Photo by Daniel Parsons
A student patiently waits for the 3D Printer to finish during the Adams State STEM Saturday, last fall.
The Adams State University Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Saturdays begin February 11. These free interactive sessions will stimulate imagination and curiosity of students.
All sessions are designed with specific grade-level, developmentally appropriate lessons in mind. Registration is required for the sessions.
Sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. until noon. Enrollment is limited.
February 11
Exploring Infectious Disease with Molecular Tools
Dr. Adam Kleinschmit, assistant professor of biology
Grades 9-12
Enrollment cap is 16
March 4
Biodiesel and Soap from Palm Oil
Dr. Alexey Leontyev, assistant professor of chemistry
Grades 9-12
Enrollment cap is 8
March 11
Learning to Run the World with Electronics
Dr. Matt Nehring, professor of physics
Grades 4-6
Enrollment cap is 10
April 8
The Power of Pulleys
Dr. Ashley Meek, visiting assistant professor
Grades 6-8
Enrollment cap is 20
April 22
Rocket-Powered Derby Cars
Dr. Chris Adams, associate professor of chemistry
Grades 8-12
Enrollment is 12
Registration for all sessions is required. Once registered, participants will receive the location of session and any other pertinent information. Only parent/guardian authorized registrations will be accepted. Session registrations are limited to 2 sessions per student. No cost to participants.
Workshop Information
Exploring Infectious Disease with Molecular Tools: Participants will mimic a foodborne infectious disease outbreak investigation and design an experiment using molecular tools. Specifically, the session will train participants to think like an epidemiologist in order to determine the most likely source of a bacterial foodborne outbreak. The participants will learn to use micropipettes to disperse small volumes of amplified DNA into an agrose gel in order to separate and view genetic markers for identifying the presence/absence of the infectious bacterium in potentially contaminated food samples.
Biodiesel and Soap from Palm Oil: Palm oil is a wonderfully versatile and cheap raw material. Via chemical derivatives, the oil makes its way into many useful products ranging from fine cosmetics to biodiesel fuels. We will perform chemical transformations that will convert palm oil into soap and biodiesel fuel. Participants can keep soap bars after they complete the experiment.
Learning to Run the World with Electronics: Using the Littlebits platform of electronic building blocks, students will learn about electronics, build complex circuits and design a motorized cart. Students will develop technical and engineering skills while exploring creative solutions to problems.
The Power of Pulleys: A pulley is an example of a simple machine that can make our lives easier. Have you ever wondered how much you can lift with a system of pulleys? We’ll find out how much load is reduced using various pulley configurations as we attempt to lift each other. Come prepared to have some fun!
Rocket-Powered Derby Cars: Don’t let gravity be the only thing that drives your derby car. In this STEM Saturday, participants will create their own sugar-based rocket fuel to make rocket motors that will be strapped to derby cars. Participants will learn about explosive mixtures and get the opportunity to consider how to best design their own rocket powered car.
For more information or a reservation form, contact Simona Guillen, STEM activity coordinator, at 719-587-7586 or stemcenter@adams.edu. Registration forms are also available at ASU STEM.
