Rain or Shine!
Free and open
to the public.
Exhibits – WPI 2022
WPI faculty, staff, student groups, and individual students are happy to provide you with opportunities to explore STEM in fun and engaging ways!
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics (WoAA)
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Hanover Deck
Presented by: Aerospace Engineering; Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Discipline(s): Aerospace
We are the Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics also known as WoAA club at WPI. We look to empower women as they make their way into the aerospace industry and other related fields. Our club hosts professional and academic events, as well as fun de-stressing activities that allow our members to become confident in both their academic and professional careers while also enjoying their time in college.
WPI High Power Rocketry Club Rocketry Activities
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Hanover Deck
Presented by: Aerospace Engineering; WPI High Power Rocketry Club
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Aerospace, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Robots, Science, Space, STEM, Technology
Participants of all ages can come to learn about rockets and their wonderful payloads! Younger kids can learn about very basic physics concepts by participating in an egg drop. Older students are welcome to come interact with 11-foot-tall competition rockets and payloads that the team has flown over the years.
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Human Heart Pump Model
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: DCU Club – Right
Presented by: Biomedical Engineering; Alpha Eta Mu Beta BME Honor Society
Discipline(s): Biology, Engineering, Health, Science, STEM
The Alpha Eta Mu Beta Biomedical Engineering Society at WPI is excited to share how to make a working heart pump model! This exhibit will feature a hands-on activity suitable for all ages. Guests will be able to learn how to make a working heart pump model using everyday supplies you can find at home. This activity will teach guests how the human heart functions and the different components that help keep our hearts beating!
Silkworms and Silk: The Life Cycle Leading to a Revolutionary Material for Biomedical Engineering
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: DCU Club – Window Wall
Presented by: Biomedical Engineering; Dr. Jeannine Coburn
Discipline(s): Biology, Engineering, Science
This exhibit will show you the different stages of the silkworm life cycle and some of the materials and research areas being investigated by the Coburn lab.
Silk, prized for its visual appeal as a fabric for thousands of years, is now achieving new applications in biomedical engineering. Silk, most notably associated with silkworms and spiders, is made of two classes of molecules, or proteins. We are interested in the protein that provides silk with its excellent mechanical properties and uniquely processable molecules, known as silk fibroin. Silk fibroin a unique chemical sequence, or amino acid sequence, which give rise to these properties. When processed, silk fibroin can be fabricated into films, fibers, particles, hydrogels, and porous sponges or scaffolds.
The Wacky World of Biomedical Engineering
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8)
Location: DCU Club – Left
Presented by: Biomedical Engineering; Dr. Taimoor Afzal
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Biology, Engineering, Health, Science, STEM, Technology
An exploration into the four corners of Biomedical Engineering. An area of science where mechanics, biology, and computers converge to push the envelope in medical care into the modern age. You will have a chance to test your strength, your steadiness, and heartrate. You will also see how losing certain faculties effects your balance and strength. This experience of navigating the world with limited abilities will ignite in you a desire to help others and the make the world a better place for everyone.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Bacterial Biofilms: Tiny bacteria build homes of many shapes and sizes
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: WooSox Farm
Presented by: Chemical Engineering; Dr. Elizabeth Stewart
Discipline(s): Engineering, STEM
We come across bacteria everyday. Bacteria are very small so we don’t always see where they are . Bacteria can be good or bad. Both good and bad bacteria like to live with other bacteria in homes made from slime that protects them from the outside world. The homes that bacteria build to live with each other are known as biofilms. Come participate in a hands-on activity to learn about how to build and destroy bacterial homes!
Bath Bombs: An Intro to Chemical Engineering
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: WooSox Farm
Presented by: Chemical Engineering; WPI Grad Students Esai Lopez & Liz Belden
Discipline(s): Engineering, STEM
Students will learn the basic concepts of chemical engineering as they build their own bath bomb.
