CU Science Discovery
2015-2016 School and Teacher Programs
Classroom Presentations
Full-Day STEM Workshops
Teacher Professional Development
Library Programs
Register online now! sciencediscovery.colorado.edu
About CU Science Discovery
CU Science Discovery is a K-12 STEM
(science, technology, engineering and math)
education outreach program of the University
of Colorado Boulder. Science Discovery offers
an array of programs that provide K-12
students and teachers with unique, handson STEM experiences. Programs engage
learners in current scientific and engineering
design processes while connecting them to
the science and technology present in their
everyday lives.
Science Discovery’s School and Teacher
Programs include Classroom Presentations,
Assemblies, Library Programs, Full-day
STEM Workshops and Teacher Professional
Development. All programs enrich science
curriculum and engage students while
complementing classroom instruction and
supporting national and Colorado Academic
Standards. Bring CU science to your school or
community today!
Questions? Contact us!
sciencediscovery.colorado.edu
Additional information, including dates, locations
and details regarding all of our School and Teacher
Programs can be found by selecting the Discover
Our Programs link.
Hester Nadel
School and Teacher Programs
sfcu@colorado.edu
303-492-8640
2 | CU Science Discovery | School and Teacher Programs | 2015-2016
Table of Contents
Classroom Presentations . . . . . . . 4-9
Hour-long presentations at your school!
Earth Sciences . . . 4
Life Sciences . . . .5
Physical Sciences . 6
Engineering . . . . 7
Full-day STEM Workshops . . . . . . 10-12
Three interconnected, standards-based classes on a specific
theme for up to three classrooms at your desired location!
Teacher Professional Development . 13
Library Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Additional Teacher Resources . . . . 15
Register online | sciencediscovery.colorado.edu | 3
Classroom Presentations: Earth Sciences
Colorado Archaeology | 3rd-5th
Explore science and society through Colorado’s
“hidden” history. This presentation focuses on the
science and geography of the ancient and historic
people of Colorado, while increasing awareness of
the cultural heritage and diversity of our state.
Discovering Dinosaurs | PreK-K
and 1st-12th
Examine dinosaur fossils and casts as you explore
the adaptations and behaviors of some of Earth’s
most famous residents from the past.
Fire and Water | 4th-10th
Use computer mapping and hands-on experiments to
explore the relationships between wildfires, soils and
water quality throughout Colorado.
Foundations for Flow | 4th-10th
Teams of learners will build a Colorado watershed
from the bedrock up and then break it down using
the destructive powers of water, snow, and glaciers,
creating the landscapes we see today. Please
note: Due to the elaborate set-up of this classroom
presentation, we require a minumum of two
presentations to be scheduled.
Ice, Snow and H20 | 4th-8th
Learners will explore snow, ice, density and data in
hands-on activities focused on weather and the role
of climate in Colorado’s water supply.
Making Waves in Earth Science |
4th-8th
Using hands-on activities, seismographs, measurements
and math, learners will explore how wave science and
data help scientists understand the Earth’s structure
and processes.
Polar Connections | K-8th
Explore the location and climate of both the Arctic
and Antarctic regions of Earth. Learn how animals
and people suit themselves for survival in extreme
Polar environments.
Weather Works | 3rd-8th
Unravel the mysteries of meteorology by exploring
the fundamental atmospheric conditions that create
what we call weather. Explore temperature, air
pressure, clouds and the water cycle.
Science Fair Workshops | K-8th
Choose from three Science Fair Workshops to
introduce and/or reinforce the scientific method while
raising student interest in designing experiments for
science fairs and in-class discovery.
Please visit sciencediscovery.colorado.edu for complete descriptions.
4 | CU Science Discovery | School and Teacher Programs | 2015-2016
Classroom Presentations: Life Sciences
Acoustics, Waves and Human Body
Systems | 4th-8th
NEW! Exploring Genetics and
Evolution | 4th-8th
Teams of learners will use hands-on investigations,
experiments and demonstrations to explore the
fundamental science behind sound waves and
hearing.
Learn about the role of genes, reproduction and
mutations in biological change. Delve into the world
of genetics, how traits are transmitted and expressed
and evidence of change over time.
Alien Empire: The Wonderful World
of Insects | 1st-3rd
Eye Know! | 5th-9th
Explore the amazing world of insects including body
structure, insect life cycles, habitats, adaptations and
the role that insects play as pollinators and recyclers.
Get up-close and personal with insects, spiders and
other arthropods from around the world.
Bat Tales | PreK-8th
Learn about the diversity and natural history of
the world’s only flying mammal. Explore these
often misunderstood animals and learn why their
conservation is critical to many ecosystems.
