Welcome and Opening Remarks

Morning Keynote Address -
Dr. Julie Nucci (Center for Nanoscale Systems)

Morning Workshop (choose one):

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): An AFM is a topographic scanner with nanometer resolution. This lab simulates an AFM with a mounted laser probe and a hidden arrangement of Legos.

Fuel Cell Chemistry: Take teaching oxidation-reduction to the next level using fuel cells. This lab explains the technology used to create fuel cells as it teaches basic concepts in chemistry.

Cloud Chambers: Cloud chambers have traditionally been used by physicists to study sub-atomic particles and the tracks left behind by cosmic rays, but these versatile chambers can be used to enhance the earth science curriculum by demonstrating cloud formation and by illustrating such concepts as condensation, convection and conduction.

Building Blocks of Life: Students are given a hypothetical DNA sequence for part of an enzyme. They determine the amino acid sequence coded for by the DNA and use the sequences to construct a 3D representation of their enzyme.

Afternoon Keynote Address -
Dr. Paul Mutolo (Cornell Fuel Cell Institute)

Afternoon Workshop (choose one):

Photovoltaic Cells: Students measure the peak power produced by a solar cell. Solar energy is explored as a power source and students develop an understanding of how solar cells work.

Fuel Cell Chemistry: Take teaching oxidation-reduction to the next level using fuel cells. This lab explains the technology used to create fuel cells as it teaches basic concepts in chemistry.

Random Numbers: Learn how students can use random numbers and simulations to solve complex scientific and engineering problems.

The Plant Game: In the Plant Game, teams of students “grow a plant” composed of “leaves,” “roots,” and “flowers.” The goal of the game is to produce a maximum number of flowers. Measured amounts of water are added to and removed from the system according to a roll of the dice.