If you've noticed that we're finally beginning to post news articles, there's a reason, and his name is Joshua Dearborn. Josh joined Cool Science in May as our new communications and social media intern, and as you can see (he's the big guy- we really need to get a better photo) he's also been getting his hands pretty "dirty" learning about our hands-on science programs we do by pitching in himself to help young students make ice cream and learn about science. Josh just graduated from UCCS with a BA in English (Rhetoric) but would eventually like to become a science journalist, so this is an ideal opportunity for him. He'll be writing more blog articles and newsletters, as well as posting on all our social media channels. We certainly think he's a perfect fit for us! If you have a question for Josh, or just want to say hello to welcome him, leave a comment below. -posted by Marc
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On July 17th, Cool Science did a builders’ workshop for pre-teens. The kids had the chance to make balloon hovercrafts and learn about the engineering behind large-scale hovercrafts with their own smaller models. They also made marshmallow catapults, where they discovered the physics behind the ancient military weapon.
The hovercrafts were built from a single balloon, one CD, glue, and a PVC pipe. Tiny holes are poked in the tape covering the opening in the middle of the CD, and the PVC pipe attaches the balloon to the top of the CD so air slowly escapes out the bottom. This provides the CD with the ability to “glide” over flat surfaces. The catapults are made from a wooden piece of 2x4, a couple wooden dowels, rubber bands, a paint stick, and of course a paper cup to hold the marshmallow ammunition. Not only were they fun to build, everyone had a blast playing with them. (Check out a video from our YouTube channel below) It was an epic showdown as the kids and adults launched marshmallows and piloted their hovercrafts in races! -posted by Joshua On June 28th, Cool Science visited the Colorado National Guard Youth Summer Camp program. The pre-teens watched demonstrations of liquid nitrogen at -320°F, which exhibits some really bizarre properties.
They were amazed at how liquid nitrogen instantly flash boils when it touches human skin due to the extreme temperature difference. The gas created by the boiling lifts the remaining liquid and levitates it like a little hover board so that the droplets roll off the skin without harm. After the show the campers made their own ice cream and Dippin’ Dots with the super cool nitrogen. It was clear from the day’s activities that many of the kids were fascinated by the science behind simple physical processes like boiling, freezing, evaporation and condensation, and best of all they got to learn about the science in fun and interesting ways. Who doesn’t enjoy science when it results in delicious ice cream! -posted by Joshua |