Middle School

What makes arches and triangles so strong? Students will learn about both the physical science and history of arch and truss bridges. Students will perform experiments to investigate the inherent strength of these shapes and understand why civil engineers frequently use them in the design and constructions of structures in general and bridges in particular.

Activities will demonstrate how microgravity affects body fluids in space and how negative pressures can be used to redistribute fluids in space and maintain astronaut health. Our table will have an inflatable alien filled with water and pressure gauges attached at different points to show how fluid pressure changes with posture changes, and an alien in a battery powered negative pressure box to show fluid distribution due to ambient pressure changes.

Wonderful Wetlands! Did you know that wetlands are found worldwide and are among the richest habitats, just as rich as a tropical rainforest? Meet scientists from the Tijuana Estuary, discover wetland critters, dig through a mudflat, see the kind of science wetland biologists do, and discover why wetlands are important for YOU and for wildlife.

Hands-on STEM based Engineering building activity

We are a non-profit school teaching programming to kids in 5th – 12th grade. Our after-school/weekend classes meet year round to prepare kids for the science and technology careers of the 21st century.

Representing various biotechnology careers and discussing the care, welfare and use of animals in science. - Origami punch outs, keychains - placing organs in the correct location on a mouse display - mouse mascot to take pictures and dance with

SBP will be very hands-on with experiments, showing what we do in the lab, yet on lay-friendly level. We will have things for kids and adults to look at (last year it was Virtual reality glasses and proteins, and C.elegans - tiny worms) and be interactive with our scientist volunteers. (exact experiments TBD) We will also apply temporary DNA tattoos, and give out little lab coats. We will make the science exciting and interesting for all!

The SDIC BSA STEM Committee and membership committee will have a hands on STEM activity to promote Scouting and our Nova/Supernova awards

Students will study the anatomy of sheep brains in a hands-on activity. They will also reason (and guess) about which brains in several jars belong to different species.

A bioengineering themed interactive activity centered around linking principles of biology to engineering solutions to common diseases and conditions.