Cardiovascular Physiology | 4th-9th
Understand the heart through two interactive
presentations—Structure and Function and How
the Heart Responds to Exercise. Using models and
specimens, explore the inner workings of our most
vital organ. Utilize sensors and EKG monitors to
see how the heart functions to meet our energy
demands.
Discover DNA I: DNA Extraction |
4th-10th
Explore how animal eye structure, function and
adaptation affect animal vision. Dissect a cow’s eye
and discover how similar our eyes are to those of
other mammals.
From Prairies to Peaks | 3rd-8th
Journey from the prairies to the peaks of beautiful
Colorado. Explore the dramatic variation and
interrelationships of the landscapes, climates and
species of the Centennial State.
Fur, Feathers and Fins | PreK-2nd
Discover the distinguishing features of a variety
of mammals, birds and fish through the use of
costumes, demonstrations and hands-on activities
with museum specimens.
NEW! Investigating Energy and
Human Body Systems | 4th-8th
Investigate energy and the structures and processes
common to all living things. Learning activities
will explore scales, cells, adaptations, habitats,
respiration and human body systems.
Key to Classification | 4th-9th
What is DNA, where do you find it and what kind
of information does it provide? Extract real DNA
from fruit and learn about its chemical and physical
properties, as well as how it can be analyzed.
Explore the world’s diversity through the science
of taxonomy. Identify native Colorado skulls using
dichotomous keys.
Discover DNA II: DNA
Fingerprinting | 8th-10th
Discover the watery world of jellyfish, seahorses,
sharks and other ocean creatures. Learn about
the characteristics of marine vertebrates and
invertebrates by observing museum specimens.
How are DNA samples prepared and analyzed?
Perform agarose gel electrophoresis to analyze
DNA samples (using simulation dyes) collected at a
mock crime scene. Gain hands-on understanding
of how DNA variation among individuals is analyzed
in practical applications such as genetic testing and
forensics. Requires 1.5 hr session or DNA I as a
prerequisite.
Marine Biology | K-9th
NEW! Modeling Ecosystems and
Biodiversity | 4th-8th
Complex relationships govern living systems and
the interactions between living and non-living
components of an ecosystem. Explore biodiversity
and interdependence while applying science and
engineering practices.
Register online | sciencediscovery.colorado.edu | 5
Classroom Presentations: Physical Sciences
Cool and Creative Chemistry |
4th-9th
Investigate energy use in living systems through
a variety of demonstrations. Learn how energy is
created to fuel everything from respiration and
metabolism to photosynthesis and bioluminescence.
How Illuminating! | 4th-9th
Electrifying demonstrations, flame spectroscopy
and the creation of light through heat, electrical,
mechanical and chemical energy will illuminate the
exciting world of light and atoms!
Electronics Lab | 3rd-8th
Build and test a number of different types of circuits
using lights, buzzers, resistors, switches and other
solid-state components to help create a foundation
for understanding modern electronics and devices.
Exploring the Nanoworld | 4th-12th
Explore the world of Nanoscience! Use a variety of
tools that recreate the ways in which scientists study
and characterize the unseen world.
NEW! The Facts of the Matter |
1st-3rd
Matter can take a variety of states and each state
has its own unique properties. Solids, liquids and
gases- explore the three primary states of matter
and get a glimpse of a fourth!
Light and Lasers Assembly |
3rd-12th
Learn about various types of light and what a laser
is and how it works. Discover everyday applications
for light and lasers such as telecommunications and
fiber optics.
Light and Lasers Workshop |
3rd-12th
Engage in hands-on activities that explore light and
how we perceive it. Explore reflection, diffraction,
color perception and optical illusions.
Muggle Magic: The Science of
Harry Potter | 3rd-6th
For the Love of Polymers | 4th-9th
Discover the world of polymers and how they impact
our daily lives. Create a polymer and conduct a
series of tests used in the recycling of plastics.
Force and Motion | 5th-9th
Use Newton’s Laws to understand force, motion and
the transfer of energy.
Delight in the science behind the magic of Hogwarts’
charms and potions. Learn how to make different
liquids change color, make things disappear and
reappear, explore density, polymers, Non-Newtonian
fluids and pH.
Waves, Technology and
Innovation | 4th-8th
Use thermal cameras, night vision systems, IRthermometers, liquid crystals, lights, lenses and
lasers that carry music to explore the essential role
waves play in 21st Century tools and technologies.
Please visit sciencediscovery.colorado.edu for complete descriptions.
