2024 VAMPY Course List
After reading the descriptions and noting the qualifying ACT or SAT scores for each class, please write the name of your first, second, and third choices in the spaces provided on the application. Consider your choices carefully. You need to be interested in the class you choose as well as willing to give your best effort for three weeks. If your first choice is filled, you will be placed in the next available choice.
An ACT or SAT score is required for all VAMPY applicants. Students who have registered to take the ACT or SAT by April 30 may apply and provide scores at a later date.
Astronomy
Madison Staton
In this dynamic course, we'll unravel the mysteries of the universe by delving into
topics such as the Golden Record and terraforming Mars as we study the historical,
practical, and theoretical applications of astronomy through inquiry-based activities
and discussions. We'll tackle apparent retrograde motion and tidal locking, while
also engineering solutions to the challenges of the next generation of space exploration.
By day, we'll dive into major astronomy concepts like motions in our solar system,
astronomical navigation, the purpose of a national space program, and the structure
of our universe. By night, we will learn to use different types of telescopes to make
observations, navigate the cosmos, identify planets and constellations, and uncover
the wonders of the night sky!
Prerequisite: Algebra I or equivalent course
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M ≥ 20 or ACT-ENG ≥ 20 or ACT-S ≥ 21 or ACT-R ≥ 21 or SAT-M ≥ 520 or SAT-CR ≥ 510
Chemistry
Trevor Webster
This class, an introduction to general chemistry, explores material equivalent to
an accelerated high school chemistry course. Concepts covered include scientific method,
qualitative analysis, atomic theory, inorganic nomenclature, stoichiometry, gas laws,
solutions, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, polymer chemistry, and nanotechnology.
Class time will be divided between demonstrations, lecture, and laboratory experiments.
Students should bring a scientific calculator.
Prerequisite: Algebra I or equivalent course
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M ≥ 20 or ACT-ENG ≥ 20 or ACT-S ≥ 21 or ACT-R ≥ 21 or SAT-M ≥ 520 or SAT CR ≥ 510
DNA and Genetics
Colten Collings
This class focuses on the exciting study of genetics and its applications. Genetics
is a fundamental part of understanding how life works, and it will continue to be
a strong emphasis of study in biological science, especially as it relates to the
treatment of genetic disorders. After learning the basics of DNA structure and Mendelian
genetics, participants will use this knowledge in a variety of more complex, real-world
genetics applications. Students will conduct numerous lab experiments and demonstrations
each week to enhance their experience.
View Class Syllabus and Letter to Guardians
Prerequisite: Algebra I or equivalent course
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510
Mathematics
Samantha Caldwell
VAMPY Mathematics features a mix of individual study and higher-level explorations.
Students will have the opportunity to learn at their level of mastery, from Geometry
through Calculus I or beyond. Students work at their own pace with guidance from the
instructor. Explorations will include elementary spherical geometry, set theory, number
theory, and abstract algebra – all topics that are accessible to gifted middle and
high school students. Through group problem-solving sessions, advanced origami, and
more, this course promotes critical thinking and cooperative learning and provides
challenge to those who have a passion for mathematics.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or SAT-M≥520
Nazi Germany and the Holocaust
Ron Skillern
This class chronicles Adolf Hitler’s early life, his rise to power, and his policy
of antisemitism, focusing on how the members of the Nazi Party saw themselves and
the role of propaganda in molding popular opinion. The class will employ a variety
of activities and teaching methods: lecture, discussion, video, primary documents,
debate, mock trial, library research, and guest speakers. Additionally, students will
participate in one of the three projects: Holocaust Mural (six feet by nine feet),
Mock Trial of Adolf Hitler, and play based on The Anne Frank Story. All students will participate in researching the message of the mural and in selecting
the images created on the canvas. In 2017, Kentucky Educational Television created
a 26-minute documentary titled Murals of the Holocaust which can be viewed at this link. The course will conclude with an examination of the present-day manifestations of
racism in both America and Europe.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500
Physics
Kenny Lee
Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of Newtonian mechanics as well as
electricity, magnetism, waves, light, and optics. Development of the concepts, laboratory
skills, and mathematical problem-solving will be stressed. Practical application will
be emphasized through student involvement in laboratory experiments and demonstrations.
Students should bring a scientific calculator capable of calculating sine, cosine,
and tangent.
Prerequisite: Algebra I or equivalent course and some experience with right-angle trigonometry
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or SAT-M≥520
Pop Culture
Justin Mitchell
Want a new perspective on history? This class will travel through the decades of the
20th and 21st centuries, examining the history of America through pop culture. Various
genres of music, film, sports, literature, and fashion as well as fads from the past
and present will be explored. Students will discover how the media influences culture,
examine what makes things pop, and research the lasting effects of pop culture on
society.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT- ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500
Presidential Politics
Dennis Jenkins
This class will explore a variety of issues and decisions that American presidents
have faced since 1960. An emphasis will be given to the more pivotal decisions, events,
and elections that have impacted our nation’s history during the past 60 years, from
the presidency of John F. Kennedy through the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Students will participate in debates, discussions, and projects that enhance their
knowledge of presidential politics with the goal of improving students’ analytical and critical thinking skills.
They will also examine political campaign strategies, platforms, commercials, debates,
court cases, and satire in presidential elections.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT- ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500
Problems You've Never Solved Before
Catherine Poteet
Have you ever had to mail a potato chip? Build a bridge out of paper? Drop an egg from four stories high with only a few household materials to safely protect it?This class is designed to stretch problem-solving skills and creative thinking. Students will be required to use evidence and deductive reasoning to solve unique, real-world problems through the engineering design process of creating, testing, and improving.
Prerequisite: Algebra I or equivalent course
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510
Psychology
Amber Giacona
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Through different modalities, this class will cover the history of psychology, neuroscience, memory, learning, eyewitness psychology, abnormal behavior, social behavior, intelligence, and other topics. Students will investigate how psychologists critically evaluate research and learn how to conduct research using the scientific method. At the end of this course, students will be able to critically evaluate research and will learn competencies and ethics needed by psychology professionals.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT- ENG≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500
Writing
Audrey Harper
This language-intensive, inquiry-driven course will be conducted as a reading/writing
workshop. Work will center around individual literacy goals and inquiry focus wherein
students choose writing and reading related to their area of inquiry in exposition,
poetry, fiction, and argument. The writing process and learning to read as a writer
will be emphasized. The culminating activity will be a presentation of multiple genre,
multimodal projects — writing that integrates fiction, poetry, and prose to communicate
learning on a self-identified topic of inquiry.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-ENG≥20 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500
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