Overview
- Major Topics Explored:
- Basic concepts of motion and balance.
- Introduction to energy (kinetic vs. potential).
- Exploration of light and sound.
- Form Factor of Lab Session:
- Simple hands-on experiments and visual demonstrations.
- Interactive sessions with large, easy-to-understand equipment.
- Encouragement of active participation through play-like activities.
Session 1: Exploring the Microscopic World
- Microscopic World: Use digital microscopes to examine slides of tiny organisms.
- Starch in Leaves: Test leaves to see which parts have been photosynthesizing.
Session 2: Fun with Chemistry
- Elephant Toothpaste: Demonstrate a fun chemical reaction to create foamy toothpaste.
- Fire in Water: Explore sodium’s explosive reaction in a safe and controlled manner.
Session 3: Physics in Action
- Newton’s Cradle: Illustrate the conservation of momentum with swinging spheres.
- Tug of Friction: A hands-on activity to show friction using books.
Session 4: Light and Sound
- Sound Tunnel: Communicate over distance using two parabolic sound domes.
- Reflection and Refraction: Use lasers in water to explore light properties.
Session 5: Nature’s Forces
- Chain Fountain: Observe the fascinating behavior of a chain dropping.
- Wave Machine: Demonstrate how waves travel with a classic wave machine.
Session 6: Creative Patterns
- Spirograph: Create beautiful patterns using simple laws of reflection.
- Chladni Patterns: Use sound vibrations to visualize patterns with sand.
Session 7: Hands-On Exploration
- Levitating Balls: Demonstrate how air pressure can make balls float.
- Augmenting Blocks: Build creative 3D patterns with cubic blocks.
Session 8: Engineering Fun
- Maker’s Space: Collaborate to construct large structures with Jenga-like blocks.
- Domino Chain Reactions: Set up and knock down a chain reaction of dominoes.
Session 9: Light Play
- Balloon Shooting with Laser: Test if lasers can burst balloons.
- Shadowgraphy: Explore light and shadow interaction with classic photography techniques.
Session 10: Student Demonstration Day
- DIY Demonstrations: Students will choose their favorite demonstrations from previous sessions to present to the class, reinforcing their learning and communication skills.