Afterschool with VMNH

2011-12-30T14:52:00.025-05:00

VMNH educators had a wonderful time working with our afterschool partners this year! With the support of the LEGO Children's Fund, we provided science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming to over 500 students over the course of two semesters!!

Take a look at some of our delightfully fun experiences. Enjoy!

Exploring the properties of water - mixing water and soap.

Measuring a bubble tower with a ruler.

Investigating the interaction of water and antacid tablets.

Anticipating launching our antacid tablet bottle rockets!

Designing our layout before building a rainforest tree.

Working together to build the tallest tree we can imagine!

Combining our trees to discover the layers of the tropical rainforest.

Designing the perfect parachute that will travel to the ground at the slowest time.

Displaying the finished product!

What a Drag!

2011-10-19T14:05:00.015-04:00

Fieldale Community Center participants were challenged to use several common materials such as coffee filters, tissue paper, and straws to design and build a parachute that would drop a toy to the ground at the slowest possible rate. Also, participants discovered the importance of drag (a force that counters gravity) and how it affects landing time.

Next, we discussed different shapes of parachutes. Then, they sketched their designs and were given 10 minutes to construct the parachute.

After testing the parachutes, participants were asked to change one aspect of their parachute that would increase the landing time.

An example of the final product!

Adventures with Edventures

2011-09-22T12:09:00.016-04:00

Fieldale Community Center participants explored mechanical engineering and the engineering design process through building with LEGOs. Over the course of four days, students investigated simple machines and discovered how simple machines make life easier.

Searching for simple machines in a cartoon.

Concentrating to build the perfect brick flipper (also known a lever).

After completing the brick flipper, the students were challenged to modify the lever to launch a Lego the farthest possible distance.

Building an inclined plane.

Making last minute changes to a cart and cart launcher before the race begins!

Design It!

2011-08-10T13:09:00.019-04:00

Campers at the Fieldale Community Center investigated the world of engineering in this design-inspired camp! Civil engineering was the theme of the week as students were given several structural challenges that tested their ingenuity and problem solving skills.

Students visited Fieldale Park to observe the truss bridge before creating their own bridge from a single sheet of paper.

Using two bricks, a sheet of paper, and several pennies, students explored different folding methods to test the strength of their paper bridge.

Who knew marshmallows and toothpicks could be combined to form a sturdy structure?

Clearly, drinking straws are used for more than drinking!

The week culminated with the students designing and building amusement park rides.

Nature Photographs

2011-07-26T10:48:00.000-04:00

Students from the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center explored Frank Wilson Park with VMNH on July 20th. As part of their week-long Photography theme, they participated in several photo-related nature activities. They acted as photographer and camera to view elements of the park ecology more closely, they reviewed their life science while completing a nature photo scaventer hunt with their cell phones, and they created framed artwork with materials from nature.

Photographers take nature photos with their human cameras

Getting a close-up with their cell phone cameras

They found a conifer!

This tree needed a hug

Frame complete, now for the art

Framed Nature Art

She found a dead butterfly in the leaves, a beautiful swallowtail

Design and Dig!

2011-07-26T10:07:00.000-04:00

The MHC After 3 group from Collinsville participated in VMNH led programs the week of July 5 - 8. They learned about plants, gardening, and the importance of community green spaces. For the last two days of the camp, they chose a site for a new garden at Jack Dalton Park (they decided on two small gardens), prepared the sites, chose the flowers, designed the gardens, planted, mulched, and sweat a lot in the heat! Henry County Parks and Recreation assisted with site options and loaned some shovels, and Gateway Streetscapes worked along-side the kids the whole time and also let us use some of their equipment. Next time you're at Jack Dalton park, check out the new garden next to the walking trail.

Breaking Ground

Digging in to remove the grass where the garden would go

Adding a Butterfly Bush

Planting some perrenials

A hard-working group!

The whole group with one of the completed gardens

And a little goofiness

Walk This Way!

2011-05-20T12:22:00.019-04:00

Students at the Boys & Girls Club and Fieldale Community Center discovered the world of orienteering with VMNH educators.

First, the students created a compass rose using paper plates. As they designed their compass rose, each student labeled the cardinal directions and assigned an angle to each direction.

Next, using Play-doh to create mountains, students explored and discovered the importance of topographic maps. Creating the mountains helped students draw their own topographic map, which allowed them to understand elevation.

They measured the height of their mountain and divided it into 1 cm increments and placed its sections on a sheet of paper, outlining the perimeter of each section (starting from the top of the mountain to the bottom of the mountain) which allowed them to create their own topographical map.

Lastly, students worked individually or were divided into groups to hide treasure. Putting their orienteering skills to the test, each group was instructed to use bearings, degrees, pace and a compass to find the hidden treasure as well as incorporate prior knowledge and experience based on past lessons from the VMNH educator.

Adventures in Science!

2011-04-08T16:41:00.021-04:00

Inquisitive YMCA participants at a local elementary school discovered "Science is for Everyone!" through an After-School Science Plus activity where they were instructed to imagine a scientist and draw that image. The drawings lead to a discussion about common stereotypes assigned to scientists (i.e. bald, wears lab coat, male, works in a lab) and how those stereotypes can discourage others from exploring careers in science.

Next, students followed some of the scientific process skills such as making predictions, testing their ideas, recording data and drawing conclusions to discover which items sink and which items float. After testing each item, participants explored the concept of density.

Art Math

2011-02-04T13:13:00.019-05:00

Who knew math could be fun? Participants at the Bassett Community Center investigated art created by M.C. Escher and Piet Mondrian to explore the connection between art and math.

Although he explored different methods of art throughout his career, Escher is most famous for his mathematical designs that showcased tessellations and symmetry. Students discovered that symmetry is not only the mirror image of an object but that symmetry also occurs when the position of an object is changed without changing the shape of the object (i.e. rotational symmetry).

Students compared the artistic styles of Mondrian and Escher and discovered that Mondrian's art is abstract while Escher's art used shapes that are easily recognizable. Also, Mondrian incorporated asymmetry and Neoplasticism (using horizontal and vertical lines and primary colors) into his art.

