Majors

Majors

This year, we are proud to offer 30 Grandparents University majors during each session—all of which are taught by Purdue faculty and staff or Boilermaker experts. Some majors are available for both sessions, but others are only available during one of the sessions.

An adult must accompany each child at all times during the activities related to the major. For that reason, please select majors based on the ages and physical abilities of everyone in your group.

Guide to physical activity levels

Levels of physical activity vary among majors and field trips, so please choose what best suits your abilities. Every attempt will be made to honor accessibility requests made in advance.

  • Low: Most activities and tours take place indoors with some walking required. Majors will have mostly seated activities.
  • Medium: Some movement and walking required between classrooms and venues, which may include stairs. Long periods of standing may be required, and outdoor activity is possible.
  • High:Significant movement and physical activity, including walking or hiking outdoors.

This year, we are proud to offer 30 Grandparents University majors during each session—all of which are taught by Purdue faculty and staff or Boilermaker experts. Some majors are available for both sessions, but others are only available during one of the sessions.

An adult must accompany each child at all times during the activities related to the major. For that reason, please select majors based on the ages and physical abilities of everyone in your group.

Guide to physical activity levels

Levels of physical activity vary among majors and field trips, so please choose what best suits your abilities. Every attempt will be made to honor accessibility requests made in advance.

  • Low:Most activities and tours take place indoors with some walking required. Majors will have mostly seated activities.
  • Medium:Some movement and walking required between classrooms and venues, which may include stairs. Long periods of standing may be required, and outdoor activity is possible.
  • High:Significant movement and physical activity, including walking or hiking outdoors.

CHOOSE A SESSION

LEAVEA BLANK
Hexagon icon showing for the ABCs of ABE major, featuring a leaf within a beaker.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ABCS OF ABE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Experience the world of agricultural and biological engineering—from farm and forest to food and pharmaceuticals! Learn about the kinds of technologies that help crop production around the globe, discover how ecological engineers create designs and restore natural ecosystems, and hear how bioprocess engineers solve problems related to health, food, and the environment.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how drones and robots are pushing agriculture into the digital age—and then fly/drive them
  • Explore a stream redesign site
  • Get a taste for bioprocess engineering by making popping boba

ABCS OF ABE

Hexagon icon showing for the Advancing Animal Health major, featuring an outline of a dog and a cat with the medical plus sign.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ADVANCING ANIMAL HEALTH

Facilitated BY: 

College of Veterinary Medicine

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Discover some of the day-to-day activities of a veterinarian and veterinary nurse. You’ll get to see what they see by working directly with live animals, studying X-rays, and even examining the microorganisms that live inside a cow’s stomach!

Examples of activities

  • Practice physical exam techniques on a dog
  • Reach inside a real cow’s stomach
  • Look at blood cells under a microscope

ADVANCING ANIMAL HEALTH

AI, Captain

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

AI, CAPTAIN!

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

We know that artificial intelligence is powerful, but did you know that you hold the power? By using creativity, imagination, and teamwork, you’ll become more familiar—and more comfortable—with one of today’s most talked about subjects. AI isn’t so scary when we remember that we’re the ones in charge.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how artificial intelligence learns patterns by playing a game of “Train the Robot”
  • Explore the ways artificial intelligence shows up in your daily life
  • Design your own AI helper to solve everyday problems

AI, CAPTAIN!

Hexagon icon showing for the All the Small Things major, featuring a DNA model.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ALL THE SMALL THINGS

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Can you imagine a world that’s too small to see? Introducing nanotechnology! Explore nanoscale science and engineering, and learn about their impacts on society. By engaging with engineers and scientists, you’ll discover materials and technologies that are changing the world.

Examples of activities

  • Experiment with and manipulate liquid crystals and thin films
  • Tour the nanotechnology center’s research cleanroom
  • Watch a nano ice cream demonstration before enjoying your own sweet treat

ALL THE SMALL THINGS

Can You See It?

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

CAN YOU SEE IT?

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

It wasn’t long ago that you were in the dark about the results of your photography—literally. Explore the beauty of analog film photography, which includes loading film into a 35 mm camera, printing contact sheets, and developing negatives in a traditional darkroom!

Examples of activities

  • Discover the secrets of good photographic composition
  • Take your new photography skills on a campus walk using 35 mm film in an analog film camera
  • Process black-and-white film

CAN YOU SEE IT?

Capturing Light

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

CAPTURING LIGHT

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

With the help of digital cameras and our phones, we can take great photos pretty effortlessly. But do you know how a camera actually works? Discover the history of modern-day photography by making your own pinhole camera. You’ll even learn how to create an image without a camera using only light!

Examples of activities

  • Discover the origins of optics
  • Make a pinhole camera out of cardboard
  • Experience photography through a cyanotype activity as you create blue-and-white images without a camera

CAPTURING LIGHT

Constructing the Future

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Get ready to view the world of construction like never before! Robots, 3D printing, virtual and augmented realities—they’ve all enhanced the field of civil and construction engineering by making it easier for teams and clients to visualize their projects. Build your skills through hands-on experiences with the innovative technologies shaping the world around us.

Examples of activities

  • Discover the applications of robotics in construction
  • Explore construction safety through virtual reality
  • Use augmented reality to examine built environments

CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE

Diagnostic Detectives

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

DIAGNOSTIC DETECTIVES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Figuring out what’s wrong when you’re sick takes a lot more than checking a website for symptoms. Explore the world of medical laboratory science, where experts detect and diagnose disease. Uncover how these scientists do their detective work using their knowledge of anatomy and the body’s own defense system.

Examples of activities

  • Construct a kidney model to see how it functions when you’re healthy and when you’re sick
  • Discover how blood and its composition help your body fight germs, and make connections to patient symptoms
  • Play the role of a medical laboratory scientist and diagnose patients based on symptoms

DIAGNOSTIC DETECTIVES

Dynamics Dance

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

DYNAMICS OF DANCE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

What inspires you to break into dance? Have you ever thought about the moves your body makes when you’re dancing? While enjoying fun music, explore the different shapes, motions, and images we can make with our bodies through dance. Then, incorporate everything you’ve learned into an original dance you’ll perform in the dance program studio!

Examples of activities

  • Enjoy learning various modern dance techniques
  • Create an original dance inspired by everyday surroundings
  • Enhance your dance and stage presence by incorporating positive feedback

DYNAMICS OF DANCE

Hexagon icon showing for the Engineering in Space major, featuring a rocket ship.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ENGINEERING IN SPACE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

When you think about going to space, you probably think about astronauts. But what about engineers? Through the design, creation, and operation of aircraft, rockets, and space-based systems, engineers play a big part in space exploration! Discover space from an engineer’s perspective, and learn about their roles in recent missions to space.

Examples of activities

  • Build your very own rocket
  • Explore space engineering through origami
  • Construct a grappling tool to help in zero-gravity situations

ENGINEERING IN SPACE

Horsing Around

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

HORSING AROUND

Facilitated BY: 

College of Veterinary Medicine

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Horses have long been some of humans’ best helpers, but did you know they are also uniquely positioned to improve our health and relationships? Get a better understanding of how horses view the world, how they behave, and what we can learn from them as you explore the powerful connection between people and horses.

Examples of activities

  • Learn how to code human and horse behavior using ethograms
  • Use technology to experience the senses of a horse
  • Try your hand at interactive vaulting

HORSING AROUND

Hexagon icon showing for the Insect Expedition major, featuring a beetle.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

INSECT EXPEDITION

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Get ready to bug out as you explore insects, spiders, scorpions, millipedes, isopods, and more! These awesome arthropods make up approximately 80% of all living animals on Earth. The numbers are large, but the creatures are not! Through art, you’ll observe, interact, and gain a better appreciation of these crawling creatures.

Examples of activities

  • Meet and interact with residents of the Purdue Bug Barn
  • Use art to explore how insects disguise themselves in the natural world
  • Dive into the world of aquatic insects, and craft your own marbled paper

INSECT EXPEDITION

Life on the Farm

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

LIFE ON THE FARM

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Nowhere is the circle of life more visible than on a farm. From food to fabrics, farm animals play an essential role in our daily lives, which makes their health and welfare a top priority. Explore the fundamentals of animal care and gain a new appreciation for the compassion and commitment necessary for life on the farm. 

