UrbanX Labs

UAS Advanced Physics: Electricity & Magnetism builds on some of the major themes and skills of Mechanics, applying them to topics of electricity and magnetism. We begin the course by developing concepts of electrical charge, force and field through the study of static electricity and learn to apply those concepts to more common and useful examples with electrical current. Magnetism, especially as it relates to electrical current, is then explored and developed. Although the topics are abstract and difficult to imagine, many demonstrations and experiments help to make them tangible and relevant to real-life applications. In a culminating project, students apply principles to build and electromagnetic device of their choice.

Prerequisites: UAS Advanced Physics: Mechanics and instructor recommendation; Math 3B (1/2 credit)

UAS Advanced Physics: Mechanics is an in-depth exploration of some fundamental topics in classical mechanics. The class begins by using equations to precisely describe the motion of objects in one and two dimensions. Then students study Newton’s laws of forces and motion, and see how they can be applied to the real world. Students investigate circular motion, gravity, and the conservation of energy, both in the context of motion and in broader systems. At the end of the course, students take a flying trapeze lesson, gather data, and analyze the physics of their flight. As an advanced class, Mechanics demands strong mathematical problem solving skills and abstract conceptual reasoning.

Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B, Math 3B and instructor recommendation (1/2 credit)

Applied Chemistry: Materials Science is a project-based course that uses the fundamental concepts of chemical bonding and electromagnetism to understand condensed matter. Through the study of real world applications of those materials, students will learn to analyze fluids, metals, ceramics and plastics. Emphasis will be placed on students’ ability to relate micro- and nano-structural features to macro-scale properties, such as corrosion resistance, strength, thermal response and light absorption. Students also will use their understanding to engineer a solution to a practical materials selection problem.

Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B. (1/2 credit)

Applied Physics: Electronics & Robotics is a project-based course that applies the fundamental concepts of analog and digital circuits to a variety of devices ranging from simple to complex. Students learn to create circuits, write and debug code for microprocessors, and design interactive electronics. Along the way, they will develop an understanding of modern electronic hardware and software and how it functions in computers, robots and electronic devices. Students will gain hands-on experience assembling breadboard circuits, soldering and programming in Arduino. A significant portion of this course is a final project, where students design and build an interactive electronic creation of their choice using acquired skills and knowledge.

Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B. (1/2 credit)

Applied Physics: Motion & Machines is a project-based course that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of physics, including forces, gravity and energy. Students learn how to describe 1D and 2D motion and then explore the causes of motion. Students study concepts of velocity, acceleration, and aerodynamics and apply them to experimental observations. They also learn to use various hand and power tools to build projects that become increasingly more complex and more open-ended as the term progresses. In a culminating final project, students construct a catapult, trebuchet or other projectile launcher designed to answer a research question of their choice. The course spends considerable time relating concepts to student observations of the world around us.

Prerequisites: Science 2A and 2B. (1/2 credit)

Architectural Design is a project-based studio class in which students learn the principles of architectural composition. Through a number of shorter projects and one long-term project, students learn about topics related to the design of private and public spaces, addressing foundations of the design process such as form, function, proportion, scale and articulation of space in the process. Students practice freehand and computer drawing as well as model making through a series of form studies of nature, architectural forms, linear perspective and abstract elements of composition. Experiential, social and material concerns are introduced together with formal and conceptual issues, and emphasis is placed on creativity, graphic presentation and computer skills. Substantive studio work is supplemented by a survey of important monuments in the history of architecture. Open to 11th and 12th graders only.

Prerequisite: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Industrial Design or permission of instructor (1/2 credit)

Computer Science 1 is an introduction to programming concepts using Snap!, a computer language developed at UC Berkeley. Snap! makes it possible for students to program images, animation and interactions and learn about algorithms, data handling and other fundamentals of computer programming, in a visual context.

Principal topics:

• Variables and scoping
• Passing parameters, returning values
• Functions and modularity
• Looping and conditionals
• Data structures (lists)
• List mutability
• Abstract data types
• Introduction to recursion

Prerequisite: Math 2 (1/2 credit)

UAS Computer Science 2 focuses attention on the central idea of abstraction, makes heavy use of the idea of functions as data, and discusses relevant topics in Computer Science such as functions as data, complexity and graph theory. It will also focus on some of the “Big Ideas” of computing such as recursion, concurrency and the limitations of computing. 

Principal topics:

• Algorithms, both classic and heuristic
• Algorithm Complexity: constant, linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic run times
• Recursion
• Higher Order Functions and using functions as data
• Graphs: paths, cycles, cliques

Prerequisites: Math 3, Computer Science 1 or instructor approval (1/2 credit)

UAS Computer Science 3 continues the Computer Science sequence, focusing on more advanced principles of software engineering, data structures and algorithms, emphasizing computability and feasibility. Topics in computer science such as Game Theory and Machine Learning will be discussed. 

Principal topics:

• Fundamental dynamic data structures including linear lists, queues, trees, arrays and dictionaries
• Computational complexity of algorithms and the key difference between denotation, computability and feasibility
• The object-oriented programming paradigm and a class-based approach
• Basic ideas and techniques underlying the design of intelligent computer systems
• Differences between machine learning, deep learning and neural networks
• Decision trees, pruning, and graph algorithms

Prerequisite: UAS Computer Science 2 (1/2 credit)

Graphic Design approaches design as a concept, as a process, and as a set of tools for the materialization of an idea. In a visual culture where technology is quickly evolving, the need to be visually literate and design savvy becomes imperative for successful communication. Through practical and personal projects, we learn to use Adobe design software including Illustrator and Photoshop. Assignments begin with the nuts and bolts of design principles. Students learn about traditional and experimental design, layout techniques, and basic graphic design through smaller projects. Each project offers an invitation to think outside the box in terms of scale, materials, and formats to solve different real-world design problems. The course ends with an individual project either in printed or digital online format. Students will design original and elegant solutions that strategically move audiences to feel, think and act. Each project will explore questions that broaden our perceptions as image producers and consumers.

Prerequisite: Drawing, Painting or instructor approval (Open to 10th, 11th and 12th Graders) (1/2 credit)

Industrial Design is a course that uses the design process to develop ideas and explore the relationship between form and function. The majority of the products that we touch every day were designed by an industrial designer: a toothbrush, a coffee mug, a backpack, a chair, an iPhone. Through a series of projects and assignments, students will evaluate everyday objects and identify design opportunities in terms of aesthetics, functionality, efficiency, and sustainability. Small skills-oriented projects build up to more complex projects, and the course culminates in a student-chosen final project that implements a comprehensive and accessible design process and utilizes sketches, 2D and 3D models, 3D printing, laser cutting, hand tools, and mixed media to translate a conceptual idea into reality.

Prerequisites: Drawing, Sculpture, UrbanX Labs: Design and/or instructor approval (Open to 10th, 11th and 12th graders.) (1/2 credit)