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Frontiers & Launch

The Real Thing. On Campus. This Summer.

Frontiers

Frontiers is an on-campus, residen-tial, research, and learning experiencethat challenges soon-to-be high

school juniors and seniors to explorethe outer limits of knowledge in science,mathematics, and engineering. Now inits 27th year of operation, it continuesto be enthusi astically received by itsparticipants.

You will learn from outstanding profes-sors and use state-of-the-art experimen-tal, ana lytical, and computer technolo-gy and facilities. WPI students majoringin your area of study will assist you inthe lab and in study groups.

Frontiers focuses on current laboratorytechniques and unsolved problems inaerospace engineering, biology, chem-istry/biochemistry, civil and environ-mental engineering, computer science,electrical and computer engineering,interactive media and game develop-ment, mathematics, mechanical engi-neering, and physics (Session I); androbotics (Session II).

Rounding out the academic experienceare communications workshops in areassuch as writing, art, music, speech, his-tory, law, and theatre. A full scheduleof activities includes evening work-shops, field trips, movies, live perform-ances, and tournaments.

Throughout your stay on campus youwill have access to Gordon Library,which supports study and research withits collection of more than 298,000books, 90,000 audio and videocassettes,films, music recordings, and microforms.Additionally, you will have accounts onWPI's computer system and access toPCs and UNIX workstations.

A detailed schedule of activities will beprovided upon your arrival. We thinkyou’ll find this summer enrichment expe-rience challenging, well-balanced, andloads of fun!

Session IJuly 11–23, 2010(Session I participants enroll in a science, technology, or engineeringprogram and a communicationworkshop.)

Science, Technology, andEngineeringAerospace EngineeringExplore the science of flight to learnhow wings and aircraft create lift to fly. Basic concepts in aerodynamics—including drag, streamlining, airfoil stall,and aircraft design—will be studied.You'll conduct wind- and water-tunnelexperiments to visualize the flow overaircraft, and run computer simulationsfor different airfoil shapes. Using whatyou have learned, you'll design andbuild a simple model aircraft, test it in the wind tunnel, and see it soar infree-flight.

Frontiers: A summer residential program for soon-to-be high school juniors andseniors interested in science, mathematics, and engineering. Session I: July 11–23,2010; Session II (robotics only): July 25–August 3, 2010.

Biology and BiotechnologyExplore this science from molecules andcells to ecology and evolution. You willcut, splice, and insert DNA to engineernew bacteria; eavesdrop on your ownnerves and muscles using computer-based technology; prepare and viewcells in an electron microscope; extractand test hormones that make crabschange color; meet a tiny roundwormthat is the new favorite of geneticists;use DNA fingerprinting and antibodiesto track genes and the proteins theycode for; and study reproduction, ecolo-gy, anatomy, and scientific contributions(including a Nobel Prize!) of the ancienthorseshoe crab.

Chemistry and BiochemistryShrink down to the world of moleculesand explore how life functions at one of its most fundamental levels. Combinethe newest technologies in the fields ofchemistry and biochemistry to explorewhat happens when molecules collide;peel apart proteins and DNA; discoverhow enzymes work; and use computermodeling to see what biomolecules looklike in 3-D. You’ll see how chemistry canmake color, fire, light, and electricity;you’ll use the latest genetic and bio-chemical techniques to create organismsthat glow.

Civil and EnvironmentalEngineeringThe field of civil and environmental engi-neering is essential for improving thequality of life in our society and protect-ing the environment. This disciplineincludes sustainable design and con-struction of roads, bridges, tunnels,dams, tall buildings, and water andwastewater treatment plants, among oth-ers. You will learn about different areasof civil and environmental engineering,and you will also complete hands-onprojects involving laboratory testing ofmaterials and structures, computer

analysis and design of structures, waterquality sampling and testing, and com-puter analysis to understand how humanactivities affect water quality in the envi-ronment.

Computer ScienceIn this self-paced program, you'll havethe opportunity to explore the world ofprogramming as it is used in the WorldWide Web and object-oriented lan-guages such as Java. You'll also exploregraphical and distributed programmingenvironments. You'll have the chance toincorporate the work as part of effectivemultimedia interfaces for content of inter-est to you. In addition, special topics incomputer science will be discussedaccording to student interest.

