Middle School

Pipette Art: Participants will learn how to use the micro pipette to measure liquids in 50ul to 100ul increments, and learn the importance of this technique in science labs. Multiple liquid samples will be colored by food coloring. They can either measure unto laminated plates or filter paper to make artful patterns which they could take home as bookmarks.

We will have an interactive activity around origami to introduce families to the intersection of STEAM and paper folding, and we will also be bringing our floor loom which anyone can use to learn how to weave! We do what we call 'wabi sabi' weaving which means beauty in imperfection- it is a very fun and engaging activity and we have all of the supplies.

How do molecules get made? The CSOE has scientists at Scripps and UCSD who are working on using electrochemistry/battery technology to make molecules. We'd like to demonstrate this cutting-edge technology using color-changing reactions in IKA Electrosyn instruments and discuss the work we are doing at the center. We'll have volunteer scientists staffing the booth, and stickers and temporary tattoos to give away.

UCSD BMES will create a model of the cardiovascular system for SDFSE 2023. We will use a system of clear tubing along with red colored water and clear orbeez to simulate the major arteries of the system and red blood cells. We will connect this system to a manual pump for the user to interact with. With each pump, LED lights connected to an arduino will indicate heart rate, blood oxygenation, and fluid flow.

UCSD BEGS will present 2 bioengineering demos at SDFSE 2023. The first demo showcases engineering design principles in the form of brainstorming, designing, and building a bacteriophage that will “attack” a bacteria of their choosing. The second demo will focus on tissue properties and structures as it relates to creating solutions for problems in human health. Students will replicate different tissue layers with common household items for bone, skin, and cardiac tissue.

Our goal is to inspire the youth to learn about STEM and robotics. Robotics is a fun way to explore building and programming, leading to solving world problems. Our team is conducting many interactive robot sessions throughout the year at different locations. We want to advertise our robot sessions and invite a lot of kids to our sessions. We also want to encourage kids to participate in FTC (First Tech Challenge) robotics competitions.

See what lives under the water and how the food web weaves a story of the San Diego River ecosystem. From dragonfly to bobcat, each animal plays an important role in keeping the river healthy. Make masks and pins of animals that all take part in the creating a river that supports an abundance of life. Create an eco-edible bird feeder that is climate neutral and forest-friendly.

TBD