II: Intro to Machine Learning for Computer Vision
March 31-April 2, 2023Explore different ways that machine learning “teaches” computers to mimic our learning styles. Investigate how machine learning is used to help computers “see” the world as we do. Then, learn how AI can influence cognitive skills and how we can work with AI for improved decision-making.
Workshop III: How Can I Trust You? Intro to Explainable Artificial Intelligence
May 5-7, 2023AI is deployed in high-risk applications, including finance, medicine, and self-driving cars. How do we ensure AI systems are explainable, trustworthy, and reliable for using AI in practice? Discover methods for how AI systems relay information to humans to understand its decisions.
The Accelerated Learning Academy (for 10th & 11th Graders)
Due to COVID-19, the 2023 ALA program for 10th & 11th graders will be held online via a web conferencing platform.Materials Policy
For ALA STEM Tracks that require students to have physical materials while participating in the online workshops at home, participants and guardians will be emailed a materials list and accompanying policy in advance - complete with website links for personal purchasing of each item. The total cost of materials aims not to exceed $25 per weekend workshop. Upon electronic submission of receipts, the Institute will reimburse families via Visa electronic gift card.
All workshop topics below are subject to change.
Related Videos
Biomedical Engineering and Technology Track
Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary field, so it has many applications to the traditional engineering disciplines, including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Materials Science. Each workshop in the Biomedical Engineering and Technology track will provide students with a brief introduction to a traditional engineering discipline, applications to biomedical engineering and the human body, and emphasize the use of technology. Each workshop will include a brief lecture, group activities, and hands-on demonstrations. Each workshop will also include real-world applications. To expose students to new ideas, career paths relevant to each workshop topic will also be discussed.Workshop I: Electricity & the Brain's Neurological Network
January 6-8, 2023Explore the intersection of electrical and mechanical systems and design your own neural network!
Workshop II: Neurological Function and the Blood-Brain Barrier
February 24-26, 2023Investigate the connection between brain function and neuroscience as well as the blood-brain barrier and endothelial cells. Explore the internal drug delivery system. Participate in design challenges aimed to assess material permeability and protection of the brain against pathogens!
Workshop III: Engineering Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics of the Heart
April 21-23, 2023
Delve deep into the intricacies of the cardiovascular system. Discover how mathematical and computer programming software can be used to engineer a heart and model the fluid flow.
Applied Mathematics Track
Mathematics, like other theoretical and applied fields, is based on observation and theorization. Through observation and hands-on learning, you will develop and further extend your knowledge and become aware of how to facilitate mathematics learning. Learn how to apply simple mathematical calculations to daily life and different areas of science, including chemistry, biology, and physics.
Workshop I: How Sweet It Is: Math and Chemistry in the Kitchen
January 6-8, 2023
How are science and math related to cooking? How do chefs use the principles of the scientific method in their everyday lives? In this workshop, we will explore chemical reactions and their applications to cooking and baking to understand the science behind our favorite foods and meals.Workshop II: Math & Physics of Carnival Games
February 24-26, 2023How can you optimize your chance of winning at an arcade or carnival game? How many times can you shuffle a deck of cards differently? In this workshop, students will learn how probability, statistics, and physics can help you win (or lose) a game.
Workshop III: Optics and Lasers: Let There Be Light
April 21-23, 2023What are lasers and how do they work? In this workshop, we will talk about the properties of light and discover the many applications of lasers in science and technology. Principles of quantum mechanics will be introduced to explain how mirrors, lenses, and lasers work.
Medical Science Track
Medical Sciences encompasses basic sciences of medicine, medical specialties and other interdisciplinary fields dedicated to understanding animal/human health, as well as diagnosis and treatment of disease conditions. Although many challenges still exist, significant progress and advances over the years in medical sciences have improved human health, and we are now living longer. The medical science workshops provide an introduction to different areas of biology and science to provide a broader understanding of biological systems and advancements in science.
Workshop I: Mendelian and non-Mendelian Inheritance
January 6-8, 2023
Explore the mechanisms that underlie inheritance in eukaryotic organisms. Analyze the work of Gregor Mendel and then delve into foundational topics, such as co-dominance, epistasis and behavior effects on gene expression. Investigate the relationship between aberrant cell division and human genetic disorders.Workshop II: Extranuclear and Epigenetic Inheritance
February 24-26, 2023Investigate the inheritance of organelles and other cellular structures, such as mitochondrial inheritance and chloroplast inheritance in photosynthetic organisms. Discover how within epigenetics, diet and lifestyle can alter gene expression patterns within cellular lineages.
Workshop III: Mutations, DNA Repair, and Cancer Genetics
April 21-23, 2023Analyze the molecular causes and effects of DNA damage on protein function and disease. Dive into genetic engineering and gene therapy by learning techniques employed by researchers and clinicians. Then explore the etiology and treatment of cancer in humans.
Artificial Intelligence & Technology Track
Voice-powered personal assistants like Siri and Alexa, personalized streaming recommendations, chess-playing computers, self-driving cars, cybersecurity software and applications, brain-computer interfaces, and smart technology all have one thing in common- they are based on artificial intelligence (AI). It is a branch of computer science that explores how devices and machines can learn from experience, adjust to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks. Many of these technologies are designed to perform specific tasks by processing large amounts of data and learning according to patterns in the data. Each workshop will include discussions and hands-on applications.The 2022 Artificial Intelligence & Technology Track is designed for students with little to no programming experience.
Workshop I: Introduction to Python
January 6-8, 2023Discover the inner workings of artificial intelligence. Can a computer pass for a human by simulating human-like behaviors (i.e. computer vision, speech recognition, gesture recognition). Learn the basics of computer programming and the benefits of using Python for A.I. Research.
Workshop II: Intro to Data Analysis
February 24-26, 2023Apply your newly-developed Python skills and collaborate with your peers to analyze a data set. In this workshop, we'll use public data records and online visualization tools to find patterns in data and explore what your data analysis reveals about humans and human behavior.
Workshop III: Intro to Natural Language Processing
April 21-23, 2023Ever wonder how J.A.R.V.I.S. (Just A Rather Very Intelligent System) is able to "see" and interpret the hand gestures Tony Stark uses to control his smart home? Or how automated systems are able to understand your responses? In this workshop, we'll discover how computers are trained to understand various modes of human input to mimic human behavior and intelligence.
Successful program completion requires attendance at all three program online sessions for students’ selected track.