Examples of activities

  • Conduct an ultrasound on a pig and decide on the best care plan
  • Get a better understanding of the anatomy and feeding habits of animals
  • Enjoy activities focused on making animal-based fiber and food products

LIFE ON THE FARM

Life's a Stage

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

LIFE’S A STAGE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

There’s an entire generation between grandchildren and their grandparents, but many families are more alike than they might realize—including yours! Get ready to create meaningful pieces of theatre that bring your lives to life while also bringing you closer together.

Examples of activities

  • Conduct interviews using questions and discussion prompts
  • Craft a monologue using the interview responses
  • Step into the spotlight for a live performance

LIFE’S A STAGE

Magnify It

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

MAGNIFY IT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Sugar and snowflakes and fibers from mittens. Bug eyes and spiders and butterfly wings. These are a few of our favorite things—to see under an electron microscope! When the tiniest details come into focus, you’ll experience a myriad of minutiae in a hidden world.

Examples of activities

  • Prepare specimens and learn how to operate an electron microscope
  • Tour the Purdue Electron Microscopy Center
  • Explore the microscopic structures of everyday items

MAGNIFY IT

Hexagon icon showing for the Microbes to Medicines major, featuring bacteria.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

MICROBES TO MEDICINE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Get ready to look at dirt like a scientist, and explore the bacteria that live in your own backyard! Discover how the bacteria found in soil can be used to make antibiotics—maybe even ones you’ve taken!

Examples of activities

  • Isolate bacteria from soil
  • Learn how microorganisms make molecules that we use as medicines
  • Observe Streptomyces bacteria and the colored compounds they produce

MICROBES TO MEDICINE

Once Upon a Sound

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ONCE UPON A STUDIO

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Take a deep breath. Get into character. It’s time to step into the studio! Bring a classic fairy tale to life in the most captivating way as you explore the foundations of theatrical sound design, including music, sound effects, and vocal techniques.

Examples of activities

  • Record dialogue from a well-known fairy tale in Purdue Theatre’s Audio Production Studio
  • Work with faculty members to select music and sounds to enhance the story
  • Experience the magic of the finished product

ONCE UPON A STUDIO

Prevent and Protect

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

PREVENT AND PROTECT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Who protects your community? A police officer? A firefighter? What about you? You can play a big role in protecting your community by learning how to prevent disease and promote wellness. Prepare yourself for the job by learning how to recognize, evaluate, control, and confirm health hazards.

Examples of activities

  • Train for your job through the Industrial Hygiene Heroes video game
  • Conduct air and surface sampling to discover potential health hazards
  • Create controls and establish protocols to keep your community safe from identified hazards

PREVENT AND PROTECT

Radiation in Action

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

RADIATION IN ACTION

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

When you hear the word radiation, do you think of being bitten by a radioactive spider or the gamma rays that created the Hulk? As exciting as these stories are, the reality of radiation might be even more fascinating. Discover how to measure radiation, how it benefits our health, and how it’s used to treat cancer.

Examples of activities

  • Discover the process of radioactive decay using candy
  • Build your own radiation detector with a balloon
  • Clean up a radioactive spill

RADIATION IN ACTION

Ready, Set, Code

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

READY, SET, CODE!

Facilitated BY: 

College of Education

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Get ready to create something so ridiculous that it just might work! Discover how to creatively solve real-world problems as you program your own car and build a Rube Goldberg machine—a chain-reaction device that uses everyday materials to complete a simple task in a complicated and entertaining way.

Examples of activities

  • Explore the concepts of coding, robotics, and creative engineering
  • Learn about autonomous vehicles before programming a robotic car
  • Figure out the basics of programming using Scratch, a website that helps children create digital stories, games, and animations through coding

READY, SET, CODE!

Hexagon icon showing for the Running a Restaurant major, featuring a hand holding a serving platter with steam.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

RUNNING A RESTAURANT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Opening your dream restaurant is just the beginning. Success comes from the details—welcoming guests, staying flexible, and always being professional. Discover the essentials of great hospitality and the factors that make a food-service operation successful, including atmosphere, attitude, etiquette, and—of course—tasty food!

Examples of activities

  • Design your dream restaurant—choose a theme, location, name, and must-have menu items
  • Prepare a dish in a commercial kitchen with assistance from a Purdue chef
  • Master your front-of-house skills—setting a fancy table, hiring employees, and providing the best customer service

RUNNING A RESTAURANT

Sew Many Memories

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

SEW MANY MEMORIES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Do you have a blanket from when you were little that still brings you a sense of comfort? Or lucky socks you can’t get rid of—no matter how dirty they are? Get ready to dive into the history of fabrics and clothing, uncovering the special memories they hold and the stories they tell about the past.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how clothing and fabric shape our lives as individuals and as a society
  • Or a lucky T-shirt you can’t get rid of—no matter how dirty it is?
  • Sew your very own pillowcase to take home

SEW MANY MEMORIES

Shaping Spaces

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

SHAPING SPACES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Unleash your imagination in the exciting world of interior design. Discover how a dream becomes a design that transforms into a beautifully crafted room. By exploring different colors, textures, and layouts, you’ll begin to see the spaces around you like never before!

Examples of activities

  • Learn how color, texture, layout, and furniture affect the interior spaces around us
  • Work together to create a colorful mood board for a dream room
  • Build a creative world through fun hands-on model making

SHAPING SPACES

Hexagon icon showing for the Shark Tank Jr. major, featuring a hand holding a bag with the money symbol on it.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

SHARK TANK JR.

Facilitated BY: 

Mitch Daniels School of Business

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Messy rooms. Confusing homework problems. Chores you wish would do themselves. You encounter problems every day! If you have ever come up with a solution, then it’s time to enter the shark tank. Discover your inner entrepreneur before getting the chance to pitch your very own ideas!

Examples of activities

  • Create possible solutions to real-world problems
  • Learn about product development and how to conduct market research
  • Discover how to find solutions to problems through reverse brainstorming

SHARK TANK JR.

Sketches & Sculptures

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

SKETCHES & SCULPTURES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Ready to create a masterpiece? Get inspired by Edgar Degas, one of the world’s most famous artists. After exploring his work and techniques, you’ll sketch and sculpt your own creations. Your finished pieces will go on display next to the Degas Collection at the Purdue Memorial Union!

Examples of activities

  • Draw sketches on an iPad
  • Create figurative clay sculptures
  • Complete a grid enlargement of one of Degas’s paintings

SKETCHES & SCULPTURES

Hexagon icon showing for the STEM-IT! major, featuring a robot with a lightning bolt on its chest.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

STEM-IT!

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Polytechnic Institute

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Step into the world of innovation as you design, build, and explore together through hands-on STEM challenges. Program robots, experiment with 3D printing, and discover how tiny semiconductor chips power the technology around us. Get ready to invent, solve problems, and bring ideas to life!

Examples of activities

  • Experience 3D printing and digital design
  • Explore robotics using Dobot, Indi, and Sphero
  • Tour a Purdue testbed

STEM-IT!

Taking Flight

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

TAKING FLIGHT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Blast off into discovery as you explore the science behind flight, motion, and design. From early space exploration to modern rocket launches, uncover the forces that make liftoff possible. That’s right—it really is rocket science! Plus, you’ll get to build and launch your own model rocket.

Examples of activities

  • Explore the laws of motion using balloons and paper “mini-rockets”
  • Assemble and design your own Estes model rocket
  • Predict how design will affect performance before watching your work take flight

TAKING FLIGHT

Understanding Nature

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

UNDERSTANDING NATURE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Have you ever looked at a tree or a stream and wondered if it’s healthy? Did you know that we can use the environment around us to make decisions for the future? Discover the various techniques aquatic science, forestry, and wildlife specialists use to gather information from nature.

