POTSDAM ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
Clarkson University hosts a variety of events throughout the year for both educators and students to visit campus, as well as supporting after school programs each semester. Each month has a specific theme which we describe here. For specific dates for the current year, please check the calendar in Moodle.
Check out our Welcome Letter!
Clarkson Campus Visits – Tentative Monthly Events!
September: Annual Kick-off! Lots of mini-challenges and prizes!
October: Exploring Research
Come see research through the eyes of a scientist! Learn about the
Scientific Method and how scientific knowledge is created. Develop
skills for carrying out your own research.
November: Academic Success!
Learn about tools and techniques to help you succeed while saving you time!
December: STEM Enrichment
Translate how the lessons that you learn in the classroom are used in the real world!
January: Exploring STEM Careers
This visit focuses on a variety of different careers in the STEM disciplines.
March: π Day (PI Day)
Come and celebrate the fascinating number Pi. Games, activities and competitions abound!
April: Showcase Finale Celebration
This is the Roller Coaster Design and STEP Research Poster Showcase! Bring your projects for all to see! Roller coaster models delight the audience as they are tested and judged. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams! Lots of fun and excitement!
May: To Be Determined: But Rest Assured, It Will Be Exciting!
After School Programs Components
Roller Coaster Design Contest
Student teams will design and build working roller coaster models to be presented at a competition held at Clarkson University in April. The models must conform to the APPT (American Association of Physics Teachers) Six Flags America Roller Coaster Design Contest regulations. Since our competition is specific to the IMPETUS program, schools can have more than one team, and the team can have between 2-4 members from grades 7-12. A Clarkson panel of judges will use the four AAPT scoring categories to determine the competition winner: Technical Score for Time, Bonus Points, Theme, and Rider Enjoyment. The rubrics listed on the APPT website are advisory only and may be used by teachers/coaches and guides for teams. Clarkson students may be able to provide additional materials. There is also a guide for planning: Roller Coaster Brochure.
Clarkson Discovery Challenge
This is a challenge for upper class students! Students select a topic, and design and carryout a discovery challenge. The winning students are eligible to attend the Annual STEP student conference, held in Albany, NY in March. Check out the Brochure. Also check out the research guide.
No Limits
Have you ever wondered what makes rollercoasters at amusements parks really exciting? Well you don’t have to physically ride one to know, especially if you have the opportunity to use the NoLimits 2 game simulation software. NoLimits is the ultimate roller coaster simulation game that lets you experience authentic roller coaster thrills by simulating the accelerations and speeds on coasters that you can design and build yourself. Focusing on realism and speed, NoLimits lets you ride real existing coasters, or build rollercoasters to your own specifications. This is an opportunity for you to test your ability in designing your own park and building an amazing coaster. More exciting information here!
Game On! Challenge
Now more than ever, our world depends heavily on technology. We use it every day for learning things at school, looking up information on Google, and for fun, especially if you are into playing video games. But what does it take to make a video game? Find out how you can learn!
Problem of the Week
Every week, challenge yourself with a brain-tickling math problem, hosted on our Moodle site! Compete with students around the area for prizes and prestige!
BEACON ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
