Presenter: Nick Zuccarello

Location: Level 4, DinoDigs

Date & Time: Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Exhibition Info: Attendees will engage with 3D characters and creatures in a VR environment and 3D printed formats.

Goal: Engage with individuals and discuss art in relation to the tech landscape, inspiring younger audiences to explore tech-driven creative careers.

Presenter: Susan Schleith

Location: Level 4, Terrace

Date & Time: Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Exhibition Info: Students work in teams using mini-solar panels and other materials to develop a photovoltaic (PV) system to power a building in the imaginary community, SunTown.

Goal: Students will learn to identify photovoltaic panels, determine amperage, and build a working system, developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Presenter: Olga Figueroa

Location: Level 4, Our Planet

Date & Time:

• Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Exhibition Info: FSI will take attendees on a journey through space exploration with hands-on learning about Mars, the Moon, and space robotics from the Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research.

Goal: Promote STEM education, inspire innovation, and engage the community in space science and technology.

Presenter: Chantal Cyrier

Location: Level 2, Imagination Classroom *

Date & Time:

• Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Exhibition Info: Learn about the importance of technical writing in simplifying complex processes like recipes, game tutorials, and scientific guides.

Goal: To showcase the technical writing profession and engage participants in an interactive activity that demonstrates the value of clear instructions and the profession’s impact on STEM fields.

Presenter: Mae Torra

Location: Level 4, Dr. Dare’s Laboratory

Date & Time:

• Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Exhibition Info: Explore the brain with interactive activities, including memory games, brain hats, clay neurons, and a sheep brain dissection. Ask questions and learn about neuroscience with hands-on experiences.

Goal: Inspire curiosity in neuroscience through engaging activities and live dissections while encouraging attendees to learn about the brain and its functions.

Time: Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Level 4 DinoDigs

Description: Step into the cutting-edge world of holoportation! Participants will have the chance to “live beam” into a virtual environment in real-time, appearing as a full-body hologram. Explore the science behind this groundbreaking technology, which combines advanced imaging, motion capture, and augmented reality to revolutionize how we connect across distances. Learn more about how holoportation is shaping the future of fields like healthcare, education, and beyond. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of tomorrow’s technology today!

Objectives:

• Demonstrating the technical processes underpinning holoportation, including spatial imaging and real-time rendering.
• Showcasing practical applications in fields such as healthcare, education, and remote collaboration.
• Encouraging curiosity and discussion about the future of communication and connectivity.

Background: As part of the STEM Fest initiative to promote engagement with groundbreaking technologies, the holoportation experience provides attendees with a firsthand look at the possibilities of real-time virtual communication. The event is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications by allowing participants to directly engage with the technology.

Time: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Level 4 DinoDigs

Description: Have you ever wondered how materials are made to heal broken bones and treat osteoporosis? If you’re curious about science, technology, and medicine, come explore the exciting world of biomaterials! Learn how advanced materials are manufactured to repair bones and treat conditions like osteoporosis, and meet our team to discover how science is transforming healthcare.

Objectives of the Exhibit:

• Inspiring STEM Careers: Showcase the potential of biomanufacturing to spark interest in science, technology, and medicine.
• Exploring Bone Science: Demonstrate the role of biomaterials in bone repair and treating osteoporosis.
• Visualizing Manufacturing: Use videos and images to illustrate biomaterial development processes.
• Hands-On Learning: Offer interactive opportunities to explore orthopedic implants and nanobubble manufacturing.
• Showcasing Innovation: Highlight advanced devices for metal implants and nanobubble fabrication.
• Promoting STEM at UCF: Increase awareness of UCF’s STEM programs and opportunities.

Alignment with Spark STEM Fest Goals:

• Making STEM Accessible: Simplifying complex topics through interactive and visual experiences.
• Encouraging Creativity: Showcasing innovations that solve real-world healthcare challenges.
• Connecting with the Community: Highlighting UCF programs and fostering excitement about STEM.

Time: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Level 4 DinoDigs

Description:

• Exhibit 1: Learn about different types of electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet radiation.
• Exhibit 2: Introduction to shark and crab ecology, biodiversity and conservation through art and story.
• Exhibit 3: Booth will feature three engaging activities aligned with Florida Sunshine State Standards:
  • Underwater Exploration: Explore coral reefs in Indonesia through VR to learn about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.
  • Block Coding Challenge: Teach block coding by navigating a Sphero robot through challenges.
  • Obstacle Navigation: Pilot mini-drones through an obstacle course to demonstrate drone technology applications.