2010-12-17T16:22:00.018-05:00

Participants at the Boys & Girls Club and the Collinsville YMCA discovered the world of Rube Goldberg contraptions. A noted cartoonist, Goldberg created complicated solutions to complete simple tasks. During the first two sessions, students worked in groups to build simple machines using Legos. On the last day, students traded their Legos for everyday materials found around their home to build their very own Goldberg-inspired contraption.

After a brief review of simple machines, students identified simple machines in cartoons.

Next, students built a lever and discovered its three components (fulcrum, effort, and load).

Using the lever, students participated in a Lego flipping contest.

Then students were given the task of building an inclined plane and use accompanying items to get a ball into a cup. This was harder than they thought!

The students were divided into groups and assigned a simple machine to build with common household items or other responsibilities such as figuring out how to connect the simple machines and how to start the chain reaction. After the simple machines were built, all of the machines were combined to form one large contraption.

What 's Science Without a Mess?!?!

2010-09-24T13:50:00.008-04:00

With school back in full swing, students found some fun in science at the MHC After 3 sites, and they even managed to get a little messy too! A little spoiled milk never hurt anyone, and the kids found that to be true as they soured milk in just 5 minutes. The milk was mixed with acetic acid (vinegar) and everyone watched as the mixture slowly turned into curds and whey right before their very eyes.

But from every mess, art can be found somewhere. Some fresh milk was added to bowls and everyone got to color their milk with food coloring drops. They then found out what happens to milk proteins when you mix it with detergent...it explodes! Not the big kaboom, but the colors danced and swirled as the soap mixed with the milk.
They learned what happens when proteins mix with soap...they start breaking down.

To end the day, we made some elephant toothpaste by mixing yeast, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. It made one big mess!

Back to After-School!

2010-09-10T16:57:00.001-04:00

MHC After 3 is back in session for Henry County students! The kids at the Bassett Community Center enjoyed their afternoon exploring chemical reactions.

They first did an activity where they "became" chemical elements, gathered into groups (which became their chemical compound formulas). They pretended to all have a chemical reaction, which caused them to rearrange in to new compounds. This showed them how all the elements after the reaction were still there in the same amounts (this balance is called equillibrium), however they were arranged differently.

They did two experiments involving the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar, which looks like this:

Acetic Acid + Sodium Bicarbonate ----> Carbonic Acid -------> Water + Carbon Dioxide

CH3COOH + NaHCO3 ----> H2CO3 -------> H2O + CO2

The carbon dioxide that's created in the reaction caused a balloon to blow up in the first experiment.

Then we used the reaction to shoot off a cork rocket.

It was very intense!
The students then talked about other chemical reactions they've seen in action, and also which ones take place in front of us every day!
They were so excited about these activities, we didn't have time to make elephant toothpaste! They'll have to wait until the next science session to find out what chemical reaction makes it!

Ultimate Summer Experience at VMNH

2010-08-16T15:35:00.061-04:00

Thanks to local partners and organizations, campers at VMNH were able to experience a wide range of activites. Most of which, we had never tried! Here are a few images to show you how we spent our summer.

Art Week

We had the opportunity to explore wood working and cooking at the School of Craft & Design.

Designing jewelry boxes from start to finish.

In cooking class, we had the opportunity to prepare (and eat) dishes from each continent in the world.

Expert pizza dough tossing!

Chicken Kabobs

Preparing guacamole dip.

Science Exploration Week
We participated in a fun-filled week of science in a camp called Marvelous Messes. Of course, everything is more fun when messes are made!

Who knew this would happen when we combined baking soda and vinegar?

Owl pellets, anyone?

After a little hesitation, it was not as bad as we assumed.

Extracting DNA from fruit and vegetables.

Athletic Week
We learned the proper batting technique, played volleyball, visited a local farm, went hiking, canoeing and ice skating.

We decided to take a break after a refreshing hike on the Rhododendron Trail at the Gravely Nature Preserve.

Welcome to Owen Farm!

What will we see next?

Wet and Wild with the Collinsville YMCA and Fieldale Community Center

2010-07-30T16:19:00.000-04:00

The final week of MHC After 3 summer camp ends today, and we've had a full month of science fun and adventure! The students from the Collinsville YMCA were with me in the mornings this week, and the Fieldale Community Center in the afternoons. I'm posting some photos to highlight what we did this week:

Monday at Fairy Stone

The stream at Fairy Stone near the Allied Shelter

Testing water quality in the stream

Ready to catch a crayfish

Got one!

Tuesday at Philpott Lake

The "fish" attempt to go through the "turbine" in the Hooks and Ladders activity

This "fish" can jump high!

Playing bat-moth

The Collinsville YMCA group at the Philpott overlook

Looking off the dam-on the river side

A little bird that joined me for lunch

Wednesday at the Smith River

A free-swimming caddisfly pupa

Thursday at Fairy Stone Lake

Ranger Lee gives a casting net lesson

Seining in the lake

Due to a boat house delay, we had a few minutes to fill. So, the kids had an improptu sand castle contest. I challenged them to include a bridge in their castle design.

Getting ready to canoe

Wet and Wild!

2010-07-21T16:34:00.004-04:00

HC After 3 students from the Bassett Community Center and the Martinsville Boys and Girls Club have been enjoying VMNH's "Wet and Wild" camp this week. I didn't have my camera for our trips to Fairy Stone or Philpott this week, but I had it today when we all went into the Smith River!

In the morning, the Bassett Community Center met us at the new Great Road Access Point (near CP Films in Bassett). It was a chilly 55 degrees in the water, but everyone went in to find some crayfish and macro invertebrates (see earlier posts for details on the bethic organisms). Here are some photos from today:

VMNH Youth Volunteers ready to help!

Looking for macro invertebrates

Sorting out the different species: mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, etc.

Examining the bugs

Brian Williams (DRBA) shows the group a crayfish

Brandy (Bassett Community Center) picks up a crayfish

In the afternoon, students from the Boys and Girls Club joined us at the South Martinsville canoe access ramp to look for wildlife. Here are their photos:

Putting the bugs caught in the kick net into our viewing containers

Picking up rocks

More macro invertebrates caught!

