Below are videos showing three things we are going to try, among many others, in the April camp coming up. I cannot wait to give all of these a shot. The robot toothbrush animals will be designed and fully created by each camper. After designing them we will all be able to build our very own and test them on special tracks outside. After some trial and error, designs can be modified to improve directional headings, stability and speed. Ultimately we will race them down the tracks and prove out that the design process and some "stick-to-it" attitude really does work. Got to love science!
We will also make our very own batteries that really light a bulb. You can see that this can be completed by properly cleaning some old pennies (we will do this with ketchup, steel wool, and some elbow grease), and stacking them alternately with strips of zinc. Throw in a some electrolyte pads (made of felt, vinegar and salt) and presto....instant battery. We can test larger stacks for increased power with a voltmeter. This will be a real challenge but one I am sure we can conquer.
Weathervanes are fun to make and are very reliable in determining and showing wind direction. These can be easily made from scratch with just a few simple supplies including plastic cups, pencils, pins, construction paper, picnic plates and a little bit of clay. Once we manufacture these in the lab we will test them out in-house with our powerful fan and then take them out to the field to give them nature's test.
We will also make our very own batteries that really light a bulb. You can see that this can be completed by properly cleaning some old pennies (we will do this with ketchup, steel wool, and some elbow grease), and stacking them alternately with strips of zinc. Throw in a some electrolyte pads (made of felt, vinegar and salt) and presto....instant battery. We can test larger stacks for increased power with a voltmeter. This will be a real challenge but one I am sure we can conquer.
Weathervanes are fun to make and are very reliable in determining and showing wind direction. These can be easily made from scratch with just a few simple supplies including plastic cups, pencils, pins, construction paper, picnic plates and a little bit of clay. Once we manufacture these in the lab we will test them out in-house with our powerful fan and then take them out to the field to give them nature's test.