Final Round
The HUSO China Finalist Camp is an immersive experience for students who qualify from the initial exam, offering a unique blend of academic challenge and hands-on exploration. During the camp, participants will take their final exams while deepening their understanding of core STEM disciplines. Beyond exams, students will engage in dynamic, hands-on workshops that highlight the exciting intersections of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through interactive experiments, collaborative projects, and mentorship from Harvard and MIT students, attendees will gain a strong foundation in STEM while discovering the power of interdisciplinary innovation.
This camp is not just about learning—it’s about inspiring the next generation of trailblazing scientists and problem-solvers.
Schedule
Day 1 - August 25, 2025
Check-in/Opening Ceremony
Team-Building Games
Math Exam
Day 2 - August 26, 2025
Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology and Physics Exams
Science Scavenger Hunt
Day 3 - August 27, 2025
Workshop Sessions 1-4
College Panel
Day 4 - August 28, 2025
Workshop Sessions 5-7
Build Challenge Face-Off
Gala Night
Day 5 - August 29, 2025
Workshop Session 8
Exam Review
Closing Ceremony
Dynamical Systems in Population Growth, Planet Orbits, and more: Mathematical Models in Science
This workshop will dive into how we can use math to analyze population growth and dynamics in an ecosystem, how to track the orbits of planets, and more. Topics covered include introductory differential equations, logistic growth, and stability analysis. We will play with simulations and learn hands-on how to use math to model real-world phenomena.
Qualitative Chemistry: Analysis and Reactions of Unknown Compounds
Can you identify the mystery compound? In a hands-on lab, you will work in small groups to identify colorful but unknown solutions. Using chemical reactions as well as chemical and physical properties, you will design your own analysis method (with mentor support!) and emerge a stronger analytical chemist.
A New Theory about Space? It’s About Time: A Brief Introduction to Relativity and Black Holes
Everyone has heard about black holes, but how do we know they exist? This workshop will take a qualitative approach to introducing the fundamentals of Einstein’s theories of relativity, and how they lead us to black holes. From theoretical prediction, to experimental observation, you will learn all about one of the most interesting ideas of modern physics.
How Physics Built the Modern World
Thermodynamics gave us the combustion engine. Electromagnetism gave us the internet. Atomic physics gave us nuclear energy. The world has changed tremendously over the past 300 years, and many of those critical changes have to do with advances in the way we understand the universe. This workshop will take a look at how physicists and engineers have completely changed the way life is lived with their discoveries.
The Gene-ius Behind Genetics: A Strawberry DNA Extraction
Have you ever wondered what DNA actually looks like? We'll be doing a hands-on lab extracting DNA from strawberries while learning some genetics and biochemistry!
Chromatic Chemistry: A Chemical Investigation on Why Colors Exist
Colors are everywhere and are often taken for granted, especially in the modern age of technology and advertising. Colors are actually derived from chemistry, specifically electronic transitions at specific wavelengths. In this chemistry lecture combining physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry, we will examine simple models explaining why colors exist and how various chemical properties affect colors of molecules. A demonstration at the end will round off the presentation.
The Climate Puzzle: Understanding the Past, Present, and Future of a Changing Planet
Travel through 4.5 billion years with us as we dive into Earth’s past, present, and future through the lens of climate. Learn how we use natural proxies to understand Earth’s climate history, what that says about our climate present and future and dive into the complexities of what climate change looks like today. We’ll wrap up with an extended open discussion for you all to reflect on one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Exploring the Molecular Machines of Life
How do just 20 amino acids result in the diversity of proteins that exist today? We will learn about the chemical and physical mechanisms behind protein folding and learn some of the latest computational techniques, and how to use protein visualization software to view and learn about proteins!
Human Disease: A Quantitative and Biochemical View
In this workshop, you’ll work to solve case studies by learning about disease pathophysiology. In particular, we’ll dive into human diseases from the organ system level down to the molecular level to explain the “how” and “why” behind disease development, diagnostic tests, treatments, and more.
Microplastics: Investigating Tiny Threats in Our Waterways
Join us as we uncover the hidden world of microplastics — tiny pollutants that have made their way into our rivers, lakes, and oceans. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the science behind microplastics, how they form, and why they pose a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. Learn how scientists use filtration and microscopy to detect microplastics in water samples. We’ll guide you through hands-on techniques for identifying and analyzing these pollutants, and discuss the broader implications for marine life, food chains, and global water quality.
Workshops
*Note: Workshops are not finalized and subject to change
Constructions, Creases and Cubics: Mathematics with Origami
Mathematicians have long tried to construct objects with only a compass and straightedge, but what if we were allowed other tools as well? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how the ancient tradition of paper folding creates fascinating connections between geometry, algebra, and art. Using a few origami techniques, you’ll be able to explore solutions to several new problems, many of which would have been impossible with classical tools.
Fermi Fundamentals: Trying to Answer the Unanswerable
How many piano tuners are in Chicago? How many beavers would you need to cut down the Amazon Rainforest in a day? What if a Type I supernova was used to torch Antarctica? In this workshop, we’ll see how basic mathematics and science principles can give us alarmingly accurate answers to seemingly absurd questions, before splitting into teams and having a friendly competition towards the end. Who will emerge as the most extraordinary estimator?