The Science Academy offers one-week STEM classes for middle and high school students. These dynamic programs inspire students to explore diverse fields of science and technology through hands-on projects, building a strong foundation for future academic and career success.
Accordion Content
The Summer Science Academy is offering in-person high school STEM classes for students entering grades 10-12 this fall (students are currently in grades 9-11). The programs are academic and integrate hands-on science and technology activities. We hope you will join us!
Summer 2025 registration period is now closed, please check back next year.
The Human Body from a Medical Mindset
Dates: July 7-11, 2025
Times: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Session: Taught by: Marcus Costa
Are you a high school student considering a career in the medical field? Join us for this week-long investigation into human body systems. Get a feel for what it is like to be a surgeon, a nurse, a researcher, or a technician (just to name a few). Practice suture techniques, explore the heart through dissection, and diagnose illness using electrophoresis, microscopy, or culture. Information about medical careers, including “a day in the life of a medical student,” will be discussed.
Registration for this class is closed.
Cybersecurity: From Intern to Cyber Specialist
Dates: July 7-11, 2025
Times: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Session: Taught by: Paul Pietal
Embark on a journey in the exciting world of cyber security. Your week will begin as an “intern" for a new company entrusted to protect their clients from external threats. You will go through a training program to learn about the basics of Windows and Linux. Other topics will include how to write basic code for investigative uses. As the week unfolds, various cyber tools will be introduced as you build your arsenal of cyber security techniques. The ultimate challenge? You will put your newfound knowledge and skills to the test to defend against a simulated cyber-attack on a critical clients' infrastructure.
Registration for this class is closed.
Program Details
Location: All classes will take place in the Dana Mohler-Faria Science & Mathematics Center at Bridgewater State University's main campus..
Program Fee: The program fee of $400 is due at the time of registration and covers all class expenses including lab supplies and materials. The fee does not include lunch or transportation. Seats are limited and filled on a rolling basis. The refund policy can be found below. We reserve the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Registration will close 1 month prior to the start of the program so register early!
Fee Discounts/Scholarships/Partnerships: There are a number of discounts available, each with specific deadlines and criteria. Do not forget to "apply' the promotional code after entering. Early and Multi discounts cannot be combined nor can either be used with scholarship or partnership registrations
- Early Registration Discount: Registrations completed before April 1, 2025 can receive an early registration discount of $25. Use promotional code at checkout: EARLY
- Sibling/Multi Week Discount: Registration of siblings or multiple weeks for the same child can receive a multiple registration discount of 5%. Use promotional code at checkout: MULTI
- BSU Faculty/Staff discount: Those members of the BSU faculty/staff registering their children only will receive a discounted rate. Discount will apply during the registration process and no promotional code is required.
- Scholarships: A limited number of need-based scholarship registrations are available for those with significant financial need. These registrations are competitive and will be decided on a rolling basis so apply early. Additional paperwork is required for consideration. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 15, 2025. Other discounts do not apply to scholarship registrations.
- Partnerships: A limited number of discounted partnership registrations are available to those previously identified. Other discounts do not apply to partnership registrations.
Note: Participants are not able to attend a class if they have attended it previously. Summer Science Academy participants must be going into grades 10-12. Following registration, you will receive an email regarding all necessary paperwork.
Refund Policy:
- A refund, minus a $50 administrative cancellation fee, will be issued if written cancellation is received more than one month prior to the start of the program.
- A 50% refund, minus a $50 administrative cancellation fee, will be issued if written cancellation is received more than two weeks prior to the start of the course.
- There will be no refund issued in the event of cancellation or if required CampDocs forms are not completed within two weeks prior to the start of the course.
Please note that all required paperwork, including required medical information, must be submitted two weeks prior to the start of the course. Students who do not have complete paperwork will not be able to attend the program.
Late Pickup Fee: There will be a late charge of $25.00 per 15-minute block. Please contact CASE staff if a student will be picked up late.
Additional information: At Bridgewater State University, we strive for a sense of community that maximizes teaching and learning relationships and promotes personal and professional growth. In order to ensure that the Summer Science Academy can achieve its educational mission, participants are expected to actively participate in the learning process in a safe and respectful manner. Students are expected to be able to work cooperatively as part of a team.
Conduct that is disruptive in the educational environment, or in violation of the rights of others, including, but not limited to, hazing, bullying, verbal harassment, intimidation and bias in any manner or media, will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action, which may include: a warning, consultation with parent/guardian, or in cases of serious or repeated behavioral problems, dismissal from the program as determined in the sole discretion of the University. Should a participant be dismissed from the program for any reason, tuition or any other program-related expenses will not be refunded.
