Workshop Titles and Descriptions: STEM Exploration Day for Girls
The following is a list of workshops offered at STEM Exploration Day for Girls on Friday, February 26, 2016. Using the Student
Workshop Selection Form, student attendees should rank eight workshops of interest to them and then select two workshops they
do not want to attend. Registration is open to the first 500 students who register by January 29, 2016. This document and the
student selection form are located at the following website: http://www.uwsp.edu/conted/ConfWrkShp/Pages/STEM/Girls.aspx
3D Printing: Dream, Create, Innovate!
Presented by Mindy King and Try Espe, University Library
Curious about 3D printing? Explore the equipment and software surrounding this new technology and learn how to turn your ideas
into reality.
A Day In The Life Of A Veterinarian
Presented by Megan Kramer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Community Animal Hospital, Stevens Point
This workshop will touch on entrance requirements for veterinary school, career options for veterinarians, and discuss what types of
cases we see in a general practice. There will be a few cases presented, with demonstrations of slides on microscopes and a
demonstration of a physical exam on a live dog.
Aaack! This Is An Inky Mess!
Presented by Karin Biasca and Nika Wanserski, Paper Science and Engineering, and Lindsay Hoffman, WIST, UW-Stevens Point
What happens to all that paper you put in the recycle bins? Learn how that paper is processed to remove the printing in this
workshop.
Airplane Design Challenge
Presented by John Thompson, AirVantage Aviation and Pete Arnold, Civil Air Patrol
You and your team will design and build a rubber-band powered airplane from "junk parts" and compete against other teams to fly it
to a target.
Arduino Uno Fun And Games
Presented by Gary Kilgas, Richard Breen and Ben Joosten, Mid-State Technical College
Introduce yourself to Arduino Uno, an open-source platform that consists of a circuit board and software that runs on your
computer to write and upload computer codes. Students will use the Spark Fun Inventors Kits and laptops to perform project and
program development, creating interesting games and electronic projects.
Building A Better Potato
Presented by Dennis Halterman, USDA; Paul Bethke and Shelley Janske, USDA and UW-Madison
Ever wonder what goes into making perfect French fries, chips, and tater tots? There’s actually a lot more involved than you think.
Hands-on experiences will allow you to participate in laboratory techniques that we’re using to make potatoes easier to grow, more
nutritious and extra tasty!
Charging Forward
Presented by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Build a snap circuit and discover how your iPod, MP3 player, or iPhone can drive a DJ light show. See how electronics, lights, and
your device respond to the beat while hearing your own music play. Students are encouraged to bring their own iPod, MP3 player or
iPhone to the workshop.
Digging Up The World Of Fossils
Presented by Bryan Hoff and Keaton Katarinic, Department of Geology and Geography, UW-Stevens Point
Dig into the world of Geology and Paleontology by learning key mineral fossil identification techniques.
Fun With Tessellations
Presented by Alayna Kjentvet, Department of Mathematics, UW-Stevens Point
This workshop will explore a beautiful connection between art and mathematics. We will explore the art of making tessellations!
We will be making tessellations from pictures or tiles, commonly in the form of animals and other life forms, to cover a surface of
paper.
Head For Safety: Impact Test Your Helmet
Presented by Sue Hall, American Chemical Society and Gail Pucci, Science Teacher (retired)
How can athletes withstand blows to the head and still be “in the game”? Test the polymer plastic materials used in making external
head gear for softball, cycling, and other sports, and test foams used on the inside to prevent head injuries. Learn how the National
Operating Committee for Athletic Equipment choses the best materials and discover which ones prevent the highest impact.
How To Make The Perfect Cookie
Presented by Marissa Jahnke, Kallie Talaska and Anna Goodrum, School of Health Promotion and Human Development/Dietetics,
UW-Stevens Point
Learn the science behind baking cookies! Student groups will each prepare a different batch of cookies using different leavening
agents, techniques, and ingredients to see the effects on the finished product. Then, analyze and compare the differences between
each type of cookie.
I <3 Exercise Science
Presented by Tiffany Akins, Health Promotion and Wellness, UW-Stevens Point
Imagine getting ready to take the field; you can’t contain your excitement to compete! You feel the familiar thump, thump, in your
chest, and your mind is already visualizing victory! So…how does your heart respond when you’re active? During I <3 Exercise
Science we will investigate your heart’s activity during physical activity and other various activities. Come prepared to have fun and
love your <3 in a whole new way!
Intro To Sonic Pi
Presented by Sasithorn Zuge, Computing and New Media Technologies, UW-Stevens Point
Students will be introduced to programming music with the use of Sonic Pi. Sonic Pi is used to create simple songs for things like a
ringtone. Everyone will have time to explore and create their own music. Bring a USB flash drive if you want to save your own work.
