Three weeks. Five courses. Countless opportunities.
At DECATS, we believe education and entertainment go hand-in-hand. Our qualitatively differentiated program focuses on leadership and responsibility education for gifted children, providing challenging and enriching coursework, nurturing the whole learner and fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Originally conceived and architected on Dr. Joseph Renzulli’s conceptions and models of giftedness, DECATS is a safe learning environment for students who demonstrate high intellectual ability, a strong commitment to learning and exceptional creativity.
All Scholars participate in
Perspectives takes place during second period and provides a forum for reflection, support and direction for gifted Scholars. Topics include the privileges and responsibilities of being gifted, with special emphasis on leadership, followership, peer relationships and faith development. We also explore stereotypes of the gifted, dispelling myths and celebrating uniqueness. The primary goal of this four-year curriculum is to instill in Scholars a sense of service to others in a spirit of gratitude, learning that “better at” does not mean “better than.” Scholars are encouraged to think critically and be reflective regarding their own experiences.
Explore themes discussed in Perspectives
We gather course requests as part of an easy, online process, where you have plenty of advance time to review our offerings for the summer and map out those you wish to request. Final schedules are provided at the very start of the program, not in advance.
For more more about the course request process, check out our FAQ section.
DECATS 2022 Courses
A Game of Kings
Want to join the Knights of the Square Table, or maybe the Bishop Brigade? Do you want to Rook & Roll? Don’t be intimidated by the challenge of chess! Whether you’re a novice or an accomplished chess player, come sharpen your critical thinking skills, learn to outwit your opponents and experience the thrill of victory. Come on in and take a seat. “A Game of Kings” is beginning — and it’s your move!
A-maze-ing
Marble mazes may appear simplistic, but look again! Slope, angles and other mathematical concepts are what keep things rolling. Collaborate with a team to design, test, and tweak your very own marble runs. With a little patience and a lot of planning, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.
AbracaDECATS!
You won’t believe your eyes! Come explore the secrets of magic tricks, from simple street magic to big stage performances, and practice performing for an audience of your own. Develop your stage presence as you explore the science behind each sleight of hand.
Adventure Awaits
Calling all those who seek adventure into parts unknown! Dragons are wreaking havoc, monsters are lurking and the people of the land need your help! You and your fellow Scholars will take fate into your hands as you form teams and make decisions that impact the outcome of your game. A simple roll of the die can change your circumstances completely! Be prepared to think two steps ahead because adventure awaits!
Angry Birds: Next Level
Ready . . . Aim . . . FIRE! We don’t need devices to play with THESE Angry Birds. In this course, we will build different kinds of catapults, assemble different kinds of “birds” for ammunition and construct various levels to knock down. Don’t let an evil piggy steal your spot. Slingshot your way into fun in Angry Birds: The Next Level!
Animania
You are a scientist deep in the Amazon hoping to learn more about an animal you’ve been researching when suddenly you discover a new species! Believe it or not, this continues to happen every year, as the world is full of areas left to explore and animals left to discover. In Animania, you’ll journey into the unknown to examine some of the wildest creatures ever seen. Take the most interesting aspects of each and build a model of your own unique species. What does it eat? Where will it live? And, most importantly, what else might be out there?
Another Place, Another Time
Travel in the DECATS time machine to an era where Queen Victoria is on the throne, science and technology are exploding with new ideas, and an industrial revolution is on the horizon. From this perspective, we’ll imagine alternative outcomes for the future where modern technology takes a backseat to inventions fashioned from gears, springs, and coils. We’ll use these materials to design puzzles, inventions and sculptures that reflect the era. Buckle up for this journey to Another Place, Another Time!
Back to the Future
Take time-trusted tales and propel them into 2022! Take the themes and plot lines that make familiar tales eternally popular and see what happens when modern day elements are added into the mix in a play that you create, write and produce. Is the setting your school? Is the heroine the homecoming queen? See what happens when two worlds collide on stage!
Backstage Pass
The most exciting ticket to any show is the backstage pass! Behind the scenes, the stage crew not only prepares stage scenery, props and costuming for our show, but they also get to see and do what those in the audience can’t once the show takes the stage! Help our Broadway show come together using your artistic skills and creativity to set the stage for the big show.
