Pathways 2025 Workshop Listings
7th Grade Workshops
BRAAAAAINS
Why are zombies hungry all the time? Why do they walk like that? Can they talk? In this workshop, participants will be transformed into budding young neuroscientists studying the relationship between brain structures and behavior. To achieve this understanding, real sheep brains will be used as a model. The team of neuroscientists will have to apply the scientific method to behavioral observations, generate hypotheses about brain function, and test their hypotheses by analyzing functional MRI data.
- Emily Blanke, Ph.D.
- Assistant Teaching Professor in Biology
- Penn State York
BRIDGING THE GAP
Learn about the fundamentals of engineering with a focus on bridge building in this workshop where you will design, build and test your own virtual bridge using West Point’s Bridge Design software. The workshop allows you to get a real life idea of what factors should be taken into consideration when building a bridge including cost, materials, obstacles, length, etc. Let’s see who can build the most stable and cost efficient bridge!
- Alex Baldowski, B.S.
- Civil Engineer
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District
COSMETIC CHEMISTRY
Cosmetics and beauty products are a trillion dollar a year industry. And it is the work of chemists to develop these products including the newest improvements in anti-wrinkle or anti-acne products, the formulation of foundations that better match your skin tones, and longer wearing lipsticks and nail polishes. What does each ingredient do? How do the ingredients all work together? What pigmentations produce the best colors? These are some of the many questions that chemists work through to formulate cosmetics. Come practice your formulation skills and make your own unique color of nail polish.
- Mary Ritchey, M.S.
- Assistant Teaching Professor in Chemistry
- Penn State York
CRACK THE CODE: THE MATH & SCIENCE OF PICTURE-PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn how to snap Instagram-worthy photos and uncover the math and science behind making them shine! In this workshop, Petro shares how creative techniques and practical math power her photography business—from composition and lighting to pricing and profit. Ready to capture wow-worthy shots and business smarts? Let’s go!
- Petronella Lugemwa, B.S., M.A.
- Owner and Principal Photographer
- Petronella Photography
DNA DETECTIVES
Did you know that the complexity of human chromosomes (the stuff from which we are made) reduces to four very simple repeating units? Amazingly, these same four repeating units define the diversity of all life, both plant and animal, on earth. Participants will gain insight into the nature of these DNA building blocks and at the same time learn how scientists and mathematicians isolate, study, and formulate mathematical models to relate the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from different organisms to each other. This workshop will be conducted in the Penn State York biology laboratory, and will be set up as a forensics-style investigation in which students must use DNA statistical information to identify a criminal.
- Robert Farrell, Ph.D.
- Director of Academic Affairs and Professor of Biology
- Penn State York
EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN FOR METEOROLOGISTS
Did you know you can use your artistic talents to learn about weather? Discover the many different clouds that float above us by using your creative skills. Plus, learn how something as ordinary as an egg can help explain a key weather concept!
- Renee Duff, B.S.
- Senior Meteorologist and Hiring Supervisor, Forecasting Operations
- AccuWeather, Inc.
- Stephen K. Lentz, Ph.D.
- Instructor of Meteorology
- Penn State York
GETTING “PHYSICAL” WITH MATH AND SCIENCE
Which math and science courses should I take in high school to prepare for a career as a physical therapist or as an occupational therapist? How will psychology, geometry, anatomy, and physics apply when treating an adult with a total knee replacement or a stroke, a child with spina bifida or difficulties with writing? We’ll answer these questions and help you test your strength, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, balance, and ability to maneuver a manual wheelchair.
- Shannon Kern, B.S., M.S.
- Physical Therapist
- Lincoln Intermediate Unit No.12
- Karen Connolly OTR/L
- School based therapist
- Lincoln Intermediate Unit No. 12
JILL AND THE MAGIC BEANSTALK
Agronomy is the study of crops and soils, and agronomists help farmers grow more food while protecting our natural resources. Put on your agronomist hat in this session with a hands-on case study, where you’ll help a farmer identify problems, find solutions, and make decisions for their soybean crop.
- Heidi Reed, Ph.D.
- Field and Forage Crops Educator
- Penn State Extension/York County
JOIN THE LIZARD ROBOTICS MAZE CHALLENGE
An accident leads to a prosthetic (artificial) knee controlled by a microprocessor. (The central unit of a computer system that performs arithmetic and logic operations). So, it really is like having a robotic leg. Robotics is the future, from self-driving cars to artificial intelligence writing articles and answering your questions. During this workshop, we will split into up to three teams and demonstrate how you can control and program robotic lizards with microprocessors, which will then attempt to go through a maze challenge.
- Lisa Hicks
- Online Marketer
- EcoYork, LLC
- Mark Lane, A.S., B.S.
- President and Owner
- EcoYork, LLC
KICKS & CREATIVITY: EXPLORING THE STEAM BEHIND SNEAKERS NEW
Sneakers are more than just shoes—they’re a cultural phenomenon and a testament to the incredible intersection of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Every stitch, sole, and colorway represents countless innovations, from advanced materials to intricate design engineering. Many of us wear sneakers daily without realizing the STEAM ingenuity that brings them to life. In this workshop, explore how sneakers are designed, engineered, and marketed, while discovering career paths that connect your passions for art, fashion, and science. Then, unleash your creativity by designing your own mini sneaker art project, bringing your unique vision to life.