6 | CU Science Discovery | School and Teacher Programs | 2015-2016
Classroom Presentations: Engineering
21st Century Materials Science |
4th-8th
Engineering with Photo-Origami |
4th-8th
Play with thermoplastics, see 3D printing in action,
engineer devices with shape memory metals and
paint circuits with conductive paints! Shape memory
plastics and biopolymers can also be included upon
request.
Learn how light and heat can be used to create
3D objects from 2D polymer sheets. Conduct
experiments on polymers and use that knowledge to
create geometric shapes of your own design!
Bioengineering | 4th-8th
Explore genetic engineering, bioremediation and
biomedical design in fun, hands-on ways based upon
research from CU Boulder scientists.
Utilize the engineering design process to explore
important science concepts in wind power
applications including circuits, resistance, lift, drag,
weight and friction.
Engineering Green Buildings |
4th-8th
Hybrids, Hydrogen and More! |
4th-8th
Explore the basic concepts and systems used in the
sustainable building movement with examples from
our very own community.
Harnessing the Wind | 4th-8th
Engineer solar power systems and use the energy
to power lights, motors and hybrid vehicles. Lastly,
hydrogen fuel cells will be used to power model cars!
Are you looking for a full-day immersive engineering experience for your classroom?
Be sure to check out our Engineering is Everywhere STEM Workshop on page 11.
Discover Optics Education and Outreach Grant
Science Discovery is the proud recipient of an education and outreach grant from SPIE, the international
society for optics and photonics. This grant is designed to support Discover Optics, a series of optics
and photonics-related outreach programming for K-12 students and teachers. Discover Optics
programs include classroom presentations, STEM workshops and teacher professional development
workshops, designed to demonstrate fundamental optics concepts and highlight recent scientific
advances within this field.
The Discover Optics series includes:
• Eye Know!
• Lights and Lasers (assembly and classroom presentation)
• How Illuminating!
• Engineering with Photo-Origami
• Waves, Technology and Innovation
Limited grant funding is available. Call 303-492-8640 for details.
Register online | sciencediscovery.colorado.edu | 7
Science Discovery | 2015-2016 | Classroom Presentations
Program
Max Group Size
Single Presentation
Each
Addditional
21st Century Materials
30
$180.00
$110.00
Acoustics, Waves and Human Body Systems
30
$175.00
$110.00
Alien Empire: The Wonderful World of Insects
25
$175.00
$110.00
Bat Tales
50
$175.00
$110.00
Bioengineering
30
$175.00
$110.00
Cardiovascular Physiology
30
$175.00
$110.00
Colorado Archaeology
25
$175.00
$110.00
Cool and Creative Chemistry
100
$190.00
$130.00
Discover DNA I: DNA Extraction
30
$175.00
$110.00
Discover DNA II: DNA Fingerprinting
*requires 1.5 hour session or DNA I as a prequisite
30
$175.00/
$230.00*
$110.00/
$155.00*
Discovering Dinosaurs
25
45
$175.00
$175.00
$110.00
$110.00
Electronics Lab
30
$175.00
$110.00
Engineering Green Buildings
30
$175.00
$110.00
Engineering with Photo-Origami
30
$175.00
$110.00
NEW! Exploring Genetics and Evolution
30
$175.00
$110.00
Exploring the Nanoworld
30
$175.00
$110.00
Eye Know!
30
$185.00
$120.00
NEW! The Facts of the Matter
30
$175.00
$110.00
Fire and Water
30
$175.00
$110.00
For the Love of Polymers
30
$175.00
$110.00
Force and Motion
30
$175.00
$110.00
Foundations for Flow (minimum 2 presentations)
30
$285.00
$110.00
From Prairies to Peaks
30
$175.00
$110.00
Fur, Feathers and Fins
30
$175.00
$110.00
Harnessing the Wind
30
$175.00
$110.00
How Illuminating!
30
$175.00
$110.00
Hybrid, Hydrogen and More!