Bigger Than Before
Do you enjoy drawing but wish you could improve your artistic talents? Wish you could draw fabulous pictures but find yourself having to trace them to get the look you want? Learn how to draw smaller objects on a larger scale with a technique that will allow you to unleash your inner artist. Embrace a simple technique that will allow you to enlarge any picture to the size you want and still have it look like the original. Join us and amaze your family and friends.
Bits & Pieces
Bit by bit, piece by piece, one tiny square at a time—put it all together and create one-of-a-kind mosaics! Using jewels, tiles, and stones, we’ll experiment with placement and design to create beautiful works of art. Our work will stand the test of time as we preserve our artwork through the process of grouting and sealing.
Blood & Guts
Our planet is a marvelous place where creatures of all shapes and sizes coexist. Don your protective equipment and join us as we get a closer look at Earth’s creatures, both inside and out. Our journey will involve hands-on exploration and dissection of aquatic and terrestrial specimens as we examine their internal and external anatomy and learn more about the human body in the process. Allergy Warning: This course involves potential exposure to uncooked seafood, latex, and specimen preservatives. This course includes dissection and is best for Scholars with strong stomachs.
Brainteasers
Stretch your brain and prepare to attack problems in unconventional ways! This course is full of puzzles, riddles and challenging problems. It requires someone who wants to be challenged to think “outside the box!” Open your mind to logic and strategy as you participate in eye-opening activities, such as life-size Sudoku, Wordles, and human knots!
Breaking News
Find out what it takes to research, script and launch our very own newscast! From producers all the way to broadcasters and meteorologists, we’ll need you to fill an important role in our production. We’ll use green screen technology to put us “on the scene” of newsworthy events and make sure our DECATS community always has the scoop!
Challenge Accepted
When faced with a dilemma that has no obvious solution, there’s only one thing to do — use science to solve it! Can you work with your team to create a waterslide that can safely transport objects of varying weights? Can you adjust the specifications of your rollercoaster to keep things moving? Together with your team, compete in a variety of STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) tasks designed to stretch your thinking as you devise creative solutions to accomplish the task at hand. The challenge awaits: are you up for it?
Clay Creations
Experience the traditional Italian polymer clay art of millefiori, which translates to “a thousand flowers.” The beauty of this technique is revealed through long, colorful coils wrapped strategically with polymer clay to construct elaborate designs. Create beads, sculptures, caterpillars and other beautiful insects using magnificent millefiori!
Codezilla
Come crack the code of computer programming! We’ll start with the basics as we develop problem-solving skills and work through fun challenges. Before long, we’ll be making games and creative projects using block-based programming. You’ll be able to share the games you create with friends and family!
Cool Beats
Combine percussion skills with summer fun in the only course that lets you create a captivating show with only drums and pool noodles! Recreate your favorite music and produce new rhythms to put on a one-of-a-kind act. Come drum up some fun in Cool Beats!
Crack the Code
Since the invention of writing, people have wanted to send others messages no one else could read. Methods range from the simple (sdrawkcab segassem gnitirw) to the super sophisticated, those uncrackable by any modern computer. We’ll find various ways of scrambling words, move on to substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers, and finish off with codes. We’ll also have fun trying to create our own secret messages to pass on to others!
CSI: DECATS
Calling all would-be sleuths and Sherlock Holmes wannabes! A crime has been committed at DECATS, and it is up to you and your forensics team to identify the culprit. Learn how to investigate a crime scene, from securing the scene and collecting evidence to fingerprint analysis. Grab your magnifying glass and critical thinking cap and let’s solve the mystery!
DECATS Digest
Join DECATS Digest by becoming a reporter or photographer for our newspaper. We will publish an entire edition during our three weeks together. Find out what it takes to write for and create a newspaper as you develop the confidence to seek out interviews with your peers and Mentors. Put your research, interviewing, photography and writing skills to work for the entire community to enjoy. Don’t miss this opportunity to spread the news!
DECATS DIY
Why buy what you can make yourself? Get ready to construct and create! Get a little messy and have a whole lot of fun as we make our own bouncy balls, silly putty, soap, sidewalk chalk and more. If you are ready to take projects into your own hands, this is the course for you!
DECATS Dream House
Let your creativity take the lead as you design your very own dream house. Whether you find yourself dreaming of a tree house deep in the woods or a mansion themed after your favorite television show, you’ll price out, design, and build a domain of your dreams. There’s no place like home in DECATS Dream House!
DECATS Olympics
The Olympics have arrived in Houston! After we divide into countries, create flags and logos, and participate in Opening Ceremonies, it’s time for the games to begin. We’ll participate in a variety of sports and challenges modeled after those seen in the Olympics, such as scooter-kayaking and build-your-own badminton. Go for the gold in DECATS Olympics!
DECATS World Cup
The World Cup is headed for DECATS this summer! This global event has played an important role in the history of sports. What unique features have made each World Cup different from the last? Take a look at this competition from both a sports and historical perspective. Once we hit the field, it will be time to practice basic soccer skills, such as passing, dribbling, and shooting, and get to know the rules of the game. We’ll use goal-setting and progress-tracking to assist us as we grow our soccer skills. In the end, we will incorporate our talents and skills to compete in the 2022 DECATS World Cup.
Denim Designs
What’s the best kind of fabric? Denim! Jeans are stylish, trendy, useful and versatile. But instead of wearing them, let’s deconstruct them and design something new! Be ready to look at this fashion material in a new way as we construct bean bag games, personalize coasters and apply intricate weaving patterns using this timeless textile.
Did You Myth Me?
Step aside, Superman. It’s time to give credit to the original superheroes – mythological figures! Explore the adventures of heroes from ancient cultures around the world, solve trickster riddles, and decide who would win the ultimate showdown between deities, demigods, and heroes.
Duct Tape Creations
Duct tape art continues to trend, and origami is an art form that has maintained interest for ages. Join us and experience what the hype is all about as we bring these two types of art into one amazing course! Let’s see what we can create with a few folds and a lot of duct tape!
Edible Art
Art isn’t just for the studio! Our artwork takes place in the kitchen! Learn piping skills, painting skills and character design that can be used to decorate one-of-a-kind sweet treats. We’ll make art that looks too good to eat! Allergy Warning: This course involves the handling and consuming of foods.
Epic Adventures
Become the hero of your own story! Create your own adventures in groups and individually, go on journeys where you get to choose your own fate and complete challenging team-building activities with your fellow Scholars! Our final task will be creating our very own “choose your own adventure” activity that puts others up against menacing missions of your design! Will you and your companions overcome the adventures that lie before you?
Face the Past
Explore past civilizations by enjoying a type of universal expression used by groups throughout history: masks! Replicate the historical features of past cultural masks or create one in your own style using plaster strips painted with elements from nature. Bring the story of your mask to life by crafting a tale that represents its significance.
Food Truck Showdown
Put your culinary talents and entrepreneurial skills to the test as you create the concept for Houston’s hottest new food truck! Design a theme, logo, and menu that will be enhanced by your signature dish. Be ready to pitch your concepts and compete for financing in the Food Truck Showdown. Allergy Warning: This course involves the handling and consuming of foods.
Game On
Are you quick to solve puzzles during Wheel of Fortune? Do you wish you could buzz in with answers during Jeopardy? You are no longer just a contestant at home. Use your creativity to create your very own game show. Become a producer as you create the concept, craft the rules and bring the game show to life.
Get Growing
Learn how to care for the earth by putting your green thumbs to work! Grow plants and herbs that can be used for everything from beautifying a space at our campus to adding flavor to our favorite drinks. Learn how to cultivate and care for plants, as well as the significant ways they have been used to promote healing for generations. Allergy Warning: This course involves direct exposure to live plants and potential exposure to insects.
Give My Regards to Broadway
Lights, camera, action! Join in the excitement and magic of being part of a Broadway show. Share your love of theater as you act, sing, and dance to make a musical come to life. Everyone performs and everyone is cast in a part. Scholars learn the fundamentals of acting, create a costume, develop their character, memorize lines and sing and dance in a fast paced, hands-on production. Get ready to shine as the curtain goes up and the show goes on.
Hello, Hogwarts
Calling all wizards! From the moment you arrive, you will cease to be a Muggle and take on the role of a Scholar at the Hogwarts School in the wizarding world of Harry Potter! Explore extraordinary classes like Care of Magical Creatures, Transfiguration and Potions. Try your hand at making your own wand, creating a golden snitch and designing your own Hogwarts floor plan. You can wear your Hogwarts robes or choose to dress in the Muggle manner. Come begin the journey of a lifetime into the wonderful world of Harry Potter!
