Activities to inspire students in STEM around the state

 

What STEM-ulating activities are happening in West Virginia? Check this page frequently for new activities targeted toward middle school and high school students to increase interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math disciplines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through May 31: Game Design Contest for middle and high school students

Middle and high school students are invited to compete in the 2013 Spring GOT GAME? competition. This competition is open to students from 5th – 12th grades, competing in two divisions. Games must be completely original and created using Game Maker or Game Maker Lite on Windows or Mac.  Game submissions will be accepted through May 31, 2013.  Learn more here.

 

 

June 1: Space Out Saturday, Charleston

It’s out-of-this-world fun as you explore the cosmos at the Clay Center in Charleston from noon to 4 p.m. June 1! Walk through the solar system, design a rocket, learn about the planets and our sun and check out water rocket launches throughout the afternoon. You can also watch special science demos make a comet and moon craters!  Clay Center for Arts and Sciences, Charleston.

 

 

June 8: Science Saturday: Escape from the Depths – a Density Dilemma, Fairmont

Students will investigate measuring and changing the density of objects. Using their knowledge of density they will figure out how to make objects (such as an egg) sink or float and assemble a density tower.    9 a.m. to Noon, Songbird Learning Center, Fairmont.

 

June 10-14: Techno-Robots Camp for grades 6-8, Morgantown

Learn how to be a robotics’ engineer while exploring the LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology. Building and programming LEGO robots is an important technique to explore problem-solving and engineering skills. Students will learn how to design, test hypothesis through experimentation, collaborate in groups, and record results. Learn more at STEMPLOY.

 

June 13-15: Fifth annual aviation summer camp at WVU, Morgantown.

The NASA WV Space Grant Consortium and Student Partnership for the Advancement of Cosmic Exploration (SPACE) will conduct a three-day, two-night in-residence aviation summer camp on the West Virginia University campus in Morgantown June 12-14 2013. Students completing 7th grade in West Virginia schools who are dedicated to learning and willing to accept academic challenges and exhibit an aptitude for mathematics and science and a level of maturity commensurate with their age group

The camp will expose and excite students to future career possibilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) with three days full of engineering and science activities focused on the hands-on learning of aerospace-related principles. Contact Marcie Raol at marcieraol@gmail.com or 304-677-3351.

 

 

June 17-July 18: Marshall Summer K-12 program,Charleston

Registration is under way to enroll students from kindergarten to grade 12 in Marshall University’s month-long Summer K-12 program at Stonewall Jackson Middle School in Charleston. The program will be June 17 through July 18. It is designed to provide children with activity-based learning experiences in writing, reading and math. The program utilizes supervised graduate students in clinical experiences leading to certification or licensure in special education, school counseling, school psychology, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

The program runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with breakfast and lunch provided.  To receive a brochure/application or for more information, contact Dr. Joyce Meikamp at (304) 746-1983 , 1-800-642-9842 or jmeikamp@marshall.edu.

 

June 17-21: WVU Summer Science Camp, Morgantown

West Virginia University offers a five day, non-residential camp teaching concepts that are relevant to modern life. Topics include chemistry in the kitchen, design of smart materials, clean energy technology, lasers in medicine and industry, and future communications technologies. In 2013 the camp will host 20 rising 7th, 8th and 9th grade students, who have had minimal or no formal exposure to science.   Students wishing to participate in the camp must fill out all application information by May 25. Dates and Times: June 17 – 21, 2013. From 10 am to 4 pm each day at White Hall, 135 Willey Street, Morgantown, WV.  Visit utra.phusics.wvu.edu/outreach for more information.

 

 

 

June 24-28: I-Lead to Succeed Camp for grades 6-8, Morgantown

Learn how to be an inspirational and successful leader in the STEM field and in Life! The objective of this course is to facilitate proper leadership skills and qualities that will inspire students to lead with confidence, respect, and perseverance. Learn more at STEMPLOY.

 

July 7-12: Sustainability-Focused Engineering Challenge Camp, Morgantown

For high school students that wants to solve energy problems, the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University is hosting a Sustainable Energy Engineering Challenge Camp from Sunday, July 7 through Friday, July 12.  Campers will create solar-powered pizza oven, use human-generated energy to power a blender and a light bulb, create wind mills and measure how much energy is produced and more.  Overnight campers will participate a challenge course, bowling tournament, campus-wide scavenger hunt, and ice cream socials. Overnight campers will have the opportunity to spend the night in actual WVU dormitories. Day camp options available. Learn more at WVU Engineering School’s Engineering Challenge Camps page.