30
$175.00
$110.00
Ice, Snow and H2O
30
$175.00
$110.00
NEW! Investigating Energy and Human Body Systems
30
$175.00
$110.00
Key to Classification
30
$175.00
$110.00
Light and Lasers Assembly (minimum 2 presentations)
100
$320.00
$130.00
Light and Lasers Workshop
30
$175.00
$110.00
Making Waves in Earth Science
30
$175.00
$110.00
Marine Biology
60
$175.00
$110.00
NEW! Modeling Ecosystems and Biodiversity
30
$175.00
$110.00
Muggle Magic: The Science of Harry Potter
45
$175.00
$110.00
Polar Connections
50
$175.00
$110.00
Science Fair Workshops
60
$175.00
$110.00
Waves, Technology and Innovation
30
$175.00
$110.00
Weather Works
60
$175.00
$110.00
8 | CU Science Discovery | School and Teacher Programs | 2015-2016
Target
Level
Earth
4th-8th
3
4th-8th
CDE Academic Standard Grade Levels
Life
4, 6, 8
4, 5, 7
1st-3rd
2
1, 2, 3
PreK-8th
2
PK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
4th-8th
4, 5, 6, 7
4th-9th
4, 5, 7, HS
3rd-5th
4, 8
3, 5
4th-9th
4, 5, 7, HS
4th-10th
5, 6, 7, 8, HS
8th-10th
5, 6, 7, 8, HS
PreK-K
1st-12th
Physical
7, HS
PK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7
4th-8th
5, 6
8
4th-8th
5
3rd-8th
4, 8, HS
All programs are 1
hour in length.
4, 8
4th-8th
4, 8
4, 8
4, 5, 7, 8
4th-12th
6, 8
5th-9th
4, 5, 7
Additional travel
fees may apply.
1st-3rd
4th-10th
5, 6, 8
4, 6, 8
4th-9th
5, 7, 8, HS
5th-9th
4th-10th
4, 8, HS
5, 6, 7, 8
4, 7
PreK-2nd
2
PK, K, 1, 2
4th-8th
5, 6
8
3rd-8th
4, 6, 7, 8
4th-9th
4th-8th
5, 6
4th-8th
5, 6
8
4, 8
4, 6, 8
6, 7
4th-8th
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
4th-9th
4, 5
3rd-12th
4, 8, HS
3rd-12th
5, 6, HS
K-9th
PK, K, 1, 3, 4,
5, 6, 8
4th-8th
4
4, 6, 8
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
3rd-6th
3, 5, 6
2, 5, 8
K-8th
PK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
5, 6
6, 7
4, 6
3, 4, 6
4th-8th
3rd-8th
Visit our website for
specific CDE
Academic
Standards/Grade
Level Expectations.
4, 8, HS
4th-8th
K-8th
4, 8
4, 8, HS
4, 8
2, 4, 5, 6, 8
Register online | sciencediscovery.colorado.edu | 9
Overview: Full-Day STEM Workshops
Full-day STEM Workshops feature three interconnected classes on a specific theme.
• Hands-on investigations that build science process skills
• Colorado Content Standards-based activities
• Cutting-edge science from CU Boulder
• Upper elementary and middle school workshops
Choose From Two Different Models:
STEM Workshops at
Your School
Teachers and Students
Learning Together
• Can accommodate up to 3
classrooms per day ($450 for 1st
class, $375 for the 2nd and 3rd
classes)
• Designed for teams composed of
a teacher and 5 students ($185
per team; minimum of 18 teams
are required)
• Consists of an introduction, three
75 minute classes (secondary
school schedules can be
accommodated) and a wrap-up
• Consists of an introduction, three
75 minute classes and a wrap-up
• Limited scholarships and
discounted programs may be
available for qualified schools
• Offers a certificate documenting
5 hours of teachers professional
development
• Provide classroom resources
pertaining to the theme
Possible workshop locations include:
• Boulder
• Denver
• Longmont
• Pueblo
• Salida
• Basalt
• Sterling
• Glenwood Springs
• Steamboat Springs...and more!
We offer custom workshop experiences for districts, multi-school cooperatives,
regional authorities, colleges, universities and BOCES groups throughout the
state. Let us know how we can bring STEM Workshops to your area!
For additonal information and to get registered, please visit:
sciencediscovery.colorado.edu/program/school-teacher-programs
Questions?
Email: sfcu@colorado.edu | 303-492-8640
10 | CU Science Discovery | School and Teacher Programs | 2015-2016
Full-Day STEM Workshops | Grades 4-8
NEW! for 2015-2016
Exploring Physical Science: Applications for Mechanical
Engineering, Life and Earth Science
Our newst STEM Workshop blends science
and engineering practices, hands-on inquiry,
measurement and math with cutting-edge
technologies and research from CU Boulder.
This workshop uses physics and math as
integrating themes for STEM learning in three
engaging classes:
Exploring Erosion in the Critical Zone
Using computer models, simulations, video
and a hands-on modeling activitiy, learners
will develop understandings of Colorado’s
watersheds, weather, climate and the ways
scientists measure and understand the impacts
of severe weather events on our communities
and erosional processes.
Measurement and Math in Mechanical
Engineering
Apply the STEM concepts of forces, motion and
measurement to research-based engineering
opportunities from CU Boulder. Teams will
explore thermopolymers, their applications in
Photo-Origami and their use as actuators in 3D
printed machines and devices.
