EXPLO Chicago | Course Planning Guide

EXPLO Chicago | Course Planning Guide

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, EXPLO has made the difficult decision to suspend all Summer 2020 programming. We are currently planning our return to campuses in Summer 2021. If you would like more information about our programs, please email [email protected] or call 781.762.7400 and a member of our Admission Team will be happy to assist you.

2020 PROGRAM GUIDE

SUMMER 2020

Table of Contents

Overview...............................................................................................3 The EXPLO Difference.................................................................4 - 6 Students Drive Their Learning.................................................4 Career Exploration......................................................................5 Standing Out on Your College Application...........................6 Daily Schedule.....................................................................................7 Course Listing.....................................................................................8 Electives Listing.................................................................................13 Concentrations.................................................................................16 Extended Learning at EXPLO............................................... 17 - 18 Intramurals. ................................................................................17 Events...........................................................................................17 Trips..............................................................................................18 Contact Information........................................................................19

2

SUMMER 2020

PROGRAMS + DATES EXPLO CHICAGO Grades 10 -12 Freedom · Choice · Responsibility

THREE WEEK OPTIONS (RESIDENTIAL + DAY) 2 Courses · 2 Electives · Trips

TWO WEEK OPTION (RESIDENTIAL ONLY) 1 Concentration · Trips

FIVE AND SIX WEEK OPTIONS ALSO AVAILABLE

Program Dates SESSION 1 Residential: June 28 - July 18 Day: June 29 - July 17 SESSION 2 Residential: July 19 - August 8 Day: July 20 - August 7

3

Questions about courses? Ask an admission officer: [email protected] or 781.762.7400

SUMMER 2020

The EXPLO Difference ―

Students Drive Their Own Learning

At EXPLO, we actively call upon our students to drive their own learning. Students who come to EXPLO get excited about their courses because they — not their teachers, not their parents — get to choose what to explore. This degree of agency, the ability to set your own direction and make choices that feel meaningful to you, is what sets EXPLO apart from every other summer program — and from school. At EXPLO, courses are designed to maximize three essential characteristics of student-driven learning: high engagement, high participation, and high challenge. 1. HIGH ENGAGEMENT EXPLO courses are designed in such a way that if you have any interest in the subject — and you should, because you chose it — the content should light you up. Our goal is that students become so caught up in the hunt for ideas and in making things that you experience a state of flow. 2. HIGH PARTICIPATION We design every course to have low floors, high ceilings, and wide walls — meaning each student is invited to participate at their own level. Whether the subject is a fledgling interest or you bring with you prior experience, EXPLO is a safe place to experiment (and even to fail) — where everyone is supportive of each other. There is a common pact that if you give it a whirl, we’ll celebrate your effort! 3. HIGH CHALLENGE When designed correctly, courses that invite engagement and participation should also introduce a high enough degree of challenge that any student — no matter what level they’re at — is able to dig in and explore with some substance. Achieving the right degree of challenge is critical: not enough is boredom, and too much is anxiety. We’re not trying to winnow people out or asking you to prove to us how good you are at something. We’re most interested in showing you the most exciting parts of a topic and reigniting the curiosity that’s often snuffed out in school.

The end goal at EXPLO is not a grade or how you perform on the SAT or any other standardized tests. Our goal is to help you see the relevance and importance of all of these subjects and disciplines, and to experience what it’s like to engage with a topic, not because you need the course credit or because it’s on the exam — but because life is a whole lot more exciting when you’re enthusiastic about a lot of different things.

4

SUMMER 2020

Career Exploration

The research shows that people thrive when their strengths and interests are aligned with the work that they do. Summer is the perfect time for high school students to not only figure out what those strengths and interests are, but also to engage in experiences that introduce them to a range of careers and academic disciplines that excite them — well ahead of college matriculation. Or, if you’ve already found what you love, spend some quality time in the summer getting to know the field. Meet professionals who have undertaken the journey you’re about to set off on. Learn about the many different career options that exist in a single discipline. Undertake projects that will give you a taste of the work you’ll be doing in that field. At EXPLO, we call this Career Exploration, and all of our courses are framed around these seven basic tenets: 1. Exposure to the real work and experts in the field 2. Learning how to see the world through the subject you are studying. For instance, how does an interior designer “see,” and “think,” and approach problem solving as opposed to a physicist or psychologist? 3. Creating experiences that induct students into the work of the field so that theory is connected to practice 4. Receiving considerable feedback and engaging in dialog with experts 5. Producing something that matters to real audiences There is a purpose to the work 6. Imagining your future self 7. Leaving with a better idea of what you need to do to become a professional in the field (e.g. an engineer or criminal psychologist)

