Standard Workshops:
Our Standard Workshops are designed with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS, Math) in mind. A certified instructor will lead your workshop.
Sphero Shelters (30 minutes; K-2nd recommended)
Build a shelter to protect Sphero from the harsh sun. Students will engineer small structures for Sphero robots, and utilize a flashlight’s rays to gauge the robot’s response to the amount of light that passes through the shelter.
NGSS: K-PS3-2, K-2-ETS1-1, K-s-ETS1-3, 1-PS4-3, 2-PS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3.
Chemical Reactions: Fizz & Foam (30 minutes; all ages)
Explore molecules and review states of matter through two chemical reactions. What happens when we turn a liquid into gas? Students will touch and observe the fizz and foams created by combining acids and bases. (We only use safe ingredients: vinegar, baking soda, yeast, and hydrogen peroxide.)
NGSS: 2-PS1-1, 5-PS1-4
Slime Time (30 minutes; all ages)
Give your students the satisfaction of ooey-gooey slime creation, without the classroom mess! In this workshop, students will review differences between solids and liquids, and explore the mysterious state in-between: Non-Newtonian Fluids – specifically, slime! Each student will receive a small container of slime to take home (all will be stored in a box provided to the educator, for convenience).
NGSS: 2-PS1-1, 5-PS1-4.
Engineering to Fight Erosion (45 minutes; 2nd-5th recommended)
Students will enjoy getting their hands dirty (literally) as they engineer solutions to prevent erosion. During the simulation, students will utilize “stream tables” (with a simulated river) upon which to design and test their ideas for how to keep the soil in place.
NGSS: 4-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-1, K-2-ETS1-1, 3-ESS3-1, 3-5ETS1-1, 3-5ETS1-3.
Fraction Bots (45 minutes; 2nd-5th recommended)
Review simple fractions (whole, half, 1/3, etc.), make estimates, and measure lengths through interactive play with Sphero robots! Students will adjust speed and duration in their programs to change the distance their robots travel in real life.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.3, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.A, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.B.3.B.
Robot Patrol (45 minutes; 3rd-5th recommended)
Use beginner coding skills to patrol the perimeters of different shaped “castles” with Sphero robots. Students will work with a partner to explore how the angel, speed, and duration written in their program affect how their robot moves in real life.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.D.8, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.MD.C.5, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.MD.C.6.
Engineering Workshops:
Engineering Workshops are ideal for a large group with students who work at their own pace. This workshop experience is designed for a large field trip to rotate through a classroom in smaller chaperoned groups to enjoy the selected activity. Your school will have the workshop activity available for the duration of time needed to accommodate your specific number of students. (We’ll estimate 1 hour per 50 students.)
Gravity Cars (all ages)
Students will build a prototype car and test how far it travels with the use of a ramp. Applying critical thinking and testing, students will make design changes to improve the distance traveled. Your kiddos will not want to stop when the workshop time is up!
K-2-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-PS2-2.
Rockets (all ages)
We have built a pneumatic rocket launcher that is waiting for your student’s rockets! Students will learn a basic rocket format and will design custom alterations to make their rockets soar even higher.
NGSS: K-PS2-2, K-2-ETS1-3, 4-PS3-4, 3-5-ESTS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-3.
Roller Coasters (2nd-5th recommended)
Ready for a challenge? Students will work to build a roller coaster for a marble with twists, spirals, and more! Designing, testing, and applying changes will be front and center in this fun engineering workshop that introduces principles of physics including gravity, momentum, friction, and centripetal force.
K-2-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-PS2-2.
Parachutes (all ages)
Get ready for some wind! Students will construct parachutes to lift plastic animals up and out of a wind tube. Students will explore the concepts of gravity and drag through hands-on experimentation.
NGSS: K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-3, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-3.
