Workshop Schedule - Academic Technology and Outreach

Workshop #1, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

A. Creative Writing

This workshop will explore the fundamentals of storytelling, character development, building tension within a story, and how to write from a particular point of view. We will work on thinking and expressing ourselves creatively. Students will also learn about the importance of sharing ideas and collaborating.

John Townsend-Mehler, Assistant Teaching Professor, MSU Department of Ecology

B. Montana Health Mysteries

This workshop is repeated at workshop I in timeslot #2.

Explore mysterious incidents of people and animals getting sick in Montana. From tiny microbes to large ecosystems, learn how scientists study what keeps us and the plants and animals around us healthy. Investigate local microbes, food, and water. Discover how Montana's landscape and climate affect all of us.

Jamie Cornish, Science Outreach and Education Specialist, MSU Academic Technology and Outreach

C. The Science of Food

This workshop is repeated as workshop H in timeslot #2.

We’ll put our food under a microscope – literally! We’ll discover crystals and cells that make up our food. What happens when we cook food? How can we cook an egg without boiling it? What happens to starch and sugars in our bodies? Get set for an exciting all-around experience of how food works.

Christa Merzdorf, Associate Professor, MSU Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology

D. Programming Your Own World

This workshop is repeated as workshop L in timeslot #3.

Build your own computer programs, games, and electronic controllers. In this workshop, you will learn how to bring your imagination to life using computer programming and electronics! Develop basic coding and circuit-building skills.

Trevor Vannoy, graduate student, and Kaveen Liyanage, Research Assistant, MSU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

E. Astro Adventures

Learn about astronomy topics, such as solar system distances, in a solar walk around the MSU campus. We will discuss the Sun-Earth connection, solar features such as sunspots and the northern lights, and current solar research in Montana. We will also examine astrobiology and life on other planets. Finally, students will learn about Mars rovers and how they operate.

Jessica Myron, Space Public Outreach Team (SPOT) Manager, MSU Department of Physics

Workshop #2, 10:20 to 11:50 a.m.

F. Ceramics

Sorry, this workshop is full.

This week-long course will introduce students to the basics of clay, including wheel throwing, coil-building, and carving tiles from slabs of clay. Students will use underglaze to paint and decorate their projects, which will be clear-glazed and picked up by the students/parents later.

Hannah Cameron, Instructor, MSU School of Art – Ceramics

G. Exploring STEAM with Legos

This workshop is repeated as workshop N in timeslot #3.

Participate in a dynamic five-day program focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) using Lego building blocks and applications via hands-on exercises, collaborative projects, and creative challenges.

Claudia Duedu, Graduate Teaching Assistant, and Kristofer Olsen, Assistant Professor, MSU Department of Education

H. The Science of Food

This is a repeat of workshop C in timeslot #1.

Christa Merzdorf, Associate Professor, MSU Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology

I. Montana Health Mysteries

This is a repeat of workshop B in timeslot #1.

Jamie Cornish, Science Outreach and Education Specialist, MSU Academic Technology and Outreach

J. Creative Computing with Small-But-Mighty Micro:bits

Sorry, this workshop is full.

We'll play with pocket-sized computers called micro:bits, and their built-in sensors, programming them with easy drag-and-drop coding to create cool stuff.

Keri Hallau Outreach Coordinator, MSU Gianforte School of Computing

Workshop #3, 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.

K. Movie Magic

Explore the movie-making process! From script breakdown to creating the edit, dive into a hands-on experience to produce movie magic. Unlock your imagination, tell your story, and acquire new skills through this hands-on filmmaking experience.

Alexa Alberda, Instructor, MSU School of Film and Photography

L. Programming Your Own World

This is a repeat of workshop D in time slot #1.

Flint Morgan, graduate student, and Farshina Nazrul, graduate student, MSU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

M. All Things Horses

Join us for an immersive workshop where you will dive into the fascinating world of horses! Engage in fun and interactive activities that deepen your understanding and connection with horses, including working with a live horse. Please note: Campers will not ride the horse, closed-toed shoes are required, and parents may need to sign an additional waiver at camp check-in.

Danielle Brown, Connected Souls Equine, LLC

N. Exploring STEAM with Legos

This is a repeat of workshop G in timeslot #2.