Free hands-on STEM summer workshops for teachers in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties are being offered at Trident Technical College’s Mount Pleasant Campus. Sessions will be held on Friday mornings from 8:30-11:30 a.m., followed by a complimentary lunch. Walk away with hands-on training on Vernier devices, a free copy for the Vernier workbook and recertification credits.
Summer 2018 STEM Workshops
Register by May 25 for all sessions.
- June 22 – The Beat Goes on: Understanding Vital Signs
From the early days of medical science, physicians have recognized the importance of vital signs to the health condition of an individual. Recent breakthroughs in technology have made tracking and recording these parameters much easier and affordable. From activity trackers like the popular Fitbit, to various apps on our phones, these devices have allowed consumers to more closely monitor their health. The FDA recently approved sensors that record your heart electrical activity (ECG) with your phone. The question becomes, “what can we learn from these data?” In this workshop, we will use Vernier probe ware as well as more familiar technology to introduce heart rate, blood pressure and ECG. Through experiments and activities, participants will gain a better understanding of the science behind vital signs.
June 29 – Did You Hear That? (The Physics of Hearing)
Ready for a step into the world of acoustics and audiology? How much louder is 100 dB than 90 dB? Can humans really hear 20,000 Hz? What are the three methods of making sounds? How does a pressure wave translate to human hearing? This half-day workshop will look into the mechanics of sound and how humans perceive it. We will cover loudness, frequency range, sound production methods, speed of sound and the physiology of the ear.
July 13 – Get a GRIP! (Fun with Muscle Fatigue)
Hand grip strength is important in sports such as gymnastics and tennis, and for everyday activities such as carrying textbooks or opening a jar. There are studies indicating that grip strength can predict overall muscle strength and endurance, and that a stronger grip correlates with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. Medical professionals have developed exercises designed to improve grip strength.
In this workshop, we will investigate ways to teach students about muscle physiology using a hand dynamometer and Vernier probe. Demonstrations and lab activities will include measuring grip strength and muscle fatigue. We will also offer variations of grip strength lab exercises for those who may not have access to probe ware. Teachers will be provided with editable teacher resources in order to incorporate this high-tech (or low-tech) laboratory into their Anatomy and Physiology, Health Sciences, Biology or Physics courses.
July 20 – This Joint is Under Construction
At some point, many of us have broken a bone in our body. This amazing and resilient tissue has remarkable powers of self-repair. In severe cases, however, medical science can assist the healing process of bones. Various support structures (screws, pins, rods and plates) can help hold bones together. Sometimes a portion of a bone fails and a mechanical substitute must be used (hip replacement, prosthetics). Welcome to the world of biomedical engineering. A great deal of research is done to find materials that are strong, lightweight and compatible with body tissues. In this workshop, we will review bone and joint structure and investigate how engineering can aid the repair of severe bone fractures.