College of ACES

Science on the Go Celebrates Learning

U of I Extension - Cook County launched its 'Science on the GO' mobile science laboratory in October, 2007. 'Science on the GO' provides interactive science, technology and math programming to youth and adults onboard a state-of-the-art roving lab. Extension Educators are getting students excited about science disciplines including forensics, food science and animal dissection in a small classroom environment.

Since its launch in October, the lab has provided programming almost 4,000 students. This summer it will be at summer camps and fairs throughout the Chicagoland area.

"Extension is reaching out to all communities to offer access to scientific knowledge and experiences," says Dr. James Oliver, Associate Chancellor & Assistant Dean, Urban and Metropolitan Affairs. "Science on the Go is a response to the serious shortage in our society of workers with science and math backgrounds. This initiative is an effort to close this gap by making science and math interesting and exciting for today's youth."

A few of the programs offered include:

• Microbes and You: This lesson teaches students about the diverse world of microbes - bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Students have the opportunity to perform basic microbiological examinations using various staining methods and microscopes.
• Your Body's Vital Signs: Students learn how important is it to monitor the body's vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. At the end of the class, students know which body organs are responsible for each of these signs and where such signs are taken.
• Life in Space: Students learn the characteristics necessary for life on earth and other planets. They learn about different types of life forms, and analyze mystery samples for signs of life.
• Genes: Your Hidden Instruction Manual: Students learn about the structure of a gene, the genetic code, and genetic mutations. They will also learn about common patterns of inheritance and how to isolate their own DNA.
• Bio Crimestoppers: Students learn how principles of biology are used in solving crimes. Students analyze fingerprints, DNA evidence and learn about blood-typing.
• Mapping Your Tongue: Students learn that the several bumps on their tongues are called taste buds and they help us to experience various tastes. Furthermore, they learn that specific areas of the tongue are more or less sensitive to certain tastes.
• Hot Handed: Students are introduced to a variety of functions of a graphing calculator including creating lists and graphs. They learn how to use a temperature probe to measure the changes in temperature of their palm and their classmates. They graph, display and analyze this data on the graphing calculator.
• Pattern Matching: Students will practice and review a wide variety of concepts in mathematics in order to match patterns using Versa Tiles. These activities can be correlated to specific grade levels and objectives. Activities range from number skills and operations to fractions, decimals, statistics and algebra.
• Paper Towers: Students are introduced to technological design by constructing a tower with simple materials. After testing and evaluation of their prototype they will use this information as they redesign their towers.
• The Greenhouse Effect: Students use a temperature probe to measure temperature changes solar homes constructed by the students. Students compare temperatures in houses with no window and various colored windows. Students identify the greenhouse effect and differential heating due to varied colors of "glass."