Workshop Descriptions and Schedule

Designed for 5–12th grade learners, this session explores the science of blood typing through a hands-on lab experience. Learners will use simulated blood samples to determine blood types, apply simple testing techniques, and uncover how blood types connect to genetics and medicine. By participating in this activity, students will experience what it’s like to work in a real laboratory environment.

This session will be offered four times.

Designed for 9–12th grade learners, this session introduces students to the science of epidemiology through a hands-on dice simulation. Learners will act as epidemiologists to investigate how diseases spread and how prevention measures—such as vaccination or hygiene—can reduce risk. Working in small groups, participants complete two rounds of play, record observations, and compare outcomes to see how prevention changes the spread of disease. This activity highlights core public health concepts, including exposure, risk, and data-based decision making.

This session will be offered three times.

Designed for 5–12th grade learners, this session explores how seasonal temperature changes impact bee lifecycles and pollination. Learners will investigate the physiological and behavioral adaptations that help bees survive heat and relate these concepts to principles in physics and materials science, such as thermal mass, surface-to-volume ratios, and insulation. Using infrared cameras, students will examine heat production and retention in bees and humans, and experiment with heating marshmallows to see how volume affects warming and cooling.

This session will be offered five times.

Designed for 9–12th grade learners, this session introduces students to the science of DNA through a hands-on strawberry extraction activity. Learners will use simple household materials to isolate visible DNA and explore how genetic instructions shape all living things. Through this experiment, students will see the building blocks of life up close and discover how DNA connects organisms across species. Get ready to explore the amazing science behind what makes living things tick!

This session will be offered two times.

Designed for 5–12th grade learners, this session immerses students in the fast-paced world of hospital operations through an interactive role-playing simulation. Learners take on roles as patients, doctors, and hospital staff as they experience how bottlenecks form and how workflow challenges impact patient care. After navigating this hectic hospital environment, students will analyze what went wrong and brainstorm solutions to improve efficiency. This hands-on activity blends real-world industrial engineering concepts with engaging, collaborative problem-solving.

This session will be offered four times.

Designed for 9–12th grade learners, this session introduces students to the basic concepts of network science through an interactive presentation and hands-on activities. Learners will explore core terminology—such as nodes, edges, and centrality—and examine visual examples of different network types. Using graph paper and simple software tools, students will create, visualize, and analyze their own networks. They will then identify a real-world community problem that could be addressed using network science principles.

This session will be offered one time.

Designed for 5–12th grade learners, this session introduces students to the field of pharmacy through a hands-on lip balm–making activity. Learners will measure, melt, and blend ingredients to create a custom product while discovering how pharmacists apply chemistry, problem-solving, and patient care in their work. Along the way, students will explore what pharmacy school is like and learn about a variety of science-based careers in hospitals, labs, and community settings.

This session will be offered five times.

Designed for 5–12th grade learners, this session introduces students to the basic principles of plumbing systems and how they are represented in engineering drawings. Learners will explore how to read 2D plumbing diagrams and convert them into a 3D layout. Working with pipes and fittings, students will use problem-solving skills to construct a simple plumbing system based on a provided 2D drawing and determine how that design translates into a real-world 3D build.

This session will be offered five times.

Designed for 9–12th grade learners, this session introduces students to the science and purpose of polymer coatings, with a focus on how these materials protect metals from harsh environmental conditions. Learners will explore how coatings are fabricated, examine their chemical and physical properties, and investigate how those properties influence corrosion prevention. Through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, students will see how paints and coatings act as essential protective barriers that support the durability and longevity of metal structures.

This session will be offered two times.