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2024 VAMPY Course List

After reading the descriptions and noting the qualifying ACT or SAT scores for each class, please write the name of your first, second, and third choices in the spaces provided on the application. Consider your choices carefully. You need to be interested in the class you choose as well as willing to give your best effort for three weeks. If your first choice is filled, you will be placed in the next available choice.

An ACT or SAT score is required for all VAMPY applicants. Students who have registered to take the ACT or SAT by April 30 may apply and provide scores at a later date.

 

Astronomy
Madison Staton
In this dynamic course, we'll unravel the mysteries of the universe by delving into topics such as the Golden Record and terraforming Mars as we study the historical, practical, and theoretical applications of astronomy through inquiry-based activities and discussions. We'll tackle apparent retrograde motion and tidal locking, while also engineering solutions to the challenges of the next generation of space exploration. By day, we'll dive into major astronomy concepts like motions in our solar system, astronomical navigation, the purpose of a national space program, and the structure of our universe. By night, we will learn to use different types of telescopes to make observations, navigate the cosmos, identify planets and constellations, and uncover the wonders of the night sky!

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Qualifying Scores: ACT-M ≥ 20 or ACT-ENG ≥ 20 or ACT-S ≥ 21 or ACT-R ≥ 21 or SAT-M ≥ 520 or SAT-CR ≥ 510 

 

Chemistry
Trevor Webster
This class, an introduction to general chemistry, explores material equivalent to an accelerated high school chemistry course. Concepts covered include scientific method, qualitative analysis, atomic theory, inorganic nomenclature, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, polymer chemistry, and nanotechnology. Class time will be divided between demonstrations, lecture, and laboratory experiments. Students should bring a scientific calculator. 

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Qualifying Scores: ACT-M ≥ 20 or ACT-ENG ≥ 20 or ACT-S ≥ 21 or ACT-R ≥ 21 or SAT-M ≥ 520 or SAT CR ≥ 510 

 

DNA and Genetics
Colten Collings

This class focuses on the exciting study of genetics and its applications. Genetics is a fundamental part of understanding how life works, and it will continue to be a strong emphasis of study in biological science, especially as it relates to the treatment of genetic disorders. After learning the basics of DNA structure and Mendelian genetics, participants will use this knowledge in a variety of more complex, real-world genetics applications. Students will conduct numerous lab experiments and demonstrations each week to enhance their experience.

View Class Syllabus and Letter to Guardians

Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510

 

Mathematics
Samantha Caldwell

VAMPY Mathematics features a mix of individual study and higher-level explorations. Students will have the opportunity to learn at their level of mastery, from Geometry through Calculus I or beyond. Students work at their own pace with guidance from the instructor. Explorations will include elementary spherical geometry, set theory, number theory, and abstract algebra – all topics that are accessible to gifted middle and high school students. Through group problem-solving sessions, advanced origami, and more, this course promotes critical thinking and cooperative learning and provides challenge to those who have a passion for mathematics.

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Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or SAT-M≥520

 

Nazi Germany and the Holocaust
Ron Skillern

This class chronicles Adolf Hitler’s early life, his rise to power, and his policy of antisemitism, focusing on how the members of the Nazi Party saw themselves and the role of propaganda in molding popular opinion. The class will employ a variety of activities and teaching methods: lecture, discussion, video, primary documents, debate, mock trial, library research, and guest speakers. Additionally, students will participate in one of the three projects: Holocaust Mural (six feet by nine feet), Mock Trial of Adolf Hitler, and play based on The Anne Frank Story. All students will participate in researching the message of the mural and in selecting the images created on the canvas. In 2017, Kentucky Educational Television created a 26-minute documentary titled Murals of the Holocaust which can be viewed at this link. The course will conclude with an examination of the present-day manifestations of racism in both America and Europe.

Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500 

 

Physics
Kenny Lee

Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of Newtonian mechanics as well as electricity, magnetism, waves, light, and optics. Development of the concepts, laboratory skills, and mathematical problem-solving will be stressed. Practical application will be emphasized through student involvement in laboratory experiments and demonstrations. Students should bring a scientific calculator capable of calculating sine, cosine, and tangent.

Prerequisite: Algebra I or equivalent course and some experience with right-angle trigonometry
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or SAT-M≥520 

 

Presidential Politics
Dennis Jenkins
This class will explore a variety of issues and decisions that American presidents have faced since 1960. An emphasis will be given to the more pivotal decisions, events, and elections that have impacted our nation’s history during the past 60 years, from the presidency of John F. Kennedy through the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Students will participate in debates, discussions, and projects that enhance their knowledge of presidential politics with the goal of improving students’ analytical and critical thinking skills. They will also examine political campaign strategies, platforms, commercials, debates, court cases, and satire in presidential elections. 

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Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT- ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500 

 

Problems You've Never Solved Before
Catherine Poteet

Have you ever had to mail a potato chip? Build a bridge out of paper? Drop an egg from four stories high with only a few household materials to safely protect it?This class is designed to stretch problem-solving skills and creative thinking. Students will be required to use evidence and deductive reasoning to solve unique, real-world problems through the engineering design process of creating, testing, and improving.

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Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510

 

Psychology
Amber Giacona

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Through different modalities, this class will cover the history of psychology, neuroscience, memory, learning, eyewitness psychology, abnormal behavior, social behavior, intelligence, and other topics. Students will investigate how psychologists critically evaluate research and learn how to conduct research using the scientific method. At the end of this course, students will be able to critically evaluate research and will learn competencies and ethics needed by psychology professionals. 

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Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT- ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500 

 

Writing
Audrey Harper

This language-intensive, inquiry-driven course will be conducted as a reading/writing workshop. Work will center around individual literacy goals and inquiry focus wherein students choose writing and reading related to their area of inquiry in exposition, poetry, fiction, and argument. The writing process and learning to read as a writer will be emphasized. The culminating activity will be a presentation of multiple genre, multimodal projects — writing that integrates fiction, poetry, and prose to communicate learning on a self-identified topic of inquiry.

View Class Syllabus

Qualifying Scores: ACT-ENG≥20 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500


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 Last Modified 5/7/24