Walking around the island

Showing the group how to use a kick net, and examining the macros and crayfish

PS- We always release all wildlife back into the stream, so they can continue to thrive in our rivers and streams.

Marvelous Messes!

2010-07-15T21:42:00.000-04:00

The MHC After 3 group from the Virginia Museum of Natural History just finished up their week of the "Marvelous Messes" camp. Each day we did several experiments that involved getting messy and/or wet.

On the first day, the most favorite activities were definitely the baking soda/vinegar ones. When you combine baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), a chemical reaction occurs that results in water, sodium acetate, and carbon dioxide. In our first experiment, that carbon dioxide blew up a balloon.

Then we used the reaction to create a cork rocket, which caused a lot of excitement! Everyone wore their safety goggles, just in case. Be sure to check out the video of our rockets!

Preparing the rocket

The cork rocket explodes (a little earlier than expected)!

And again!

On Day 2, we went out to Frank Wilson Park for some outdoor activities. First the group dissected owl pellets.

Then, everyone created a simulation of the ocean with an oil spill. Each group attempted to clean the oil out of the water with various materials. We also learned all about the current oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico.

On Wedesday the group headed out to the Smith River to look for macro invertebrates and crayfish.

Using a kick net to find macros.

Ariel gets a better look at a small crayfish

Water quality testing

Finally, on the last day, the students learned how to extract DNA from fruit. They also built boats out of cardboard and duct tape, and then tested them to see if they were "sea worthy". The most successful boat held 130 marbles before it sank.

Extracting DNA from strawberries, oranges, and tomatoes.

Friday at Fairy Stone

2010-07-12T15:04:00.001-04:00

On Friday, the Martinsville YMCA group headed to Fairy Stone. We used a seining net in the lake to see what we could find. We found a few bluegills, a froglet, and several other small fish. Park Ranger Sam Jensen showed some of the kids how to use a casting net to catch fish.

Seining in Lake Fairy Stone

Then we went canoeing on the lake out to the dam. Only one boat tipped over, and everyone had a great time paddling!

In the River!

2010-07-08T17:03:00.000-04:00

Today, when the Martinsville YMCA group arrived at the Smith River, the fog was hanging in the air over the water. The morning was cool (and the water very cold) at the start of a day that was predicted to be a scorcher! The group learned about how the animals living in our rivers and streams can tell us whether they are healthy or not. Benthic macroinvertebrates can be found on the rocks in the river, and the number and kind you find indicate water quality. Brian Williams joined us, and showed everyone how to collect the macros, so we could identify and observe them. The water was a cold 54 degrees (we measured the temperature), but everyone waded in to look for animals. We found quite a few, and about 12 healthy crayfish! I think everyone had a great time in the river.

Fog over the Smith River

Two macroinvertebrates on a rock

Holding a black rat snake we found by the river

Brian Williams describes how he collects macroinvertebrates to determine the health of the river.

Wading into the water

Lots of crayfish!

Looking for critters in the water

Ready to catch something!

Everyone got used to the cold water eventually!

Martinsville YMCA at Lake Philpott

2010-07-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, the Martinsville YMCA MHC After 3 group joined us at Philpott Park overlooking the lake. We went through a fish life obstacle course called "Hooks and Ladders" (from Project WILD Aquatic)- the kids played the roles of fish (striped bass), predators (osprey), fishermen, and a dam turbine. While jumping through ropes, gathering food tokens and fish eggs, and doing a long jump (over a pretend waterfall), the students learned about the life cycle of salmon and striped bass. The fish had to make it out to the ocean and back to the spawning ground.

Trying to make it through the turbine.

The surviving fish with their "eggs".

Playing a round of "Bat, Moth" before heading out to the dam.

Then, we met up with Ranger Danny Martin, who took us out to the Philpott Lake Dam, where we got an excellent view of the lake, river, and mountains. He explained how the dam produced electricity and the benefits of hydroelectric power.

Ranger Danny Martin explains how the dam works.

Looking off the river-side of the dam

Viewing Philpott Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains

Summer is Here!

2010-07-06T16:45:00.000-04:00

Today was the first day of MHC After 3 Summer Camp with VMNH programming!

The group from the Martinsville YMCA joined us at Fairy Stone State Park to learn all about water quality and the effects of pollution.

First we all introduced ourselves with a game called "Surf or Turf", in which everyone learned that about 71% of the earth's surface is covered in water, but only about 3% of it is freshwater. We also learned that several of the campers had some exciting stories involving water.

Playing "Surf or Turf"

Then we did a "Water Quality Relay", and the students learned that any pollution that we put on our land can eventually end up in our streams due to run-off after rain. (This is an example of non-point source pollution.)

Water Quality Relay: Simulation of run-off after rainfall

Next, the students paired up and tested the water quality of the stream that runs through the picnic area. They tested pH (tells us how acidic or basic a solution is), dissolved oxygen, temperature, and turbidity (how clear/murky the water is).

Testing the pH of their water sample

Recording the data

Finally, we finished with a walk in the stream to look for underwater wildlife. We found fish, crayfish, and aquatic insects.

Trying to catch a crayfish

Surveying the scene

Angie shows off the crayfish

More exploring

There's a fish in this cup!

The catcher (and releaser) of the fish

Crayfish!

The Martinsville YMCA group, after a full morning of activities.

Soil Detectives

2010-05-28T13:16:00.008-04:00

VMNH and the Martinsville YMCA partnered to begin an ongoing service project at J. Frank Wilson Park (behind VMNH) to attend to the needs of the park. Participants conducted soil testing to discover pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, shrubs and flowers will be planted that are best suited for the particular type of soil.

Building Ramps

2010-05-27T16:09:00.024-04:00

The MHC After 3 Group at the Virginia Museum of Natural History site spent their afternoon building ramps of different heights. They designed each ramp, and then let the ball roll! After experimenting with several ramps of different heights, they analyzed their results and put them into graphs.

Building the ramp foundation with blocks

Testing the ramp

Everyone's focused on the math!

Graphing the results

MHC After 3 Party!

