Manos Science & Engineering Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What is Manos?

Manos Hands-on Science and Engineering Program is an educational supplement targeting Hispanic middle school students. The Program is sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories’ Hispanic Leadership Outreach Committee, Diversity, EEO & AA Services Department, and Albuquerque Public Schools. This program is designed to introduce science and engineering concepts to middle school students and spark their interest in pursuing careers in science and engineering. This program is offered each Spring for students in grades 6th - 8th. Students and parents are encouraged to participate and volunteer.

What is the purpose of the Manos Program?

Develop awareness and pride in accomplishments of Hispanic professionals and inventors. Increase the pool of Hispanic students who pursue engineering and science university degrees. Support the development of a scientific and technically trained student-base with hands-on technology experiences.

What kinds of classes will students take?

• Physics - How does a rocket work and fly? Do you think you can build and fly a rocket? Learn the principles of physics by conducting experiments in: force, mass, energy, friction, momentum, fluids, heat, magnetism and optics.
• Chemistry – How do they make fireworks different colors? What makes bread rise? Is shampoo really “pH balanced” like the commercials say and are all sunscreens the same? How does chemistry help to investigate a crime scene?
• Electronics - What is a component? What is integrated circuitry and how does it work? What makes a computer work? Who is Ohm and what is it? How is the flow of electricity controlled?
• Fun with Math & Money – Can you guess how many Red M&Ms are in a jar? Do you know what PI is? Do you know how to make your money “grow”? How can you visit 50 cities in as little time as possible? This class uses fun games to help you answer these questions and more.
• Computer Design - Have fun with computers. What makes a computer tick and how can you use it? Take a computer apart. Connect to the internet. Use email to communicate with friends. Build your own personal web page for others to see. Program and control a robot to make it do what you want it to. Do a scavenger hunt, dissect a frog and solve problems.
• Robotics - Students learn how to build and program robots and work with LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ KITS. Students will learn how to make robots follow lines, including how to use touch and light sensors. The students will learn about career pathways in high wage, high technology fields. They will also learn about the importance of teamwork in a competitive environment.

Workshops:

Manos provides students the opportunity for early high-tech business involvement with local communities. We inspire young minds through engineering and scientific experiences. Our focus is to increase and promote student academic excellence at the precollege level. Manos nurtures “hands-on” science and engineering experiences primarily for Hispanic students. We work to improve students’ academic rate of success and personal self-esteem. The Manos Program continues to foster and expand awareness of self-respect for the contributions and achievements of Hispanic inventors and scientists. Through interdisciplinary activities, “Great Minds” and “Creative Thinkers” are excited about their future.

What must a student do to participate in the program?

• Students must currently be enrolled in grades 6th through 8th.
• Parents must complete, sign, and return all enclosed documents
  • (Student Code of Conduct and Release & Indemnity Agreement) with Register Online

  • Spanish Language Program Documents: Student Code of Conduct -- Release & Indemnity Agreement Registracion por Computadora

• Students may not begin the program without completed forms. There is no cost to the student for attending the program. Students who need special assistance should call the Program Coordinator at 845-9589 prior to the commencement of the program.

Where is the program held?