CIVIL, ENVIRONMENTAL & ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
Augmented Reality Sandbox
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Suite 6
Presented by: Civil Environmental & Architectural Engineering; Dr. Jessica Rosewitz
Discipline(s): Engineering, Science, STEM, Technology
Play in the sand with the Augmented Reality Sandbox! The AR Sandbox is a 3D interactive, dynamic educational tool to help understand mapping, topography, watersheds, natural hazards, and more! This tool uses a motion sensor and specialized computer software to map contour lines (lines of equal elevation) onto the sand that adjust to the elevation levels of the sand in real-time. It’s a fun, and addictive, way to learn through play for young and the young at heart.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Computer Science: The Backbone of Modern Society
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Suite 5
Presented by: Computer Science; Upsilon Pi Epsilon
Discipline(s): Computer Science, Cybersecurity, STEM, Technology
WPI’s computer science honor society, Upsilon Pi Epsilon will be having a hands-on exhibit where individuals of all ages can come and see the broad influence of computer science in real life. Applications of computer science in aspects of everyday life will be showcased as well as some of the projects that our students have completed that the audience can interact with. Our students will explain the problem they were tasked with, their approach to problem solving, and a detailing of the end product. Guests will be able to experience first-hand the importance of computer science. For younger guests, they can see if it is a field they want to pursue as a potential career path.
CozyChat: Parent Child Communication Environment
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Suite 11
Presented by: Computer Science; WPI Grad Student Shruti Mahajan
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Engineering, Science, STEM, Technology
We are working on building a fun, interactive environment for parents and children. We hope to integrate this technology into homes, and help make daily family conversations fun. We make use of smart machine knitted fabrics that detect touch and augmented reality.
ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Cyber Attacks on Mobile Robots
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: DCU Club – Right
Presented by: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Dr. Andrew Clark
Discipline(s): Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Mathematics, Robots, STEM, Technology
Autonomous robots are poised to transform manufacturing, transportation, search & rescue, and countless other domains. These robots rely on a suite of sensors which may be corrupted by malicious cyber attacks. The exhibit demonstrates the impact of cyber attacks on robotic navigation & shows how estimation & control theory can be used to ensure safety and reliability.
To Crack or not to Crack Wi-Fi Password!
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: High School (9-12), Adult
Location: DCU Club – Window Wall
Presented by: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Dr. Berk Sunar & Dr. Koksal Mus
Discipline(s): Cybersecurity
Would you like to be able to connect to all Wi-Fi around you? Do you want other people to be able to access your Wi-Fi? It is important how secure your wireless password is. In this demonstration, you are going to set a Wi-Fi password and we are going to attempt to find it on a pre-arranged wireless setting. We will also determine the security level of the password.
Implementation of Digital Circuit Design onto FPGAs for Gaming Applications
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), Adult
Location: DCU Club – Window Wall
Presented by: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Dr. Maqsood Ali Mughal; Jessie Curley
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Engineering, Science, STEM, Technology
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are semiconductor devices that are based around a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnects. FPGAs can be reprogrammed to desired application or functionality requirements after manufacturing. This feature distinguishes FPGAs from Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), which are custom manufactured for specific design tasks. Come and stop-by to see the implementation of the digital circuit design onto a Basys 3 Board for Gaming Applications such as Tic-Tac-Toe.
FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING
Fire Presentation
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
Location: Hanover Deck
Presented by: Fire Protection Engineering; Society of Fire Protection Engineers- WPI Chapter
Discipline(s): Engineering, Fire, STEM
An interactive display of the various topics within Fire Protection Engineering. Videos of fire demonstrations and introductions to fire modeling software will be displayed. We will also be discussing careers and opportunities available in the field.
FORW-RD NRT PROGRAM
Future of Robots in the Workforce Research & Development (FORW-RD NRT) Program
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: Suite 11
Presented by: FORW-RD NRT Program; Kristen Keane; Dr. Cagdas Onal
Discipline(s): Computer Science, Engineering, Robots, Technology
FORW-RD NRT is an interdisciplinary NSF funded research traineeship program focused on the Future of Robots in the Workplace. The program crosses many disciplines and has 25 masters and PhD students involved and working on interdisciplinary research projects in the area of human-robot collaboration. Our FORW-RD trainees and Principal Investigators will share their research projects and robots both live and in simulations. They will also discuss the broader impacts of these human-robot collaborations.
