Co-Facilitator: Susan Foody

In this hands-on Lab activity, participants will explore green chemistry by creating a biodegradable plastic using common kitchen ingredients. This course will introduce the concept of bioplastics (plastics made from renewable resources like plants, instead of petroleum) and encourage discussion on how chemistry can support sustainability. Location: SciTech in Batavia

Co-organizer: Susan Foody

Participants discover how sound travels differently in water than in air - a concept that's crucial in marine science. Crucial especially when studying animals like whales and dolphins or using underwater technology like sonar.

Location: SciTech in Batavia

ZOOM class.

Course participants will look at some of the research behind the study of plant communication, intelligence, consciousness and the role those processes play in maintaining our green planet. We will also look at the biases against the concept of plant intelligence and the challenges that plants must face moving forward.

Book: The Light Eaters, How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoe Schlanger REQUIRED 

Co-organizer: Susan Foody

Big idea: A pendulum is a simple but powerful tool in physics for studying motion, gravity, and energy transfer. In this hands-on activity, participants will build their own pendulums, experiment with variables like string length, weight, and observe the rhythmic beauty of periodic motion.

Location: SciTech in Batavia

Co-facilitator: Susan Foody

Big idea: Hovercrafts reduce friction between surfaces by floating on a thin cushion of air. This hands on activity will let participants build a mini hovercraft using simple materials to explore air pressure, friction reduction, and lift, while thinking like real-world engineers.

Location: SciTech in Batavia