Summer Science Academy faculty and staff undergo background checks in accordance with Bridgewater State University’s Policy to Protect Minors and Prevent Abuse.
The Summer Science Academy is offering in-person middle school STEM classes for students entering grades 7- 9 this fall (students are currently in grades 6-8). The programs are academic and integrate hands-on science and technology activities. We hope you will join us!
Summer 2025 registration period is now closed, please check back next year.
*NewCyberTank: Innovate, Defend, Pitch!
Dates: July 14-18, 2025
Times: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Taught by: Lori Cullen
Dive into cybersecurity with our Shark Tank-themed session for middle schoolers! Students will pitch innovative computer creations featuring built-in cybersecurity measures to a panel of 'sharks,' showcasing creativity, problem-solving, and growing tech skills.
Daily unplugged activities foster teamwork and digital citizenship lessons guide students in becoming responsible creators and users. Through interactive challenges, participants will learn to protect personal data, safeguard their innovations, and navigate the online world responsibly
Registration for this class is closed
Avoiding a Campus CATastrophe
Dates: July 14-18, 2025
Times: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Taught by: Jim Perry
Unleashing Curiosity: Where Science Meets the Purr-suit of Knowledge. There has been an influx of stray cats on a local college campus. We need your help to assess the health of our feline friends and design shelters to keep them safe. Junior scientists in this program will assist the laboratory staff from our local rescue organization in testing, diagnosing, and aiding these curious cats. Using biotechnology procedures, veterinary assessments, and critical thinking skills, junior scientists will become a vital part of our team. In addition, they will design and engineer cat shelters for the protection of this feline population thus avoiding a potential CATastrophe.
Please note: No actual cats will be present or utilized during this experience.
Registration for this class is closed.
Program Details
Location: All classes will take place in the Dana Mohler-Faria Science & Mathematics Center at Bridgewater State University's main campus.
Program Fee: The program fee of $300 is due at the time of registration and covers all class expenses including lab supplies and materials. The fee does not include lunch or transportation. Seats are limited and filled on a rolling basis. The refund policy can be found below. We reserve the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Registration will close 1 month prior to the start of the program so register early!
Fee Discounts/Scholarships/Partnerships: There are a number of discounts available, each with specific deadlines and criteria. Do not forget to "apply' the promotional code after entering. EARLY and MULTI discounts cannot be combined nor can either be used with scholarship or partnership registrations.
- Early Registration Discount: Registrations completed before April 1, 2025 can receive an early registration discount of $25. Use promotional code at checkout: EARLY
- Sibling/Multi Week Discount: Registration of siblings or multiple weeks for the same child can receive a multiple registration discount of 5%. Use promotional code at checkout: MULTI
- BSU Faculty/Staff discount: Those members of the BSU faculty/staff registering their children only will receive a discounted rate. Discount will apply during the registration process and no promotional code is required.
- Scholarships: A limited number of need-based scholarship registrations are available for those with significant financial need. These registrations are competitive and will be decided on a rolling basis so apply early. Additional paperwork is required for consideration. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 15, 2025. Other discounts do not apply to scholarship registrations.
- Partnerships: A limited number of discounted partnership registrations are available to those previously identified. Other discounts do not apply to partnership registrations.
Note: Participants are not able to attend a class if they have attended it previously. Summer Science Academy participants must be going into grades 7-9. Following registration, you will receive an email regarding all necessary paperwork.
Refund Policy:
- A refund, minus a $50 administrative cancellation fee, will be issued if written cancellation is received more than one month prior to the start of the program.
- A 50% refund, minus a $50 administrative cancellation fee, will be issued if written cancellation is received more than two weeks prior to the start of the course.
- There will be no refund issued in the event of cancellation or if required CampDocs forms are not completed within two weeks prior to the start of the course.
Please note that all required paperwork, including required medical information, must be submitted two weeks prior to the start of the course. Students who do not have complete paperwork will not be able to attend the program.
Late Pickup Fee: There will be a late charge of $25.00 per 15-minute block. Please contact CASE staff if a student will be picked up late.
Additional information: At Bridgewater State University, we strive for a sense of community that maximizes teaching and learning relationships and promotes personal and professional growth. In order to ensure that the Summer Science Academy can achieve its educational mission, participants are expected to actively participate in the learning process in a safe and respectful manner. Students are expected to be able to work cooperatively as part of a team.