- Jakyra Simpson, B.S., M.S.
- Master Chemist and Science Communicator
- Ky the Chemist
LEARNING IN VIRTUAL REALITY
Experience the future of education while exploring the wonders of virtual reality. In this hands-on workshop, you will use state-of-the art immersive headsets to explore the capabilities of the technology while learning about a subject in technology.
- Bill Cantor, B.S., M.S.
- Assistant Teaching Professor in Information Sciences and Technology
- Penn State York
MARINE SCIENCE EXPLORATION: HOW IS A SQUID ABLE TO SURVIVE IN THE OCEAN?
Obtain information about an unusual mollusk, the squid, through discussion and dissection. This hands-on lab emphasizes how the form and function of the squid’s basic anatomy helps this efficient predator survive in the ocean.
- Lauren Fauth, M.S., M.Ed.
- School Programs Coordinator
- National Aquarium
MUSIC PRODUCTION AND THE MUSIC BUSINESS
Have you ever wondered what career opportunities exist in the music industry? In this workshop students will get a chance to create music using some of the latest industry level production software and learn about the music industry.
- Peter Bottros, B.S.
- Founder and president of Shine Music Foundation
- Ralph Washington
- World Tour Musician and Producer
- York, Pennsylvania
PAWS, CLAWS, AND STEM CAREERS: EXPLORING VETERINARY MEDICINE NEW
Discover the exciting world of veterinary medicine! Learn what it takes to care for animals, explore the science behind diagnosing and treating medical conditions, and hear about the day-to-day life of a veterinarian and a veterinary technician . This engaging session will highlight the rewarding aspects of veterinary medicine, showcase cutting-edge technologies, and inspire the next generation to pursue their passion for animals and science. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a fulfilling career path in the STEM field!
- Sabrina Walters, B.S., D.V.M.
- Veterinarian
- Patton Veterinary Hospital
SOLVE A MEDICAL MYSTERY
We need your help! We have a medical mystery to solve that centers around the investigation of a puzzling illness. You will work as a medical detective (laboratory scientist) to piece together clues and uncover the true diagnosis. You will learn how symptoms from a patient can be explained and mysteries solved through testing performed in the clinical lab. This workshop includes information about clinical chemistry, immunology, microbiology, immunohematology, and hematology. Become a medical laboratory scientist for the day and see how much fun it can be!
- Melody Botterbusch MLS, SC (ASCP)
- Clinical Instructor
- York Hospital Medical Laboratory Science Program
SPARKLING WITH CHEMISTRY
The science of chemistry governs the breathtaking fireworks display that we see on the fourth of July. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about the chemical composition of sparklers, by examining the compounds that can be used to produce a variety of colorful sparks. They will then apply this knowledge to make and ignite sparklers of their own.
- F. Andrew Landis, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor of Chemistry
- Penn State York
THE SKYS THE LIMIT!
Have you ever looked up to the sky and wondered where is that plane going or perhaps how high is it flying and how fast does it travel? Here’s your opportunity to get those answers while learning the basics of flight. So, fasten your seat belts and prepare for takeoff because we will also simulate the different principles of flying.
- Diana Lugemwa, B.S
- First Officer
- Federal Express
- Kevin Higgins, B.A., USAF Flight Training
- Captain Boeing 787
- American Airlines
- Ryan Higgins, A.S., ATP Flight Training
- First Officer Embraer 145
- Piedmont Airlines
- Irina Ivango, IFS Flight Training
- Flight Attendant and CADET Program
- PSA Airlines
WATERSHED MOMENT!
Group size limit: 25 students
Did you know Pennsylvania has the highest stream density in the continental United States? Water is an amazing resource, and with great power comes great responsibility. Learn about how water travels over the land, how humans impact the health of our water, and how we can use STEAM to improve our water quality!
- Katie Brittingham, B.S. Psycology
- STEAM Educator
- Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
Bees play a critical role here in Pennsylvania, both agriculturally and ecologically: hundreds of different species contribute to the pollination of our crops and wild plants. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore the importance of honey bees and native bees and learn about ways to care for and protect them.
- Kelsey Conlon, B.S.
- Laboratory Technician
- Penn State York
WHEN YOU CAN’T BREATHE NOTHING ELSE MATTERS
Respiratory therapists make a lifetime of difference to those who need help breathing. Join us for a glimpse into a career as a respiratory care practitioner. Learn about the situations that respiratory care practitioners assist with, skills learned in training, career mobility, credentialing, specialty options, and anticipated salary ranges. You’ll also gain a little hands-on experience with respiratory therapy equipment like an Ambu bag, inhaler, spacer, endotracheal tube, trach, nebulizer, oxygen mask, peak flometer, and Incentive spirometer. The importance of keeping your lungs healthy will be included by providing education about tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and vaping and how these devices contain nicotine and other chemicals that can cause harm to healthy lungs and young people.
- Pam Miller, RRT/CTTS/NCTTP
- Tobacco Cessation Educator/Program Coordinator
- Corporate & Community Wellness/CARES Program
- UPMC Memorial