Science Fridays at CACC got off to a great start September 16 as children learned how to find the center of mass (point of balance) in a two-dimensional figure and explored rotational motion. They were intrigued by the Euler's Disk and other scientific "toys" that chemist Dr. Bill Dresher used to demonstrate principles of physics, They painted and assembled rotating disks to make color wheels. They took a break for an energetic game of Sardines with Rev. Marie Bacchiocchi. Then they finished the two-hour session adding weights to the metal balancing Men figures that engineer Steve Weleck had constructed for each of them and noting what that did to alter the center of balance.
The second class focused on Phases of Matter (solids, liquids and gasses); The third on Sound.
Physics teacher Marilyn Weleck led the series, which concluded September 30. Other CACC professionals on the volunteer staff were Sandy Clockedile, Ryan Collins Amy Lincoln and Chris Sternberg.
The Welecks, pleased with the youngsters' response , are already thinking of future class series on art or music as well as science. "It's a great inter-generational experience for students and adults., not just an introduction to a new field," Marilyn said.
We are also looking for other members of the congregation to come up with a series for the students. The more experiences we can have for them the more we will learn.
