Science & Art Saturdays

These labs, workshops and interactive tours are taught by Randolph College professors and professional experts from the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College.

• All sessions are free and are open to all high school students. 
• Each session starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about 2 hours.
• Space is limited.
• Registration for each session closes at noon the day before the session.
  
• Please note that each student needs to have their own email address in order to register. For example, if two siblings want to attend, then we need two different emails.
• Please call Joy McGrath at 434.485.8032 if you have any questions about the registration process.

Sign Up Now

• Browse the course description list below.
• Click the “register” link for each session you wish to attend.
• Got questions? sciencesaturdays@randolphcollege.edu

Wrapping, Folding, Geometry, and Topology

September 3, 2022
Marc Ordower, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Register

Come see what amazing things you can do with math!

Groundwater Contamination

September 10, 2022
Sarah Sojka, Associate Professor of Enviromental Studies and Physics
Register

We use water to generate electricity, drink, clean, and much more. Given the importance of water, understanding water quality is crucial. In this lab, we will use biological and chemical techniques to examine local water samples and explore why water quality varies among the samples.

Art and Activism

September 17, 2022
Lesley Shipley, Assistant Professor of Art History
Register

Art and Activism with Professor Lesley Shipley

Assume or Presume: The Use of Presumptive Testing in Forensic Chemistry

October 1, 2022
Ann Fabirkiewicz, Professor of Chemistry
Register

Often in forensic work there is a need for a quick and simple test in the field to determine if a substance is a cause for concern (or arrest!).  Using simple, over the counter medications as examples, we will look at the chemical basis for some tests, then use them in the lab to identify an unknown white powder.

Behind the Scenes at the Maier

October 8, 2022
Debbie Spanich, Museum Registrar, Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College
Register

Behind the Scenes at the Maier with museum registrar Debbie Spanich

Protein Folding with Matlab

October 22, 2022
Katrin Schenk, Associate Professor of Physics
Register

In this session we will learn a bit of Matlab programming to visualize real protein folding data!

Outbreak! Using DNA Forensics to Identify Viral Strains

October 29, 2022
Amanda Rumore, Professor of Biology
Register

Did you know that scientists have even developed specific methods which allows them to extract and analyze DNA from even a single cell? In this session you will have the chance to extract DNA from your own cells and learn how to use a web-based program to analyze DNA sequences.

Robocode Programming

November 5, 2022
Jia Wan, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Register

You will develop a robot battle tank to fight against other tanks using programming in Java.

Painting En Plein Air

November 12, 2022
Dan Shipley,
Register

Painting En Plein Air with artist Dan Shipley

Meterology & Physics of Atmospheric Phenomena

November 19, 2022
Karin Warren, Professor of Environmental Science
Register

Sky watchers know the view above our heads is filled with extraordinary things—rainbows and double rainbows, ice crystal haloes, aurorae, and clouds of astounding variety. We’ll explore some meteorology and physics behind a variety of atmospheric phenomena, and learn when, where, and how to keep our eyes on the skies to spot them.

The Science of Illusions

November 26, 2022
Blair Gross, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Register

Have you ever wondered how your minds see and hear the world around us? In this class we will explore a variety of mind-blowing visual and taste illusions that teach us the inner workings of how our perceptual systems construct our experiences of the world around us.

Focus on the Annual

December 3, 2022
Laura McManus, Curator of Education, Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College
Cancelled

Focus on the Annual with Laura McManus

The Psychology and Physiology of Sport

December 10, 2022
Meghan Halbrook, Professor of Sports & Exercise Studies
Carolyn Sarson, Professor of Sport & Exercise Studies
Register

Learn about the physical and mental aspects needed in order to be successful in a sport performance environment. A number of hands-on, challenging activities will be presented for practical learning opportunities.