Learning To Think Like A Psychologist
Presented by Debbie Palmer, Department of Psychology, UW-Stevens Point
How does a psychologist use scientific methods to gain information and knowledge about human thinking and behavior? Through a
series of hands-on activities students will learn more, and possibly appreciate better, their own impressive abilities and skills with a
greater understanding of what it means to “think like a psychologist”.
Let's Make A Comet
Presented by Adriana Durbala and Sebastian Zamfir, Department of Physics and Astronomy, UW-Stevens Point
We will outline a simple recipe for building a comet in the laboratory using very familiar ingredients. We will try to understand how
and when comets form conspicuous tails.
Making And Breaking Secret Codes
Presented by Andy Felt, Department of Mathematics, UW-Stevens Point
Learn the science of encryption-making secret codes and breaking them. You will get a chance to make your own code.
Medical Investigators
Presented by the School of Health Care Professions, UW-Stevens Point
Become a highly sought after medical detective. Work your way through a medical case with lots of hands-on activities. Ultimately,
students will be able to solve the medical mystery using clues given and lab results obtained from hands-on exercises.
Mice, Ice And Rats
Presented by Betsie Graham, Department of Biology, UW-Stevens Point
We will conduct a brief metabolism experiment using live mice- comparing the metabolism of a “warm mouse” to that of a “cold
mouse.” Each group and if possible, each student is responsible for animal handling briefly.
Orienteering To The World Of Tomorrow
Presented by Bryan Hoff and Aaron Jones, Department of Geology and Geography, UW-Stevens Point
Do you enjoy hiking, camping, and want to further your horizons by learning more about maps and orienteering? In this workshop
you will learn some of the basic techniques to broaden your horizons by learning how to read topographical maps, the basics of map
reading, and how to use a compass to orienteering yourself on a map.
Renewable Energy And The Curse Of The Second Law
Presented by Kenneth Menningen, Department of Physics and Astronomy, UW-Stevens Point
Learn why most engines are flawed, even those powered by renewable energy, and what can be done about it. You will even build
your own electric motor!
Save The Frogs!
Presented by SAVE THE FROGS! Student Chapter, UW-Stevens Point
Frogs are environmental indicators and many of them are becoming endangered or extinct. There are many threats to frogs such as
disease, habitat loss, and pollution. Come and learn all you need to know about conservation and ways to preserve amphibian
populations. Through discussion, find out what you can do to help conserve. There will be preserved specimens and frog trivia.
Skyscraper Challenge
Presented by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Learn about civil engineering by using materials supplied to build the tallest skyscraper possible. Your skyscraper needs to support a
load of a golf balls, stand on its own and must be strong enough to withstand wind! Skyscrapers will be measured from the floor to
the bottom of the golf ball. Plan your material use wisely!
Social Media For Professionals
Presented by Dr. Brian Casey, Sarah O’Donnell, and Brigitta Altmann, Stevens Point Area School District
Social Media is very important for professionals in IT, management, public relations, business, and marketing. Students will be
introduced to the concept of professional use of Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn and will be given examples of professional
use of these tools to share ideas, connect and collaborate. A digital citizenship activity will be included as well as discussion of
positive digital footprints.
STEM Shuttle: Giving Students Space To Learn!
Presented by the Shuttle Crew, Dream Flight U.S.A.
Students will work in pairs experiencing a wide variety of hands-on activities as they move from station to station on board the
popular STEM Shuttle. Guided by shuttle teachers, students will design a space station, use a robotic arm, and get a feel of how
difficult it is working in space.
Using Nanochemistry To Tackle Important Societal Problems
Presented by the Department of Chemistry, UW-Stevens Point
Chemistry is the central science-it plays a pivotal role in many important areas of science including biology, physics, geology,
medicine, and engineering. Come and learn how chemistry can be utilized to solve important problems that we face as a society. We
will be using nanochemistry to build a colorimetric sensor and construct a solar cell.
What Is Herpetology?
Presented by the Herpetology Society, UW-Stevens Point
Students will be introduced to a variety of animals and will learn about what it means to be a herpetologist. Students will also learn a
sample of frog calls native to Wisconsin.
We Mapped A Zoo
Presented by Christine Koeller, Department of Geography/Geology, UW-Stevens Point
Create a custom tour for the town’s new zoo! Perform simple and complex queries, examine features and attribute data, and collect
information to make decisions about the best path through the zoo. Visitors must see a wide range of animals from different
habitats and different classes and also have time for lunch and souvenir shopping too!
Your Fate May Be In Oncology
Presented by Nicole Christian, St Michael’s Hospital / Stevens Point Cancer Center Oncology
If you read, “The Fault in Our Stars” you know a little about a person’s struggle with cancer. Someone you know may have cancer
but do you really understand what they’re going through? This workshop explains and illustrates what cancer is, how chemotherapy
and radiation therapies work and the role of an Oncologist.