Workshops with USM STEM
Check out our listing of workshop topics below! These are 1-day programs meant to build interest & reinforce skills in various STEM topics.
USM STEM hosts multiple workshops every year. Any public workshops that we are hosting will be posted on our Upcoming Sessions page on UltraCamp.
More frequently, we’ll partner with schools, libraries, homeschool groups, and other organizations to schedule partner workshops. This helps us bring workshops to more communities across the state. These can be public or private events, and in any of the topics listed below.
If you’re interested in working with us to bring a workshop to your community, please use the Workshop Inquiry Form below to let us know:
Workshop Topics
LEGO Robotics
Big ideas: Engineering process, programming foundations, creative problem solving
LEGO Robotics workshops are a fantastic opportunity to dive into the world of robotics and programming! This session is for beginner LEGO-Roboteers to explore robotics concepts using the LEGO robotics platform. Participants use “Scratch”-style block coding to guide their LEGO robots through various missions, while learning how to use sensors to help their robots navigate challenges and obstacles. Through building and modifying their robots to complete missions, participants learn problem-solving skills that help them become independent STEAM-thinkers!
For: Beginner & intermediate participants, ages 9 – 12 (flexible)
Format: Half-day (3 hours) or full-day (6 hours), 16 participants
Programming in Minecraft
Big ideas: Computational thinking, programming structure, custom creations
Programming in Minecraft introduces coding concepts through in-game block-based coding, in which participants use versions of Lua & JavaScript programming languages (either block- or text-based) to interact with the in-game world. Participants use the knowledge they learn throughout the workshop to design and code their own “mods” – custom content and modifications in the game. This session focuses on learning new skills and becoming more familiar with programming logic and problem-solving. No experience needed, and a great introduction to computer science concepts.
For: Beginner & intermediate participants, ages 10 – 14 (flexible)
Format: Half-day (3 hours) or full-day (6 hours), 16 participants
Astrophysics in Minecraft
Big ideas: Forming hypotheses, data analysis, astrophysics & space science
Astrophysics in Minecraft explores space science & research concepts all in the environment of Minecraft. In this workshop, you are teleported to worlds in Minecraft that are based on exoplanets like Kepler & Gliese, or celestial bodies like quasars & black holes. You can also explore hypothetical “what-if” Earths, such as Earth with no Moon, Earth with two Moons, and Earth with a colder Sun. Participants form hypotheses about what they will encounter & use in-game science tools to simulate conditions & measure outcomes.
For: Beginner participants, ages 10 – 15 (flexible)
Format: Half-day (3 hours) or full-day (6 hours), 16 participants
3D Printing & Design
Big ideas: Additive manufacturing, computer-aided design, 3D slicing
Dip your toes into the world of 3D design & fabrication in this workshop designed for beginners. This session explores the world of additive manufacturing & the basics of computer-aided design. Participants will use 3D design software (TinkerCAD, Blender, FreeCAD, Fusion360) and slicing software (Ultimaker Cura, OrcaSlicer, Bambu/Creality slicer) during the session to design custom printable files. We use Creality and/or Bambu printers in our sessions, and there will be at least one printer available for every 2 participants in a full session.
For: Beginner participants, ages 12 – 16 (flexible) or adults, any age
Format: Full-day (6 hours), 12 participants
…and more!
USM STEM has lots of different curricula featuring relevant & engaging STEM topics. We launch rockets, build mini satellites, and so much more! Please get in touch with us at usmstem@maine.edu if you have a unique idea for a workshop, or if you’d like a workshop more customized for your group.