STEAM Expo Days

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

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

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!

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!

Learn more about Dress Like a Neuroscientist

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!

Learn more about Experience the Joys of Modular Origami

Appropriate for: Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Why is the supercomputer at MSU so great? The secret is parallel processing, which allows MSU's supercomputer to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, while a typical laptop can only perform a small number of tasks concurrently. Discover more about parallel processing with this engaging, interactive, and hands-on "Raspberry Pi Supercomputer" demonstration. Try your hand at our instructive game on a simulated supercomputer to see how much you can increase performance with parallel processing!

Learn more about Experiment with the Principles of Supercomputing Through an Educational Videogame

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.

Learn more about Explore the Tiny World Beneath Our Feet

Appropriate for: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above

Make your own edible ice cream aquifer! Learn about aquifers and groundwater and how you can protect water resources. Find out how groundwater in the aquifer can become contaminated by watching what happens when you start adding chocolate syrup, sprinkles, and soda to your ice cream aquifer.

Learn more about Edible Ice Cream Aquifers: Learn About Groundwater and How to Protect It

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!

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.

Learn more about Explore What It's Like to Be a Physician Assistant