HUMANITIES & ARTS
WasteFlowers
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: WooSox Farm
Presented by: Humanities & Arts;
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Robots, Science, STEM, Sustainability, Technology
WasteFlowers are hybrid flower forms made from found and repurposed waste and recycled materials! WasteFlowers are ‘sensitized’ — as in equipped with motion sensors, micro-processors and small motors. These digitally enhanced WallFlowers are kinetic and designed to respond to disturbances in their environment. Some WasteFlowers are powered by solar panels.
INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND GAME DEVELOPMENT (IMGD)
WPI IMGD
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), Adult
Location: DCU Club – Left
Presented by: Interactive Media and Game Development; Connor Peavey, WPI ’24 & Kateri Bajer, WPI ’23
Discipline(s): Computer Science, Technology
Come play games made by WPI students!
INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Makerspace 3D Printing Exhibit
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: Suite 7
Presented by: Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Kristie DeJesus & Mitra Anand
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Aerospace, Engineering, Physics, Robots, Science, STEM, Sustainability, Technology
Think 3D printers only produce pencil holders and phone stands? Meet members of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Makerspace community, learn about the 3D printing process, and marvel at amazing items manufactured via 3D printing including Star Wars helmets, cosplay armor, rockets – even a life-size Gompei the Goat! Chat with several WPI students who created these masterpieces and discover how they are leveraging this technology to bring their ideas to life and positively impact tomorrow.
Flying Car – The Pumpkin Carriage
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: Plymouth Street
Presented by: Jeremy Trilling, WPI ’22; Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Aerospace, Engineering, Physics, Robots, Science, STEM, Sustainability, Technology
This single-seat vehicle combines driving on the ground with flying in the sky! Powered entirely with rechargeable batteries, the “Pumpkin Carriage” demonstrates a fun and sustainable alternative for personal transportation.
Tool Bus
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: Plymouth Street
Presented by: Jeremy Trilling, WPI ’22; Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Aerospace, Computer Science, Educator Workshops, Engineering, Music, Physics, Robots, Science, STEM, Sustainability, Technology
The “Tool Bus” contains the workspace, machines, and tools to enable total creative freedom! Powered by a solar energy and battery system, the “Tool Bus” is able to operate completely off-grid further enhancing it’s teaching and prototyping capabilities.
LAB FOR EDUCATION & APPLICATION PROTOTYPES (LEAP)
Photonics in Everyday Life
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: DCU Club – Right
Presented by: LEAP; James Eakin and Dr. Douglas Petkie
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Educator Workshops, Physics, STEM
Photonics are a part of everyday life including how we communicate with friends and family. This exhibit shows how scientists and engineers use photonics to make new materials and devices including objects so small you have to use a microscope to see them. Come see examples of nano-3D prints and investigate how fiber optics are used to transmit information across the internet.
MASS ACADEMY OF MATH AND SCIENCE
Mini-MAMS Experience: Explore STEM Like a Mass Academy Student
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: DCU Club – Museum Wall
Presented by: Mass Academy of Math and Science
Discipline(s): Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Science, STEM, Technology
Are you curious about the world around you? If so, then visit our table to explore STEM concepts just like high school students at the Mass Academy of Math and Science at WPI! We have hands-on physics and computer science demonstrations to help you understand scientific phenomena. Students and staff will guide you through investigations, explain the science behind what is happening, and share details of their experiences at Mass Academy. Samples of student projects will be on display and packets of puzzles and challenge problems will be available for you to take home!
MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
Vertices, Edges, and Faces of Polyhedra
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8)
Location: Hanover Deck
Presented by: Mathematical Sciences; Dr. Oren Mangoubi
Discipline(s): Mathematics
Participants will explore the relationship between the number of vertices, edges, and faces of 3-dimensional polyhedra. They will build different polyhedra out of paper, play-dough, and straws, and record the number of vertices, edges, and faces on these polyhedra. Using this “data” the participants will investigate patterns and formulas for the number of vertices, edges, and faces on the polyhedra.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
FETCH and PARV
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: High School (9-12), Adult
Location: DCU Club – Center
Presented by: Mechanical Engineering, WPI Students Anthony LoPresti & Kwesi Sakyi
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Robots, Science, STEM, Technology
Our project was to design an autonomous vehicle on the scale of an RC car. We aim to introduce users to the world of autonomy by making a nearly fully 3D printed vehicle and trailer system that is easily interchangeable and replicable. The necessary materials needed for assembly are easily accessible to the public so they can mimic and create their own autonomous vehicle. Included is a modular trailer system that is easily adaptable depending on the needs of the user. The current iteration of the project includes two functional vehicles and a delivery trailer.
