Fall EMSP Conference

At the conference we learned a lot about NEA and Education Minnesota. Below is a newsletter that we created to share with the Junior and Seniors. There is a lot of information!

Did you Know?

There are many opportunities as a NEA member

· NEA Website Benefits:

Go to: www.educationminnesota.org

Here, there are opportunities such as travel discounts, insurance coverage, lesson plans, counseling contacts, etc. Some things we found to be important are:

1. You can be reimbursed up to $20 dollars for each year you were an NEA benefits member (purchased insurance). When you become a full-time teacher, you can be reimbursed up to $40 (two years worth of insurance). This form can be sent to you via request to Tammy Barnes: Tammy.Barnes@ed.mn.org. REMEMBER this for next Fall!

2. When you sign up for your NEA liability insurance through www.educationminnesota.org, you can also sign up as a NEA website member to print off coupons, receive discounts, find scholarships, search for most public school districts contracts, learn about negotiations, gather information for “New Teachers” such as conferences, tips & suggestions, and find website connections for job postings. On top of all of these, you can look into the legal aspects. You can catch up on newly passed laws and what’s happening in our legislature.

o Go to www.educationminnesota.org

o Click on New User? Register Now

o Be sure to select: EMSP Winona State - ROCHESTER

o Follow the prompts *Note: Your MN ID # is the confirmation number you received when you signed up for your liability insurance. You can find this number in your confirmation e-mail. It’s a 9 digit number.

3. There are multiple Facebook pages to join and keep up on the news! Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Education-Minnesota-Student-Program/134289276596892

4. When you are a member, you are part of the NEA (National Education Association) as well as the AFT (American Federation of Teachers). Together, these are the Education Minnesota Union.

Fun Fact: Rochester was the home of the first MEA (Minnesota Education Association) in 1861!

Find out more at: http://mmu.locals.educationminnesota.org/~/media/mmu/edmnhistory.ashx

Your student representatives:

Tammy Barnes: tammy.barnes@ed.mn.org 800-642-3239

Michelle Goos: michelle.goos@ed.mn.org 800-622-4981

Greg Miller: greg.miller@ed.mn.org 800-422-0528

Summer Events

The Fall semester is in full gear and the EMSP team and senior cohort are in their final months before student teaching! A lot of new and exciting changes have taken place for the new semester.

First, we would like to welcome in the Junior cohort, class of 2013. We hope you all enjoy the newly remodeled program and we hope that you take in every avenue and opportunity that arises!

On that note, as many may know, our Education program has been remodeled for more concrete and thoughtful learning. The biggest change for the seniors was the shift from night courses to morning. Also, we have clinical practice tied in with our courses in Riverside Elementary. A big thank-you goes to Christine Smith (Principal) and Angela Labounty (Vice Principal) for allowing us inside their community. It's a priceless opportunity us.

Thinking back, the summer of 2011 was yet another fast one. Three of our EMSP members had the opportunity to travel to Chicago, IL for the SLC and NEA conferences held for this years leadership conference. Megan and Christina attended the first portion (SLC) while Tom attended the both of the conferences entireties.

The Student Leadership Conference portion, or SLC, consisted of many meetings focused on club promotion and leadership skills. All three of us sat in on multiple conferences and had hours of networking. We got to meet many passionate people filled with genuine drive for Education. It was great seeing the enthusiasm and effort put forth during an economically difficult time for our career.

One experience that stood out most for me was the Outreach To Teach project with Dawes Elementary School in Chicago. With this annual project, a school is put through an application and interview process. The school which is chosen is awarded with thousands of dollars worth of renovations and maintenance. We painted, sanded, weeded, planted, dusted and much more during this single day of work. It was a great time for people to lend a hand and offer their hard work to people in need. Below are a few pictures from that experience:

The 2nd annual STEM camp also happened this July! A lot of hard work and preparation went into this years' camp. Maggie Hoody was behind the scenes putting together things that I can't even begin to acknowledge. The team at Riverside Elementary were terrific, especially Mr. Johnson who helped organize within the building. I'm sure there were many sleepless nights but it was a huge success! We played great as a team and I feel like a lot of learning took place during our short four days there:

More pictures and information will soon be printed in the local newspaper. We will add the link when we see it printed! :)

Overall, the summer was busy and quick. A lot of new and exciting changes have happened but a few traditions seem to be underway (STEM camp being the biggest).

