[NFBC-Info] STEM Experience for Kids at State Convention

[blackbyrdfly at gmail.com]

Calling All Young STEM Lovers (and Teachers and Parents)!
 
Come join the California Organization of Parents of Blind Children as we embark on a journey through science. Is your kid blind? Have they ever been told that science is too visual for them to pursue? We’re here to turn that stereotype on its head! We have designed a morning of exciting scientific experiments and explorations both for younger and older kids which are fully accessible, completely safe, and sure to get everyone excited about science! 
 
Where: NFB of California state convention. 
Location: Convention Hotel
When: Saturday, March 15 at 11:30 AM during the Parents of Blind Children Meeting
 
Who: All Kids from ages 5 and Older and their parents or teachers 
 
Younger Activity: Ages 4-8 
Liquids are interesting substances. But as blind people, we don’t often get the experience of feeling liquids flow, experiencing them draw into a bead, etc. We’re going to create a fluid that we can move, manipulate, and feel! How does this work? We’ll make Gak, a blend of glue and borax which creates a slow-moving liquid that can be pulled, stretched, and made into many different shapes! The experiment is easy and happens in a zip top baggy. It’s sure to be fun and will not disappoint!
 
Older Activity: Ages 8 and higher 
 
Have you ever wondered how water gets hot on the stove? In this case, the burner beneath the pot of water provides energy to heat the water. But what other energy sources are out there that can heat water for us? 
That’s right; chemicals have energy embedded in them which can be released when they dissolve in water! 
Come join us and dissolve two salts in water. Notice what happens to the temperature in each case, and brainstorm with our instructors how what you just experienced can be applied to real-life, practical applications! Each of these experiments will take place in zip-top baggies and are completely safe. 
 
Conclusion: Come join us for a morning full of discovery, learning, and excitement! Anyone who told us as blind people that we shouldn’t do science is incorrect and we’re going to join hands and prove it! Come one, come all! 
 
This activity is sponsored and led by the California Organization of Parents of Blind Children. Let the STEM flourish!