This was my last week with Region 15 Clover University. We wrapped up Iowa, Johnson, and Washington #CloverU camps with Messy Science Sensations.
62 pre-kindergarten to first grade campers explored slime, bubbling lava lamps, alka seltzer, food coloring dispersed in milk, and elephant tooth paste.
What is elephant tooth paste you ask!?
Peroxide, food coloring, hot water, dish soap, and yeast. Adding the yeast last creates the peroxide to rise and pour out the top in a “toothpaste” like manner. The kids loved this experiment. One asked if he could try brushing his teeth with it. 😉
Let me tell you! 62 five year old campers have loads and loads of energy. If only I was a kid again…
Oh trust me… I got my fair share of experiments and fun in this week. Here is my marshmallow tower that I built in Iowa County (reminiscing on the good ol’days when I was at camp haha).
I asked the kids at the end of the day if they liked science and if they could see it as something they continued to explore. Many of the campers agreed they have a love for discovery.
Where is that point in our lives when we get to busy to experiment with our curiosity. Where does it transition from fun to work?
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) based curriculum encourages students to be open minded as they enter all levels of school. Making it more fun and interesting to all ages. I have seen the goals of STEM in action and I am completely on board with the missions of 4-H and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
I have enjoyed getting to work with all three counties. I have a lot of respect for those who work with students. Each camper has a unique personality and background that they bring to the day camps. It is rewarding to watch an idea click and to see learning take place.
Starting next week I will begin Washington Summer Day Camps. Be sure to stay tuned for Bug Mania, Parachute, Oceans Deep, and Babysitting updates.
