About the Course
What does a subatomic particle measured in femtometers have in common with a galaxy measured in light years? Both are a part of humans' effort to quantify our world. In this course, you'll explore numbers, from the miniscule to the unimaginably large, and learn how they help explain natural phenomena such as time, distance, and temperature. Moving beyond traditional arithmetic, you and your classmates will consider questions like: how much dog food would you need if your dog were the size of a dinosaur? You'll examine different measurement systems and learn the origins of familiar and unfamiliar methods of measurement, invent your own units of measurement, and use dimensional analysis to investigate conversions between different scales or systems. Then learn to apply concepts of ratio and proportion by constructing and analyzing scale models of our solar system, the human body, and other objects in our natural world. Note: Calculators are used only when extensive computations are needed.
Typical Class Size: 14-16
Learning Objectives
- Explain, classify, and operate on different types of numbers, ranging from very small to very large numbers
- Solve problems and justify real-world solutions involving decimals, exponents, negative numbers, irrational numbers, square roots, proportions, and ratios
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of limits, probabilities, and counting principles
- Utilize various measurement tools, and techniques while converting between metric and standard units
- Apply strategies of rounding, estimating, and mental calculations to solve real-world problems
- Share and articulate ideas and solutions to problems, both written and orally, independently and in groups
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
Gilman School
Baltimore, MD
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Time Commitment:
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.
Number Sense and Nonsense, by Claudia Zaslavsky
If Dogs Were Dinosaurs, by David M. Schwartz and James Warhola
Speyer School
New York, NY
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Filling up fast! 2 spots left
Time Commitment:
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.
Number Sense and Nonsense, by Claudia Zaslavsky
If Dogs Were Dinosaurs, by David M. Schwartz and James Warhola
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 12, 2026
Filling up fast! 3 spots left
Time Commitment:
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.
Number Sense and Nonsense, by Claudia Zaslavsky
If Dogs Were Dinosaurs, by David M. Schwartz and James Warhola
The Woods Academy
Bethesda, MD
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Time Commitment:
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.
Number Sense and Nonsense, by Claudia Zaslavsky
If Dogs Were Dinosaurs, by David M. Schwartz and James Warhola
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