 

 July 8-12: Physics of Music for grades 6-8, Morgantown

This course educates students about the math, physics and engineering behind musical instruments. Working with an experienced Luthier, students will design and build a simple stringed instrument, such as a mountain dulcimer or banjo, then will learn to play a few common tunes. Supported by College of Creative Arts, The PopShop, Mannette Instruments, and The Radicle Root Art Studio. View the Physics of Music Camp Agenda. Learn more at STEMPLOY.

 

July 14 – 19: “Connect the Dots” high school camp, Morgantown

Sitting in class, do you ever wonder “How does this apply to the real world?” The “Connect the Dots” cam connects what you learn in an engineering class and how it’s applied in industry. Campers will have the opportunity to learn how circuits create network systems and where these systems are used, the logistics of production lines, how to program a simple calculator, where biometrics systems are used to keep our country secure, and the science behind an ice rink among other activities.

Overnight campers will have the chance to participate in recreational activities both on-and off-campus with the opportunity to spend the night in actual WVU dormitories. Day camp option is available. Learn more at WVU Engineering School’s Engineering Challenge Camps page.

 

July 21 – 26: “Growing Roots in STEM – All-female High School Camp, Morgantown

The first all-female camp for high school students who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics fields hosted by WVU’s Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. The camp will have an Engineering focus, but will also demonstrate how a career in engineering can be tied into forensics, pharmaceuticals, beauty product development, design and architecture, etc. Campers will have the opportunity to meet and work with female faculty members and successful female alumnae on design projects and various competitions. Learn more at WVU Engineering School’s Engineering Challenge Camps page.

 

July 22 – 26: “Game on!” Middle School Day Camp, Morgantown

This week-long day camp for middle school students is great for students with big imaginations who like to play games. The camp will combine engineering principles with fun to enhance already-existing games such as Twister, Connect Four, and Kerplunk, as well as creating new, exciting engineering-based games. Students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will learn about the mechanics behind Nerf guns, create electromagnetic fishing poles to see who can catch the most “fish,”build their own boomerangs, connect a bicycle to a blender to make smoothies, create a continuous motion machine, and engineer their very own board game, among other fun activities.  Learn more at WVU Engineering School’s Engineering Challenge Camps page.

 

August 5-9: Cooking with Math for grades 6-8, Morgantown

Hosted in a local restaurant, campers meet real restaurateurs, work with chefs, and learn the intricacies of the business while learning math and chemistry concepts in cooking. The objective is exploring science while preparing meals using measuring devices, mixing ingredients that chemically interact, discussing food allergies, and exploring organic foods.  Become the next “STEM Chef” in this hands-on culinary experience. Supported by Madeleine’s Restaurant and WVU’s Animal Sciences Farm. Learn more at STEMPLOY.

 

September 20: Engineering and Science Challenge at Fairmont State University

The Science and Technology open house sponsored by the College of Science & Technology at Fairmont State University is a fun challenge. Students from different high schools have the opportunity to compete in hands-on design challenges, including rocket motor testing, build your own robotic arm, confined space lab rescue mission, Whodunit, and more. Lear more at http://www.fairmontstate.edu/collegeofscitech/outreach/scitech-open-house.

 

 

 

November 9: Science Day, Morgantown

Children and adults will get excited about science at the Children’s Discovery Museum annual Science Day event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children will participate in fun and interactive activities on forensics, chemistry, physics, astronomy, nano-science and much more.  There is a small fee. Children’s Discovery Museum, Morgantown.

 

 

 

 

Ongoing: West Virginia State University Extension Service 4-H Aerospace and Robotics Club, Institute

Open to students in K-12 for hands-on learning opportunities using NASA equipment. The club meets monthly, with the mission of increasing youth interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), one of the fastest-growing areas of need in the state’s workforce.

The club is free to join. at WVSU’s Aerospace Education Laboratory (AEL), 213 Douglass St., Institute, West Virginia. Volunteer opportunities are available for interested adults. For more information, contact Paul Henderson at 304 205-7973, henderpm@wvstateu.edu.

 

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Do you have a STEMulating activity for middle school or high-school age students? Send info and a website link to kelly.merritt@wvresearch.org.