Date/Time: December 11, 2009 from 2 to 4 pm
Comets are cool. Really! Frozen actually. We are going to build a comet and experiment with it. We will also experience elliptical orbits and comet tails. While we rap about comets, you can make a durable comet to take home. Oh, and of course we need to discover comets in the sky. History of science, women in science, phase changes, how astronomers determine chemical compositions, trajectories, and solar wind can all be discussed today.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Small Numbers
Date/Time: November 20, 2009 from 2 to 4 pm
We explored numbers on the largest scales, now we go to the teeny tiny realm. See the difference between micro and nano, experience exponential notation with negative exponents, and play with tiny numbers. A microscope will be used.
We explored numbers on the largest scales, now we go to the teeny tiny realm. See the difference between micro and nano, experience exponential notation with negative exponents, and play with tiny numbers. A microscope will be used.
Colors and Chromatography
Date/Time: November 13, 2009 from 2-4 pm
Colors are beautiful. Let's combine them, separate them, and study them. Did you know that light color mixtures work differently than paint color mixtures? How do you give color to things like fire and candy? Relevant topics include chromatography, refraction, electron excitation, electromagnetic radiation spectrum, and many other exciting areas.
Colors are beautiful. Let's combine them, separate them, and study them. Did you know that light color mixtures work differently than paint color mixtures? How do you give color to things like fire and candy? Relevant topics include chromatography, refraction, electron excitation, electromagnetic radiation spectrum, and many other exciting areas.
Base 2 and Beyond
Date/time: October 23, 2009 from 2-4 pm
We are going to think like a computer - in base 2! To think like a computer, you need to read right to left, tell the difference between base 2 numbers and "regular" (base 10) numbers, and learn how to count again (with our fingers!). You will probably want to know how to convert from computer brain (base 2) to human brain (base 10) and back so your life is easier. Exponents go along with working in base 2, so a simple introduction will be available to those who wish it. If you are ready to go further, you can move onto octal numbers (base 8).
We are going to think like a computer - in base 2! To think like a computer, you need to read right to left, tell the difference between base 2 numbers and "regular" (base 10) numbers, and learn how to count again (with our fingers!). You will probably want to know how to convert from computer brain (base 2) to human brain (base 10) and back so your life is easier. Exponents go along with working in base 2, so a simple introduction will be available to those who wish it. If you are ready to go further, you can move onto octal numbers (base 8).
Blast Off
Date/Time: October 9, 2009 from 2-4 pm
Let's Rock! I mean Rock-et! Join a real Rocket Scientist to create and set off all sorts of different flying objects. From simple baking soda and vinegar pop rockets to more sophisticated match rockets and rockets which release spend fuel containers, we will have it all. Of course we will explore why these rockets work, measure how far the rockets go, make graphs, and have a blast!
Let's Rock! I mean Rock-et! Join a real Rocket Scientist to create and set off all sorts of different flying objects. From simple baking soda and vinegar pop rockets to more sophisticated match rockets and rockets which release spend fuel containers, we will have it all. Of course we will explore why these rockets work, measure how far the rockets go, make graphs, and have a blast!
Big Numbers, Big World
Date/Time: September 25, 2009 from 2-4 pm
What comes after a million? How many zillions of friends do you have? How many stars are there in the universe? I want to be a trillionaire! Sound familiar?
Come play with big numbers. Learn the names of the number families, discover the simplicity of exponential notation, compare all the big numbers we can think of, and more!
What comes after a million? How many zillions of friends do you have? How many stars are there in the universe? I want to be a trillionaire! Sound familiar?
Come play with big numbers. Learn the names of the number families, discover the simplicity of exponential notation, compare all the big numbers we can think of, and more!
Bubble Fun
Date/time: September 4, 2009 from 2-4 pm
We are going to play with bubbles. The amazing world of bubbles can lead to learning about thin films, the color spectrum, refraction of light, density of air and other gasses, air pressure, surface tension, and more! We, of course, will blow and chase bubbles. Do you already know how to catch a bubble without breaking it (and why it works)? We will attempt to create bubbles out of various liquids and with variously shaped devices. Ever made a non-spherical bubble? Come try to! Last but not least, join us while we freeze bubbles and make bubbles that burn and explode.
We are going to play with bubbles. The amazing world of bubbles can lead to learning about thin films, the color spectrum, refraction of light, density of air and other gasses, air pressure, surface tension, and more! We, of course, will blow and chase bubbles. Do you already know how to catch a bubble without breaking it (and why it works)? We will attempt to create bubbles out of various liquids and with variously shaped devices. Ever made a non-spherical bubble? Come try to! Last but not least, join us while we freeze bubbles and make bubbles that burn and explode.
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