Hands-on Science
Explore STEAM up close with hands-on activities!
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Digging The Past: Learning Through Artifacts with MSU’s Campus Archaeology Program
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1202
Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
A range of interactive activities will be available at the Michigan State Campus Archaeology Program's table at Science Fest 2024 to educate attendees about the field of archaeology and the process of generating knowledge about previous human civilizations through material culture. Participants in Science Fest will have the opportunity to observe exhibits from CAP's digs on the MSU campus, reconstruct ceramic vessels, identify objects, and gain knowledge about stratigraphy, excavation, and laboratory work related to archaeology. Visit us to see how archaeologists decipher historical evidence left by others!
Learn more about Digging The Past: Learning Through Artifacts with MSU’s Campus Archaeology Program
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Dip Your Toes Into the Shifting Sands of Michigan's Beaches
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Third Floor, West Wing
Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
Coastlines are extremely dynamic systems, making them vulnerable to storms, changes in water level, and human disturbances. Understanding coastal erosion in the Great Lakes is imperative to protecting Michigan’s beloved beaches and the economic, recreational, and environmental benefits we all depend on. Coastal scientists use drones, iPads, and remote-controlled boats equipped with the latest geospatial technology to map changes in coastlines to better understand the constantly changing landscape and find solutions to our most critical questions.
Learn more about Dip Your Toes Into the Shifting Sands of Michigan's Beaches
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Discover the Limitless Potential of Your Brain!
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Third Floor, West Wing
Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
Dive into the intricate world of the organ that makes you unique: the brain! This hands-on experience welcomes participants of all ages to examine brain slices and practice mounting rat brain sections onto slides. Explore your handiwork under the microscope to gain insights into the brain's structure and how distinct regions contribute to regulating various behaviors. Join us to discover the limitless potential within your brain!
Learn more about Discover the Limitless Potential of Your Brain!
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Dress Like a Neuroscientist
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 2130
Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
See how a neuroscientists dress for work. Pretend you are a neuroscientist and take pictures!
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Experience the Joys of Modular Origami
Presented at the following times:
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 2202
Sunday, April 14, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 2202
Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
Modular origami or unit origami is a two-stage paper folding technique in which several, or sometimes many, sheets of paper are first folded into individual modules or units and then assembled into an integrated flat shape or three-dimensional structure. Making modular origami is an enjoyable activity that helps develop hand-eye coordination and attention to detail, enhances geometrical reasoning and mathematical learning, and fosters emotional development, such as perseverance and teamwork. The Japanese Studies Program staff and student volunteers want to share with you the joy of making origami!
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Explore the Tiny World Beneath Our Feet
Presented at the following times:
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 2202
Sunday, April 14, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 2202
Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
When we spend time in nature, our attention is drawn to the obvious elements such as rivers, trees, birds, and flowers. It's easy to overlook the intricate world teeming at ground level. The forest floor continually receives organic additions like sticks and leaves, fostering a dynamic microcosm with various small organisms. Davison Township Parks will introduce you to this miniature ecosystem, guiding you on how to replicate and explore it in your backyard, schoolyard, or local park.
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Exploring Plant Cells
Presented at the following times:
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 3202
Sunday, April 14, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 3202
Appropriate for: Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
The Plant Cell Atlas is a community of researchers working to understand and map plant cells and inspire the next generation of students. At the Plant Cell Atlas booth, you can use microscopes to explore plant cells and enter a raffle to win a digital microscope. While visiting our booth, learn about Dr. Marie Clark Taylor, the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in botany from Fordham University. Dr. Taylor was also a pioneering science educator and popularized the study of live plant cells under microscopes in classrooms.
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Fantastic Plant Diseases & Where to Find Them – Exploring Plant Pathology with S.P.O.R.E.
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Third Floor, West Wing
Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
Dive into the world of plant pathogens with S.P.O.R.E. (Student Phytopathological Organization for Research and Education) at Michigan State University. Our plant pathology graduate student organization welcomes all ages to explore various plant pathogenic microorganisms and their symptomatic host plants. Discover the historical and agricultural significance of plant diseases in Michigan. The first 100 participants aged 18 and under will receive free magnifying specimen jars!
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Defeat the Robots! Save the Day by Outwitting the Robot Guards!
Sunday, April 14, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 3202
Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
To save the day, you must get past the robots protecting their command center. You must get as many units past the guards as you can because their movements are dictated by a secret set of instructions (an algorithm). With known performance levels, we have created multiple sets of defender strategies for various environments. In this interactive exhibit, participants will learn about algorithm design and analysis while seeing how well they can perform against our strategies.
Learn more about Defeat the Robots! Save the Day by Outwitting the Robot Guards!
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Explore What It's Like to Be a Physician Assistant
Sunday, April 14, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1202
Appropriate for: Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
Physician assistant (PA) students will lead participants through a brief case study on sprained ankles, a common injury, especially in young athletes. Starting with a patient checklist, participants progress through stations. The first involves learning the history-taking process for the presented patient and ordering an x-ray. At the second station, participants interpret x-ray results, gaining knowledge about their use and safety and basic foot/ankle anatomy. The third station covers essential care for a sprained ankle (RICE and taping). Additionally, participants gain insights into the PA's role in medicine, with prompts for basic medical questions related to a common injury.
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