High School Workshops

Title: Teaching Computers to Do Stuff with Algorithms

Duration: 1 hour

Format: Virtual

Facilitated by: Professor Sushant Sachdeva

Description: How are computers able to solve complicated problems? Algorithms. All students have studied solution methods that are algorithms in disguise, e.g., long division, greatest common divisor. This workshop will introduce the formalization of simple algorithms and trying them out in python.

Dates:

• Oct. 23, 1–2 p.m.
• Oct. 24, 1–2 p.m..
• Oct. 31, 1–2 p.m.
• Nov. 6, 1–2 p.m.
• Nov. 8, 1–2 p.m.

Title: Irish Culture 

Duration: 1 hour 

Format: In-person or virtual

Facilitated by: Professor Pa Sheehan

Description: A rich mythology, a bloody history, a vibrant and ancient language as well as breathtaking traditional sports. Join me as I introduce you to the world of Irish Culture. 

Dates:

• Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Nov. 7,  3–5 p.m.
• Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Nov. 14, 3–5 p.m.
• Nov. 21, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Nov. 21, 3–5 p.m.
• Nov. 28, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Nov. 28, 3–5 p.m.

Title: Classical Studies for the Contemporary World

Duration: 1 hour plus optional 30 minutes Q&A/Discussion

Format: In-person

Facilitated by: Professor Adriana Brook

Description: It’s not all broken pots and dusty scrolls! While the study of classics starts with ancient evidence, our discipline has a lot to say about the modern world. This interactive workshop will explore how engagement with ancient examples can shed light on important modern topics and how the study of classics can set you up with a wide range of skills that will make you an attractive employee and a more engaged citizen,

Dates:

• Oct. 18, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Nov. 8, 10–11:30 a.m.

Title: Sit in on a First-Year University Lecture: Ancient Texts, Modern Worlds

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Format: In-person

Facilitated by: Professor Kenneth Yu

Description: This class offers an introduction to Greek and Latin literature and culture, highlighting the theoretical issues involved in the translation and reception of ancient texts. It introduces key works of literature, questions what it means to talk about an “original” text, asks what makes for an “accurate” translation and sharpens awareness of linguistic issues even for students without Latin and Greek.

Dates:

• Nov. 7, 1–2:30 p.m.

Title: French Studies at U of T

Duration: 1 hour 

Format: In-person or virtual

Facilitated by: Professor Paul Bessler

Description: This workshop provides students with an overview of the three types of courses offered in the Department of French, namely language, literature and linguistics. We will also look at the various minor, major and specialist programs offered by the department, as well as some of the career opportunities available to graduates. Please note that this workshop can be conducted in English or French.

Dates:

• Oct. 22, 10–11 a.m.
• Nov. 5, 10–11 a.m.
• Nov. 12, 10–11 a.m.

Title: The Science of Speech - An Introduction to Phonetics

Duration: 1 hour 

Format: In-person or virtual

Facilitated by: Professor Paul Bessler

Description: The purpose of this workshop is to investigate some applications of research in the field of phonetics, which is the area of linguistics that deals with the sounds that make up speech.  We will begin by examining the relationship between the production of sounds by the vocal apparatus and the physical properties of the resulting sound waves. We will then look at some of the tools used by phoneticians to analyze these sounds, and we will conclude by considering some practical applications of these tools, such as teaching pronunciation to second-language learners and voice recognition.  Please note that this workshop can be conducted in English or in French.

Dates: 

• Oct. 17, 12–1 p.m.
• Oct. 24, 12–1 p.m.
• Nov. 7, 12–1 p.m.
• Nov. 14, 12–1 p.m.

Title: Easy German

Duration: 45 min

Format: Virtual

Facilitated by: Professor Stefana Gargova

Description: Join us for a whirlwind of a German workshop and get to experience the beauty and preciseness of the language through interactive games, tongue-twisters and cultural quizzes. Get ready to say "Hallo!" to a new linguistic journey filled with fun, laughter and learning.

Dates:

• Oct. 17, 10–11 a.m.
• Oct. 24, 10–11 a.m.
• Nov. 14, 10–11 a.m.
• Nov. 21, 10–11 a.m.

Title: Reading Pali

Duration: 1 hour 

Format: Virtual 

Facilitated by: Dr. Libbie Mills

Description: During this visit, you will attend a lecture by an astronomer from the department on one of the below topics. You will also visit the observatories and observation balcony on the 15th and 16th floors of the McLennan Physical Labs (MP), the tallest building on the University of Toronto downtown campus. There are two observatory domes on the roof of MP, one containing an eight-inch refracting telescope and the other containing a 16-inch reflecting telescope. Weather permitting, we will be able to do some solar observing through our telescopes.

Dates:

• Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Title: An introduction to geological microscopes

Duration: 1 hour 

Format: In-person

Facilitated by: Professor Daniel Gregory

Description: We will provide a hands-on introduction to using a petrographic microscope to identify and understand a variety of beautiful minerals.

Dates: 

• Oct. 8, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Oct. 22, 10:30–11:30 a.m. 
• Nov. 5, 10:30–11:30 a.m. 

Title: The Seven Bridges of Königsberg 

Duration: 1 hour

Format: Virtual

Facilitated by: Asia Majeed

Description: All roads and motorways form a large network. How do you find the shortest route between two given points? Mathematics! In this interactive workshop, we’ll introduce students to graph theory by finding diversions when a particular connection is busy.

Requirements: A computer and browser with internet access for each participant. No programming experience required. Tablets and phones can work but the experience is best with a desktop browser.

Dates:

• Nov. 7, 2–3 p.m.
• Nov. 14, 2–3 p.m.