STEAM Youth and Community Conference
STEAM
[noun]
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics
- An educational approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics and applies them to real world scenarios
Our Vision
Preparing students to become the STEAM literate citizens of tomorrow is a community effort that starts with parents and family members, and extends to include contributions from educators in K-12 schools, community colleges and universities; religious and other community leaders; and members from the local business industry. Engaging the entire community to support this effort is crucial.
Why this conference?
The University of San Diego hosts an annual one-day STEAM Youth and Community Conference to mobilize the community to help provide new pathways for youth to ignite, develop and pursue their STEAM interests, while simultaneously elevating the STEAM literacy, awareness and nurturing potential of the community.
Attendance is free and open to all members of the community (i.e. students, family members, educators, community leaders, etc.) Join us for a day of engaging and inspiring presentations and interactive STEAM workshops from STEAM professionals, leaders, students and educators. Presentations will be given in English and in Spanish. We will have raffles and giveaways and lunch will be provided.
2019 Presenters and Session Descriptions
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Dr. Michael (Robert Navert, R&D Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific) Alston, Senior Staff Engineer, Central Engineering Technology, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Learning About the Science of You - the Science of DNA
Have you ever wanted to know what the science of DNA is all about? What is the code that tells you to be you and a strawberry to be a strawberry? In this activity, we will be discussing DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and how it is the software to all life. Then, it will be your turn to see for yourself! We will be extracting and isolating DNA from strawberries with a little help from dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and salt.
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Laura Rivard, PhD, Biology Department, University of San Diego
Human Variation and the Genetics of Bitter Taste Sensation
After an introduction to human trait variation, participants will explore whether they can taste the chemical PTC, which is controlled by genetics. They will then investigate the density of taste buds on their tongue and see if there is a relationship to how intensely they taste the bitterness of unsweetened chocolate.
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Iliana Douraghi, ThoughtSTEM Instructor
Code Your Own Adventure Games (3rd-6th)
3rd-6th graders will pair program with fellow students and learn how to code their own 2D adventure games.ct floating ocean plastic pollution.
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Beto Vasquez
Bachelor of Science and a Master's of Science in Biology/Biological Sciences from the University of California, San Diego
The “Science of Tortillas”
The “Science of Tortillas” that allows students to explore the chemistry and physics behind the food. We demonstrate chemistry by reacting the ground maize with calcium oxide to give off the starch needed to make the dough or “masa”. Then, using physics principles, we describe how the tortilla obtains its shape using mechanical instruments and different forces and energy. Lastly, both chemistry and physics come together when we elaborate on how the cooking process takes place. This allows students from backgrounds and cultures that eat tortillas to see the science behind their creation. -
Jonathan Gonzalez Padilla
UC San Diego Alumni with a Bachelor's of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience and a minor in Chicanx Studies. Current medical student at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) and EMT and First Responder in the state of Baja California, Mexico
The “Science of Tortillas”
The “Science of Tortillas” that allows students to explore the chemistry and physics behind the food. We demonstrate chemistry by reacting the ground maize with calcium oxide to give off the starch needed to make the dough or “masa”. Then, using physics principles, we describe how the tortilla obtains its shape using mechanical instruments and different forces and energy. Lastly, both chemistry and physics come together when we elaborate on how the cooking process takes place. This allows students from backgrounds and cultures that eat tortillas to see the science behind their creation. -
Isaac Munoz is a Mexico American audio research engineer who has been working at Qualcomm since 2013. He received his Electrical Engineering B.S. degree from Caltech and is currently in the process of finishing his PhD in Computer Music from UCSD with a focus on building Augmented Reality musical instruments.
Handmade Electronic Drums
In this session you’ll be able to play two handmade drums of Latin American origin. One is the teponaztli which is an Aztec log drum and the other is the cajón. You will get hands on experience with the fundamentals of sound and electronics as you learn how these musical instruments were built.
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MarGhece Barnes, Engineering Student, USD
Math Visualization
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Mathnasium of San Diego
Mathnasium of San Diego
Mathnasium is your neighborhood math-only learning center that teaches kids math the way that makes sense to them. Our experienced math tutors utilize our proprietary teaching materials and techniques,The Mathnasium Method™, to deliver a customized learning plan designed to address each student's needs, whether they started out far behind or are already ahead in math. Our instruction approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math. Stop by one of our centers for a free assessment today! Find the nearest location here: https://www.mathnasium.com/maps/maps/search). -
Tanlee Gaspar & Ciara Yegin, STEMWoW Enrichment Facilitators and USD Students
Paper Butterflies
Join us for a paper folding questioning and exploration session. Take home paper-folded models created by YOU based on a butterfly by Michael Lafosse.
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Sam Cadwell, Educator, Guitars in the Classroom
Strum, Sing and Write Songs for Science
Participants will learn to create lyrics that enrich and reinforce science learning K-5 using big ideas, evidence, and familiar melodies.