As the school year sets in, we will settle into our new Riverside classrooms and field placements. In the next few weeks we look forward to meeting the Junior cohort at our Meet and Greet as well as the Riverside Staff who we will be working side by side with before we know it!

EMSP Team 2011

Purple Plunger Success!

The Purple Plungers plunged successfully on February 12th, 2011! 7 of us got together and raised $1,480 that was contributed to the grand total of about $145,000 for our SE chapter Special Olympics.

Since we were representing WSU-Rochester, we thought it'd fit the occasion to dress in all purple. Tom, one of the members, had even gone and boughten plungers, painted them purple and put a WSU-R logo on them! They were a hit I must say. We enjoyed a quick lunch, finished up our final costume touches (face paint) and hopped on the shuttle. We were through the changing tents and into the prep tent quicker than imagined and frantically tried to collect our thoughts before it was time to plunge. We snapped a quick picture, entered a costume contest and ran out onto the plank in a blink of an eye! We didn't have time to choreograph a plan once we were out there so we all just started cheering and getting pumped up. Megan got a little antsy and took the leap first, quickly followed by her teammates! It was a beautiful day but the water was freezing! We trampled out as quick as we could and leaped into the hot-tub. It was all smiles! There, we had a quick interview with the Post-Bulletin (check out the link: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1444804). Some of us dunked our heads, some of us didn't - but we all enjoyed the quick, refreshing plunge in the middle of Minnesota's winter!

The day was over before it we knew it. We had a great time and hopefully WSU-R will continue to participate in the years to come.

EMSP

President - Tom W.

Vice President - Megan L.

Treasurer - Christina B.

Secretary - Anna S.

Polar Plunge

Feb. 12 we will be jumping into the frozen pond so gather some money and get a costume and we will all jump in together. Questions email Megan

S.T.E.M. was stupendous

What a summer! The S.T.E.M. camp at Riverside Elementary was a wonderful experience for the students and the pre-service teachers. Reflecting back on the experience we can see how valuable it is to create lessons that are engaging and rich with learning. Looking forward we still plan on offering SmartBoard training and an opportunity to listen to some exciting speakers.Check back here for times and some exciting pictures from STEM camp.

EMSP in the Spring

Fresh off our trip to the leadership conference in St. Paul, we are very excited to share our experience. The conference featured two speakers. They discussed the importance of safety on the Internet and studying abroad. Internet crimes against children is on the rise and pre-service teachers need to be aware of this. This is an important topic and we are hoping to have the same speaker come down and give a presentation for our cohort.

Another topic we would like to discuss is the opportunity for our cohort to participate in professional development. The two that we will be hosting is a Smartboard Training and Responsive Classroom course. The dates are tentative as of right now, but we are estimating that Responsive Classroom will be in late May and Smartboard will be next fall.

Finally, we have discussed an interest in hosting a meet and eat next fall for the incoming Juniors. However, we would like to make this event more engaging and informative for the Juniors, so we will make things a tad more structured and assign more roles. The event will still be fun! We are expecting to have Papa John's pizza, and hoping that some people in our cohort would be willing to make some dessert and/or appetizer.

We are open for any suggestions! We hope you all will be interested and excited for our opportunities!

EMSP Members
President- Dan
Vice President- Tim
Secretary- Brandice
Treasurer- Jake

Wow! Talk about not being updated in a while! The EMSP board members in Rochester have taken some great steps into getting the Winona State Rochester Education name out in to the public. Our members have introduced a volunteering opportunity for the Winona State Rochester cohort. Our cohort will being volunteering at an elementary school in the Rochester Public School District. This opportunity will help further our cohort's educational experiences. This is in the early stages of development, but will focus on offering STEM activities to students in an after school environment.
The EMSP board has also taken advantage of Winona State Student Senate's funding and have set up two professional development classes for the Rochester cohort to attend. The first professional development course our cohort will be attending will be a Responsive Classroom Training put on by Origins based out of Minneapolis. This event will be held in Rochester on April 17th. The second professional development opportunity will involve SMART board training provided by SSC (Southeast Service Co-Op).
On March 26th and 27th the Rochester EMSP board members will be traveling to St. Paul for the Annual Spring Education Minnesota meeting. We will be looking forward to updating everyone on the activities we will participating in.

