SUPER STEAM SATURDAYS
These sessions occur once a month on Saturdays, and are geared towards middle-school students, but younger and older students are also welcome.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Upcoming Sessions
Cool Chemistry, Tracy and Eric Schwab
October 5th, 2024: In-person, Washtenaw Community College, LA314 (1-2pm)
This workshop led by WCC Chemistry professors will allow students to build molecular models of everyday chemicals, gain experience using various chemicals and equipment, and also solving several mysteries and crimes such as coin counterfeiting.
Science Poetry, Tom Zimmerman, Maryam Barrie and Ernesto Querijero
November 9th, 2024: Virtual (1-2pm)
Students will learn about poems written about science in all its complexity and beauty. Poetry is a powerful way to engage your intellect imaginatively. Prepare to be surprised.” Participants will receive the Zoom Meeting link once they have registered.
Lingo: Back in the Driver’s Seat Workshop, Ahjanae Harris, STEM Scholars and STEMBoard TEAM
December 7th, 2024: In-person (1-3pm) TI 241
This in-person session will take place on WCC's Main Campus. Each student that attends will take home their own LINGO kit (valued at $80 per kit)! Build a backup sensor for a car with LINGO. Assemble and program this hands-on project at home...no experience necessary! LINGO is a self-paced, project-based, coding kit complete with fun and engaging online video tutorials and easy-to-follow instructions. Limit of 15 participants.
Birds of a Feather: The Genetics of Fancy Birds and Bird Fanciers, Dr. Emily Thompson
January 25th, 2025: Virtual (1-2pm)
Stop on by for an introduction to the genetics of birds and the humans who "fancy" them! We'll focus on traits in chickens, love birds, and humans. Then we'll take a quick look at whether a chicken or love bird is more closely related to the dinosaurs. You need something to draw with and some paper for this session. Participants will receive the Zoom Meeting link once they have registered.
Coloring our Universe, Tiffany Fields
February 1st, 2025: Virtual (1-2pm)
The universe is full of color, wonder and incredible things. Telescopes both on the ground and in space help us see what is beyond our planet so we can learn about the galaxy and the universe around us. However, the beautiful colorful images that we see usually aren’t made the same way that our cell phone might take an image. They usually start as just black and white pictures. With a bit of science and art combined, we can start to see the color in our universe. Through an online presentation and a virtual activity, students will get to learn a bit about light, the electromagnetic spectrum, telescopes and creating images for themselves! Participants will receive the Zoom Meeting link once they have registered.
Nature Walk through the WCC Nature Trail with Kevin MacDonald
April 26th, 2025: In-Person Nature Walk on WCC Main Campus, 1-2pm
Going on a nature walk and deliberately noticing things encourages us to observe with our senses. A nature walk can help us learn to focus our attention and take in all the beautiful details of nature. For this event, please meet by the big rock in front of the Crane Liberal Arts Building. The walking tour will start promptly so please be on time. Also, please dress in layers and wear good walking shoes. This event is weather dependent and will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Previous Sessions
Science Poetry, Tom Zimmerman, Maryam Barrie and Ernesto Querijero
April 6th, 2024: Virtual (1-2pm)
Students will learn about poems written about science in all its complexity and beauty. Poetry is a powerful way to engage your intellect imaginatively. Prepare to be surprised.
A Whirlwind Tour of the Major Body Systems, An Anatomy and Physiology Exploratory Session, Susan Dentel
April 27th, 2024: In-Person, Room LA254 (1-2pm)
Join us for a fun and informative session to survey all the major body systems. Learn about structure and function and how body systems work together. This session can only accommodate 24 participants.
Dinosaurs!, David Wooten
February 24th, 2024: In-person, LA210 (10am-12pm)
View presenter bio
Did you know there were over 1,000 different species of dinosaurs! These reptiles dominated our planet for more than 180 million years and evolved unique and diverse forms to help them survive and reproduce. Join WCC biology professor David Wooten for a unique opportunity to observe, touch, measure, and learn about dinosaur features from life-size 3D printed models! Participants will learn about paleontology, how to measure skull, teeth and bones for research, and discover how scientists use anatomical features to unlock the mysteries of dinosaur ecology and evolution.