Examples of activities

  • Practice aquatic sampling techniques
  • Learn how to identify different types of wildlife
  • Explore a forest by measuring its trees and plants

UNDERSTANDING NATURE

Wellness Warriors

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

WELLNESS WARRIORS

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

At the heart of every Boilermaker champion is a commitment to health. Go behind the scenes of Purdue Athletics to discover the multidisciplinary approach that supports the health and performance of athletes, including nutrition, wellness, and strength training.

Examples of activities

  • Tour the facilities that Boilermaker athletes call home
  • Create your own performance snack
  • Practice sports medicine by learning basic stretches and athletic taping
  • Enjoy an inside scoop on all things Team USA

WELLNESS WARRIORS

Whodunit

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

WHODUNIT?

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

A crime has taken place, and we need “brain detectives”! Dive into the world of forensic psychology, where experts use their knowledge about how people think and behave to help the legal system answer questions. Explore the roles of a forensic psychologist—including analyzing behavior—by participating in mock trials.

Examples of activities

  • Create a criminal profile
  • Build the perfect jury
  • Testify in a mock trial as an expert witness

WHODUNIT?

A Bonding Experience

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

A BONDING EXPERIENCE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Pharmacy

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

What did one polymer say to the other? Let’s stick together! Polymers are very large molecules made of repeating building blocks that form materials we use every day—rubber bands, slime, plastic bottles, pipes, and even DNA. Not only are they essential to everyday life, but polymers are also vital to treating diseases. Get ready to discover how these fundamentals of life have a giant impact on improving human lives.

Examples of activities

  • Observe how polymer chains grow in real time using table-tennis balls
  • Explore why diapers, which are made of superabsorbent polymers, don’t work at the beach
  • Isolate DNA from strawberries to discover how information is stored within polymers

A BONDING EXPERIENCE

Hexagon icon showing for the ABCs of ABE major, featuring a leaf within a beaker.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

ABCS OF ABE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Experience the world of agricultural and biological engineering—from farm and forest to food and pharmaceuticals! Learn about the kinds of technologies that help crop production around the globe, discover how ecological engineers create designs and restore natural ecosystems, and hear how bioprocess engineers solve problems related to health, food, and the environment.

Examples of activities

        • Discover how drones and robots are pushing agriculture into the digital age—and then fly/drive them
        • Explore a stream redesign site
        • Get a taste for bioprocess engineering by making popping boba

ABCS OF ABE

Adventure Awaits

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Get ready for a journey filled with maps, games, and puzzles! Unleash your creativity as you explore the world using simple mapping tools. Along the way, you’ll discover how maps connect the past to the present and learn to read symbols, directions, and coordinates through scavenger hunts and nature walks.

Examples of activities

  • Create a family history book by marking places where family members have lived, studied, traveled, or celebrated special moments
  • Discover how to identify natural features and man-made structures from above using satellite images
  • Design and map a fictional island—complete with mountains, rivers, and cities

ADVENTURE AWAITS

AI, Captain

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

AI, CAPTAIN!

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

We know that artificial intelligence is powerful, but did you know that you hold the power? By using creativity, imagination, and teamwork, you’ll become more familiar—and more comfortable—with one of today’s most talked about subjects. AI isn’t so scary when we remember that we’re the ones in charge.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how artificial intelligence learns patterns by playing a game of “Train the Robot”
  • Explore the ways artificial intelligence shows up in your daily life
  • Design your own AI helper to solve everyday problems

AI, CAPTAIN!

Can You See It?

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

CAN YOU SEE IT?

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

It wasn’t long ago that you were in the dark about the results of your photography—literally. Explore the beauty of analog film photography, which includes loading film into a 35 mm camera, printing contact sheets, and developing negatives in a traditional darkroom!

Examples of activities

  • Discover the secrets of good photographic composition
  • Take your new photography skills on a campus walk using 35 mm film in an analog film camera
  • Process black-and-white film

CAN YOU SEE IT?

Dig Deep

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

DIG DEEP

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

There’s just something scrumptious about sweet corn off the cob in the summer. But how does sweet corn become sweet? Get ready to get your hands dirty! Discover how agronomists use genetics and the soil beneath your feet to grow the food and fiber that fuel the world.

Examples of activities

  • Explore how new crop varieties are developed at Purdue
  • Discover the impact of soil on your daily life—from growing food to camping to installing basements
  • Experience traditional and cutting-edge soil technologies

DIG DEEP

Dynamics Dance

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

DYNAMICS OF DANCE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

What inspires you to break into dance? Have you ever thought about the moves your body makes when you’re dancing? While enjoying fun music, explore the different shapes, motions, and images we can make with our bodies through dance. Then, incorporate everything you’ve learned into an original dance you’ll perform in the dance program studio!

Examples of activities

  • Enjoy learning various modern dance techniques
  • Create an original dance inspired by everyday surroundings
  • Enhance your dance and stage presence by incorporating positive feedback

DYNAMICS OF DANCE

Hexagon icon showing for the Engineering in Space major, featuring a rocket ship.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

ENGINEERING IN SPACE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

When you think about going to space, you probably think about astronauts. But what about engineers? Through the design, creation, and operation of aircraft, rockets, and space-based systems, engineers play a big part in space exploration! Discover space from an engineer’s perspective, and learn about their roles in recent missions to space.

Examples of activities

  • Build your very own rocket
  • Explore space engineering through origami
  • Construct a grappling tool to help in zero-gravity situations

ENGINEERING IN SPACE

Hexagon icon showing for the Health Explorers major, featuring EKG lines within a heart graphic.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

HEALTH EXPLORERS

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–10

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

You’re being paged—get ready to unravel some of the mysteries of the human body! Discover what a career in health care would be like by working with and learning from Boilermakers in Purdue’s School of Nursing.

Examples of activities

  • Learn about vital signs and practice taking them
  • Discover the world of germs—how they spread and how to keep yourself healthy
  • Explore various systems of the body and how they work together

HEALTH EXPLORERS

Horsing Around

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

HORSING AROUND

Facilitated BY: 

College of Veterinary Medicine

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Horses have long been some of humans’ best helpers, but did you know they are also uniquely positioned to improve our health and relationships? Get a better understanding of how horses view the world, how they behave, and what we can learn from them as you explore the powerful connection between people and horses.

Examples of activities

  • Learn how to code human and horse behavior using ethograms
  • Use technology to experience the senses of a horse
  • Try your hand at interactive vaulting

HORSING AROUND

Hexagon icon showing for the Hot Science major, featuring a chili pepper within a flame.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

HOT SCIENCE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

What do peppers, bacteria, and hot sauce all have in common? You! Before you create your own hot sauce to take home, you’ll learn more about its basic ingredient—bacteria. Study the natural bacteria present on different varieties of peppers, and discover how that bacteria can be put to work to make hot sauce!

Examples of activities

  • Use Petri dishes to explore the natural bacteria on different peppers
  • Prepare hot sauces from the peppers—making sure to measure the pH and allowing it to ferment overnight
  • Test the pH the next day, evaluate the different results, and take your hot sauce home to enjoy

HOT SCIENCE

Hexagon icon showing for the Insect Expedition major, featuring a beetle.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

INSECT EXPEDITION

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Get ready to bug out as you explore insects, spiders, scorpions, millipedes, isopods, and more! These awesome arthropods make up approximately 80% of all living animals on Earth. The numbers are large, but the creatures are not! Through art, you’ll observe, interact, and gain a better appreciation of these crawling creatures.

Examples of activities

  • Meet and interact with residents of the Purdue Bug Barn
  • Use art to explore how insects disguise themselves in the natural world
  • Dive into the world of aquatic insects, and craft your own marbled paper

INSECT EXPEDITION

Life on the Farm

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

LIFE ON THE FARM

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Nowhere is the circle of life more visible than on a farm. From food to fabrics, farm animals play an essential role in our daily lives, which makes their health and welfare a top priority. Explore the fundamentals of animal care and gain a new appreciation for the compassion and commitment behind every farm.

Examples of activities

  • Conduct an ultrasound on a pig and decide on the best care plan
  • Get a better understanding of the anatomy and feeding habits of animals
  • Enjoy activities focused on making animal-based fiber and food products

LIFE ON THE FARM

Life's a Stage

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

LIFE’S A STAGE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

There’s an entire generation between grandchildren and their grandparents, but many families are more alike than they might realize—including yours! Get ready to create meaningful pieces of theatre that bring your lives to life while also bringing you closer together.

