Steam Workshops started off this week by completing a virtual lab tour with Akasha, a geneticist student at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Afterwards, we worked together to find the DNA of a strawberry! Next, we worked with Owen, an up-and-coming engineering student, to build stomp rockets. Students experimented with fin types, nose shapes, and body lengths to build their stomp rockets. Lastly, we wrapped up our week by playing math games with Edward. Students and instructors learned new games and tested strategies to use on our next game day. Next week we will meet a Geospatial Information Systems expert, build marble coasters, and experiment with a sports scientist.
Check out the information below to continue the fun at home! Find your own strawberry DNA with this link: https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/teaching-tools/strawberry-dna-extraction
Check out this link to make straw rockets with materials found around the house: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/make-a-straw-rocket/
Some Math Games to play at home include 99 or Bust, Even Stevens, Mancala, 4 Way Countdown, and Knockout.
This week's experts are Akasha, Owen, and Edward!
Akasha is a student at the University of Wisconsin Madison studying genetics. She has a lifelong love for biology and more specifically genetics. Currently, she works at a lab that she will give us a tour of, where she edits RNA cells to study cures for ALS!
Owen has always been interested in engineering, math, and learning how things work. This inspired him to attend Mountain Vista Governor's School - a school that emphasizes STEM based classes and activities. He is excited to continue there in his senior year!
Edward got started in STEM in high school where he joined a competitive robotics club. This ignited his interest in electronics and he is now studying Electrical Engineering. This field requires lots of strategic thinking, which will be helpful when playing Mathnasium games. Edward's biggest piece of advice for students is if you see someone doing something that interests you, ask them about it! You never know where that could take you.