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Outreach Newsletter 7/31/20 - Issue 4
As the end of summer approaches, we want to share some more virtual science activities and events with you!
- Our campus feature in this issue is The Arboretum at Penn State which is filled with many varieties of plants and animals and is open from dawn to dusk!
- There are also family-friendly, free events to attend in August -- a demonstration webinar by Chemistry Graduate Students is available on the 9th, and AstroFest is back (virtually!) in mid-August! Don't miss these exciting science experiences!
- We hope you enjoy completing a fingerprinting activity provided by one of our Science-U staff members from Forensics. Maybe you can have fun with your own "who done it" mystery after learning more about fingerprints!
- We also reminisce about one of our new programs from Science-U 2019. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy so we can continue with our engaging and educational camps and programs next summer!
- Please feel free to contact us at outreach@science.psu.edu to share any of your at-home science activities!
Stay well,
-The Science Outreach Team
The Arboretum at Penn State
Looking for an outside educational activity for your family? We suggest you visit The Arboretum at Penn State - either virtually or in-person! This 370-acre site combines nature, science and beauty and includes the H.O. Smith Botanical Garden, the Childhood's Gate Children's Garden, several special attractions, and 340 acres of natural lands! The Lotus Pool shown in the attached picture, was a favorite spot for past Science-U campers on a hot summer day! Also, the Arboretum is holding a summer photo contest until the end of August! If you go to explore, please see the visitor policies on the website and stay safe with face-masks and social distancing.
Virtual Scientist Webinar
Are you and your kids looking for things to do during quarantine? Do you want to learn about some fun science demos you can do at home? Then join the Penn State Chemistry Graduate Student Association as they host a webinar on Sunday, August 9th at 2:00 PM. Learn about light, color and bubbles in this first presentation! For more information click on the link below.
Get to Know Your Fingerprint Activity
Forensic scientists use magnifying glasses and computer programs to examine fingerprints, but did you know you can study your own fingerprint using a balloon and some ink? Fingerprints are unique to everyone due to ridge patterns and minutiae, tiny details that make fingerprints special. Click the link below to learn more about fingerprints and to see what yours look like!
Virtual AstroFest is coming!
SAVE THE DATES: AstroFest 2020 will be held online, accessible through a browser, between Thursday, August 13 and Sunday, August 16, 2020. The program will include presentations, virtual telescope viewing, demonstrations, virtual planetarium shows, and explorations of our video game virtual world we use for teaching general education astronomy classes at Penn State. All of the activities will be accompanied by safe, moderated chat rooms where guests can type in questions for a live speaker to answer. The times for the live portions of the program are to be announced, but many of the presentations and activities will be available to the public throughout the event and beyond. We hope to see you and any friends you should want to invite to our free, virtual program in August. More details will be posted as they become available. For more info, check out AstroFest on Facebook or on the website!
Flash Back to Last Summer
Last summer during the final week of July, Science-U offered its first Biotechnology Mini Summer School! This special, 3-day program successfully taught eleven high school students about DNA and cloning techniques in one of the laboratories of the Huck Life Sciences Building. Campers also met Biotechnology students and industry professionals who use biotechnology in their daily work. The goal of this program was to help students learn biotechnology techniques, as well as the applications of these techniques in research and in life situations. Check out last year's BMSS in the video below!
We want to hear from you!
Email us at outreach@science.psu.edu
- If you try an activity in this newsletter, let us know how it went!
- Share nature or experiment photos that you take!
- Let us know what you would like to see in a future newsletter!
Please submit items to be included by August 13, 2020.
By submitting photographs or information to the Office of Science Outreach, we reserve the right to use them in our next electronic newsletter.
