Presentations

Questions to be answered:

• How do we get a rocket to lift off, ascend, and orbit earth?
• What physics are involved in rocket motion?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about what it takes to get a rocket through three main stages: lift off, ascent, and orbit.  The principles of Newton’s second law, acceleration and air resistance will be discussed.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of getting to orbit, students will have to find the best recipe to get their alka seltzer rockets to a specified height.  This activity involves mixing water and alka seltzer, access to floor space, and loud popping noises.  It can also be done effectively at STEM fairs and tabling events with adequate floor space.

Questions to be answered:

• What are the different types of bridges?
• How do engineers use forces to design safe structures?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about different types of bridges and how engineers ensure that they are structurally safe.  The presentation will discuss load distribution with free body diagrams, trusses, and design considerations.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of structures, students will design their own bridges to withstand specific design criteria and hold the most weight.  This activity requires table space and can be done effectively at science fairs and tabling events.

Questions to be answered:

• How do we convert sound waves to digital formats?
• How do speakers work?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about how physical sound waves are transferred into digital media.  This presentation discusses the science of waves, resonance, and interference.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of sound waves, the students will create their own speaker using cups, AUX cables, magnets and copper wire.

Questions to be answered:

• How are forest fires different from regular fires?
• How do engineers combat forest fires through the design of flame resistance materials and water dispersal vehicles?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the ways engineers fight fires.  This discusses direct and indirect methods of attack, thermal conductivity, and flame retardant materials.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of thermal conductivity, students will have to protect a piece of chocolate from a simulated fire.  They will construct a barrier out of a mix of insulation and conductive materials for this task. 

Questions to be answered:

• What challenges arise in the movement of materials to natural disaster sites?
• How do engineers respond to these disasters?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn how engineers can respond to natural disasters to help support the people impacted.  This discusses necessary supplies, navigating difficult environments and transportation methods.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of thermal conductivity, students will have to protect a piece of chocolate from a simulated fire.  They will construct a barrier out of a mix of insulation and conductive materials for this task. 

Questions to be answered:

• What is industrial engineering?
• How do we optimize systems through engineering controls?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about how industrial engineers optimize systems and improve efficiency.  This will all be demonstrated through the example of hospital management to ensure patient care and employee shifts.  Throughout the example, the students will receive different scenarios for work systems and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of each to determine the best system at which the hospital can run.  A virtual option for this presentation is available.

Questions to be answered:

• How do atoms interact with radiation?
• How do we design safe reactors for high energy production?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about how nuclear reactors produce energy to power our lives.  This will discuss a detailed breakdown of atoms, nuclear fusion and fission, radiation, and energy production.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of energy production, students will construct their own nuclear reactors out of soda and various types of candy to demonstrate the structure of a reactor.

Questions to be answered:

• What physics are involved when something is in free fall?
• How do engineers design parachutes to counteract the effects of gravity?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn how to safely land people on the ground through the physics of parachutes.  This will discuss Newton’s laws, drag force, air resistance, and the history of parachutes.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of parachute technology, students will have to build their own parachute to safely land a person on the ground from various heights. This activity will require some floor space for testing of the parachutes.

Questions to be answered:

• What makes water unsafe to drink?
• How do engineers treat dirty water to remove dirt and pathogens from water before it is distributed to the public?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about how even clear looking water can be unsafe to drink.  This will discuss  water treatment methods through coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, membranes, and disinfection.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of water treatment, the students will make their own gravity filters with sand, pebbles, coffee filters and more.  They will then test the clarity of the water with a turbidity test to measure their success.  This activity requires access to water and electrical outlets.

Questions to be answered:

• How can wind be used to generate energy?
• What can engineers do to make wind turbines more efficient?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn how wind is harnessed to produce energy to power our lives.  They will discuss power production, efficiency, blade design and environmental advantages.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of wind energy, the students will construct their own wind turbines to try to produce the most energy from an artificial wind source.  This activity requires some classroom space and electrical outlets.

Questions to be answered:

• How can chromatography be used to analyze trace evidence?
• How are engineers involved in analyzing fingerprints?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about how engineers help solve crimes through chromatography and fingerprint analysis.  They will discuss solubility, electrical charge and pattern identification.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of engineering in forensics, students will do their own chromatography and fingerprint tests to determine who stole the tuba from the band room.  This presentation requires access to water and students observing their own fingerprints.

