2026 Course Descriptions

Morning classes

Move Smarter, Not Harder: How the Body Really Works
Dr. Hannah Crites-Pickett, PT, DPT

This hands-on, movement-based course invites students to explore how the brain and body work together through real-world movement challenges. Working in teams, students experiment with balance, posture, strength, and coordination, then apply what they’ve learned to design practical strategies for moving smarter, safer, and more efficiently in everyday life.

Inside the Institute: Journalism and Storytelling in Practice
Dr. Mollie Hartup

Students engage in journalism and storytelling as they collaborate to document the Summer Honors Institute. Students work together to capture and showcase student voices and experiences through creative, student-produced content. (Recommended but not required to take in conjunction with “Creative Publication Design.”)

Summer Honors Choir
Dr. Bryan Helsel

Students will rehearse a repertoire of music while developing collaboration, communication, and leadership skills in a supportive ensemble setting. The course culminates in a public performance that showcases students’ musical growth, confidence, and teamwork.

Additive Manufacturing - FDM (3D printing)*
Ms. Jackie Ruller

This introductory, hands-on course is designed for students with no prior experience in 3D printing. Students learn to operate and troubleshoot FDM printers, create and prepare CAD designs for printing, and understand 3D printing technologies, materials, file types, and software tools such as TinkerCAD and Meshmixer.

Afternoon classes

Acting for Everyone
Mr. Adam Howard

The art of acting is sometimes considered just for "Theatre people.” Acting, however, is based in solid teachable technique that increase confidence increase vocal clarity and power, improve public speaking and create much more well-rounded human beings!

Creative Publication Design for Beginners
Mr. Sebastian Giraldo

Students will learn basic publication design skills, including layout, typography, and visual storytelling. Using these skills, students will create a polished, shareable publication deliverable that demonstrates their creativity and design thinking. (Recommended but not required to take in conjunction with “Inside the Institute.”)

Tabletop RPG in a Week
Dr. Zack While

Students will learn about some of the considerations that go into the development of tabletop RPGs (TTRPGs) such as Dungeons and Dragons, Kids on Bikes, and Call of Cthulhu. Students will form groups and participate in a "Game Jam" during the week, designing a simple game prototype while covering topics such as user-centered design, playtesting (evaluation), and accessibility based on how they are used in computer science disciplines such as software engineering and UX design.

Additive Manufacturing - FDM (3D printing)*
Ms. Jackie Ruller

*Note: content covered in the AM and PM 3D printing class is the same; students ranking the class as a top choice will only take it during one time period.