InspireNC STEM Academy

Grades: All

The course serves as an introduction to the art of programming by introducing Python, one of the most versatile yet user-friendly programming languages. In this course, we begin by exploring Python fundamentals such as data types, lists and dictionaries, built-in functions and modules, and program flow controls and constructs. This course also provides an introduction to the world of competitive programming contests such as the USA Computing Olympiad.

Grades: All

In this course, we will explore what makes C++ one of the most efficient, high-performance programming languages out there. Topics covered include variables, conditionals, loops, functions, important data structures, and more! This course will also prepare students to excel in introductory competitive programming contests like the Bronze Division of the USA Computing Olympiad.

Grades: All 

This course aims to give students over basic data types and classes in Java as well as the ability to use conditionals and loops to create algorithms. Furthermore, students will be introduced to functional programming in Java. By the end of the course, students should be able to solve Bronze level questions on the USA Computing Olympiad with Java. This course also introduces students to a majority of the content tested on the AP Computer Science A Exam.

Grades: 5-8

This course covers topics that frequently appear in middle school math competitions such as introductory algebra and factorizations, ratios, triangle geometry, areas, constructive counting, and more. This class is designed to prepare students to excel in contests such as MATHCOUNTS and the AMC 8. We recommend this course for students who have limited or no experience with math competitions.

Grades: 6-10

This course will cover intermediate topics that appear in high school math contests such as logarithms, modular arithmetic, circle and triangle geometry, complementary counting, and more. This class is designed to prepare students to reach honor roll status on the AMC 8 and AMC 10. We recommend this course for students who have some experience with topics covered in Math Level 1.

Grades: 9-12

Computational Linguistics is an exciting new field leveraging computational and logical methods to analyze and solve linguistics problems! In this course, we will tackle a variety of fun and interesting problems that will cover topics such as writing systems, phonology, morphology, semantics, and more. This class will also serve as an introduction to problems posed in contests such as the North American Computational Linguistics Open. No experience in linguistics is necessary for this course.

Grades: All

This course serves as an introduction to standard web development tools, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Over the 6 weeks of this course, students will learn how to code and design their own elaborate web pages. HTML and CSS concepts that will be covered include markup elements, proper nesting, divs, spans, classes, boxes, and tables. JavaScript concepts that will be covered include data types, operators, data structures, functions, conditional logic, loops, and algorithms.

Grades: 8-12

This course introduces many topics that would appear in an introductory electrical engineering course, including the fundamentals of electrostatics, circuit elements, DC circuit analysis methods, RC circuits, diodes, and even amplifiers! Many of the concepts introduced in this class align with the topics tested in the Circuit Lab event of the National Science Olympiad.

Grades: 7-12

This course exposes students to the world of CAD and 3D design. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a way for engineers to design and create objects and mechanisms virtually before manufacturing them. This course will give a head start for students interested in pursuing engineering, architecture, or other such disciplines after high school. This course will prepare students for SOLIDWORKS Certification.

Grades: 8-12

This high school level course provides a thorough overview of concepts taught in a first-year chemistry course, covering topics such as stoichiometry, acids and bases, periodic trends, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. This class will cover many of the topics that appear on the local exam of the USNCO, the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad.

Grades: 8-12

This high school level course provides a thorough overview of concepts taught in a first-year mechanics course, covering topics such as forces, work and energy, momentum and collisions, uniform circular motion, rotational motion, and more. This class also introduces relevant physics problem-solving skills that will prepare students for the F=ma, the preliminary test for the USA Physics Olympiad.

Grades: 7-12

This course covers several topics that would appear in an introductory astronomy course, including stellar evolution, galactic evolution, planetary formation, orbital mechanics, distances, light, and more! Many of the concepts introduced in this class align with the topics tested in the Astronomy event of the National Science Olympiad and the USA Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad.