Discover the Science Behind the Magic of Harry Potter
One reason the magic in the world of Harry Potter is so compelling is that some of it has a basis in real-world science. Explore how scientific fields like genetics, chemistry, botany and zoology are reflected in the Harry Potter books and movies.
Students will explore the science of Harry Potter through video clips, presentations, discussions and group work. We will discuss the evidence of genetics, such as red hair among the Weasleys and Hagrid’s size, inherited from his giantess mother. We will look at the fantastic beasts in the books and consider which are most realistic and how use of science realism makes the impossible seem plausible. Students will consider the science behind Hogwarts’ Potions class and do a chemistry experiment. They will Identify herbs used in Herbology class and learn about their attributes and medical applications. Students will enjoy this class most if they have read at least one Harry Potter book or seen at least one of the movies, although prior knowledge is not required.
What You Will Learn
Understand how scientific fields like genetics, chemistry, botany and zoology are reflected in the Harry Potter books and movies.
- Discuss evidence of genetics in the Harry Potter stories.
- Explore which fantastic beasts are most realistic.
- Understand how science realism makes the impossible seem plausible.
- Look at the science behind Potions class in the books and do a chemistry experiment.
- Identify herbs used in Herbology class and learn about their attributes and medical applications.
Return to the Sally Ride Science Junior Academy website here.
Note: In response to COVID-19 health guidelines, we have restructured our in-person Junior Academy workshops as
online courses. Contact us at srs@ucsd.edu if you have questions.
Course Number: SCI-90016
Credit: 1.50 unit(s)
+ Expand All
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7/12/2021 - 7/16/2021
$175
Live Online
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CLASS TYPE:
Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).
Fritts-Penniman, Allison
Allison Fritts-Penniman is a marine evolutionary biologist with a passion for teaching and science communication. Originally from upstate New York, she got her bachelor’s degree in natural resources from Cornell University before moving to the West Coast. She earned her doctorate in biology from UCLA in 2016. Allison currently teaches Marine Biology at the University of Portland in Oregon. She previously worked at California Academy of Sciences, St. Mary's College of California and Mt. Hood Community College. In her spare time, she loves baking, running, camping and having Zoom dance parties.
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POLICIES:
1st meeting mandatory.
Early enrollment advised.
No UCSD parking permit required.
No visitors permitted.
Pre-enrollment required.
No refunds after: 7/5/2021.
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NOTE:
Grade Level: 6th-8th
Instructor will contact students 24-hours in advance of class with Zoom information.
Students have the option of logging on to Zoom from 9-9:30am to have office hours with the instructor.
In addition, students have the option of staying on Zoom after class ends from 11am-12pm for additional support.
Please note that some courses require supplies. Supply information will be posted here by 4/15/21. We recommend you check back at this point for further details.
| DATE | DAY | START | END | LOCATION |
|---|
| 7/12/2021 | Mon | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/13/2021 | Tue | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/14/2021 | Wed | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/15/2021 | Thu | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/16/2021 | Fri | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
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7/19/2021 - 7/23/2021
$175
Live Online
-
-
-
CLASS TYPE:
Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).
Fritts-Penniman, Allison
Allison Fritts-Penniman is a marine evolutionary biologist with a passion for teaching and science communication. Originally from upstate New York, she got her bachelor’s degree in natural resources from Cornell University before moving to the West Coast. She earned her doctorate in biology from UCLA in 2016. Allison currently teaches Marine Biology at the University of Portland in Oregon. She previously worked at California Academy of Sciences, St. Mary's College of California and Mt. Hood Community College. In her spare time, she loves baking, running, camping and having Zoom dance parties.
-
-
POLICIES:
1st meeting mandatory.
Early enrollment advised.
No UCSD parking permit required.
No visitors permitted.
Pre-enrollment required.
No refunds after: 7/12/2021.
-
NOTE:
Grade Level: 9th-12th
Instructor will contact students 24-hours in advance of class with Zoom information.
Students have the option of logging on to Zoom from 9-9:30am to have office hours with the instructor.
In addition, students have the option of staying on Zoom after class ends from 11am-12pm for additional support.
Please note that some courses require supplies. Supply information will be posted here by 4/15/21. We recommend you check back at this point for further details.
| DATE | DAY | START | END | LOCATION |
|---|
| 7/19/2021 | Mon | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/20/2021 | Tue | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/21/2021 | Wed | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/22/2021 | Thu | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/23/2021 | Fri | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
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7/26/2021 - 7/30/2021
$175
Live Online
-
-
-
CLASS TYPE:
Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).
Fritts-Penniman, Allison
Allison Fritts-Penniman is a marine evolutionary biologist with a passion for teaching and science communication. Originally from upstate New York, she got her bachelor’s degree in natural resources from Cornell University before moving to the West Coast. She earned her doctorate in biology from UCLA in 2016. Allison currently teaches Marine Biology at the University of Portland in Oregon. She previously worked at California Academy of Sciences, St. Mary's College of California and Mt. Hood Community College. In her spare time, she loves baking, running, camping and having Zoom dance parties.
-
-
POLICIES:
1st meeting mandatory.
Early enrollment advised.
No UCSD parking permit required.
No visitors permitted.
Pre-enrollment required.
No refunds after: 7/19/2021.
-
NOTE:
Grade Level: 3rd-5th
Instructor will contact students 24-hours in advance of class with Zoom information.
Students have the option of logging on to Zoom from 9-9:30am to have office hours with the instructor.
In addition, students have the option of staying on Zoom after class ends from 11am-12pm for additional support.
Please note that some courses require supplies. Supply information will be posted here by 4/15/21. We recommend you check back at this point for further details.
| DATE | DAY | START | END | LOCATION |
|---|
| 7/26/2021 | Mon | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/27/2021 | Tue | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/28/2021 | Wed | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/29/2021 | Thu | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
| 7/30/2021 | Fri | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | |
There are no sections of this course currently scheduled. Please contact the Pre-College Programs department at 858-534-0804 or precollege@ucsd.edu for information about when this course will be offered again.