Each camper received a science journal (which were decorated extensively with science themed stickers). The science journal is where the young scientists are recording their questions, predictions, materials, observations, procedures and conclusions about the investigations they conduct during camp. Writing about science helps children understand that conducting scientific investigations is really an ongoing process that requires critical thinking and attention to detail.
After worship the young scientists jumped into action with the experiments for the day.The campers divided into two (2) groups to conduct their investigations.
The older group's theme for the week is "Small Machines & How Things Work", they began a quest of discovering how things are made and how the laws of physics play a key role in structures and inventions. These scientists worked in teams to build plane models, battery operated morse code machines and the tallest building possible only using straws, dixie cups and paper. For each of these investigations campers utilized their journals as a tool to help them process what they were doing and record observations. The journal also gives them the opportunity to discuss ideas as a team, a theme that is very prominent in the scientific community - COLLABORATION! Developing the understanding of the science behind building things is key throughout this week as well. How tall can a building be before it collapses? Why does it collapse? What is the role of the foundation of a building? Why are the wings of planes in that particular spot of the body of the plane? Why does the tail of the plain stick up? All these are questions that developed naturally as these scientists worked together to make structures that would work.
The younger group's theme for the week is "Water, Water, Everywhere!" They are conducting investigations that will help them understand the properties of water as well as the role water has in life cycles of living things and our climate/world. Because this group is still developing their writing skills campers have the option of using words and/or drawings to describe their observations.T
To start off campers discussed the role of water in plants, each scientist planted a seed that will be observed and watered each day. The young scientists learned how to use a measuring scale to observe the weight of different things studied. They found that the math they have been learning comes very handy as the scale requires counting by 1's, 10's, and 100's to get the most accurate measurement. After planting their seeds, campers observed what happens when saline water is added to a plant leaf, can the salt go through the leaf's outer "skin"? Why or why not? How does water get into the plant? After looking at the role of water in plants, the young scientists moved on to the next long term experiment for the week: The egg experiment! In this experiment the young scientists will be learning the role of water in cells of living things by observing what happens when water goes through the semi-permeable membrane of the egg; osmosis. Scientists had to measure the egg which was then placed in a cup full of vinegar. A few drops of food coloring to the vinegar will help students understand the next phase of the experiment when water is added.
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