January 14, 2012 – Amusement Park Physics
Grab your ticket and hold onto your seat! Discover how the laws of physics affect your favorite high speed attractions. Build, design and come on board for an exhilarating experience!
February 11, 2012 – Rocket Research
3.2.1. Blast off! Launch into this hands-on day of rocketry to discover Newton’s Third Law of Action-Reaction. Predict angles, use pressure to propel projectiles and design a rocket for a successful flight.
March 10, 2012 – Forensic Detectives
Who did it? Become an apprentice to Sherlock Holmes and explore various types of physical evidence in a “mock” crime scene. Collect and analyze fingerprints, hair samples and use chromatography to solve the mystery.
April 14, 2012 – DNA
DNA: Dimples, Noses and Allergies. Find how traits help make you who you are and experience the process of extracting DNA from organic produce.
September 10 – Geometry with a Twist
What do jewelry, tile floors, and stained glass have to do with geometry? Plenty! Uncover the hidden shapes and patterns in the world around you and discover how geometry has influenced everything from fashion design to jewelry making. Use tessellations and circular designs to create your own fashion statement to take home.
October 8 – Candy Chemistry
If you have a sweet tooth for confectionery concoctions, candy chemistry is the place to be! Discover the chemical compounds that make up your favorite sugary treat, perform plenty of sucrose experiments and take home a tasty treat!
November 12 - Animation Studio
Use your imagination and techno savvy skills to design a Scratch programming masterpiece created by MIT. Work collaboratively on an interactive story, animation, art or game to share online with all of your friends. Go,Sprites!
December 10 - Snow Science
Join us as we turn down the thermostat and transform our classroom into a place for icy investigations. Discover why no two snow crystals are alike, examine how frost forms and learn how to make ice cream using freeze-point depression!
August 14 - Animation Studio
Ever wanted to animate your own cartoons? Don’t miss this chance to learn how to use Scratch, a free multimedia programming software from MIT Media Lab that enables you to design and create your own video games, animations, and interactive stories.
September 12 - Digital Bling
Discover how to turn a circuit into a wearable work of art. Create radiant jewelry using LED lights, wires, batteries, and lots of fun accessories. Be sure to bring your imagination!
October 10 - Spooky Science
What do photoluminescence and chemiluminescence have to do with Halloween? Find out in this workshop devoted to things that glow. Uncover the science behind glow-in-the-dark toys, glow sticks, and more. Plus, whip up your own glowing concoction to take home.
November 14 - T-Shirt Chromatography
Tie-dye is so passé! Create your own colorful T-shirt design while learning about chemistry and chromatography. (Bring your own white shirt to decorate or use one of ours.)
December 12 - Sun Power
Unlock the power of the sun in this luminous class. Discover the science behind solar cells and make a solar-powered night light to take home.
November 14 - T-Shirt Chromatography
Tie-dye is so passé! Create your own colorful T-shirt design while learning about chemistry and chromatography. (Bring your own white shirt to decorate or use one of ours.)
February 13 - Biotech Bootcamp
Here's your chance to sharpen your biotechnology skills! Learn about the latest research and careers from a local scientist, and then try your hand at DNA extraction, electrophoresis, and more.
March 13 - Voyage to Mars
Prepare for lift off aboard our Nierman Challenger Learning Center. Work in teams to solve real-life science, technology and math problems during a journey to the Martian surface.
April 10 - The Science of Magic
Discover the science behind the trickery in this puzzling class! Whip up chemical concoctions and perform seemingly impossible feats. Your friends and family will be amazed!
May 8 - PicoCrickets
Combine science, art, and technology to build gadgets that light up, spin, make music, and even purr! For more information on PicoCrickets, visit www.picocricket.com.
November 13- Origami Science
Did you know that many solar cells, telescopes, and automobile airbags are based on the principles of origami? Learn how to make several unique origami creations and discover how this ancient paper-folding art influences science, technology, and engineering.
December 11 - Chemistry of Cosmetics
Discover how chemists determine the ingredients for new cosmetics. Perform scientific tests on product samples and mix up your own concoction to take home.
January 8- Magic for Muggles
Use science to reproduce the magic of your favorite wizards from books and movies. Conjure up a list of science spells that are worthy of any Hogwarts apprentice. You won’t believe your eyes!
February 12 - Fashion Tech
Can you imagine clothes that light up or play sounds? Believe it or not, many fashion designers are beginning to incorporate technology into their designs. Discover how to integrate science into your own clothing or accessory project.
March 12 - Mysterious Meteorology
How hard can it be to predict the weather in San Diego? It’s more difficult than you might think. Explore wind currents, weather fronts, precipitation, storms and more. Wrap up the day by taping your own weather forecast.
April 9 - Sound Science
Take a closer look at the science behind your favorite instruments and discover how to use everyday objects to make music and special effects. Design your own instrument to take home.