Day 4: Skittle Chromatography & Bird Beak Adaptations

Today the older group conducted an investigation that helped them understand what chromatography is and how it is used.  To do this experiment we had to use Skittles (how unfortunate!) and saline solution (water mixed with salt).  In the second investigation campers made Flubber - a polymer, matter that is neither a solid or a liquid.  The young chemists had quite a blast testing what Flubber is able to do.

Because we have been focusing on chemistry, it was important that today campers realized what matter really is at the molecular level.  To help them understand what atoms and molecules are campers created models of the different molecules we have been using this week utilizing modeling clay.  Campers built water molecules along with alcohol (rubbing), sodium chloride (table salt), a basic carbon molecule found in most solids, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and a fatty acid (found in oils).  Another fun day in the kitchen!

Skittle chromatography lab begins!

Making observations

Building molecules

The younger group focused on adaptations specific to birds among other animals.  First we redefined what an adaption is and campers wrote/illustrated examples of adaptations in their journals.

The young scientists then were tasked to build/make a model of an animal, specifically a bird among others.  They built their animals out of modeling clay.  Campers had to then describe what the adaptation of the animal was and show where it was found on their model.

The young scientists also played a fun game to help them further understand adaptations.  The game consisted of using specific types of bird beaks (cloth pins, toothpicks, and spoons) to "capture" specific types of foods (macaroni, beads, string, etc).  Campers were able to deepen their understanding of how specific types of beaks are designed to be able to catch specific types of foods.  After lunch campers checked in on their living animals and learned more about how feathers are an adaptation for birds.  They then painted their own creations of birds using real feathers glued on to their paintings.  It was a fun yet educational day!