2010-05-26T14:41:00.008-04:00

Students gathered from each afterschool site (VMNH, Spencer Penn Centre, Fieldale Community Center, Collinsville and Martinsville YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and the Bassett Community Center) for an end of the year party at the Spencer Penn Centre. The event featured relay games, face painting, and a kick ball game. At the end of the day, participants encircled afterschool staff who threw handfuls of candy into the air. The person who caught the most candy won a prize.

Self-reflection

2010-04-23T12:48:00.004-04:00

Michelle Martin, the teen dating violence prevention coordinator from Citizens Against Family Violence, visited MHCA3 participants to discuss a wide range of topics over the course of two weeks. Topics discussed included: proudest moments, greatest accomplishments, personal fears, goal setting and steps to achieve those goals. In addition, students compiled a list of at least 5 positive characteristics to describe themselves. Each activity was depicted through pictures or words and participants were given the opportunity to share with the group.

Walk on Water Bugs!

2010-04-08T14:42:00.001-04:00

Students at the Bassett Community Center and the Spencer Penn Center learned about water quality and water bugs in the Walk On Water Bugs program.

Each group builds their own water bugs (out of paper clips) that will actually float on water due to the surface tension.

They then see what happens when dirt is added and then soap, to see if the bugs still float.

The kids built their own filters to see if they could clean the dirty, soapy water.

MHC-After 3 goes on a Foot Stompin' Musical Adventure!

2010-03-31T15:32:00.015-04:00

After a quick bus ride across town to Patrick Henry Community College,
the MHC-After 3 students, from all sites, were invited by the Harvest
Foundation to attend a JAM session! JAM stands for Junior Appalachain
Musicians and is a program that offers free after-school guitar, banjo, and
fiddle lessons to students and will be available to the participating after-school
programs in the fall. Showcased were Montana Young, a 17-year-old fiddle
player who has won the hearts of her audiences with her dancing, rhythmic fingers
and her soulful voice, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a trio who wowed the
students with their high energy dancing and musicianship, unusual instruments, and
educational presentation. They were joined by a group of JAM musicians from
North Carolina who shared their newly aquired abilities as well.

Here, Montana Young prepares for her first tune.

The students curiously watch the performance play unfamiliar tunes.

Montana reaches out to the young people by explaining the

positive and inspirational impact music has had on her life.

The North Carolina JAM participants

are showcased as a group.

The Carolina Chocolate Drops get tuned up.

Drums, African 'banjos', jugs, dancing,

and opera singing were incorporated into their

performance.

Here the listeners are informed that Henry County

was once home to one of the largest populations of

black fiddle players in the country from 1930-1960.

A west African instument aids in educating

the audience of the origins of the banjo in

the United States.

The grand finale wraps-up the afternoon

with all of the musicians on stage!

OUR LAST DAY OF COOKING FOR THE WEEK!

2010-03-30T14:57:00.008-04:00

The students enjoyed some new recipes with the instruction of a local chef.
Hard tacos and jalepeno corn bread were carefully prepared by the
interested students. The seasonings were just right and the hands-on
activity was, as always, a big hit!

Measuring cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt: the dry ingredients.

Dividing the batter into the muffin pans for
faster cooking!

Cooking the beef before adding the spices.

Preparing the fresh toppings for the tacos.

Loading up the tacos with all the great ingredients!
YUM!

Portioning out the final scoops of meat for the hungry participants!

Another Day, Another Pizza

2010-03-24T14:52:00.025-04:00

HOMEMADE MEXICAN PIZZA that is!
That's right, the museum group of MHC-After 3 students
found themselves once again in the kitchen
on Tuesday with a new-twist-on-pizza recipe and a simple 3-ingredient
Peanut Butter Cookie recipe in their hands.
Protein in the pizza was provided by a layer of refried beans
and black beans, instead of tomato sauce there was salsa, and
the mozerrella cheese was replaced by mexican cheese!
With jalepenos to spice it up!
As for the easy 3-step cookies, the participants combined equal parts
of sugar and all-natural peanut butter with an egg. (Happily avoiding
flour, baking powder, vanilla, and butter and measurements!)
==============================================

A clean kitchen is ready for the students.

Measuring up the store-bought pizza crust,
which is ready to be topped.

Cautiously spreading the beans.

Combining cookie ingredients.

The recipes.

Topping the refried beans with, MORE BEANS!

Shaping the peanut butter cookie balls.

Adding the salsa layer.

Cleaning the dishes.

The oven is hot and ready.

Popping in the pizza for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, the cheese, red peppers, and

jalepenos were added.

Ready for round 2 of the pizza baking.

An enthusiastic cookie team shows

off their creation.

Cookies come in all shapes and sizes.

Setting the table and taking the

first sample bites.

Part of the quilt display at the
VA Artisan Center.

Plating up the MEXICAN PIZZA!

A brave student samples his first jalepeno.

A seasoned jalepeno eater

loads up her plate with her

favorite spicy-hot pepper.

2010-03-19T15:06:00.014-04:00

SWEATING TO THE OLDIES!!

Upon arrival at the Virginia Artisan Center in downtown Martinsville, the students were asked to get ready to shake their hips as they entered a room filled with oldies dance music. Everyone soon caught on and danced to three full songs, following Richard Simmon's footsteps on a projected video screen. And the payoff? Exercise, of course, and an opportunity to prepare a healthy beef and vegetable stir fry with popover biscuits.
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Here, the participants are led through a series
of stretches as they are told the importance of exercise.
(Did you know that this is the first generation in history that is
expected to NOT outlive the ages of their parents?)

Learning the moves!

Measuring the buscuit recipe before mixing.

The "Ninja" mixer, as seen on T.V.,
being utilized by a curious, and impressed,
student.

Discussing chopping methods with
the instructor for the stir fry.

Adding the final tomatoes and onions
to the stir fry. How delicious the kitchen smelled!

Setting the table for the family-style meal.

Tasting, relaxing, and enjoying
2 new recipes.

MHC after 3 VMNH

2010-03-17T14:48:00.013-04:00

FUN WITH FOOD!

After a short school-bus ride to Martinsville's Artisan Center downtown, the students were asked to wash their hands and to prepare themselves to COOK!
They all learned how to read a recipe, measure ingredients, bake blueberry muffins, create a veggie omelet, and enjoy every bite!
Once everyone had piled their omelets high with cheese, and the table was set with steaming hot muffins, we were finally able to sink our teeth into both sweet and salty homemade foods...
THAT WE OURSELVES PREPARED!!

