MS Exploration Descriptions

MS Exploration Descriptions
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Middle School Exploration workshops are available to students who will be in grades 5-8 in Fall 2010.

Deepspace Terraformers – A LEGO Mindstorms NXT Exploration

Dates: June 3 & 4 (Thurs. & Fri.)
Times: 8:30am-3pm, both days
Fee: $100

Participants will become skilled robotics explorers, learning the basics of programming NXT Mindstorms robots in the training areas on the Space Shuttle Entropy. Next, our brave explorers will visit a series of moons, where they hone their terraforming skills. The adventure continues on the planet Pantheon, where the newly trained terraformers will help transform Pantheon into an environment where humanoids can live and thrive.

Presenter: Dr. Sally Pardue, Director, Millard Oakley STEM Center and Associate Professor, TTU Department of Mechanical Engineering

Get a Head Start for the 2011 Science & Engineering Fair

Dates: June 9, 10 & 11 (Wed., Thurs., Fri.)
Time: 8:30-11:30am, each day
Fee: $75

Students will select a topic, begin research on the topic, and develop a design for their study. Students will be introduced to the rules and requirements for a successful entry in the annual Cumberland Plateau Regional Science & Engineering Fair.

Following the three-day workshop, TTU faculty mentors will be identified for each student. Follow-up sessions with the faculty mentors will be scheduled for fall/winter 2010-11 in order for students to have a complete exhibit ready for the March 2011 fair.

NOTE: One parent/guardian may attend the sessions with the student for no additional charge. Please see registration form.

Presenter: Dr. Bethany Stevens, Director, Cumberland Plateau Regional Science & Engineering Fair and Assistant Professor, TTU Department of Curriculum & Instruction

Nature’s Food Factories

Date: June 14 (Mon.)
Time: 8:30-11:30am
Fee: $30

Students will collect leaf specimens during a guided walk through the TTU campus. They will explore the structures of leaves using magnifying glasses and microscopes and learn how leaves convert water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide into the food that animals and people eat.

Presenter: Dr. Christy Carter, Assistant Professor, TTU Department of Biology

Engineering a Future (EaF)*

*This program is conducted by the College of Engineering and will be hosted by the STEM Center. EaF serves girls who have completed 7th or 8th grade.

Dates: June 15, 16, 17 & 18 (Tues.-Fri.)
Program Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Click here for more information and registration >

The Longest Day of the Year

Dates: June 21 (Mon.)
Time: 6-9pm
Fee: $30

Students will explore the alignment of the Sun and Earth on the longest day of the year, June 21 (also known as the summer solstice). Experience interactive software, digital recordings, and, weather permitting, viewing the Cookeville sky through a telescope.

NOTE: One parent/guardian may attend the session with the student for no additional charge. Please see registration form.

Presenter: Dr. Steve Robinson, Professor & Chair, TTU Department of Physics

The Chemistry of Flavors & Fragrances

Date: June 22 (Tues.)
Time: 8:30-11:30am
Fee: $30

Students will explore the chemical structures that we identify with the wonderful flavors and smells (fruits and flowers) and not so wonderful odors (mothballs) in our environment.

Presenter: Dr. Dan Swartling, Associate Professor, TTU Department of Chemistry