Science Camp Makes Good Chemistry

Are you missing the vinegar? Has the food coloring disappeared from your kitchen cupboard? The sugar is gone again, you say?

Well, if your children have spent any time at University Elementary this summer, you might want to look for those kitchen staples in their science kits.

Experiments learned from teacher and science nut Chris Markofski at University’s Kitchen Chemistry summer camp can turn the average home kitchen into a virtual laboratory.

“It introduces kids to inquiry, hands-on science with stuff they have in their house,” said Markofski, a former aerospace engineer turned elementary school teacher. “This way, they can learn concepts of science and do it at home.”

So, for a week at a time this summer, 24 children pile into Markofski’s colorful class for a chance to play.

Kitchen Chemistry is one of a handful of exploratory camps offered at the school to help kids learn creatively while on summer break.

Tuesday began with a molecular discovery in a pan of milk.

Partners Hayley Hendricksen, who is 6 years old, and Anna Highley, 8, got their milk, squirted some food coloring into it and, with a tiny drop of soap placed in the colors, watched the explosion of swirling red, blue, yellow and green.

“This is awesome,” said Hayley as the mixing continued.

But, what actually happened?

The soap reacted with the fat in the milk, causing a molecular chemical reaction, Markofski told the eager bunch who did a little skit on how molecules combine and clash.

Whoa.

Next, it was time to test their soda making skills.

Finding the secret recipe for Sprite or Pepsi using club soda, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and cinnamon wasn’t as easy as it looked.

Some students meticulously measured proportions, testing as they went, creating drinks with names like Tanner Supreme and Terrific, Terrific.

Wade Rockstrom, Sky Young and Sean Dempsey worked from the mindset of more is better.

“I love sugar - more sugar,” 9-year-old Wade said as he dumped a few scoops in his glass.

Sugar is good, right?

“Something is wrong, something is way wrong,” he said staring at the not-so tasty mixture.

More sugar.

The boys ended up with cups of sugar water and a lesson in the point at which water can’t dissolve sugar.

“I’m just drinking the sugar from the bottom now,” said 9-year-old Sean as 7-year-old Sky kept shoveling sugar into his glass.

“We totally messed up,” Sean said with a grimace as the three boys ran for the water fountain.

But, there are no real messups at science camp, just chances to test out theories.

It also gets youngsters ready for the challenges of science during the school year, Markofski said.

And, it’s good, not-so-clean, summer fun that the kids love.

“It’s cool,” Hayley said. “We get to make lots of everything.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: INFORMATION Science camp University Elementary runs its science camps throughout the summer. For more information, call the school at 922-6766.