Student Programs - Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center

Hands-on, minds-on STEM program for students in grades K-6.  We believe Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are all creative, hands-on, and exciting subjects.  Being curious about our world, and worlds beyond are central to the human experience.  It is our hope that all children have the chance to celebrate this basic human instinct and be able to understand and influence the world around them.

If your child is 5 years old before September 1 and is currently enrolled in Kindergarten, he/she is eligible to attend our College for Kids Program. 

Students in grades K-6.

Winter 2024
Saturday, Mornings 9 a.m. - noon.
March  23 and/or April 20
Registration fee:  $15/class

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Class offerings and their descriptions are found on the registration website. For more information or questions concerning classes or registration, please contact the Seaborg Center at  (906) 227-2002. 

Each year, approximately 300 students from throughout the Upper Peninsula compete in 46 different Science Olympiad events. More than 100 volunteers make this event possible. Science Olympiad competitions have been sponsored by the Glenn T. Seaborg Center Mathematics and Science Center at Northern Michigan University since 1987.

• Region 1 Tournament Date:  February 24, 2024 (backup date March 16) 
• Michigan Science Olympiad Team Registration Deadline:  December 16, 2022.
• Register a Team

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®)  Mission: Inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting Mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. If you are interested in starting a team or becoming a coach, please visit the FIRST in Michigan website.

2023 FIRST Lego League Challenge Qualifier - Upper elementary school FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams will compete and qualify to attend the FLL Challenge State Tournament.  More information about this event can be found here.

Date:  Saturday, December 2, 2023
Location:  Northern Michigan University
Cost:  $75.00 per team

2024 FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff - High School teams will gather and view the video challenge "Charged Up" presented by Haas.  Teams attending this event will receive their kit of parts following the presentation. 

Date:  Saturday, January 6, 2024
Time:  11:30 a.m.
Location:  Seaborg Center, Northern Michigan University.

More details will be posted to the FIRST Robotics Kickoff web page as the event approaches. 

• High School students are invited to apply for this free, academic cybersecurity, two-week residential camp on the campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI.  Camp includes a series of topics explored in a pre-camp virtual setting in April and May.  
• On June 16, 2024, accepted students will start the face-to-face portion of the camp, where they will have a chance to stay in a residence hall while learning about cybersecurity topics during the day and enjoying recreational activities in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula in the evenings. 
• Following the two-week face-to-face camp, students will again have the opportunity to explore a final series of virtual activities.
• This camp covers all necessary fees and transportation associated with field experiences and will use the facilities and technology of Northern Michigan University. The camp is free to accepted applicants thanks to the GenCyber Grant through the National Security Agency. 

Who:  Students enrolled in 8th - 12th grade during the 2023-24 school year.
When:  April-May - virtual setting | June 16-28, 2024 - residential camp.
Cost:  Free
Application deadline:  February 16  | Flier

College for Kids Jr.

Grades K-6
June 24-28 & July 8-12
Classes are offered mornings & afternoons

Hands-on, minds-on STEM classes.  Featuring LEGO robotics, Coding Camp, Mission: Space, Design and Create, and other STEM-related topics.  A complete listing of classes and descriptions is included in the registration.

Registration begins on April 2, 2024.

Morning classes 9 am - 12 pm. 
Lunch Bunch (optional) 12 - 1 pm.  Bring your lunch, supervision is provided. 
Afternoon classes 1 - 4 pm.

Registration fee:  $75 per class, $10 per week for lunch supervision.   

College for Kids 

Grades 7-8
June 24-28 &  July 8-12
Classes are offered in the mornings

College and career STEM exploration classes featuring visits to local business and industry partners in our community.  A complete listing of classes and descriptions is included in the registration.

Registration begins on April 2, 2024.

Morning classes 9 am - 12 pm. 
Lunch Bunch (optional) 12 - 1 pm.  Bring your lunch, supervision is provided. 
Afternoon classes 1 - 4 pm.

Registration fee:  $75 per class, $10 per week for lunch supervision.   

Discover the rewards and joys of teaching!  High School students are invited to join us for the first annual, week-long summer Future Educator Academy to explore becoming a professional educator!  Participants will gain hands-on experience working with elementary students in partnership with NMU's College for Kids program, while also learning about child development, principles of effective teaching, and creating exciting learning experiences.  Teambuilding activities, personal well-being training, enjoying campus activities, and evening adventures will add to the fun during the week.  Come and be a part of shaping the future of Education! Registration fee for this camp covers all costs associated with campus housing, meals, and transportation associated with field experiences.

Registration fee for this camp covers all costs associated with campus housing, meals, and transportation associated with field experiences.  

Date:  July 7-13, 2024.  
Grades:  9th - 12th grade during the 2023-24 academic year.
Registration price:  $499  |  Registration increases to $599 on June 1.

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High school students are invited to join us for this unique, week-long summer camp to explore the scenic vistas and natural resources of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!  Participants will experience first-hand how scientists incorporate technology and field research to study the changing environment by utilizing the facilities and technology of Northern Michigan University. Campers will participate in campus activities and field experiences while learning about a wide variety of environmental topics.

Registration fee for this camp covers all costs associated with campus housing, meals, and transportation associated with field experiences.  

Date:  July 21-27, 2024
Grades:  Sophmore - Senior during the 2023-24 academic year.
Registration price:  $699  |  Registration increases to $799 on June 1.

Learn more here.

Explore exciting cybersecurity career opportunities with multiple hands-on activities and career information sessions throughout the day.  

• Auto Hacking
• Password Cracking
• Pi-Top Programming
• Micro:bits
• Capture the Flag
• Lock Picking
• and more!

Date: November 2, 2023
Time:  9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST
Who:  Combination of students in grades 9-12th and teachers.*
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Cost:  Free  |  Lunch is provided
Location:  NMU Northern Center

*Note:  High school students are welcome to attend YooperCon '23 with a registered teacher from their school. 

This event is sponsored by the Upper Peninsula Cyber Institute, Cybersecurity Marshall Plan, and the MiSTEM Network.

For more information about this event contact:  Michael Sauer, Director of the UPCI
Email:  upcyber@nmu.edu   |   Phone:  906-227-1265.

Children Ages 5-10 are invited to sign up with an adult for a fun-filled morning of outdoor exploration while learning about fossils, paleontology, and orienteering.  

Activities will include:

• Scavenger hunt for Fossils using a compass
• Dino Dig and assembly of a dinosaur skeleton
• Local experts sharing information on related topics

Hosted by the Moosewood Nature Center and Partners

2023 dates TBD
9:30 am-Noon
Moosewood Nature Center, Presque Isle Park, Marquette
$20/Family

Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult at the event.

STARLAB offers the ideal solution for local schools that wish to familiarize students with astronomy. An inflated structure 16 feet across and 11 feet high, STARLAB can accommodate up to 25 students.