Examples of activities

  • Conduct interviews using questions and discussion prompts
  • Craft a monologue using the interview responses
  • Step into the spotlight for a live performance

LIFE’S A STAGE

Magnify It

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

MAGNIFY IT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Sugar and snowflakes and fibers from mittens. Bug eyes and spiders and butterfly wings. These are a few of our favorite things—to see under an electron microscope! When the tiniest details come into focus, you’ll experience a myriad of minutiae in a hidden world.

Examples of activities

  • Prepare specimens and learn how to operate the electron microscope
  • Tour the Purdue Electron Microscopy Center
  • Explore the microscopic structures of everyday items

MAGNIFY IT

Hexagon icon showing for the Monster Innovation major, featuring a robot with antenna and six arms.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

MONSTER INNOVATION

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Monsters are on the loose! After making sure your design complies with American Society of Monster Engineering standards and that it doesn’t infringe on other monster patents, you’ll be able to transform your design into a constructed creation.

Examples of activities

  • Design a cardboard monster prototype
  • Study standards and patents for prototypes
  • Add excitement to the creation with circuitry

MONSTER INNOVATION

Once Upon a Sound

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

ONCE UPON A STUDIO

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Take a deep breath. Get into character. It’s time to step into the studio! Bring a classic fairy tale to life in the most captivating way as you explore the foundations of theatrical sound design, including music, sound effects, and vocal techniques.

Examples of activities

  • Record dialogue from a well-known fairy tale in Purdue Theatre’s Audio Production Studio
  • Work with faculty members to select music and sounds to enhance the story
  • Experience the magic of the finished product

ONCE UPON A STUDIO

Prevent and Protect

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

PREVENT AND PROTECT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Who protects your community? A police officer? A firefighter? What about you? You can play a big role in protecting your community by learning how to prevent disease and promote wellness. Prepare yourself for the job by learning how to recognize, evaluate, control, and confirm health hazards.

Examples of activities

  • Train for your job through the Industrial Hygiene Heroes video game
  • Conduct air and surface sampling to discover potential health hazards
  • Create controls and establish protocols to keep your community safe from identified hazards

PREVENT AND PROTECT

Radiation in Action

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

RADIATION IN ACTION

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

When you hear the word radiation, do you think of being bitten by a radioactive spider or the gamma rays that created the Hulk? As exciting as these stories are, the reality of radiation might be even more fascinating. Discover how to measure radiation, how it benefits our health, and how it’s used to treat cancer.

Examples of activities

  • Discover the process of radioactive decay using candy
  • Build your own radiation detector with a balloon
  • Clean up a radioactive spill

RADIATION IN ACTION

Hexagon icon showing for the Running a Restaurant major, featuring a hand holding a serving platter with steam.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

RUNNING A RESTAURANT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Opening your dream restaurant is just the beginning. Success comes from the details—welcoming guests, staying flexible, and always being professional. Discover the essentials of great hospitality and the factors that make a food-service operation successful, including atmosphere, attitude, etiquette, and—of course—tasty food!

Examples of activities

  • Design your dream restaurant—choose a theme, location, name, and must-have menu items
  • Prepare a dish in a commercial kitchen with assistance from a Purdue chef
  • Master your front-of-house skills—setting a fancy table, hiring employees, and providing the best customer service

RUNNING A RESTAURANT

Sew Many Memories

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

SEW MANY MEMORIES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Do you have a blanket from when you were little that still brings you a sense of comfort? Or lucky socks you can’t get rid of—no matter how dirty they are? Get ready to dive into the history of fabrics and clothing, uncovering the special memories they hold and the stories they tell about the past.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how clothing and fabric shape our lives as individuals and as a society
  • Or a lucky T-shirt you can’t get rid of—no matter how dirty it is?
  • Sew your very own pillowcase to take home

SEW MANY MEMORIES

Shaping Spaces

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

SHAPING SPACES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Unleash your imagination in the exciting world of interior design. Discover how a dream becomes a design that transforms into a beautifully crafted room. By exploring different colors, textures, and layouts, you’ll begin to see the spaces around you like never before!

Examples of activities

  • Learn how color, texture, layout, and furniture affect the interior spaces around us
  • Work together to create a colorful mood board for a dream room
  • Build a creative world through fun hands-on model making

SHAPING SPACES

Hexagon icon showing for the Shark Tank Jr. major, featuring a hand holding a bag with the money symbol on it.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

SHARK TANK JR.

Facilitated BY: 

Mitch Daniels School of Business

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Messy rooms. Confusing homework problems. Chores you wish would do themselves. You encounter problems every day! If you have ever come up with a solution, then it’s time to enter the shark tank. Discover your inner entrepreneur before getting the chance to pitch your very own ideas!

Examples of activities

  • Create possible solutions to real-world problems
  • Learn about product development and how to conduct market research
  • Discover how to find solutions to problems through reverse brainstorming

SHARK TANK JR.

Sketches & Sculptures

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

SKETCHES & SCULPTURES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Ready to create a masterpiece? Get inspired by Edgar Degas, one of the world’s most famous artists. After exploring his work and techniques, you’ll sketch and sculpt your own creations. Your finished pieces will go on display next to the Degas Collection at the Purdue Memorial Union!

Examples of activities

  • Draw sketches on an iPad
  • Create figurative clay sculptures
  • Complete a grid enlargement of one of Degas’s paintings

SKETCHES & SCULPTURES

Staying Alive

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

STAYIN’ ALIVE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Life is a fascinating journey—one that is always in motion! Explore the movement of life as you look closer at both the human circulatory system and the plant transport system. Every living thing depends on the movement of either blood or water to stay alive, and you’ll get to uncover the processes that keep hearts beating and plants growing.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how to find and calculate pulses and heartbeats
  • Experiment with blood pressure cuffs before and after exercising
  • Watch how plants move water by changing the colors of flowers

STAYIN’ ALIVE

Hexagon icon showing for the STEM-IT! major, featuring a robot with a lightning bolt on its chest.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

STEM-IT!

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Polytechnic Institute

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Step into the world of innovation as you design, build, and explore together through hands-on STEM challenges. Program robots, experiment with 3D printing, and discover how tiny semiconductor chips power the technology around us. Get ready to invent, solve problems, and bring ideas to life!

Examples of activities

  • Experience 3D printing and digital design
  • Explore robotics using Dobot, Indi, and Sphero
  • Tour a Purdue testbed

STEM-IT!

Taking Flight

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

TAKING FLIGHT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Blast off into discovery as you explore the science behind flight, motion, and design. From early space exploration to modern rocket launches, uncover the forces that make liftoff possible. That’s right—it really is rocket science! Plus, you’ll get to build and launch your own model rocket.

Examples of activities

  • Explore the laws of motion using balloons and paper “mini-rockets”
  • Assemble and design your own Estes model rocket
  • Predict how design will affect performance before watching your work take flight

TAKING FLIGHT

Hexagon icon showing for the The Art of Nature major, featuring a squirrel holding a plant.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

THE ART OF NATURE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Experience nature in a brand-new way by combining art with science! Get ready to sketch scientific observations using various creative techniques and create your own maps. You’ll even discover how trees can talk to us! You will be amazed by what you can create while exploring the world around you.

Examples of activities

  • Become a cartographer by creating a watercolor fantasy map
  • Learn how to observe and describe nature through scientific sketching
  • Uncover the communication methods of trees

THE ART OF NATURE

Understanding Nature

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

UNDERSTANDING NATURE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Have you ever looked at a tree or a stream and wondered if it’s healthy? Did you know that we can use the environment around us to make decisions for the future? Discover the various techniques aquatic science, forestry, and wildlife specialists use to gather information from nature.