Fido And The Gray Wolf: Genetics and Conservation Genetics, Emily Thompson
January 20th, 2024: virtual (1-2pm)
Join us in a fun and interactive hour on Zoom to learn about the genetics of Fido (your dog) and its close cousin, the gray wolf. Watch a demonstration experiment simulating genetics studies that you can perform later at home. Explore why gray wolves are endangered in Michigan's Isle Royale National Park. Find out how applications of genetic studies can save the gray wolf and other endangered species.
Print it. Stitch it. Write in it, Jill Jepsen
December 2nd, 2023: In-person, LA133 (1-2pm)
View presenter bio
Discover monoprint printmaking and bookmaking together to create a journal from scratch! We will create monoprints by overlapping texture and color which will then be used as the cover for a stitched journal. Your one-of-a-kind book is great for journaling, to-do lists, or as a gift!
*Bring in some flat and flexible found textures (string/yarn, fabric, orange/onion bags, plant leaves, etc.) from home that could be used to print with!
Fun with Probability, Zoe Gargiulo
November 4th, 2023: Virtual (1-2pm)
Students will explore fun and practical applications of probability and statistics. We will investigate some classic probability problems, play games, and find ways to connect probability and statistics to everyday life.
Cool Chemistry, Tracy and Eric Schwab
October 7th, 2023: In-person, LA314 (1-2pm)
This workshop led by WCC Chemistry professors will allow students to build molecular models of everyday chemicals, gain experience using various chemicals and equipment, and also solving several mysteries and crimes such as coin counterfeiting.
Coloring our Universe, Tiffany Fields
September 23rd, 2023: Virtual (1-2pm)
The universe is full of color, wonder and incredible things. Telescopes both on the ground and in space help us see what is beyond our planet so we can learn about the galaxy and the universe around us. However, the beautiful colorful images that we see usually aren’t made the same way that our cell phone might take an image. They usually start as just black and white pictures. With a bit of science and art combined, we can start to see the color in our universe. Through an online presentation and a virtual activity, students will get to learn a bit about light, the electromagnetic spectrum, telescopes and creating images for themselves!
Reach for the Stars!, Summer Astronomy Workshop
August 2-4, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Locations split between Washtenaw Community College campus in Ann Arbor and Plane
Wave Instruments in Adrian
Day 1: Wednesday, August 2nd: Amazing Astro Facts and Meteorites! Participants will meet at Washtenaw Community College, Gundar Myran Building, Rm 118 (in the Bailey Library).
Day 2: Thursday, August 3rd: See and learn about telescopes and complete a Mars Mission! Participants will meet at Washtenaw Community College, Gundar Myran Building, Rm 118 (in the Bailey Library).
Day 3: Friday, August 4th: Come and see how observatory telescopes are produced! Participants will meet at Plane Wave Instruments in Adrian, Michigan to tour the facility.
Family members are also welcome to attend.
This grant funded workshop is intended for middle-school students. Limit of 20 participants.
In The Driver's Seat Lingo by STEMBoard, Aisha Bowe
June 10, 2023, 11:00am - 2:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Washtenaw Community College, Technical and Industrial Building, Room 241
This in-person session will take place on WCC's Main Campus. Each student that attends will take home their own LINGO kit!
Build a backup sensor for a car with LINGO. Assemble and program this hands-on project at home...no experience necessary! LINGO is a self-paced, project-based, coding kit complete with fun and engaging online video tutorials and easy-to-follow instructions.
This workshop is free, but please honor your commitment to attend.
Suitable for ages 13+, Limit of 10 Participants.
Fun with Probability, Nicole Klemmer
April 1, 2023, 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Students will explore fun and practical applications of probability and statistics. We will investigate some classic probability problems, play games, and find ways to connect probability and statistics to everyday life.
