John Scavo (Richards Voc HS)
shared DNA Matching with us, an example of a chemistry van program from CSU - 30 experiments available). This was a forensic experience in which we tried to match "evidence cards" containing DNA patterns with a set of 9 suspect DNAs (handout). Interesting, John!

Ben Butler (L Ward School)
wrote: A Scientific Method - OPHEC. Observation, Problem, Hypothesis, Experiment, Conclusion. Then he gave us a problem: Which plastic wrap keeps food driest? H - involves selection of several plastic wraps (Jewel, Handiwrap, etc). E - Use folded paper towels inside plastic wrap, twisted tightly and held with rubber band. Drop into large plastic bag with water, check after a day or so. O - see paper towels are driest. C - conclude - answer to Problem. (HandiWrap was best!). Thanks, Ben!

Marva Anyanwu (Green School)
phenomenologically involved us with air pressure (handouts). At one point, Ken Schug (IIT) lifted up one end of a desk with a suction cup (dent puller). And we had an interesting discussion of physiological effects of changes in atmospheric pressure. And - using drinking straws and ziplock bags we raised books up. Insert the straw into the bag, sealing with tape. Then blow into the straw, inflating the bag - which is under the book and is so raised up. Good ideas!

Melinda Ross (Hefferan School)
asked us to define gravity, and siphoning (handouts). We decided that gravity produced an attraction between objects with mass. And siphoning is the movement of liquid from a higher to a lower level through a tube which goes higher than the upper level. Then she gave us each two cups and a flexible straw and water, and we made our own siphons. They worked! Neat! Will a siphon work in a vacuum? Discussion showed we disagreed on the answer. What do YOU think?