Welcome to the new chapter of WSU-Rochester EMSP! First, let us introduce ourselves. Dan Scruggs (President) I am a Elementary Ed. major with a specialty in Social Studies. I am originally from Indiana and currently live in Stewartville with my wife and two children. I am looking forward to continuing the solid base the previous EMSP members have established. Next, The Tim Coleman (Vice President) is originally from Rochester and currently is in Rochester. I enjoy collecting sweatshirts and random books. I am looking forward to enjoying my role as VP. The new (Secretary) is Brandice Hrtanek. I am an Elementary Ed. major with a specialty in Communication Arts & Literature. I currently work with kindergarteners and love it and I can't wait to begin my new career as a teacher!!! :) Finally, Jake Kostel (Tresurer). I am one of the youngest students in the WSU-R Education Department, but is very eager and excited to be apart of EMSP. I currently work at Jefferson Elementary School as a paraprofessional in a Early Childhood Special Education class. I also work part time at PossAbilities of Southern MN as a youth recreation staff. Teaching gives me an opportunity to work with children for the rest of my life, and that is exactly what I want to do.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the following on their placment to the 2010 W.S.U.-Rochester E.M.S.P Leadership Team!

-

President: Daniel Scruggs
Vice President: Timothy Coleman
Secretary: Brandice Hrtanek
Treasurer: Jakob Kostel

Zebrafish Research Externship

A Lincoln K-8 Choice School/Mayo Clinic/W.S.U.-Rochester Partnership

November 2-6 & 9-11, 2009

My first week of this externship began at the Dr. Stephen Ekker Lab, a Zebrafish Core Facility, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Experiences from this week included academic language pertaining to genetics, discussions of pedagogy in the science classroom, social implications of genetic testing, and working directly with research scientist. During this first week, I was part of the Middle School Module testing the experiment and observing zebra fish development affected by ethanol. This experiment would give middle school students first-hand experience of how fetal alcohol syndrome negatively affects human development. A second week involved scaffolding student learning at Lincoln K-8 Choice School and assisting the middle school science teacher with preparation during the three-day lab. The following are just a few of the highlights of the first week of this externship...

Dr. Stephen Ekker Laboratory/Zebra Core Facility

DAY 1

Monday, November 2^nd

Dr. Chris Pierret, a research scientist at the Mayo Clinic Zebrafish Core Facility, talks to us about harvesting embryos in the tanks room

Why are Zebrafish a model organism for this facility?

Quick Embryo development (gestation 2-3 days versus 9 months in human)

Embryos are transparent compared to a mouse, pig, or human embryo inside the mother

High fertility rate (500 hundred offspring by the end of a week)

A diverse gene-pool compared to lab mice

Vertebrate like Humans

Shares 70% of DNA with Humans

Systems are comparable to a Human’s:

-Eye (both operate during the day versus a nocturnal eye)
-Heart
-Muscle

-Kidney
-Pancreas

-Bones

-Cartilage

DAY 2

Tuesday, November 3^rd

Fluorescent Microscope Training

These microscopes allow a person to see red and green fluorescence if a specimen observed has the expressive gene for fluorescence. This microscope also allows a person to see a specimen under the bright field similar to a dissecting microscope. A color filter is found near the microscope’s base and can change the fluorescence being observed.

So, why would research scientist want to move the fluorescent gene of an algae or jellyfish to the gene of a zebra fish? Besides winning a Nobel Prize for this accomplishment, this ability allows research scientist to attach this gene to a specific part of a zebra fish’s body system that s/he is studying. For example, a research scientist is studying a disease of the blood in humans that can be studied in zebra fish. Well, the fluorescent gene can be attached to the DNA of a zebra fish that creates a part of the blood being studied. Through use of the fluorescent microscope, a research scientist can better study this part of the blood that has the expressive fluorescent gene.

A zebra fish with the gene expression of fluorescence.

DAY 3

Wednesday, November 4^th

Module Work

The 6-8 module team took the control and ethanol groups out and observed them through drawings and snapshots. Unfamiliar with the development of these embryos, we could not see developmental delays in the embryos that Dr. Pierret did observe. Besides injecting Embryo zebrafish with enzymes, we also had the opportunity to de-chorionate zebrafish! This involves removing the chorion that surrounds the embryo.

This day was not nearly has hectic as yesterday when we prepared the ethanol solutions, divided the embryos, submerged the embryos in the ethanol solutions, observed the embryos, and then transferred them into embryonic water!

