2010-11 Activities

In 2010-11 our SET project titled “Kid Power Creations” focuses on five projects which utilize different sources of natural energy (wind, solar, pneumatic and mechanical). Participants will learn how solar energy is converted into useful power to propel a model car or boat, build working model windmills and turn simple plastic pipe fittings into safe and functional compressed air model rockets. Planned outreach activities include 4-H Chicken-que, Sonoma-Marin Fair, State 4-H Science Field Day, Petaluma Farmers Market and other 4-H SET events.

Project 1 - Sun Power
Sunday, November 7,  1:00-3:00, at Leghorn Park "G&G Park" Petaluma
Activity to include building solar model car kits and Lego WeDo solar robotics. Materials include solar car kits, solar panels, Lego WeDo kits, voltage meter.

Project 2 - Rocket Power
Sunday, December 5  1:00-3:00, at Leghorn Park "G&G Park" Petaluma

Activity to include building model rocket launchers powered by foot air pump. Materials include PVC pipe and fittings, solenoid valves, foot pumps.

Project 3 - Wind Power
Sunday, January 9  1:00-3:00, at Leghorn Park "G&G Park" Petaluma
Activity to include building working model windmill generators of various types and measuring their performance. Materials include model windmills, high speed fan, anemometer.

Project 4 - Water Power
Date TBA
Activity to include building model hydro-electric generators and a model steam generator. Materials include model hydro-generator kits, model steam generator.


Project 5 - Kid Power
Date TBA
Activity to include a trip to Train Town (Sonoma CA) where kids will explain their favorite ride and we will analyze the physics of each ride. Materials include Vernier LabQuest mini, accelerometer, sound level recorder/meter.

Additional Lego Project

For 2010-11, our 4-H group are automatically members of the Jr. First Lego League. We have access to lego building blocks, technology resources, Mindstorms robotics parts and many hundreds of Legos pieces. If your child is interested in building with Lego, please contact me and we can set up additional meeting dates.