Sparking Science
Did you know that some of the most popular Spark “dream job” requests are in science, technology, engineering, and math? Spark students have explored a variety of cool careers in these fields, from solar energy at White River Solar to botany at Feel the Earth to web development at Activision to genetics at University of California’s Department of Biochemistry!
Since so many Spark students are excited about science, technology, engineering, and math, we wanted to share some fun ways for you to learn more about these subjects, beyond a page in a textbook. Whether you are interested in space, the environment, health, or animals, we’ve got something for you! In our video section, you can learn about President Obama’s Challenge or see what makes a Mento explode! We hope that these resources make you even MORE excited about the amazing opportunities in these career fields!
See what 3 Spark students are learning at one of the biggest tech companies in the Bay Area!
This Spring, three Spark students are exploring technology at Cisco Systems, one of the largest technology companies in the Bay Area.
Meet Grace: Grace is in 7th grade, and she has two passions – fashion and the internet. In her apprenticeship with her mentor Archana, Grace is combining these two interests by creating a fashion website. Through this process, Grace has learned that computer coding determines everything the user sees — from colors to fonts to images. So to show off her fashion designs, she also needs to know the programming that will make her designs look great on her site.
Meet Kevin: Kevin is also in 7th grade, and he loves understanding how machines work. With his mentor Kulin, Kevin has explored wireless technology systems in his apprenticeship. One of the most exciting things he learned was how to disable a computer virus. To do so, Kevin had to understand how computer programs and software are related to make systems like wireless routers function properly.
Meet Javier: Javier is in 8th grade, and he took on an ambitious project with his mentor Shaun. Because Javier’s favorite thing about computers is computer games, the pair decided to build an online game from scratch! Javier learned that many steps are involved in making a game, from planning to designing to programming to troubleshooting. At the end of the experience, he was the author of his very own computer game!
These are just a few of the many amazing projects Spark students are exploring in this field!
Online Resources
- Learn about the science of space at NASA.
- See today's most exciting Smithsonian Institute exhibits.
- Learn about common diseases and how to prevent them.
- Find out about weather, global warming, and other systems in your environment.
- Try one of these experiments right in your own home.
- Discover the answers to everyday scientific mysteries.
- Learn about today's endangered species.
- See what's new at the famous California Academy of Sciences.
- Check out these videos to see all the systems that make the world work.
Videos
- What happens when you put a Mento candy in Diet Coke?
- See what goes in to building a 21st century expedition ship.
- Hear President Obama's science and math challenge for kids today.
Related High School Programs
- Need help improving your science and math skills in school? Check out We Teach Science.
- Through the Stanford RISE program, you can work in an actual research lab in the summer!
- Experience NASA's innovative technologies hands-on through these high school-focused programs.