De-chorionating is a procedure in which a person has two forceps and carefully removes the chorion, or membrane, of a zebra fish. A zebra fish does not necessarily require this membrane to develop.

DAY 4

Thursday, November 5^th

Rochester Area S.T.E.M. Summit

Rochester Community and Technical College

Dr. Stephen Ekker invited the pre-service teachers to the Rochester Area S.T.E.M. Summit at Rochester Community & Technical College! I didn’t know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. This summit was an opportunity for teachers to bring students to see businesses in the region that incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math. For me, the highlight of the summit was meeting Superintendent Dr. Romain Dallemand and talking with astronaut Bernard A. Harris, Jr!

From left to right: Dr Stephen Ekker, Dr. Chris Pierret, and Dr. Maggie Hoody at the Rochester Area S.T.E.M. Summit

DAY 5

Friday, November 6^th

Large Group Presentation of Extensions

We were encouraged to think outside the realm of the science classroom and think about extension projects that could be developed by students in fields such as social studies and the language arts. Below are my thoughts on student extensions based off of the Dr. Hoody’s excellent 5 Es discussion from Monday.

Math Collect Data from entire class, create bar graph comparing groups, and find any patterns from the data. Students can present this information and emphasize the process of the scientific method and how inconsistent controls and too many variables will skew/muddy an outcome. History How has alcohol consumption by women during pregnancy changed throughout the past 100 years? Is it the same or different from one culture to another? Social Studies How has society reacted to fetal-alcohol syndrome? What education has been placed into society? Is it the same or different from one culture to another? Writing Interview a relative, parent or person in the medical field who works directly or in directly with those affected by fetal alcohol syndrome. Students can research how to facilitate a successful interview. For presentation, the student could orally present the interview or write it up in the form of a paper. Technology can be incorporated by recording the interview and creating a podcast or video podcast. Language Arts Students can read, discuss, and present literature that deals with the issues relating to the misuse of alcohol consumption.

These highlights are just a splash of the numerous opportunities we, WSU-R pre-service teachers, were able to experience during the first week at the Zebrafish Core Facility at the Mayo Clinic. The following weeks were spent at Lincoln K-8 Choice School scaffolding student learning that we experienced for ourselves during the first week of this externship. On a personal note, I look forward to incorporating the zebrafish, modules, discourse, and everything else I experienced this week into my own classroom!

A special thank you to Dr. Maggie Hoody for incorporating the WSU-R pre-service teachers within this magnificent professional development opportunity!

-Kelly James Schrandt

Coming Soon...

• Leadership Team Elections November 23, 2009
• Portfolio Showcase December 7, 2009
• Zebrafish Reflections

Summer MUSEings...

This August a handful of Rochester Education students, former students and in-service teachers attended a week-long profesional development experience called MUSE. This collaboration between The Minnesota Science Mueseum and Winona State University took these teachers on a journey to understand the link between communication, Discourse and STEM integration. We teachers were challenged to define the nature of science, to question our beliefs about intelligence, to understand inquiry-based learning and to unpack the new science standards in an effort to find connections with other disciplines. All of this happened through authentic experiences that placed the teachers in the place of their students. We learned how to apprentice students into the different Discourses. The experiences were rich with language and tools often unfamiliar to us.

On one field trip to a highway cut on US 52, we measured the height of a columnar section called the Decorah Shelf using an inclinometer and a Jacob Staff. Few of us had ever heard of these tools let alone understood what they were used for, but by having an authentic experience we were able to understand that these tools help geologists understand changes in our area. The experience helped us to understand how the shelf is one of the ways our local drinking water is filtered and the need to preserve it. Think of the learning students could gain from such an experience! What we really took away from the experience was the need to teach students that they are the scientist, engineer, and mathematician and how to bridge those disciplines with language.

The week was filled with similar experiences that pulled in language arts, social studies and community building. I really felt connected to science in an authentic way for the first in my life. It is through these experiences that real meaning is made for students. The week was an amazing opportunity and I sincerely appreciate all involved in making it happen!

Colleen Loy

Tracy's NEA Adventure...