GearTrain – A Software to Design Gear-Trains
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: High School (9-12), Adult
Location: DCU Club – Center
Presented by: Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Pradeep Radhakrishnan, WPI Grad Student Yash Yadati
Discipline(s): Engineering, Robots, STEM, Technology
The goal of this research is to automatically synthesize gear-trains for various applications using a rule-based approach alongside optimization algorithms. In the process, a software tool is being developed that will allow users to design and analyze gears, shafts, and other components. It will also automatically generate collision-free CAD models of the generated designs. Work is currently being done to integrate collision detection and kinetic/kinematic analysis. The addition of these to the existing software environment can help the tool perform efficiently in a range of engineering classes which can be very beneficial in the learning process for students.
Keeping Things Cool in Space
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), Adult
Location: DCU Club – Center
Presented by: Mechanical Engineering; Multi-Scale Heat Transfer Lab
Discipline(s): Aerospace, Engineering, Physics, Science, Space, Technology
WPI Professor Jamal Yagoobi and his students conduct groundbreaking research in the Multi-Scale Heat Transfer Lab, featuring NASA funded research on two-phase heat transport systems. These systems are developed and tested for use as cooling technology for satellites and spacecraft. An experiment demonstrating this new technology has been undergoing a long-term test aboard the International Space Station, with another major experiment set to fly aboard in the near future. The findings of this research are fundamental to developing next generation heat transfer technology for future spacecraft.
MECHANICAL & MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Koalby: 3D Printed Humanoid Robot
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: DCU Club – Center
Presented by: Mechanical & Materials Engineering; Dr. Pradeep Radhakrishnan
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Engineering, Robots, Technology
Robotic research on humanoid robots often involves expensive hardware. Using modern manufacturing techniques and off the shelf components a small humanoid robot can demonstrate many of the capabilities of larger systems at a lower price point. We present a 27 degree of freedom humanoid robot based on the Poppy Project. The robot operates untethered using internal battery power and an onboard Raspberry Pi and manipulates objects up to 100 grams with grasping hands. We demonstrate this functionality using a record/play system that allows a human operator to manually position the robot and then record those positions for later playback.
mPAD: Modular Package for Autonomous Driving
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), Adult
Location: DCU Club – Center
Presented by: Mechanical & Materials Engineering; Dr. Pradeep Radhakrishnan
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Computer Science, Engineering, Robots, STEM, Technology
The project will demonstrate a system that enables autonomous driving in any scale car (or remote controlled car). mPAD consists of two development boards, Raspberry Pi 4 8GB and Elegoo Mega 2560. The sensors (Ultrasonic, inertial measurement unit, temperature, and hall-effect) are connected to the Elegoo, which then connects to the Raspberry Pi. The sensor package uses a Raspberry Pi camera for lane recognition and ultrasonic sensors for collision avoidance. The package is specifically designed to be easily transferable from one RC car to another and allows Mechanical Engineering students to create self-driving RC cars without requiring a coding or electrical design background.
Food of the Future: 3D Printing Food
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: DCU Club – Field Wall
Presented by: Mechanical & Materials Engineering; Dr. Danielle Cote
Discipline(s): 3D Printing, Engineering, Food, Health, STEM, Other
Learn about 3D printing and its application for creating personalized food options.
The Design of Next Generation Materials
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: DCU Club – Center
Presented by: Mechanical & Materials Engineering; Dr. Yu Zhong
Discipline(s): Chemistry, Engineering, Science, STEM
Learn about the research being conducted by my research group (IMPD). Find out the efforts we are taking to design the next generation of materials.
