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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.