Spring 2023 opportunities for homeschoolers at Clemson University!

IMG 6906
1IMG 5322

All labs take place on Clemson University’s campus in the Science Outreach Center… For only $20/student, your child will engage in the following hands-on STEM exploration:

Registration OPEN

WHERE? Basement of Jordan Hall (G26-G30), Clemson University
COST?  $20 per student
WHEN?  See below for dates and times
TIME?  All labs run from 9:30 am-12:00 pm
QUESTIONS?  culsoc@clemson.edu or 864-656-9939

Parents’ Role

Our Laboratories can hold up to 32 participants each; however, we will not have 32 participants in each lab. Once you arrive, we will direct you to one of our two laboratories. There will be space for some parents to sit in on the lesson. However, due to space limitations, not all parents will be allowed into the lab. Parents are asked to stay nearby, either in the lab, the waiting area directly adjacent to the labs, or close by on campus in case of an emergency.

Thursday, February 16th

Mystery of the Dead Hemlock Tree – FULL
(ages 8-12) 

In this lab, students will:

  • Use solutes and solvents to create mixtures and solutions
  • Learn techniques to micropipette and measure small quantities of liquids
  • Perform gel electrophoresis to compare DNA from known pests to an unknown tree killer
    (Scientists use this method to separate out parts of a mixture)
  • Discover the interdependent relationships of the hemlock ecosystem

Polymers – FULL
(ages 8-12)  

In this lab, students will:

  • Create polymer models
  • Discuss natural and synthetic polymers
  • Explore the properties of polymers while designing a delayed-release pill
  • Create polymer art with Shrinky Dinks

Thursday, March 23rd

DNA Fingerprinting/Crime Scene – FULL
(ages 13+)

In this lab students will:

  • Set up a restriction digest of DNA from a “crime scene”
  • Run DNA samples from crime scene and suspects on a gel and compare the results to ensure that the right guy/girl is caught.
  • Learn about the human genome, genetic signatures, and how they are used in forensics and other application

Rockets – Full
(ages 8–12)

In this lab, students will:

  • Explore the 4 forces of flight
  • Experiment with Newton’s laws of motion
  • Design, build and launch compressed air rockets
  • Engage in the engineering design process to improve the flight of your rocket

Tuesday, April 18th

Magnetism and Electricity – FULL
(ages 8-12) 

In this lab, students will:

  • Discover how electricity and magnets can work together
  • Use simple materials to create and test your own “battle bot”

* The cost of this lab is $23.00, which includes a motor and battery for each students’ “Battle bot”. Students will be able to take their “battle bot” home with them after the lab. *

Conservation: The Amazing Life of Honey Bees – FULL
(ages 8–12)

 In this lab, students will:

  • Discuss honey bees and their role in pollination
  • Explore the honey bee life cycle
  • Observe dead honey bees using a microscope
  • Design, build, and test a pollination device

Thursday, May 11th

Magnetism and Electricity
(ages 8-12) 

In this lab, students will:

  • Discover how electricity and magnets can work together
  • Use simple materials to create and test your own “battle bot”

* The cost of this lab is $23.00, which includes a motor and battery for each student’s “Battle bot”. Students will be able to take their “battle bot” home with them after the lab. *

Tuesday, May 16th

Rockets – FULL
(ages 13+)

In this lab, students will:

  • Explore the 4 forces of flight
  • Experiment with Newton’s laws of motion
  • Design, build and launch compressed air rockets
  • Engage in the engineering design process to improve the flight of your rocket

Polymers – FULL
(ages 8-12)  

In this lab, students will:

  • Create polymer models
  • Discuss natural and synthetic polymers
  • Explore the properties of polymers while designing a delayed-release pill
  • Create polymer art with Shrinky Dinks

Cancellation Policy: Withdrawals prior to the date of the registered session will be assessed a 25% processing fee; these withdrawals must be received in writing (an email is sufficient). Alternatively, withdrawals prior to the date of the registered session may be credited for the same academic year.