Objectives:

• Exhibit 1: Electromagnetic waves have a wide range of practical everyday applications, including communication, cooking, vision, precision machining, and treating disease. Learn through experiments highlighting the generation and characterization of electromagnetic waves.
• Exhibit 2: Through art and story, understand the importance of apex predators like sharks and their role in marine ecosystems.
• Exhibit 3: Educate the community on the importance of STEM education, inspire interest in STEM careers, and promote UCF student recruitment into STEM programs.

Time: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Level 4 DinoDigs

Description:

• Daytime: Attendees will experience first-hand elements of careers in aviation.
• Evening: Participate in the 2nd year of a fast-paced multiplayer game to control robotic workers in a simulated microchip factory.

Objectives:

• Attendees actively participate in the scenario, enhancing their learning experience with hands-on decision-making.
• Simulations allow participants to advance and understand the consequences of their actions in a scaffolded manner.

Time: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Level 4 DinoDigs

Description:

• Explore the intersection of science, technology, and the human body with interactive demonstrations, including ultrasound imaging and motion capture systems.
• Test your strength and reaction time with hands-on activities and discover innovations in rehabilitation science.
• Learn about the science behind optimizing athletic performance and how the human body adapts to training and aging.

Objectives:

• Educate attendees on muscle physiology, biomechanics, and neuromuscular adaptation.
• Demonstrate technology like ultrasound imaging and motion capture systems to explore human performance.
• Engage attendees with interactive activities testing strength, reaction time, and balance.
• Inspire innovation by showcasing real-world applications of STEM in human performance and rehabilitation.

Alignment with Spark STEM Fest Goals:

• Promote STEM education by making complex concepts in human performance accessible and exciting for all ages.
• Engage the community and inspire innovation in health and human performance sciences.
• Encourage curiosity and interest in STEM careers through interactive, hands-on learning.

Time: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Level 4 Our Planet

Description:

• Discover the future of robotics and neural engineering with a focus on controlling robots using brainwaves or gestures.
• Learn how robotic dogs can work together to perform tasks, including synchronized dancing.
• Explore how the human brain interfaces with robotic devices and multi-robot systems.

Objectives:

• Demonstrate how neural engineering and brain-machine interfaces are revolutionizing robotics.
• Showcase how multi-robot systems work together to accomplish tasks.
• Educate attendees on the potential applications of robotics in fields like healthcare and entertainment.

Time: Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Level 2 Creativity Classroom

Description:

• Step into the shoes of a sea turtle scientist in this interactive, hands-on experience.
• Participants will collect and analyze data on a mock sea turtle, measuring its shell, checking for injuries, and naming it.
• Learn fascinating facts about sea turtles while simulating real-world wildlife conservation work.

Objectives:

• Introduce participants to the world of sea turtle research through data collection, wildlife monitoring, and conservation biology.
• Inspire a deeper appreciation for marine biology and environmental stewardship.
• Equip participants with skills used by scientists to help protect endangered species.

Alignment with Spark STEM Fest Goals:

• Promote STEM education by encouraging curiosity in biology and environmental science.
• Inspire innovation by showcasing the role of STEM in wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
• Engage the community and young learners in interactive, hands-on activities that highlight STEM careers.

Time: Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Level 4 DinoDigs

Description:

• Meet Sully, the therapeutic harp seal, and learn about animal therapy in mental health treatment.
• Stop by the booth to discover how Sully is advancing research in robotic therapy animals.
• Engage with Sully and see how robotic animals can help those who are unable to use live animals for therapy.

Goal:

• Raise awareness about robotic therapeutic advancements in mental health, particularly in the area of animal therapy.
• Highlight the benefits of robotic therapy animals for individuals who prefer or need alternatives to live animals for mental health treatments.

Time: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Level 2 Creativity Classroom

Description:

• Through interactive science stations, students will compare and contrast the human heart with other physical structures in plants and animals.
• Explore the essential question: How are the functions of organs, specifically the human heart, similar or different from other physical structures in plants?
• Four love-themed stations for various age levels aligned with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Science.

Stations:

1. Stop and Smell the Roses: Understand the five senses and their related body parts.
2. Listen to Your Heart: Investigate heart rate changes before and after exercise.
3. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart: Build a model of the human heart simulating the circulatory system.
4. Love is All You Need: Compare the role of a plant’s stem to the heart’s role in the circulatory system.

Goal:

• Encourage students to explore the human body, its organs, and systems through hands-on learning activities.
• Help students understand the relationship between physical structures and their functions in plants and animals.