On February 21st, we held an Electricity and Power Workshop where students explored how energy works. We started the day by defining electricity as the flow of tiny particles called electrons that move in waves. The students learned about the three main parts of an atom: protons, neutrons, and electrons. We talked about how atoms get an electrical charge when they gain or lose these electrons. To make this easier to understand, we compared an electric circuit to a water pump. Just like a pump pushes water through a pipe, a battery pushes electrons through a wire.

We used real-world examples to see electricity in action. The group learned that lightning forms when warm air and cold ice trade electrons until a giant spark jumps to the ground. We also did a hands-on activity called the Magic Butterfly. Students rubbed balloons on their hair to create static electricity. They then held the balloon over a paper butterfly, which caused the wings to flap and fly up toward the balloon. We even proved that the human body can carry electricity. Everyone stood in a large circle and held hands. When the last two people touched a special energy stick, it lit up and made noise because the electricity traveled through every person in the circle.

Next, we talked about the difference between conductors and insulators. Conductors are materials like metal that let electricity flow easily. Insulators are materials like rubber or plastic that stop electricity from moving. We also highlighted Dr. Lisa Su, an important woman in STEM. She is a famous engineer who helps design the powerful computer chips that make our laptops and game consoles work.

The workshop also covered power and renewable energy. The students learned that some energy sources like oil and coal are non-renewable, which means they can run out. Other sources like wind, sun, and water are renewable and do not run out. We looked at how the energy from fast-running water can be turned into power for our homes. For a design challenge, teams worked together to help a student named Alysa. Her family could not drive her to school, so the teams drew special vehicles that used clean energy like solar panels or wind fans to get her there safely.

After a snack break, we focused on building our own simple circuits. A circuit needs a battery for power, wires for a path, and a light bulb or LED to shine. We learned about resistors, which are tiny parts that slow down the electricity so the light does not get too much power and burn out. We also talked about transformers, which are the big boxes on power poles or the blocks on your charger that make electricity safe for our devices. To end the day, everyone made their own LED lanterns. We used copper tape as the "wires" and stuck them onto paper with a small battery and a light.
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Overall,it was a great day of learning how the world stays powered up. We hope you see you at our next workshop on March 21st!

​On January 31st, we hosted our Genetics Workshop at the San Diego Public Library. Our participants learned about genetic material (DNA), the processes of Transcription and Translation, genes, and traits. After highlighting two acclaimed women who have undoubtedly contributed to the field of Genetic studies, Barbara McClintock and Rosalind Franklin, our participants partook in 4 different activities.

During our first activity, participants created DNA bracelets. This activity reinforced the topic of base pairs, complementary nucleotides within a DNA strand. They were given two pieces of string, representing two strands of DNA, and were to tie both of them together at one end. Each participant received a paper displaying a gene’s nucleotide sequence, represented by colors, and used colored beads to replicate the sequence onto one strand of the bracelet. Participants then applied their knowledge of base pairing to form the other side of the bracelet with colored beads. 

Our second activity was Strawberry DNA Extraction. Participants were individually given one strawberry inside a plastic bag, two plastic cups(one with a solution of soap, water, and salt, and one empty), a coffee filter, and a paper that included the instructions. This activity spurred up much excitement and anticipation from the participants! Although this activity was a bit messy from the girls crushing strawberries to allow their cells to break open and release their DNA, it was ultimately a huge success with them isolating the DNA and being able to pick up the strawberry’s DNA with a spoon! One participant energetically said, “It’s easier to grab strawberry DNA than I thought!”

Next, our third activity was tasting PTC Paper. Following a lesson about traits that included the topics of genotypes and phenotypes, recessive and dominant alleles, and punnet squares, participants were given a PTC paper to test their own traits! With a drastic range of having the ability to taste the bitterness of the paper and not, the girls got to compare and discuss how traits work. They all received gummy worms to enjoy and cleanse their taste buds if the PTC Paper taste was too strong!

Finally, but certainly not least, our last activity was our Alien Genetics Activity. Participants were to apply what they learned about genes to create a custom Alien baby. This taught them how to determine genotypes and phenotypes and challenged all their knowledge from the entire workshop. While determining what genotype an alien would receive, a participant said, “It’s interesting how the dominant trait takes over the recessive trait!” Participants created various unique aliens that ranged from having one to two eyes, and two to four arms! 

Overall, our participants had a lot of fun exploring genetics! Our next workshop is on Electricity and Power on February 21, hosted at Mission Valley Library. Hope to see you all there!