Science Day at the U600 high school students to visit University of Utah campus

A girl peers through a microscope during one of University of Utah's 2014 Science Day's workshops.

PHOTO CREDIT: University of Utah College of Science

A girl peers through a microscope during one of University of Utah’s 2014 Science Day’s workshops.

Hundreds of high school students from Utah and nearby states will get an introduction to education and research opportunities at the University of Utah during the 27th annual Science Day at the U on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is hosted by the university’s College of Science and College of Mines and Earth Sciences, in cooperation with the Natural History Museum of Utah.

Science Day is the university’s largest student recruitment event. There is no cost to students, parents or educators. Lunch is provided. High school students may attend simply by registering online at science.utah.edu by Nov. 5.

News media representatives are invited to cover the event in the Olpin Union Building and science buildings on main campus.

Science Day at the U will begin with an opening reception featuring brief comments by Henry S. White, dean of the College of Science, and undergraduate students Elizabeth Fine, a chemistry major, and Colby Judd, a physics major.

Students will attend science workshops in their areas of interest presented by faculty from the College of Science and the College of Mines and Earth Sciences. The following presentations might be of particular interest to news media:

  • 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., “Out of This World Physics Demos,” by assistant professor of physics and astronomy Tabitha Buehler in the James Fletcher Building, Room 101. Buehler will demonstrate physics concepts such as gravity and light waves and show how they relate to astronomy and cosmology.
  • 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., “What can Explosions Teach Us about Energy and Catalysis?” by chemistry professor Tom Richmond in the Henry Eyring Building, Room 2008. Richmond will discuss chemical catalysts and explosives and how they work, including selected demonstrations of explosions. Bring your earplugs!
  • 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., “Human Anatomy,” by biology professor Mark Nielsen in the James Talmage Building, Room 230. Come explore the anatomy of your brain, heart, and other body organs through the use of human cadaver materials. Ideal for students interested in biology, medicine and the health sciences.
A live demonstration during University of Utah's 2014 Science Day.

PHOTO CREDIT: University of Utah College of Science

A live demonstration during University of Utah’s 2014 Science Day.

Science Day at the U attracts more than 600 students, parents and educators from as far north as Soda Springs, Idaho, and as far south as Blanding, Utah. It often is the first experience these students have on a university campus.

“We continue to draw large numbers of students from rural areas in the state – students willing to travel several hours each way to attend Science Day,” said Lisa Batchelder, program manager. “This event is very worthwhile. We are offering 32 workshop sessions that cover a wide range of current research taking place at the U.”

A total of $7,000 in scholarships will be given to selected students during Science Day, including one $1,000 award for student housing in the new Lassonde Studios on campus.

For more information, please contact the College of Science at 801-581-6958 or visit science.utah.edu to obtain a complete schedule of workshops and locations.

Media Contacts

Henry S. Whitedean, College of Science
Office: 801-585-9018

Lisa Batchelderacademic program manager, College of Science
Office: 801-581-3374

Thad Kellingpublic relations, Lassonde Entrepreneur Center
Office: 801-587-8811


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