Here we are, with clean hands, ready to read the recipe.

Listening intently to our instructor
for what we were about to prepare.

The first measurement...flour.

And the milk is carefully added.

Eventually, the wet, gooey mix is
spooned into the muffin cups.

The basic omelete ingredients.

Flipping the egg.

The toasty, delicious muffins.

A proud participant displays her egg.

Cheers to the

final reward!

What great teamwork,

and great food!

4 SQUARE is revived at MHC-After 3 at VMNH

2010-03-15T15:28:00.006-04:00

VMNH MHC-After 3 students had fun with an 'old school'
game of 4 square on March 11, 2010

The age-old game has apparently been dropped from physical education programs in Martinsville, so the student learned an entirely new way to play with a ball and a piece of chalk!

Here everyone is 'warming up' by practicing their hand-eye

coordination skills before the start of the 4-square game.

Students get low, or get out!

A student looks to the "king's"

square as he retreives the ball

for the next serve.

Bassett Community Center Goes Nuts!

2010-03-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

The students at the Bassett Community Center after school site enjoyed cracking nuts on Thursday. They made predictions and determined which nuts have the hardest shells to crack.

I'm not sure what inspired them to do this, but they were enjoying themselves!

March 5, 2010

2010-03-09T15:35:00.017-05:00

PLANTAINS!

Have you ever wondered what those funny looking bigger than banana-things are in the supermarket? So did we! Luckily, we got a chance to learn all about plantains: in which countries they grow, how they grow (what the plant looks like), the plantain's native country which is India, the other countries that enjoy the fruit, comparisons and contrasts to the banana, how and why they end up here for sale, and at last, a simple recipe for how to PREPARE THEM! (we chose frying!)

We hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we did eating them.

The salty version as well as the sweet version with cinnamon and Mexican Creme were delightfully delicious!

The slice

Dropping them in the sizzling oil

Cinnamon and sugar style!

The first bite!

Yummy yummy!

The final thought.

March 3, 2010

2010-03-09T15:15:00.006-05:00

THE DEBATE IS ON!

After the class decided upon a topic to debate, they were alloted a few days after school

to do research to support their arguments 'For and Against School Uniforms'.

The activity maintained a very professional tone as the female participants (it turned

out to be a day without a male presence other than the instructor) carefully constructed

their arguments and counter-arguments. One of the groups even presented the debaters

with images printed from websites of school uniforms. It was an enlightening day as both

teams brought up valid points and everyone ended up a winner.

Preparing for the first argument AGAINST school uniforms.

Another opinion.

The debate heats up!

A calm and collected comeback.

Referencing photos.

The closing remarks.

March 1, 2010

2010-03-09T14:24:00.005-05:00

Having fun while using fractions, VMNH MHC after 3 students sit down
to find probabilities with candies. They were instructed to select a number of candies and

make note of the colors that appeared. After 18 successive selections, they were asked to make comparisons of the probability of retreiving each color with what they actually found while doing the hands-on experiment. In the end, the sweet candies were enjoyed,

but only after a little math was 'sorted out'.

Selecting candies from the bags.

Students make comparisons and calculations,

Make note of their results,

And then share them with the class for study!

2010-03-08T15:35:00.006-05:00

On February 26, 2010, the students were asked to look for representations of 'wealth' in the United States and glue them to one side of a poster board. Then, on the opposite side they were asked what the word 'rich' and 'wealth' meant to many other people in the world.

On the U.S. side images of music, art and leisure, cars, fast food, medication, beauty products, pocket books, money, jewelery, credit cards, diamonds, and technology appeared.

On the other side, the students defined 'wealth' in a very different way by cutting out images representing family, love, happiness, rain, food, culture, freedom, shelter, water, and clothing.

Cutting and pasting...

Identifying the images.

Compiling the ideas.

The final products!

Shooting hoops

2010-03-08T15:07:00.005-05:00

On February 16, 2010, the VMNH MHC-after 3 group decided to head down to Wilson Park and brave the chilly temperatures. It didn't take long to warm up playing an intense game of basketball, where the students and instructors soon forgot that it was barely 40 degrees.

Who's got it?

'Taking it out' after the other team sunk a basket.

Was that a SWISH I heard? "Who's open? I need help over here!"

VMNH Kids Go Nutty!

2010-03-08T14:13:00.001-05:00

The group at VMNH enjoyed the Nutty Investigation program last Thursday. They determined which nuts were the hardest to crack, and then they found out which nuts had the highest fat content. After completing the experiments, they created graphs to show their data. One of the participants had a theory about the two nut characteristics: she said that perhaps the nuts that were the hardest to crack were more likely to have a higher fat content.

Martinsville YMCA

2010-02-26T14:36:00.002-05:00

The students at the Martinsville YMCA After 3 site counted, sorted, and made estimations of beans on Monday. Then they made bean bags and created their own bean bag tossing games. They were all still playing the games when I had to leave for the evening!

Look out!

Collinsville YMCA- Ramps, Force, and Motion

2010-02-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

The MHC After 3 students at the Collinsville YMCA built ramps of different heights to discover how the ramp height affects the distance a ball will travel. They tested their predictions and recorded the actual results. They then created graphs to illustrate their results. At the end of the program, they tried to create a ramp to make the ball roll as far as possible.

Nutty Quotes

2010-02-16T14:15:00.001-05:00

I didn't bring my camera to the Collinsville YMCA on Tuesday, but I did have the kids write down some things they learned while doing the "Nutty Investigation" activity. During this activity, students create a device to crack various types of nuts and determine which nuts have the hardest shells to crack. Then, they do an experiment to determine which nuts have the highest fat content. While they seemed to really enjoy eating the nuts after the experiments, I think they all liked predicting and experimenting with them as well!

