Activities and Workshops

Activity/Workshop	Discipline/Unit	Event Description
Rehab Robotics	Biomedical Engineering	Learn about externally powered upper limb prosthetic devices (robot arms) and how they are controlled using sensors, motors and programming!
DNA Discovery: Unraveling the Secrets of Strawberries	Biochemistry	Join us on a DNA discovery and reveal the hidden secrets of strawberry DNA. Get hands-on experience with simulating the techniques used by scientists to analyze and transform DNA. You'll get to coax long, delicate strands of genetic material from these humble fruits. It's a close encounter with the building blocks of life, and you won't believe how much DNA is packed into those tiny strawberry nuclei! 🍓🔬
Science Unleashed: Discovering the Marvels of Biology, Chemistry and Physics	Biology, Chemistry, Physics	Join Science FUNdamentals as they lead you through a variety of experiments that will allow you to explore immunology, biochemistry and analytical chemistry. Unravel DNA, explore the precision of titration and watch fascinating physics demos.
Polymers in Your World	Chemistry	We use polymers every day, including the plastics we use, the paint on the walls, and the oil in our cars. But, what makes these polymers work and what exactly is a polymer? Explore properties of polymers and discover how they are apart of your everyday life.
Scent-sational Organic Chemistry	Chemistry	Get ready to put your olfactory senses to the test in our 'Ester Scent Challenge'! Dive into the exciting world of chemistry as you concoct three distinct esters in the lab, each with its own unique aroma. Challenge yourself to identify these aromatic creations through their scent and chemical properties, all while honing your laboratory skills.
Sound Fortress Challenge: Designing the Ultimate Noise-Blocking Box	Engineering and Acoustics	Students become sound-proofing maestros as they rise to the challenge of crafting the ultimate noise-blocking box. Whether it's silencing a rock concert roar or shielding top-secret conversations, these aspiring acoustical engineers will explore the art of dampening sound with a blend of echo-absorbing and sound-blocking materials. Who will create the most impenetrable fortress of quiet?
Ocean De-Acidification: Engineering Solutions by Harnessing the Power of Bubbles	Engineering & Chemistry	Dive into an innovative challenge where teams design and construct a remarkable system harnessing the power of bubbles! Join us on a journey to transform acidic water into a neutral oasis by efficiently removing dissolved carbon dioxide. Discover the profound impact of reducing seawater acidity and its critical role in safeguarding marine ecosystems from the detrimental effects of ocean acidification and climate change. It's a hands-on experience that not only fosters creativity but also fosters a deeper understanding of our responsibility in preserving the ocean's delicate balance.
Escaping the Inferno	Engineering and Wildfire Science	Join us for an engaging workshop led by two transportation engineering graduate students, where you'll dive into the critical world of wildfire evacuation planning. This interactive session will equip you with essential skills and knowledge to ensure community safety during a wildfire threat. Prepare to learn and collaborate, gaining the expertise needed to make a meaningful impact when it counts the most!
Truth Tech:Building and Coding Your Own Lie Detectors	Engineering and Computing Science	Have you ever wondered if your friends are telling you the truth? In this hands-on engineering challenge you will build your own light-up lie detector using an Arduino controller. The best part is you get to take your Arduino kit home with you!
From Your Plate to the Lab	Food Science	Join us in a fascinating exploration of color extraction from various foods! In this hands-on lab activity, you'll weigh, mix, and observe the magic of science at work as we reveal the hidden colors locked within different food samples. It's a captivating journey into the world of food science!
unEARTH Geomagnetism: Diving into the Forces Behind Plate Tectonics	Geomagnetism	Students will have the opportunity to tour the University of Alberta’s paleomagnetism laboratory and witness the effects of the Earth’s magnetic field. We will discuss the mineral composition of the Earth’s tectonic plates and interact with rock samples. Students will simulate seafood spreading to explore plate dynamics and discover how rocks can retain the Earth’s magnetic field. We will also learn about the fascinating phenomena of magnetic field reversals, comparing our planet to other celestial bodies. Get ready to rock your world with geomagnetics!
Rubik's Cube Mosaic Painting: Where Art and Math Collide in STEAM!	Math and Art	Put the A and the M in STEAM! Together, you will "paint" a portrait using Rubik's cubes! You'll work together to create patterns of coloured squares by solving the front faces of Rubik's cubes and assembling these patterns. As the pieces come together in a unique sequence, watch in awe as a larger-than-life, colourful square mosaic emerges before your eyes. This creative endeavour will not only hone your spatial reasoning skills but also bring the fascinating world of calculus to life through the power of approximation. No prior Rubik's cube or calculus knowledge is needed – just bring your enthusiasm for an unforgettable artistic and mathematical experience!
The Math and Strategy of Board Games	Math and Board Games	Prepare to Dive into the World of Infinite Fun! In this activity, students will go beyond the classroom and embark on an adventure of mathematical discovery. They'll master the fundamentals of finite projective planes and put their knowledge to the test by creating an exciting mini card game with colorful stickers, all while learning the concept of n=2. Join us in a journey of learning and play, where math meets creativity and fun!"
Brain Waves: An Introduction to Biosignal Processing	Neuroscience	Discover the cutting-edge technology behind Muse headsets and unlock the potential of brainwave data in this biosignal processing workshop, hosted by NeurAlbertaTech. In this workshop, you'll have the opportunity to: gain insights into the fascinating field of Neurotechnology, learn how Muse headsets capture brainwave data, see how we process and analyze that data, and participate in an interactive demo. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a budding neuroscientist, or simply curious about the brain and how we understand it, this workshop is designed to inspire, educate, and empower - no coding experience necessary! Don't miss your chance to be a part of this unique workshop that merges science, technology, and innovation.
Fossil Bones and Mapping Zones	Paleoecology	Embark on a journey through time and uncover the secrets of our ancient Earth. In this captivating experience, you'll delve into the fascinating realms of paleoecology and stratigraphy using authentic fossils as your guides. As an intrepid explorer of prehistoric landscapes, you'll have the opportunity to assign fossils to the environments they once thrived in, piecing together the intricate puzzle of Earth's history. But that's not all – you'll also artistically craft stratigraphic columns, mapping out the ever-changing rock layers and the fossils nestled within, revealing the profound impacts of sea level fluctuations on our planet's past
Once Lip Balm a Time	Pharmacy	Unlock the world of pharmacy in a hands-on and aromatic experience! In this session, we delve into the art of compounding, a fundamental skill in the realm of pharmacy. In this engaging workshop, participants will roll up their sleeves and create their very own customized lip balm. Get ready to blend, measure, and craft your way into the shoes of a pharmacist. It's an educational journey that not only provides insight into the pharmaceutical world but also leaves you with a soothing and uniquely crafted takeaway.
Circuits, Gadgets and Mail Fraud	Physics and Circuitry	Help prevent Porch Pirates from stealing your deliveries by constructing a deterrent with Little Bits circuitry system. Build the most elaborate and obnoxious theft prevention system you can!
Solar Energy from Satellites	Space Science	Join AlbertaSat, a group of students and faculty at the U of A who design, build, test, launch and operate satellites, for this hands on experience where you will learn how satellites create power and how to prototype electronic circuits!
The Rover Exploration Challenge	Space Science	Come embark on a journey to an unknown planet with a team of planetary scientists from York University. They will need your help to determine what instrument measurements and images are needed to understand this planet through simulated rover operations. Experience what it is like to be on a rover team with members who have experience doing operations for the Mars Curiosity rover.