Gizmos, gadgets, goop highlight science fair at Malmstrom

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon White
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than 30 children attended a Science Adventures Summer Camp called, "Gizmos, Gadgets and Goop," held at the Malmstrom Youth Program Center Aug. 13 to 17. 

The youth learned about electricity, pneumatics, center of gravity, principles of lift and flight, heat energy and polymers. 

"They have a blast and find out that science is more than just doing worksheets," said Brian Kinghorn, Science-Adventures instructor. Mr. Kinghorn is a doctorate student and teaching assistant at Michigan State University during the school year. In 2002, he became the Science Adventures instructor for every summer and has since taught the class at about 30 other Air Force bases. 

Before the experiments began, the children all raised their right hand and repeated an oath led by Mr. Kinghorn. 

"I am a scientist and I know I shouldn't make messes at home or at the youth center, so I will not open this bottle. The end." 

The reasons why Mr. Kinghorn devotes so much time and energy traveling to bases around the Air Force are varied, but his main reason is to plant the seeds of science appreciation in the minds of so many children at an early age. 

"When they get into higher grades they will still have the idea that science is fun," Mr. Kinghorn said. 

The children all seemed to enjoy the activities. 

"It's fun and we get to make goop," said Little Warrior Justin, 7. 

Little Warrior Katie, 8, agreed with Justin. 

"I love science," Katie said. "I like learning about the chemicals and inventions like the helicopter." 

The children made polymer slime out of white school glue, sodium borate and a glow-in-the-dark powder. 

"The glue is made up of polymers, adding the sodium borate makes the polymers bond differently," Mr. Kinghorn said. "It ties the polymers into knots creating a cross-linked polymer." 

Holding the slime was apparently an interesting experience for the youth.
"It feels icky," said Little Warrior Terryn, 8. 

The children learned that inflatable balloons, plastic and marshmallows were also made of polymers and that polymers have a physical characteristic that makes them hold their shape, like a balloon stretching when inflated and retracting when deflated. 

During one experiment, the children got to see magnetic fields in plastic bottles shaped like test tubes. Mr. Kinghorn filled bottles with magnetite and mineral oil. Magnetite suspended in mineral oil aligns with the magnetic field from the children's magnets. 

The children were all given electrical kits containing a small fan, a light bulb, a light emitting diode and an electromagnet. The children experimented with these kits throughout the week. 

Stevie Brown, 341st Services Squadron Youth Programs recreation specialist, found her time as an assistant to Mr. Kinghorn both educational and rewarding. 

"I learned that science can be fun," Mrs. Brown said. "[Mr. Kinghorn] made everything interesting and exciting, so the youth had a new outlook on science." 

Cindy Berg, 341st SVS Youth Programs director, felt the camp was beneficial for both the children and the staff. 

"The kids loved it and [Mr. Kinghorn] is very enthusiastic about his job and has made a great impression on the kids," Ms. Berg said. "[Ms. Brown] is learning a lot and Brian trained some of the staff on a science camp called, "The Mystery of the Pharaoh's Treasure." We plan to do more science-related activities in the future so we can continue offering a well-rounded program that includes sports and fitness, arts and crafts, leadership development courses, and educational courses to military families." 

The "Mystery of the Pharaoh's Treasure" will provide children with an avenue to explore archaeology, geology, and message decoding to find the "Pharaoh's Treasure." 

Children may also get a chance to build periscopes and "boom-bags" made by mixing baking soda and citric acid in small plastic bags. 

Upcoming Youth Program Events
A mini-luau and a "Kid's Ball" is scheduled during the Air Force Ball Sept. 15.
Indoor soccer registration is currently open. For more information on Science Adventures go to www.scienceadventures.com. For information on upcoming events at the youth center, drop in and pick up a schedule or call the youth center at 731-4634.