Exploring Careers in Engineering and Physical Science

Join in a summer workshop that offers a hands-on introduction to engineering, science, and mathematics opportunities right in your back yard. Start your personal journey of career discovery this summer at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

These week-long sessions sponsored by the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering are for high school students entering grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Students attend the camp from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. each day.

Opportunity to learn from the experts

During your week on the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus, you will participate in many activities led by University scientists and engineers including:

• Demonstrations
• Lectures
• Tours
• Lab experiences

Engineering, science, and mathematics will come alive as viable careers.

Experience campus life

Staff and students will help you experience campus life, learn more about academic programs, and explore potential careers through:

• Campus tours with science and engineering students
• Panel discussions
• Informal lunches with career advisors and faculty
• Presentations by staff

2013 Session Dates and application available now (download pdf file)

Fees and Scholarships

After students are accepted, a $50 registration fee is required, with scholarships available for students demonstrating financial need. Email Dorothy Cheng at csek12@umn.edu to request a need-based scholarship.

For more information

For more information contact Dorothy Cheng, College of Science and Engineering outreach coordinator, at csek12@umn.edu or 612-626-7566.

2013 Session Details

Institute for Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)

IMA is pleased to present a week of learning activities designed to give students a hands-on experience in applied mathematics. There will be a series of lectures on diverse topics followed by mentor-led activities that illustrate the concepts. Our goal is to show that Math is powerful, beautiful, useful, and fun.

Topics will be chosen from:

• Probability–What are the odds of winning the Powerball? How many seats should you put in an ER waiting room? How do you approximate the value of pi by dropping toothpicks?
• Statistics–What can you learn from stock prices? Is Minnesota getting warmer? Can we predict the price of gas?
• Coding theory–How do you reliably send a message to someone in a noisy room? Why is it that we can play scratched CDs?
• Social science and biology–How does language evolve? How does a rumor spread? How can we design vaccination strategies to prevent flu epidemics?
• Financial mathematics–How do you make money hedging in the stock market?

Prerequisites: Basic high school algebra. Calculus will be useful but not necessary. More information about the IMA can be found at ima.umn.edu.

University of Minnesota Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (UMN MRSEC)

MRSEC is a National Science Foundation sponsored, interdisciplinary center which enables important areas of future technology, ranging from biomedicine, separations, and plastic electronics to security, renewable energy, and information technology. Center research activities are integrated with an extensive program in education and career development, providing interdisciplinary training of students and postdocs. MRSEC is pleased to continue its collaboration with the College of Science and Engineering through sponsorship of this week of programming.

Topics will include:

• Molecules, Electricity, and Light–Learn about research being done on organic electronic and optoelectronic devices.
• Polymers–Synthesis of polymers, characterization of their molecular and structural properties, how to process them into plastic parts, and how to test their strength and other properties.
• Nanoparticles–Learn why nanotechnology is so important and how are nanoparticles used in chemistry.
• Magnetism–Learn about both well-known and not so well-known properties and applications of magnets.

More information about MRSEC can be found at mrsec.umn.edu/.

General STEM camp

Students will learn about a variety of engineering, physical science, and mathematics major offered in the College of Science and Engineering through demonstrations, hands-on activities, lab tours, lectures, and discussions with students, faculty, and staff.