Examples of activities

  • Practice aquatic sampling techniques
  • Learn how to identify different types of wildlife
  • Explore a forest by measuring its trees and plants

UNDERSTANDING NATURE

Wellness Warriors

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

WELLNESS WARRIORS

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

At the heart of every Boilermaker champion is a commitment to health. Go behind the scenes of Purdue Athletics to discover the multidisciplinary approach that supports the health and performance of athletes, including nutrition, wellness, and strength training.

Examples of activities

  • Tour the facilities that Boilermaker athletes call home
  • Create your own performance snack
  • Practice sports medicine by learning basic stretches and athletic taping
  • Enjoy an inside scoop on all things Team USA

WELLNESS WARRIORS

Hexagon icon showing for the ABCs of ABE major, featuring a leaf within a beaker.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ABCS OF ABE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Experience the world of agricultural and biological engineering—from farm and forest to food and pharmaceuticals! Learn about the kinds of technologies that help crop production around the globe, discover how ecological engineers create designs and restore natural ecosystems, and hear how bioprocess engineers solve problems related to health, food, and the environment.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how drones and robots are pushing agriculture into the digital age—and then fly/drive them
  • Explore a stream redesign site
  • Get a taste for bioprocess engineering by making popping boba

ABCS OF ABE

Hexagon icon showing for the Advancing Animal Health major, featuring an outline of a dog and a cat with the medical plus sign.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ADVANCING ANIMAL HEALTH

Facilitated BY: 

College of Veterinary Medicine

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Discover some of the day-to-day activities of a veterinarian and veterinary nurse. You’ll get to see what they see by working directly with live animals, studying X-rays, and even examining the microorganisms that live inside a cow’s stomach!

Examples of activities

  • Practice physical exam techniques on a dog
  • Reach inside a real cow’s stomach
  • Look at blood cells under a microscope

ADVANCING ANIMAL HEALTH

AI, Captain

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

AI, CAPTAIN!

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

We know that artificial intelligence is powerful, but did you know that you hold the power? By using creativity, imagination, and teamwork, you’ll become more familiar—and more comfortable—with one of today’s most talked about subjects. AI isn’t so scary when we remember that we’re the ones in charge.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how artificial intelligence learns patterns by playing a game of “Train the Robot”
  • Explore the ways artificial intelligence shows up in your daily life
  • Design your own AI helper to solve everyday problems

AI, CAPTAIN!

Hexagon icon showing for the All the Small Things major, featuring a DNA model.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ALL THE SMALL THINGS

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Can you imagine a world that’s too small to see? Introducing nanotechnology! Explore nanoscale science and engineering, and learn about their impacts on society. By engaging with engineers and scientists, you’ll discover materials and technologies that are changing the world.

Examples of activities

  • Experiment with and manipulate liquid crystals and thin films
  • Tour the nanotechnology center’s research cleanroom
  • Watch a nano ice cream demonstration before enjoying your own sweet treat

ALL THE SMALL THINGS

Can You See It?

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

CAN YOU SEE IT?

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

It wasn’t long ago that you were in the dark about the results of your photography—literally. Explore the beauty of analog film photography, which includes loading film into a 35 mm camera, printing contact sheets, and developing negatives in a traditional darkroom!

Examples of activities

  • Discover the secrets of good photographic composition
  • Take your new photography skills on a campus walk using 35 mm film in an analog film camera
  • Process black-and-white film

CAN YOU SEE IT?

Capturing Light

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

CAPTURING LIGHT

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

With the help of digital cameras and our phones, we can take great photos pretty effortlessly. But do you know how a camera actually works? Discover the history of modern-day photography by making your own pinhole camera. You’ll even learn how to create an image without a camera using only light!

Examples of activities

  • Discover the origins of optics
  • Make a pinhole camera out of cardboard
  • Experience photography through a cyanotype activity as you create blue-and-white images without a camera

CAPTURING LIGHT

Constructing the Future

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Get ready to view the world of construction like never before! Robots, 3D printing, virtual and augmented realities—they’ve all enhanced the field of civil and construction engineering by making it easier for teams and clients to visualize their projects. Build your skills through hands-on experiences with the innovative technologies shaping the world around us.

Examples of activities

  • Discover the applications of robotics in construction
  • Explore construction safety through virtual reality
  • Use augmented reality to examine built environments

CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE

Diagnostic Detectives

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

DIAGNOSTIC DETECTIVES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Figuring out what’s wrong when you’re sick takes a lot more than checking a website for symptoms. Explore the world of medical laboratory science, where experts detect and diagnose disease. Uncover how these scientists do their detective work using their knowledge of anatomy and the body’s own defense system.

Examples of activities

  • Construct a kidney model to see how it functions when you’re healthy and when you’re sick
  • Discover how blood and its composition help your body fight germs, and make connections to patient symptoms
  • Play the role of a medical laboratory scientist and diagnose patients based on symptoms

DIAGNOSTIC DETECTIVES

Dynamics Dance

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

DYNAMICS OF DANCE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

What inspires you to break into dance? Have you ever thought about the moves your body makes when you’re dancing? While enjoying fun music, explore the different shapes, motions, and images we can make with our bodies through dance. Then, incorporate everything you’ve learned into an original dance you’ll perform in the dance program studio!

Examples of activities

  • Enjoy learning various modern dance techniques
  • Create an original dance inspired by everyday surroundings
  • Enhance your dance and stage presence by incorporating positive feedback

DYNAMICS OF DANCE

Hexagon icon showing for the Engineering in Space major, featuring a rocket ship.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ENGINEERING IN SPACE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

When you think about going to space, you probably think about astronauts. But what about engineers? Through the design, creation, and operation of aircraft, rockets, and space-based systems, engineers play a big part in space exploration! Discover space from an engineer’s perspective, and learn about their roles in recent missions to space.

Examples of activities

  • Build your very own rocket
  • Explore space engineering through origami
  • Construct a grappling tool to help in zero-gravity situations

ENGINEERING IN SPACE

Horsing Around

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

HORSING AROUND

Facilitated BY: 

College of Veterinary Medicine

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Horses have long been some of humans’ best helpers, but did you know they are also uniquely positioned to improve our health and relationships? Get a better understanding of how horses view the world, how they behave, and what we can learn from them as you explore the powerful connection between people and horses.

Examples of activities

  • Learn how to code human and horse behavior using ethograms
  • Use technology to experience the senses of a horse
  • Try your hand at interactive vaulting

HORSING AROUND

Hexagon icon showing for the Insect Expedition major, featuring a beetle.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

INSECT EXPEDITION

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Get ready to bug out as you explore insects, spiders, scorpions, millipedes, isopods, and more! These awesome arthropods make up approximately 80% of all living animals on Earth. The numbers are large, but the creatures are not! Through art, you’ll observe, interact, and gain a better appreciation of these crawling creatures.

Examples of activities

  • Meet and interact with residents of the Purdue Bug Barn
  • Use art to explore how insects disguise themselves in the natural world
  • Dive into the world of aquatic insects, and craft your own marbled paper

INSECT EXPEDITION

Life on the Farm

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

LIFE ON THE FARM

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Nowhere is the circle of life more visible than on a farm. From food to fabrics, farm animals play an essential role in our daily lives, which makes their health and welfare a top priority. Explore the fundamentals of animal care and gain a new appreciation for the compassion and commitment necessary for life on the farm. 

Examples of activities

  • Conduct an ultrasound on a pig and decide on the best care plan
  • Get a better understanding of the anatomy and feeding habits of animals
  • Enjoy activities focused on making animal-based fiber and food products

LIFE ON THE FARM

Life's a Stage

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

LIFE’S A STAGE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

There’s an entire generation between grandchildren and their grandparents, but many families are more alike than they might realize—including yours! Get ready to create meaningful pieces of theatre that bring your lives to life while also bringing you closer together.

Examples of activities

  • Conduct interviews using questions and discussion prompts
  • Craft a monologue using the interview responses
  • Step into the spotlight for a live performance

LIFE’S A STAGE

Magnify It

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

MAGNIFY IT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Sugar and snowflakes and fibers from mittens. Bug eyes and spiders and butterfly wings. These are a few of our favorite things—to see under an electron microscope! When the tiniest details come into focus, you’ll experience a myriad of minutiae in a hidden world.