Conduct that is disruptive in the educational environment, or in violation of the rights of others, including, but not limited to, hazing, bullying, verbal harassment, intimidation and bias in any manner or media, will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action, which may include: a warning, consultation with parent/guardian, or in cases of serious or repeated behavioral problems, dismissal from the program as determined in the sole discretion of the University. Should a participant be dismissed from the program for any reason, tuition or any other program-related expenses will not be refunded.
Summer Science Academy faculty and staff undergo background checks in accordance with Bridgewater State University’s Policy to Protect Minors and Prevent Abuse.
The Winter Science Academy is offering an in-person science class for students currently in grades 6–8. We hope you’ll join us!
Forensics Institute of Bridgewater
Date: February 17-20, 2026
Audience: Participants must be in grades 6 through 8
Time: 8:30 AM -2:30 PM daily
Location: Dana Mohler-Faria Science and Mathematics Center at Bridgewater State University
If you have previously attended our Forensics Institute, you are not able to participate again.
As a new employee at the Forensics Institute of Bridgewater (FIB), you expect your intensive training on crime scene investigations to be exciting, but you never thought it would be THIS exciting. While training on the various crime lab biotechnology techniques, a live case is delivered and F.I.B. needs YOU to help determine what happened!
Have you ever watched Crime Scene Investigators and wondered what really happens to the evidence at a crime scene and how that evidence is used to solve the crime? Join us in a week-long adventure into the life of a crime scene analyst! Working with Senior Scientists, you will learn how to collect and analyze fingerprints from a simulated crime scene, perform blood type analysis and get closer to solving the mystery using DNA fingerprinting.
We are now accepting registrations! Register Here
Fee: The program fee of $250 is due at the time of registration and covers all class expenses including lab supplies and materials. The fee does not include lunch or transportation. Seats are limited and filled on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. A limited number of seats are reserved at a discounted rate for children of BSU faculty and staff.
- Early registration discount ($25 off) for regular registrations: Those that register before January 1, 2026 will receive a discounted rate. Use promotional code at checkout: EARLY
Sibling registration discount for regular registrations (5% per sibling): Those registering siblings will receive a discounted rate. Use promotional code at checkout: SIBLING
Important: EARLY and SIBLING discounts cannot be combined and do not apply to scholarship or partnership registrations.
- BSU Faculty/Staff discount for regular registrations: Those members of the BSU faculty/staff registering their children will receive a discounted rate. Discount will apply during registration process.
- Scholarships: A limited number of need-based scholarship registrations are available for those with significant financial need. These registrations are competitive and will be decided on a rolling basis so apply early. Other discounts do not apply to scholarship registrations.
- Please submit a complete scholarship application by the program deadline listed below. To apply for a scholarship, please select the "scholarship registration" option when registering, and complete the student application and teacher evaluation. A scholarship registration payment of $25.00 is due at the time of registration. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so please submit applications promptly. The due date for completed scholarship applications is January 5, 2026. Once all scholarships have been issued, the scholarship registration will close. We reserve the right to ask for documentation confirming any of the information that has been provided. If the student is not accepted into the class, the registration payment will be refunded.
- Deadlines: The program registration deadline is February 1, 2026. All necessary paperwork, including health forms, are due by February 6, 2026.
- Late Pickup Fee: There will be a late charge of $25.00 per 15-minute block. Please contact CASE staff if a student will be picked up late.
Note: Participants are not able to attend a class if they attended it previously. Winter Science Academy participants must currently be in grades 6-8. You will be receive an email regarding all necessary paperwork.
Refund Policy
Full payment is due at the time of registration.
- A refund, minus a $50 administrative cancellation fee, will be issued if written cancellation is received more than one month prior to the start of the course.
- A 50% refund, minus a $50 administrative cancellation fee, will be issued if written cancellation is received less than one month but more than two weeks prior to the start of the course.
- There will be no refund issued in the event of cancellation within two weeks of the start of the course.
- For the Winter Science Academy only: In the case of inclement weather, a refund will be issued at a per diem rate of 25% of original payment.
Inclement Weather Policy
In cases of inclement weather or emergency, The Center for the Advancement of STEM Education follows Bridgewater State University's inclement weather policy. If the university closes due to weather, or any other reason, our program closes as well. If the university has a delayed opening our program will follow that procedure. The official start time at BSU is 8:00 AM. Delays for the campus community commence from that time. For example, in the event of a two-hour delay, the university will open at 10:00 AM.
For the most up to date weather-related closure information, refer to the BSU homepage or Boston and Rhode Island television stations and their websites.