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 the unique human effort to quantify the world around us. In this course, we’ll explore numbers, from the very small to the unimaginably large, and learn how numeric representations help to explain natural phenomena such as time, distance, and temperature. Moving beyond traditional arithmetic, we’ll participate in hands-on activities that will help us develop an understanding of the scope and scale of numbers. We’ll develop various approximation and computational strategies, learn to use scientific notation, and determine whether answers to real-world problems are reasonable. As time allows, we’ll apply concepts of ratio and proportion by constructing and analyzing scale models of our solar system, the human body, and/or other objects in our natural world.
Learning Objectives
- Explain, classify, and operate on very small and very large numbers
- Solve problems, and justify real-world solutions involving decimals, exponents, negative numbers, irrational numbers, proportions, and ratios
- 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.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Tue for 13 weeks
Times: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register by: December 15, 2025
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (90 minutes of synchronous class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 12 sessions over 12 weeks.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Tue for 13 weeks
Times: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register by: February 17, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (90 minutes of synchronous class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 12 sessions over 12 weeks.
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