科學實驗營

During this multi-day science camp, we will experiment with Biology (plants/leaves), Chemistry (pH and protein denaturation), Physics (pendulums), Genetics (DNA extraction), and Weather (water cycle).  Please see the learner supply list tab below.  (Depending on how the experiments run, there is a possibility the lab may run over. Please keep that in mind for plans after the session.)

Day 1:  Biology
Prior to class, the students should collect leaves from their area.  We will begin by setting up our experiments first. While our experiments are running, we will discuss plant structure, discuss what the leaf structure tells us about the plant and share our collected leaves to support what we learned.  From our experiments, we will learn about the function of plant stems and what pigments are within leaves. Finally, we will play a plant trivia game. 

Day 2:  Chemistry
We will start by making a pH indicator. Then, I will give a brief review of pH and protein structure.  Next, we will determine whether our reagents are acidic, basic, or neutral.  Then, we will use these reagents with egg whites to see what they do to the protein.  Finally, we will discuss our results and play a chemistry trivia game. 

Day 3:  Physics
I will give a brief lecture about pendulums.  We will set up our pendulums in a doorway or similar area, then make observations and calculations.  Finally, we will discuss what we observed and play a trivia game. 

Day 4:  Genetics
I will have a brief introduction lecture describing the cell and where DNA is located.  We will also review DNA structure.  The learners will crush or puree strawberries before adding commonly available household items to extract DNA.  We will conclude with a discussion about our observations and a trivia game. 

Day 5:  Weather 
We will discuss and try to recreate the water cycle.  Next, we will talk about the sky and experiment to visualize air taking up space.  Then, we will play a trivia game with what we learned.  Finally, we will end with a review of what we learned during the week. 

Please note that since this is a lab class, if we do not meet minimum enrollment the week's session will be canceled.