STEM Saturdays (For Students in grades 4-8)
Science - Technology - Engineering - Math
Scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians shape the world around us. These professionals design and build everything from artificial limbs, to computer games to automobiles. The youth of today are leaders of tomorrow. We need to provide youth with opportunities to advance their interests and abilities in science and technology to make informed academic and career choices. STEM Saturdays are designed to give youth a chance to explore the wonderful world of science, technology, engineering and math in a fun, hands-on way.
Myrick Park Marsh Plants and Animals
Tim Gerber, Ph.D., Biology
Discover the interesting plants and animals that live in Myrick Park Marsh. We will see the large and the small through a magnifying glass on our walking trip to the marsh. We will collect samples of animal eating plants and find microscopic animals. Get an upclose picture of how life works in the out of doors.
September 20
9 a.m.-12 p.m. general public session(co-ed)
$29
Where on Earth?
Jen Kosiak, Ph.D., and Jon Hasenbank, Ph.D, Mathematics
Learn how GPS satellites use mathematics to triangulate your position on the surface of the earth, use GPS units in a race to find a hidden treasure, and develop a way to measure the size of the earth.
October 18
9 a.m.-12 p.m. general public session(co-ed)
1-4 p.m. Girl Scouts session
$29
Crime Scene Investigation: The Case of Jason Worth
Faye Ellis, M.S., Biology
A missing heir. Money, power, and mystery. Student sleuths will use the same tests that a forensic scientist would use to discover who kidnapped Jason Worth by analyzing blood samples, finger prints and other evidence to solve the crime.
November 15
9 a.m.-12 p.m. general public session(co-ed)
1-4 p.m. Girl Scouts session
$29
Movie Production through Computer Programming
Kenny Hunt, Ph.D., Computer Science
Computers are used to power cell phones, assist surgeons and nurses, keep cars running, send email and create movies. In this workshop we will learn the basics of computer programming by writing, directing and filming a movie script. We will construct a virtual 3D world involving dancing figure skaters, singing frogs, and polar penguins and direct these objects by creating a programming script and then record it all using a virtual camera that follows our every instruction.
January 17, 2009
9 a.m.-12 p.m. general public session(co-ed)
1-4 p.m. Girl Scouts session
$29
Celebrate Engineering!
Eric Brunsell, Ed.D, Educational Studies
Engineers use science, math and their creativity to create things that matter. This high-energy session will test your problem solving skills as you develop solutions for a series of challenges.
February 21, 2009
9 a.m.-12 p.m. general public session(co-ed)
1-4 p.m. Girl Scouts session
$29
Color, Candy and Cabbage
Sandy Koster, Ph.D., Chemistry
What gives Kool-Aid, Skittles and M&M candies their color? What gives cabbage its color? We’re told highly colored fruits and vegetables hold great health benefits. We even add color to some foods to enhance the appearance of the food we eat. When we add color, do we add health benefits too? What gives fruit and vegetables their bright colors? Join us as we explore the properties of dyes that come from fruit and vegetables and also those from candy.
March 21, 2009
9 a.m.-12 p.m. general public session(co-ed)
1-4 p.m. Girl Scouts session
$29
How Stuff Works?
Jen Kosiak, Ph.D., and Jon Hasenbank, Ph.D, Mathematics
Explore the engineering and mathematics principles behind how spaceships move, why iron ships float (and why the Titanic sank), how catapults work, and what makes tall buildings and long bridges stand the test of time.
April 18, 2009
9 a.m.-12 p.m. general public session(co-ed)
1-4 p.m. Girl Scouts session
$29
