Workshop Plans: DNA Extraction

Next month, I'm doing a workshop for a small Catholic school in WV.  I like to promote inquiry-based instruction. One of the workshop topics is DNA Extraction Lab.  Yes, you can follow the directions as written and perform a decent lab.  Why not make it more inquiry-based?  Let's look at the materials: split peas, salt, alcohol, meat tenderizer, and liquid detergent.  (I know from experience it pays to buy the meat tenderizer fresh.)  I instruct my students to do the DNA extraction according to the instructions.  Then, I ask them to try either different alcohols (or concentrations of alcohols), different detergents, or types of salts.  The kids end up repeating the same basic experiment several times.  The results are determined by the amount of DNA produces.  It's important to vary one factor at a time.  Otherwise, how will you know which factor improved or diminished the results?  Be sure to have the kids record their experiments explaining which factor they changed.  Check to see they keep the measures the same.  Use photos to compare the amount of DNA extracted.

Michael's Camp Creativity Update

Okay, my husband, Rob, and I needed another activity for our favorite six year old, Paul.  We don't want summer to be overprogrammed like school.  It helps to have an activity, especially on Friday.  So, we tried Michael's craft camp again.  Paul didn't want to bring a friend, which I think would
make craft camp more fun.  This morning Michael's was packed!  The craft outing was a last minute decision--too late to pay for the class on-line.  Happily, we could pay in person at the check-out.  The activity leader was practically aphasic.  Not that the projects were all that complicated.  But, a little direction would have been nice. There were two choices: skunk or squirrel.  Paul chose the skunk.  What can I say?  He was in a mood and less than enthused.  It didn't help Rob kept describing the squirrel as a rat. I ended up studying the print-out instructions on the leader's desk, particularly for the skunk. The other participants made the class fun.  Two sisters were at the camp with their five children and made the class much more engaging.  What's the verdict?  I believe we need to bring a friend if we go next week for a third class.  It is an outing; but, the projects still feel underwhelming.  If Rob and I are a little desperate for an outing next week, which I think is likely, we'll try one more class next week.  Here are photos of the completed projects.

More tech!

You all know how much I promote technology for science.  Pasco has an older, hand-held device, called GLX, which is frequently available on eBay for around $100.  The GLX is compatible with the Pasport sensors and collects and displays data.  A manual is available, too.  The GLX is pretty intuitive; if you get stuck, hit the house or home button.  Best if all, it's self-contained.  You won't have to struggle with trying to connect your iPad with Bluetooth to another interface device.  Plug in a senior and start collecting data.  It's another affordable option to add a little technology to your curriculum.

Have you heard of Envirothon?

While we're getting ready for fall, let's talk about opportunities.  Is your young teen a naturalist?  Have you heard of Envirothon?  I've had teams compete.  Home-school teens are welcome!  In an ideal world, Envirothon is a club, sponsored by the local conservation district, with regional, state, and national events.  My best team met after school, took on special seminars from experts, and made it to the state competition.  Now is the time to locate the education specialist at the local conservation district to get more information about Envirothon.  Our community has a web site; many do not.  Don't let that deter you.  Call them up and ask about Envirothon.  The Virginia Envirothon website posts dates and times for events and has a decent description. See the trainings listed?  We had different specialists come to our school: macro-invertebrates, forestry, soils, tracks, fire science, watersheds, etc.  Some topics are part of the competition every year.  Each year, there is one special section with a specific theme requiring a presentation.  If you do decide to compete, check Envirothon websites for different states.  You'll want all the resources you can find in order to compete successfully.  If your teen love nature, try it!

Mad Science!

The County Parks and Rec sponsored a Mad Science show.  As a science teacher, I've been curious about the Mad Science franchise for awhile.  My husband, Rob, our favorite six year old, Paul, and his friend, Cassidy, ten, and I went to see Fire and Ice, one of seven programs available.  To get an idea of the price for a show, a birthday party for 15 children is $229.  If your Co-op wanted to book a program, it would pay to call and see about group rates.  The Mad Science presentation was great!  The science was accurate.  The presenter demonstrated a Whoosh bottle, several dry ice experiments, Lycopodium powder, flash paper, and hydrogen gas filled balloons.  The presenter explained sublimation, and that bromothymol blue was an acid indicator.  The presenter was very entertaining and kept her young audience rapt for an hour.  Very impressive.  We paid $5 each to attend the performance in a large group setting.  If your Co-op is planning a week-long science camp, I would consider offering one of their programs for Friday as a finale.

