‘ELE‘ELE — The water lasted longer than the students’ attention spans yesterday at ‘Ele‘ele School. Participating in the first 4-H 2008 National Youth Science Day, about a dozen students accompanied by family members came out for the event centering around
‘ELE‘ELE — The water lasted longer than the students’ attention spans yesterday at ‘Ele‘ele School.
Participating in the first 4-H 2008 National Youth Science Day, about a dozen students accompanied by family members came out for the event centering around hydrogels.
Hydrogels are superabsorbent polymers that can help scientists and engineers protect groundwater, the source for drinking and irrigation water.
They can hold up to 500 times their weight in water, and environmental applications have been found for agriculture, construction and horticulture. Hydrogels also help reduce water runoff and soil erosion.
“Don’t eat the peas,” one young voice chirped when Laura Kawamura, the Kaua‘i 4-H coordinator asked about safety for junior scientists.
The peas filled in as binders and connectors for molecule models, which the budding scientists created.
During a series of experiments, the results of which will be posted on a national Web site for comparison, the different properties of hydrogel were graphically demonstrated. Water turned into a gooey slime in the first, during which a half cup of water was poured into a small amount of hydrogel.
Does it dry out when left in the sun? That was a question left to the students to find out as they were allowed to bring home the gooey gel to dry out.
In a more graphic demonstration of the hydrogel’s ability to protect groundwater, a small amount was mixed with potting soil. Unsweetened Kool Aid was poured over a sample containing hydrogel and another without.
The junior scientists were asked to observe the difference in color between the two samples as well as measure the difference in water levels from the two samples.
“It’s so good for the child to have exposure of this type,” Dr. Liela Nitta, principal of ‘Ele‘ele School, said while dropping in on the activity. “They get to have a better understanding of chemistry by doing things hands-on, and also will take this knowledge with them so they can see the importance of geometry.”
So went the introduction for the first- through third-graders.
Kawamura said ‘Ele‘ele School was selected for the event because of its 4-H Stepping Stones program, which encourages students and parents to learn together.
“This is the first time we’re doing the National Youth Science Day, and it’s designed to have the child start thinking,” Kawamura said. “We want the children to ask questions. Kids are naturally curious and we want them to explore.”
Armed with their newfound knowledge, the students were queried about some ideas for uses of hydrogel, one student noting that it would be good for areas prone to flooding.
Kawamura said the Stepping Stones program at ‘Ele‘ele School will have its next meeting on Nov. 7 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., and encouraged parents to attend with their children.
There is no membership fee for the Stepping Stones Community Club.
For more information, call Kawamura at 274-3473.