Here are a few of the quotes:

"Today we did an experiment on different nuts. My favorite part was eating them, but I did learn about the different types of nuts and how fatty they are"
-McKinley Dunford

"I loved what we did today! After we cracked the nuts was my favorite part, because we got to eat them!"
-Dustin Beckner

"It was so cooliotastic when you heard the loud boom when the can crushed the pecan."
-Beth Lovelace

"We learned how to think critically about how many beans in a can could smash a pecan, hazelnut, and a peanut. The hazelnut was the hardest nut for my group to crack. The walnut was the fattiest nut!"
-Savannah Adams

2010-02-12T14:45:00.014-05:00

TESTING THE TROUT'S WATER TANK

a careful comparison to determine phosphorus levels

another steady hand to find an exact match

A visit from a representative from
Citizens Against Family Violence

participating in the corrosponding activity

conversing about teen and family
violence as well as warning signs
and solutions

and having a little fun too!

the finished drawings that
were taken back to the women's shelter
for Valentine's Day

Spencer Penn Center Bean Bags

2010-02-12T14:05:00.002-05:00

After several snow days, students were happy to be back at the Spencer Penn Center after school site on Wednesday. They counted and sorted various beans during the "Making and Tossing Bean Bags" After School Science Plus activity. They learned that they can make better educated guesses (and estimates) when they have more background experience to draw from. Then, each participant made their own bean bag and created a game to play with the bags.

Summer and Keylan count kidney beans fit into 1/2 cup

Their leaders, Angie and Janet, are concentrating on those chick peas!

Bean bags ready for tossing

Bubble Science with the Boys and Girls Club

2010-02-08T16:57:00.003-05:00

The Martinsville Boys and Girls Club enjoyed blowing bubbles with the bubble wands they created themselves. They were challenged to figure out:

1) if all bubbles were spheres,

2) what factors affect the size of the bubble,

3) if bubbles have colors, and

4) what makes a bubble pop (on its own).

January 2010

2010-02-01T13:37:00.010-05:00

MHC After 3 was back in full swing after a two week hiatus for winter break. Students worked together to learn the parts of a song and ended the class by creating their very own song with the help of local musician Doug Williams.

Students also began a three-day course in the art of theater and drama with instructor Robert Smith. Participants were exposed to introductory key terms related to theater as well as common warm-up exercises to prepare for a show.

Students ended the month by making chocolate chip pancakes and invited VMNH education staff to particpate as well.

Bean Sorting and Nutcracking

2010-01-27T14:32:00.000-05:00

MHC After 3 Students at Fieldale Community Center sorted beans, practiced estimation, and created beanbag games during the "Making and Tossing Bean Bags" program from After School Science Plus.

In "Nutty Investigations" the students created a nutcracking device and determined which nuts have the hardest shells to crack. They then discovered by testing which nuts have the highest fat content.

The Inventors at Martinsville Boys and Girls Club

2010-01-26T14:22:00.001-05:00

The students at the Martinsville Boys and Girls Club learned about simple machines on January 26th. They then created invetions using them: the pulley, lever, wedge, inclined plane, and wheel and axle. Their challenge was to create a machine that would lift a can from the floor up to rest on a chair. They had to use at least three simple machines and could not touch the can with their hands. They were very creative and inventive!

"We made a contraption to pick up a can and put it on top of a chair. We used plastic containers, straws, string, tape, and an egg carton. We had a wheel and axel, lever, and a pulley."

-Helen Nguyen

Piedmont Arts Visit

2009-12-17T16:20:00.002-05:00

Our guide for the Piedmont Arts visit, Director of Exhibitions, Tina Sell, gave us a very interactive tour of each gallery on display often letting the students touch art when appropriate. She placed special emphasis on the theme for the major gallery which was CRAFTS, explaining to us that crafts are the intersection of functionality and aesthetically pleasing art. Thanks to the guide the students seemed to enjoy their visit and gain a bit of knowledge on interpreting and identifying various pieces.

After School Science Plus, Fall 2009

2009-12-16T16:41:00.000-05:00

MHC After 3 students laughed and learned this fall while making discoveries all semester long! The museum presented several hands-on programs from the After School Science Plus curriculum (published by The Educational Equity Center at AED)

In "Who Does Science?", the students created collages showing that everyone does science.

Virginia Museum of Natural History

"Oobleck: Solid or Liquid?" was the all-time favorite. The students tried to determine what "oobleck" was, and then made some of their own to take home. Oobleck is a non-newtonian substance, and changes from liquid to solid when pressure is applied.

Bassett Community Center

Collinsville YMCA

Martinsville Boys and Girls Club

Martinsville YMCA

Fieldale Community Center

The students explore a colorful bottle of unknown ingredients in "Mystery Bottles", discover what sinks and floats in the substances, and then creat their own bottles.

Spencer Penn Community Center

Bassett Community Center

In "Building With Wonderful Junk", the students use trash to create treasure. Each group of students designed and build their own unique structures.

Bassett Community Center

Virginia Museum of Natural History

"Bubble Science" allows the middle-schoolers to rediscover their childhood joy of playing with bubbles. They designed their own bubble wands and discover the science behind the spherical, floating wonders.

Martinsville YMCA

Science Behind Bubbles

2009-12-15T15:23:00.003-05:00

VMNH educator, Robin Jensen, explained important physical science and mathematical concepts through the use of bubbles. She had students to first construct bubble wands using any materials they liked and then to test each of their wands. Prior to testing, however, students were to hypothesize the effects different wand shapes would have on the bubbles shape and size and the different factors that would cause the bubbles to burst. The students noted that the bubbles would always be spherical in shape (unless distorted by the wind), and that the size of the wand dictated how large of a bubble was produced. Overall, the students were very excited about the experiment and were able to sufficiently interpret their qualitative “data” in a concise and meaningful way.

Invent!

2009-12-10T15:11:00.002-05:00

Today, VMNH educator, Robin Jensen, had students, first brainstorm about unconventional uses of everyday items like spatulas and whisks and to then invent a machine. The machines were to incorporate at least three simple machines (pulley, inclined plane, lever, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle), and successfully move an aluminum can across the table without directly attaching anything to the can. Although, none of the students were quite successful in creating a device with three simple machines, they showed great creativity and ingenuity with the machines that were developed.

Enunciate!

2009-12-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

English tutor, Mr. Smith, shook up the normal routine by having the students to participate in several acting exercises. The exercises emphasized enunciation and focus in a fun, playful manner. The videos below show the students, staff, and instructor taking part in a few of the exercises.

