Science in spotlight at Super STEM Saturday
By Eric Breier
There is something for everyone at the annual Super STEM Saturday event on March 11 at Cal State San Marcos.
Held in partnership by The Classical Academies and CSUSM, Super STEM Saturday draws more than 8,000 science enthusiasts each year. The popular event exposes and engages children of all ages and their families in the STEM disciplines -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Super STEM Saturday closes the Biocom Institute Festival of Science and Engineering, the largest celebration of innovation and science education in Southern California.
There will be more than 100 activities to choose from, including hands-on experiments, demonstrations, scientist chats and contests.
Super STEM Saturday is free and open to the public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It will be held rain or shine. Complimentary parking is available in Lots E, F and H. Food will be available for purchase at the event or guests are welcome to bring lunch or snacks with them.
What: Super STEM Saturday
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 11
Where: Cal State San Marcos
Cost: Free
Parking: Free in Lots E, F, and H
Information: Visit CSUSM’s College of Science and Mathematics website
In conjunction with Super STEM Saturday, CSUSM’s College of Science and Mathematics is hosting a variety of related free events throughout the week. Additionally, Associated Students Inc. will be hosting “Geek Week” activities on campus. However, please note that “Geek Week” activities are open only to the campus community.
Here’s a closer look at events throughout the week:
Sunday, March 5
STEM In Your Backyard
A biannual family-friendly event held in partnership with Wavelength Brewery and the Biocom Institute to celebrate science with hands-on experiments and interactive presentations. CSUSM faculty and students from physics, chemistry, biochemistry and biological sciences as well as STEM Ambassadors will be in attendance to help facilitate experiments and interactive presentations.
Where: Vista Village in the Main Street parking lot across from Wavelength Brewery. Parking is available in the dirt lot on North Indiana Avenue, off Vista Village Drive.
When: 1-5 p.m.
Monday, March 6
CSM Student Organization Tabling
As part of “Geek Week,” learn more about College of Science and Mathematics student organizations.
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: CSUSM’s Library Plaza
Tuesday, March 7
Liquid Nitrogen Demo
Part of “Geek Week,” there will be a liquid nitrogen demonstration, an opportunity to walk across a pool of goo and a variety of student organizations participating in STEM demonstrations.
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: CSUSM’s Library Plaza
Distinguished Physics Lecture
Dr. Summer Ash, Director of Outreach for Columbia University’s Department of Astronomy, will be presenting, “The Invisible University: seeing what our eyes can’t.”
When: 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: USU Ballroom
Wednesday, March 8
CSM Student Organization Tabling
As part of “Geek Week,” learn more about College of Science and Mathematics student organizations.
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: CSUSM’s Library Plaza
STEM Career Connection
Learn all about the industries and careers in STEM! Dress professionally and bring your resume. Hosted by the Career Center. Students should RSVP for this event and check back frequently for updates to the employer list.
When: 3-5 p.m.
Where: USU Ballroom
Two Cybersecurity Experts Walk Into a Bar
Dr. Teresa Macklin, Associate Dean and Chief Information Security Officer of Instructional and Information Technology Services, and Dr. Rika Yoshii, professor in the Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, will be the featured speakers discussing cybersecurity, IoT and nanomachines.
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Wavelength Brewery, 236 Main St., Vista
Thursday, March 9
Egg Drop
Part of “Geek Week” activities, come join student organizations in demos and try out an egg drop.
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: USU
Reid Lecture Series
Sponsored by Librarian Emeritus Marion Reid and Professor Emeritus K. Brooks Reid and hosted by CSUSM’s Mathematics Department, this free event features a lecture by UC Irvine professor Alice Silverberg titled “Cryptography: Using Mathematics to Keep a Secret.” It will delve into the surprising solutions that mathematicians and cryptographers have developed to resolve the problem of computing on encrypted data.
When: 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: USU Ballroom
Friday, March 10
CougarCon
“Geek Week” continues with a TUK Talk, Cosplay Contest and Geek Fashion show by Orions Originals. There will also be video games, board games, a geek photo booth and geek-themed snacks. Please note, this event is limited to CSUSM students.
When: 8-10 p.m.
Where: USU Ballroom
Saturday, March 11
Super STEM Saturday
Held in partnership by The Classical Academies and CSUSM, Super STEM Saturday draws more than 8,000 science enthusiasts each year. The popular event exposes and engages children of all ages and their families in the STEM disciplines -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: CSUSM