As member with NEA (National Education Association) and as a student within the EMSP (Education Minnesota Student Program) I had the opportunity to travel to San Diego this past Summer. It was a twelve day trip (June 26 through July 7) that helped me grow as a person and as an pre-service teacher.
The first part of the conference was the NEA Student Program session. The theme was Where in the World Are Your Core Values? At this portion we evaluated what was important to ourselves as educators. We were offered several different workshops to enhance our “toolbox” as educators. My favorite workshop was Welcome To The Jungle: Surviving Your First Year In The Classroom. The presenter offered great ideas for pre-service teachers and helped prepare us for what is to come as we start in the classroom.
Along the Student Program portion of the confrence I was able to go to Balboa Elementary school as a part out “Outreach To Teach.” Here we helped fix up the school. We painted, put bulletin boards up, did landscaping, painted murals, cleaned, and talked with teachers. Then we were invited back to see the students and talk with them about giving back to the community and how it is important to help out, without being required to do so.
At the second portion of my trip I was able to attend the NEA RA as a student delegate. Our group was at the San Diego Conference Center for the NEA RA. The atmosphere of the area was exciting and fun. Being with the National Education Association on July 4th was an amazing experience. The theme of the NEA RA this year is “Hope Starts Here.” The most inspirational part was when all of the student delegates and teachers under 30 were called up on the stage to be recognized that we are the future of education. The audience gave us a standing ovation. We sang Hero by Mariah Carey. Then we chanted “Hope Starts Here, Hope Starts Here, Hope Starts Here. It was at this point that I really realized the impact that we have upon the education system. It was a wonderful experience to spend the fourth with 10,000 educators. It gave me a sense of pride and gratitude for our country and our country’s educators.
Besides attending workshops and the RA I was able to enjoy the city of San Diego. I went to the famous San Diego Zoo, Ocean Beach, a Padres and Dodgers baseball game, lots of fun restaurants, and many different shopping areas. Overall the trip was amazing. I had a wonderful time and met many amazing people.

Torandoes!

On Wednesday, September 16, the Winona State University-Rochester Education department had another growing opportunity in sharing our expanding educator knowledge with eager Mayo Eugenio Litta's Children's Hospital patients and their family members.

The topic was excitedly chosen by the staff of the hospital, tornadoes we delivered!

As it was our third volunteering visit thus far, we were grateful to be welcomed by a total of seven patient participants, our largest crowd yet! Colleen Loy, Kelly Schrandt, and Cristen Schwab showed up as the team for the activities.The afternoon began with a book donation from EMSP. This picture/fact book by National Geographic was all about tornadoes and will remain in the patient play room for those to look back upon, when they wish.
Secondly, each child received supplies to create his or her own tornado. Attaching two, two-liter bottles with special connectors, adding water, glitter, and food coloring, the children laughed and smiled as they made each tornado, uniquely theirs. Spinning the contraption and watching the water create a funnel made eyes grow big and smiles appear!
The Magic School Bus then provided a 30 minute educational, entertainment blip on weather conditions. Ms. Frizzle and her students made the children laugh as they explored different atmospheres via their magic school bus.
Lastly, Kelly and his hard work paid off! He created a tornado vortex in order for all the patients to see what a real-life tornado looks like (in smaller scale) and also recognize the true workings of what happens during a storm such as this (soda bottles and water don't show the exact science ;) ). Impressive!

The afternoon flew by and patients lingered after closing, hoping to make more tornadoes. Supplies were left so that more could be created and we look forward to our next visit on Monday, October 26.

We are looking for volunteers available anywhere from 1-4. A "Build-it Festival" will be the topic of choice and we hope to create different types of architectural designs via supplies such as marshmallows, tooth pics, whatever your imagination can conjure up.

Please, as a token of reward to yourself, think about joining us this day!

Meeting Minutes

EMSP-WSU-Rochester
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
9:00pm UCR EA 103

I. Call to Order

II. Old Business

• St. Croix Ropes

1.$23 half day; $43.50 full day

2. Possible dates include Oct. 10, Oct. 16, Nov. 7

• Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital Activity

1. Stations (3) – Vortex Chamber, Two-Liter Twisters, Magic School Bus

2.Supplies needed: blankets, funnels, glitter, food coloring, cameras

• Meet & Eat
  

1. Tentative Schedule:
5:00 to 5:35 Assigned groups for socialization and food (Logo choice)
5:35 to 5:40 Ryan Christiansen
5:40 to 5:50 St. Croix
5: 50 to 5:55 Handout
5:55 to 6:00 Final Thoughts

