About the Course

The Physics of Engineering

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
 

Course Overview

This course is

ungraded.

Summer Dates & Locations

Registration deadline:

After May 9, 2025, registration is available upon request pending eligibility and seat availability. To request placement, email [email protected] after submitting a program application.

Session One

Image of the Ursinus College campus
Collegeville, Pennsylvania
-
Residential cost: $7,259
Commuter cost: $6,459
Additional fees: $180
Image of Roger Williams University
Bristol, Rhode Island
-
Residential cost: $7,259
Commuter cost: $6,459
Additional fees: $180
image of the Loyola Marymount University campus
Los Angeles, California
-
Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Additional fees: $180
Birdseye view image of the campus of Mirman School
Los Angeles, California
-
Day cost: $3,959
Additional fees: $180
Image of Gilman School Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland
-
Day cost: $3,149
Additional fees: $180
Image of the University of California Santa Cruz campus
Santa Cruz, California
-
Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Additional fees: $180
Image of Speyer School in New York City
New York, New York
-
Day cost: $3,959
Additional fees: $180

Session Two

Image of the Ursinus College campus
Collegeville, Pennsylvania
-
Residential cost: $7,259
Commuter cost: $6,459
Additional fees: $180
Image of Roger Williams University
Bristol, Rhode Island
-
Residential cost: $7,259
Commuter cost: $6,459
Additional fees: $180
image of the Loyola Marymount University campus
Los Angeles, California
-
Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Additional fees: $180
Birdseye view image of the campus of Mirman School
Los Angeles, California
-
Day cost: $3,959
Additional fees: $180
Image of Gilman School Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland
-
Day cost: $3,149
Additional fees: $180
Image of the University of California Santa Cruz campus
Santa Cruz, California
-
Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Additional fees: $180
Image of Speyer School in New York City
New York, New York
-
Day cost: $3,959
Additional fees: $180

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level CTY-Level Not required
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Sign up for Testing Learn More

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Tuition
    • Varies
  • Application fee
    • Nonrefundable Application Fee - $55 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
    • Nonrefundable International Fee - $250 (outside US only)

Financial Aid is available
We are committed to serving all talented youth regardless of financial circumstances. Financial assistance is available based on need.

Learn More

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.
 

Course Extras (Lab fee, etc)

Lab fee: $180

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 Cartoon Guide to Physics, by Larry Gonick
  • The Art of Construction, by Mario Salvadori

About Science and Engineering at CTY

Explore space and our planet

In our Introduction to Astronomy course, we’ll visit a nearby observatory or planetarium, see what the cosmos looks like through various spectra, and immerse ourselves in the science and technology that bring the universe closer to home. In Marine Ecology, we’ll visit local wetlands and tidepools, observe flora and fauna, collect water samples and analyze them for clues about their health and humans’ impact. And in The Global Environment, we will explore the human impact on our environment and generate proposals for addressing climate change.

Bond over chemistry

Our chemistry courses help you see the world differently, starting at the atomic level. The Edible World gives budding chefs and science lovers a glimpse into the chemical reactions that happen when we make food, and the chemical makeup of meals and treats we eat every day. In our Crystals and Polymers course, we’ll synthesize slime, grow rock candy, and isolate strawberry DNA to learn about the molecular structure of naturally occurring gems and human-produced plastics. In Chemistry in Society, we'll consider how the chemicals in products can both enhance and degrade the world around us; produce biodiesel in a lab to understand alternative fuels; and prepare aspirin to learn about the healing and toxic properties of pharmaceuticals.

Meet our instructors and staff