Autonomous Off-road Vehicle Mobility and Space Exploration
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: DCU Club – Field Wall
Presented by: Mechanical & Materials Engineering
Discipline(s): Computer Science, Engineering, Health, Physics, Robots, Science, Space, Technology
Solving the challenges of off-road vehicle mobility, maneuvering, and energy efficiency with direct applications on Earth as well as planetary exploration in space. Systems approaches to payload development for low Earth orbit and deep space travel. Approaches to science sample preservation on the International Space Station (ISS) and Moon/Mars missions.
Autonomous Prosthetic Tongue
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), Adult
Location: DCU Club – Center
Presented by: Mechanical & Materials Engineering
Discipline(s): Biology, Engineering, Science, STEM, Technology
The objective of our team is to innovate, fabricate and test a prosthetic tongue prototype to restore deglutition functionality for oral cancer patients. Through researching existing oral prosthetics, tongue biomechanics and soft robotics applications, we were able to test some designs for possible methods of tongue actuation utilizing solenoids, servos, and air pumps. We will be demonstrating a prosthetic tongue with an EMG sensor, linkage and pulley system within an accurate human jaw resin model.
PHYSICS
Mixing Mastered
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Concourse 1 – Concession Side
Presented by: Physics; Dr. Kun-Ta Wu
Discipline(s): Engineering, Food, Physics, Science
Mixing is everywhere in our everyday life from baking a birthday cake in the kitchen to making a cup of coffee in the morning. Have you wondered how all these mixings work? What is the best way of performing mixing? From the perspective of physics, mixing is a repeated process of stretching and folding. Think about mixing milk to the coffee. You need a spoon to stir the coffee, but what does stirring really mean? When you stir, you create flows and currents in the fluid, which stretches the fluid. Then, the fluid gets chaotic, which folds the fluid onto itself over and over on a tiny scale. Hence, while you were stirring the coffee to blend it with the milk, what you actually did was to stretch and fold the coffee-milk complex fluid until the fluid is uniform.
In this activity, we will demonstrate the essence of mixing through an activity of blending a couple of colored dough balls. You will learn how blending these balls can be accomplished by simply following the fundamental actions of mixing processes repeatedly.
Are Fluids Soft or Hard?
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Concourse 1 – Concession Side
Presented by: Physics; Dr. Kun-Ta Wu
Discipline(s): Engineering, Physics, Science, STEM
Liquid is the material state whose shape depends on the container; on the other hand, solid material has a specific shape that resists the external force-induced deformation. Most of the time, we can tell if the material is liquid or solid by examining its response to external force. However, can you think of a material that can be both liquid and solid at the same time depending on how you interact with the material? In this hands-on activity, we will guide you to make a material that is between liquid and solid. When you gently and slowly poke the material, it is fluid like water but when you poke it hard and fast, it is elastic like a solid material. This material is categorized as a non-Newtonian fluid. In this activity, you will learn how non-Newtonian fluid behaves differently from conventional Newtonian fluid.
Acknowledgement: Kun-Ta Wu acknowledges the support from National Science Foundation (CBET-2045621)
Physics in Motion
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: All Ages
Location: Concourse 2 – Field Side
Presented by: Physics; Dr. Rudra Kafle
Discipline(s): Physics
When objects move in a special environment, their behaviors can be different from what we think. For example, when a magnet moves in a metallic tube, it falls significantly slower than a free fall as if it is defying gravity. We will demonstrate some physical phenomena associated with the objects in motion.
PRE-COLLEGIATE PROGRAMS
DNA Model
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
Location: Shaw’s Deck
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Biology
Learn how to construct an edible DNA model.
Estimation Station
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
Location: Shaw’s Deck
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Mathematics
Take a look and estimate the number in each jar. Compare you answers with another friend or family member. Who will have the highest number of correct answers?
Forensic Chromatography
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Middle School (6-8)
Location: Shaw’s Deck
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Chemistry
At the crime scene earlier today, we found a note written by the perpetrator. Using the ink from this note we can use a process called paper chromatography to determine what type of marker was used to write the note. Come help us become forensic scientists for the day and narrow the list of suspects.
