HFN Youth Science Camp 2009
Science Camp 2009 was held at the Hupacasath House of Gathering August 17-21. It was an awesome week filled with fun and learning. Day one was all about chemistry. Safety is always first so the day started with a lesson on safety. Afterwards it was chemistry and more chemistry. The kids learned about chemical reactions and how to identify when it is a chemical or physical change. They made gooey space slime in their choice colour. Right before their eyes, as they stirred, the two liquids turned into slime. They even cleaned pennies without touching them and made their own chalk.
Day two was just as exciting with a flight and space theme. The kids designed their own flying machines then made all sorts of paper planes and a paper helicopter. They learned and played a game about thrust, drag, boost and gravity. For the grand finale of day two they each made their own rockets and launched some of them up and beyond the tops of the trees.
Wednesday was the day to study natural science. They looked at all sorts of birds and built a bird feeder that they decorated. They learned about scent trails and tested out their own noses. A high energy game of predator and prey was also played and it taught the kids how food chains work and the extreme importance of all animals even the ones at the bottom.
Thursday morning the kids finished up the nature theme by dissecting owl pellets. They loved finding little bones and other bits and pieces. Thursday continued on with the theme of engineering in science. They built a large dome clubhouse out of nothing more than newspaper and tape. They made mini catapults and tested their aim at the buckets. To finish up the day they built and painted block puzzles which were shapes they had to put together into cubes. Friday was the last day and had the theme of scene of the crime. The kids learned about finger prints and identified what type of finger print they had. Later everyone put on lipstick to figure out what lip patterns and lines they have.
Friday ended with a lunch for the kids and parents. During lunch each youth was presented with a Mad Science certificate, a group photo and an individual photo. Thank you so much to Carolina and Mad Science for making this week a success as well as the New Relationship Trust who funded this program.