Students will make their very own pH indicator using natural ingredients to investigate the acidic and basic properties of a variety of household items. This provides the conceptual framework for students to then participate in an inquiry-driven activity exploring ocean acidification—from the chemistry underlying the process to the effects it has on marine life.

Students will learn the basic function of photovoltaic cells and how they form together to make solar panels. Students will investigate how various factors like temperature, solar irradiance, and angle impact the performance of solar panels. Students will then take on the role of an engineer and develop the optimal solar panel array for a given geographic location. You may combine any two Green Engineering activities for a full-day field trip experience.

Students will jump right into the engineering design process in this engineering and environmental science activity. Students will gain experience with utilizing sustainable and efficient methods to generate energy through the use of natural, renewable resources, like wind. Students will learn about the basics of kinetic and potential energy, the conservation of energy, and the transfer of energy. They will collaborate in groups to design, build, and test a wind turbine. Students will assess the efficiency of their designs by mathematically calculating the amount of power generated and discuss ways in which their designs can be improved. You may combine any two Green Engineering activities for a full-day field trip experience.

Catch the STEM bug and go viral with Southern Research! Students will receive an introduction to basic immunology and how foreign substances, known as antigens, enter the body and induce an immune response. Students will be tasked with identifying who in their class is patient zero through an exciting, hands-on disease outbreak simulation. They will also investigate the role of antibodies in the primary and secondary immune responses.

Students will learn the basic principles of immunology, including how the presence of foreign substances, known as antigens, can induce the formation of antibodies. They will participate in a simulated disease outbreak activity, investigate primary and secondary immune responses, and diagnose disease using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).