About the Course
Can a concrete boat float? How do you build the strongest bridge with the lightest materials? Physics, the science of matter and its motion, provides answers to questions like these. In this course, you'll explore core principles of mechanics, aerodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and orbital motion, and then apply them to engineering design projects like building a trebuchet; designing and launching a rocket; and constructing a roller coaster. By collecting and analyzing data, writing reports about your discoveries, and participating in class lectures, discussions, and practice exercises, you'll learn major physics concepts and work individually and in teams to create solutions to common engineering problems. Before taking this class, you should either complete CTY's Inductive and Deductive Reasoning or Data and Chance, or have experience with pre-algebraic concepts like equation manipulation, interpreting graphs, and expressing large numbers in scientific notation.
Typical Class Size: 14-16
Learning Objectives
- Identify, define, and propose a solution to an engineering problem
- Apply core principles of mechanics, aerodynamics, electricity, and magnetism to evaluate solutions to engineering problems
- Predict and investigate the relationship between Newton's laws of motion and the six simple machines
- Design, construct, and test engineering projects using the engineering design process, including a projectile motion project and a simple circuit
- Measure and interpret the results of experiments conducted on design projects created in class, and justify new design recommendations based on those evaluations
- Model principles of inclusive design when developing new solutions and determining criteria for evaluating the success a design
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
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 5, 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.
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, by John D. Anderson
The Art of Construction, by Mario Salvadori
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 5, 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.
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, by John D. Anderson
The Art of Construction, by Mario Salvadori
Ursinus College
Collegeville, PA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 12, 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.
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, by John D. Anderson
The Art of Construction, by Mario Salvadori
Gilman School
Baltimore, MD
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 12, 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.
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, by John D. Anderson
The Art of Construction, by Mario Salvadori
Speyer School
New York, NY
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 12, 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.
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, by John D. Anderson
The Art of Construction, by Mario Salvadori
UC-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 12, 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.
Fundamentals of Aerodynamics, by John D. Anderson
The Art of Construction, by Mario Salvadori
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