We are pleased to present our 2010-2011 Mad Science Homeschool program.  This series of 16 lessons takes us from scientific methodology to the study of sound, heat, nutrition and ending the year with a study of space science.   Come join the fun of learning!

Science Medley

(first-half of the year)

Scientific Method

This lab session introduces students to the common methodology used by scientists to formulate questions, make predictions, develop and perform experiments, collect   and analyze data and draw conclusion. Students will be presented with a problem and asked to develop their own ideas to formulate a solution, make predictions, and test their solution. Students will also discuss the implications of science in society, and investigate how their conclusions could impact the world around them.

 Matter of Fact

 This workshop introduces children to the structure of atoms and molecules. Students will learn how atoms combine to create molecules, and will examine molecules and molecular bonding using molecular models. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn and observe the difference between physical and chemical changes. Finally, students experiment with the chemical reactions resulting in the creation of Mad Science Putty®.

 Nutrition

 This class focuses on nutrition and fitness including the essential components of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Children participate in building a nutritional pie chart using life-sized food replicas and perform experiments to learn how our bodies fuel up on food. The children will also get to experiment with chemical mixtures called emulsions to learn how bile works. At the end of the program, the children will receive a Take-Home Step- O-Meter—a great fitness tool to measure step counts!

 Harnessing Heat

 Children learn about the concepts of heat and heat transfer. They act out hot and cool molecule movements and experiment with a pair of unequal copper pipes to feel heat change. The children witness the practical side of heat-sensitivity— thermopaper browns under the force of a heat gun and ice cubes melt on a heat transfer block. Children get hands-on building thermometers, participate in a tactile temperature test, and heat things up in a thermometer-changing, sand-shaking session. This one-hour class warms down with a take-home temperature-sensitive card that reacts to hot hands!

Lights.. Color…Action….

 This one-hour class sheds light on the properties of rainbow colors. Children observe demonstrations that blend colors to produce white light, and others that separate white light into colors. Experiments with prisms and diffraction lenses give children the opportunity to explore the color spectrum of various light sources. A chromatography activity provides an interesting demonstration of separating printed colors on a filter. The instructor leads an activity from white light to the ultraviolet range. Children look at the world through tinted lenses to experience color-blindness and see through the eyes of animals. A light-induced, optical effects demonstration device to take home completes this illuminating adventure!

 Magnetic Magic

 This class reveals the science behind magnet magic and magnetism mysteries. Children use magnetic wands to explore magnetic fields’ attracting and repelling forces, confuse compass needles, and magnetize paper clips. Entertaining demonstrations illustrate the magnet's gravity-defying abilities and educate children about the Earth’s magnetic properties. Children continue the lessons at home with the Magnet Lab Take-Home.

 Optical Illusions

 This topsy-turvy class challenges children to see the physics of optical illusions. Children discover optical illusions as a twisting coil climbs up and down without moving, and when a towel turns into a dog! Children manipulate flexible mirrors and explore the world with inversed vision. Hands-on laminates provide children the opportunity to create their own illusions. Children construct a classic mirror illusion, the periscope to take home.

 Sonic Sounds

 This acoustic class fills an hour with music and all sorts of merry sounds! Engaging sound experiments and live demonstrations show the properties and transmission of sound waves. Children listen to sounds made with solid materials—from plastic to metal to string. Ingenious, unlikely objects transform handheld horns, metal screws, wooden ratchets and beads into a symphony of story sound effects. Electronic devices reveal frequency when a pitch-changing machine alters voices to gruff monsters or happy chipmunks. Children complete the class with their Sonic Horn Take-Homes.

NASA Academy of Future

Space Explorers

(second-half of the year)

Planets and Moons

Space Explorers set off on a voyage to discover all the planets in our  Solar System.  We will even impersonate the planets to compare their sizes and distances from the Sun, recreate a solar and lunar eclipse, and become particles on a voyage into a planet's core. We'll build planetary puzzle cubes to take home, which can be put together to form images that are out of this world!

Atmosphere and Beyond

What makes up our Earth's atmosphere?  How does it compare to other planets in our solar system?   We'll learn how we can keep our Aquanaut dry during an underwater walk, and how that relates to our atmosphere.  We'll even create a model sunset. Then we will assemble the atmospheres of other planets, and use our very own Shimmering Stars box to see how an atmosphere affects our view of the star—and the advantage of observing the stars from space.

Space Technology

Space Technology starts with an exploration of space-related technologies used right here on Earth.  Our young engineers will help laser light find its way through a maze, use principles of radar technology to find hidden mountains, and discover the importance of points of reference to depth perception.  Children will leave revved up by an investigation of shuttle fuel and take home thier very own lightning launcher.

Living in Space

Our mission is to investigate life in space!  We will learn of special adaptations needed to live in space, study mission training techniques, and participate in the construction of a model space station.  How are things back on earth?  Everyone goes home with a special Cosmic Chronometer to keep track of Earth time!

Space Phenomena

Phenomenal events take place in the night sky. Together we will create mpact craters, and observe model meteors fall through a model atmosphere. After a friendly game of satellite tag designed to teach students about reflected light, we'll watch a model comet form right before their eyes. Then we'll explore the composition of real comets, and make comet balls to take home!

Sun and Stars

Our sun and distant stars, and the galaxies they form, have long been a source of fascination.  Our young stargazers will explore stellar life cycles, create new solar systems, and make their own constellations. The class concludes with a 3-dimensional exploration of the Big Dipper that each student will be able to keep for their very own.  

Rocket Science

Contrary to the old saying, it is Rocket Science.  Following a detailed construction plan, young rocketeers will build their very own model rockets while exploring the science of rocketry. We may even have time to play a fun game illustrating the four forces of flight.

Space Travel

Our young space explorers will launch their investigation of rocket propulsion using the compressed air inside balloons for thrust. We'll race balloon rockets and each race team will work together to devise best way to move a balloon-powered rocket car.  Experimenting with the fast moving air produced by spinning propellers, students will build a unique Shuttle Copter to take home.