Geodesic Domes
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Plymouth Street
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Engineering
Create a stable structure out of newspaper and Wiffle balls. Make sure your structure isn’t wiggly and won’t fall down. How large a dome can you create?
Geometry
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Elementary School (K-5)
Location: Shaw’s Deck
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Other
Geometric shapes are everywhere around us, from buildings to rockets and even in our own body. Are you able to build your own geometric shapes using only Velcro and craft sticks?
Helicopters
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Plymouth Street
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Aerospace, Engineering
Design a helicopter and use difference payload to see how it flies. Can you make it fly slower or faster? How does it land? This activity will help you understand the aerospace engineering principles in helicopter design.
Kaleidoscopes
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Elementary School (K-5)
Location: Shaw’s Deck
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Other
Build a kaleidoscope and explore how light waves can change the image being viewed.
Life Cycle of a Star
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Shaw’s Deck
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Space
Model the life cycle of a massive star using beads on the end of a bookmark to represent a star’s development. Take your bookmark home and use it when you read more about the stars and the planets.
Skittles Math
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8)
Location: Shaw’s Deck
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Mathematics
Bring some color into your math activities by working through some fun math problems using Skittles as a tool. The Skittles are yours to eat after the activity.
Slime
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Shaw’s Deck
Presented by: Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs; WPI Engineering Ambassadors
Discipline(s): Chemistry
Everyone loves playing with the gooey concoction that is slime, but did you know that it is actually not a liquid or a solid but a non-Newtonian fluid?
PRACTICE POINT
Healthcare Cyberphysical Systems
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: All Ages
Location: Suite 10
Presented by: PracticePoint; Dr. Christopher Nycz
Discipline(s): Engineering, Health, Robots
See how WPI researchers are using robotics to solve challenging problems in healthcare. Learn how robots guided by MRI machines are being used to perform more accurate cancer diagnosis and treatment. See exoskeletons being used to assist individuals suffering from the effects of neurological trauma. Get a hands-on demo of teleoperated surgical robots, including playing operation on the da Vinci Surgical Robot located in the PracticePoint research lab.
ROBOTICS ENGINEERING
Manipulation and Environmental Robotics Lab
Exhibit Type: Other
Ages: All Ages
Location: Suite 9
Presented by: Robotics Engineering; Dr. Berk Calli
Discipline(s): Computer Science, Engineering, Robots, Sustainability
MER Lab conducts research on the use of robots in environmental applications. This includes the design of waste sorting robots for recycling and the development of a robotic ship breaking system. The lab focuses on enhancing the manipulation capabilities of robots, i.e., making them more capable and robust while interacting with the objects in their surroundings. You will have opportunity to learn more about these research projects as well as various future directions and challenges in robotics research.
Meet and Greet Your Future Robot Nurse!
Exhibit Type: Hands-on Exhibit
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), Adult
Location: Suite 8
Presented by: Robotics Engineering; Dr. Zhi Li
Discipline(s): Health, Robots
Please come to meet a mobile humanoid robot nurse (Gopher) and play with the various interesting interfaces to control it.
Planar Mechanism Kinematic Simulator
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12), Adult
Location: DCU Club – Left
Presented by: Robotics Engineering; WPI Graduate Student Alexander Galvan
Discipline(s): Engineering, Mathematics, Robots, Science, STEM, Technology
Planar mechanisms are used in many applications such as windshield wipers, steering linkages in remote controlled cars, and crankshaft piston linkage in an internal combustion engine among many others. There are several steps to designing a planar mechanism. In order to expedite this and to help students learn better, a software called PMKS+ (Planar Mechanism Kinematic Simulator Plus) is being developed. The software can compute kinematics and force analyses. Built-in optimization algorithms allow users to quickly synthesize mechanisms for various real world applications. The designs generated can be viewed in 3D and exported as STL for rapid prototyping and testing.
SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS
Elephant Toothpaste
Exhibit Type: Demonstration
Ages: Elementary (K-5), Middle School (6-8)
Location: WooSox Farm
Presented by: Society of Women Engineers
Discipline(s): Chemistry, Engineering, Science, STEM
Come watch a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide, warm water, and yeast which produces a volcano of foam! Learn more about chemistry and engineering from college students involved with the Society of Women Engineers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
WPI Women’s Impact Network (WIN)
WIN Impact Grants in Action
Exhibit Type: Posters
Ages: All Ages
Location: Located throughout the Park…can you find all five?
Presented by: WPI Women’s Impact Network
Discipline(s): STEM
Learn about WPI’s cool Scientists who have received grants from the Women’s Impact Network (WIN) to advance women in STEM. These Scientists’ grants are in action so science seems accessible and more inclusive.
LEARN MORE ABOUT A FUTURE IN STEM BY VISITING OUR PATHWAY INFORMATION TABLES
PRE-COLLEGE TO ALUMNI
WPI – BOOKSTORE
WPI Bookstore
Location: Suite 1
Presented by: WPI Bookstore
The WPI Bookstore welcomes you to stop by their suite to grab some swag to share your WPI spirit.
WPI – ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
WPI Alumni & Families Welcome Suite
Location: Suite 2
Presented by: WPI Alumni Association
The WPI Alumni Association welcomes you to stop by the alumni suite to learn about alumni programs, grab some swag, and get the latest updates from campus.
WPI – PRE-COLLEGIATE OUTREACH PROGRAMS
WPI Summer and Academic Year Programs – Summer 2022 Back in Person!
Location: DCU Club Level – Elevator
Presented by: WPI Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs
WPI’s Office of Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs offers impactful experiences for elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the school year and over the summer.
If you are a high school student who is enjoying TouchTomorrow, and you would like to continue to explore STEM this summer, visit us to learn about our exciting opportunities! Launch, a one-week introductory program, is geared toward rising 9th and 10th grades; Frontiers, takes the exploration a bit further during its two 2-week residential programs for rising 11th and 12th graders, and Frontiers for Credit is a virtual experience allowing high school juniors and seniors the ability to earn college credit! Visit wpi.edu/academics/pre-collegiate to learn more.
WPI – MASS ACADEMY
Mass Academy
Location: DCU Club – Museum Wall
Presented by: Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science at WPI
The Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science is a tuition-free, co-educational, public school of excellence that enrolls approximately 100 academically accelerated 11th and 12th grade students from Massachusetts. Math and science are emphasized within a comprehensive, interactive academic program. Rigorous junior year classes and senior classes taken at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) prepare students for college academics before they’ve graduated from high school. Learn more about Mass Academy.
Meet current Mass Academy students at their hands-on exhibit and learn about their educational experience while exploring STEM!
WPI UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Apply to WPI for Your Undergraduate Degree
Location: DCU Club Level – Elevator
Presented by: WPI Admissions
WPI is a top-ranked university with more than 50 undergraduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, math, business, and the humanities and arts. A WPI education will enable you to pursue your passions at a world-class research institution with an innovative project-based curriculum where you combine theory and practice. WPI uses the Common App and offers several different options for how, and when, to apply. Early Action I and Early Decision I deadlines are November 1. Early Action 2 and Early Decision 2 applications are due January 15, and the Regular Decision deadline is February 15. To learn more and apply, stop by our table visit wpi.edu/+admissions.
WPI GRADUATE STUDIES
WPI Graduate Programs
Location: DCU Club Level – Elevator
Presented by: WPI Graduate Enrollment
WPI is a world renowned institution for STEM programs. Come find out more about our graduate programs in arts and science, business, engineering, and global programs!
WPI STEM EDUCATION CENTER
The STEM Education Center at WPI
Location: DCU Club – Jersey Wall
Presented by: The STEM Education Center at WPI
A great teacher can spark a love of STEM in future generations of students. Thus, the STEM Education Center is committed to empowering educators with the guidance to lead relevant, integrated, and inclusive STEM learning experiences with their students and communities. To transform STEM education, we collaborate with PK-12 educators through our: undergraduate STEM teacher preparation program, STEM professional development offerings, community engagement, and STEM education research. Our work is informed by current research and by the lived experiences of our students / teachers.