AI Future Lab: Seattle High School AI Summer Camp

4 Aug 2025, 09:00 → 8 Aug 2025, 16:00 US/Pacific

WRF Studio

Shih-Chieh Hsu (University of Washington Seattle (US))

This AI science and engineering camp is designed for high school students who are passionate about scientific discovery and eager to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming science and engineering. The mission of the course is to introduce foundational AI concepts and inspire students through hands-on learning, while also providing a unique opportunity to experience real-world research environments through guided lab tours. The program is structured around two major components: engaging AI lectures paired with practical exercises, and immersive visits to leading-edge research laboratories.

Foundational AI introduction
The AI lecture series covers a broad introduction to machine learning, deep learning, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and natural language processing. Students will gain an understanding of how these technologies work, their applications across different fields, and how AI is driving innovation in science and engineering12.

Pioneer Research Lab tour
In addition to classroom learning, students will participate in tours of several advanced research labs. These visits will expose them to a range of topics, from brain imaging and quantum materials to robotics, sensing systems, and applied physics, providing a first-hand look at how AI and technology are used in cutting-edge scientific research.

Prerequisite
To participate in the camp, students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python programming, as this will be essential for both the hands-on AI exercises and for engaging with the technical content presented during the course.

Monday 4 August

09:00 → 09:20 Welcome

Speaker: Shih-Chieh Hsu (University of Washington Seattle (US))

09:30 → 10:40 Ion Trap Quantum Computing Lab

The "Ion Trap Quantum Computing Laboratory" is dedicated to the experimental realization of quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum simulation using trapped ions.

10:50 → 12:00 Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases

Ultracold Atom lab specializes in cooling atoms to temperatures just above absolute zero using advanced lasers, electronics, and ultra-high vacuum technology. At these incredibly low temperatures, the atoms begin to display unusual quantum behaviors. By manipulating the atoms with lasers and magnetic fields, the researchers are able to explore a variety of quantum phenomena, such as how atoms interact, move, and form new states of matter. This work not only deepens our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics but also has the potential to inspire future technologies, including quantum computers and highly precise measurement devices.

12:00 → 13:00 Lunch

13:00 → 16:00 AI course: Introduction

13:00 Introduction

Python and Data Science Review
Proficient in basic Python syntax (variables, loops, functions); use Pandas for data processing and Matplotlib for data visualization.

Tuesday 5 August

09:00 → 12:00 AR augmentation lab

"NOMR" is an augmented reality application used annually by over 1,800 students in the introductory physics lab course at the University of Washington. Students work in groups to explore interactions of fictional particles, developing experimental skills and scientific models through self-collected data. This process fosters authentic scientific understanding while avoiding confirmation bias.

12:00 → 13:00 Lunch

13:00 → 16:00 AI course: Deep Learning

13:00 Deep learning

Deep learning is a powerful type of artificial intelligence that helps computers learn and make decisions by mimicking how the human brain works. It uses layers of connected nodes called neural networks to process information, recognize patterns, and solve complex problems like understanding speech, recognizing images, and even playing games. For high school students, learning about deep learning is an exciting way to explore how technology can think and learn from data, opening up opportunities in fields like robotics, medicine, and entertainment. This hands-on experience combines math, programming, and creativity to build smart systems that are changing the world.

Wednesday 6 August

09:00 → 12:00 Applied Physics Lab

The mission of the Applied Physics Laboratory in the field of oceanography is to advance the understanding of ocean circulation, mixing, and variability through research and technology development—including the innovation of instruments and autonomous vehicles. This supports scientific discovery as well as practical needs such as naval system performance, climate research, and regional ocean observation.

12:00 → 13:00 Lunch

13:00 → 16:00 AI course: Convolutional Neural Networks

13:00 Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Image datasets

A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is a special kind of artificial intelligence model that is really good at understanding and analyzing images. Just like our brains can recognize faces, shapes, or objects in a picture, a CNN can learn to spot important features—such as edges, colors, or patterns—by looking at lots of examples. This ability makes CNNs widely used in cool technologies like facial recognition, self-driving cars, and medical image analysis. For high school students, learning about CNNs opens the door to exploring how computers “see” the world, combining creativity, problem-solving, and programming to solve real-world challenges using images and videos.

Thursday 7 August

09:00 → 10:20 The I-LABS MEG Brain Imaging Center

The I-LABS MEG Brain Imaging Center, established in May 2010, is the world’s first brain imaging center dedicated to children. Using advanced MEG (magnetoencephalography) technology, the center studies how neural networks work together from the perspective of the whole brain system, aiming to reveal the mechanisms behind complex human abilities such as language, social interaction, emotion, and personality.

10:30 → 11:50 Sensor Systems Laboratory

The UW Sensor Systems Laboratory is dedicated to inventing new technologies for sensing, robotics, wireless power transfer, and medical devices.

12:00 → 13:00 Lunch

13:00 → 16:00 AI course: Recurrent Neural Network

13:00 Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) with temporal dataset

A Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) is a type of artificial intelligence model designed to work with data that comes in sequences, like sentences, music, or time series. Unlike other neural networks that treat each input separately, RNNs have a kind of "memory" that lets them remember what happened earlier in the sequence and use that information to make better predictions or decisions. For example, when trying to predict the next word in a sentence, an RNN can consider the words that came before to choose the most likely answer. This makes RNNs especially useful for tasks like language translation, speech recognition, and even predicting stock prices, helping computers understand and work with information that changes over time.

Friday 8 August

09:00 → 10:20 Quantum Materials Lab

The Quantum Materials Laboratory is dedicated to exploring the unique physical properties of quantum materials that arise from strong electron correlations, such as high-temperature superconductivity and exotic quantum states

10:30 → 11:50 Washington Nanofabrication Facility

WNF is an open-access, nanofabrication facility at the University of Washington. We are part of the UW Institute for Nano-engineered Systems (NanoES) and the National Science Foundation’s National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI).

12:00 → 13:00 lunch

13:00 → 14:30 AI course: Natural Language Processing

13:00 Natural Language Processing and Multimodal AI

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language, making it possible for machines to communicate with people in ways that feel natural. Multimodal AI takes this a step further by combining information from different types of data—like text, images, and sounds—so that computers can learn from and respond to the world more like humans do. For high school students, exploring NLP and multimodal AI opens up exciting opportunities to see how technology can analyze language, recognize images, and even understand videos, connecting skills in programming, communication, and creativity to solve real-world problems.

14:40 → 16:00 Student seminar