Summer Program for Students in Grades 5 – 12

Comet I

(June 30 – July 6)

• Commuter – $1000
• Residential – $1250

The Invisible World of Bacteria and Immunology
Not to gross you out, but did you know your body contains more bacteria than cells?! But never fear! Some bacteria are friendly while other bacteria need to be captured and destroyed before they make us sick. Let’s think like immunologists as we investigate how vaccines work to protect us against harmful bacteria the instant they enter our bodies!

Virtual World Tour
Let’s travel the world in five days! Using advanced technology, we will virtually explore the most amazing destinations across the globe, including the people, wildlife, and plants that live in these incredible places! Share your discoveries by creating a product to share our travels with friends and family.

Our Amazing Environment
We live in it, but do we really see and understand it? In this hands-on environmental education experience, let’s open our eyes to the amazing natural world around us and explore our connection with and a deeper understanding and appreciation for our amazing environment.

How Stars Grow and Evolve
Let’s look to the stars and explore how they are born and change over time. We’ll also analyze the different ways stars can die and learn about the formation of planetary nebulae, which make up many of the beautiful pictures of nebulae we see in space. Bring your sense of wonder and join us on an amazing trip through space!

The Mysterious World Below Us
Dirt is just dirt, right? But what if we knew more about it? Could dirt help us save our environment? Join us as we explore the nature and properties of soil through plant-microbial interactions and how they contribute to the sustainability of our ecosystem!

Crime Scene Investigation (C.S.I.)
Hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills as a crime scene investigator who solves crimes through hands-on activities in observation, fingerprint analysis, DNA, “blood” spatter, and handwriting analysis. Investigate crimes with your CSI team to determine the appropriate methods needed to crack the case.

Comet II

(July 7 – July 13)

• Commuter – $1000
• Residential – $1250

Fun Filmmaking
Positions, everyone! Lights, camera, action! Sure, we know the stars in front of the camera, but what about the masterminds behind it? Movie producers and directors tell stories in compelling ways that have a lasting effect on their audiences. We’ll explore the fundamentals of filmmaking using recording and editing equipment to tell stories that will wow your GER²I camp audience!

Problem Solving 101: Thinking as a scholar
Unleash your inner problem solver! Elevate your problem-solving prowess and stand out in any endeavor! In this dynamic course, you will cultivate essential problem-solving skills, navigate challenges with confidence, and transform obstacles into opportunities. You will craft a unique challenge, and through innovative problem-based learning, discover the transformative power of designing and conquering obstacles on your terms.

Our Amazing Environment
We live in it, but do we really see and understand it? In this hands-on environmental education experience, let’s open our eyes to the amazing natural world around us and explore our connection with and a deeper understanding and appreciation for our amazing environment.

Under the Scope
Join us as we explore the world of microscopes to understand how and when to use them, including the range of microscopes’ power, and how to prepare samples for examining them under the scope. We’ll also take a field trip to see the powerful electron microscopes at Birck Nanotechnology Center at Purdue University.

It’s Not Rocket Science! Oh, Wait, Yes, It Is!
Did you know that a fully assembled NASA rocket can be 184 feet tall and weigh 4.5 million pounds?! Think about how much force it takes to lift that rocket into our atmosphere and beyond! Let’s explore the forces and other scientific principles behind successful rocket launches and landings (on a much smaller scale, of course).

Crime Scene Investigation (C.S.I.)
Hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills as a crime scene investigator who solves crimes through hands-on activities in observation, fingerprint analysis, DNA, “blood” spatter, and handwriting analysis. Investigate crimes with your CSI team to determine the appropriate methods needed to crack the case.

Star I

(June 30 – July 13)

• Residential – $2500

AM Classes

The Wonder and Magic of Chemistry
Chemistry is all around us—from the food we eat to the air we breathe! With our buddy, the MOLE, we’ll explore foundational concepts like the organization of the periodic table, chemical equations and reaction types, and the importance of an atom’s nucleus in atomic power. You’ll come away with a new sense of wonder and appreciation of chemistry that will help you see the how chemistry affects our everyday lives, even in ways we do not recognize.

Straight Outta History: Exploring the History of Black Education in the U.S.
The history of Black education in the U.S. is filled with triumphant stories of refusal, resistance, and racial (im)possibilities.  It’s a story that centers the humanity, hope, love, determination, and persistence of the Black spirit. Let’s (re)member the legacies of Black education and reimagine freer educational futures for all students!

Art and Science of Color and Design 
Did you know that science has uncovered the ways in which color affects daily decision-making and moods? What does it mean to choose a “favorite” color, and what does that color say about you? After learning about the science of color, we’ll analyze the function of color in design and art.

