2017 WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

There are 15 workshops to choose from! Students will participate in 3 hands-on workshops during the event. Workshop space is limited and availability is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Students’ top workshop choices may not be guaranteed. If the students’ first choices are not granted due to availability, then the registrant will be placed in their backup workshop choice or another available workshop. Workshop descriptions are provided below. Desired workshops will be selected during registration.

1) Bristle Bots
Have you ever wanted to learn how to design your own robot? Now you can find out how by building your own dancing bug robot using motors, batteries, and circuits! In this workshop you will learn the concepts of electrical circuits, motors, and conductors and apply these skills to build your own bug-bot out of household items.

2) Choose Your Own Collegiate Adventure
Want to see where college students live, learn, and apply STEM education? Take a walk with St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) staff and students to see where exciting things are happening in subjects like math, chemistry, biology, physics, and neurosciences every day! You’ll find campus hot spots using global positioning systems (GPS) and get the opportunity to ask your tour guides all about their STEM career fields, campus life, and college experiences!
Note: Students are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the outside temperature.

3) Climbing Up on Science
Imagine dangling on a rope…your hands gripping onto anything…just trying to hang on! Betcha didn’t think science could be this exciting! Join us for this cliff-hanging workshop to learn how physics and mechanical science concepts like friction, center of gravity, weight distribution, and equipment design keep you safe while high off the ground in the sport of rock climbing. Suit-up and use the relevant concepts you’ve learned to race your friends to the top of a massive rock structure.
Note: There are inherent bodily risks involved in climbing wall activities. Prior parent/guardian consent and a waiver are required during registration. Students are encouraged to wear long shorts/pants for this exercise.

4) The Coolest Stuff on Earth
What’s colder than ice, but boils? What can covert a piece of fruit into a hammer? What can make ice cream in an instant? Find out during this exploration of material properties and thermodynamics. You will be amazed to learn what happens to normal, everyday objects when we change their material properties by varying temperatures. Get a real, hands-on understanding of these changes by freezing, thawing, measuring, smashing, squishing, and breaking all kinds of things! Then learn how scientists are using these same properties and principles along with laser technology to create the coldest stuff on earth!
Note: This workshop is not recommended for students with any food allergies. Prior parent/guardian consent and a waiver are required during registration.

5) C.S.I: Cyber Unit
Are you interested in computer crime? Want to become a digital crime scene investigator? As technology becomes increasingly more sophisticated, the likelihood of cyber-attacks continues to soar. During this workshop you will be an important part in the cyber line-of-defense in stopping a cyber-attack (based on a real life scenario!) Practice forensic case detective work, handle digital evidence, and perform data recovery and extraction just like cyber technologists. In this workshop you’ll learn about cyber technology and cyber-crime investigation using real-world techniques and equipment.

6) Delicious DNA
You have most likely heard about DNA, but have you ever seen it? Come learn about DNA structure and how DNA differs among plants, animals, and humans. Then, model these patterns and sequences by building genetic helixes with some treats to help you visualize what’s going on behind the scenes of genetic patterning. You’ll even get to see the DNA extraction process from a plant sample! Who knew learning about double-helixes could be so fun…and delicious!?
Note: This workshop is not recommended for students with any food allergies. Prior parent/guardian consent and a waiver are required during registration.

7) Dog Days
Furry friends are cute, but just like us, they need medical attention too. Come learn about and try your hand at some Veterinary Medical techniques for a day. Physical exams, cleaning ears, brushing teeth, bandaging – learn what it takes to become involved in the world of veterinary medicine! Bring your questions and your hands because you’ll be using them in this workshop with real live animals!
Note: This workshop is not recommended for students with any skin/pet allergies. Prior parent/guardian consent and a waiver are required during registration.

8) Escape from Science Island
You find yourself shipwrecked on a deserted island, with nothing but your friends and your mind on your side! No fresh water, no pre-cooked food, no rescue on the horizon, but STEM knowledge can save the day. With only debris at hand, you’ll work as an engineer to create a raft to escape and build the supplies you’ll need to survive in the meantime. Explore engineering and collaboration in this workshop!

9) #Harmonizing Hamsters
Jam like the professionals, create your own tunes, and sample remixes! All of today’s hit recording artists use computer editing and mixing to create their music. Using a virtual music studio, you will learn about pitch, audio frequencies, signal processing, and the role of audio engineers while creating music for your very own harmonizing, lip-syncing, cartoon hamsters.

10) Hexed Treasure Hunt
Have you ever wondered how computers understand the information we give them? Did you know computers read information differently than we do? In this workshop, you’ll learn about how computers read information and you’ll use math problems to translate clues into “computer speak.” Seek and find a special prize with your new-found knowledge!

11) Hidden Figures: The First Mission
Follow in the footsteps of the women from the movie Hidden Figures! Discover how NASA brings astronauts back to Earth from outer space. Spacecraft hurtling around the earth at hundreds of miles an hour are brought to a safe landing in the ocean and this workshop will teach you how! Then, you’ll design your own recovery “spacecraft” and test out its durability, to try to protect your very own egg-stronaut. See if you can match the success of the Hidden Figures ladies!
Note: This workshop is not recommended for students with any food allergies. Prior parent/guardian consent and a waiver are required during registration.

12) Project Runway: Chromatography Edition
Think science isn’t a part of fashion? Think again! Who says you can’t wear chemistry? Using chromatography, the separation of a mixture, you will make tie-dye t-shirts that you can add to your wardrobe to make all your friends jealous. Designed entirely by you, explore your creative side while learning about a basic chemistry concept that is often utilized in the workforce.

13) Spudmarine
Gravity and buoyancy are playing tug-of-war with ships at sea every day. Now you can find out just how they stay afloat. Submerge yourself in the exciting science of buoyancy as you explore the special ability of submarines to flink (float/sink)! Using science and engineering, you’ll become a master of buoyancy – making a potato sink, float, or flink!

14) Squishy Circuits
How does electricity travel? What properties make certain materials more conductive than others? In this workshop, you’ll use different kinds of dough to design and test real electrical circuits. After testing your circuits and learning about conductivity, you’ll get to take your dough home with you along with directions on creating your own circuit at home.
Note: This workshop is not recommended for students with any food allergies. Prior parent/guardian consent and a waiver are required during registration.

15) Statistics & Stilettos
You wore that outfit yesterday, you wore this one last week, and you’ve worn everything! Want to expand your outfit selections without having to buy anything new? This workshop will show you how! Come learn how you can use math and statistics in your everyday life – discover how to apply combinations and permutations to your wardrobe…with a little help from some M&M’s!
Note: This workshop is not recommended for students with any food allergies. Prior parent/guardian consent and a waiver are required during registration.