2026 Workshops

Baa Baa Brains

Clara McAdams, Outreach Director for Grey Matters Journal.

If you've ever dreamed of a career in medicine or research, this is your chance to gain real-world experience.  We’re diving deep into the anatomy of the brain, identifying the structures and function of the brain on this hands on sheep brain dissection. Come master the tools of the trade and see if you have what it takes to be a future neuroscientist! 

Chocolate Welding???

Bridgette Hannifin, Materials and Welding Manager, Terrapower

Chocolate welding--Learn about how materials engineers design a weld joint and inspect welds for defects, then build your own welded assembly with chocolate.  Along the way learn about careers in nuclear energy. 

Code the Beat: A Python Music Production Workshop

 Microsoft Nuevo Team

Students won't just listen to music—they'll build it from the ground up using Python. By leveraging powerful coding libraries, participants will learn how to sequence rhythms, layer synth melodies, and manipulate audio frequencies through script. It’s the perfect mix of logic and soul.  

Code your own Platformer Game!

 Jacqueline Russell, Program Manager, Microsoft

Join us for a fun workshop where we’ll use MakeCode Arcade to build our very own platformer game.  You’ll learn how to create game assets like a background and sprite characters, and add music and sound effects to your game.  At the end of the workshop, you can play your game on your phone and share with friends and family!

Decode the Scientist Within: From DNA to Discovery!

 Young Women in Biology Seattle team

Ever wondered how science connects from the tiniest cell to the biggest discoveries? In this interactive workshop, participants will step into the shoes of real researchers and healthcare innovators. After a short introduction about curiosity (and a few mistakes!) can build scientific careers, students will jump into hands-on mini-labs that explore the building blocks of life and innovation.

Activities will include extracting DNA from strawberries to visualize the “code” inside every living thing and designing a quick experiment to see how scientists test ideas in the lab. Participants will also explore how the same principles drive breakthroughs in medicine and biotechnology.

We’ll close with an open Q&A on how to start a path into STEM, which high school classes help, and how every question can lead to discovery.

From Forests to Futures: Exploring Environmental Careers in the Pacific Northwest

Veronica Cassone McGowan, Ph.D. . Director, UWB Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement
Environmental Education and Research Center at St. Edward State Park
Senior Research Scientist, Goodlad Institute for Educational Renewal, UW Bothell

What does it really mean to work in the environment—and who gets to do these jobs? In this hands-on workshop, students will explore a wide range of environmental careers rooted in the Pacific Northwest, from forest ecology and salmon restoration to climate science, environmental justice, and urban sustainability. Through interactive activities, real-world scenarios, and small-group problem-solving, students will learn what environmental professionals actually do day-to-day, what skills and pathways lead to these careers, and how their own interests connect to protecting the places they care about. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore!

How Does an Engine Work?

Katherine Hines, Edmonds College Faculty

Come and explore how a 4-stroke engine works.  You will be able to dissemble an engine while learning about its different components and functions. 

How Your Thoughts Shape Your Performance - Sport Psychology

Xeindria Chandran, M.S. Thrive Mental Performance Coach

Who knew a stack of red Solo cups could reveal your secret superpowers? Join us for a fast-paced tower-building competition where the stakes get higher as the towers grow! We’ve all been there—that moment when your heart starts racing, your hands get shaky, and one tiny mistake makes the whole thing come crashing down. In this challenge, you’ll work in teams of three to build the ultimate skyscraper. First, we’ll keep it chill; then, we’re turning up the heat to see how you handle the "pressure cooker."  It’s a fun, low-stress way to show that your brain plays a huge role in how you handle challenges, mistakes, and pressure. 

Journey into real-world STEM careers with Snohomish County such as engineering, environmental science and hydrology. 

Kira Cox, Janice Fahning & Julie Kuntz, Snohomish County Public Works

Civil engineers are the architects of our physical world. When hillsides get shaky or roads need support, they design massive structures to hold back the earth. You’ll step into the role of a Lead Engineer to construct a retaining wall. Using real-world physics and design principles, you’ll build your structure and then put it to the ultimate test. Will your design stand firm, or will it crumble under the pressure?

 How do we know if a river is healthy? We ask the "locals"—specifically, the tiny creatures living under the rocks! Environmental scientists and hydrologists use these "stream bugs" to tell the story of our water quality.  Think you have what it takes to make it from the stream to the ocean and back? Spin the wheel to navigate the real-world obstacles salmon face, from habitat loss to rising temperature.

Learn to Identify Fish Like A Pro and Map the Ocean Like a Spy

Pearl Rojas, Fisheries Biologist, Bethany Riggle, Alexandra Dowlin NOAA team

Ever wonder how scientists know how many fish are in the ocean without catching every single one? Or how they can tell two almost identical fish apart? In this workshop, you’re not just a student—you’re a Marine Detective. You’ll get hands-on with real specimens to crack the "Species Code" and learn how to map the hidden patterns of the ocean.

Marble Run: Think Like an Engineer!

Kelsi Bonner, Outreach Society of Women Engineers PNW Chapter 

Join the Society of Women Engineers PNW Chapter to learn about the engineering process by using provided materials to design and build a marble run to reach the target! Spend time designing your marble run, test it out, and analyze and improve upon your design. This workshop will teach you about the engineering process and how engineers solve problems.

Nursing: So Much More Than You Think
Penny Watridge and Rachel Zheng Edmonds College nursing faculty, Julia Erickson, Edmonds College Program Navigator

This hands-on nursing workshop introduces students to the many career opportunities within nursing while engaging them in a practical learning experience. Participants will practice using a stethoscope to listen to heart, lung, and bowel sounds, demonstrating how nurses apply science, technology, and critical thinking in real-world patient care.

Unlock the code: A Logic & Cipher Challenge

Karen Zukaitis, Community Relations Coordinator, Community Relations WSECU 

Tim’s locked out of his email—and only you can help! Dive into a brain-teasing puzzle to uncover hidden clues, then use a secret cipher to crack the final password. Put your logic, problem-solving, and code-breaking skills to the test in this fast-paced challenge where every move brings you closer to saving the day. Are you ready to think like a puzzle master and help your friend?

What’s that smell? The nose knows!

Reitha S. Weeks, PhD, Scientist and Educator

How well can you smell? We will explore the journey of odors from nose to brain and the connection to memories, mood and taste. You will learn about the chemical molecules behind smells and how small changes can have big effects.  You will test your ability to identify fragrances and learn how AI is being used in the fragrance industry.

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR FRAGRANCE SENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS.

Women in Forensic DNA Testing It’s the X, X Factor

Marcy Yun Wang and Courtney Taylor, Forensic Scientist/DNA Section Crime Labs Division, Washington State Patrol

While not as glamorous as portrayed on TV shows like CSI, the field of forensic science is a great way to apply science towards helping and serving the community. Get a brief introduction on the sources, interpretation, and identification of DNA. Come test your saliva, and see if you can identify a suspect!