2. Colleen to buy remaining food (salad and dressings)

• T- shirt and Logo

1. Present to juniors at dinner use straw poll to decide on final design

2. Quotes will be obtained at later date

III. New Business

• EMSP Leadership Team to attend Student Advisory Meeting Sept. 17

1. 4 to 6pm CF 206/208

2. Where should we direct Student Senate funds?

3. Fund requests to be completed at next meeting

• Blog update

1. TRACY

IV. Review Tasks for next meeting

• Tracy – blog about San Diego trip to Ed. Minn. Conference
• Cristen – glitter, PPT slide for Meet & Eat
• Colleen - MUSE blog, create handout and script for M&E, salad
• Supplies for Tornado Activity

V. Adjournment

Next Meeting: Wednesday, September23, 2009; 8:30pm

Meeting Minutes

EMSP-WSU-Rochester
Wednesday, August 26th, 20098:30pm UCR EA 103

I. Call to Order

II. Old Business

• Eagle Bluff
  -Possible ropes course
  
• Rochester Education Summit
  -How does Junior Cohort fit into Ed. Summit?
  -What are EMSP duties?
  
• Buddy System
  -Dinner and discussion – “Meet and Eat” Sept.14th with Juniors
  -Division of duties
  
• Scholastic Books
  -Present to juniors at dinner

III. New Business

• EMSP priorities 2009-2010
  -Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital
  -Fundraisers – T-shirts
  -More options to be discussed
  
• Tornado Activity
  -Kelly – Vortex Chamber
  -Colleen – book and movie
  
• Bulletin Board
  - Colleen Updated
  

IV. Review Tasks for next meeting

• Tracy – blog about San Diego trip to Ed. Minn. Conference
  Cristen – email Jennifer Rose
  Colleen - MUSE blog
  Supplies for Tornado Activity
  All – T-shirt designs
  

V. Adjournment
Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 9pm

Volcanic Eruptions!

(Used with written permission)

July 21st was W.S.U.-Rochester E.M.S.P.'s second time visiting with patients, meeting their families, and introducing everyone to volcanic eruptions. Colleen Loy and I started the activity with a book produced by the Smithsonian Institute on volcanoes written by Simon Seymour. From our point of view, the use of books to read to the group is important, but we may need to streamline this part of the activity since we have, for the second time, been given the comment that the kids appeared to becoming restless with the book. Maybe in the future we will simply donate a book and let the patients know it will be available to read when it is convenient. It has been emphasized in the past that enjoyment trumps education so it is our challenge to stuff as much of the latter into the activity!

This introduction to the subject was followed by my personal rock collection of volcanic rock from the Lake Superior Shoreline! Being the geology geek, I find it fascinating that over a billion years ago the North American continent attempted to diverge. This spreading in the middle of the continent lead to the outpouring of magma on and off over a span of millions of years. This evidence can be found up and down the superior shoreline and can read about from the numerous road-side plaques between Duluth and the Canadian border. These lava flows followed by glaciers gave us the Great Lakes!

Vesicular Basalt

These igneous rocks were a great way for the kids to understand and feel what lava feels like when it cools. The various colors represent different minerals found in each rock. The holes in these rocks once housed trapped gas bubbles.

The activity today centered on the fact that there are different types of volcanic eruptions. These eruptions are dependent on several factors that include whether the eruption occurs above a subduction zone or a hot spot. These two areas produce different mixtures (mineral content) of magmas that, because of their crystal structure, allow gases to either easily release from the magma creating a smooth and non-explosive eruption (Hawai’i) or the magma's structure does not allow gas to escape, which in turn builds pressure within the magma. This pressure continues to build until it is suddenly released in a violent and explosive eruption such as Mt. St. Helen in 1980.



The items used in this activity are for a single volcano. Magma ingredients include baking soda, vinegar, red food coloring, and strawberry Quik (for the slower lava simulation). The tools used include measuring cups and funnels to pour the ingredients into the centrifuge tube. This centrifuge tube would already be placed in the middle of the volcano. For the slow magma eruption (low viscosity), a chopstick was used to help stir the baking soda with the vinegar and Quik. The vinegar and the baking soda had their separate measuring cups and funnels to keep the activity clean. The volcano and magma ingredients are based out of the G.E.M.S. guide.