History’s Mysteries
From Native American tales of the Texas coast to the legend of Bigfoot, take a closer look at some of history’s greatest mysteries. Become a super sleuth as we examine the scientific phenomena that might be at work. Dig deeper into the existing theories or come up with one of your own. Perhaps you’ll secure your own place in history when you uncover the treasure of pirate William Kidd or pinpoint the location of Cleopatra’s tomb.
Home on the Range
Every day in the life of a pioneer on the western frontier was full of adventure and danger. Hitch up your wagons and dust off your cowboy hats to set out west! We will gather ’round Cookie’s Campfire Cookout (where we will sample some of the finest vittles in the West), pan for gold in the California Gold Rush, and learn all about pioneer and cowboy gear. We will make covered wagons, design our own cattle brand and learn how to decipher Native American carvings. We’ll also make everyday items used by pioneers like toys, tools, and household items. Come travel back in time to experience how the west was fun! Allergy Warning: This course involves the handling and consuming of foods.
Hoop it Up
Do you want to improve your coordination, build endurance and heighten your spatial awareness? Then let’s take it to the hoop! Beginners at basketball will learn fundamental basketball skills, such as passing, dribbling and shooting, along with the rules of the game. Set individual goals to improve your performance and contribute to the success of your team. In the end, we will incorporate our talents and skills to compete in the 2022 DECATS Finals.
Hyper History
What do you get when you combine History with PE? A “moving” exploration of the past! In this course, we will literally jump into some of history’s most interesting topics and learn more about them through the games we play. Four Corners will meet history in a game called Founding Fathers. We’ll uncover the details of the American Revolution through a variation of Capture the Flag. Let the games begin! Areas of Interest: History, Physical Education
I Survived
The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. The sinking of the Titanic. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Imagine you were there and lived to tell the tale! Get ready to travel back in time and explore some epic moments in history with a literary spin. Discover the details surrounding the event and use iPads and video editing applications to bring them to life as you craft your own harrowing tale of survival.
If You Build It
Can you design a chair that will improve learning? What about an airplane seat that will allow for a more comfortable flight or a bookshelf that’s functional, yet fun? Use upcycled materials to design and construct full-size furniture that meets all your needs. Be ready to measure, cut and craft your designs to bring them to scale. From small ideas we’ll produce some grand furniture!
Improv Your Day
A dolphin princess? Kung Fu basketball? There is nothing too wacky or zany for an improv class where everything is made up on the fly! Come share in the excitement of what happens when characters, dialogue and plot are made up on the spot. Enhance and improve your acting skills as you experience the energy and anticipation that comes with improvisation.
In It to Win It
Are you tired of spending hours upon hours on one single game of Monopoly? Do you find that a game of baseball is never-ending? Let’s get games like these up to speed! Work with your team to redesign familiar games so that they can be played in a matter of minutes. We’ll play our new and improved games in some fast and furious tournaments with peers who are in it to win it-just like you!
It’s All in the Cards
It’s time to shuffle the deck and suit up! Put your strategies to the test as you face your opponent in this card frenzy course! Get ready to try your hand at a variety of card games—both the familiar and the unexpected. Take a crack at Jacks or use tricks to gain the upper hand in “Oh No!” By the end of the course, you’ll have your own game designed that you can teach your peers. Fun is surely in the cards this summer!
KaBoom!
Bubble, Bubble, Pop, Pop, Fizz, Fizz…KaBoom! Come explore the exciting world of chemistry! In this course, explore concepts such as surface tension, inertia, and polymers – all by performing hands-on experiments. The KaBoom lab awaits you! Allergy Warning: This course involves potential exposure to latex.
Kitchen Chemistry
Grab your lab coat and goggles and gear up for some Kitchen Chemistry! We’ll be conducting science experiments with food and other ingredients found in your home and use scientific principles such as mass, density, and phases of matter to create chemical reactions and tasty treats! It’s time to venture out of the lab and bring science into the kitchen! Allergy Warning: This course involves the handling and consuming of foods.
LEGO Robotics
Robots, assemble! Get ready to program your very own robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 kits! Can you program your robot to kick a ball? Can your robot win a race or move in response to sound energy? Use your creative and critical thinking skills as you enter the world of robotics engineering!
Marvel vs. DC Showdown
When it comes to the world of comic books, which side are you on? Explore the Marvel and DC Universes to decide which reigns supreme. Design and build a story for a character of your own design that even Stan Lee would be proud of creating.
