| Junior Einsteins 2008 Session I Photos |
| Monday, June 23, 2004: We started our day by playing buddy tag, a game that requires a lot of control to follow the directions. It also helps us get to know the children well enough to establish working groups for science times later in the week. One of the elements of the game is binocular vision so we took a little break to talk about eye placement for predators and prey and how binocular vision gives depth perception. After snack we investigated some elements of the scientific method, stressing the important difference between observations and what you know. For instance, without opening a bag of Skittles, we can't observe that they taste good, but it might be something we already know. We took some time to discuss some observations of the package before making predictions (hypotheses) about what we would encounter inside. Thus constructing the first three simple steps of the scientific method. |
| Tuesday, June 24, 2007: Today we investigated germ transmission by passing "the fizzies". We also explored some properties of super-absorbent polymers. We discovered that one simple polymer used in baby diapers is so strong that you could let a baby urinate in it more than 6 times before it leaked! |
| Wednesday, June 25, 2007: Today we investigated surface tension by trying to float paperclips and coins on ordinary tap water and blowing bubbles with scientifically designed bubble blowers. We also made some cool bungee egg devices! |
| Thursday, June 26, 2007: Today we worked on more engineering projects. First we studied variables effecting the flight pattern of catapult launched projectiles. We also designed balloon powered planes that we operated on tracks of string mounted to the wall on one side. |
| Friday June 27, 2008: Homework: Bring from home two or three unopened condiment packages. After we identified a packet that would float, we placed it in a bottle of water and squeezed. If we applied enough pressure, the packet would sink. To see what was going on inside the packet (compression of the air inside), we made Cartesian divers with clear pipettes and washers. |
Junior Einsteins Bubble Solution Recipe 4 cups water (tap or distilled) 1/2 cup Joy dish washing liquid 1 ounce glycerin Mix ingredients well and let sit overnight. Use an absorbent bubble wand like we made at camp for best results. |
| Week II Photos are on a separate page to reduce data transfer rates. Click here for Week II Photos |