Science at the Market: Polymers

ENVISION partnered with the Sing Group in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department to introduce kids to polymers.  We did three activities to demonstrate different aspects of polymers:

-Polymer simulations showed kids a basic idea of how polymers are made. They got to compete with each other to see who could make the longest polymer chain!

 

-Sodium polyacrylate is the super adsorbent polymer found in diapers, and kids got to see how different polymers can interact with water!

  

-Hot glue guns and letter molds were used to demonstrate how polymers are molded into different objects.

    

Science at the Market: Paper Gears

ENVISION members hosted the Science at the Market booth at the Urbana Farmers Market on June 10th, where we made gear mechanisms out of paper. Students were able to make, play with, or take home pre-made kits of various gear mechanisms: Archimedes screw, shaker, and tooth and slot.

Thanks to the volunteers who helped us prepare the kits, and also to those who helped out on Saturday morning!

 

Farmer’s Market – Polydron Kit & Origami

Event Title: Science at the Market – Geometry Themed

Location: Urbana Farmers Market

Date: August 6th, 2016

Members of ENVISION introduced children at the Urbana Farmer’s Market to geometry through polydron geometry kits and simple origami. The visitors learned about Euler’s formula and surface area and were able to design various structures with the various pieces in the kit. They were then able to apply these ideas to origami — we made gorillas, pigs, dogs, swans, and cubes.

Matt created a powerpoint presentation to show the visitors how origami is applicable in research! The powerpoint can be viewed here.

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Farmer’s Market – Kindle the Flames

Event Title: Science at the Market with Kindle the Flames

Location: Urbana Farmers Market

Date: July 30th, 2016

Members of ENVISION partnered with an educational outreach program called Kindle the Flames (KtF) who introduces young teens to robotics and programming. The motto of KtF is Spark a Reaction, Kindle the Flames. Learn more about them here!  The group is transferring from Oklahoma City to Champaign and is interested in getting more involved with the community.

ENVISION volunteers helped KtF implement an activity at the Farmers Market, where children were able to control quadcopter and ground robots using video game remotes. The event was a success!

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