Summer 2008 Workshops

These hands-on experiences give you a fresh look at science plus the materials to carry out many of the projects we work on. All workshops are held at Discovery Center. All investigations are aligned with Illinois State Goals. Graduate credit through Aurora University is available for an additional fee (with the exception of the StarLab courses).

What is Nanotechnology? (Nanotechnology: An Intro)

Monday-Tuesday, June 16-17, 2008
Time: Sign-in: 8:15 am to 8:30 am Training: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Grade Level: 3-12
Cost: $10 (Partially funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the University of Wisconsin Madison NSEC.)
CPDU Hours: 13
Location: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
Graduate Credit: 1 hour of Aurora credit/$110 additional (payable to KIDS on first day of class)
Description: You’ve all been hearing about nanotechnology; now find out what it really means! On the first day, explore science at the nanoscale: a world that’s only a few atoms across. See how properties and interactions can change as things get smaller. On the second day, discover how technology allows us to manipulate objects at the nanoscale to engineer everything from stain-resistant clothing to cancer therapies. Go home with the materials and knowledge you need to bring nano to your students!

Wild About Weather (Weather Science)

Wednesday-Thursday, June 18-19, 2008
Time: Sign-in: 8:15 am to 8:30 am Training: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Grade Level: K-9
Cost: $20
CPDU Hours: 13
Location: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
Graduate 1 hour of Aurora credit/$110 additional (payable to KIDS on first day of class)
Description: Whether we like it or not, weather affects us all! In this course you will get hands-on to investigate phenomena from clouds and rain to hurricanes and tornadoes. Discover the science behind the smallest changes in air pressure to the largest global weather systems. Also, construct homemade weather tools and learn to read the sky. You’ll be ready to be a master meteorologist for your students!

StarLab Basics: Mechanics

Monday, June 30, 2008
Time: Sign-in: 8:15 am to 8:30 am Training: 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Grade Level: K-12
Cost: $5
CPDU Hours: 3
Location: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
Description: Interested in renting the StarLab inflatable planetarium system from KIDS? Participation in this training is required prior to renting the StarLab. This training will cover the set-up and take-down of the planetarium dome, mechanics of the projection system, equipment maintenance, and StarLab resources. Stick around for the afternoon session and learn how to give a top notch presentation!

StarLab Basics: Presentations

Monday, June 30, 2008
Time: Sign-in: 12:15 pm to 12:30 pm Training: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Grade Level: K-12
Cost: $5
CPDU Hours: 3
Location: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
Description: Now that you have the StarLab planetarium at your school, what do you do with it? This training will teach you the basic astronomy you will need to locate star constellations, master moon phases, and pick out planets. After learning how to navigate the night sky, we’ll also learn how to set up a successful planetarium presentation and share some of our favorite star stories, too!

Rocket Science (Propulsion Science)

Monday-Thursday, July 7-10, 2008
Time: Sign-in: 8:15 am to 8:30 am Training: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Grade Level: 3-12
Cost: $30
CPDU Hours: 26
Location: Discovery Center Museum, 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
Graduate Credit: 2 hours of Aurora credit/$170 additional (payable to KIDS on first day of class)
Description: Design, construct, and launch solid fuel model rockets and take your science teaching to new heights – literally! In this course, you will build 3 different rockets: two of which you will make completely from scratch. Go home with a complete launch system and the knowhow you need to bring this exciting activity to your students. Topics include: safety, physics, construction techniques, material selection, guidance and recovery systems, data collection and presentation, and resources.