Questions to be answered:

• How do we keep people safe on roller coasters while maintaining the fun?
• What forces are at work in roller coasters?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about how roller coasters are designed with ultimate fun and safety in mind.  This presentation discusses forces such as normal force, gravity, and centripetal force, and the engineering design process.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of roller coaster safety, students will design their own roller coaster within design criteria.  This presentation requires some open space for the construction of the coasters.

Questions to be answered:

• How do we keep people safe on roller coasters while maintaining the fun?
• What forces are at work in roller coasters?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about how roller coasters are designed with ultimate fun and safety in mind.  This presentation discusses forces such as normal force, gravity, and centripetal force, and the engineering design process.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of roller coaster safety, students will design their own roller coaster within design criteria.  This presentation requires some open space for the construction of the coasters.

Questions to be answered:

• How are electric grids designed to distribute enough power?
• What parts of a city require power and how is it generated?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the way that electric grids are designed to ensure everyone has the power they need.  This presentation discusses power generation, Ohm’s Law and common types of circuits.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of the design of electric grids, students will complete a series of Snap Circuits to test their knowledge of voltage, current and resistance.  

Questions to be answered:

• How have prosthetics changed over time?
• What can engineers do to make prosthetics better for those who need them?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the evolution of prosthetics and bionics.  This presentation discusses the nervous system and electrical signals, material choice, and human-centered design.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of prosthetic design, students will create their own prosthetic limbs using designated materials and test it out with a special task.  

Questions to be answered:

• How do we identify locations on earth?
• What is the history and future of GPS technology?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the history of Global Positioning Systems (GPS).  This presentation discusses triangulation for location finding, the Doppler Effect, and signals.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of global positioning systems, students will break into teams to locate a hidden dolphin within their room using triangulation.  This hands-on activity requires some space to move around.

Questions to be answered:

• How do we clean up oil spills?
• What are the environmental impacts of these spills?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about methods engineers are using to clean up oil spills.  This presentation discusses density, skimming, burning, dispersants, and super-absorbent polymers.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of cleanup methods, students will be given a simulated oil spill and test out the different methods of clean-up to determine which is the best.  This hands-on activity can be messy, so access to water is preferred.

Questions to be answered:

• Where can you find polymers?
• How do we engineer polymers to have the best qualities?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about what polymers are and how they are designed to have the best strength, elasticity, and more.  This presentation will discuss monomers, types of polymers, stress, strain, and material testing processes.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of polymer creation, students will have to brainstorm a recipe for the best performing dough made from flour, salt, oil, and water.  This hands-on activity can be messy, so access to water is preferred.

Questions to be answered:

• What are the causes of sea level rise and what impacts can this have?
• How are engineers combating sea level rise?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the environmental impacts of sea level rise, causes, and methods for protecting cities.  This presentation will discuss global warming, sea walls, dams, and flood protection methods.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of flood management, students will have to protect their own house from three levels of flooding using the methods they learned about in the presentation.  This hands-on activity requires access to water.

Questions to be answered:

• How can engineers help treat cancer?
• How do we get medicine to the correct part of the body?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the methods used to get treatment to specific parts of the body.  This presentation will discuss active and passive transport, cancer cells, and barriers.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of drug delivery, students will have to create a protective coating to prevent their “medication” from dissolving too quickly.  This hands-on activity can be messy, so access to water is preferred.

Questions to be answered:

• How can thermoelectric devices be used to produce energy?
• How do we make energy usage more efficient?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about a renewable source of energy that converts heat to electricity.  This presentation will discuss material properties, energy, and efficiency considerations.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of thermoelectric devices, students will get to test out these very electronics to power a lamp.  This hands-on activity requires access to water.

Questions to be answered:

• How can engineers create human tissue outside of the body?
• What are the needs for engineers in medicine?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the need for engineers in medicine and how they can help create human organs.  This presentation will discuss material properties and 3D printing.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of tissue engineering, students will get the opportunity to build their own models of organs using household materials. Students will be encouraged to think about the shape and necessary function of their model.

Questions to be answered:

• How do engineers optimize manufacturing processes?
• How do we scale up production with engineering?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about an overview of manufacturing processes and how engineers can make the process more productive and efficient.  This presentation will discuss the process of scaling up production, flow diagrams, and different engineering disciplines.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of chemical engineering processes, students will get to design their own manufacturing process by taking three raw materials and turning them into a new product.  Through a set of pipes and valves, students will need to turn red, blue, and yellow water into orange, green, and purple water using the least amount of pipes.  This hands-on activity requires access to water.

