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2025 Hands-On Workshops

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So you think you can hang?
led by  Katrina Christiansen of University of Jamestown

Get ready to defy gravity! Or can you? In this exciting STEM session, we'll dive into the physics of jumping. You'll learn how to measure your vertical jump, discover the forces that influence how high you can go, and uncover the secrets of "hang time". Get hands-on experience with experiments and calculations that reveal the science behind amazing athletic feats!

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Are you A, B, O, AB, positive, negative? Blood is an essential part of the human body but, if you mix the wrong type things could go drastically wrong. Can you successfully determine the blood type of the accident victim and save his life?            

Find out what you already know!

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The Art of the Square Bubble
led by Lindsey Kiecker of Valley City State University

What makes a bubble round, and how can we blow a square bubble? Join this session for exciting chemical demonstrations and learn the art of blowing a square bubble. Plus, you get to take your bubble-blower home with you!

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Help us solve a crime! Work as forensic investigators and use techniques of forensic science to analyze evidence left behind at a crime scene. Use deductive reasoning to evaluate bite marks, hair samples, footprints, fingerprints, handwriting, blood evidence,  and spilled powders to determine the criminal’s identity.

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Have you ever made ice cream? If so, you know that the ice cream mixture has to get really cold very quick. Ice cubes alone won't do the trick. Why not? Find out in this tasty-cold science project.

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Pharmacy Fun: Exploring Science and Health
led by Brenda Jarski-Weber of NDSU Extension Service

Join us for an exciting workshop where middle school students can dive into the world of pharmacy! Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, you'll learn about the science behind medications, how they are made, and their role in healthcare. Discover the fascinating field of pharmacy and see how it impacts our daily lives in a fun and engaging way!


Make a Match to Save a Life?
led by Cortnie Smith of Sanford Health

The Case of the Missing Hikers
led by North Dakota's Gateway to Science

We all Scream for Ice Cream!
led by Teather Sundstrom of Valley City State University

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Discover the surprising secrets behind your smile in this exciting journey into dental health.  Your teeth and gums do more than just chew food and light up your selfies -- they're a window to your overall well-being. Join us as we explore how your oral health impacts your nutrition, self-confidence, and much more.  Get ready to become part of the Super Smile Squad, where we'll uncover the hidden power of a healthy, happy smile!

Tooth Truths: Are you really what you eat?
led by Carrie Orn of Orn Family Dentistry

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Learn how to define property lines just like a real land surveyor! In this hands-on workshop, you'll create your own piece of land and write an official survey description.

Become a Land Surveyor!
led by Jacob Fandrich of Interstate Engineering

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Learn how and why resource professionals test the water in our rivers, streams, and lakes.  Get hands on experience using the type of equipment real water scientists use!

Riverwatch: How to be a Water Scientist!
led by Bonita Roswick of  Prairie Waters Education and Research Center -- Valley City State University

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Chemistry: Create an Awesome Reaction!
led by Graeme Wyllie of Concordia College

Cool  hands-on chemistry experiments with things from the kitchen. Have fun experimenting and doing experiments to investigate the chemistry of items found in everyday life.

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Pollinator Power! Build a Bomb for the Bees!
led by Dustin Krueger of the Stutsman County Soil Conservation District

Become a habitat hero and help pollinators thrive! We'll learn about these important creatures and play a fun game where you'll create "pollinator bombs" -- seed balls packed with wildflowers that help bees, butterflies, and more. Get ready to have a blast while helping our planet!

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Off to the Robot Races!
led by Angela Gross of North Dakota State University's College of Engineering

Ready to unleash your creativity and have fun with LEGOS? Learn about mechatronics as you design, build, and program unique mini-robots to see how fast you can make them go. Each race you enter will give you another problem to solve on your road to become a champion... and an engineer!

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Understanding Less Lethal Tools: A Police Workshop
led by Scott Geiszler, Sid Mann, and Ryan Goff of Jamestown PD

Discover the world of less lethal tools with our local police department in this informative workshop.  Learn about the science and practical use of these tools through engaging demonstrations.  This session is designed to enhance the understanding of modern policing methods in a concise and interactive format.  Join us for an enlightening experience!

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The Amazing Eye!
led by Dr. Briana Bohn of Professional Eyecare Centers

Discover how your eyes work to help you see the world around you and the different parts of the eye building your own edible eye model!

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Bird Beak Bonanza
led by Jennifer Kross and Cecelia Bear of Ducks Unlimited

Discover how bird beaks are adapted to different diets in this fun, hands-on workshop! Middle schoolers will explore various bird mouth parts and play a strategy game using gummy candy to learn how beak shapes impact food sources. Join us for a sweet and educational adventure into the world of avian adaptations!

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Bright Sparks: Build your Own Night Light!
led by Joel Gustafson of North Dakota Petroleum Council

Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where middle school students will learn the basics of electronics and assemble their own night light to take home. Perfect for budding engineers and curious minds!

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Soil and Self-Care: Discovering Nature's Healing Powers
led by Regina Olson and Mikayla Lardy

Explore the amazing properties of soil and its benefits for well-being. Enjoy creating a delicious dessert of dirt cups and make face mask kits with clay, aloe, and honey to take home. Join us for a fun and enriching experience designed for middle school girls!

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AI Creators: Unleash the Power of Imagination
led by Michael Simons and Nicole Haugen of Microsoft

Discover how AI can be used to solve real-world problems, unleash your creativity through hands-on projects, and work together to bring your ideas to life.

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Become a Micro:Bit Maker
led by Michael Simons and Nicole Haugen of Microsoft

Tap into your inner creativity by designing and making games that you can play with your friends!  You’ll use a tiny computer called a micro:bit that let’s you make all kinds of fun projects – games, musical instruments, wearable accessories, and more.  You’ll get to keep a micro:bit so that you can design and make projects on your own.

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Flight of the Whirlybird
led by Collins Aerospace

Band together to learn about aerospace engineering by creating a paper whirlybird (aka helicopter)! 

Test your abilities in an attempt to be the whirlybird that can stay in flight the longest, while experimenting how different variables can affect flight.

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Assembly Work Instructions
led by Christian of Bobcat

Join us for a fun workshop! Start with partial Lego instructions, spot quality issues, then rebuild with full instructions to see how clear guidance boosts efficiency and quality.  Don't miss the exciting learning experience!

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Wizard of Oz
led by Sheri Gunderson of University of Jamestown

Discover how simulation manikins allow assessment of physical problems. Active learning in the lab is hands-on and provides experiences for those interested in health care. 

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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
led by Beth Hill of North Dakota State Forest Service

Decisions about community land  use are complex and often involve many people in many ways.  In this simulation, students use trees as a backdrop to develop a land use plan.

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OT's Put the Fun in Function!
led by Leann Ripplinger of Jamestown Regional Medical Center

Experience what it's like to have a disability and learn how to use adaptive equipment to help you with everyday things we take for granted. Maneuver a wheelchair around a room, put on a shirt using one hand, test your hand strength, navigate your environment with one hand or limited vision, and use adapted equipment to help with your meals.

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