Examples of activities

  • Prepare specimens and learn how to operate an electron microscope
  • Tour the Purdue Electron Microscopy Center
  • Explore the microscopic structures of everyday items

MAGNIFY IT

Hexagon icon showing for the Microbes to Medicines major, featuring bacteria.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

MICROBES TO MEDICINE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Get ready to look at dirt like a scientist, and explore the bacteria that live in your own backyard! Discover how the bacteria found in soil can be used to make antibiotics—maybe even ones you’ve taken!

Examples of activities

  • Isolate bacteria from soil
  • Learn how microorganisms make molecules that we use as medicines
  • Observe Streptomyces bacteria and the colored compounds they produce

MICROBES TO MEDICINE

Once Upon a Sound

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

ONCE UPON A STUDIO

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Take a deep breath. Get into character. It’s time to step into the studio! Bring a classic fairy tale to life in the most captivating way as you explore the foundations of theatrical sound design, including music, sound effects, and vocal techniques.

Examples of activities

  • Record dialogue from a well-known fairy tale in Purdue Theatre’s Audio Production Studio
  • Work with faculty members to select music and sounds to enhance the story
  • Experience the magic of the finished product

ONCE UPON A STUDIO

Prevent and Protect

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

PREVENT AND PROTECT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Who protects your community? A police officer? A firefighter? What about you? You can play a big role in protecting your community by learning how to prevent disease and promote wellness. Prepare yourself for the job by learning how to recognize, evaluate, control, and confirm health hazards.

Examples of activities

  • Train for your job through the Industrial Hygiene Heroes video game
  • Conduct air and surface sampling to discover potential health hazards
  • Create controls and establish protocols to keep your community safe from identified hazards

PREVENT AND PROTECT

Radiation in Action

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

RADIATION IN ACTION

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

When you hear the word radiation, do you think of being bitten by a radioactive spider or the gamma rays that created the Hulk? As exciting as these stories are, the reality of radiation might be even more fascinating. Discover how to measure radiation, how it benefits our health, and how it’s used to treat cancer.

Examples of activities

  • Discover the process of radioactive decay using candy
  • Build your own radiation detector with a balloon
  • Clean up a radioactive spill

RADIATION IN ACTION

Ready, Set, Code

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

READY, SET, CODE!

Facilitated BY: 

College of Education

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Get ready to create something so ridiculous that it just might work! Discover how to creatively solve real-world problems as you program your own car and build a Rube Goldberg machine—a chain-reaction device that uses everyday materials to complete a simple task in a complicated and entertaining way.

Examples of activities

  • Explore the concepts of coding, robotics, and creative engineering
  • Learn about autonomous vehicles before programming a robotic car
  • Figure out the basics of programming using Scratch, a website that helps children create digital stories, games, and animations through coding

READY, SET, CODE!

Hexagon icon showing for the Running a Restaurant major, featuring a hand holding a serving platter with steam.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

RUNNING A RESTAURANT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Opening your dream restaurant is just the beginning. Success comes from the details—welcoming guests, staying flexible, and always being professional. Discover the essentials of great hospitality and the factors that make a food-service operation successful, including atmosphere, attitude, etiquette, and—of course—tasty food!

Examples of activities

  • Design your dream restaurant—choose a theme, location, name, and must-have menu items
  • Prepare a dish in a commercial kitchen with assistance from a Purdue chef
  • Master your front-of-house skills—setting a fancy table, hiring employees, and providing the best customer service

RUNNING A RESTAURANT

Sew Many Memories

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

SEW MANY MEMORIES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Do you have a blanket from when you were little that still brings you a sense of comfort? Or lucky socks you can’t get rid of—no matter how dirty they are? Get ready to dive into the history of fabrics and clothing, uncovering the special memories they hold and the stories they tell about the past.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how clothing and fabric shape our lives as individuals and as a society
  • Or a lucky T-shirt you can’t get rid of—no matter how dirty it is?
  • Sew your very own pillowcase to take home

SEW MANY MEMORIES

Shaping Spaces

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

SHAPING SPACES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Unleash your imagination in the exciting world of interior design. Discover how a dream becomes a design that transforms into a beautifully crafted room. By exploring different colors, textures, and layouts, you’ll begin to see the spaces around you like never before!

Examples of activities

  • Learn how color, texture, layout, and furniture affect the interior spaces around us
  • Work together to create a colorful mood board for a dream room
  • Build a creative world through fun hands-on model making

SHAPING SPACES

Hexagon icon showing for the Shark Tank Jr. major, featuring a hand holding a bag with the money symbol on it.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

SHARK TANK JR.

Facilitated BY: 

Mitch Daniels School of Business

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Messy rooms. Confusing homework problems. Chores you wish would do themselves. You encounter problems every day! If you have ever come up with a solution, then it’s time to enter the shark tank. Discover your inner entrepreneur before getting the chance to pitch your very own ideas!

Examples of activities

  • Create possible solutions to real-world problems
  • Learn about product development and how to conduct market research
  • Discover how to find solutions to problems through reverse brainstorming

SHARK TANK JR.

Sketches & Sculptures

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

SKETCHES & SCULPTURES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Ready to create a masterpiece? Get inspired by Edgar Degas, one of the world’s most famous artists. After exploring his work and techniques, you’ll sketch and sculpt your own creations. Your finished pieces will go on display next to the Degas Collection at the Purdue Memorial Union!

Examples of activities

  • Draw sketches on an iPad
  • Create figurative clay sculptures
  • Complete a grid enlargement of one of Degas’s paintings

SKETCHES & SCULPTURES

Hexagon icon showing for the STEM-IT! major, featuring a robot with a lightning bolt on its chest.

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

STEM-IT!

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Polytechnic Institute

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Step into the world of innovation as you design, build, and explore together through hands-on STEM challenges. Program robots, experiment with 3D printing, and discover how tiny semiconductor chips power the technology around us. Get ready to invent, solve problems, and bring ideas to life!

Examples of activities

  • Experience 3D printing and digital design
  • Explore robotics using Dobot, Indi, and Sphero
  • Tour a Purdue testbed

STEM-IT!

Taking Flight

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

TAKING FLIGHT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Blast off into discovery as you explore the science behind flight, motion, and design. From early space exploration to modern rocket launches, uncover the forces that make liftoff possible. That’s right—it really is rocket science! Plus, you’ll get to build and launch your own model rocket.

Examples of activities

  • Explore the laws of motion using balloons and paper “mini-rockets”
  • Assemble and design your own Estes model rocket
  • Predict how design will affect performance before watching your work take flight

TAKING FLIGHT

Understanding Nature

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

UNDERSTANDING NATURE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Have you ever looked at a tree or a stream and wondered if it’s healthy? Did you know that we can use the environment around us to make decisions for the future? Discover the various techniques aquatic science, forestry, and wildlife specialists use to gather information from nature.

Examples of activities

  • Practice aquatic sampling techniques
  • Learn how to identify different types of wildlife
  • Explore a forest by measuring its trees and plants

UNDERSTANDING NATURE

Wellness Warriors

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

WELLNESS WARRIORS

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

At the heart of every Boilermaker champion is a commitment to health. Go behind the scenes of Purdue Athletics to discover the multidisciplinary approach that supports the health and performance of athletes, including nutrition, wellness, and strength training.

Examples of activities

  • Tour the facilities that Boilermaker athletes call home
  • Create your own performance snack
  • Practice sports medicine by learning basic stretches and athletic taping
  • Enjoy an inside scoop on all things Team USA

WELLNESS WARRIORS

Whodunit

SESSION 1, JULY 16—17

WHODUNIT?

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

A crime has taken place, and we need “brain detectives”! Dive into the world of forensic psychology, where experts use their knowledge about how people think and behave to help the legal system answer questions. Explore the roles of a forensic psychologist—including analyzing behavior—by participating in mock trials.

Examples of activities

  • Create a criminal profile
  • Build the perfect jury
  • Testify in a mock trial as an expert witness

WHODUNIT?

A Bonding Experience

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

A BONDING EXPERIENCE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Pharmacy

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

What did one polymer say to the other? Let’s stick together! Polymers are very large molecules made of repeating building blocks that form materials we use every day—rubber bands, slime, plastic bottles, pipes, and even DNA. Not only are they essential to everyday life, but polymers are also vital to treating diseases. Get ready to discover how these fundamentals of life have a giant impact on improving human lives.

Examples of activities

  • Observe how polymer chains grow in real time using table-tennis balls
  • Explore why diapers, which are made of superabsorbent polymers, don’t work at the beach
  • Isolate DNA from strawberries to discover how information is stored within polymers

A BONDING EXPERIENCE

Hexagon icon showing for the ABCs of ABE major, featuring a leaf within a beaker.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

ABCS OF ABE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Experience the world of agricultural and biological engineering—from farm and forest to food and pharmaceuticals! Learn about the kinds of technologies that help crop production around the globe, discover how ecological engineers create designs and restore natural ecosystems, and hear how bioprocess engineers solve problems related to health, food, and the environment.

Examples of activities

        • Discover how drones and robots are pushing agriculture into the digital age—and then fly/drive them
        • Explore a stream redesign site
        • Get a taste for bioprocess engineering by making popping boba

ABCS OF ABE

Adventure Awaits

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Get ready for a journey filled with maps, games, and puzzles! Unleash your creativity as you explore the world using simple mapping tools. Along the way, you’ll discover how maps connect the past to the present and learn to read symbols, directions, and coordinates through scavenger hunts and nature walks.

Examples of activities

  • Create a family history book by marking places where family members have lived, studied, traveled, or celebrated special moments
  • Discover how to identify natural features and man-made structures from above using satellite images
  • Design and map a fictional island—complete with mountains, rivers, and cities

ADVENTURE AWAITS

AI, Captain

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

AI, CAPTAIN!

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

We know that artificial intelligence is powerful, but did you know that you hold the power? By using creativity, imagination, and teamwork, you’ll become more familiar—and more comfortable—with one of today’s most talked about subjects. AI isn’t so scary when we remember that we’re the ones in charge.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how artificial intelligence learns patterns by playing a game of “Train the Robot”
  • Explore the ways artificial intelligence shows up in your daily life
  • Design your own AI helper to solve everyday problems

AI, CAPTAIN!

Can You See It?

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

CAN YOU SEE IT?

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

It wasn’t long ago that you were in the dark about the results of your photography—literally. Explore the beauty of analog film photography, which includes loading film into a 35 mm camera, printing contact sheets, and developing negatives in a traditional darkroom!

Examples of activities

  • Discover the secrets of good photographic composition
  • Take your new photography skills on a campus walk using 35 mm film in an analog film camera
  • Process black-and-white film

CAN YOU SEE IT?

Dig Deep

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

DIG DEEP

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

There’s just something scrumptious about sweet corn off the cob in the summer. But how does sweet corn become sweet? Get ready to get your hands dirty! Discover how agronomists use genetics and the soil beneath your feet to grow the food and fiber that fuel the world.

Examples of activities

  • Explore how new crop varieties are developed at Purdue
  • Discover the impact of soil on your daily life—from growing food to camping to installing basements
  • Experience traditional and cutting-edge soil technologies

DIG DEEP

Dynamics Dance

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

DYNAMICS OF DANCE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

What inspires you to break into dance? Have you ever thought about the moves your body makes when you’re dancing? While enjoying fun music, explore the different shapes, motions, and images we can make with our bodies through dance. Then, incorporate everything you’ve learned into an original dance you’ll perform in the dance program studio!

Examples of activities

  • Enjoy learning various modern dance techniques
  • Create an original dance inspired by everyday surroundings
  • Enhance your dance and stage presence by incorporating positive feedback

DYNAMICS OF DANCE

Hexagon icon showing for the Engineering in Space major, featuring a rocket ship.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

ENGINEERING IN SPACE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Engineering

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

When you think about going to space, you probably think about astronauts. But what about engineers? Through the design, creation, and operation of aircraft, rockets, and space-based systems, engineers play a big part in space exploration! Discover space from an engineer’s perspective, and learn about their roles in recent missions to space.

Examples of activities

  • Build your very own rocket
  • Explore space engineering through origami
  • Construct a grappling tool to help in zero-gravity situations

ENGINEERING IN SPACE

Hexagon icon showing for the Health Explorers major, featuring EKG lines within a heart graphic.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

HEALTH EXPLORERS

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–10

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

You’re being paged—get ready to unravel some of the mysteries of the human body! Discover what a career in health care would be like by working with and learning from Boilermakers in Purdue’s School of Nursing.

Examples of activities

  • Learn about vital signs and practice taking them
  • Discover the world of germs—how they spread and how to keep yourself healthy
  • Explore various systems of the body and how they work together

HEALTH EXPLORERS

Horsing Around

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

HORSING AROUND

Facilitated BY: 

College of Veterinary Medicine

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Horses have long been some of humans’ best helpers, but did you know they are also uniquely positioned to improve our health and relationships? Get a better understanding of how horses view the world, how they behave, and what we can learn from them as you explore the powerful connection between people and horses.

Examples of activities

  • Learn how to code human and horse behavior using ethograms
  • Use technology to experience the senses of a horse
  • Try your hand at interactive vaulting

HORSING AROUND

Hexagon icon showing for the Hot Science major, featuring a chili pepper within a flame.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

HOT SCIENCE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

What do peppers, bacteria, and hot sauce all have in common? You! Before you create your own hot sauce to take home, you’ll learn more about its basic ingredient—bacteria. Study the natural bacteria present on different varieties of peppers, and discover how that bacteria can be put to work to make hot sauce!

Examples of activities

  • Use Petri dishes to explore the natural bacteria on different peppers
  • Prepare hot sauces from the peppers—making sure to measure the pH and allowing it to ferment overnight
  • Test the pH the next day, evaluate the different results, and take your hot sauce home to enjoy

HOT SCIENCE

Hexagon icon showing for the Insect Expedition major, featuring a beetle.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

INSECT EXPEDITION

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Get ready to bug out as you explore insects, spiders, scorpions, millipedes, isopods, and more! These awesome arthropods make up approximately 80% of all living animals on Earth. The numbers are large, but the creatures are not! Through art, you’ll observe, interact, and gain a better appreciation of these crawling creatures.

Examples of activities

  • Meet and interact with residents of the Purdue Bug Barn
  • Use art to explore how insects disguise themselves in the natural world
  • Dive into the world of aquatic insects, and craft your own marbled paper

INSECT EXPEDITION

Life on the Farm

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

LIFE ON THE FARM

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Nowhere is the circle of life more visible than on a farm. From food to fabrics, farm animals play an essential role in our daily lives, which makes their health and welfare a top priority. Explore the fundamentals of animal care and gain a new appreciation for the compassion and commitment behind every farm.

Examples of activities

  • Conduct an ultrasound on a pig and decide on the best care plan
  • Get a better understanding of the anatomy and feeding habits of animals
  • Enjoy activities focused on making animal-based fiber and food products

LIFE ON THE FARM

Life's a Stage

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

LIFE’S A STAGE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

There’s an entire generation between grandchildren and their grandparents, but many families are more alike than they might realize—including yours! Get ready to create meaningful pieces of theatre that bring your lives to life while also bringing you closer together.

Examples of activities

  • Conduct interviews using questions and discussion prompts
  • Craft a monologue using the interview responses
  • Step into the spotlight for a live performance

LIFE’S A STAGE

Magnify It

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

MAGNIFY IT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Sugar and snowflakes and fibers from mittens. Bug eyes and spiders and butterfly wings. These are a few of our favorite things—to see under an electron microscope! When the tiniest details come into focus, you’ll experience a myriad of minutiae in a hidden world.

Examples of activities

  • Prepare specimens and learn how to operate the electron microscope
  • Tour the Purdue Electron Microscopy Center
  • Explore the microscopic structures of everyday items

MAGNIFY IT

Hexagon icon showing for the Monster Innovation major, featuring a robot with antenna and six arms.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

MONSTER INNOVATION

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Monsters are on the loose! After making sure your design complies with American Society of Monster Engineering standards and that it doesn’t infringe on other monster patents, you’ll be able to transform your design into a constructed creation.

