Over the next two weekends Wooster will be offering hands-on science experience and events in the form of the second annual Science Day on Saturday, April 17 and the annual Archaeology Day on Saturday, April 24.† These events aim to showcase the sciences to both the campus community and the Wooster public at large.† With a variety of hands-on displays, demonstrations and activities, both events are appropriate for any and all ages; everyone from professors to students to families with children will find these two days a perfect mix of science, fun and education.
Science Day will be located in Taylor Hall from 1-4 p.m.† Different Science Clubs and departments, including Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Geology, Neuroscience and Physics, will be situated in classrooms in Taylor, each set up with an activity or display related to their department or field.† Some of the activities include creating liquid nitrogen ice cream with the Chemistry Club a touch tank of marine invertebrates including starfish and sea cucumbers presented by the Biology Club, a display of fossils by the Geology Club, and a collection of animal brains from the Neuroscience Department. There will also be an exploding volcano, a Van de Graff Generator and burning bubbles, all interactive components of the afternoon.
Archaeology Day will be located behind Lowry Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.The afternoon will include a flint demonstration of the techniques used by prehistoric Indians to make tools, and in addition there will be an atlatl (spear throwing) area.† There will also be representatives present from both the Wayne County Historical Society and the Wayne County Preservation Society.† Interactive activities for children include a sand pit for children to excavate to find buried objects and a “cave painting”ócardboard box activity.† Demonstrations will take place all afternoon, and several Wooster students will present and explain their archaeologically-focused Independent Study Projects.
Both days and their subsequent events are aimed at exposing the sciences to the community.† Students who are passionate about science will be leading these events and excited to explain why it is that they are so interested in their field of study. Erin Bauer ’10, president of Tri-Beta, the Biology club, commented, “If you are looking for some quality nerd time, are bored, or are just curious to see what the activities are all about, definitely stop by.”
Again, both events are open to anyone who wishes to participate and are free.† The format of both days will be drop-in, with demonstrations happening throughout both events.