Wildlife Presentation

My husband, Rob, and I are watching our favorite six year old, Paul, this summer.  Like many of you, we're always on the hunt for worthwhile programs.  The library is a summer staple and ours just hosted a program with the local wildlife center.  We arrived early to claim a reading prize and check-out a fresh pile of books. Last summer, I hosted a science camp with a nature theme.  Anyone can reserve wildlife programs.  If your Co-op is planning a workshop, ask in advance several months in advance.  These programs aren't cheap, often $200 for a 45 minute session.  If you live near a Center, you may consider volunteering, especially if your teen is a naturalist.

Let's Get Organized for Fall! LMS! LMS!

Want a tool to get organized this fall?  Try a learning management system. I've used a wide variety of LMS in schools and at Shepherd University, when I adjuncted a Chemistry class.   Khan Academy has one.  Nicenet is a simple learning management system, which is free.  It allows you to post a syllabus, links, and documents, nothing fancy; your resources are all organized in one place.  I've maintained my Nicenet account because the schools where I taught frequently changed LMS from year to year, resulting in the loss of all that documentation.  Google Classrooms is a tremendous free program.  See if your church would be willing to sponsor your Co-op to gain access.  I used Google Classroom one year and it was an intuitive, productive LMS, that made organizing your notes, assignments, and resources into one location.

New Tech from Pasco!

I've raved over Pasco technology for years.  Their sensors are exceptionally user friendly.  Pasco has a new Airlink Bluetooth device, which eliminates the need for interfaces, such as Sparklink or Airlink2.  Instead, the pasport sensor can be attached to the new Airlink and connect to an iPad through Bluetooth directly, using the Sparkvue app.  Incidently, update the Sparkvue app.  The new Airlink is only $59.  As I've mentioned repeatedly, bid on eBay for the sensors and save.  The new Airlink at $59 makes sense for many home-school Co-ops.

Easy Technology to Adopt this Fall

Yes, I'm still on the topic of technology.  Want another easy way to add some technology to your science curriculum?  Use your TI 84 graphing calculator.  Vernier offers an adapter, called Easylink which connects Vernier probes to the TI 84 graphing calculator.  You can also buy  a temperature probe, called EasyTemp, which connects directly to the calculator.  TI 84 series graphing calculators come preloaded with EasyData.  When you attach a probe, the calculator recognizes the device, open EasyData, and begins collecting the data, which is stored in the Stat files on the calculator.  The Stat files are the rub.  You need to be able to manipulate the data in these files before graphing or doing any analysis.  Many home-school teens use graphing calculators.  If your teen isn't intimidated by the stat files or the clumsy guidebook from Vernier, Easylink is the way to go.

Set the stage for fall science: GLOBE

As long as I'm setting the stage for science classes this summer, I should mention GLOBE, which is sponsored by NASA in the United States.  GLOBE is an international science program with strict data protocols.  Start by reading this introduction to GLOBE.  You need to figure out what it is before determining whether GLOBE is a great program or if you want to start an environmental program.  In many areas, home-schooled students participate in data campaigns.  I found it difficult to locate a workshop and literally spent over two years before traveling over 100 miles for one.  Now, they have an eTraining program.  Anyone can use their protocols.  I use the training modules with kids before taking them out in the field.  Take a look at the Atmosphere Module first.  Elementary aged children like the cloud protocol.  Don't let the number of data sheets and activities overwhelm you.  Try one activity; you don't have to commit to becoming trained or collecting regular data.  Take a look at the K-4 Clouds Storybook, first.  The Cloudscape activity is pretty good for young children.  The Cloud Module eTraining unit is better.  GLOBE has detailed instructions under Cloud Protocols. (Maybe too much.)  This cloud data sheet for one of the Atmosphere investigation is perfect.  The contrail chart and cloud identification chart are both useful and in pdf format.  Try it.

More Technology...

