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Colgate University
Science Outreach Program
Photo by Leslie Reed
For information or to book a program, contact:
Alison Koleszar (315)228-5379 akoleszar@mail.colgate.edu or
Karen Harpp (315)228-7211; kharpp@mail.colgate.edu
Program Description
The Colgate University Science Outreach Program is an energetic project designed to take hands-on science activities to school and community groups, so that students can have a chance to explore science for themselves. The Colgate undergraduates involved in the program work in teams to guide the participants through a series of stations, each of which is focused on some aspect of science in everyday life. Every station has a theme, and each activity is carefully linked to something with which the students can identify: science in the home, the chemistry of food, the science of magic, the physics of volcanoes…you name it! Our general approach is to take science out of the laboratory and bring it into students' lives, and to promote the active pursuit of science. We want to dispel the myth that science is intimidating or inaccessible and, instead, demonstrate that it is an integral part of everyone’s daily life.
We began this program in 2000 here at Colgate University, and have worked with groups ranging from 1st grade through senior citizens, although generally our target audience is 1st through 5th grade students, both at schools and in community groups. The program can be adapted to fit all manner of situations and time slots, according to the needs and focus of the group. If you have any interest in having our program come to your school or community group, please contact either Alison Koleszar (akoleszar@mail.colgate.edu (315)228-5379) or Karen Harpp (Colgate professor who organizes this group; kharpp@mail.colgate.edu or (315)228-7211), and we’ll be happy to arrange everything, free of charge of course.
Some of our modules include:
The Science of Food
In this module, we explore the science behind what we eat and drink. Students get to discover such things as how nutrients are added to cereal, why and how bread rises in the oven, what makes a marshmallow “jet puffed”, and how to keep oil and water mixed in salad dressings. They also make their own soda and ice cream. We hope that participants will then go home and carry out their own experiments in the kitchen based on what they learn with us!
The Power of Science
The driving forces behind this module are the investigation of the many and varied sources of power in our lives. Participants learn how energy is generated thanks to chemistry and physics, ranging from how the expansion of gases drives volcanic eruptions, to the potential of ethanol as a renewable, alternative fuel source, to the science of fireworks.
Everyday Science
Here, we guide students through an exploration of the science behind a wide range of household items, to show them how science really is a part of their daily lives, even down to the little things! Participants experiment with a super-absorbent powder used in diapers, make their own fire extinguisher using only a candle, baking soda, and vinegar, and learn how nylon is made, to name a few.
The Science of Volcanoes
In this module we take students on an exploration of the physics behind volcanic eruptions, including the Mount St. Helens events of 1980, solving a mystery about a volcano in Cameroon, examining volcanic materials, and even a re-enactment of an eruption to illustrate the pressure-driven style of such amazing natural phenomena.
The Science of Magic
Our magicians take participants behind the scenes, showing them the scientific secrets behind some outrageous magic tricks and illusions. Students have to figure out some mysteries on their own to become real science magicians themselves!
Bronx Preparatory Charter School, July 2002