High School

NSF Center for Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry

At this interactive booth, participants will build their own voltaic pile (one of the earliest types of batteries) using simple, safe materials such as zinc and copper discs and vinegar-soaked pads. Working step-by-step with a facilitator, participants stack alternating metals to create a chemical reaction that produces electrical energy. Participants test their battery by connecting it to an LED or voltmeter, then experiment by adding or removing layers to observe how the voltage changes.

Mt. Everest Academy

We will be sharing about our unique K-12 public school within SDUSD and highlighting our career pathways (Biomedical and IT) through "make and take" hands-on activities and as well as CPR demonstrations, appropriate for all ages. Visitors will make "binary bracelets" by spelling their names using binary code as well as create "pixel art" using pipettes. Additionally, we will have CPR mannequins and phlebotomy arms for both CPR and blood draw demonstrations.

Virtual Nobodies Live

Grit meets gospel in the desert. Virtual Nobodies are an alternative rock band born from the friction between yearning and rebellion, melody and muscle. Helmed by Xavier Valdez and Jeremiah Gray, the duo blends cinematic Americana with modern grit — a detour through the Mojave with nothing but a Telecaster and a prayer. Their sound is both raw and hypnotic: desert blues riffs, vintage swagger, and lyrics that punch like poetry. From dusty highways to neon-soaked dive bars, Virtual Nobodies chan

LPA Design Studios

Our booth is hosting a number of activities that reflect the multiple disciplines represented in LPA Design Studio's integrated design approach. Come interact with architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, landscape architects, and interior designers. Participate in activities highlighting the creativity and problem-solving we encounter on a daily basis. Learn how our commitment to collaboration and inclusion leads to smart, sustainable, and impactful designs.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers hands-on, classroom-friendly STEM activities that make complex scientific ideas tangible and fun. Two popular activities—Strawberry DNA extraction and DNA name bracelets—help students connect molecular biology concepts to real-world applications while practicing scientific thinking, data interpretation, and creative design.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego

The deep sea is the largest habitat on Earth and home to an amazing diversity of animals. Come learn about the biology and ecology of deep-sea animals, which have numerous adaptations to life in the dark (large eyes, cryptic coloration, light organs). This hands-on activity will introduce participants to common deep-sea species (including lanternfishes, dragonfishes, glass squids, and barrel shrimps) and the essential roles these animals play in oceanic food webs and global nutrient cycles.

Acurion

Learn how advances in microscopy, AI, and computational biology allow us to detect critically important cancer biomarkers from a single image. You’ll see first hand how this incredible technology from Acurion works, how it will impact cancer care around the world, and you’ll be able to interact with a prototype to let you discover the power of AI in advanced diagnostics.

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It takes true community spirit and engagement to build a successful Festival Week and momentum to support ongoing programs. Our mission is to provide meaningful year-round STEAM experiences for youth and adults alike in San Diego, and throughout the state of CA through our virtual platform.

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