Motion, Movement and Biomechanics
Based on research from CU Boulder’s
Integrative Physiology Department, learners will
explore biomechanics, human body systems
and the physics of movement. They will then
design and test prosthetic devices using
Engineering Design Process models.
Engineering is Everywhere
Use the engineering design process as an
integrating theme for STEM learning in three
cutting-edge modules:
• Engineering Photo-Origami
• Bioengineering and Biodesign
• 21st Century Materials
World of Waves: Waves,
Technology and Innovation
Explore the fundamental roles of waves in
science, technology and innovation in three
exciting modules:
• Acoustics, Waves and Human Body
Systems
• Making Waves in Earth Science
• Waves, Technology and Innovation
Please visit sciencediscovery.colorado.edu for complete descriptions.
Register online | sciencediscovery.colorado.edu | 11
Full-Day STEM Workshops | Grades 4-8
21st Century Life Science
This STEM Workshop explores ecosystems,
biodiversity, genetics, evolution, human
body systems and biotechnology in three
interconnected modules:
• Modeling Ecosystems and Biodiversity
• Investigating Energy and Human Body
Systems
• Exploring Genetics and Evolution
Earth Systems Science:
Exploring Change in the Critical Zone
Explore the complex relationships among geology,
soils, climate, ice, snow, wildfires and Colorado’s
water supply in three engaging modules:
• Fire and Water
• Foundations for Flow
• Ice, Snow and H2O
Empowering the Future:
Renewable Energy Systems
and Green Buildings
Learn about sustainable energy and
practices with the best activities from the
Empowering the Future Workshop series:
• Harnessing the Wind
• Engineering Green Buildings
• Hybrid, Hydrogen and More!
12 | CU Science Discovery | School and Teacher Programs | 2015-2016
Teacher Professional Development
Interested in developing your science content
knowledge while earning additional PD hours?
CU Science Discovery offers teacher professional
development workshops based on a variety of
STEM disciplines.
Workshop topics include:
• 3D Printing and Design
• Earth Systems Science
• Engineering
• Life Science
• Renewable Energy
• Wave Science
Teacher Mountain Research Experience
Come spend a few days living and working
with scientists at 9,500 feet! CU’s Mountain
Research Station (near Nederland) serves
as our home base for this residential field
course. For three days, we will work in small
research teams with Boulder Creek Critical
Zone Observatory (BcCZO) faculty and
graduate student researchers as we explore
current BcCZO research questions and learn
about their field work. Research projects
will span a range of disciplines, including
geosciences, ecology and evolutionary
biology, limnology, hydrology and climate
science. Throughout our time together, we’ll
develop plans to integrate CZO science into
our classes.
Visit sciencediscovery.colorado.edu for upcoming dates and full details.
Register online | sciencediscovery.colorado.edu | 13
Library Programs
CU Science Discovery has several programs that work well for use in a library setting. These
programs offer a wide range of benefits:
• Able to serve a wide range of ages and interests
• Are easily adaptable to reading program themes
• An affordable and easy way to enhance reading enrichment programs
The following programs work best in a library setting:
• Bat Tales
• Discovering Dinosaurs
• Electronics Lab
• Light and Laser Workshop
• Marine Biology
• Muggle Magic: The Science of Harry Potter
• Weather Works
For additional programming ideas, please contact Hester Nadel at 303-492-8640 or via email
at sfcu@colorado.edu.
14 | CU Science Discovery | School and Teacher Programs | 2015-2016
Teacher Resources
CU Art Museum
Reopening in Spring 2016, the CUAM provides a laboratory-like environment for teaching and
offers self-directed and formal K-12 class tours.
http://cuartmuseum.colorado.edu/
CU Museum of Natural History
Guided programs, hands-on workshops and classroom kits.
http://cumuseum.colorado.edu
CU Wizards
Free monthly shows designed to be an introduction to the wonders of science for grades 5-9.
http://www.colorado.edu/physics/Web/wizards/cuwizards.html
Interactive Science Simulations
Fun, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena from the PhET project at
the University of Colorado.
http://phet.colorado.edu
Learn More About Climate Change
Climate change resources from the University of Colorado.
http://learnmoreaboutclimate.colorado.edu
Physics for Fun
Explore key topics in physics through videos and activities developed
for students in grades 4-8.
http://sciencediscovery.colorado.edu/resources/teacher-resources/
physics-for-fun
sciencediscovery.colorado.edu>Explore Online Resources>Teacher Resources
Register online | sciencediscovery.colorado.edu | 15
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Fax: (303) 735-6443
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