The science behind The Galaxy Fest

Activity Title: Balloon Rocket Races

Science Blurb: Did you know that rockets move forward by pushing gasses out of their engines? This is Newton’s Third Law: for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction.

Fun Facts: Rockets used by NASA can travel at speeds of over 17,500 miles per hour!

Materials Needed:

• Balloons

• Tape
• Straw
• Markers
• Stickers
• String (for race track)
• Goggles

What’s Happening?

In this activity, you’ll create a balloon-powered rocket and race against your partner to see whose rocket moves the fastest. You’ll learn how the force of air escaping from the balloon propels it forward along the string.

Follow These Steps:

Step 1: Decorate your balloon using markers and stickers. This will be your rocket.

Step 2: Attach one end of the string to a sturdy surface, like a wall or chair. Thread the other end through the straw.

Step 3: Blow up the balloon (but don’t tie it off!) and tape the straw to the side of the balloon.

Step 4: Pull the string tight and let the balloon go! Watch as your rocket races down the string.

What Happened?

• Results:Record the distance your balloon rocket traveled and compare it with your partner’s rocket.

Activity Title: Egg Drop Zone

Science Blurb: Did you know that engineers use various materials like airbags, guardrails, and stair railing to protect us from injuries? Objects free fall to Earth’s surface at 9.8 meters per second per second (m/s^2). If you dropped a penny from the top of the Empire state building it would only take about 9 seconds to hit the ground.

Fun Facts: The highest recorded egg drop without breaking used a structure made from straws and paper, dropped from a height of over 100 feet!

Materials Needed:

• Egg
• Construction Paper
• Tape
• Rubber Bands
• Cardboard
• Bubble Wrap
• Goggles

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll design and build a protective structure around an egg using the provided materials. Your goal is to keep the egg from breaking when dropped from a height. This exercise will help you understand how different materials and designs can absorb impact and protect fragile objects.

Follow These Steps:

1. Design Your Structure: Plan how you will use the materials to protect your egg. Think about how to cushion the fall and absorb the impact.
2. Build It: Use the construction paper, tape, rubber bands, cardboard, and bubble wrap to create a protective structure around your egg.
3. Test It: Drop your protected egg from standing height, a chair, or a ladder (with a guardian) and observe what happens.
4. Revise and Retest: If your egg breaks, try adjusting your design and test it again.

What Happened? Record whether your egg survived the drop. What changes would you make to improve your design?

Activity Title: Tower of Power

Science Blurb: Engineers use principles of physics and material science to design tall, stable structures? Most buildings are built of concrete, wood, steel, or brick. This activity will help you understand the basics of building structures that can stand tall and resist forces like gravity and wind.

Fun Facts: The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, stands at 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall. Engineers had to carefully design its foundation and shape to ensure it remains stable.

Materials Needed:

• Straws
• Tape
• Construction Paper
• String
• Markers
• Timer/Stopwatch

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll work against the clock to build the tallest and most stable tower using only the materials provided. You’ll explore concepts like balance, center of gravity, and the importance of a strong foundation in engineering.

Follow These Steps:

1. Plan Your Tower: Think about how you can use the straws, tape, and construction paper to create a stable structure. Consider how you’ll balance height with stability.
2. Start Building: Use the materials to begin constructing your tower. You can use the string for additional support if needed.
3. Decorate (Optional): Use markers to add any designs or labels to your tower.
4. Race Against Time: You’ll have a set amount of time (e.g., 15 minutes) to complete your tower. Keep an eye on the timer!
5. Test Stability: Once time is up, carefully test your tower’s stability. Does it stand tall on its own? Can it withstand a gentle push?

What Happened?
Results: Measure the height of your tower and note how stable it is. What strategies worked best for building a tall, stable structure? What would you do differently next time?

Activity Title: Futuristic Fashion Show

Science Blurb: Fashion designers often look to the future for inspiration. Some modern fabrics are designed with "phase-change materials" (PCMs) that can absorb, store, and release heat to help regulate body temperature. These materials were originally developed for NASA to protect astronauts from extreme temperature fluctuations in space.

