SUU PREP Curriculum & Program Highlights

Each year, SUU PREP students tackle three exciting courses plus a Challenge Project designed to exercise the whole brain. These courses build on what students learn in their regular classrooms while adding hands-on activities, lab experiments, field trips, and even the annual cardboard boat race. Join us to explore, create, and grow your mind while preparing for a bright future in STEM!

Year 1

Logic: Students will dive into the world of logic—learning how to decode truth tables, build compound statements, and explore set theory through puzzles and challenges. They’ll also get hands-on experience with two-column proofs, discovering how math helps us analyze data, solve problems, and make clear, logical decisions in real-world situations like computer programming, engineering, and scientific research.

Introduction to Engineering: : Students will explore what engineers do, learn to measure, build, and test simple machines, and discover the concepts of work, energy, and the engineering design process. Hands-on lab demonstrations and activities let students see engineering principles in action and try them out for themselves. The Year 1 Challenge Project is connected to this class, giving students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in a fun, hands-on project that will be demonstrated at the PREP Closing Celebration.

Topics in Problem Solving 1: Students will explore math as a tool for solving real problems. They’ll learn to ask questions, investigate challenges, and try different strategies to find solutions. Along the way, they’ll check their work, understand their results, and apply what they’ve learned to new situations, building confidence and seeing how math connects to the world around them.

Year 2

Algebraic Structures: Explore algebra in the world around you! Students will delve into algebraic structures like groups, rings, and fields, using numbers as models to discover patterns and rules. Through hands-on examples and real-world connections, including patterns in nature, they’ll see how algebra helps explain the world, develop problem-solving skills, and uncover the hidden math behind everyday life.

Introduction to Physics: Students will understand mechanics and physical quantities, equilibrium of a particle, Students will learn about mechanics, forces, motion, energy, and momentum, as well as electricity and magnetism, including circuits, magnetic fields, and capacitors. Hands-on activities make these concepts come alive, helping students see how science explains the world around them. This class is connected to the Year 2 Project Challenge, giving students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a fun, hands-on project that puts their new skills to the test. The project will be demonstrated at the PREP Closing Celebration.

Topics in Problem Solving 2: Students will enjoy hands-on problem-solving experiences that help them explore and understand math in real ways. They’ll learn to ask questions, tackle challenges, try different strategies, check their results, and apply what they’ve learned to new problems. These experiences build confidence, creativity, and the ability to use math meaningfully in everyday life and future STEM adventures.

Year 3

Cryptography: Step into the world of codes and digital security! Students will learn how information is securely encoded and decoded using classical ciphers, modular arithmetic, prime numbers, and modern encryption techniques. Hands-on activities let students practice cracking codes and creating their own, making abstract concepts come alive. This class is connected to the Year 3 Challenge Project, giving students a fun, hands-on opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world-inspired project. The project will be demonstrated at the PREP Closing Celebration.

Probability and Statistics: Discover the power of data and probability! Students will explore counting techniques, probability models, and statistical patterns to make sense of the world around them. They’ll learn to collect, organize, and analyze data, create charts and tables, calculate measures of center and spread, and even explore simple regression. Using R Programming, students will see how data comes to life, helping them draw conclusions, make predictions, and solve real-world problems.

As a fun twist, students will also apply these concepts through a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired lesson, using probability and statistics to plan strategies, make decisions, and see how math powers the outcomes of adventures.

Computer Science: Jump into the world of computer programming, electronics, and cybersecurity! Students will learn basic coding skills, problem-solving, and how to test their programs. They’ll also explore cybersecurity concepts, learning how to protect data and understand safe digital practices. By creating and experimenting with their own programs, students see how code and security come to life in exciting, real-world ways.

All Years

Field Trips & Special Events: Fridays are reserved for on-campus special events such as field trips and the annual cardboard boat race. Field trips are designed to expose students to real applications of STEM fields.