Summer
Summer Science 2022
Where: McHenry backyard (532 Pike St. 16801) unless otherwise noted. (Contact number day-of: 814-571-4344) There are several parking places behind my backyard, if you turn on Hickory Lane (off Pike St) and follow it around to the left.
When: 7:30-10:30-ish (I stay up late so you can stay a little later than 10:30 if allowed.)
Who: Middle and high school ages (except for Astronomy Night which is a family event)
Cost: FREE
What to bring: Snacks if you have something you want to share, and extra friends are welcome. (I will plan on having a water thermos, a cooler with juice boxes, and a few bags of “default” snacks each time, but if you want to eat brownies or anything fancy, bring them with you.)
NOTE ABOUT RAIN DATES: If you are on my email list, you will receive notices of any postponements due to weather. To be added to my list, email me at ellenmchenry@hotmail.com. I will also try to remember to post the notices here on this page.
GENERAL FORMAT:
7:30-8:30 Activity time (My choice of activity– it could be a game I need “guinea pigs” to try out, or an activity that goes with the science theme of the night, or even some old fashioned games that previous generations played.)
8:30-9:30ish Science content time (often using a video projector and my outdoor screen)
9:30-until your parents make you leave: Fun in the dark (games and activities that work especially well in the dark, suggestions accepted after the first few weeks)
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DATES AND TOPICS:
JUNE 6 (rain date June 13) INTRO TO PLASMA PHYSICS (The nature of plasma, light, and “zero point energy”)
Activity: I need guinea pigs to try out the “Glycine Game” for my new food chemistry book. I also need to try out a recipe for making “popping boba” (the edible squishy gelatin bubbles used in some bubble teas). Science content: First installment of our study of plasma physics. I am using a video series by Barry Setterfield, an independent researcher from Australia (not connected with any creation group). Tonight we will learn what light is, the history of measuring its speed, and the surprising fact that every time the speed is measured, the number is a little lower than the previous time. The answer to why this is happening will take the rest of the summer to explain, and will eventually lead us into the fascinating world of plasma physics! Fun in the dark: We have to start with trampoline games, right? I have 2 trampolines now, so we can have a laser gun battle between the tramps! I also have a table game that MUST be played in the dark!
JUNE 20 (rain date June 27) ASTRONOMY NIGHT (for the whole family)
LOCATION: Liebert family homestead, 850 N. Nixon Rd. Turn left (onto dirt and gravel road) off of N. Nixon Rd. where the mailboxes are on the left, and before the white house on the right. Park behind the house in the grass, or along the road in front of the house. (NOTE: Google maps doesn’t recognize the dirt road you will turn onto.)
NOTE: This event is open to elementary students also. So bring the younger siblings! Parents welcome to stay.
7:30-8:30 Meet and greet in the Liebert’s back yard. They usually have a camp fire going and marshmallows to toast. I will bring a few astronomy-related activities, but kids are also free to just to hang out. 8:30-9:30: I think we will probably watch the first half of “What You Aren’t Being Told about Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies” with host Spike Psarris (unless I come across another astronomy video that is better suited). We’ll learn facts about stars and galaxies, and then learn about the theories of star formation. We’ll find out that these theories actually contradict fundamental laws of science! Fun in the dark: We will do some star gazing, and learn about some constellation patterns that Native Americans saw in the sky. We’ll also see if we can locate some Starlink satellites though that is harder now that they have tweaked their design.
JULY 11 (rain date July 18 ) PLASMA PHYSICS and the BIBLE, part 1
Activity: Probably trying out another science game for me, this one on energy. Science content: We continue our study of plasma physics, based on a video series by Barry Setterfield, and see how it provides answers to questions that puzzle both secular and creation scientists. Tonight we will learn a Fun in the dark: TBA
JULY 25 (rain date July 26 ) PLASMA PHYSICS and the BIBLE, part 2
Activity: TBA, will post when I can. Science content: Final part of our study of plasma physics, based on a video series by Barry Setterfield. Tonight we will learn how all this information completely erases problems with radiometric dating, which is the conjoined twin of evolution. You can have solid answers that will stand up under scrutiny from professors and peers. Fun in the dark: TBA
AUG 1 (rain date Aug 8 ) Topic TBA, depending on input from participants
Activity: TBA Science content: TBA Fun in the dark: TBA
