August 2018 6 One of the greatest aspects of growing up is the joy of discovery. Being able to have the satisfaction of building, learning, or creating something yourself is so valuable to many kids. For that reason, the subject that engaged me the most when I was younger was when we got to perform science experiments. Later on, I got my first introduction to teaching science through 4-H at National Youth Science Day. That event showed me that science doesn’t just have to be for university level professors in lab coats, it can also be a great tool to excite kids to discover and learn more about the world around them in a fun and unique way. Not only does it build self confidence in their abilities, but by working together it can also give kids the opportunity to teach others around them, which is a huge step in learning. To expand 4-H’s reach to youth interested in the sciences, I started an 8 week SPIN Club, or Special Interest Club, at the Luke Air Force Base’s youth center available to kids ages 9-14. There, we focused on applying the scientific method of experimentation to learn about topics such as how different chemicals can react with each other, to how to generate electricity with wind, to full blown rocket science! In one class, we used the scientific method to demonstrate the concepts of water absorbent hydrogels, and how they can be used in real life personal and industrial applications. The experiment involved dissecting a bunch of diapers to get at the sodium polyacrylate crystals inside. At first, it might seem strange to be ripping apart baby diapers, but that’s where the experiment comes in! The participants began with asking a question, such as “I wonder what will happen if we mix these crystals with water?” or “how much water is needed to cause a reaction?” then they followed that up by making a guess, or hypothesis, on what they think the result will be. Once the guesses are in, then it’s time to perform the experiment! While carefully documenting what supplies and steps were taken, they soon discovered that mixing water in with (602) 237-3809 | www.sacate.com 5555 W. Elliot Road, Laveen, AZ 85339 Visit our website for a few of the reasons why pellets are a nutritious feed alternative to baled hay! • We only use all natural ingredients. No artificial fillers or additives • We use only the best, locally-grown sun cured alfalfa hay and bermuda. • We lab test our pellets for protein content, vitamin and mineral percentages and to ensure they meet our strict specifications and guaranteed analyses. Producing Premium Horse & Cattle Feed Since 1985 HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR SUMMER! By Arman Ghazi For more information on how to get involved with 4-H, please contact the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Office at 602-827-8275, or visit the website at extension.arizona.edu/4h/maricopa the crystals they extracted resulted in the water turning into a gel-like state. After the experiment was done, the kids then analyzed why the reaction was happening, and repeated the experiment to find out what the ideal ratio of ingredients is. This method of teaching encourages kids to think critically, and not just accept what’s being told or shown to them, but also asking “why?”. One student even took the experiment a step further. He was so excited by seeing the water turn into gel, that he asked if he could take his cup back home to find out what would happen if he froze the material. It’s that spark of curiosity and inspiring discovery that makes exposure to science so powerful for youth. If you’re looking for a way to get started teaching science, whether it be in a classroom or your own home, there are already several kits and facilitators guides ready for purchase on the 4-H website at 4-h.org/parents/national-youth-science-day/ Luke AFB SPIN Club