Homeschool

MRSEC established a homeschooling science and engineering program in 2001. The program is designed to share university resources, reach a diverse population, and to extend the excitement of research to families who choose to educate their children at home in preparation for college. Currently, MRSEC is working with middle school and high school levels. Each year, MRSEC develops courses that are taught in the MRSEC classroom during the fall and spring semesters. Homeschool students are also invited to apply to MRSEC summer programs.

Over the years, MRSEC homeschool courses have included circuits, the physics and engineering design behind the construction of roll coasters, biomaterials, chemistry activities with an emphasis on polymers, and science and math in relation to cultural development. These short-courses are funded by the NSF and developed by the University of Maryland MRSEC staff in order to help students achieve success in science and engineering learning. For a list of past homeschool programs, click here.

“I would like to thank the MRSEC for all they do for homeschool students. We appreciate the extra time and effort that goes into everything they do AND for providing the courses at no cost to us. I wish we could give back more than just a thank you!”

Fall 2009: Electronic Circuit Course

Recommended Ages: 11-14

Meeting Dates: Thursdays: Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12

(We ask that all students make a commitment to attend all six sessions in order to receive the maximum educational benefits from the course.)

Meeting Time: Each session will meet promptly at 1:00 pm and end at 3:00 pm.

Location: All sessions will be held on the University of Maryland campus in the MRSEC Science Learning Center (Room 1233, Chemistry Bldg.)

Parking and Campus Map

Course Description: The aim of this short-course is to provide students with an intermediate level electronic circuits program. The six sessions include circuit construction, electronic design and testing, lab visits, and completion of an interesting and fun long-term project. Homework will be assigned each week, and may include electronic circuit problems and student project development. Students will present their final projects during the last session.

We strongly encourage students who completed Are You Ready to be Wired? course last spring to apply.

Topics Covered

AC – DC Current
Series and Parallel Circuits
Capacitors
PN Junction
Diodes
Transistors

Activities

Circuit Construction Activities using a Breadboard
Circuit Construction Soldering
Circuit Testing
Current Technology Readings
Research Homework
Final Student Project

Application deadline is Friday, September 18, 2009. Notification of acceptance will be sent out on or before Tuesday, September 22, 2009.

Application: MRSEC 2009 Fall Homeschool Application