Fun Facts: The first "wearable technology" in fashion was introduced in the 1960s, with dresses made from paper. 

Materials Needed:

• Aluminum Foil
• Tape
• Various Futuristic Props
• Glasses
• Goggles
• Timer/Stopwatch

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll design and model a futuristic outfit using the listed materials. The goal is to highlight your creativity and envision what fashion might look like in the future. After designing, you’ll showcase your creation in a fashion show.

Follow These Steps:

1. Design Your Outfit: Think about how to use aluminum foil, tape, and other props to create a futuristic look. Consider what materials and styles might be popular in the future.
2. Construct Your Outfit: Begin assembling your outfit. You can use the glasses and goggles to add to your futuristic style.
3. Time to Shine: Once your outfit is complete, prepare for the fashion show. You’ll have a limited time to finish your look before the show begins.
4. Fashion Show: Walk the runway and present your futuristic outfit to the class. Explain the inspiration behind your design and how it represents the future of fashion.

What Happened?
Results: Reflect on your outfit and the show. What was the most challenging part of creating your design? How did you use the materials to represent futuristic fashion? Discuss with your classmates whose outfit best captured the spirit of innovation.

Activity Title: Marshmallow Catapults

Science Blurb: Did you know that catapults have been used for centuries as powerful siege weapons? They work by storing potential energy in a tensioned component, like a rubber band, and then releasing it to launch an object. 

Fun Facts: The largest catapults in history could launch projectiles weighing over 100 pounds across great distances. Modern catapults are used in aircraft carriers to help planes take off from short runways.

Materials Needed:

• Craft Sticks
• Rubber Bands
• Plastic Spoons
• Markers
• Paint
• Mini Marshmallows
• Target Basket

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll construct a simple catapult using the listed materials. Once your catapult is ready, you’ll test its ability to launch mini marshmallows at a target. This exercise will help you understand concepts like potential energy, force, and trajectory.

Follow These Steps:

1. Build Your Catapult: Use the craft sticks, rubber bands, and plastic spoons to assemble your catapult. Secure the pieces tightly with rubber bands to ensure it has enough tension to launch marshmallows.
2. Decorate (Optional): Use markers and paint to customize your catapult. Make it your own with creative designs!
3. Prepare for Launch: Place a mini marshmallow in the spoon of your catapult.
4. Aim and Fire: Pull back on the spoon, aim at the target basket, and release to launch the marshmallow. Try adjusting the angle and force to hit the target.
5. Test Your Skills: Keep track of how many marshmallows land in the target basket. Adjust your technique to improve accuracy.

What Happened?
Results: Record the number of successful hits on the target and the distance your marshmallows traveled. Discuss what adjustments you made to improve your accuracy and what factors affected the trajectory of the marshmallow.

Activity Title: Air Tunnels

Science Blurb: Air tunnels, also known as wind tunnels, are used by engineers and scientists to study the effects of air moving over objects. They help us understand aerodynamics—the way air flows around things like airplanes, cars, and even buildings. 

Fun Facts: The first wind tunnel was built in 1871 by British engineer Frank Wenham. Today, wind tunnels are essential tools in the design of everything from airplanes to sports equipment, helping to reduce air resistance and improve efficiency.

Materials Needed:

• Blower or Fan
• Clear Dryer Vent Tubing
• Light Fabric Material (cut into pieces)
• Duct Tape
• Zip Ties

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll build an air tunnel using dryer vent tubing and a blower. You’ll then test how different pieces of fabric material move within a tunnel, learning about airflow, lift, and drag. This experiment will introduce you to the basics of aerodynamics.

Follow These Steps:

1. Set Up the Air Tunnel: Use the clear dryer vent tubing to create your air tunnel. Secure the tubing to the blower/fan using duct tape and zip ties, ensuring that it’s tightly sealed.
2. Prepare the Materials: Cut the light fabric material into small pieces. These will be used to observe how objects behave in the airflow.
3. Power On the Blower/Fan: Turn on the blower/fan to create airflow through the tunnel. Make sure the airflow is steady before proceeding.
4. Test the Fabrics: Place the pieces of fabric material into the air tunnel and observe how they move. Watch for patterns like swirling, lifting, or dropping, and think about what causes these movements.
5. Experiment with Changes: Adjusting the speed of the blower/fan or the shape of the material to see how these factors affect movement.

