| [Image: Forensic science at science camp] |
| [Image: Science Camp] |
| [Image: Science Camp] |
Science touches our lives in many ways -- in medicine, electronics, military, and textiles, to name a few. To help youth understand how science impacts lives, the Ascension Parish 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology Board held a Science Camp on November 22 at the First United Methodist Church of Gonzales. Over 20 4th through 6th grade students from throughout Ascension Parish participated in a wide variety of science experiments where they learned about science concepts.
The Magic Tricks station, led by Precious Semiens, Lizzy Mars and Sharon Semiens, featured cornstarch suspension and making goopy glueb and bouncy balls. At the Balloons Station, Shawn Fox and Katina Hester used balloons to teach the campers about circuits, static electricity, how to stick a wooden skewer through a balloon without popping it and how to make a balloon fireproof. Chemistry explosions, led by Joy Semien and Alexis Fleming, showed campers what happens when you mix Mentos and Diet Coke and how to make raisin dance. Campers participating in the Energy station, led by Janet and Shawn Fox, made solar ovens out of a Pringles can and common household items. Environment Science, led by Cloe Delmont and Justice Deloch helped campers make a connection between polymers in diapers and farming. DNA, led by Alexis Fleming, Elizabeth Mars, and Chloe Delmont taught the campers how to extract their cheek cells, what makes up DNA and how to perform the DNA dance. Forensics, led by Ashley Reddicks, showed the campers the importance of observation and how to cast a mold of their footprint. The Science Camp ended with a bang with a Volcano demonstration by Joy Semiens.
To find our more about the membership or volunteer opportunities in Ascension Parish 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Board, you can contact the Ascension Parish Extension Office at 225-621-5799 or Katina Hester at khester@agcenter.lsu.edu.
The SET Board is open to any Ascension Parish youth between the ages of 4th through 12th grade who is interested in learning more about science.
Submitted by Shawn Fox, Ascension Parish 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology Reporter.