Tragedy of the Commons, Smita Malpani
March 18, 2023, 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Location: OE 133
A fun, hands-on activity to teach kids about the Tragedy of the Commons and how we can prevent it from happening.
Science Poetry, Tom Zimmerman, Maryam Barrie and Ernesto Querijero
February 4, 2023, 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Students will learn about poems written about science in all its complexity and beauty. Poetry is a powerful way to engage your intellect imaginatively. Prepare to be surprised.
Dinosaurs!, David Wooten
January 28, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
LA 210
Did you know there were over 1,000 different species of dinosaurs! These reptiles dominated our planet for more than 180 million years and evolved unique and diverse forms to help them survive and reproduce. Join WCC biology professor David Wooten for a unique opportunity to observe, touch, measure, and learn about dinosaur features from life-size 3D printed models! Participants will learn about paleontology, how to measure skull, teeth and bones for research, and discover how scientists use anatomical features to unlock the mysteries of dinosaur ecology and evolution.
Cool Chemistry, Tracy and Eric Schwab
December 3, 2022, 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
LA 314
This workshop led by WCC Chemistry professors will allow students to build molecular models of everyday chemicals, gain experience using various chemicals and equipment, and also solving several mysteries and crimes such as coin counterfeiting.
Why Scientists MUST be Artists: A look into the disciplines of creativity, artistry, and altruism to STEM Innovation, Michael Naylor
November 5, 2022, 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
This is a look into the qualities and mindsets of artists- as it promotes innovation, risk-taking, “thinking out of the box,” and problem-solving, all cornerstones of STEM innovation. What we learn the closer we look at successful artists and the genius’ in STEM fields-is that they all thrive on, what is absolutely a requirement for innovative art! So-contrary to many practices that separate disciplines, without the mindsets of the creative artists-scientific innovation is challenged… and with them…the cosmos is the limit.
Fido And The Gray Wolf: Genetics and Conservation Genetics, Emily Thompson
October 1, 2022, 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Join us in a fun and interactive hour on Zoom to learn about the genetics of Fido (your dog) and its close cousin, the gray wolf. Watch a demonstration experiment simulating genetics studies that you can perform later at home. Explore why gray wolves are endangered in Michigan's Isle Royale National Park. Find out how applications of genetic studies can save the gray wolf and other endangered species.
Optical Illusions: Do You See What “Eye” See?, Paola Vega-Torres
September 24, 2022, 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Have you ever wondered how Optical Illusions work? Come and join us for a fun and interactive session where we will deep-dive into optical illusions. We will be looking at several different types of illusions and discover how the brain works.
Coloring our Universe, Tiffany Fields
August 13, 2022, 1:00pm - 2:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Join us via Zoom! Our universe is full of color, wonder, and incredible things. Telescopes both on the ground and in space help us see what is beyond our planet so we can learn about the galaxy and the universe around us. However, the beautiful colorful images that we see usually aren’t made the same way that our cell phone might take an image – they usually start out as just black and white pictures. With a bit of science and art combined, we can start to see the color in our universe. Through an online presentation and a virtual activity, students will get to learn a bit about light, the electromagnetic spectrum, telescopes, and creating images for themselves!
In The Driver's Seat Lingo by STEMBoard, Aisha Bowe, CEO STEM Board
June 25, 2022, 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Eastern time (US and Canada)
This in person session will take place on WCC's Main Campus TI 241 and it is restricted to a max of 15 students. Registration is required . Each student that attends will have Aisha Bowe assist with the Step by Step instructions and get to keep their own LINGO kit!
Build a backup sensor for a car with LINGO. Assemble and program this hands-on project at home...no experience necessary! LINGO is a self-paced, project-based, coding kit complete with fun and engaging online video tutorials and easy-to-follow instructions. Each LINGO kit includes:
- Reusable Electronics Project Kit - Complete multiple projects with one kit! Build with 18+ components including: various sensors, a microcontroller and breadboard.
- Guided Video Tutorials - Our self-paced modules allow users to learn at their own speed, develop problem-solving skills and build their confidence.