5

Courses fill quickly: Apply to EXPLO Chicago

SUMMER 2020

let your kids pick their courses

Hi, Parents + Guardians! At EXPLO, we ask students to step out of their comfort zone and try new things every day. If you don’t mind, we’re going to ask you to do the same. For many of our students, three weeks at EXPLO is a chance to get off the proverbial hamster wheel of achievement and compliance, and really explore what they’re interested in without worrying about a grade or how it might look on their transcript. In fact, with what we know about college admission these days, students are being asked more and more to wear their passion on their sleeve. That’s what sets them apart from all of the other compliant high achievers they compete with throughout their elementary and secondary school years. Starting students early, giving them a head start to determine what excites and motivates them to keep learning, and offering them the space to make informed choices will prepare them to join new communities, actively seek friendships, cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, and develop a sense of purpose all of which will help them as they prepare for college — and more importantly, for life. You are a vital part of this process. They’ll need your help navigating, no doubt. And it’s easy to drive in the “I’ve been told you should do this” lane. Try taking a detour.

DISCUSSION PROMPTS Here are some questions we find helpful when guiding these conversations:

What’s something you enjoy doing when you’re not in school?

If you didn’t have homework every day, what would you spend those hours doing?

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try, but it’s not offered at school?

How good is EXPLO at designing creative, engaging and robust courses?

What’s something you think you’d be good at, even if you haven’t tried it yet?

So good that educators from all over the world have asked us to teach them how we do our work. We’ve worked with schools, foundations, universities, and non-profit organizations from Boston to Baltimore to Bangalore, India, to help them make learning more creative and engaging.

What’s something you wish you could try again in a more supportive learning environment?

6

SUMMER 2020

A Daily Schedule of Your Design (3 Weeks)

COURSE + ELECTIVE SELECTION

Courses As a student in the three-week option, you’ll enroll in two courses (First Period and Second Period). As part of the course registration process, you’ll select and rank your top four (4) preferences for First Period and your top four (4) preferences for Second Period. Courses are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Electives Students in the three-week option enroll in two electives. Each elective is one week long; electives are held during the first two weeks of the session. In Week Three, take advantage of additional time for project extensions, working time for final projects, special sessions, or additional programming.

7

Questions about courses? Ask an admission officer: [email protected] or 781.762.7400

SUMMER 2020

Students! Pick four first period and four second period courses.

Courses are introductory explorations into topics for students interested in pursuing strengths and interests in a variety of subject areas.

First Period

Second Period

First Period

Second Period

3D Animation for Game Design Acting + Directing

Genetic Engineering Human Anatomy + Physiology Interior Design Studio International Relations Investment + Portfolio Management

X

X

X

X

X

Architecture Behavioral Neuroscience

X

X

X

X

X

Business Management + Consulting Computer Programming + Processing Crime Scene Investigation + Forensic Analysis

X

X

Marketing in the Digital Age

X

x

Mock Trial

X

Personality + Behavioral Psychology

X

X

X

X

Psychopathology Startup Entrepreneurship

Criminal Psychology

X

X

X

Engineering

X

X

X

X

Fashion Design

X

Surgical Interventions

X

X

Filmmaking Studio

X

8

SUMMER 2019 COURS S A-Z

Visual + Performing Arts

Engineering + Design

Language Arts

Science + Technology

Social Science + Culture

Business, Law + World Affairs

NOTES

3D ANIMATION FOR GAME DESIGN Learn to create the exciting graphics, detailed characters, and seamless animations necessary to bring your gaming vision to life. Period 2 ACTING + DIRECTING As part of a dramatic team, create impactful scenes by collaborating as performers and directors. Period 1 ARCHITECTURE While working in a studio setting, learn how to read architecture as both a cultural expression and a technical achievement. Period 1 BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE Investigate matters of psychology – perception, learning, emotion – at their biological core. Period 2

