Explosion of Science: Students Learn the Truth behind Scientific Mysteries

Mind Trekkers, part of Michigan Tech's Center for Pre-college Outreach, has performed science magic for and with thousands of young people. From regional science fairs (with an average attendance of 1,500 students) to national STEM festivals in the nation's capital (with over one million young learners in attendance), the impact of the program simply cannot be overstated. Mind Trekkers team members lead participants through a high-energy learning environment filled with music and video—breaking down attitudes of being too cool for science and math. Based on participants' ages and interests, a set of activities is designed to ensure they are as excited by the experience as possible. From firing liquid nitrogen cannons to walking across a pond of liquid oobleck (a non-Newtonian fluid that acts as a solid when force is applied to its surface), students experience many scientific phenomena—and begin to untangle the theory behind each mystery. In order to continue engaging students, we need to continue providing fresh demonstrations. Through your donations, we will invest in new activities to take on the road, all of which young learners will do themselves. Additional funding will make possible the following: satellite-dish-shaped hearing devices that allow students to clearly hear a whisper from across a gymnasium; sensors in a hockey net showing the force of a puck, and the force dissipation of protective equipment; and many other demonstrations. Help us spread the excitement of STEM to tomorrow's leaders through our unique, interactive program.