Engineering and Innovation Experiences at BSU

The following topics will be discussed in the Weather Works module:

• Physical Computing & Sensor Design – Students build and code temperature, humidity, rain, and light sensors using microcontrollers and breadboards to create a functional mini weather station.
• Data Collection & Analysis – Through the Mission Log and tools like CODAP and Python, students record, analyze, and interpret weather data to validate their prototypes.
• Scientific Communication – Students apply their findings in a final weather report, comparing their local data to Mount Washington Observatory’s conditions.
• Engineering & Problem-Solving – Learners engage in iterative design: testing, troubleshooting, and improving their weather station components to handle “the world’s worst weather.”

A maximum of 24 students can participate, and we require a minimum of 12 participants.

Your visit includes full instruction in a BSU classroom led by trained educators, utilizing Maker Space technology and supplies, as well as a tour of the BSU Maker Space. Schools are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the program. In addition, a space for lunch will be provided, but students are required to bring their own lunches.

Several of our visiting school groups have successfully secured funding from parent-teacher organizations, collected field trip fees from parents, and even obtained small grants to cover expenses.

Yes, the school is responsible for providing at least one school personnel with each visit.

Class visits take place on Fridays, but we are able to accommodate visits on other days, depending on availability. Please visit our calendar to check availability. If a Friday is not available, it will appear as busy. If are are requesting a day other than a Friday, please contact us at casebsu@bridgew.edu to discuss options.

Please note that we typically require at least two weeks' notice when booking a visit to allow adequate time for scheduling, staffing, and program preparation. Dates less than two weeks away may not be available, even if they appear open on the calendar.

Schools should plan to be on campus for approximately 4.5 hours, inclusive of a 30-minute lunch break. Timing is flexible within school hours. If your school requires a shorter visit, please contact us at casebsu@bridgew.edu to discuss options.

CASE offers Interdisciplinary Science Experiences at BSU and Cybersecurity Experiences at BSU. Please contact us at casebsu@bridgew.edu to discuss availability for simultaneous visits to STEM Experiences at BSU.

Students will use microcontrollers, sensors, and coding to design tools that gather, transmit, and analyze environmental data just like real remote weather stations. They will engage in team problem-solving to test and troubleshoot their prototypes against extreme conditions, interpret findings using tools like Python and CODAP, and produce a weather report comparing their data to Mount Washington Observatory.

If either the university or your school experiences a delayed opening or cancellation, your visit will be canceled and will need to be rescheduled. If your school is delayed or canceled, please notify us as soon as possible by emailing us at casebsu@bridgew.edu or calling 508-531-2575, so we can inform our staff promptly. For BSU weather-related updates, visit www.bridgew.edu or call 508-531-1777.

Participation in the program is free of charge. Schools are responsible for arranging and covering transportation to and from the college, and students should bring their own lunches.

*Please note that schools may incur a $100 fee if a scheduled visit is canceled less than two weeks in advance or if fewer than the required minimum of 12 students attend on the day of the visit.