Oak Ridge Associated Universities has partnered with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to bring students and scientists together through a weekly program called Science Saturdays that will feature engaging science topics taught through interactive presentations and hands-on activities. (Photo courtesy ORAU)
Oak Ridge Associated Universities has partnered with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to bring students and scientists together through a weekly program called Science Saturdays. Students in grades 8-12, along with their parents, are invited for three Saturday morning presentations in February, when they will learn about a variety of engaging science topics through interactive presentations and hands-on activities.
“Science Saturdays provide a unique opportunity for students to have direct interaction with scientists from ORNL,†said Marie Westfall, interim associate director for ORAU’s Center for Science Education. “Through this program, we hope to excite students about the subject of science by introducing subjects and activities not found in their daily education.â€
One local teacher, paired with an ORNL scientist, will cover discussion topics such as climate change and climate modeling with supercomputers, nuclear sciences, robots and sensors, neutron detection, and light diffraction.
During the first Saturday program, which drew more than 100 participants, students used kits to experiment with the levitation and suspension of superconductors.
Upcoming topics include:
- Feb. 1—How to power your cell phone for a week
- Feb. 8—Less energy in buildings, more dollars in your pocket
- Feb. 15—Shedding light on solar energy
The programs, held in West High School’s auditorium, begin at 9 a.m. and are expected to end around 11:30 a.m. Participation is free. Visit the Science Saturdays website for registration and more program information.
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