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: September- October 2019 (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

Register for Spark! 

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

Fall 2019 Spark! Workshops

Math: To Infinity and Beyond!
Tuesday, September 24, 2019

How far does infinity go? Ever wondered what exactly defines a number? In this session, participants will learn about the concept of infinity as well as irrational numbers and how series work, delving into the world of mathematical rules to see what happens when these rules are broken. 

Physics: Forces & Work
Thursday, September 26, 2019

Ever wondered what natural forces exist in our universe? In this session, participants will learn what a force is and identify the forces interacting around us (frictional, magnetic, electric, and gravitational) in order to garner a deeper understanding of gravity and movement on earth.

International Studies: Thailand
Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Kob Khun Kha! Would you like to learn about the amazing culture and stunning landscape of Thailand? In this session, participants will explore Thai cuisine, history, and customs from Govies who studied and traveled to Thailand for themselves!

Biology: Biodiversity
Thursday, October 3, 2019

Have you ever wondered how many species exist within an ecosystem? Or why we need different species? What happens if we don't have biodiversity on our planet? In this session, we will examine the earth from oceans to jungles to uncover the importance of biodiversity in how an ecosystem functions. 

Physics: Rotation and Moment of Inertia
Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Ever wondered why a fidget spinner spins? Or why some objects spin faster than others? Or how some objects don't fall while spinning? In this session, participants will use gyroscopes, spinning tops, and more to explore rotational motion, moment of inertia and the resistance to change.

Chemistry: Electrochemistry
Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Ever wondered what electrons have to do with electricity? In this session, students will learn about the flow of electrons through spontaneous cellular reactions. 

Math: Geometry
Thursday, October 17, 2019

Ever wondered if there is more to Geometry than circles and squares? In this session, participants will explore patterns in shapes with the Pythagorean Theorem and Pascal's Triangle through origami and the world around us.

Chemistry: Bonds & Energy
Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Ever wondered how energy changes? Ever wondered what happens when water melts, freezes or vaporizes? Or how the bonds of water affect the phase changes? In this session, participants will learn about bonds and how molecular geometry impacts compounds.

Biology: Genetics
Thursday, October 24, 2019

Ever wondered why we look like our parents? Or what is a Punnett square? What do pea plants and Gregor Mendel have in common? In this workshop, participants will explore the mysteries of genetics.

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

Register for Spark!