Electrical and ComputerEngineeringDiscover the fascinating world of analogand digital electronics through class-room exercises and laboratory hands-onactivities. Learn to use lab equipmentsuch as power supplies, function genera-tors, and oscilloscopes to test circuitsthat you build. Apply this knowledge toa design project that you'll be workingon throughout the course. Topics includeaudio amplification, infrared opticaltransmission, analog signal processing,and digital logic.

Interactive Media and GameDevelopmentCombine technology with art to createan interactive experience. Take on therole of designer, programmer and artist,and work on a team to bring a game tolife. Draw and model your environment,add your characters and sound effects,program your behaviors, and tell yourstory. Break down your idea into simplerules, write your algorithm, use powerfulscripting languages, and playtest yourgame with your friends.

MathematicsLearn how a mix of classical mathemat-ics and modern technology can be usedto solve current problems and open upnew areas. Use this background toexamine encryption of numbers on theInternet via the RSA algorithm, andanalysis of human voice patterns andmusical instruments through Fouriermethods. Specific problems of currentinformation technology that theseaddress include the need for securetransmission of data, such as credit cardnumbers over the Internet, and storageand use of music in digital format (WAVvs. MP3 files, for example). See howelementary matrix methods explain thepopular Google search algorithm.

Mechanical EngineeringThis broad discipline includes manyareas of interest: energy productionand transfer, mechanical design, materi-als science, biomechanics, andfluid flow, among others. Explore thebreadth of mechanical engineeringthrough a mixture of fundamental con-cepts and experimentation. Theprogram emphasis will be on energytransfer, starting from human powerto an understanding of steam power totoday's ensemble of conventionaland alternative energy sources.

PhysicsInvestigate selected fields or applica-tions of modern physics—such as inter-planetary travel, atomic spectroscopy,quantum computing and black holes—through a combination of lectures,audio-visual presentations, hands-on laboratory experiments, and visits toresearch facilities.

wpi.edu/+frontiers

CommunicationsWorkshops American History throughFilm and the InternetThis course combines film sources, classdiscussion, and internet research. Mate-rial covered will focus on four centralthemes: Work; Leisure/Recreation; theUrban Environment; American Politics.For each of the four modules you’ll viewfilms on the central theme, research thetheme using Internet sources, and dis-cuss their findings and conclusions withthe class.

Creative WritingConduct a series of experiments withwords, imagination, and ideas: fictionor nonfiction prose, poetry, or playscript.What you create will depend on yourgroup members, the Frontiers exper-ence, and what you've been writingalong the way.

Elements of WritingInvestigate what happens when anauthor chooses certain vocabulary, sen-tence structure, and overall organization.This approach will help you improve theexpository writing you will have to do incollege. You’ll also be given an opportu-nity to write college application essaysin which you may reveal your individual-ity. You are encouraged to bring withyou topics that appear on admissionforms for colleges where you intend toapply.

Law on FilmWe live in a world where legal mattershave become part of the popular cul-ture. “Judge Judy” is a ratings-winner,“Law and Order” is in its seconddecade of popularity, and celebritylegal battles, such as the trials ofMichael Jackson and Robert Blake, arefodder for late-night television hosts.However, the entertainment value of lawand justice has a long pedigree in film.Stories of law elicit drama, emotion, sus-

pense, and sometimes humor. Central to these stories are images of lawyerswho might personify good, evil, or agray area in between. In this course,you’ll explore selected films that presentinteresting concepts of law and lawyer-ing—and discuss the themes the filmsaddress, how the lawyers are por-trayed, and what the films tell us aboutthe views of society (and perhaps whateffect, if any, the films have on society).

MusicParticipate in music activities and re-hearse daily in an instrumental ensembleappropriate for your instrument. Performin a concert at the conclusion of the pro-gram, presented in conjunction with thedrama activities. Music selected willvary in style from jazz to pop to classi-cal. Any student interested will alsohave the opportunity to improvise in ajazz setting.

SpeechDiscover how to present your ideas inan organized format for optimal impactand understanding. Learn specificapproaches and implement them throughplanned presentations that will be video-taped and analyzed. Explore the tech-niques that minimize the threat of nerv-ous reactions and learn to utilize nerv-ous energy for peak performance. Theprimary focus of the workshop will beon individual presentations, but someattention will be given to interactive com-munications (e.g., the campus interviewfor prospective college students).