Marvelous World
Are you a fan of Marvel Comics? Then join us as we dive into the marvelous world of Marvel superheroes. We’ll begin by analyzing comics, noting your favorite hero’s background and motivation and sketching them in your favorite poses. In the end, we’ll create a full plotline and story arch for a character of your own creation. When the world is in need of a hero, who will you create to save the day?
Masterpiece
Scholars, get ready to create your own museum! Which artist will you choose to emulate? Learn and be inspired by famous artists, such as Van Gogh, Monet, Pollock and Matisse. We will draw with scissors like Matisse, action paint like Pollock and much more. Join us and unleash your inner artist this summer!
Masters of Mahjong
Do you like solving logic puzzles, thinking strategically, and learning unique games? Learn how to speak, write, and read Chinese while you try your luck at the Mahjong table! Work together with your teammates to build a life-size set of Mahjong tiles and run, swipe, kick, and strategize your way to becoming a magnificent master of Mahjong.
Mind Over Matter
Picture a locked box in the center of the room. You and your team must figure out the code to the box to receive the reward, but first you must determine the answer to a series of difficult clues. When faced with the ultimate challenge, will your team be able to combine their talents and knowledge to beat the clock? Use your abductive, inductive and deductive reasoning skills to find and decipher a series of clues that will lead you and your team to victory in this ultimate race against time.
Mission to Mars
Begin your exciting journey to the Red Planet! Come explore how past and present missions to Mars are paving the way for future explorations. Research amazing facts about the Martian atmosphere, terrain and harsh environment and use your knowledge to create your own space mission. Design and build a Mars Rover and let it take you where you need to go. What will you explore on your Mission to Mars?
Not All Superheroes Wear Capes
Zap! Pow! Bam! Design! Give your superhero alter-ego an updated look by designing and constructing a new “supersuit.” Flexibility, durability, and style will be important factors as you construct a costume and design the gadgets that will have you fit to fight crime.
Once Upon a Crime
What if the witch that captured Hansel and Gretel was arrested instead of killed? What if the Big Bad Wolf was sued by the pigs and had to pay to rebuild their homes? You’ll script out and participate in the mock courtroom trials of these and other fairytale villains. Were they found guilty of their crimes? Or were they able to successfully defend themselves and keep their freedom? Get your creative ideas ready!
Painting’s Possible
Create, invent and explore! It doesn’t matter if you are a painting master or if you think of yourself as a painting disaster, this course is for you! With your creativity running wild, develop paintings that break all the rules. Take a risk! The rewards are grand for dreamers who dare to color outside the lines, travel to new artistic places and create freely with no comments and critiques! Come experience your creative freedom. Lead the way!
Papier-Mâché Cafe
Très magnifique! Come on in to the Papier-Mâché Cafe! Did you know that “papier-mâché” is French for “chewed paper”? We won’t chew any paper in this creative course, but we will explore many new techniques for using that slimy, goopy, sticky substance that many know and love. We’ll test out several adhesive methods, different papers and even use yarn to make yarn mâché art! Roll up your sleeves, pull up a chair and come visit the Papier-Mâché Cafe.
Pitch Perfect
Lend your voice to the DECATS Choir and help us find that perfect pitch! All voices and levels of experience are welcome, as we recreate top hits and perfect ensemble versions of songs we know and love. Take center stage and prepare for the vocal performance of a lifetime!
Planetary Perceptions
You’ve discovered a new planet! Now what? How can you learn about that planet without actually being there? Come learn how scientists explore new frontiers in space while their feet remain firmly planted on earth. Build remote sensing devices and use them to explore your new mystery planet. Gather information on its atmosphere, life forms, and landscape to determine if your planet is ready for colonization. It’s sure to be an out of this world adventure!
Power of Persuasion
Speak up, defend your stance, and keep it real! Are you vocally expressive and like to get your point across? Are you willing to argue for what you believe is right? Are you an expert at considering both sides of an issue without always having to win others over to your perspective? In Power of Persuasion, learn the art of the argument and debate hot topics with your fellow Scholars!
Rube Goldberg Made Me Do It
Why do a simple task when you can build a machine to do it for you? Like the Rube Goldberg machines we love to watch, we will start with the basics and end with zany and artistic engineering experiments. Chain reactions will abound as we discover and employ the laws of science. If you love designing, creating, building and tinkering with items, this course will have a domino effect on your future as an inventor!
