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Online Virtual Experiences & Activities

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#Science & Engineering

Urban Planning with GIS

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Management of urban landscapes requires efficient planning and engineering techniques to ensure that the needs of the city and its citizens are being met. Join Gadi Dreyfuss, a consultant with Guidehouse, to learn how urban planners and engineers are using GIS software to make informed management decisions in areas such as public health and transportation. No experience necessary!

Diel Vertical Migration:
"The Largest Animal Migration on Earth"

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We are all familiar with bird migration, and maybe even the annual migration of animals in the African safari. But did you know that the largest migration of animals occurs every day and night in the ocean by tiny plankton? And did you know that this daily migration can benefit Earth’s climate and reduce carbon dioxide levels? Dr. Rob is joined by Dr. Debbie Steinberg from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, to discuss why animals vertically migrate and how this contributes to a global process known as the “biological pump”. This is going to be an awesome event…..so come “swim a marathon” with the plankton!

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Phytoplankton images taken from the Cytobot

Exploring Inner Space: Marine Archaeology

Useful Resources
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Join 2013 Ocean Exploration Trust Science Communication Fellow - Bethany Smith - for a trip beneath the waves to discover how and why exploring our oceans is so important.  Learn what it takes to be a Marine Archaeologist, and hear about the exploration of the Monterrey Shipwreck, a 19th century copper clad shipwreck in the Gulf of Mexico.  
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Bow and anchor from the Monterrey shipwreck from the Gulf of Mexico
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Cannon from the Monterrey shipwreck. Can you identify the animals living on the shipwreck?

Coding with Unity
Every Tues @ 1p & Wed @ 11a

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OK gamers.....your time has come! Join Seaborne as he introduces us to the world of gaming development using Unity!  Have an idea for the next biggest craze in gaming, well come and learn how you can turn the dream into reality. Follow along on your own computer or just tune in to get a feel for how it works....it's going to be great! Click here to learn more about Unity.

Lesson 1: Intro to Gaming with Unity

In this lesson, @misterseaborne introduces 2D and 3D gaming in Unity and how to build characters in Blender and Pixelart. 
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2D Weather Balloon Simulation with Unity

Science of Algae and Plankton in the Oceans

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It is amazing that a photon of light can control so many things on Earth.....time, weather, human wellness, oxygen production, and the flow of energy to name a few! Dr Tammi Richardson, Professor in Earth, Ocean and Environment at University of South Carolina, joins Dr. Rob to discuss the importance of microscopic algae and plankton in the world's oceans, and how they benefit and impact society. Learn how you can catch plankton, and how you can conduct research on something so small. Promises to be enlightening :)

Civil Engineering & Structural Design

Join Mr Bill Darrow a Civil Engineer from DC Water to learn everything about the science behind water treatment, bridge infrastructure, road and airstrip construction, and other exciting engineering adventures. For over 40 years Mr. Bill has dedicated his career to engineering from his service in the Army Corps of Engineers  Vietnam, to his work with DC Water. Mr Bill has been a great supporter of YSA so please join us for an entertaining hour learning about what makes engineering tick! 

The Shark Cam Project

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In this lesson, Dr Erin Burge a Professor from Coastal Carolina University talks about his "Shark Cam" marine science research project at Frying Pan Tower off the coast of North Carolina. There's lots of cool underwater video footage of sharks, fish, turtles, jellyfish and much more. Click here to view more Shark Cam footage and for information about this really cool project.

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Nurse Shark from Frying Pan Tower. Click to download 'Shark Cam Fishes'

Circuitry with Cynthia

It is amazing how the flow of electrons control most of what we do on Earth....yes we are talking about the power of electricity and a lot has changed since the time of Michael Faraday.  Join Cynthia as she introduces us to the world of circuitry. 

Fluid Mechanics: Animals Kinematics in the Ocean 
Friday 5/8 @ 2p

Physics rules everything we do in the world! It defines our health, how we interact with each other, controls the economy, and even how we move or sleep! Join Dr. Jack Costello, Professor of Biology at Providence College, who will talk about the kinematics of how animals move in the ocean and how this can be used to develop technology to improve swimming and even develop robots! Lot's of cool images and video mixed with computer technology.....you won't want to miss out on this!
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Science of Weather & Ocean Currents

Summer is fast approaching so let's learn all the physics and safety science behind lightning, tornados, waterspouts, waves, rip currents...and even hurricanes! Our guest speaker will be Dr. Steve Pfaff a meteorologist from the National Weather Service who will answer all your questions.

Beneath Antarctic Waters

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In this lesson, we take a frosty step into the waters of the southern most part on Earth and learn about the beautiful and delicate ecosystem of Antarctica. Our guest speaker is Dr. Josh Stone, Assistant Professor at University of South Carolina, talking about his recent expedition to study plankton that thrive in these waters and are under the threat of climate change. A great lesson in how to do oceanography in one of the most remote and extreme environments in the ocean.