What Happened?
Results: Record your observations of how each piece of fabric moved in the air tunnel. What shapes created the most lift? Which materials moved the fastest or slowest? 

Activity Title: Mini Rockets

Science Blurb: Rockets work by the power of chemical reactions to produce thrust, propelling them into the air. This follows Newton's Third Law of motion: For every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction. 

Fun Facts: The first liquid-fueled rocket was launched in 1926 by Robert Goddard, and it reached a height of 41 feet. Modern rockets, like those used by NASA, can travel at speeds exceeding 17,500 miles per hour!

Materials Needed:

• Film Canisters
• Alka-Seltzer Tablets
• Water
• Tables
• Towels/Paper Towels
• Goggles

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll use a chemical reaction between water and Alka-Seltzer to launch a mini rocket. The reaction will produce gas, creating pressure inside the film canister until it pops, sending the canister flying. This experiment will help you understand how rockets work and the forces involved in launching them.

Follow These Steps:

1. Safety First: Put on your goggles to protect your eyes during the experiment.
2. Prepare the Rocket: Fill the film canister about one-third (1/3) full with water.
3. Add the Fuel: Quickly drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet into the water and immediately snap the lid onto the canister.
4. Launch the Rocket: Place the canister on a flat surface like a table, with the lid facing down. Step back and watch as the gas builds up and launches your mini rocket into the air!
5. Clean Up: Use towels or paper towels to clean up any spilled water after the rocket launches.

What Happened?
Results: Record the height your rocket reached and the time it took for the canister to pop. What did you observe about the reaction? How does the amount of water or the size of the Alka-Seltzer tablet affect the launch? Discuss how this experiment relates to real rocket science and the principles of thrust and pressure.

Activity Title: Hair Braiding

Science Blurb: Hair braiding is both an art and a science, involving the careful manipulation of hair to create intricate patterns and styles. Braiding has been practiced for thousands of years across various cultures. It requires understanding the texture, tension, and structure of hair to achieve different looks.

Fun Facts: The oldest known braids date back to 3500 BC in Africa. Different braid styles can symbolize various things, such as age, marital status, wealth, and religion in some cultures.

Materials Needed:

• Hair (real or synthetic)
• Mannequins

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll learn and practice the art of hair braiding using mannequins. You’ll explore different braiding techniques, such as the three-strand braid, French braid, and fishtail braid. This activity will help you understand the techniques required to create beautiful braided hairstyles and the cultural significance of braiding.

Follow These Steps:

1. Set Up Your Workspace: Position your mannequin securely so that it won’t move while you braid. Make sure the hair is brushed and free of tangles.
2. Learn Basic Techniques: Start with a basic three-strand braid. Divide the hair into three equal sections and cross them over each other to create a simple braid.
3. Advance to Complex Braids: Once you’re comfortable with the basic braid, try more complex styles like the French braid or fishtail braid. Pay attention to how you section and add hair as you braid.
4. Experiment with Styles: Practice different braiding techniques on the mannequin. Try combining styles or creating unique patterns.
5. Reflect on the Process: Think about the tension you use, the neatness of your braids, and how different hair textures affect the final look.

What Happened?
Results: Reflect on the different braid styles you created. Which technique was the most challenging? How does the texture of the hair affect the ease of braiding? Discuss the cultural importance of braiding and how different styles are used in various traditions.

Activity Title: Chalk Art

Science Blurb: Chalk art is a creative way to explore colors, textures, and artistic expression. Sidewalk chalk is made of calcium carbonate, a chemical compound that's also found in eggshells, marble, limestone, and corals.

Fun Facts: The origins of chalk art date back to the 16th century in Italy, where artists known as "madonnari" would create religious images on the streets during festivals. Today, chalk art festivals are held worldwide, showcasing amazing, large-scale street art.

