July 8-12 (Online registration closes June 28. Call 303-492-7188 to register after this date.)
9:30am-1pm
$425
Location: SEEC Building
You may ask yourself, why all the buzz about semiconductors?! Well, in January 2024, CU Boulder hosted a Colorado Semiconductor Workforce and Innovation Forum, bringing together leaders in academia, industry and state and federal agencies to discuss the challenges of, and opportunities for, sustaining and supercharging the state’s robust semiconductor ecosystem—while building workforce. From a piece authored by Heather Hansen: "The importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships was a key theme throughout the forum. Governor Jared Polis told attendees that the gathering of diverse stakeholders showed how important working together is to maintaining and growing the state’s leadership position in the semiconductor industry. 'In Colorado, innovation is very much in our DNA. Our thriving semiconductor ecosystem, from the research side to the production side to the consumer side makes Colorado a national hub in the semiconductor industry,' he said. 'From academia to the private sector to state government, the Colorado semiconductor industry is booming…Colorado’s robust advanced manufacturing ecosystem is truly powering the industries that will shape the future.' Colorado is already a semiconductor powerhouse with a well-established footprint in chip R&D and manufacturing. The state ranks fifth in innovation intensity and boasts 19 semiconductor facilities, including 16 leading R&D and design institutions. Several integrated device manufacturers (chip companies that do both design and manufacturing) have chosen Colorado for design and R&D, including Intel, Micron, Western Digital, Analog and Infineon. And the top four ‘fabless’ firms—companies that develop and hold intellectual property and outsource fabrication—AMD, Broadcom, Nvidia and Qualcom, are in-state."
In a nutshell, the awesome power of today’s computers, phones, and wireless devices are made possible by one very special class of materials: semiconductors! In this course, students will gain an introduction to materials science as we learn the atomic origins of semiconductors’ unique properties. We will unveil the mysterious characteristics of light, and how photons across the electromagnetic spectrum interact with semiconducting materials. Through hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and engineering challenges, students will discover the core workings of powerful modern technologies such as LEDs, lasers, and photovoltaics. Finally, we will explore the future of semiconductors and the endless possibilities of quantum information and renewable energy, with an emphasis on how interested students may enter these fields as scientists and engineers to change the world for the better.
What to Bring: While at Science Discovery, participants are expected to store their personal belongings in their backpack. Space is limited so please limit the number of personal items brought from home. All items should be labeled with the participant’s first and last name in case an item is misplaced. Please have your child bring the following each day:
- A backpack for carrying personal items and any class materials they will be bringing home
- Filled water bottle(s)
- Snacks
- A sack lunch that does not require refrigeration
- Closed-toed shoes
- A hair tie to hold back lengthy hair, if applicable
- All classes spend a portion of each day outside. Please have your child bring clothing appropriate for the daily forecasted weather (jacket, sweatshirt, rain poncho, etc.)
- Optional: A mask or any additional Personal Protective Equipment the child wishes to utilize
Grade Policy: CU Science Discovery serves students in grades K-12. Careful consideration is used to determine grade levels for all camps and classes. To provide the highest quality experience for all participants, it is necessary to adhere to the specified grade range for all camps and classes.
Cancellation and Transfer Policy: Science Discovery has designed its cancellation policy to minimize the number of camp and class spots that are unused due to last-minute cancellations. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 30 days of the start of the camp/class. In the event that a camp/class is cancelled by Science Discovery, registrants will receive a full refund. Transfer requests made up to 30 days prior to the start of a camp/class will incur a $15 administrative fee. Transfer requests made within 30 days of the the start of a camp/class will incur a $35 administrative fee.
CU Boulder employs a framework for public health and COVID-19 decision-making that follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. While masks are optional on the CU Boulder campus, we encourage those who prefer to do so to continue wearing them. Properly fitted N95 or KN95 masks remain an effective tool for preventing transmission, especially in conjunction with vaccination. Students, parents and staff are encouraged to stay home if they are feeling sick or have COVID-like symptoms.
Feeling under the weather? You should begin isolation at home as soon as you:
- Begin to experience symptoms that may be related to COVID-19.
- Receive a positive test result for COVID-19, regardless of whether you have symptoms.
- Have been instructed to isolate by a healthcare provider or public health staff member.
When considering policy changes around COVID-19 transmission prevention, CU Science Discovery will adhere to all campus, county and Public Health guidelines. (Updated January 2024)