SPARK!

Delivered by GSSM’s Center for Science Education & Outreach, SPARK! is designed to inspire an early interest in and awareness of STEM studies. In a series of after school workshops, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders follow their interests to learn the science or math concepts behind daily questions or curiosities.

Students can select any or all workshops to attend. See the full list below!

WHEN: February- March 2020 (See dates below)
TIME: 4:00–5:30PM
WHERE: GSSM Campus
401 Railroad Ave • Hartsville SC
WHO: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
COST: Free!
Space is limited to 15 students

WHAT TO EXPECT

• After school workshops exploring a wide range of STEM topics, selected based on students' interests
• An opportunity to connect with GSSM residential students who will serve as instructors and role models
• Snacks will be provided

Spring 2020 Spark! Workshops

Math: What are the Odds?
Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Do you like to play games of chance? Ever wanted to outsmart your peers in Math? In this session, participants will use games, riddles, and interactive activities to learn about statistics, the Monty Hall Problem and the science of decision making.

Physics: Magnetism
Thursday, February 27, 2020

Ever wondered about that invisible force between two metals? Or what makes a compass point in a certain direction? In this session, participants will explore the science of magnetic forces.

Chemistry: Acids & Bases
Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Ever wonder why lemons taste sour? Ever wonder why baking soda makes bread rise? In this workshop, participants will explore acids and bases through experiments and real-life examples. Activities will center on properties of acids and bases and how strengths are measured.

Biology: Signaling
Thursday, March 5, 2020

Have you ever wondered how your body tells you it's hungry, thirsty, or tired? Just like our body systems communicate with each other, individual cells have ways to communicate with each other as well. In this workshop, participants will discover just exactly how they do so and why this is so important for our everyday lives.

Math: IRL (In Real Life)  
Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Ever wondered where you will use the math you learn in school? From cruise ships to famous artwork, math is everywhere. In this session, participants will discover patterns and equations in different phenomena throughout history and today learning why math is such an important part of our lives.

Physics: Waves
Thursday, March 12, 2020

Did you know that sound travels in waves? Did you also know that’s why ambulances sound louder if they’re driving toward you and not away from you? In this workshop, participants will explore the oscillatory nature of waves and their impact on light, sound, and water.

Chemistry: Reactions
Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Have you ever wondered how much of a substance needs to be present for a reaction to happen? Did you know there are different types of reactions? In this lesson, participants will explore the concepts of reagents, molarity, and different types of reactions.

Biology: What Makes Us Sick?
Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Viruses, colds, and flu, Oh My! Ever wondered why we get sniffly at certain times of the year? In this session, participants will discover what makes one sick, what keeps one healthy, and how to prevent certain types of illnesses.

International Studies: Spain!
Thursday, March 26, 2020

Hola! Have you ever wanted to travel to Spain? In this session, participants will learn about the history, culture, and language of Spain.

History: Early American Clothing!
Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Ever wondered what clothes early colonists wore? In this session, participants will explore the life of colonists through clothing.

All courses are from 4:00-5:30 p.m. on the dates listed.

Register for Spark!