Super Science Night
April 10, 2025 6:00 - 8:00 pm @ Marengo
Registration Required
FREE timed preregistration is REQUIRED to ensure there's space for everyone. Register using the link below or at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/marengo-elementary-pta-supe-143022
There will be a TACO TRUCK with pre-order available. All food order proceeds will go to the Class of 2026.
CLASSROOM SESSIONS
Germs Are Not From Germany! - Dr. Andreas Gille
Ever wondered where germs really come from — or what they even are? In this hands-on session, we’ll dive into the hidden world of bacteria and viruses, bust some common myths, and explore how germs spread (and how you can stop them!). Come ready to think like a scientist and get a little grossed out — in a fun way!
Andreas Gille is a scientist and biotech leader with over 15 years of experience developing medicines to treat cardiometabolic and genetic diseases. Trained in medicine and pharmacology, he’s worked across Europe, Australia, and the U.S. Andreas is also a local parent who’s passionate about sharing the wonder (and weirdness) of science with curious young minds.
The Shape of Numbers: How Numbers Reveal the World's Secret Patterns! - Sophie Wang
Did you know that numbers are like superheroes that help us uncover the hidden patterns of the world? When we measure things, numbers don’t just sit there. They come alive to show us amazing patterns!
In this fun and interactive session, we’ll explore how numbers can capture the world’s secrets and reveal them in cool ways. We’ll measure, count, and play with real-life examples to see how numbers group together to tell us stories about nature, people, and even the universe!
Join us to become a Number Detective and discover how numbers shape the way we see the world!
Sophie Wang is a data scientist who’s spent 15+ years wrangling numbers to help make movie magic happen in Hollywood—from script to screen. As a proud Marengo parent, Sophie loves getting curious young minds excited about numbers, coding, and engineering—and proving that math is a superpower.
Why Science! - Garrett White
Play with sensory illusions to demonstrate a lack of reliability. We'll intuitively explore the philosophical concept of Emptiness to understand how the number line fixes this reliability problem. Finally, we'll explore the scientific process by looking at interesting real world applications of this powerful process.
Garret White is a lifelong learner who has primarily worked in EEG (Brain Waves) but also in chemistry and physics labs.
Oral Health: How to take care of your teeth and your jaw! - Dr. Azadeh Ahmadieh
We all do our best to have a great oral hygiene, and brush our teeth multiple times during the day! However, do you know if you brush your teeth correctly? What type of toothbrush do you use? Do you use a dental floss? How do you floss, and how often? We use our jaws frequently to eat or talk. Are you taking good care of your jaws? Please join us to discuss all of these topics, and get a chance of practice flossing and brushing on the manikin!
Dr. Azadeh Ahmadieh is a dentist and an Associate Professor at USC School of Dentistry. Her specialty is in managing TMJ pain and oral lesions. She is very passionate about teaching! She is a local parent and excited to share her knowledge on oral hygiene and healthy TMJ with lovely kids at Marengo and their parents.
Clean The Air We Breathe! - Anna McCool & Dr. Kristin Rose
During the Eaton Canyon Fire this past January, we were inundated with wildfire smoke here in South Pasadena. This yucky, poisonous air is unsafe for us to breathe. Did you know- you can build something called a Corsi-Rosenthal Box, which is a wonder at cleaning the air in your home or office? Learn all about indoor air purification, for everything from allergies and viruses to wildfire smoke, and how you can apply it in your own life!
Anna McCool is a writer, local pizza kit maker, and mother to Vivian McCool (4th). She became passionate about clean indoor air during 2021, when learning about long-term practical solutions for the Covid pandemic.
Dr. Kristin Rose is a marketer with a background in cancer biology, genetics, and translational medicine. She's mom to Harrison (2nd) and Karys Motes (4th), and knows that clean indoor air is where "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Life of a Satellite: Episode 2! - Helen Chuang
The satellites are back! We will repeat some lessons from last year, but also learn many new cool facts about satellites and space. Hear about the incredibly small "CubeSats", amazing archeological discoveries made by satellites, and how Southern California is a prominent hub for space technologies. I look forward to seeing the new space scientists coming out of the Super Science Night!
Dr. Chuang is currently the Chief Technologist for her business unit at Northrop Grumman Space Systems. In her role, she scouts for cool new technologies for space payloads so it’s never boring!
Rain, Rain! Where does all the water go? - Jack Husted
Where does rainwater go after it falls from the sky? Join us as we explore California’s water system and how engineers manage stormwater to prevent flooding and provide the water we drink. We’ll take a closer look at the urban water cycle, how groundwater and surface water resources are managed, and current trends in climate and water supplies. Plus, we’ll get hands-on with a working watershed model to see how water moves through the environment!
Jack Husted is a Civil Engineer with Los Angeles County Public Works, where he designs and manages projects to improve water infrastructure. His work focuses on protecting communities from floods, optimizing water resources, protecting the environment, and preparing for emergencies. As a proud Marengo parent, he loves sharing his passion for science and engineering at Science Night!
IN THE AUDITORIUM
Static Electricity is Shocking!
Did you know invisible forces are all around you? Static electricity makes your hair stand up, creates tiny lightning bolts, and even makes crackling sounds! Rub a balloon on your head or shuffle your feet on carpet—zap! Let’s learn fun and safe way to generate a static electricity.
Dr. Irene Yeh is an Electrostatic Engineer at NASA JPL. She enjoys problem-solving like putting together a giant puzzle—zapping through challenges, sparking new ideas, and energizing curiosity into exciting innovation. That’s her superpower, illuminating challenges into endless possibilities.
The Eye and Optics
Learn about the parts of the eye using a three-dimensional model; find the blind spot in your own vision; create images using different lenses.
Beth Snowden-Ifft is an optometrist who has been practicing for 27 years. When seeing patients, she likes to explain how the eye works. Dan Snowden-Ifft has been teaching Physics at Occidental College for 28 years. Beth and Dan live across the street from the Marengo, and both of their children attended Marengo and graduated from South Pasadena High School.
The Chemistry of Color
Did you know that colors are very dynamic? Chemistry almost looks like magic when you see colors changing via chemical reactions, or when colors are separated using chromatography techniques. We will be demonstrating some of these colorful chemistry experiments!
The Reisman Group at the California Institute of Technology is an organic chemistry lab led by Prof. Sarah Reisman. The overall goal of the group is to discover and develop new reactions and apply these for the synthesis of natural products. Emily and Nathan are two graduate students working in this lab, who will show their passion for chemistry during the Marengo Science Night.
The Central Nervous System 101
Come with questions or just your curious selves, and let’s have fun with the brain!
Judy Wong performs neurosurgery (surgery on the brain and spine) for both adults and children. She loves the central nervous system and is so excited to share the passion with Marengo Lions!
FREE timed preregistration is REQUIRED to ensure there's space for everyone. Register using the link below or at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/marengo-elementary-pta-supe-143022
There will be a taco truck with pre-order available.