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT + CONSULTING

Managing a business is a challenging and complex task; learn why so many successful organizations rely on consultants to prosper. Period 1 + 2

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING + PROCESSING

Build a foundation in coding using the language of Processing — a visual, Java-based coding language that makes it easy to experiment, test ideas, and create visuals. Period 1

Click course for full description

9

Courses fill quickly: Apply to EXPLO Chicago

COURSES A-Z

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION + FORENSIC ANALYSIS Develop skills and practical techniques used by professionals in the fields of Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Analysis. Period 1 + 2 CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY Examine how psychologists, as well as psychological theories and methods, advance the study of crime, criminal behavior, and criminal justice. Period 1 + 2 ENGINEERING Get hands-on with engineering principles and apply them to the design, development, and testing of functional models. Period 1 + 2 FASHION DESIGN Create an on-trend clothing collection, complete with styling, while deepening your knowledge of fashion fundamentals and principles of visual design. Period 2

FILMMAKING STUDIO Learn the art and craft of digital filmmaking by creating your own short film from pre- to post-production. Period 1

GENETIC ENGINEERING Explore the laboratory science of, as well as the ethical ramifications for, genetic modification. Period 2 HUMAN ANATOMY + PHYSIOLOGY Study the structure, function, and interdependence of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, and other body systems. Period 1 + 2 INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO Through meticulous planning and ingenious design ideas, marry form and function to bring your client’s room — and vision — to life. Period 2

10

SUMMER 2019 COURS S A-Z

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Dive deep into the ever-changing intersection of politics, law, economics, security, and culture and the effects on global dynamics. Period 2

INVESTMENT + PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Dive into finance and master the skills to design, execute, and assess investment options that meet a client’s financial objectives. Period 2 MARKETING IN THE DIGITAL AGE Discover how to generate, retain, and satisfy customers with outstanding branding and marketing — cornerstones of every successful business. Period 1 MOCK TRIAL Prepare, build, and argue a civil case as part of a legal team in a courtroom before a judge. Period 1

PERSONALITY + BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY

Explore the meaning of “personality,” the influence of both nature and nurture, and how different personality traits affect behavior. Period 1 + 2 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY Delve into the biological, psychological, and sociocultural theories that inform psychopathology, and understand what separates abnormal behavior from mental illness. Period 1 STARTUP ENTREPRENEURSHIP From idea generation to market research to fundraising and marketing, conceptualize and design a viable start- up business. Period 1 + 2 SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS Identify and diagnose diseased and injured bodily structures like bones, and design, construct, and create surgical solutions.. Period 1 + 2

11

Questions about courses? Ask an admission officer: [email protected] or 781.762.7400

ELECTIVES A-Z APPENDIX: COURSES BY ATEGORY

LANGUAGE ARTS Acting + Directing Filmmaking Studio Marketing in the Digital Age Mock Trial

SOCIAL SCIENCE + CULTURE Architecture Behavioral Neuroscience Business Management + Consulting Crime Scene Investigation + Forensic Analysis Criminal Psychology Fashion Design

BUSINESS, LAW + WORLD AFFAIRS Architecture Business Management + Consulting Fashion Design Genetic Engineering Interior Design Studio International Relations Investment + Portfolio Management Marketing in the Digital Age Mock Trial Startup Entrepreneurship

Filmmaking Studio Genetic Engineering Interior Design Studio International Relations Marketing in the Digital Age Mock Trial Personality + Behavioral Psychology Psychopathology Startup Entrepreneurship

SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY

3D Animation for Game Design Architecture Behavioral Neuroscience Computer Programming + Processing Crime Scene Investigation + Forensic Analysis Criminal Psychology Engineering Genetic Engineering Human Anatomy + Physiology Personality + Behavioral Psychology Psychopathology Surgical Interventions

ENGINEERING + DESIGN 3D Animation for Game Design Architecture Computer Programming Engineering Fashion Design

VISUAL + PERFORMING ARTS

3D Animation for Game Design Acting + Directing Architecture Computer Programming + Processing Fashion Design Filmmaking Studio Interior Design Studio Marketing in the Digital Age

Filmmaking Studio Genetic Engineering Interior Design Studio Startup Entrepreneurship Surgical Interventions

Many EXPLO courses are multidisciplinary, so some courses appear in multiple categories.

