College and Beyond (21+)

Biodiesel & Algal Studies Group

Since 2009 Castle Park High students, with Dr. Pomeroy of UCSD, have learned to produce biodiesel from vegetable oil. Students use a particle counter to determine how “clean” the fuel burns and discuss how particulate impacts our global climate. Students present this field data to support the benefits of biodiesel. Our booth, as in years past, will demonstrate the step-by-step process of biodiesel synthesis, discuss the advantages of biodiesel over petroleum and outline the ease of production.

CCI Solar- Caltech

Our booth will demonstrate current research in renewable and solar energy. Participants will get to make their own dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) from blackberry juice and other common household materials. We will also have hands on demos of solar panels, fuel cells, and wind energy. Kids and adults alike have loved playing with and learning about this technology at the past 3 EXPOs and we're excited to share this again at the 10th anniversary!

American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) at UCSD

To show the various sides of Chemical Engineering, we are planning on hosting chemistry experiments (i.e. silly putty, slime, etc) to provide hands-on experience. This is aimed towards students in grade school and middle school to spark their interest in STEM. In addition to this, we will display a retired Chem-E-Car from a previous competition, as well as an AIChE Projects Program poster aimed towards those who are in high school and beyond. We'll have members present to answer questions, too.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Visitors will have the opportunity to construct a lung model and learn about the respiratory system and how the lungs function. Visitors will also be able to make some fake mucous (aka slime) and learn why this sticky mucous clogs the lungs. Scientists will demonstrate how Cl- channels work and everyone will have the chance at winning their very own Cl- ball.

Mostly notions about motion!

Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2017-02-03 15:16
Motion is found all around the universe and its concepts are applicable in all areas of human endeavor, including within our studies of nuclear fusion science. Scientists will demonstrate motion originating from pressure/vacuum differences, eddy currents from electromagnets, and temperature differences in fluids. Participants will witness the fastest ping pong ball in the park, the highest flying can in the stands, and the coldest volcano in the heat of the day.

Univision Radio

10 x 30 booth (2 10x10 booths) radio activities.

Participants will be able to see how radio works - they'll have an opportunity to record their radio commercials and hear themselves. We playback the audio to sound live. Many of these will actually be featured on the radio.

Geek Girl

We will have some Geek Girls at the booth to answer questions on tech. We will be setup with Star Wars and other props for pictures and selfies. We will have resource material.

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