Let's assume you surmounted your fear of new technology and bought a digital temperature probe.  You even downloaded Vernier's Loggerlite software and successfully used the probe.  Yeah!  I remember how heroic I felt, too!  You're ready for more!  Do you have an iPad?  Vernier's competition, Pasco, has terrific probes which link via Bluetooth reliably.  (Okay, I had kids trouble-shoot the Bluetooth connection.  But, I can use it now!)  Pasco software and probes are a bigger investment and also require Sparkvue software and and interface, such as Airlink2.  Pasco has tremendous support. I shop eBay for sensors to save money. This temperature probe is $14.50.  The pH probe is just under $40.  I have been able to buy Airlink interfaces on eBay.  It's much easier to buy probes.  There are gobs of ideas for labs here.

Summer Science! Let's buy a digital thermometer for fall.

While I like to use technology, I'm not an expert.  When I connected our wireless printer to the wifi, I did a victory dance, just like the time I updated the router!  Wooo!  But, I'm serious about incorporating technology into science classes, even for elementary aged children.  Aside from blogs, I like kids to use sensors.  Summer is the time to bid online for sensors.  There are two major companies producing sensors and links for schools: Vernier and Pasco.  Vernier's  Elementary Science equipment includes free software to download to a laptop.  Start with the free Loggerlite software and a GoTemp thermometer sensor.  Connect to the laptop and begin collecting data with these instructions. or this mitten experiment.  GoTemp sensors sell for $39.  I shop eBay and Good Will for sensors.  Ebay has one right now for sale for $19.95.  If you only buy one sensor, make it a thermometer.  Here are a few ideas for your new temperature probe.

1. Calibrate your thermometer.  Is it accurate?  You'll want to calibrate all of your thermometers. (The instructions are from a program, called GLOBE.)
2. Make a thermometer.  You can calibrate it, too.  How does it compare to a spirit thermometer?  If you have an infrared thermometer, compare it, too.
3. Try this experiment measuring temperature and reaction time from Science Buddies.  Science Buddies are a great place to start when you're looking for Science Fair ideas, too.
4. Measure the greenhouse effect.  This is another popular topic for kids.  Be aware that many, many kids do this experiment for Science Fair.  It is a good experiment to try with your new thermometer.
5. How about accuracy and precision? 
6.  Calorimetry from Flinn Scientific is another great way to test your thermometer.  Calorimetry is another popular experiment conducted for Science Fair.  Just bear in mind, that popular experiments have way too much competition.
7.  Reaction in a Bag is one of my favorite labs.  Calcium chloride is the chemical in some drive-way deicers.  Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda.  Home Training Tools carries phenol red, an acid-base indicator.  Incidently, Home Training Tools caters to home-school families.  I order from them all of the time!
8.  Specific Heat and Climate does require a digital scale or balance.  This balance is quite accurate.
9.  Another good topic is Temperature vs Heat.  What's the difference?
10.  This kid's experiment on the effects of temperature on yeast looks like it might be okay for Science Fair. 

My hope is that this list sparks your own ideas for an experiment.  Let's use our new digital temperature probe!

Summer Fun: Gifts to Make

Whew!  We spent the morning painting and modge-podging canvas for Christmas presents.  It's a little more than my husband, Rob, can take.  Paint everywhere!  I tried to confine the activity to the deck, which I'd covered with drop cloths.  We made lollipop ice cream presents and photo canvas gifts.  The kids painted magnets and wood ornaments, along with the door frame, table, and counters.  The photo canvas is an easy project.  I ordered the canvas from Dick Blick, the Modge Podge (Elmer's white glue works, too.), and color prints from Snapfish.  Just glue or modge podge the print to the canvas and cover the print with more Modge Podge or glue.  Let is dry.  You may want to make a frame with Legos or crayons.

Science Fair this Summer!

Science Fair is a tough sell.  I feel that every high school student should compete once.  Why?  Science Fair competitions instill a number of science skills, such as experimental design, and involve public speaking and technical writing.  They also require a tremendous effort to be successful.  Looking for scholarships?  Win at Science Fair.  What spurred this post is an article in the Wall Street Journal regarding cell phone safety.  WSJ's article, Cellphone-Safety Debate Heats Up describes how Dr. Quirino Balzono tested walkie-talkies (similar in the type of radiation emitted) by placing them next to a human skull filled with sugar water and measuring the the water temperature.  When kids are stumped for science fair ideas, I have a list ready.  One popular topic is measuring cell phone radiation.  I had an inexpensive EMF meter I lent to kids.  So let's use cell phone radiation to design an experiment suitable for Science Fair.