12

SUMMER 2019 20 ELECTIVES A-Z

Electives are an opportunity to try something new that you wouldn’t necessarily have the time to explore at home or in school. Think of them as introductions to topics that could plant the seeds of a new hobby or a deeper interest you might pursue after the summer and beyond.

Visual + Performing Arts

Engineering + Design

Language Arts

Skill Development

Science + Technology

Social Science + Culture

Business, Law + World Affairs

Athletics

NOTES

ADMISSION ESSAY STRATEGIES

APOCALYPSE MANAGEMENT

BEATMAKING + MUSIC PRODUCTION

BUSINESS NEGOTIATIONS

CARDIO KICKBOXING + SELF DEFENSE

CAREER IQ: ESSENTIAL SKILLS

CREATIVE WRITING

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY

DIY DESIGN STUDIO

DRAWING

FILM EDITING

GAME THEORY

IMPROV

MINDFULNESS + MEDITATION

13

Courses fill quickly: Apply to EXPLO Chicago

ELECTIVES A-Z

PERSONAL FINANCE

PHILOSOPHY

RED CROSS FIRST AID + CPR/AED CERTIFICATION

STAGE MAKEUP

TEAM BUILDING + LEADERSHIP

YOGA

14

SUMMER 2019 20 ELECTIVES A-Z

LANGUAGE ARTS Admission Essay Strategies Business Negotiations Career IQ: Essential Skills Creative Writing Philosophy

SOCIAL SCIENCE + CULTURE Apocalypse Management Beat Making + Music Production Business Negotiations Criminal Psychology Game Theory Interview Skills Personal Finance Philosophy Team Building + Leadership

ATHLETICS Cardio Kickboxing + Self Defense Yoga

BUSINESS, LAW + WORLD AFFAIRS Apocalypse Management Business Negotiations DIY Design Studio Game Theory Personal Finance Team Building + Leadership

SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY

Beat Making + Music Production Crime Scene Investigation Criminal Psychology Film Editing Red Cross First Aid + CPR/AED Certification

VISUAL + PERFORMING ARTS

Beat Making + Music Production DIY Design Studio Drawing Film Editing Improv Stage Makeup

SKILL DEVELOPMENT Admission Essay Strategies Career IQ: Essential Skills

ENGINEERING + DESIGN Beat Making + Music Production DIY Design Studio Film Editing Stage Makeup

Creative Writing DIY Design Studio Film Editing Game Theory Mindfulness + Meditation Personal Finance Red Cross First Aid + CPR/AED Certification Team Building + Leadership

Many EXPLO electives are multidisciplinary, so some electives appear in multiple categories.

15

Questions about courses? Ask an admission officer: [email protected] or 781.762.7400

COURSES

Concentrations (2 Weeks) Concentrations at EXPLO are a deep dive into a single subject for students who have a strong sense of what they’re interested in and what they may want to pursue for a career or future study. Students who enroll in a concentration take just a single course over two weeks. While you are part of the larger EXPLO community, you’ll find that most of your time is spent with your concentration cohort — other students who, like you, are completely dialed in to the subject you’re exploring.