Lessons in Design: Optimization

2009-12-08T15:03:00.000-05:00

Today, VMNH educator, Robin Jensen, coordinated an activity to teach the students about optimization in design and repurposing waste for useful products. The VMNH MHC-After 3 students were required to construct stand-alone structures with all of the waste items they chose from a large trash bag. One group of students chose to build a “monster truck” while the other group made a “sorority house” (see pictures below). The students showed great creativity and resolve to complete structures under the given constraints and attested to the scientific skills that were used.

Math Session: Blokus Game

2009-12-07T15:12:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Bredamus and the students played a competitive game of Blokus. The game forced the students to carefully scrutinize the placement of each geometric shape, known as a polyomino (polygon created from less simple geometric shapes, squares for Blokus), on the game board in order to be successful. All of the VMNH student participants seemed to thoroughly enjoy the game and in the process, enhance their geometric and critical thinking skills.

PHCC: School of Craft & Design Activity

2009-10-27T14:54:00.000-04:00

Led by art instructors from the Patrick Henry Community College School of Craft & Design, the students made custom jewelry pieces. Each student was allowed freedom in the artistic direction of their personal pieces as well as whether the adorned glass would become a necklace or pin.

MHC After-3 Fall Carnival!

2009-10-22T14:49:00.000-04:00

All of the students from each MHC After-3 site convened at Piedmont Arts Association for a classic fall carnival. The students participated in games created by each site, including a corn toss game, a football toss, sticky darts, and several other unique games. In addition to games, there was also traditional carnival fare like hot hot dogs, cotton candy, caramel apples, and popcorn. All of the student and parent participants genuinely enjoyed the event and the excursion from normal programming.

2009-10-08T14:30:00.006-04:00

Music Workshop

Doug Williams, musician extraordinaire, presided over a very entertaining two-day songwriting workshop. On the first day he noted the fundamentals of songwriting, taking the students step-by-step through the process of constructing a well organized, yet organic sounding song. On the second day, the instruction culminated into a creative song produced by the students with Doug’s assistance. Please see the video below, to see the students’ work.

2009-10-05T15:27:00.000-04:00

Math Tutoring

Students took part in a mathematics workshop, led by instructor Mrs. Bredamus. Students first completed a timed math quiz as a warm-up exercise. Afterwards, the students were split into two teams and competed in a quiz bowl style math competition, answering questions from a math influenced narrative.

2009-09-16T15:22:00.001-04:00

Oobleck

Today, VMNH MHC After-3 participants investigated the dilatant (increased viscosity with mixing) property of non-newtonian fluids under the guidance of Youth Education Coordinator, Robin Jensen, by making "oobleck" (a mixture of cornstarch and water). Students excitedly observed that the mixture has properties of a solid and a liquid.

2009-09-14T15:03:00.003-04:00

Students from the VMNH site MHC After-3 program participated in an exciting science oriented program (After-School Science Plus) moderated by Youth Education Coordinator, Robin Jensen.

Above, one of the student participants constructed a drawing of scientist. This activity was created to show the common stereotypes about scientists.

Students were also instructed to make and present collages that displayed the relevance of science in everyday life.

Ultimate Summer Camp Experience

2009-08-03T15:35:00.014-04:00

July was full of activities for MHC After 3 summer campers. The museum provided outdoor and indoor programming, and kept participants busy learning about science and natural history.

The group from the Spencer Penn Center enjoyed the "Wet and Wild" camp. The kids learned about watersheds and erosion, tested water quality, searched for macro invertebrates in a stream, helped shoot off a water rocket, and went canoeing on Fairy Stone Lake.

The groups from the Collinsville YMCA, Martinsville YMCA, and the Fieldale Community Center tested science myths in the "Mythbusters" camp. Some of the myths they tested: Your shoe is dirtier than a toilet seat; Mentos in soda causes an explosion; M&Ms melt in your mouth, but not in your hand; Water is always frozen at 32 degrees fahrenheit; and more.

Students at the Bassett Community Center, the Martinsville Boys and Girls Club, and VMNH challenged themselves with the "Amazing Challenge" Camp. They travelled to Fairy Stone State Park, Philpott Lake, and the Gravely Nature Preserve to complete a series of challenges using GPS and their natural history knowledge.

Having Fun

2009-05-29T17:21:00.002-04:00

We were at the Boys & Girls Club and we are playing a game of sideline soccer. It was very fun.

After a friendly game of sideline soccer, we played basketball (Boys & Girls Club kids versus VMNH kids). Check us out!!!

Self-Sculptures

2009-05-28T13:40:00.006-04:00

Students created their very own sculptures using flour, water, and salt. The purpose of this activity was to think of what makes them unique and sculpt that trait using the mixture.

GPS Challenge

2009-04-24T13:59:00.008-04:00

While working together to apply their recently acquired GPS knowledge, students participated in a scavenger hunt that involved solving math problems to find hidden treasure.

Josiah Winesberry reads the compass that will lead him to the next cache.

3, 2, 1 Launch!

2009-03-25T12:24:00.004-04:00

Trey Hagwood excitedly pumps air into his rocket as other students anticipate how high it will travel.

Bassett Community Center "Lego Challenges"

2009-03-09T16:51:00.000-04:00

Students at the Bassett Community Center MHC After 3 Site enjoyed three days of the "Lego Challenges" program. One day was cancelled due to a snow storm!
They created some impressive skyscrapers:

Used their communication skills to try to build similar structures (using words only, no looking):

Created some Lego animal food chains:

And designed some artistic, yet stable bridges:

What a creative and inquisitive bunch of kids!

MHC After 3 site (Fall 2008)

2009-03-06T11:16:00.017-05:00

MHC After 3 was filled with fun activities for participants at the VMNH site for Fall 2008:

Students honed their culinary skills as they prepared mouth-watering dishes such as battered deep fried apples and french toast with homemade maple syrup.

Brent Turner demonstrates how to make the perfect piece of french toast.

Kayla Scales, Trevon Hagwood, and April Turner (l-r) taste battered deep fried apples sprinkled with powdered sugar.

