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S.T.A.R. Mentor Form

Cool Science - S.T.A.R. Mentor Signup Form, 27 Sep 2025

This form is for selecting your preference when volunteering to help in this Cool Science Carnival Day, 27 Sep 2025. The IEEE Pikes Peak Section also plans to have follow-up meetings for those interested in deeper dives about the presented topics. They are held on 29 (Mon) Sep and 6 Oct (Mon) from 5 pm to 7 pm. If volunteers are interested in helping out on these days, please use and comment last text block on the form if you want to volunteer during those days as well.

Please select your preferred time(s) to be a S.T.A.R. (STEAM-TEAMS Ambassador for outReach) on Carnival Day, Saturday, September 27. If the checkbox and label appear misaligned, rest assured—your selections are still recorded correctly. If the description appears below the checkbox instead of beside it, that’s a display issue only and won’t affect your sign-up.
Optional: Preparation Meetings for Volunteers and more demos for the public during Carnival Festival (27 Sep - 12 Oct): on, 5 pm - 7 pm). All are held at 21st Century Library, ENT Conference Room, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
You can also contact Dr John Santiago at john.santiago@ieee.org

IEEE S.T.A.R. Mentor Brief

When & Where

  • Event: Cool Science Carnival Day at UCCS (FREE, family STEAM festival)
  • Date/Time: Sat, Sep 27, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Chemistry Magic Show at 9:00 a.m. for early birds) Cool Science
  • Campus: University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), 1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy

Arrival & Check-In

  • Arrive: 8:00–9:00 a.m. for setup.  (I will do this, S.T.A.R. mentors will need just need to arrive on your hour of participation)
  • Check-in location: Exhibitor/Information Table on the University Center (UCTR) Lower Plaza (near KFL on the campus map). Staff/volunteers will guide you from there. Cool Science
  • Parking: All campus lots are FREE on weekends (observe any “No Parking” signs). Cool Science

Our Booth (IEEE Pikes Peak Section)

  • Building/Level: Osborne Center for Science & Engineering (OCSE), 2nd Floor, B-Wing
  • Map note: The exhibitor map set shows OCSE layouts; the 2nd-floor plan includes an “IEEE” label in B-wing—that’s our zone. We’ll confirm the exact table location on arrival. Cool Science

What’s Provided vs. What to Bring

  • Provided: 3 tables, 3 chairs, electricity (per event organizer).
  • Bring:
    • Extension cords and power strips (required for electrical access).
    • Any demo materials, handouts, and signage.
    • Snacks/water (limited pizza/water is planned for exhibitors; plan self-support to avoid delays). Cool Science

Day-Of Operations

  • Foot traffic: Expect several hundred kids at our station; total festival attendance typically ~8,000 throughout the day (weather dependent).
  • Wi-Fi/Cell: Guest Wi-Fi (UCCS-GUEST) is available; cell coverage can be weak inside buildings. Cool Science
  • Scavenger Hunt: If you see an “elephant element” page on our table, keep it visible—kids will ask for it as part of the Periodic Table of the Elephants hunt. Cool Science
  • Sales/Solicitations: Allowed to distribute info about IEEE and events; no sales or donations onsite. (Organizer rule.)
  • Load-out: You may pack up at 4:00 p.m.; volunteers may be limited late afternoon.

Weather Plan

  • Baseline forecast: Sunny, mid-70s; if weather changes, some outdoor stations may be moved indoors (often Gallogly Events Center); most activities are already indoors. We’ll adapt as directed by staff. Cool Science

Roles & Quick Playbook (Mentor Focus)

  • S.T.A.R. = STEAM-TEAMS Ambassadors for Outreach.
  • Engage fast: greet, invite hands-on, offer 30-60s demos, then handoff to the next visitor.
  • Message discipline: “IEEE = engineers improving lives,” “Ask about our local STEAM-TEAMS nights,” and “Sign up for follow-up.”
  • Flow: 1) Greeter/line manager, 2) Demo lead(s), 3) Sign-up + sticker/handout lead.
  • Capture interest: quick QR/sign-up for future STEAM-TEAMS workshops, mentors, and student activities.