Step 1. Select a topic.  Done.  The topic is Cellphone Radiation or Temperature.  We'll determine a catchy title later.  (Brain fry?)
Step 2. Hypothesis.  What do you think is going to happen?  (I'm not a fan of 'if-then' statements.) Keep it simple.  The cell phone will increase the temperature of the test water.  This hypothesis works if you're replicating the original walkie-talkie study.  The cell phone will emit radiation is a good hypothesis is you're using an EMF detector.
Step 3.  Hypothesis.  In Step 2, you determined the alternative hypothesis.  Now, you need a null hypothesis.  For this experiment, the null hypothesis is that the cell phone will not change the temperature of the water or the cell phone will not emit any radiation.  The null hypothesis is the basis for comparison, not what you think will actually happen.  Include both the null and alternative hypotheses in your experiment.

Step 4.  Experimental Design.  Basically, how are you going to set up the experiment?  You have many decisions to make.  Are you going to try something similar to Dr. Balzano's study?
Substitute a  glass bowl of sugar water?  Test the temperature?  Use the EMF detector?  Will you use cell phones?
  What type?  On or off?  Texting, phoning, or gaming?  What about walkie-talkies or iPods?  How
many trials? (In statistics, the minimum is three trials.). If you measure the temperature of a basin of water or the cell phone itself, what type of thermometer do you plan to use?  Digital, infrared, glass?  Set up all kinds of trials and record the results.  Compare cell phone models or model years.  How will you set up controlled variables?  For example, use the same basin for water, with the same volume, at the same initial water temperature.  Another control is to take measurements of all the cell phones or devices on and off.  Maintain the same distances when you measure temperatures or EMF values.

Step 5.  Conduct the trials.  Do the experiment.  Write down the results.  Take photos while
conducting the experiment: the equipment, the people, the actual trials, the cell phones, and photos of the data.  Email these photos to yourself.  This way you have concrete records to use at Science Fair.

Step 6.  Determine the results.  Average the data.  If you used a basin of water, how many degrees did the water temperature rise, if any?  Calculate the mean, median, and mode.  Record the calculations and label them as mean, median, and mode.  If the data is growing too complicated, just calculate the
means or averages.

Step 7. What happened during the experiment?  Write down anything weird.  Was one brand of cell phone especially warm?  Did the EMF detector readings change when the device was on or off?  This is discussion.

Step 8.  Draw conclusions.  Did the results support the alternative or the null hypothesis?  We're the results so varied there are no conclusions?  Chances are, more study is indicated.  Based on your evidence, what do you recommend doing next?

Step 9.  Let's do a little research on this topic.  Start with the Wall Street Journal articles.  Look up
related studies.  Be sure to copy and paste the website addresses to use in your report.  Have five sources.  In your own words, what do these studies indicate?  Do cellphones cause cancer?  (This could be the title.  It's not catchy, though.)

Step 10.  This is the hard part.  You need to assemble a backboard and research paper.  What I have kids do is create a PowerPoint slideshow: Title, Background, Hypotheses, Experimental Design, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and Bibliography.  If they do this on-line, they can insert web pages, play with the fonts, add photos, etc.  It makes it easier to print and assemble into a report and material for the backboard.

Science Fair is a lot of work.  I suggest your teen work on his or her project now.  It will reduce the panic this fall.

Summer Fun: Make More Christmas Gifts!

Usually, this time of the summer, I'm frantically prepping for VBS and summer camps.  But, we just moved to help take care of our favorite six year old, Paul.  So, my time has taken another direction.  I've been looking for fun, meaningful projects that aren't too much like school.  (He does reading and writing!)  Paul and his friend, Cassidy, like projects: a Dum Dum Lollipop Tree, Modge Podge Photo Canvas, and marbled coffee mugs.  (See below.) We decorated canvas bags last week.  Now, we need gifts to fill them and set aside for Christmas.  I have wooden ornaments to paint set aside and plan to load up on original art.  Everyone is going to love their gifts!

Summer Fun: Make Christmas Gifts!

Time seems to stretch in the summer.  Now, is the perfect time to make Christmas presents.  We printed canvas bags with Inkodye to hold presents we're making.  I'll share ideas as we go through the summer.  Today, Paul and his friend, Cassidy, painted bird houses.