PSYCHOLOGY + NEUROSCIENCE From avatar therapy to building business brands to refining pharmacological treatment of mental health through genetic markers, the applications of psychology and neuroscience far exceed the traditional counseling track. Connect with professionals in a range of careers that utilize a background in psychology and neuroscience. Diagnose neurological anomalies in an MRI Lab; offer your expert testimony in defense of a client who claims to have made a false confession; develop pre- game strategies for a star athlete with performance anxiety. The human mind holds many mysteries — EXPLO hands you the keys to explore them. Session One: July 5 - July 18 MEDICAL ROTATIONS Welcome to life as a third year medical student. Working side-by-side with physicians and residents, you’ll rotate through specialties like internal medicine, oncology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, obstetrics, and surgery. Learn clinical skills while wrestling with case studies and simulations knowing that the wrong decision could have dire consequences; receive updates on patients during rounds and determine the best course of treatment; check vital signs, read patient charts and electronic health records; and field questions from supervising doctors about a patient’s particular symptoms or condition. Session Two: July 19 - August 1

SPORTS MANAGEMENT Get insider access to the fields that make sports a multi-billion dollar industry. Team up with agents and news producers, sabermetrics specialists, media reps, and marketing executives to solve problems and make key management decisions from negotiations and sales strategy to public relations and analytics. You’ll bring the vision, innovation, and the awareness of what the sports industry looks like now — and what you want it to look like once you’re

the one calling the shots. Session Two: July 19 - August 1

16

SUMMER 2019

We Don’t Put Classroom Walls Around Learning

Courses, electives, and concentrations are slices of the EXPLO pie. From activities to events to trips, we consider every moment to be a learning moment. Whether you’re unearthing the mysteries of the paleolithic era at a natural history museum or soaring to new heights at an adventure park, discovery always awaits.

INTRAMURALS: CLUBS, LEAGUES + ACTIVITIES

EVENTS THAT ENTERTAIN Our Programming Office curates periodic evening events, both on and off campus, that expose students to new interests and cultural experiences, and invite them to share their own talents with the community. These might include:

Intramurals at EXPLO provide the perfect opportunity to seek out a variety of new experiences. Whether you’re hoping to pick up your first paintbrush or grab your first gaga ball, you’ll find more than a dozen different activity options to choose from each day. Student favorites include:

Dances Coffeehouse/Open Mic Lip Sync Battle

Student Clubs + Societies Board Game Club A Capella Club Japanese Anime Club Cooking Club Meditation Club EXPLO Debate Union True Colors LGTBQ+ Society Film Critics Society Philosophy Society Social Justice Society Visual Artist Society Current Affairs + Politics Society Writers Roundtable Sports Leagues Ultimate Frisbee League Soccer League

Evening Trips to City Movie Premier Trips Student Work Exhibitions Carnival Night On-campus Band Improv Comedy Performance Movies in the Park Taste of Chicago EXPLO Ideas Festival Fourth of July Fireworks

Basketball League Swimming League Morning Workout League Rugby League Activities Salsa Dancing Sushi Making Chicago Food Tour Mario Kart Tournament Marbling Paper + Dip Dyes

17

Courses fill quickly: Apply to EXPLO Chicago

TRIPS TO TALK ABOUT Trips are a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in academic and recreational adventures, to meet new friends outside of their courses and workshops, and to explore exciting destinations throughout the city and surrounding areas.

“The trips were hands-down awesome. I mean, there are some things I did I would’ve never done if I hadn’t chosen to attend EXPLO. New experiences that completely changed my outlook on the world.”

Second City Shedd Aquarium Taste of Chicago Chicago Cubs Chicago White Sox Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me Museum of Science and Industry Magnificent Mile 360 Chicago Observatory Ropes Course Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago Steppenwolf Theatre Field Museum Pizza Tours Navy Pier Lincoln Parks Conservancy Urban Kayaking

Lake Michigan Day Cruise Lakefront Trail Bike Tour Six Flags Great America Classic Chicago Food Adler Planetarium Wrigley Field Tour Chicago Sports Museum Architecture of Chicago Tours Whitewater River Rafting

18

Courses Fill Quickly — Register Today Love what you’ve put together? We can’t wait to see it! Courses fill quickly, so we encourage you to register today.

Apply Now

Have Questions? We’d Love to Answer Them!

Our Admission Team can’t wait to hear from you. All of our admission officers have lived and worked at our summer programs and can answer any questions you have about specific courses, the enrollment process, student life — you name it. They can even put you in touch with a reference family that can share their EXPLO experience with you.

Call: 781.762.7400 Email: [email protected]

Schedule a call

19