Materials Needed:

• Chalk (variety of colors)
• Large outdoor area (sidewalk or pavement) or chalkboards
• Water (optional for wet chalk techniques)
• Brushes or sponges (optional)
• Stencils (optional)

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll create your own chalk art masterpiece. You’ll experiment with different techniques, such as blending colors, using water to enhance the vibrancy of your chalk, and exploring textures by working on different surfaces. 

Follow These Steps:

1. Choose Your Canvas: Decide whether you want to create your chalk art on a sidewalk, pavement, or chalkboard. Consider how the surface will affect your drawing.
2. Sketch Your Design: Lightly sketch your design with a piece of chalk. This can be a simple pattern, a landscape, or anything you imagine.
3. Color and Blend: Begin filling in your design with different colors of chalk. Experiment with blending colors to create gradients and new shades. You can use your fingers, brushes, or sponges to blend the chalk.
4. Try Wet Chalk: Dip your chalk in water before drawing to create more intense colors and smoother lines. 
5. Finish and Reflect: Once you’re satisfied with your art, step back and admire your work. Think about what techniques worked well and what you might do differently next time.

What Happened?
Results: Describe your final artwork. 

Activity Title: African Drummers

Science Blurb: Drumming is a powerful form of communication and cultural expression in many African societies. The rhythms and beats created by African drummers are not only musical but also convey messages and tell stories. 

Fun Facts: In many African cultures, drums are considered sacred and are used in ceremonies, rituals, and celebrations. The djembe, one of the most popular African drums, is said to contain the spirit of the tree it was carved from and the animal that provided its skin.

Materials Needed:

• Drums (such as djembes, congas, or bongos)
• Hand percussion instruments (optional)
• Open space for drumming circle
• Stools or chairs for seating

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll learn the basics of African drumming, including how to produce different sounds and rhythms. You’ll explore the cultural significance of drumming and how it’s used to bring people together. 

Follow These Steps:

1. Basic Rhythms: Start with basic drumming techniques. Learn how to strike the drum to produce different sounds, such as the bass (low sound), tone (medium sound), and slap (high sound).
2. Practice Simple Patterns: Practice simple drumming patterns and rhythms. Pay attention to the timing and how the beats fit together to create a rhythm.
3. Create Your Own Rhythm: Once you’re comfortable with the basics, experiment with creating your own rhythms. Work with others in a drumming circle to combine rhythms and create a collective beat.

What Happened?
Results: Describe the rhythms you learned and created. What did you notice about the sound and feel of the drums? How did playing in a group influence the music you created? Reflect on the cultural importance of drumming and how it connects people in a community.

 

Activity Title: Space Face Painting

Science Blurb: Face painting is a fun way to express creativity, and it can also be used to explore the wonders of space. By painting planets, stars, and galaxies on your face, you’ll combine art with science, learning about the beauty and vastness of our universe.

Fun Facts: Did you know that the largest volcano in our solar system is on Mars? It's called Olympus Mons and is about 13.6 miles high—nearly three times the height of Mount Everest!

Materials Needed:

• Face paint (variety of colors)
• Brushes and sponges
• Water
• Mirrors
• Glitter (optional)
• Stencils (optional for detailed designs)
• Towels or wipes for cleanup

What’s Happening?
In this activity, you’ll use face paint to create space-themed designs, such as planets, stars, and galaxies, on your face or a partner’s face. This artistic activity will help you learn about different celestial bodies and express your creativity by bringing the wonders of space to life through face painting.

Follow These Steps:

1. Prepare Your Materials: Set up your face painting station with paints, brushes, water, and mirrors. Make sure your face is clean and dry before starting.
2. Choose Your Space Theme: Decide on a space theme for your face painting. You might choose to paint a planet, a starry sky, a galaxy, or a rocket ship.
3. Start with a Base Layer: Apply a base layer of paint to create the background for your design. For example, use dark blue or black for a galaxy or light blue for the sky.
4. Add Details: Use brushes and sponges to add details like stars, planets, and other space objects. Experiment with blending colors to create a realistic space effect. Add glitter to make stars shine or use stencils for more intricate designs.
5. Finalize Your Design: Once you’re satisfied with your space creation, take a look in the mirror and make any final touches. Make sure the paint is dry before moving around to avoid smudging.
6. Cleanup: Use towels or wipes to clean up any paint spills. Wash your face with soap and water when you’re ready to remove the design.