The Art of ScienceWhat are the boundaries between artand science? Does the distinction mat-ter? Beginning with the Renaissance—before academic discplines existed—thiscourse will explore the impact of sci-ence and technology throughout art his-tory. Topics to be considered include thedevelopment of linear perspective; scien-tific illustration; photography, light, andoptics; nature and the environment;

robotics; computer and net art; the influ-ence of invention, exploration, and sci-entific discovery on techniques andmaterials, and more. Time will be left todiscuss subjects of particular interest tothe students. No previous art experiencenecessary!

TheatreProduce a show from soup to nuts inunder two weeks. Create a character,make a costume, hang the lights, recordthe sound, and build a set. Explore awide variety of theatrical exercises andtechniques, including warm-ups, expres-sive movement exercises, collectiveimprovisation, and interpretive reading.Become familiar with essential elementsof traditional comedy and tragedy, aswell as contemporary experimental the-atre. Put theory into practice by makingan audience laugh, cry, and maybeeven think.

Session II (robotics only)July 25–August 3, 2010Robotics Immerse yourself in robotics and discov-er the science and technology behindrobot design and operations. Learn sen-sor operations, programming, pneumat-ics, and manufacturing techniques anduse this information to solve a challeng-ing robotics problem. Each subgroup inthe session will brainstorm, design,build, and test its own creation.Throughout the program you'll spendtime outside of the lab exploring impor-tant business aspects of robotics includ-ing marketing, entrepreneurship, man-agement, and teamwork skills. Thechance to show your team's designsuperiority will come when robots meetfor the climactic end-of-session tourna-ment! This session is particularly useful inpreparing participants for entry or lead-ership within the FIRST robotics team intheir high schools.

Frontiers

wpi.edu/+frontiers

TuitionTuition for session I only is $1,975.Tuition for session II only is $1,525.Tuition for session I & II is $3,350.

Your tuition payment covers academicprogramming, room, board, and activi-ties. Personal expenses vary, but shouldnot exceed $100. A $500 nonrefund-able deposit, which is applied to thetuition, is due by May 31, 2010 withthe enrollment forms. The program bal-ance is due June 15, 2010.

Room and BoardFrontiers participants will be accommo-dated in one of WPI's residence halls,supervised by current students andadministrative staff. Rooms are doubleor triple occupancy; private rooms arenot available.

Meals will be served in one of WPI'son-campus dining facilities, or at anappropriate off-campus location duringfield trips. With advance notice, we arehappy to accommodate participantswho may have dietary restrictions withspecially prepared meals.

To ApplyThis program is offered to soon-to-behigh school juniors and seniors only.Visit wpi.edu/+frontiers to apply online.Applications are due by May 15, andcompleted applications are re viewed ona rolling basis.

Applications submitted after the dead-line will be considered on a space-avail-able basis. If selected, every effort willbe made to place you in your first-choice area of study or workshop.However, we will enroll you in your sec-ond or third choice if your first choiceprogram has been filled.

Application Requirements• A completed Frontiers 2010 applica-tion with $50 application fee.

• Recommendation from your mathemat-ics teacher, science teacher, or guid-ance counselor.

• An official copy of your most recenthigh school transcript submitted byyour guidance counselor.

Standardized test scores are not re -quired. However, if you have taken standardized tests (PSATs, SATs, ACTs),feel free to send them with your appli -cation.

Strong consideration is given to studentsmaintaining a “B” average or better ina rigorous academic program, andhave taken or are on track to completeprecalculus before graduating highschool.

Application Instructions

Please review the following informationcarefully to ensure that your applicationis received on time for full consideration.

1. Please submit your application and fee online at wpi.edu/+frontiers.

2. Print the recommendation form from wpi.edu/+frontiers and have your math teacher, science teacher (computer science is acceptable), or guidance counselor forward it to the WPI Frontiers Program address (see right column).

3. Please arrange to have your high school forward an official transcript of your courses and grades (includ-ing your most recent report card) directly to WPI Frontiers Program address (see right column).

4. The application is due May 15, 2010.

The application review process will

begin on March 1 and decisions will

be made on a rolling basis from that

point forward. Admitted students will

receive priority placement in their

program of choice based on space

available at the time of acceptance.

Please note: Your application will

not be reviewed until your applica-

tion is complete with your letter of

recommendation and transcript(s).

Late applications will be reviewed

on a space-available basis.

