Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS)
Grades 4 - 8
2nd Saturday of each month:
September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
UW-Eau Claire Campus
What is GEMS?
Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) brings science and math to life through interactive workshops led by dynamic UW-Eau Claire faculty. Each Saturday, we’ll focus on a different topic that is sure to capture the imagination of both youth and adults. Explore the amazing world of scientific discovery through experiments, demonstrations and hands-on activities. See firsthand how scientists help us understand and shape the world around us.
Parents, feel free to stay and learn alongside your child! Materials and activities will only be provided to registered students, but adults are welcome to listen in with no payment required. (Small children may not attend. Older students who have not registered for the workshop also will not be admitted.)
Join us after winter break for more exciting GEMS workshops!The spring schedule of topics will be posted on our web site soon. February 13 | March 13 | April 10 | May 8 |
- Register Now
- Brochure - [PDF] -
- Printable Registration Form
- Fee
WORKSHOPS
September 12 – Backyard Bugs
Kelly Murray, Biology
Did you know that insects have their skeletons on the outside of their bodies, and their soft parts inside? Did you know that a cockroach can live for nine days without its head? We might find some insects disgusting or harmful (like grubs and bed bugs) and others beautiful or helpful (like butterflies and bees) but all insects have an interesting and important role to play in the world. You’ll learn about the many types of insects in your own backyard and how important they are to the health of our community. You’ll learn how best to catch and observe insects and how to promote an insect-friendly environment for your tiny “neighbors.” Weather permitting, you’ll have a chance to put your newfound knowledge to practice during an outdoor bug hunt.
October 10 – Think Small: Nanoscience
Doug Dunham and Marc McEllistrem, Materials Science Center
Think of the very smallest thing that you encounter every day. A grain of salt? The head of a pin? Or think about the smallest thing that you can make. A knot in a string? A tiny clay ball? Now imagine making something one million times smaller! That’s what nanotechnology is all about. On such a small scale, materials act very differently and can do some amazing things. That’s why scientists believe that nanotechnology may help solve some of today’s biggest challenges! Come discover how this very tiny science is making BIG changes in our world.
November 14 – Under Pressure: The Physics of Force & Area
Erik Hendrickson, Physics & Astronomy
You may not realize it, but many objects in our world are constantly under pressure! Come learn about several different forms of pressure that are all around us. We’ll answer questions like: Why can high heeled shoes damage a floor while a bed of nails won’t hurt a person laying on it? What would happen to balloons or marshmallows – or people – if there were no air pressure? How does an airplane fly, and what does that have to do with pressure? You’ll see amazing demonstrations that show us what pressure is and why it’s so important to the way the world works around us every day.
December 12 – Protecting Our Health
Crispin Pierce, Public Health Professions
Do you want to find out how environmental specialists protect people from health risks every day? In this workshop, we’ll find out how to know if your iPod is too loud; how to protect your lungs from harmful substances in the air; and which bugs keep you healthy and which can make you sick. Using many experiments and tests, we’ll learn firsthand how instruments like microscopes, Geiger counters, protective gloves, dust masks, respirators and many more shield us from harmful physical or chemical agents.
Fee
$12 per person (pre-registered) or $18 at the door. Cost includes two hours of instruction plus all materials, experiments or handouts. You can register for one workshop at a time—or sign up for multiple presentations. On-site registration will be available, so feel free to come even if you haven’t pre-registered. We’ll start and end each Saturday at Phillips Hall on campus.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at any time, no refund will be given. Full refunds will be given if a program is cancelled or filled. You may substitute another person for your registration at any time. Call the Continuing Education Office (715-836-3636/toll free 866-893-2423) for assistance.