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Douglas Magedman, Cybersecurity Professor, USD
Cybersecurity: What You Don't Know but Should about Credit Card Theft, Emails, Copiers and Computers
This session will consist of short discussions on how thieves steal your information and use it from what you would think are safe daily practices.
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Odesma Dalrymple, Assistant Professor, Engineering, USD
Fun with Circuits
Learn the basics about electricity and apply them to the creation of a paper circuit that brings awareness of your commitment to make a difference in the world.
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Daniel Myers, Software Engineer, Fuse Integration
Paper Fireworks
Build a moving structure, Fireworks by Yami Yamaguchi, through paper folding as you pose questions and engage in mathematical explorations.
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Dr. Arietta Fleming-Davies, Assistant Professor of Biology, USD
Zombie Bugs
- Rover Bernhardt, summer intern at USD & Biology/Math major at Lewis and Clark University
- Megan Martinez, Biology major at USD
- Ray Solis, Biology major at USD.
Did you know that bugs get sick too? Participants will learn about a common local butterfly species, the passionflower plant it eats, and a deadly 'zombie' disease that infects its caterpillars. You will then use microscopes to look for virus in insect samples. Don't worry, this disease is only deadly for caterpillars, and is perfectly safe for humans! Participants will also find out about opportunities to act as citizen scientists and make observations of these butterflies in their homes or classrooms. You might even go home with a beautiful (and tasty!) passionflower plant to attract these butterflies in your own yard.
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Tezeru Teshome, Theatre Professor, USD
Theatre for Environmental Justice
Based on Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed, participants will work together as actors and directors to create real-life practices towards environmental sustainability.
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Paul Phillips, Computer Graphic Artist, Developer and Owner, Art by Coloring
MathArt: Creating Beautiful Art from Math Transformations.
Paul will unveil and demonstrate the MathArt platform, an Angular 5 web app, developed for the USD STEAM Academy 2018 during the workshop. He will challenge those attending to make beautiful patterns and maybe learn some math. MathArt works on both a laptop and IPad using the Google Chrome Browser.
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Martha Romero, High Tech High Parent Odyssey
Los Padres Hacen La Diferencia
Parents and their children will share strategies the parents used to encourage, inspire and enable their children to, develop a strong work ethic, pursue their dream and succeed.
Agenda
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Registration |
| 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
| 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Breakout 1 Sessions Workshops and Presentations |
| 10:55 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. | Breakout 2 Sessions Workshops and Presentations |
| 12:05 p.m. - 1:05 p.m. | Breakout 3 Sessions Workshops and Presentations |
| 1:05 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Breakout 4 Sessions Workshops and Presentations |
| 3:10 p.m. - 3:40 p.m. | Closing Presentation |
| 3:45pm | Campus Tours (optional)n |
About Us
The STEAM Youth and Community Conference is run by a team of three University of San Diego faculty. Dr. Odesma Dalrymple, Dr. Perla Myers and Dr. Joi Spencer are accomplished educators with expertise in STEAM instruction across the K-16 pipeline. In addition to providing the conceptual development of the STEAM Team Summer Academy, they also serve as lead instructors for the engineering and mathematics learning experiences for the STEAM Team Summer Academy. Dr. Dalrymple, Dr. Myers and Dr. Spencer coordinate all aspects of the Academy including the selection, hiring and supervision of instructors and student-assistants, and the coordination of the camp schedule and activities.
Learn more about these women!
Important Information
Parking
Anywhere on campus is free parking on weekends. Park either in Mother Rosalie Hall parking garage or in the parking lot in front of Shiley Center for Science and Technology.
Code of Conduct
Our conference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof). We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference session. Conference participants violating these rules may be asked to leave the conference at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Sponsors
Co-hosted by Shiley Marcos School of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences and School of Leadership and Education Sciences.
We are always looking for additional sponsors who want to help us facilitate this event. For inquires about becoming a sponsor, email us at steam@sandiego.edu.
Contributors
- USD's Strategic Initiatives Grant
- University of San Diego
- National Science Foundation
- Clarity Design
- STEM Counseling & Workforce Development Division
- ThoughtSTEM
- Mathcore
- Kid Spark Education
- Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education
- Air and Space Museum
- Robolink
- Myers Family
Special Thank You
- Our wonderful volunteers
- Our amazing presenters
- STEMWoW and STEAM Academy families
- Clarity Design
- Qualcomm
- Fleet Science Center
- Art by Coloring
- ThoughtSTEM
- Elementary Institute of Science
- Guitars in the Classroom
- USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences
- USD Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering
- USD College of Arts and Sciences
- Clarity Foundation
- Clarity Design
- STEM Counseling & Workforce Development Division
- ThoughtSTEM
- Mathcore
- Kid Spark Education
- Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education
- Air and Space Museum
- Robolink
Contact Us