Contact, Comms, and Safety

  • On-site lead: John Santiago (cell in signature).
  • If lost: Ask any volunteer at building entrances or the Lower Plaza Info Table for OCSE 2nd-floor B-wing directions. Cool Science
  • Safety: Keep walkways clear; manage cords/tape-downs; sanitize shared items periodically.

Thank you for representing IEEE with professionalism and heart. See you Saturday!

Very Respectfully,
John

—

Reference Links (for mentors)

  • Carnival Day — Attendee Info (hours, parking, maps, info tent): Cool Science
  • Exhibitor Maps (building/room layouts; see OCSE 2nd-floor plan with “IEEE” in B-wing): Cool Science+1

URLs

Please let me know if you have questions.

Registration: 29 Sep or 6 Oct

29 Sep 2025 (Mon) or 6 Oct 2025 (Mon), 5 pm-7pm

The following dates are a continuation of Magnets, Motors, Microcontrollers, and Monster Magic Hands-on demos given on Carnival Day, 27 Sep 2025 involving electromagnets, levitating pencils, AI-robotics, and more! Please register for this event for either 29 Sep 2025 (Mon) or 6 Oct 2025 (Mon). The presentation are the same for both dates, so you need to only select one date that is convenient for you. These meetings will be held at the ENT Conference Room at 21st Century Library, 1775 Chapel Hills Drive, 5 pm - 7 pm.

Sample DEMOS are given below…

Demos will be selected from the following:

IEEE Presents: Magnets, Motors, Microcontrollers & Monster Magic!
‍‍ Where Curiosity Ignites Engineering Futures!

Welcome to a world where science comes alive, robots dance, pencils levitate, and circuits sparkle with creativity! Brought to you by the IEEE Pikes Peak Section and powered by the STEAM-TEAMS Initiative, this special highlight reel invites you behind the scenes of Colorado Springs’ most electrifying family science event—the Cool Science Carnival Day at UCCS (University of Colorado Colorado Springs).

In this 1–2 minute teaser, you’ll witness what makes our booth—Magnets, Motors, Microcontrollers & Monster Magic—a magnet for kids, families, and future innovators.

What to Expect at Our Booth
Three action-packed tables delivering hands-on STEAM learning:

Table 1: Electricity in Action!

  • Levitating pencils
  • Homopolar motors
  • Electromagnet demos
  • Squishy circuits & name circuits
  • Snap circuit builders

Table 2: Physics in Motion!

  • Maxwell’s wheel
  • Gyroscopes
  • Simple machines that spin, tilt, and twist

Table 3: WowWee Robotics!

  • RoboSapiens, Robopets & motion-based toy demos
  • Explore the tech behind dancing bots and real-world robotics

Why Should You Volunteer or Visit?
Because science is more than formulas—it’s FAMILY. This booth is a multi-generational mentorship magnet, with:

  • IEEE Life Members mentoring Young Professionals
  • Young Professionals mentoring university students
  • University students mentoring K–12 students, homeschool families, and future innovators

By volunteering just one hour, you empower others, explore 100+ booths across UCCS, and help bridge the STEM gap in your community.

This Is More Than a Booth. It’s a Movement.
We’re inviting engineers, educators, grandparents, parents, and students to help us build the next generation of thinkers, makers, and dreamers. Whether you’re flipping switches or flipping perspectives, your presence matters.

VISITOR INFORMATION:

27 SEP (SAT, 10 AM – 4 PM AT UCCS) – Carnival Day

29 SEP (Mon, 5 PM – 7 PM at 21st Library, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920)

6 Oct (Mon, 5 PM – 7 PM at 21st Library, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920)

INFORMATION BELOW ARE FOR VOLUNTEERS ONLY AND DOES NOT APPLY TO VISITORS FOR

Help us fill 36 volunteer slots!
1 hour shifts between 10am–6pm. Visit the rest of the festival before or after your shift.

‍‍‍ Bring your kids.
Bring your grandkids.
Bring your stories, your experience, and your smile.

To volunteer, email:
john.santiago@ieee.org
Or visit: https://r5.ieee.org/pikespeak/carnival-day