During a photography class, Rashid Martin (on the left) focused the camera lens on his subject as he prepared to take the perfect shot. Students learned how to manipulate pictures using Photoshop software and also discovered the history of photography.

Trevon Hagwood takes advantage of one-on-one time with Doug Williams as they collaborate in a songwriting class.

During free time, participants enjoy going outside to the local park behind VMNH, Frank Wilson Park.

Josiah Winesberry, Brandi Morris, Jermel Scales, and April Turner (l-r) spend a sunny, fall afternoon playing a friendly game of basketball with two educators from the Healthy Community Initiative.

Collinsville YMCA Lego Challenges

2009-02-20T12:40:00.015-05:00

These are photos from the Lego Challenges program with the Collinsville YMCA group. To read more details about the program, read the earlier "Fieldale" post.

Skyscraper creations, complete with post and lentil structures:

Partner building:

A Lego Bird:

Building Bridges:

Building Racecars:

Lego Challenges with the Martinsville YMCA

2009-02-19T13:57:00.000-05:00

Students in the Martinsville YMCA MHC After 3 group completed the Lego Challenges program (see earlier post for details). The students had some excellent designs and creations while building their skyscrapers, bridges and cars. These are some photos of the kids in action along with a few of their written descriptions:

"Today we built a building out of Legos. Then we tried to blow them down. It was really fun, but I was out of breath. Then we drew what our building would be like. My building is a big glass building built from glass made by the Sunrise Glass Company."

Domonique Chism

Alexis tries to build a structure that her partner is describing to her

Collinsville Y students hard at work, building their bridges

Marquis Reynolds displays part of the suspension bridge he created.

Alexis Gravely smiles with the arch bridge she built.

Jerry Joyce shows his 6-wheeled race car

Dominique Chism and his racing car

Lego Challenges at the Fieldale Community Center

2009-02-14T11:14:00.000-05:00

Students at the Fieldale Community Center had fun building during the "Lego Challenges" program they participated in with VMNH educators. Each day the museum visited, they completed the following building challenges:

Tall Towers

On the first day they competed to see who could build the tallest tower out of Legos. Each tower had to withstand the powerful winds of Fieldale (created by the students). They learned about the tallest skyscrapers in the world, and the challenges the builders face. They then designed their own skyscrapers.

Communication Building

During this activity, pairs of students sit back to back. One student builds a structure, and then guides their partner (with words only) through the process to build the same structure. When finished, the two structures were compared to see how similar they were.

"It was hard to work in partners, because we didn't have great communication and had different logic" explained Shalanda Harrison. Destany Joyce said, "It was cool because we built exactly the same thing!" when working with her partner, Danielle Sessons.

Building Bridges

On the third day, the students learned about the six main types of bridges and looked at some of the most famous and longest bridges in the world.
(Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge to learn about these bridge types.)

The teams constructed bridges out of legos that could cross a 10-inch gap between the tables. Each bridge was modeled after one of the six main types of bridges they had learned about.

Speeding Racecars

On the final day, each student built a Lego racecar using blocks, axels and wheels. They then "raced" their creations and calculated their speeds. The car with the fastest racing time (at 13.9 feet per second) was named "Billy" and was built by Sydney Pritchett. After having many races, in which there were several dramatic collisions, DeKayla Bostwick exclaimed, "My chest hurts now from laughing so hard!"

Weather or Not

2008-12-05T16:53:00.010-05:00

This fall, I've been doing the "Weather or Not" program with the MHC After 3 groups. The students have done activities to explore barometric pressure, humidity, cloud formation, the water cycle, and more.

In this photo, students from the Bassett Community Center are watching their jars to determine how temperature affects air pressure.

Students from the Martinsville YMCA make a
cloud in a bottle.

To view more photos of this program go to:
http://picasaweb.google.com/museumrobin/MHCAfter3Fall08?authkey=yKOVyurR0Eg#

2008 Summer Camps

2008-08-01T16:10:00.000-04:00

The Virginia Museum of Natural History provided a variety of programs for the MHC After 3 summer camps throughout the month of July. Groups of middle schoolers from seven sites each participated in both indoor and outdoor programs led by museum educators. In the classroom, Glenda Hairston led the groups through hands-on science experiments and machine building in the "Science Plus" and "Robotics" camps. Robin Jensen brought the groups outdoors to Fairy Stone State Park and the Richard P. Gravely Nature Preserve for the "Wet and Wild" and "Forest Explorers" camps.
Wet and Wild- This camp was all about the water! On the first day, students learned the importance of water conservation, they used water quality testing kits to monitor a stream, and they finished up by searching for aquatic macro invertebrates (this was the most popular activity of the day!). On the second day, the group paddled around on Lake Fairy Stone. While practicing their canoeing skills, everyone learned the history of the lake, what used to be there before the dam, and the lake's connection to our watershed. On the final day of the camp, the students visited the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve and hiked the new Rhododendron trail. At the end of the trail, the kids enjoyed the view and sounds of the Smith River while creating their own nature-inspired artwork.
Forest Explorers- While hiking at the Gravely Nature Preserve and at Fairy Stone State Park, the students in this camp learned all about the forest surrounding them. They explored the variety of life that depends on the trees, and they each "became a tree" to learn about succession and what trees need to survive. They also created their own "tree cookies" to represent their own life story. The groups were also introduced to GPS (Global Positioning System) while out in the woods. They were members of a Search and Rescue team that used GPS units to find pretend lost hikers, and they also participated in a geocaching hunt. All of the kids were also encouraged to increase their awareness of the forest, by looking and listening closely. The most common sound the students asked about was the loud buzzing of the cicadas which were very active on the warm July mornings!
For more photos, click here: http://picasaweb.google.com/museumrobin/MHCAfter32008SummerCamps#

Spring 08

2008-06-03T16:04:00.000-04:00

The Virginia Museum of Natural History developed several new programs for the spring session of MHC After 3. Students participated in Music Math, Edventures, and Robotics during the cold months. Beginning in April, the groups enjoyed three new outdoor programs: Exploring Our Watershed, Outdoor Adventure, and Orienteering. To view more pictures of these programs, click here: http://picasaweb.google.com/museumrobin/MHCAfter3Spring08#