STEM & Health Professions
Raider Day Friday, Nov. 3 | 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In this session, we will examine our own cells and compare them to several different types of cancer cells. We will also discuss some of the changes that cells undergo to become cancerous, and the unique characteristics they acquire.

This session is available during Lab Rotation 3.

Whether it’s a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone, computers are a big part of our everyday lives. Many people know how to use the software or apps found on their device, but far fewer people know how to create their own programs. Discover the basics of coding by developing a simple computer game, and find out how coding can have a profound impact on the world around us.

This session is available during Lab Rotation 3.

Knowledge of human anatomy is essential in the preparation for any health-related field. In this lab, you’ll interact with Northwestern’s virtual dissection tables and view real human organs from one of the human donor bodies. The lab will begin with an overview of the functions and features of the 3D anatomy tables that utilize a touch-screen interface to allow students to manipulate a virtual cadaver and view anatomical structures in 3D. You’ll then have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the 3D anatomy tables through guided activities on the virtual table. Students will also view real, human organs and have the chance to hold and inspect them.

This session is available during Lab Rotations 1 and 2.

The Human Performance Lab is equipped with tools to test the physical fitness of the general population and the athletic performance of collegiate and elite athletes. Body composition, aerobic fitness/power, and muscular strength are just a few of the variables of interest to students in this area. Northwestern kinesiology students will demonstrate a body composition analysis with an underwater weighing test, perform a VO ₂ max test with a metabolic cart, and conduct a Wingate test to measure power output. Be ready to test your vertical jump and anaerobic power!

This session is available during Lab Rotations 1 and 2.

Mathematics is a dynamic enterprise that thrives on teamwork and effective communication of ideas. During this session, you’ll tackle problems that require little in the way of a specific mathematical background but much in the way of analytical thinking.

This session is available during Lab Rotation 3.

The nursing simulation center provides a safe environment for nursing students to practice their skills and prepare for actual practice as a nurse. Along with a brief tour of the center, you’ll experience hands-on learning with “Apollo” (a human patient simulator) and several other real-life learning opportunities.

This session is available during all three lab rotations.

Biodiversity is important for human flourishing, and knowing about other creatures helps us to be better caretakers of God's good creation. In this lab, you'll learn how scientists identify plants, explore some unusual plants living in the greenhouse, and participate in succulent propagation.

This session is available during Lab Rotation 1.

We will learn how a publicly available star finder chart or app works like, and watch more zoom-in pictures from the Hubble and James Webb Space telescopes (with narration).

This session is available during Lab Rotation 3.

Engineers are often regarded as “Problem Solvers”. Mechanical and civil engineers build various structures using knowledge from mathematics and sciences. In this Structural Engineering Lab, students will construct a Spaghetti-Marshmallow structure (e.g., a tower or bridge) that satisfies the desired engineering criteria while utilizing limited resources. Then, a brief lecture on associated topics in Engineering Statics, will be given to students in the lab.

This session is available during Lab Rotation 1.

Astrophysicists that found and studied black holes and signals from merging black holes were awarded the Nobel physics prizes in 2017 and 2020. Being exposed to how to find new knowledge and to think critically, are what we find it important for students at Northwestern. We will learn about the scope and topics on undergraduate research in Astrophysics, and how it connects to the students’ career as well as the mission of the College.

This session is available during Lab Rotation 2.

One of the benefits of a chemistry major at Northwestern College is that students have an opportunity to do research alongside a professor. Instead of hearing from our professors, you'll hear from those students, who will share about research they have conducted, things they have learned, and how their research is helping them reach their goals.

This session is available during Lab Rotation 3.

Using a variety of skins, skulls and skeletons from our collections, you’ll explore how different taxa of animals morphologically differ from each other. You will also learn about ecological research opportunities at NWC.

This session is available during Lab Rotation 2.