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Click here for more info on Antarctica. Watch the video to practice your penguin talk!

Human Wellness

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Life can be chaotic and stressful at times, but looking after yourself is very important. After all a "fitter body is a fitter mind"! Dr. Rob is joined by Amy Olsen, M.S., an expert in physical activity and wellness from UNCW, to discuss how youth can follow simple steps to ensure we all have great mental health and human wellness.

It is my goal to reach all students in understanding and improving their whole person wellness
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Click here to start practicing wellness in your daily activities

#Science Communication

Creative Science Writing

In the first of a YSA series on creative writing in science, award winning author and journalist Kevin Maurer from Cape Fear Collective joins Dr. Rob to share his experiences as a writer, journalist and give tips on how to be a great communicator. Practice science communication and learn how to write about science, short stories and even a blog, with the goal of publishing our work in a youth-led biweekly e-newsletter. 
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Kevin's Tips to Success!
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Click here for more information about Kevin's current projects and books. Click the image to learn more about Kevin's tips to success in writing

"Science as Muse"

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​In the second phase of our "Creative Science Writing" series, Dr. Juli Berwald joins Dr. Rob to share her experiences in being creative science writer and telling a great story. Also a trained mathematician and oceanographer, Juli's recent book - Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing a Backbone - is critically acclaimed and a great example of how complex scientific issues can be communicated in a powerful. As we work towards our first e-newsletter, this promises to inspire us all. Please join us for a "spineless-tingling" experience and fascinating time learning science communication!  For more information about Juli click here.

Suggested Reading
Juli recommends reading her articles first to get a feel on how to write about science and other issues in our lives:​
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#Backyardigans

Gardening with Miss Megan

Gardening is a great way to interact with the outdoors, and to also produce healthy and nutritious food such as fruits and vegetables. In this episode, Miss Megan takes us on a tour of her vegetable garden and also has some wonderful tips on how to promote pollination, composting and what plants to grow this time of year.

Backyard Birding with Cyrus

Join Cyrus as he takes us on a backyard adventure with bluebirds, including the building of the house and hatching of a "to be named" bluebird chick. We are going to continue to follow the progress of the bluebird as it continues to grow and eventually fly away to start a life of its own. Really awesome job Cyrus!

#SciArt

Scientific Illustration with Dr. Caro

​Science is the art of observation! Join Dr. Caro Cote an illustrator and scientist from Design Naturaliste all the way from Quebec Canada as she teaches us all the tricks of the trade in scientific illustration. Bring your drawing items, sketchbook, charcoal, pencils and anything in your desire for a magical hour of art. Any level of art is welcome.....it's the effort that counts! Click here to check out her beautiful natural art.

Lesson 1: Black & White Sketches

In this lesson, Dr. Caro introduces us to black and white sketching of animals, using her dog Frida as a model, with a series of simple pencil and paper exercises. ​Fun activities to do with the family...then you will all be ready to play Pictionary! Feel free to share your sketches on our social media.

Lesson 2: Drawing Characters

YSA's own Abbie joins Dr. Caro as they show us techniques on how to design and draw characters that appeal to the general public. Come make up your own character, and we will combine drawings next week to make a comic strip for our e-newsletter - The Tentacle Times! 

"Getting to the Point" Abstract Math Art with Adeline

One of YSA's young scientists - Adeline - joins Dr. Rob and Miss Annabelle to discuss some abstract art from the National Gallery in DC and then leads a math art activity called "Getting to the Point". Bring your pencils and drawing pad for this super fun exercise.

#Cooking is Science

Virtual Cooking

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I help busy people cook Real Food in less time so they can heal their bodies and love themselves​

Cooking with Ryanna from the New School Kitchen

Ryanna from The New School Kitchen joins YSA as she helps prepare a selection of delicious breakfast treats in the virtual world!. We will learn the chemistry of cooking along the way. So check the pantry and fridge and come join in for some fun "virtual" cooking!

Banana Pancakes

"Simple recipe that is simply delicious!"

​Ingredients:

2 Banana (fresh or thawed from frozen)
1 cup Gluten Free Rolled Oats
1/2 cup Milk (almond, hemp, cow, oat)
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Cooking with Leila

Join Leila in this "Virtual Cooking" experience as she shows us how to prepare Chicken Alfredo. Watch the video and join in the conversation!
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Young Scientist Academy // 501(c)(3) EIN 81-4999928
Suite 420, 20 N 4th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Ph: (910) 386-1867
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Our Space & Facilities
    • Our Team
    • Our Impact
  • Programs
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • Donate