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 approximately 50 students divided into three academic levels corresponding to high, middle, and elementary school. Each year MRSEC-developed courses 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, our 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. For more information see our past activities.

Spring 2008 Homeschool Schedule

  REGISTRATION CLOSED

Important Dates:

• Deadline for registration: Wednesday, January 2, 2007
• Admission Notification: Friday, January 11, 2007

Please apply as soon as possible. Classes are restricted to 12 students per session. To register for admission, please complete the registration form and the photo permission slip. Please mail or fax these forms to:

MRSEC-Homeschool Program
Physics Building 082, Room 2120
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-4111
FAX: 301-405-7993

Exploring the World of Materials and Engineering

Middle School Grades: 6-8

Eligible students should be interested in math, physics, and engineering.

Meeting Dates: Thursdays: Jan. 24th, Jan. 31st, Feb. 7th, Feb. 14th, Feb. 21st, and Mar. 6th

(We ask that 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 2:30 pm.

Location: All MRSEC sessions will be held on the University of Maryland campus in Room 1233 Chemistry.

Course Description: Exploring the World of Materials and Engineering is an exciting course designed to introduce middle school level students to the exciting world of materials science and engineering. Students will learn the classifications, properties, and applications of different type of materials that are being developed and use for advanced engineering applications in engineering constructions, productions, and medicine. They will participate in hands-on activities, use advanced tools to carry out materials processing and testing, meet scientists, and visit the state-of-the-art engineering labs. Participating students will be required to complete reading assignments between classes, research concepts, keep a lab journal, and develop a final presentation.

For more information, please email:

MRSEC office: mrsec@umd.edu.

Fall 2007 Homeschool Schedule

  REGISTRATION CLOSED

Important Dates:

• Deadline for registration: Friday, September 21, 2007
• Admission Notification: Rolling admissions until September 30, 2007

Please apply as soon as possible. Classes are restricted to 12 students per session. To register for admission, please complete the registration form and the photo permission slip. Please mail or fax these forms to:

MRSEC-Homeschool Program
Physics Building 082, Room 2120
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-4111
FAX: 301-405-7993

Microscopy II: Advanced Microscopy

High School Grades: 10-12

Meeting Dates: Thursdays: Oct.18th, Oct. 25th, Nov. 1st, Nov. 8th, Nov. 15th, and Nov. 29th

(We ask that 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 2:30 pm.

Location: All sessions will be held on the University of Maryland campus in Room 1233 Chemistry

Course Description: Advanced Microscopy is designed to introduce high school level students to different types of microscopy. Building on our course: Microscopy I: Introduction to Microscopes, students will have the opportunity to see microscopes in actions, meet and interview scientists, and research and present information on state-of-the-art technology being used to carry out cutting edge research. Eligible Students: Interest in how microscopes are being used in science and engineering research. Motivated to do readings, research concepts, keep a lab journal, and develop a presentation. Some knowledge of physics and math will enhance students’ experience in this course.