Saturday for Saturday- Radioactivity

Radioactivity - Alchemy of an Atom, Prof. Adriana Banu

January 28, 2012

This section addresses the 1896 discovery of invisible Uranium rays that dramatically changed physics and chemistry as well as the lives of future generations. We will learn about the early history of this remarkable episode in modern science through the works of radioactivity's pioneers like Antoine-Henry Becquerel (who first discovered it), Marie Sklodowska Curie (the most iconic of women scientists who coined the word "radioactivity" and discovered the radioactive isotopes of Polonium and Radium) or Ernest Rutherford (considered the "father" of nuclear physics who proved that radioactivity involved the transmutation of one chemical element to another). On the footsteps of these prominent scientific figures that pursued the ultimate goal of understanding radioactivity, we will ask, among other questions, the two most fundamental questions - What causes certain atoms to give off invisible, penetrating rays? Where does the atom's energy come from?

Waynesboro High school student participating in a demonstration

 Prof. Adriana Banu explaining how to take the quiz

 Students entering their answers and waiting for the correct response

Other Information:

1. PowerPoint Prof. Banu used during her lecture 

2. The JMUtube podcast- The actual lecture

3. Pictures taken of the day by JMU

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Waynesboro High School Students had dinner and attended the formal program for the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at James Madison University. The program honored the life and legacy of Dr. King through a candle lighting ceremony, dramatic expression, musical selection and a keynote speaker. Calvin Mackie, Ph.D., President and CEO, Channel ZerO Group, LLC Partner, Golden Leaf Energy, LLC, Chair, Louisiana Council on the Social Status of Black Boys and Men. 


Dr. Mackie is an award-winning mentor, a former engineering professor, an internationally renowned motivational speaker and a successful entrepreneur. His message as a mentor, speaker, and entrepreneur continues to transcend race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and time. Dr. Mackie encouraged the audience to live a purposeful life and to create their own legacy. 

Students with Dr. Mackie 

Students getting their books signed by Dr. Mackie.

 During this time Dr. Mackie asked each one of them what they wanted to be in life and encouraged them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. 

 

More information about Dr. Mackie 

please visit http://www.channelzro.com/ and see the video below:

 

"Wake up running"- Dr. Mackie 

Science for Saturdays Starts!

Science for Saturdays (S4S) started as part of LGU (Little Giant University) on December 1 with orientation. Students in this program will explore various science topics and exploring plans for life after high school. On selected Thursdays students prepare for travel on Saturdays to meet scientist for hands on experiences or to have a college/life prep experience.

On our first adventure, students came to JMU to attend a workshop entitled "Putting the Puzzle Together" facilitated by JMU social work students with the support of P&G mentors that focused on planning for after high school. This activity coincided with JMU's Open House event allowing students to explore many possible majors including looking through a powerful telescope at sun flares for astronomy; exploring worms under a microscope for biology; hands on experiences with simulation bodies for nursing; talking with pre-professional health advisors for those interested in becoming occupational therapists, doctors, pharmacist, or dentist; and many more experiences.

The next experience was being introduced to IPADs and learning how to work them. In preparation for a trip to the JMU Planetarium students started by exploring an "app" Astronomy Picture of the Day where they were able to see the picture for that day and to seek the picture on their day of birth. Other apps explored black holes and games that illustrated the properties of black holes. Saturday's trip to the Planetarium allowed students illustrated student's preparation as they started with the picture of the day, which they were knowledgable about and was able to later explore another picture of Kepler-22B the newest planet discovered.

Picture courtesy of Astronomy Picture of the Day 

Students learned why there may be life on Kepler 22B. They also learned about the many constellations in the sky and how to find them. The planetarium has a huge dome that allows nearly 360 projections (see behind students). It finds the current position of the planetarium and then positions aspects of the sky accordingly.

Students finished their day by participating in an International Potluck Dinner and having ice cream cones. Students reviewed their learning as they returned from the day.

In January and February students will be participating in Saturday Morning Physics! Come join us! Find out more at http://csma31.csm.jmu.edu/physics/Banula/SMP2012webpage/index.html