What Happened?
Results: Describe your space-themed face painting design. What celestial objects did you include, and why? How did you use colors and textures to represent space? Reflect on what you learned about space and how you used art to express these ideas.

Activity Title: No-Bake Cookies

Science Blurb: No-bake cookies rely on the chemical reactions between ingredients like oats, cocoa, and peanut butter to set and hold their shape. 

Fun Facts: In 1938, Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts, accidentally created the recipe for chocolate chip cookies while trying to make chocolate cookies

Materials Needed:

• 3 cups Rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons (tbsp) Cocoa powder
• ½ cup Peanut butter (or non-dairy substitute like almond butter)
• 2 cups Sugar
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) Vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of Salt
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet or parchment paper
• Refrigerator

What’s Happening? In this activity, you’ll make no-bake cookies by mixing ingredients together and allowing them to set in the refrigerator. You’ll learn about the roles of different ingredients and how they contribute to the final product. 

Follow These Steps:

1. Preparation: Gather all the ingredients and materials. Make sure you have a clean workspace.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, cocoa powder, peanut butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form Cookies: Using a spoon or spatula, scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them into cookies. Place them onto a baking sheet or parchment paper.
4. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This step is important for the cookies to hold their shape.
5. Enjoy and Reflect: Once the cookies are set, enjoy your no-bake treats! 

What Happened? Results: Describe how the cookies turned out. What did you notice about the texture and taste? How did the ingredients interact to form the final product? 

Activity Title: Glitter Tattoos

Science Blurb: Glitter tattoos are a fun and creative way to explore art and body decoration. This activity will introduce you to the process of creating temporary glitter tattoos, including the science behind adhesives and how glitter sticks to the skin. You’ll learn about the materials used and how to create your own designs safely.

Fun Facts: It is common for African tribes to use tattoos or skin scarification for tribal identity, spiritual beliefs, rights of passage, strength, and courage.

Materials Needed:

• Glitter (cosmetic grade)
• Body-safe adhesive or tattoo glue
• Stencils (optional, for creating designs)
• Small brushes or applicators
• Rubbing alcohol or skin cleanser (for preparing the skin)
• Cotton pads or wipes (for cleaning up)
• Optional: Cosmetic setting spray (to extend the tattoo's wear time)

What’s Happening? In this activity, you’ll create temporary glitter tattoos by applying adhesive and glitter to your skin. You’ll explore the science behind how the adhesive works to hold the glitter in place and how to safely apply and remove the tattoos. This hands-on experience will help you understand the principles of adhesion and how materials interact with the skin.

Follow These Steps:

1. Preparation: Clean the area of skin where you want to apply the glitter tattoo with rubbing alcohol or skin cleanser. Make sure the skin is dry and free of oils.
2. Choose a Design: Select a stencil or create your own freehand design. If using a stencil, place it on the skin where you want the tattoo.
3. Apply Adhesive: Carefully apply a thin layer of body-safe adhesive or over the stencil or design area. Be sure to cover all parts of the design evenly.
4. Add Glitter: While the adhesive is still tacky, use a small brush or applicator to sprinkle glitter over the adhesive. You can mix different colors of glitter to create unique designs.
5. Set and Remove Stencil: If using a stencil, carefully peel it off to reveal your glitter design. Allow the adhesive to fully dry, which should only take a few minutes.
6. Optional: Set the Tattoo: To help the tattoo last longer, you can lightly spray the area with cosmetic setting spray.
7. What Happened? Results: Describe the glitter tattoos you created. What did you notice about the adhesion of the glitter to your skin? How long did the tattoo last? Reflect on the use of adhesives and how different materials can interact with the skin safely.