DOE Scientists Connect with Students During National Lab Day

Scientists and engineers from over 10 national labs took part in K-12 outreach events hosted National Lab Day at the University of Toledo on Friday, October 11, 2019. During their visit to the UToledo campus, 100 high school seniors from the northwest Ohio area had the opportunity to learn about STEM careers, the wide breadth of research being conducted at Department of Energy National Laboratories, and future opportunities for undergraduate and graduate internships.

The day started with a visit to UToledo’s planetarium where students watched the Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt for Dark Matter which was executive produced by Michael Barnett, a physicist at Berkeley Lab. A question and answer session followed the viewing with UC Berkeley graduate student Sarafina Nance and UToledo professor Eli Visbal. During lunch, students participated in a speed networking session with former DOE interns, early career and senior scientists from 11 of the 17 National Labs. An interactive STEM fair highlighting the research at DOE laboratories concluded the program.

Program from the Day: https://www.utoledo.edu/research/national-lab-day/outreach.html

Updates to Building 2 -100B Conference Room for STEM Education Visits

As the K-12 office works to increase the number of students visiting the Lab, conference room 100B in Building 2 received a face lift this summer. The space was painted a brighter color and carpet was removed to accommodate hands-on explorations and activities. White boards were placed around the room to encourage brainstorming sessions, drawing, collaboration, and real time data collection. Large screens, cameras, and microphones have been purchased to complete the update. Installation of these items will take place in October.

In addition to the cosmetic updates, new tools were purchased to facilitate the development of hands-on workshops for students visiting the Lab. The K-12 office has purchased laptops, 3D printers, a laser cutter, microscopes, and optical benches. The tools will be incorporated into workshops focused on mission science and will be taught in conjunction with tours of user facilities and laboratories.

The office would like to thank Richard Reisinger and many others in facilities for working hard to complete this project. Anyone interested in being a part of the development process and updates to outreach content should sign up to be a K-12 volunteer.

Rising Sun Youth Opportunities Summer Orientation

On Friday, June 28, Berkeley Lab participated in the Rising Sun Youth Opportunities summer program orientation. Students were able to take part in round-table discussions that showcased individual career pathways and highlighted the research at the Lab. Rhett Persaud (top left corner) shared his unique background as a historian and educator on his pathway to being an Emergency Management Specialist at the Lab. He championed the importance of community colleges and encouraged students to think about the positions that support scientific research at the Lab. Berkeley Bridge Fellow, Christian White (bottom left), shared his experiences as a first year PhD student in the civil and environmental engineering department at UC Berkeley. The Berkeley Lab Bridge Fellowship is a pilot program designed to engage UC Berkeley students in active roles at a national laboratory. Finally, Cyclotron Road spinoff, Treau, was represented by Grace Li. She shared her experiences as a mechanical engineer and the company's work to design building heating and cooling solutions and its focus on eliminating global warming emissions.

San Marin High and Lead PS Charter School Visit Berkeley Lab

Outreach with Oakland Public Schools

Berkeley Lab scientists and staff celebrated science at two separate science-themed events this month. Students learned more about chemical reactions during the sesquicentennial celebration of Prescott Elementary in West Oakland on Saturday, May 4, 2019. The school celebrated 150 years of educating Oakland Residents with science and nature activities in their new nature garden. On Wednesday, May 8, 2019, students and parents learned about the electromagnetic spectrum and explored physical and chemical reactions during the Oakland Unified School District's Science Fair.

Thanks to our wonderful volunteers: Arianna Formenti, Juan Manfredi, Ina Reichel, Matthijs van Spronsen, and Maria Zurek!

25 Years of Daughters and Sons to Work Day

The Lab celebrated 25 years of Daughters and Sons to Work Day, with 124 children, ages 9 to 16, taking part in numerous activities, including tours, hands-on demonstrations, and a science festival. They also got to hear some inspirational words from Lab Director Mike Witherell. Thanks to the numerous volunteers who help make this event possible year after year. The event is hosted by the Lab's Government & Community Relations Office.