Questions to be answered:

• How does welding work?
• How do engineers use welding to create the products we use every day? 

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about how welding works from a scientific perspective as well as the different types of welding and what each is used for. They will also learn about the applications of welding in the engineering industry, and future career paths and hobbies that get to interact with this process.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of welding in industry, students will get to create their own mini “welding” project. Engineering Ambassadors help students create a metal wire sculpture to take home using soldering irons. The soldering  process mimics welding but can be done in a safer, lower-temperature environment. 

Questions to be answered:

• What processes do engineers use to ensure a safe landing?
• How can these be applied to a non-earth environment?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about fundamental laws of physics that govern three processes that engineers use when designing landing systems for Martian rovers. This presentation explains that many systems must come together to safely land when starting from a high speed, such as a combination of parachutes, air bags, and thrusters.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of Mars Exploration, students will get to create their own rover to safely land an astronaut figurine. They must incorporate the concepts learned during the presentation so that the rover is able to safely descend the astronaut when dropped from different heights. 

Questions to be answered:

• How does a hydrogen fuel cell work?
• How do engineers use hydrogen fuel cells to innovate?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the environmental benefits of hydrogen fuel cells and the chemical reaction that powers the fuel cell. This presentation also talks about the application of these fuel cells in different transportation methods.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the Engineering Ambassadors guide the students through building their own mini fuel cell cars. This activity requires access to water

Questions to be answered:

• What is a biosensor?
• How do engineers use biosensors to detect illnesses?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the components that make up a biosensor. They also learn about the technology that uses biosensors to detect illnesses and what this technology might be able to do in the future.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the presentation, students will apply biosensors to their arm, which will be hooked up to a claw. Students move their hand in a grabbing motion, which sends an electrical signal to a claw to make it mimic the students’ hand motion. Groups of students compete to make the claw grab cotton balls and drop them into a cup as fast as possible. 

Questions to be answered:

• How are bioplastics made? 
• Why are bioplastics beneficial for the environment?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the process of creating a bioplastic. This presentation also explains the issue with plastic in the fashion industry (specifically in shoes) and how bioplastics can help mitigate this issue.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of bioplastics, students will use a tensile tester to test the strength of different plastics and other materials. This activity is recommended for special events, not full day school visits. 

Questions to be answered:

• What is the engineering design process?
• How do engineers identify and solve problems that humans face?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the engineering design process through the example of how toilets were created. The presentation demonstrates the iterative nature of the design process by showing previous wastewater management systems and future sustainable toilet designs.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the presentation, students will use the engineering design process to build, test, and improve small “Scribble Bots” made from markers, an electric toothbrush, and a pool noodle piece. Students will guide their robot through increasingly difficult mazes and workin teams  to improve their design over time.

Questions to be answered:

• How does water move over land and through various structures?
• How do engineers control water flow to protect people and infrastructure?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the behavior of fluids and how water moves over land and in channels. This presentation also introduces water control structures such as dams, culverts, and spillways to demonstrate how engineers manage water flow to protect people and the things we have built.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the discussion of water behavior and control structures, students will have the opportunity to build their own control structures using Legos. Their creations will then be tested in a small hydraulic flume so that they can observe how the fluid behavior changes as it passes through their control structure. This hands-on activity requires access to water.

Questions to be answered:

• What are chips and why are they important?
• How are chips made?
• What must engineers do to make a product that is 100% perfect?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the importance of chips, how chips work, current manufacturing techniques for chips, and future manufacturing techniques. This presentation discusses light, lithography, cleanrooms, and innovation regarding chips and their processing power.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following the presentation, students will have the opportunity to simulate the lithography process themselves by using photomasks and “photoresist” (UV curable resin/nail polish) to create a fun picture. 

Questions to be answered:

• What are chips and why are they important?
• How are transistors the building block of chips?
• How do chips perform such complex math problems?

Presentation Description:

In this presentation, students will learn about the importance of chips, how chips work, and a brief but comprehensive lesson on integrated circuit design. This presentation will discuss logic, logic circuits, and basic computing.

Hands-On Activity Description:

Following this presentation, students will have the opportunity to apply their new knowledge about transistors to solve increasingly different logic gate puzzles and example problems. 

Or, students will use water-based logic gates to build their own “computers” capable of performing math. These fluidics logic circuits will help students visualize how signals are passed through a chip.This hands-on activity requires access to water.