About the Course
Would a boat made of bread and peanut butter actually float? Could one tree be recycled into sweaters and bicycle seat covers? Could a pancake as big as a city block flatten a school? Children's books ask readers to believe in imaginary worlds, but sometimes, there are important science concepts behind their words and pictures. This course delves into the science behind the stories. You and your classmates will explore the digestive system, weather patterns, engineering, and city planning while reading Judi and Ronald Barrett's Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. You'll learn about animal classification, waste management, pollution, industry, invention, plants, and ecosystems through Dr. Seuss' The Lorax . By trying techniques that scientists use every day, like measurement, estimation, and rounding, you'll learn how to predict what will happen next while collecting and classifying data, and you'll leave the course with the ability to recognize science concepts in literature and the real world. Note: Students with CTY-level verbal eligibility may also take this course.
Typical Class Size: 12
Learning Objectives
- Extract and explain scientific themes and concepts from children’s literature to form scientific questions or problems
- Develop an original lab experiment related to scientific concepts in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs or The Lorax, using the scientific method and including a question or problem, variables, controls, hypothesis, procedures with sketches/diagrams, and data collection methods and tools
- Collect, organize, and analyze data in tables and graphs to infer patterns and trends
- Defend conclusions for lab experiments using evidence to support/refute hypotheses
- Communicate the results of your science experiment in an oral presentation using visual aids and/or by writing an original children’s story with illustrations that you’ll share with classmates
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Speyer School
New York, NY
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab fee of $187.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab fee of $187.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett
Saint Andrew's School
Boca Raton, FL
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab fee of $187.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett
The Woods Academy
Bethesda, MD
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab fee of $187.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett
Gilman School
Baltimore, MD
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
This course has a lab fee of $187.
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid