The World of Waves Immersive Professional Development STEM Experience blends cutting-edge science and interactive technology to inspire the next generation of innovators, scientists and engineers. Driven by Colorado’s Academic Standards, as well as Next Generation Science Standards, this professional development experience focuses on the fundamental role of waves in science, technology, innovation and CU research in three exciting modules:

  • Acoustics, Signals, and Human Body Systems: Acoustics, Signals and Human Body Systems focuses on the role of waves in human body systems through student-directed inquiry using modern medical technologies and explorations of the fundamental science behind sound waves and hearing.
  • Waves, Technology, and Information: Of the many different types of non-mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves play the largest role in modern technology, science and innovation. From the fiber optic cables, cellular and satellite communication systems that are moving information at the speed of light, to systems that let us see heat energy and other invisible waves, research in electromagnetic wave applications are driving cutting-edge science. Waves, Technology and Innovation blends opportunities for innovative thinking with activities using thermal cameras, night vision systems, lasers and signals. In this program, we focus on the essential role electromagnetic waves play in 21st-century tools and technologies.
  • Making Waves in Earth Science: Waves play an important role in understanding the Earth System and how energy and materials move within the system. Waves also form the foundation for many of the tools and technologies we use to study the Earth and track changes in the environment. Understanding weather, climate and energy balances; the Earth’s internal structures; earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics all rely on our understanding of waves and their applications. Technologies and innovations like the GPS units we use to collect data and track the movement of everything from animals to continents rely on waves and computing power. The ground penetrating radar systems we use for finding water, oil, natural gas and other valuable resources are based on waves bouncing off materials and layers deep within the Earth’s crust.

Program logistics:

  • Each team must pre-register with site coordinator.
  • Cost per team of 5 students and 1 teacher/adult chaperone is $195. This cost can be adjusted based upon a school’s Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Rate. Contact Scott Sieke for more information. To reiterate, each team must be led by either a teacher or an adult chaperone.
  • Participants must arrive at the workshop site at 8:45am with a sack lunch and water bottle.
  • Participants can expect to leave between 2:30-3pm.

Are you interested in this topic but looking for a different format? Consider Science Discovery's student-centered STEM Workshops - full-day tactile learning experiences designed to be held at your school for up to three classrooms.

For additional information or to begin planning your World of Waves program, contact Scott Sieke via email.