Successful Science Camp

            STEM Science Camp at the Calhoun County Library in June was a huge success that allowed 30 students to express themselves through experiments and hypotheses.

            Monday, June 19, 2023, through Friday, June 23, 2023, the Calhoun County Library held a free STEM Science Camp for children aged 6 – 12. The camp was led by chemist Doctor Lesa Rice-Jackson. Treating the classroom like a true chemistry lab with safety goggles and gloves, our scientists set out to experiment!

            On day one we learned about how certain materials such as bluing agent, kosher salt, and others can be combined to create homemade crystals. Each student got to choose a combination of materials to create two of their very own crystals.

            On day two and three, we tested acids and bases with PH testing strips. Using cabbage water as our testing solution, we added it to cups filled with coffee grounds, crushed vitamin C tablets, vinegar, soda, and other materials found at home. Once the cabbage water was added, we got to see how they reacted to each other. Some of the cups we tested turned hot pink, light pink, and even some yellowy orange.

            On day four, we mixed oil and water together to see if they would combine. Low and behold, they don’t! Our students were amazed to find out that oil will float on top of the water instead of mixing together or sinking to the bottom.

            On day five, our final day of STEM Science Camp, it was time to reveal how their crystals were growing and, of course, time for awards. We had three special awards this year: the best crystal, the best journal, and the best helper. In addition to those awards, every student who completed STEM Science Camp received a certification and a coupon for a free meal at Chick-fil-A. Thank you to Chick-fil-A for providing our scientists with a meal as a reward for all their hard work.

            Thank you to every student, parent, volunteer, staff member, and Doctor Lesa Rice-Jackson for all your help during STEM Science Camp. We hope that everyone had a wonderful time and learned a bunch about bases, acids, and crystals. We look forward to putting this on next year!