Friday, August 11, 2017

Friday, August 4th,2017

      Our final day of the workshop we explored magnetism and electricity. We started by understanding the structure of the atom and how to read the periodic table. We built models of atoms based on their parts. Next we explored the properties of magnetism. We identified the three elements that have magnetic properties and discovered that all three elements appear next to each other on the periodic chart. We then used our magnets to classify materials that interact with magnets. We solved the mystery of the Canadian nickels and why some appear to interact with magnets and others don't.
we then explored magnetic fields with iron filings. We even made a magnetic field that resembled the fermi symbol of a quadrupole.
      Next we explored static electricity and discovered that a humid day in August is not the best time to conduct static electricity demos. Then we moved on to current electricity, direct current.  Kelly led a demo using energy stick that help demonstrate a circuit. Participants then made their own circuits by designing a schematic drawing first then constructing a circuit using LED s and three volt batteries.
       Next we took a field trip to Wilson Hall and met two scientists / engineers to discuss their jobs and how they became involved in science.   (Jessica Esquivel and Alyssa Miller)
        After lunch Kelly led the group in several activities to sum up the week long workshop and to review resource sites that are available to the participants. Amanda Early explained how to sign up for field trips to The Lederman Science Center, which only workshop participants and their classes are eligible for.
































Thursday, August 10, 2017

Thursday, August 3rd

 Today, our fourth day of the workshop,  we explored periodic motion . This led us to investigations in vibrating objects and sound energy. We used our ramp and roller systems to explore the concept of frequency of periodic motion. We also made pendulum systems to explore which variable had the greatest affect on the frequency of a pendulum system.  Later in the day we made sqwaukers and measured the volume in decibels using a sound meter.  We used a door Harp, tuning forks and water as well as pop bottles and water to explore vibrating systems. We went outside and used our wind tubes and a duel pendulum system that is part of the outside fermilab playground exhibit. 
     Participants then used their aquired knowledge of sound energy to devise string phones that could use vibrating systems to communicate over a distance. Then we used white butcher paper to create visible sound waves on paper that represented a change in pitch or volume.
      We concluded our day by taking a field trip to the magnet  facility to take a tour with engineer  Dave Harding who explained how magnets to bend and focus the beam are produced.