Pseudo Code Gaming Design
Is it possible to develop software without a computer? Every computer game started with an idea. Use your imagination and learn strategies to plan, design, and build a working model of a game you create with your team. We’ll move quickly from modeling simple interactions to compounding multiple models into more complex ideas.

How to Train Your AI Learning Coach: A Week of Personalized Learning Adventures
Unlock the future of learning with our AI-powered summer course! Discover your unique learning style, explore personalized projects, and harness the potential of AI learning coaches. Empower your mind to take control of your education and ignite your curiosity. Join us for endless and engaging educational possibilities!

PM Classes

GER²I in Wonderland
Spark your creative and divergent thinking and rekindle your ability to be a deeply curious thinker by learning strategies that stretch these capacities of your brain. We will learn why curiosity and creativity are not fixed abilities and how everyone can become more curious and more creative.

Rockin’ Discoveries: A Geologic Adventure
Geology may be the study of rocks, but rocks tell stories from the past and are key to future adventures. Let’s think like geologists who explore Earth history through the record of volcanoes, mountains, earthquakes, fossils, and more! You’ll learn how to “read the rocks” and create a geologic adventure of your own.

STEAM LABS^TM
Students, engineers, artists, and hobbyists around the world design and build Rube Goldberg-style machines to satisfy society’s fascination with these creative contraptions. Apply the engineering design process to construct STEAM Machines (i.e., chain reaction machines that run on STEM and Art concepts) using everyday objects and technology such as motors, sensors, and micro-controllers. Gain experience with systems thinking and multi-team collaboration as you learn real-world engineering skills and explore pathways to engineering careers.

Yea or Nay? Mathematical Voting Theory
You might be surprised how often you use various forms of voting in your daily life. Even before you can vote in government elections, you might ask everyone where they want to eat and then use a simple majority to pick the most popular place. You might also allow votes for and votes against their restaurant choices. Cast your vote for this class, and let’s take a deep dive into voting theory.

Soaring through the Solar System
Let’s blast off together and learn about the solar system. We’ll soar through spacetime with amazing photographs to learn about stars, planets, asteroids, and comets, including what they are, how they interact with each other, and why these celestial bodies are so important to explore.

Star II

(July 14 – July 27)

• Residential – $2500

AM Classes

Historical Cover-Ups
Do you believe that everything written in textbooks is accurate? Do you believe that some information has been rewritten or omitted entirely? Since the victors write history, other perspectives are left out. Join us as we uncover historical cover-ups, like the Mai Lai Massacre, and examine why they were hidden from the public.

What would life be like on the inner planets?
What if you could stand on Venus? Mars? Mercury? What if you could choose any of the inner planets on which to live? What would you need and how would you stay alive? Space exploration is taking us to new heights and possibilities, including living in other planets! Let’s take a stroll through the cosmos to learn about these faraway places and to choose the next planet you’ll call home.

Math Games Without the Dice
Everyone plays games, right? Sometimes you win games, and sometimes you lose games, especially when they involve random chance, like rolling dice or spinning a wheel. But did you know that math can help you win games that don’t involve any random chance? Join us as we learn key strategies for winning several math-based games, including how to use these strategies to win games you’ve not played before!

Under the Scope
Join us as we explore the world of microscopes to understand how and when to use them, including the range of microscopes’ power, and how to prepare samples for examining them under the scope. We’ll also take a field trip to see the powerful electron microscopes at Birck Nanotechnology Center at Purdue University.

Curious Minds: Exploring Science, Math, and Engineering
Bring your curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for science, math, and engineering to this interdisciplinary course. We’ll explore the wonders of these subjects through hands-on experiments, mathematical puzzles, and creative engineering challenges.

PM Classes

Acting Up and Acting Out: Constructing Cultures of Peace
Bring your unlimited imagination to this active, spontaneous, unscripted course featuring theatre games, pantomime, role plays, simulations, storytelling, and improvisation to challenge your thinking about freedom, justice, and peace. Together, we’ll construct a vision of a better world where peace is not just an idea, but courageous action.

Rockin’ Discoveries: A Geologic Adventure
Geology may be the study of rocks, but rocks tell stories from the past and are key to future adventures. Let’s think like geologists who explore Earth history through the record of volcanoes, mountains, earthquakes, fossils, and more! You’ll learn how to “read the rocks” and create a geologic adventure of your own.

STEAM LABS^TM
Students, engineers, artists, and hobbyists around the world design and build Rube Goldberg-style machines to satisfy society’s fascination with these creative contraptions. Apply the engineering design process to construct STEAM Machines (i.e., chain reaction machines that run on STEM and Art concepts) using everyday objects and technology such as motors, sensors, and micro-controllers. Gain experience with systems thinking and multi-team collaboration as you learn real-world engineering skills and explore pathways to engineering careers.

