VEEP and NHEEP are offering virtual STEM labs to learn about specific energy topics and practice science and engineering design. Groups will meet over several weeks with an online instructor to focus on specific energy-related STEM subjects appropriate for homeschool students, students learning from home, or students just interested in the topic.
These programs have a minimum # of students needed to run, and are capped at 10 students, so sign up as soon as you can. Registration closes 10 days prior to the start of the program to give us time to get materials out to all students.
2022-2023 STEM Labs
See descriptions of STEM labs below.
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Student Energy Action Group
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What it is: A virtual class for homeschool students. We will examine energy and climate issues and plan and implement an action project that decreases the negative impacts of energy use.
Who can participate? Students grades 4-9
The goal: Students plan and execute an energy or climate action project at the end of the four month session. Students will receive a certificate of completion for their action project and their time spent participating in the online classroom and virtual sessions.
Criteria for student projects: Reduces energy use in one of the three sectors (Electricity, Thermal, Transportation) to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
What it looks like: We will post weekly investigations and resources in Google Classroom that students should engage with throughout that week. These weekly activities will include discussion prompts, videos, lessons, and hands-on tasks. VEEP/NHEEP staff will be available for ongoing support and questions as students proceed through the activities. We will have group virtual check-ins once a month. Students will have a VEEP/NHEEP project advisor that will support them throughout their project planning and implementation, which will include more personal check-ins as they plan and implement their project.
What is expected from students and families:
1. Attend the 5 virtual sessions.
2. Check into the Google classroom every week and complete the activities/post in the discussion stream.
3. Plan an action project and work toward implementing the project with help from VEEP/NHEEP educators.
4. Parent/gaurdian attendance at the first virtual session in order to be familiar with the work expectations, class structure, and technology used.
Optional Additional Opportunities:
- Borrow equipment if you need it to accomplish your project
- An invitation to present at VINS Science Symposium in May
Cost: $25 (if cost is a barrier we have scholarships available)
Start Date: February 6, 2023 End Date: May 22, 2023
Virtual meeting dates: February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, May 22 (final presentation day)
Virtual meeting times: 9-10 am for all meetings
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Button Up - Home Weatherization - $20
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Join us as we explore the science of heat transfer and how it relates to your home. Using equipment from VEEP and some of your common household materials, we’ll investigate ways to keep you warm and toasty this winter but use less energy doing it.
Grades: 5-9
# of Sessions: 3
Date: Wednesdays: 01/25, 02/01, 02/08
Time: 3:30PM-4:30PM
Educator: Julian Leon
Equipment cost to borrow: $20
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ELECTRICITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT - $30
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How do we generate electricity? What are some of its environmental impacts? Students will use hands-on activities, video, discussion, and demos to answer these questions and more. Explore Faraday’s coil and engineer with renewable models like solar and wind power. We’ll learn about the energy use of our lights and appliances and brainstorm ways to use less electricity.
Grades: 4-6
# of Sessions: 3
Date: Tuesdays: 01/31, 02/07, 02/14
Time: 10AM-11:30AM
Educator: Angie Krysiak
Equipment cost to borrow: $30
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Invisible Forces - $30
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Are there invisible forces in our world? Join us to learn about energy that we cannot see! Through hands-on investigations, independent exploration, and engineering, participants will explore concepts of magnetism, static electricity, and gravity.
Grades: 1-3
# of Sessions: 3
Date: Wednesdays: 03/15, 03/22, 03/29
Time: 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Educator: Kaity White
Equipment cost to borrow: $30