- Step By Step Instructions - LINGO fits into STEM / STEAM learning curriculum and comes with a 22 page illustrated instruction booklet.
Suitable for ages 13+.
Why Scientists MUST be Artists: A look into the disciplines of creativity, artistry, and altruism to STEM Innovation, Michael Naylor
May 14, 2022, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
This is a look into the qualities and mindsets of artists- as it promotes innovation, risk-taking, “thinking out of the box,” and problem-solving, all cornerstones of STEM innovation. What we learn the closer we look at successful artists and the genius’ in STEM fields-is that they all thrive on, what is absolutely a requirement for innovative art! So-contrary to many practices that separate disciplines, without the mindsets of the creative artists-scientific innovation is challenged… and with them…the cosmos is the limit.
Fun with Probability, Nicole Klemmer
Apr. 9, 2022, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Students will explore fun and practical applications of probability and statistics. We will investigate some classic probability problems, play games, and find ways to connect probability and statistics to everyday life.
Persuasion from ‘No’ to ‘Yes’: The Pitch Technique, Claire Sparklin
March 19, 2022, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
You have great ideas, but do you ever have trouble convincing other people that your idea is great? Have you ever worked in a group and couldn’t get them to use your solution? Or tried unsuccessfully to influence your teacher to extend a due date? You need a quick, persuasive way to get your point across that you can remember right when you need it. You need the Pitch Technique! In STEAM fields, it’s important to know your idea’s worth and communicate that to stake holders. Come to this active, hands-on session to practice the Pitch Technique and start hearing a lot less NO and much more YES!
Cool Chemistry, Tracy and Eric Schwab
Feb. 12, 2022, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
This workshop led by WCC Chemistry professors will allow students to build molecular models of everyday chemicals, gain experience using various chemicals and equipment, and also solving several mysteries and crimes such as coin counterfeiting.
A Struggle For Existence - the effects of climate change on the animal world, David Wooten
Jan. 22, 2022, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
As climate change and global warming continue to threaten natural ecosystems around our planet, animals must continue to adapt in order to survive. While some animals can do this easier than others, some populations of animals are declining and provide scientists with valuable information about how species may or may not be able to adapt as our planet continues to change. Join WCC Biology Professor David A. Wooten for an interesting and virtual hands-on look at how certain types of animals are informing us about climate change and what we can do to help.
Climate Change: Science, Scenarios, and Solutions, Smita Malpani
Dec. 4, 2021, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
A fun, interactive and informative session that focuses on the science of climate change.
Science Poetry, Tom Zimmerman, Maryam Barrie and Ernesto Querijero
Nov. 6, 2021, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Students will learn about poems written about science in all its complexity and beauty. Poetry is a powerful way to engage your intellect imaginatively. Prepare to be surprised.
Improv Yourself!, Tracy Jaffe
Oct. 30, 2021, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Humor and creativity work in similar ways. By creating relationships between two disconnected items, you engage the whole brain.” Humor guru, William Fry, M.D., Stanford University
Dip your toe into the joyous pool of improv while building critical thinking and communication skills. This is a perfect place for absolute beginners to enter the learning zone through the power and fun of “YES… And…! This safe and positive workshop environment will engage critical thinking skills through games that spark thinking outside of the box to open up new possibilities and pathways to solve a problem. Improvisation emphasizes communication with team members and the audience, cultivating a space that honors creative thinking and delights in the shared creation of a narrative. Join us for a dose of fun and laughter to open our minds, play together and make anything happen, on the spot, right before our eyes!
STEAM career workshop, Susan Dentel
Sept. 18, 2021, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Come and learn about exciting STEAM careers by playing a fun game. During this session we will also build a mystery widget using materials from home.
“Not So Random” Math-Probability Workshop, Megan Richendollar
Aug. 21, 2021, 1 p.m. Eastern time (US and Canada)
Zoom-in and check out our math probability workshop! This will be a fun and interactive math session covering probability. There will be music, games and teams playing a jeopardy style game board to help strengthen your skills. Disclaimer: No prior math knowledge of probability required, and a calculator is optional.