Snowflake Science & Laser-Cut Tech Lab

Description

Overview

Limited-seats are available. We may consider opening more days in the near future. 

Laser-cut snowflakes?! Yes, please! In this guided, in-person STEAM (Sci-Tech-Eng-Art-Math) Lab, students are invited to explore the science and engineering behind laser-cut snowflakes. Each hands-on, project-based learning (PBL) STEAMwhiz Lab will let students learn, design, and fabricate a custom snowflake using scientific-design principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and a commercial laser cutter. Learn more about how labs work. They will experience the engineering design process and the fundamental science behind the technology. At the end of the lab, they will get to take home their own, custom laser-cut snowflake!!

Snowflake Science & Laser Cut Tech Lab by STEAMwhiz is ready to make serious science, seriously fun that will empower your NextGen ‘thinker(s) & doer(s)’ to DISCOVER, TEST, ANALYZE, and CREATE.

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via Facebook or contact us.

Session details

What is it? A 1.5 hr Guided Sci-Tech Lab

• An in-person lab that will stimulate your children to use their analytical and critical thinking
• Join an already scheduled event or gather  3-6  friends together to form your Learning POD, and then let STEAMwhiz do the rest!
• A min of 3 students must be registered to run lab.

Who is it for? Capitial District Kids

• Ages 7-13
• The STEAMwhiz Lab is located in Guilderland, NY.
• Parents can stay and observe to see what this STEAMwhiz thing is ALL about or take a much-needed break or errand run.
• Private lab streaming is available from the comfort of your car, home, or other location. Dr. J will get you hooked up.

Time? Lab Length 2 hours

• Select your day and time above
• Or contact the STEAM-Team to schedule your own Learning Pod (min. of 3 students)

Requirements?

• Brains for thinking, hands for doing, & a positive growth mindset

Lab Objectives? Snowflake Science and Laser Cutter Tech Fabrication

• Establish design criteria from scientific, design principles to meet the laser-cut snowflake design challenge.
• Development of a simple sketch and/or drawing to illustrate how the shape of an object helps its function.
• Introduction and instruction in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.
• Evaluation of competing design solutions using a systematic approach to determine how well each design meets the criteria and constraints of the design challenge.
• Introduction to laser cutter technology: advantages & disadvantages
• Fabrication of laser-cut snowflake.
• The science of how snowflakes are formed.

Instructor? The STEAM-Team

STEAM-Team or DreamTeam? 😉 This lab is taught by STEAMwhiz’s lead educator Allie P. She is certified in K-6th education, published STEM education work in a peer-reviewed journal, and has over 15 years of classroom experience and curriculum development. The lab is overseen by STEAMwhiz’s scientist Dr. J who holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, has worked as a physicist at premier U.S. research institutions as well as an engineer at fortune 500 companies, and authored over a dozen publications in top-tier journals. Together they are driven by their passion to empower students to develop their analytical and critical thinking, necessary to prepare them for the future. Learn more about us.

COVID-19 Safety

At STEAMwhiz we are guided by the best-known science and follow the most conservative, best practices to ensure your children and our educators are safe.

Sick/Symptomatic Guidelines – any child that shows any symptoms that are related to, been in contact with, or contracted COVID-19 within the last 14 days should stay home. Related symptoms include but are not limited to: fever, runny nose, shortness/difficulty breathing, cough,  loss of taste or smell, nausea/vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea. If you have any doubt please contact us before bringing your child.

Temperature checks – all people entering the lab will be required to have their temperature taken via a non-contact infrared thermometer.

HVAC system – The STEAMwhiz lab has a dedicated air handler that is constantly filtering air 24hr a day and 7 days a week. The MERV filters being used are rated eleven or better and have been tested in our labs to remove particles down to 0.1 microns (similar to N95 masks).

Laboratory Decontamination – On top of the air being cleansed 24/7, the STEAMwhiz lab is decontaminated after every session. All hard surfaces are wiped down using a bleach solution and the lab is exposed to UVC radiation nightly.

Masks – Your child we be required to wear a mask within the STEAMwhiz lab.

Social distancing – There will be a maximum of 6 children per session in the lab and social distancing protocols will be followed.

STEAMwhiz Keywords

Laser Cutter Technology
Science behind Snowflakes
Computer-Aided Design