Examples of activities

  • Design a cardboard monster prototype
  • Study standards and patents for prototypes
  • Add excitement to the creation with circuitry

MONSTER INNOVATION

Once Upon a Sound

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

ONCE UPON A STUDIO

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Take a deep breath. Get into character. It’s time to step into the studio! Bring a classic fairy tale to life in the most captivating way as you explore the foundations of theatrical sound design, including music, sound effects, and vocal techniques.

Examples of activities

  • Record dialogue from a well-known fairy tale in Purdue Theatre’s Audio Production Studio
  • Work with faculty members to select music and sounds to enhance the story
  • Experience the magic of the finished product

ONCE UPON A STUDIO

Prevent and Protect

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

PREVENT AND PROTECT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Who protects your community? A police officer? A firefighter? What about you? You can play a big role in protecting your community by learning how to prevent disease and promote wellness. Prepare yourself for the job by learning how to recognize, evaluate, control, and confirm health hazards.

Examples of activities

  • Train for your job through the Industrial Hygiene Heroes video game
  • Conduct air and surface sampling to discover potential health hazards
  • Create controls and establish protocols to keep your community safe from identified hazards

PREVENT AND PROTECT

Radiation in Action

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

RADIATION IN ACTION

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

When you hear the word radiation, do you think of being bitten by a radioactive spider or the gamma rays that created the Hulk? As exciting as these stories are, the reality of radiation might be even more fascinating. Discover how to measure radiation, how it benefits our health, and how it’s used to treat cancer.

Examples of activities

  • Discover the process of radioactive decay using candy
  • Build your own radiation detector with a balloon
  • Clean up a radioactive spill

RADIATION IN ACTION

Hexagon icon showing for the Running a Restaurant major, featuring a hand holding a serving platter with steam.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

RUNNING A RESTAURANT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Opening your dream restaurant is just the beginning. Success comes from the details—welcoming guests, staying flexible, and always being professional. Discover the essentials of great hospitality and the factors that make a food-service operation successful, including atmosphere, attitude, etiquette, and—of course—tasty food!

Examples of activities

  • Design your dream restaurant—choose a theme, location, name, and must-have menu items
  • Prepare a dish in a commercial kitchen with assistance from a Purdue chef
  • Master your front-of-house skills—setting a fancy table, hiring employees, and providing the best customer service

RUNNING A RESTAURANT

Sew Many Memories

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

SEW MANY MEMORIES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Do you have a blanket from when you were little that still brings you a sense of comfort? Or lucky socks you can’t get rid of—no matter how dirty they are? Get ready to dive into the history of fabrics and clothing, uncovering the special memories they hold and the stories they tell about the past.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how clothing and fabric shape our lives as individuals and as a society
  • Or a lucky T-shirt you can’t get rid of—no matter how dirty it is?
  • Sew your very own pillowcase to take home

SEW MANY MEMORIES

Shaping Spaces

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

SHAPING SPACES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Unleash your imagination in the exciting world of interior design. Discover how a dream becomes a design that transforms into a beautifully crafted room. By exploring different colors, textures, and layouts, you’ll begin to see the spaces around you like never before!

Examples of activities

  • Learn how color, texture, layout, and furniture affect the interior spaces around us
  • Work together to create a colorful mood board for a dream room
  • Build a creative world through fun hands-on model making

SHAPING SPACES

Hexagon icon showing for the Shark Tank Jr. major, featuring a hand holding a bag with the money symbol on it.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

SHARK TANK JR.

Facilitated BY: 

Mitch Daniels School of Business

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Messy rooms. Confusing homework problems. Chores you wish would do themselves. You encounter problems every day! If you have ever come up with a solution, then it’s time to enter the shark tank. Discover your inner entrepreneur before getting the chance to pitch your very own ideas!

Examples of activities

  • Create possible solutions to real-world problems
  • Learn about product development and how to conduct market research
  • Discover how to find solutions to problems through reverse brainstorming

SHARK TANK JR.

Sketches & Sculptures

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

SKETCHES & SCULPTURES

Facilitated BY: 

College of Liberal Arts

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Ready to create a masterpiece? Get inspired by Edgar Degas, one of the world’s most famous artists. After exploring his work and techniques, you’ll sketch and sculpt your own creations. Your finished pieces will go on display next to the Degas Collection at the Purdue Memorial Union!

Examples of activities

  • Draw sketches on an iPad
  • Create figurative clay sculptures
  • Complete a grid enlargement of one of Degas’s paintings

SKETCHES & SCULPTURES

Staying Alive

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

STAYIN’ ALIVE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Life is a fascinating journey—one that is always in motion! Explore the movement of life as you look closer at both the human circulatory system and the plant transport system. Every living thing depends on the movement of either blood or water to stay alive, and you’ll get to uncover the processes that keep hearts beating and plants growing.

Examples of activities

  • Discover how to find and calculate pulses and heartbeats
  • Experiment with blood pressure cuffs before and after exercising
  • Watch how plants move water by changing the colors of flowers

STAYIN’ ALIVE

Hexagon icon showing for the STEM-IT! major, featuring a robot with a lightning bolt on its chest.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

STEM-IT!

Facilitated BY: 

Purdue Polytechnic Institute

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

Medium

Location:

Step into the world of innovation as you design, build, and explore together through hands-on STEM challenges. Program robots, experiment with 3D printing, and discover how tiny semiconductor chips power the technology around us. Get ready to invent, solve problems, and bring ideas to life!

Examples of activities

  • Experience 3D printing and digital design
  • Explore robotics using Dobot, Indi, and Sphero
  • Tour a Purdue testbed

STEM-IT!

Taking Flight

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

TAKING FLIGHT

Facilitated BY: 

College of Science

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Blast off into discovery as you explore the science behind flight, motion, and design. From early space exploration to modern rocket launches, uncover the forces that make liftoff possible. That’s right—it really is rocket science! Plus, you’ll get to build and launch your own model rocket.

Examples of activities

  • Explore the laws of motion using balloons and paper “mini-rockets”
  • Assemble and design your own Estes model rocket
  • Predict how design will affect performance before watching your work take flight

TAKING FLIGHT

Hexagon icon showing for the The Art of Nature major, featuring a squirrel holding a plant.

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

THE ART OF NATURE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

11–14

Activity Level:

Low

Location:

Experience nature in a brand-new way by combining art with science! Get ready to sketch scientific observations using various creative techniques and create your own maps. You’ll even discover how trees can talk to us! You will be amazed by what you can create while exploring the world around you.

Examples of activities

  • Become a cartographer by creating a watercolor fantasy map
  • Learn how to observe and describe nature through scientific sketching
  • Uncover the communication methods of trees

THE ART OF NATURE

Understanding Nature

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

UNDERSTANDING NATURE

Facilitated BY: 

College of Agriculture

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

Have you ever looked at a tree or a stream and wondered if it’s healthy? Did you know that we can use the environment around us to make decisions for the future? Discover the various techniques aquatic science, forestry, and wildlife specialists use to gather information from nature.

Examples of activities

  • Practice aquatic sampling techniques
  • Learn how to identify different types of wildlife
  • Explore a forest by measuring its trees and plants

UNDERSTANDING NATURE

Wellness Warriors

SESSION 2, JULY 23–24

WELLNESS WARRIORS

Facilitated BY: 

College of Health and Human Sciences

Age Group:

7–14

Activity Level:

High

Location:

At the heart of every Boilermaker champion is a commitment to health. Go behind the scenes of Purdue Athletics to discover the multidisciplinary approach that supports the health and performance of athletes, including nutrition, wellness, and strength training.

Examples of activities

  • Tour the facilities that Boilermaker athletes call home
  • Create your own performance snack
  • Practice sports medicine by learning basic stretches and athletic taping
  • Enjoy an inside scoop on all things Team USA

WELLNESS WARRIORS

Questions? Contact us!

Office of Special Events // 765-494-0900 // specialevents@purdueforlife.org

Questions?

Office of Special Events
765-494-0900‍
specialevents@purdueforlife.org