MondayFirst day of camp on a perfect summer day. Campers were very excited to see friends and make new friends to start the day. As our focus for the week is on water, we spent the morning discussing what we already know about water and learning why water is important, where we find it, and where it comes from. To better understand where water comes from and how it cycles through the environment, groups made models to examine the water cycle through simple use of the sun, evaporation, condensation, and perception. We also discussed why water is important to not only humans, but also animals and plants. Students selected a seed type (broccoli or radish) to germinate over the course of the week; at the end of the week, seeds will be planted to continue growing.
TuesdayDay two of camp began our focus on engineering challenges: penny boats and water rockets. Boats of all varieties are important for enjoyment, transportation, movement of goods, etc. But how do they work? In this challenged, we examined how boats are designed to move or displace water to be able to float. Students designed boats using tinfoil to hold as many pennies as possible, without sinking. It was clear in our testing which design types were most effective: those with flat bottoms made of only one sheet of tin foil. Our afternoon challenge focused on rockets (appropriate as Blue Origin launched their rocket today). By using water and pressure as a propellent, campers designed rockets using soda bottles in attempt to launch as high as possible.
WednesdayRockets were a success! Although maybe not as high as Blue Origin, our rockets were much safer with their water propellant and bike pump. After launch, we discussed how pressure builds in the soda bottles with the water providing thrust to launch. Our afternoon challenged was a complete 180 from launching items and instead focused on protecting falling objects; specifically, campers built contraptions to protect water balloons that were dropped from the track bleachers. Designs were very creative, ranging from modified parachutes to cushioned cups and boxes. Observing the creativity and imagination as how to best protect their balloons was awesome!
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ThursdayThursday started with one of Einstein Camp's favorite activities: the build it challenge. From a group, campers pick one student to be the observer. This camper's job is to observe a structure built of random items and tell all other group members who to build it, without touching any of the supplies. It is actually very challenging and surprisingly fun for everyone. Our morning water content focused on learning about the structure of water by building models using marshmallows and gummy bears. A new engineering challenge introduced this year also involved marshmallows and spaghetti: build the tallest tower that supports a mallow without falling over. We had a wide variety of designs with lots of success. Our afternoon challenge used the idea of stored energy to launch objects, specifically water balloons. Student groups designed their own catapults after examining the science behind them. The catapults were tested for accuracy and distance using a target.
FridayOur last day of camp was one of the best. We spent the morning applying our learning of how water "sticks together" (adhesion, cohesion, hydrogen bonding) as well as the principle of surface tension by testing the number of drops that could be placed on a penny without spilling over; the record was 88! Campers also investigated how different types of liquids (salt water, vinegar, soda, soapy water) influenced and affected these principles. Before our pizza lunch, campers planted their seed sprouts they had been growing and observing all week in home made containers made of soda bottles. The top portion contains the plants, soil and a base layer or rock with a cloth wick that extends to the lower portion, holding water. Applying the same water principles, water, once added to the lower portion, will be pulled up into the rock and soil by adhesion and cohesion to feed the plant. Our sunny afternoon was spent enjoying the nice weather and new friends with lots of water balloons. We all had a great week and hope to see everyone back next summer! Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your vacation,
Mr. King & Mr. Rott |