Entering Grades 7-9

Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites for Space Exploration

Have you ever wondered how scientists use programming to explore the deepest reaches of space? In this program, you will discover an exciting real-world application of computer programming. Learn block-based coding, and use it to overcome engineering challenges as you build and program your own model satellite for deep space exploration. You will engage in the iterative design process and deepen your knowledge of both our solar system and computer programming. For teens who are already experienced with block-based coding and are already experienced with Python and/or Javascript, coding challenges can be conducted in Python or Javascript. Teens end the week coding and building a model satellite of their own imaginative creation.
Parents are invited at 4 p.m. on the last day for teens to share their projects.

Program Info

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuition: $1550
Food: Lunch is provided. Students bring a water bottle and snacks from home.

Dates

Session 1: 06/22/2026 – 06/26/2026
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Optional Residential Add-on runs Sunday, June 21, 4:00 p.m. to Friday, June 26, 5:00 p.m.
Residential add-on includes additional programming, on-campus housing, breakfast, and dinner.
Residential Tuition: $1,350, Limited spots available!
Optional residential add-on

Session 2: 07/06/2026 – 07/10/2026
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Optional Residential Add-on runs Sunday, July 5, 4:00 p.m. to Friday, July 9, 5:00 p.m.
Residential add-on includes additional programming, on-campus housing, breakfast, and dinner.
Residential Tuition: $1,350, Limited spots available!
Optional residential add-on

Session 3: 07/20/2026 – 07/24/2026
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Residential add-on NOT AVAILABLE

Session 4: 07/27/2026 – 07/31/2026
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Residential add-on NOT AVAILABLE

Sample Day

7:30 a.m.

Last wake-up call for residential teens!

7:55 a.m.

Residential teens walk to dining room and enjoy breakfast

8:45 a.m.

Teens walk together to campus

9:00 a.m.

Residential and commuter teens sign in with STEM Instructors
Welcome activities and icebreakers
Opening Circle — group check-in and framing the day
Explore STEM concepts and hands-on investigations in your track
Mid-morning break with teens from other tracks
Hands-on investigations and exploration continued

11:45 a.m.

All teens enjoy lunch break in campus dining room

1:00 p.m.

Continued investigations and explorations in your track
Various lab tours and guest speakers
Afternoon break with teens from other tracks
Closing Circle — reflection and preview of what’s ahead

4:00 p.m.

Pathways Program — Campus or other lab tours / Meet and talk to current college students / Meet and talk to professionals from a range of STEM career fields

5:00 p.m.

Residential and commuter teens sign out with STEM Instructors

5:15 p.m.

Residential teens sign in with RAs and walk to dorms

5:30 p.m.

Residential teens enjoy some well deserved downtime or socialize in lounge

6:30 p.m.

Residential teens walk to dining room and enjoy dinner

7:30 p.m.

Evening Program — full group or small group choice activities: exploring downtown Berkeley, board games, or dorm trivia/olympics

8:45 p.m.

Free social time in the lounge, fitness center, music room, or in dorm rooms

9:50 p.m.

Clean up

10:00 p.m.

End of programming for residential teens

Activity Highlights

  • Learn to code in Scratch
  • Daily puzzles and design challenges
  • Planetarium satellite show
  • Craft and engineer a model nanosatellite
  • Daily design challenges
  • Field trip to the Lawrence (transportation provided)
  • Meet and mix with teens across other STEM tracks
  • Meet and talk to students and STEM career professionals
  • Project presentations and The Lawrence Hall of Science UC Berkeley certificate