You may submit your application fee

online, or mail a check made

payable to WPI to:

WPI Frontiers Program

Bartlett Center

100 Institute Road

Worcester, MA 01609-2280

Please be sure to include applicant

name and birthdate on check.

WPI Launch is a learning andresearch opportunity for students

entering freshman and sopho-

more years of high school. You'llspend your days working with fac-ulty focusing on current problemsand challenges in the fields of biol-ogy, chemistry/biochemistry, inter-active media and game develop-ment, or robotics.

At Launch you will attend work-shops and perform lab work in yourchosen field of study. With faculty,current WPI students, and class-

mates, you will use state-of-the-artexperimental, analytical, and com-puter technology to complete proj-ects and assemble your findings.

Program hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday through Friday.Launch staff and other WPI commu-nity members will be available eachday at 8 a.m. for early arrival andwill provide late-afternoon super-vised activities until 5 p.m.; lunchwill be included every day. At thestart of the program, a one-hour ori-entation program will welcome par-

ticipants and parents (Monday,August 9, at 8 a.m.) and a closingluncheon ceremony will be held onFriday.

We think you’ll find this summerenrichment experience challenging,creative, and lots of fun!

August 9–13, 2010: A five-day program for soon-to-be freshmen and sophomores

interested in biology, chemistry/biochemistry, interactive media and game development,

or robotics.

NOTE: Participants focus on one area of study.

Launch

wpi.edu/+launch

Areas of Study

BiologyHomegrown Biotech: Biotechnologyin Everyday Life Explore the ways inwhich the field of biotechnologyaffects our everyday life. Workingin our biotech lab, you’ll have achance to isolate your own DNA,conduct a molecular medical investi-gation, create root beer using fer-mentation, or analyze the foods weeat to see if they have been geneti-cally modified. You’ll have a chanceto carry out your own scientificinvestigations and share your find-ings with your family at the end ofthe week—along with some home-made liquid nitrogen ice cream!

Chemistry/BiochemistryChem/Biochem Magic Have youever wanted to work with bubblingflasks of colored concoctions? Everthink about engineering DNA orproteins? In our chemistry and bio-chemistry lab, you’ll alter liquids atthe flick of a wrist, wield light andelectricity, and cut and splice genesto create creatures that glow. Byweek’s end you’ll be dazzling yourfriends and family with your new-found talents!

Interactive Media and Game DevelopmentComputer Games Want to knowhow computer games are made?You'll learn how to use a 3-D videogame engine to create a game withgraphics, sound, and animation.You'll work in teams to undertakehands-on lab exercises to under-stand important computer scienceand artistic design concepts relatedto interactive media. By the end of

the week, you will have created aproject demonstrating your new-found skills with cool graphics andamazing animation, complete withaudio and interactivity.

RoboticsRobot Design and OperationDiscover the science and technologyof this exciting field. You'll learnabout mechanical design, sensors,and programming. You'll builddesigns using Vex robots andprogram them using easyC.Challenging robotics problems willculminate in a competition betweenstudent groups at the end of theweek.

To RegisterWPI’s Launch program is offered tosoon-to-be high school freshmenand sophomores only. Registeronline at wpi.edu/+launch and sub-mit a $50 nonrefundable* registra-tion fee, by June 30, 2010. The

registration fee is applied to

tuition.

*Each area of study is limited to 20registered participants. Should yourselected area of study be closed,we will contact you to see whetheryou'd like to select another area ofstudy. If this is not an option, your$50 registration fee will bereturned to you.

Upon receipt of your registrationand $50 registration fee, we willsend you a packet including facultyand staff contact information, pro-gram policies, schedule, directions,and a what-to-bring list.

TuitionCost of the 2010 Launch programis $495. This covers tuition, lunch-es, snacks, activities, and equip-ment. (Although participants needn'tworry about personal expenses, theWPI food court and bookstore areaccessible to Launch students.) Totaltuition is due by July 15, 2010.

WPI Frontiers ProgramBartlett Center100 Institute RoadWorcester, MA 01609-2280

frontiers@wpi.edu phone 508-831-5286fax 508-831-5875

wpi.edu/+frontiers

WPI Launch ProgramBartlett Center

100 Institute RoadWorcester, MA 01609-2280

launch@wpi.edu phone 508-831-5286

fax 508-831-5875

wpi.edu/+launch