Working with two patients, ages four and five, Colleen and I helped them erupt their volcanoes. Unfortunately, several patients were unable to participate in erupting volcanoes after the reading of the book. We talked about what magma is (molten rock) and that it cools above ground as lava to form into rock again. I explained that we are going to create two different types of volcanic eruptions: one that is smooth and gentle and another that will be explosive- but not too explosive. We emphasized that the chemical we are working with are friendly ingredients used in cooking our food. Unlike read magma, we do not have to worry about being burned by the magma we are creating today. The ingredients were prepared and measured out for each patient as they poured the mixture into their volcanoes. Both patients preferred that we do one at a time so the other could watch. The first eruption involved an example of a slow, fluid lava flow. The ingredients for this eruption included baking soda, vinegar, and Quik. From here I reinforced that the idea that this mixture, which represented magma, was safe to touch and that it wouldn’t hurt you. The patients poured in the vinegar/Quik mixture first followed by the baking soda. After the baking soda was poured into the tube, each child stirred the ingredients promoting the chemical reaction that poured over their fingers. The patients were hesitant of what was going to happen and enjoyed seeing the Strawberry lava poured from the top the volcanoes.

(Used with written permission)

Next came the exciting part: the explosive eruption. Well, not really that explosive, but it left this next eruption with a pop and grew anticipation with the patients. Once again, all ingredients were pre-measured and mixed before the patients poured them in with a funnel. For the explosive eruption, emphasis was placed on the fact that some magma does not easily release gas bubbles. Because most of these gas bubbles are not released, tremendous pressure builds up until the volcano erupts. In our case, we mix the baking soda to the vinegar and then quickly plug the centrifuge tube. This plug needs to be placed very quickly to get the best effect. First, the patients pour in the baking soda and then the tricky part- once the vinegar and red-food coloring is poured in, the funnel needs to be removed quickly and the plug placed deep enough so more pressure is required to pop the plug off of the top of the volcano. The patients are obviously excited once I explain to them this next step with vinegar to pour in one hand and the plug to the centrifuge in their other hand. After the vinegar is poured in, the magma begins to bubble up as I remove the funnel. The patient urgently places the plug in the centrifuge! We all sit back and wait. Seconds pass in anticipation. Pop! Gleeful laughter erupts from the patients as the plug shoots upward from the volcanoes and lands a short distance at its base. As a side-note, after creating these volcanoes, they were all sprayed with a sealer so the baking soda/vinegar, red food coloring could be wiped away after each eruption and ideally re-used multiple times.

We talked about how scientist observe subjects such as volcanoes and record what they see with pictures, photographs and the written word. After each eruption, we asked the patients to draw what they observed on prepared activity sheet.

After working with these two patients, I went to three rooms where did a condensed version of my lecture to patients, their siblings, and parents. Bringing my vesicular basalt was a last minute thought and I was happy I did so. These rocks were a great jumping off point when I began talking about gases in magma and how some gases escape easier in some magma than in others. It was significant that those that I talked to were able to hold and experience volcanic rock. More importantly is the fact that these rocks are from Minnesota and not from some far off land. In some of the rooms, I had more conversations with the parents than I did with the patients! Of the two volcanic eruptions Colleen and I had created earlier, I only modeled the explosive volcanic eruption since their take-away bags had the example of the smoother eruption.

Thirteen take-away bags included a 6 oz. container with pre-mixed vinegar and red food coloring, one container of baking soda, and an information card with our logo, ingredients to make more magma, the explanation of the chemical reaction taking place when the baking soda and vinegar are mixed, instructions when mixing this magma, and sources to help with making your own volcano. These items were placed within a plastic bag and handed out to participating patients and to those who missed this activity. (Note: the container in this photograph is a 12 oz. container and not a 6 oz. container)

Thank you to Dr. Maggie Hoody for providing me with the G.E.M.S. book, ideas for the day, and numerous supplies. Thanks also to Cristen Schwab for laminating the take-away cards.

Activity Sources:
G.E.M.S. Lawrence Hall of Science. Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works, written by Kevin Cuff with Ian Carmichael and Carolyn Willard

Kelly James Schrandt

Oobleck Adventure!

