UNH Youth Programs

TechVenturers C:

• Space Camp (But Way Cooler): Mars Edition - Have you ever dreamed of being an astronaut and exploring the red planet? Blast off into a week-long adventure where you'll become a Martian pioneer! Build and launch your own model rockets, learn how astronauts live and work in space, and the unique challenges of a world without up or down. Strategize landing your rover safely and prepare for your first steps on the red planet. Design and construct a habitat suitable for long-term living on Mars and figure out what you'll need to survive and thrive there. Throughout the week, you'll meet real scientists and engineers who are working on making the dream of colonizing Mars a reality. You'll participate in hands-on activities, solve problems like a real space explorer, and make new friends who share your passion for space. So, are you ready to be a Martian pioneer? Blast off with us and take your first steps towards an out-of-this-world adventure!
• Regenerative Medicine: The Planaria Project - Scientists are beginning to understand how to grow parts of the human body by studying organisms that already have this ability, such as planaria. Planaria are free-living flatworms that can regrow any lost body part. Students in this program will learn about regenerative medicine and planaria through a variety of hands-on activities in the lab. They will also design and perform an experiment that will determine the environmental factors that influence the ability of planaria to regrow missing body parts. This program is offered at no cost to participants. All levels welcome!
• The Internet of Things Project - Join the Smart Tech Revolution! Everything seems to be connected by the internet these days—from cars and security cameras to gaming devices and pet trackers—and the technology is evolving at a rapid pace. What makes it all possible? What will our tech-enabled future look like? How can you play a role? In this fast paced and dynamic program, campers will engage in a wide variety of hands-on activities and games to gain an understanding of smart technology and the computer sensors, software, networking devices, and other technologies that are rapidly transforming almost every aspect of human existence. The term "Internet of Things" refers to the network of physical objects connected via the internet and other communication networks that now surround us in daily life.
• Empowering the Innovators of Tomorrow with Micro:bit, Arduino and Python - This immersive weeklong program hosted by the UNH InterOperability Lab explores the very latest in computer programming and hardware technology. Through a variety of hands-on activities, participants will gain the skills and knowledge needed to program single-board computers such as Arduino, BBC Micro:Bit and Raspberry Pi. They will also be introduced to the basics of the powerful Python programming language and Microsoft MakeCode. Projects include learning how to create a digital painting program, music player and encrypted secret message. Minecraft fans will even learn how to write a Python program to interact with a Minecraft world using a Raspberry Pi. The program also explores how to build the hardware and write the software necessary to create a physical piano and remote-controlled robot, programming both with a controller using MakeCode. Other projects focus on how to use basic electronic components and wire circuits on breadboards.

TechLeaders C:

• Regenerative Medicine: The Cryopreservation Project - Regenerative medicine has the potential to fully repair damaged tissues and organs. The cells and tissues used for this repair often need to be stored long term, frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C, a process called cryopreservation. In this program, cryopreservation will be explained, demonstrated and current methods and their limitations will be discussed. Cryopreservation in nature will also be explored. In addition to regenerative medicine and cryopreservation, this program will also reinforce basic chemistry and biochemistry concepts, such as the properties of cells, water, freezing point depression, protein structure and function. This program is offered at no cost to participants. All levels welcome!
• Regenerative Medicine: The Bioinformatics Project - In this program, participants will focus on bioinformatics – the use of computer science to answer biological questions. Bioinformatics is a relatively new and growing discipline that uses computers and databases to answer biological and biomedical questions. Participants will explore how to do biochemistry with a computer, as well as learn about proteins, DNA, RNA and entire genomes. This program is offered at no cost to participants. All levels welcome!
• Data Detectives Project - Have you ever wondered how your favorite streaming service recommends new shows or movies tailored to your tastes? Or how advertisements promoting products that align with your interests consistently pop up in your social media feeds? Welcome to the world of data science! In this program, participants will learn how personal data collected from a wide variety of sources is used to predict trends, preferences and behavior, as well as solve complex scientific questions and real-world problems. Data analytics is not unlike being a detective sifting through huge amounts of information to find hidden clues and patterns. Come learn how to gather, interpret, model and present data to understand and decode the world’s mysteries! This program is offered at no cost to participants. All levels welcome!