Hands-on Science
Explore STEAM up close with hands-on activities!
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The Wonders of Human Physiology
Saturday, April 13, 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
The human body, a source of endless fascination, holds mysteries yet to be unveiled. Expert explorers, be they physiologists or physicians, all seek to understand what makes us function. Explore questions like how we grow, what keeps our heart beating, and why we breathe unconsciously through hands-on experiments and demonstrations with expert physiology explorers!
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Transforming Grass to Gas
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
Discover the fascinating potential of the plants in our prairies and forests! Join us to meet MSU scientists delving into research on using these plants to create the fuels and products we rely on daily. Learn about harnessing the superpowers of microbes to transform grass into gas. Engage in interactive, hands-on activities that unveil the mysteries we're unraveling on the journey towards a more sustainable future.
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Treasured Trees: 150 Years of the MSU Campus Arboretum
Saturday, April 13, 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
Visit the Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum table to learn about our treasured trees on campus and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Arboretum.
Learn more about Treasured Trees: 150 Years of the MSU Campus Arboretum
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Visualizing Proteins
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at STEM Teaching and Learning Facility Room 1202
Appropriate for: Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
Proteins, crucial for life's fundamental activities, can also contribute to the harmful effects of pathogens. Scientists employ X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to study these macromolecules' three-dimensional structures. In this presentation, explore protein components and witness the use of computer programs to visualize select proteins' 3D structures.
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Wake Up Your Brain
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
Learn about how caffeine affects the brain with neuroscientists!
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What is Mass Spectronomy? A Look Inside a Chemist's Toolbox
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
How do scientists search for life when peering into Martian rocks? What kind of miraculous gadget do you believe they use to inspect the vegetables for pesticides? Mass spectrometry! Scientists can use mass spectrometry to uncover the composition of materials down to the smallest particles, making it an incredible investigative tool! This method allows the detection and separation of individual ions from a complicated matrix. You can see how it functions in our video depiction and have a chance to try it for yourself!
Learn more about What is Mass Spectronomy? A Look Inside a Chemist's Toolbox
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What's in the Box? A Hands-On Investigation of Scientific Practice
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: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
You get a mysterious black box. What's inside? One rule: You can't open the box! How can you find out what's inside? How certain can you be? In this hands-on activity, we will ask you to reflect on what counts as a good answer and why? For whom? And under what circumstances?
Learn more about What's in the Box? A Hands-On Investigation of Scientific Practice
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Why Do Bananas Smell So A-Peeling!
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: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age
In plants, metabolites contribute to flavors and scents in fruits. With thousands of metabolites, these natural molecules offer diverse flavors for the food industry. Join our interactive presentation to explore the role of plant metabolites. Conduct experiments to recreate your favorite fruit smells, examine the 3D structure of molecules, and learn about the pioneering scientists behind these discoveries. Presented by the Plant Metabolic Network.
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You Can Be a Veterinary Nurse Too!
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
Veterinary nurses do a lot of the same tasks that human nurses do ... just on animals! From drawing blood to performing anesthesia, vet nurses are responsible for caretaking as part of veterinary care. They work hard as advocates to ensure that ALL animals (large, small, companion, and wild) are comfortable, healthy, and happy.