Sleep Science for Health Equity
We all sleep, and we know our bodies need it, but what’s the science behind why sleep matters? And what happens when not everyone in our society has the same opportunities for healthy sleep? Join us as we use scientific methods to better understand the importance of sleep, from how it is shaped by our environment and society to how healthy sleep can prevent serious medical problems like strokes, cancer, and mental illness. Let’s explore the science of sleep and dream about how to effectively improve sleep for everyone.
We all sleep, and we know our bodies need it, but what’s the science behind why sleep matters? And what happens when not everyone in our society has the same opportunities for healthy sleep? Join us as we use scientific methods to better understand the importance of sleep, from how it is shaped by our environment and society to how healthy sleep can prevent serious medical problems like strokes, cancer, and mental illness. Let’s explore the science of sleep and dream about how to effectively improve sleep for everyone.

The OG’s of Math: Fibonacci and Pascal
Come meet the old guys (OG’s) Fibonacci and Pascal whose work has fascinated mathematicians and scientists for centuries! Let’s journey through the ages as we learn about their amazing theories and their significance in the history of math and science. We’ll also test their theories ourselves by creating our own Pascals triangles and Fibonacci sequences. Then we’ll apply our understanding to nature and architecture.  

Pulsar I

(June 30 – July 13)

• Residential – $2500

AM Classes

Acting Up and Acting Out: Constructing Cultures of Peace
Bring your unlimited imagination to this active, spontaneous, unscripted course featuring theatre games, pantomime, role plays, simulations, storytelling, and improvisation to challenge your thinking about freedom, justice, and peace. Together, we’ll construct a vision of a better world where peace is not just an idea, but courageous action.

Leadership 101
Do you want to make a difference in your own community, become the CEO of a multinational company, or become the president of a country one day? If so, you are going to need a toolbox of essential, well-developed skills all leaders must possess. Participate in interactive scenarios and other activities that will launch you on a journey to discover the leadership potential inside of you.

Brainiacs Unite!
Want to be a neuroscientist? Let this be your first giant leap! Using a number of mini experiments and interactive activities, we’ll explore many aspects of neuroscience, including brain structures and functions, the nervous system, brain scans, and neurological disorders.

Music and Mathematics
Did you know that good musicians are often good mathematicians? Let’s explore the surprising mathematics that underlies music theory. We’ll examine sound waves, harmony, resonance, polyrhythms, and other phenomena, including why music sounds pleasant or obnoxious to our ears. Prerequisite: Algebra 1. No music experience required.
Did you know that good musicians are often good mathematicians? Let’s explore the surprising mathematics that underlies music theory. We’ll examine sound waves, harmony, resonance, polyrhythms, and other phenomena, including why music sounds pleasant or obnoxious to our ears. Prerequisite: Algebra 1. No music experience required.

How to Win: Mathematical Game Theory
Everyone plays games, but not everyone wins.  What if I told you that you can increase your chances for winning more games using math? Let’s discover the math behind games without chance, that is, games that don’t involve randomness, like rolling dice or spinning a wheel. Using algebra and other mathematical concepts, we’ll learn strategies to solve non-random games and how to design your own games that you’re sure to win!

Games for Transformational Futures
Have you ever thought about what it takes to design a video game? Let’s learn about the fundamentals of game design, including how to develop authentic narratives, characters, and environments and the art of designing immersive and playful game scenarios that allow end-users to co-design and interact with transformational digital futures. In this course, you’ll develop gameplay interactions that critique societal challenges like climate change and propose impactful, futuristic game-based experiences. 

PM Classes

Serious Gaming for the 21st Century
Did you know that “serious gaming” refers to any game that does more than simply entertain? Exercise your teamwork, problem-solving, and goal-directed muscles as you engage in competitive and collaborative electronic or tabletop games with a greater purpose. Consider how serious gaming can enhance skills and future career possibilities in computer game technology, media and communications, and education.

Evolution of Ethics
Can ethical standards change over time? How do changes in society and people’s personal experiences affect the ethical standards by which they choose to live? How do changing ideas of right and wrong influence ethical behavior? Let’s examine historical as well as more recent events (e.g., Project MK-Ultra & El Salvadorian Gang Crackdown) through varying ethical perspectives to discern whether the ends justified the means. 

Engineers Solving Physiological Problems
Curious about how biomedical engineers solve human health problems? In this course, we’ll learn about how the various systems within the human body function and how common diseases and other medical problems affect these systems. Then we’ll apply the principles of engineering design to create tools that can solve a specific human health problem you choose.

Design & Prototyping of Smart Toys and Robots
Build upon your knowledge of electronics, programming, sensors, and design to create smart toys and robots. Create technologies you control from your cell phone using everyday recyclables, circuits, and more, and work in collaborative teams to design and build a creative final project. We’ll also explore the Internet of Things (IoT), the ever-growing network of physical objects for internet connectivity. If you’re serious about engineering and technology, the skills you learn and the products you create at GER2I will be especially useful when applying for engineering and technology-based college programs.