On June 4th, our E.M.S.P. group began what will hopefully be a continuous volunteer and teaching opportunity in the community. Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital in Rochester has numerous activities for its patients to break the monotonous time spent in the hospital. Each month has a list of activities such as monthly visit from numerous people and their dogs, art activities, and so on. Working with Jennifer Mangers, one of the child-life specialist employees, we are introducing science activities to the patients at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Our activity, an Oobleck Adventure, is inspired by Dr. Seuss’ book, Bartholomew and the Oobleck. The specific activities we plan are based off of the L.H.S. G.E.M. guide, Oobleck: What Do Scientist Do? This activity begins with the reading of Dr. Seuss’ book followed by the patients experience with Oobleck. This gave the chance for the patients to explore the substance and lead to discourse about the physical properties of Oobleck. After our discussion, we would move to team challenges. The patients are separated into groups and then given a challenge with the Oobleck. The activity wraps up with a science convention giving the patients a chance to share their challenges and how they accomplished them. Ultimately, the patients are given an opportunity to experience what scientist do in the field, the importance of teamwork, and the exchanging of ideas and discoveries.

Arriving at Noon to prepare the 1:30 p.m. activity, four cohort from the W.S.U. Rochester Education Department participated. Colleen Loy, Katie Befort, Heather Engh, and I met together to prepare the Oobleck and wrap the activity area in plastic due to Oobleck’s amazing ability to make a mess of everything. We met Jennifer on the 3rd floor activity room to find out that the majority of the patients left this morning and we have three patients interested in this science activity. We were disappointed in the low numbers, but happy that many patients were able to leave the hospital this morning. From the beginning, we were aware of the fact that the number of patients on the floor fluctuated from day-to-day and we needed to be flexible- just like in the classroom!

Beginning the activity, Katie and Heather read Bartholomew and the Oobleck to two patients. Finishing the book, one patient left with his Dad leaving us with the only one patient to participate in this activity. Jennifer was also aware of a patient that could not leave his room due to his medical condition, was very interested in the Oobleck. I walked with Jennifer down to this patient’s room. Bringing a container, this patient and his brother enjoyed the peculiar substance that Oobleck is and helped break up his isolated day.

I returned to the activity room to find Colleen, Katie, and Heather sitting around the single patient and having a great time. We may not have had many young patients exploring the Oobleck, but we had many adults coming in and out of the room wanting to feel the green goo. Our activity never came to fruition, but was a great experience. Jennifer told us that the single patient that had attended had been on the pediatric floor for a long time and this was the most fun he has had since being here.

Once this patient left, we cleaned up the activity room. The book that was read in the beginning was donated and take-away bags were left behind for future patients interested in experience the wonders of Gak, an alternative to Oobleck. This take-way bag also included the ingredients to Oobleck.

Thanks to Cristen Schwab for the take-away inserts and initiating this opportunity with Jennifer Mangers. We appreciate Dr. Maggie Hoody for the introduction of Oobleck in the classroom and allowing us to borrow her materials and Colleen Loy for supplying the ingredients of the Oobleck and Gak. Colleen also prepared the take-away bags with Gak-in-cup.


-Kelly James Schrandt

Congratulations to our Spring 2009 graduates from EMSP

Mayo Eugenio Litta Children’s Hospital Activity List

Dr. Hoody
1. Polymers (gak, oobleck, etc.) –June 4, 2009
2. Bubbles
3. Bulbs & Batteries
4. Global Games
5. Secret Formulas
6. Crime Lab Chemistry
7. Architecture – bridges, towers, etc.
8. Chemistry (differentiate across grade levels)
9. Masks/Archaeology

Colleen
1. Batteries and circuits - Lemon battery
2. Film canister farming- seed germination
3. Newspaper bridges- cooperative learning
4. Genetics using probability
5. Balloons on a spool
6. Rain stick
7. Grow crystals
8. Tornado
9. Terrariums
10. Create a fossil


Kelly
1. LEGO Mindstorms
2. GPS Hunt
3. Create low and high viscosity volcanoes/watch footage of each (Mt. Helens/ Hawai’i)
4. Glook
5. Stop-motion Animation Workshop
6. Rockets
7. Tornado Creation
8. Writing words in different languages
9. Make-shift planetarium
10. Bug Collecting: Collect plastic bugs scattered throughout the area and investigate their traits/ compare them with other insects.


Cristen
1. Pop Rocks Science
2. Singing Glasses
3. Crowding in an Ecosystem
4. Blue Sky- Red Sunset
5. Egg in a Bottle
6. The Cartesian Diver
7. Making Things Glow in the Dark
8. Candy Triboluminescence