See it in 3D
Enter the world of three-dimensional art! Through molding, constructing, and sculpting, we will create one of a kind pieces of artwork. To create our sculptures, we’ll use conventional materials like clay, but we’ll also mix it up with some different things we find along the way, such as sand and tape. Sculptures aren’t bound to rules: creations of all shapes sizes, textures, and forms are welcome!
Shark Tank
The tycoons of the business world are always looking for the next budding entrepreneur, so let’s see what you’ve got. With the right idea and planning, you could be on the next season of Shark Tank, where you’ll see if your idea has what it takes to earn the backing of investors! Come explore real world problems, brainstorm profitable solutions, create prototypes, budget finances and perfect your sales pitch. Does your idea have what it takes to survive The Shark Tank?
Short Circuit
Electronic circuits run the world! From the doorbell to the computer, they are at the center of any modern electronic device. Let’s discover this exciting world by learning the basic principles and laws of electronics and by building electronic circuits. Work with real components like resistors, diodes, transistors, LEDs and speakers. Build a working burglar alarm, audio generator, wake-up alarm and other devices. Use special software to plan and test your devices.
Slime Time
Get ready for a summer of sticky goodness and slimy satisfaction! In this course, if we’re making a mess, then we know that we’re on the right track. We’ll make several different kinds of slime and use the scientific process to document our findings as we work to create slime of the perfect consistency. It’s always the right time for Slime Time!
Sportsplex
The clock is ticking. All morning long you have been looking forward to going outside to play your favorite sport at recess. Just as that time of day nears, you hear the dreaded news, “Outside activities are canceled due to rain (or the dreaded ozone alert!)”. That’s no obstacle for the Scholars in Sportsplex! We will learn to adapt some favorite games to be played indoors. No more rainy days ruining the fun!
Star Wars Zoology
May the force be with you as you study the behaviors, habitats, and anatomies of creatures from “a galaxy far, far away.” From the lush forest moon of Endor to the sands of Tatooine, we will examine and classify Ewoks, Wookies, Jawas, and so much more! Make sure to grab your data log and prepare for a voyage comparable to Darwin’s expedition to the Galapagos Islands!
Sticky, Icky, Eewy, Gooey
Create unique works of art by using some of the stickiest, messiest mediums imaginable. Be prepared to get your hands dirty as we explore glue-based paint, salt mixtures, and other unconventional methods and mediums. One thing is certain- the messier the process, the more beautiful the art!
Storm the Castle
From medieval times to the present day, engineers have designed catapults to launch into the air projectiles, ranging from stones to satellites. In Storm the Castle, Scholars will explore how force affects the motion of a projectile. We will learn about catapults, including the science and math concepts behind them, as we prepare to design, build and test our own catapults.
Strike a Pose
Ready to try out some cool yoga poses like warrior, downward facing dog or eagle? Come join us to learn these and many more fun and healthy yoga techniques that will help you relax as well as build up your physical strength! We will learn about the history of yoga, create our own routines set to music and test our yoga knowledge with some exciting games and challenges.
Strokes of Genius
Love the look of your lettering! Learn how to turn ordinary handwriting into a work of art by using a variety of techniques such as brush lettering and calligraphy. Put your new skills to use in writings that are all your own as we make our own quill pens, inks, and fonts. Produce beautiful writing in both content and design!
Team Building
Your favorite sport is adding a brand new team-and you’re the new owner! What city will they play in? Who will be your team’s sponsors? Learn to budget and manage your new team’s money so that you can be successful. Once you’ve secured your sponsors, create your team’s logo, stadium, flag, and draft the players needed to give your team a shot at the championship.
The Sky’s the Limit
From the Pyramids of Giza to the Empire State Building, architectural design has allowed us to create long-lasting structures that have changed the landscape of our world. Come explore the wonders of architecture by drafting blueprints, designing skyscrapers and collaborating in the city planning process to create a model city defining the future of architecture. Use the tools of a professional architect, cardboard, cutting tools, grommets, and wooden dowels to bring your architectural designs to life.
Through a Different Lens
Experience the world of digital photography through a different lens! By encountering a different theme each day, learn and practice different styles of photography, ranging from landscape to bird’s eye and worm’s eye view. Experience what it’s like to edit your photographs to enhance the beauty that you have captured in your photos. Show off your amazing still shots to others in the DECATS Gallery.
