By Ken Francis, Staff Writer
About 25 kids from K-8 had fun and learned about science at the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) 4-H Day Camp at the Sherburne County Fairgrounds Thursday.
It was a whole day of experiments, crafts and games, as kids did hands-on projects to learn about how science is used in everyday life.
One project taught kids about simple machines - making a catapult with a skewer and marshmallows.
“After they made their catapult, we had a contest to see who could launch theirs the furthest,” said 4-H Summer Intern Abbie Janorschke.
The kids also made different colored slime, a mixture that is sometimes a solid and sometimes a liquid.
“It glows when you shine it with a black light,” said Janorschke.
During another experiment the younger kids also learned about the relationship between water and polymers. Polyacrylate, a polymer is the absorbant material used in diapers. Water is drawn into and held by the molecules of the polymer.
“They learned how polymers can help with things like droughts and gardening,” said Janorschke.
The whole group did an experiment using PlayDough to create an electrical circuit. The kids formed the PlayDough material into two separate pieces and put a strip of modelling clay in betwen. Then they attached wires with a battery to each end to light an LED bulb. Another popular activity was operating a drone.
Kids learned how to use the controls to navigate the drone through an obstacle course.
In between experiments, the kids played games and had breaks for snacks and lunch.
The day camp was an experience some of them had never had before. But they have an opportunity to take part in even more when day camp continues this week with the Explore & Create Day Camp Tuesday for kids K-2. It’s a day filled with creativity, including shop, crafts, fine arts and food & nutrition.
The next event, for grades 3 and up, Creative Arts Day Camp, takes place Thursday at the fairgrounds. Projects include drawing, painting, leatherworking and more. Kids will learn about the creative process and complete projects they can take home
