Middle School

Two groups from University of California-Irvine will explore concepts of light using fun, take-home activities such as our popular Spectrobox, kaleidoscopes, and optical illusion demos! In addition, we will be exhibiting a newly developed game that explores atomic structure from the point of view of an atom!

Visitors to the booth can participate in a walkthrough illustrating the basics of genetics and how DNA can affect our physical beings. Following the walkthrough, visitors can enjoy three hands on activity stations. The first is a Build your own DNA station, where visitors can build a base or practice pairing them. The second is a genetic engineering station, where student can manipulate circuits or help insert a plasmid (glow bracelet) into a bacteria (balloon). At the final station, a robot can be build based on the selection of dominate or recessive genes from two parent robots.

Enrichment program for elementary and middle school

Informational materials and free giveaways regarding the City's Pure Water San Diego and water conservation programs will be distributed. We will either have an interactive activity that engages festival attendees to guess the difference between tap, recycled and purified water samples, or we will bring our "'Water' You Know?" jeopardy quiz board that asks fun questions that educate festival attendees of all ages about water.

Get closer to science! Guests will be able to explore ocean and earth science through conversation and hands-on activities! Join Birch Aquarium to discover some of the amazing things that go on below the surface of the ocean, on the beach, and sometimes in your own backyard.

A showcase of FIRST robotics at the Francis Parker Upper School, presented by Team 2485, W.A.R. Lords (We Are Robot Lords). Throughout the day students and mentors will be available to answer questions and share their experiences. Of course, there will also be a 120 pounds robot roaming about too. Come see what it means to be part of FIRST robotics team.

The booth will contain hands-on interactive demonstrations highlighting applications of industrial hygiene principals.

Students will build origami boats of varying levels of complexity and attempt to make the boats float in a tub of water. We will provide additional materials (e.g. Popsicle sticks, rubber bands, etc.) to challenge kids to propel their boats from one end of the tub to the other. Participants can also choose to race against one another.

As San Diego’s most influential advocate for sustainability, I Love a Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental catalyst, awakening passion and inspiring action, empowering everyone to improve the health and beauty of our local environment. For over sixty years, we’ve brought the best in all of us together for a lasting, positive impact on our region. I Love A Clean San Diego is the go-to resource for beach and inland cleanups across San Diego County. We build awareness and invite the community’s enthusiastic support.

Hands on Science Activity geared for large multi-age audience - TBD (In the past we have done UV/Fluorescence, Science of Shaving Cream Art, Science of Non-Newtonian Fluids) Due to our early registration, the activity hasn't been formally decided. However, we are familiar with the age range, and volume of attendees and have developed program activities suited for this venue and its STEM enthusiasts. Thank you for organizing such a wonderful event!