Berkeley Lab K-12 Programs will host fun, hands-on STEM activities for Willard Middle School 6th graders on Tuesday, Dec 5th, and Thursday, Dec 7th. This is an in-person opportunity.
Students will participate in 'Microscopic Explorations' and Circuit Cards on Tuesday. In the "Microscopic Explorations" activity, students use their observation skills to identify patterns, shapes, and materials using a microscope. Several activity stations are set up with activities and materials (fingerprinting, sand, salt, newsprint, fabric) that allow participants to see what's beyond the eye.
The circuit cards hands-on activity introduces students to the basics of courses through the creative medium of paper circuits. Students learn what circuit components are needed to light up an LED and then create their circuit card that lights up an image of the Advanced Light Source. Students can then design their circuit cards, applying their knowledge of circuits to plan and create a circuit layout from scratch.
Students will participate in 'What Are Stars Made Of?' and Chibi traffic lights activities on Thursday. Students will explore the different emission spectra of elements by observing heated gas elements (color) with diffraction gratings (or spectroscopes). Students will draw their observations on a handout. Then, students will use the emission spectra they've collected to decipher what elements exist in stars.
In the Chibi traffic lights activity, students get an introduction to coding and electronics. Using a template, students can construct a circuit using copper tape, circuit stickers, and a battery that reflects a traditional stoplight. They can then connect to a small microcontroller that attaches to their course and allows them to control their lights via programmable commands.
Volunteers can sign up for any shift that best fits their schedule. K-12 team members will be present to guide the facilitation.
For any questions, please contact K-12Lead Education Facilitator Corbin Shatto: cshatto@lbl.gov