Getting to the Root of the Problem
When animals or humans need something, they usually move to get what they need. Plants are rooted in place, so how do they meet their needs? Did you know that a plant looks, tastes, or grows a certain way on purpose?! Let’s study the fascinating ways plants respond to their environments, from daily to seasonal to long-term fluctuations in the soil, water, and atmosphere, and discover the important lessons they teach us about adaptability.

Introduction to Quantum Computing
Imagine the future possibilities of quantum computing. Explore cutting-edge research and potential advancements that could reshape our technological landscape. Join us on this mind-expanding journey into the quantum realm and discover the incredible potential of quantum computing!

Pulsar II

(July 14 – July 27)

• Residential – $2500

AM Classes

Electrochemistry Drives Our Lives
Electrochemistry is the driving force behind our everyday lives! From the batteries which power our cars to solar panels which offer us renewable energy, electrochemistry is everywhere. In this class, you will play the role of a laboratory researcher who wants to make the most of practical electrochemistry to improve our everyday lives.

Game Theory and Global Politics
We need gifted leaders like you to promote world peace and international cooperation. Learn and use game theories such as Nations as Actors, Resource Wars, and Hard Power vs. Soft Power to understand how and why nations make decisions on foreign policy. Apply these principles to current events and to your own international policy strategy through playing strategic games.

Finding Literary Meaning in Film and Pop Culture
Explore the intricate interplay between literature, film, and pop culture in this honors-level course. Analyze iconic works to uncover hidden layers of meaning, dissect cinematic techniques, and decode the cultural significance of contemporary media. Elevate your critical thinking and cultural literacy through engaging discussions and thought-provoking assignments

Relativity: From Time Dilation to E = mc²
Let’s explore the weird consequences of Einstein’s “Theory of Relativity.” From just two basic principles, we discover phenomena such as the twin paradox, time dilation, and even time travel! Bring your advanced math skills and let’s think like Einstein! Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or precalculus.

How to Build a Skyscraper?
Did you know that we can design and build skyscraper with the help of only a few basic principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering?! Let’s use these principles and our imaginations to design buildings that will scrape the sky but won’t sink into the earth or topple in the strongest winds!

Games for Transformational Futures
Have you ever thought about what it takes to design a video game? Let’s learn about the fundamentals of game design, including how to develop authentic narratives, characters, and environments and the art of designing immersive and playful game scenarios that allow end-users to co-design and interact with transformational digital futures. In this course, you’ll develop gameplay interactions that critique societal challenges like climate change and propose impactful, futuristic game-based experiences. 

PM Classes

Serious Gaming for the 21st Century
Did you know that “serious gaming” refers to any game that does more than simply entertain? Exercise your teamwork, problem-solving, and goal-directed muscles as you engage in competitive and collaborative electronic or tabletop games with a greater purpose. Consider how serious gaming can enhance skills and future career possibilities in computer game technology, media and communications, and education.

Creative Writing Workshop
Explore the realms of creative writing in this hands-on workshop! Learn about writing fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. We’ll brainstorm, free-write, peer review, and share stories as we try creative methods and techniques to improve and amplify our writing skills. Raise your voices and write amazing stories based on experiences and imagination!

PokéBio Unleashed: Biology, 3D Printing, and Gaming 
Dive into the fascinating world of ecology and conservation biology with a thrilling twist – Pokémon! You will learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling and ultimately create a 3D-printed Pocket monster inspired by endangered species with unique strengths and attacks that mirror the biological traits of their real-world counterparts. By integrating science, art, and gaming you will be immersed in the world of Pokémon.

Design & Prototyping of Smart Toys and Robots
Build upon your knowledge of electronics, programming, sensors, and design to create smart toys and robots. Create technologies you control from your cell phone using everyday recyclables, circuits, and more, and work in collaborative teams to design and build a creative final project. We’ll also explore the Internet of Things (IoT), the ever-growing network of physical objects for internet connectivity. If you’re serious about engineering and technology, the skills you learn and the products you create at GER2I will be especially useful when applying for engineering and technology-based college programs.

What are the Chances? An Exploration of Probabilities
We all know that rolling a standard die has a 1 in 6 chance of landing on a given number. But can you figure out what to expect for particular events in real life? How to calculate the probability of single and multiple random events? Bring your pre-calculus skills to figure out these answers and learn how to use them to master the randomness all around us.

Introduction to Quantum Computing
Imagine the future possibilities of quantum computing. Explore cutting-edge research and potential advancements that could reshape our technological landscape. Join us on this mind-expanding journey into the quantum realm and discover the incredible potential of quantum computing!