To The Extreme
Get ready to head out into the elements! Participate in a series of extreme weather simulations where you will design and construct structures that can withstand our Ultimate Weather Event Challenge. You will face recreations of mudslides, tsunamis, avalanches, and more. Make the engineering designs and decisions that will allow you and your structure to weather the storm!
Ultimate Disc Course
Challenge your mental and physical strength out on the disc course! Join in on one of the world’s fastest growing sports – Disc Golf! Learn how to throw a disc as far and as accurate as you can while playing rounds of disc golf on the Strake Jesuit campus. Compete in tournaments and putting competitions with your fellow Scholars, and learn the science of the sport. Come spend some time this summer in the Ultimate Disc Course!
Uncommon Threads
You won’t believe what we can thread together when we combine the ordinary and the uncommon! From kumihomo, an ancient braiding technique used by the Samurai, to the more modern-day style of macramé, we’ll create drawstring pouches that tuck away your playing cards and sleeves to personalize your water bottles.
Under Siege
Hear ye! Hear ye! You have been given the task to build a medieval castle to protect the Baron of Wales! The vision has been set forth, so come and learn how to bring his architectural dream to reality. While there are many challenges and requirements for this castle, most importantly, it must be strong enough to withstand an attack. Let’s see which designer has the creativity and ingenuity to use recyclable materials to build a castle that’s fortified and functional enough to please the Baron.
Up, Up, and Away
3, 2, 1, Blast off! From rockets and airplanes to gliders and blimps, let’s figure out what it takes to take flight! Once we explore the elements of air travel such as lift, thrust, drag, and weight, you’ll design a rocket of your own and head for the launchpad. Failure to launch? No problem! Through the design process, we’ll adjust and improve until each rocket flies up, up, and away!
Watercolor World
Art and science come together to create brilliant works of art! There’s much more to watercolor than meets the eye. Learn several tips and techniques unique to this medium, including how to paint secret images that won’t be revealed until you’re ready. Experiment with intensity and wash to create a frame-worthy masterpiece!
Webmasters
Is the World Wide Web ready for your webpage? Have an interest in being a web designer? If so, this course is for you! You will learn how to program and become a webmaster. Come and take this webpage journey from beginning to end, going from a blank page to a web page!
What Would You Do
Welcome to “What Would You Do?”- a game show centered around science! Step into the world of psychology as you work together in teams to design and carry out experiments in human behavior. Let’s see what we can learn about our peers when they are faced with moments of choice and decision. What age group is more likely to help a friend in need? Will everyone come sit in a silent circle during recess if they see several of their fellow Scholars doing so? Record your experiments to show to the studio audience. Can they predict what might happen next? Or will the test subject surprise us all?
Where in the World
See the wonders of the world without ever leaving DECATS! Use your geography skills to find clues and solve riddles that will help you track down the elusive spy, Carmen Sandiego. Put your knowledge of landmarks, cartography and trivia to the test as you explore the Great Barrier Reef, the pyramids, and other exotic destinations in search of her next hide away. Together, we can track her down!
Which Art in Heaven
Michelangelo spent four years painting the Sistine Chapel, but we’ll create heavenly works of art in just three weeks! Using traditional and non-traditional materials, paint a fresco on plaster just like Michelangelo, arrange beads to create a sparkling mosaic and practice a lettering technique designed by monks to write scripture. After you apply golden flourishes to your illuminated manuscript, you’ll see why there’s more to art than meets the eye!
Wonderful World of Games
Travel through time as we explore the evolution of games from across the globe. Recreate some of the earliest board games, including popular pastimes of Texas’s first settlers! From board games to live action activities, come play your way across the continents in the Wonderful World of Games!
You Heard it Here First
“Good Morning Scholars, my name is Mr. Mattern, and this is DECATS News.” Whether you envision yourself breaking big headlines as a reporter or capturing that perfect shot from behind the camera, there’s a place for you on our news crew! Write up news scripts of DECATS happenings, jokes to make fellow Scholars laugh and even throw in some current events. We’ll work as a team to put together a full show and remember—You Heard it Here First!
Zentangle Untangled
Come test, experiment, and invent a new way to draw! Learn to craft step-by-step, line-by-line patterns that turn into brilliant illusions with the zentangle method. Prepare to see patterns everywhere and translate them into zentangles on surfaces ranging from paper and clothing to small furniture all your own!