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Science & Engineering
Animal Kingdom: The Nature of Change Ancient horses
were only 12 inches tall and had a relatively short head and neck. Why
are living things on Earth today different from the living things of
the past? How and why does change happen? We will investigate the
history of life on Earth and scientists' best explanation of the
changes to life-- the theory of evolution. Examine actual pre-historic
horse fossils, and analyze the geologic time line. Then explore the
mechanisms of evolution: natural selection, adaptation and mutation.Archeology: Uncovering the PastThrough the eyes of an archeologist, the world can be seen as a collection of time capsules. People who lived 1,000 years ago, 200 years ago, and even 50 years ago have left clues about their lives buried underground. This class will explore how archaeologists use science, math, and history in their excavations and laboratory work to uncover information about our collective past. You will have a chance to analyze artifacts and interpret clues from an archaeological excavation to tell a story.
Arthropods: Insects, Scorpions and SpidersExplore the strange and fascinating world of Arthropods, including trilobites (now extinct) , insects such as bees and ants, crustaceans such as crabs, and arachnids such as spiders and scorpions.
During our week together, we will build cladograms to discover how Arthropods are related, compare the similarities and differences among the different Classes through comparative anatomy dissections, and explore the behaviors of two Classes of extant (living) species.
Dinosauria Walk with the dinosaurs as we go on an expedition to the Mesozoic era and find out how paleontologists use the clues from the past to bring these beasts to life. Learn how we can tell what a dinosaur looked like and who its closest relatives were from the re-mineralization of their bones. Discover how can we interpret from a walkway what type of animal was there, if it was walking or running, how tall it stood, or if it was stalking prey. Explore how paleontologist excavate a dig site and how fossils are extracted from the earth.
Garbage and StuffToday’s garbage can be tomorrow’s treasure or…still garbage. We’ll look at archaeological treasures from Oregon middens and the gems that we are leaving for future generations. How does our “consumer society” compare to other societies and civilizations through time in disposing of trash and what does this bode for the future? We’ll experiment with consumer packaging, dissolving and degrading some through biological and chemical processes, explore sustainable living options and discover how to re-use materials in new ways.
LEGO Robotics: Mission MarsOne of the best ways to explore a planet is to send a robot.
Rapid prototyping...remote sensing...here’s your chance to design solutions to practical problems the way professional engineers do—with talent and teamwork.
Your team will work together to construct a robot that will explore a simulated Mars’ surface. Red Rover Mars explorer robots are constructed from Lego sensors, electronic brains and motors. Your robot will use its sensors to determine where it is; its brain to decide what it will do next; and its motors to move and explore the Mars’ terrain..
Microbiology: The Beginning of LifeBacteria are the most ancient of all living things. Investigate the invisible world of microorganisms and gain an understanding of the origins of life on earth by hopping on board the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Science). We’ll learn about microscopic organisms that existed 2.8 billion years ago and then learn and practice laboratory techniques to grow newer organisms. Some glow in the dark, some swim and many exist where other life forms cannot.
Science & RobotsUsing Vernier sensors and Lego
Mindstorm robots, explore the world around you as you conduct a variety
of inquiry-based science labs. The class performs experiments in
physical science while being introduced to the scientific process and
robotics. You will build and program LEGO robots to carry out
experiments in physics and engineering, then graph and analyze your
data.
Sustainable CitiesFlying carpets and star trek transporters are not as weird and wonderful as the technology currently available to build a sustainable city. Students will put on their city planner hats and design a no-impact city using alternative energies, building styles and smart layout. They’ll try out their lawmaking skills in setting up the rules of conduct for their city. They’ll build a 3-D representation of their city to bring their ideas to life.
World’s Greatest InventionsThroughout history there have been inventions that have changed the world. From the wheel to the computer, learn how creative thinkers made ground breaking products, and how early inventions like transistors laid the groundwork for modern technology like laptops and iPods. Investigate how money and even the number zero were invented. As you dive into the thinking behind these inventions you will learn about design, engineering, and the evolution of modern science. Who knows—maybe the next big idea will be yours!
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