Clinic Two Capsules
Spring 2006
Park Forest Middle School


Rise of the Machines
Every day we use machines to help us do our work. They make task easier for us. But as complex as some machines have become, they still contain elements of the simple machines.  In this activity, students will explore the concept of mechanical advantage through the testing of various systems of pulleys (Block & Tackle). By using measurements of force and distances along with observations, students will learn the relationships that describe the mechanical advantage of pulley systems and at what cost the advantage comes.
Teachers: Douglas Yocum & Paul Wilner II
[Special needs: Tables with edges that will allow for the use of c-clap stands; enough space to setup 6 stands (~12ft of table); access to power outlets for computers]


Incredible Egg Genetics
In this lesson, students will explore heredity and genetics using plastic eggs of various colors.  Each phenotype (color) of plastic egg has been assigned a genotype.  Students will learn about the difference between genotype and phenotype; dominant, recessive, and co-dominant genes; heterozygotes and homozygotes.  They will also be taught how to construct a Punnett Square to determine possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring.  When given colored “parent” eggs of their own, students will use Punnett Squares to predict the chances that an offspring will possess a certain color trait.  This lesson on heredity and genetics will include a discussion of dominant and recessive physical traits that are visible in ourselves and our classmates—hair color, eye color, etc.
[Teachers: Meghan Bradley and Gina Chocallo. Special needs and requests: none.]


Genetic mutations occur rarely in nature
Often genetic mutations are not even expressed because they are in the form of a recessive alelle. Some are lethal and some are beneficial enough to stay in a population. Genetic mutations lead to genetic variation among populations. These mutations can affect survival rates. For example, if the mutation is a lethal one that affects an individual's ability to forage for food, that individual may not have an equal chance of surviving as others of the same species that lack the mutation. This activity will give students the chance to forage for food with different structural mutations. They will compare their survival to the survival of an individual that lacks the mutation. Students will predict what they think will happen to the mutated individual's ability to forage for food and eat as compared to the a non-mutated individual. This activity will give students an idea of how a structural mutation affects an individual's ability to forage and thus survive.
[Teachers: Aimee Rice and Jamie Howe. Special Needs: 1 computer]


Specific heat and temperature and wind gradients
This lesson will explore the concept of specific heat and how it relates to the temperature and wind gradients at the beach caused by the different specific heats of sand and water. Students will use Pasco temperature probes to evaluate temperature changes in both water and sand over a period of time. Students will then apply this knowledge to a coastal setting to explain the wind and temperature patterns observed over a day-night cycle. (Teachers: Ron Capurso and Sara Yerger). [Special needs: Computer with Pasco instrument software, 2 Pasco temperature probes and adaptors, 2 hot plates, 2 large beakers, Water, Dried dirt/sand*, Whiteboard* with 3 different colors of dry erase marker, Handouts for recording temperature changes in sand and water*.] Room request: Use of a table for setup and possibly for students to write on.


Form and Function of Living Organisms
Our lesson is designed to familiarize students with the various ways organisms are classified based on their structures. We will also discuss how an organism’s structures are related to their functions. Our lesson will include both preserved and live specimens from several different taxa to illustrate this concept.
[Teachers: Megan Manion and Mike Peterson]


Around we go
Almost every child will spend a good amount of spinning around, often times to the point of being dizzy. In this activity, students will explore some aspects of rotational physics, namely: closed systems, angular velocity, moment of inertia, angular momentum, conservation of angular momentum, and the right hand rule. Students will perform two experiments. First students will sit in a rotating chair and compare their rotational velocities with arms close to the body to when arms are extended. Second the students will explore the right hand rule and conservation of angular momentum using a rotating chair and a gyroscope. (Teachers: Rich Bailey and Jeremy Rupeka)
[Special needs: rotating chair and gyroscope]


The pH scale and The Difference Between Acids and Bases
Students will learn the concept of the pH scale and the definitions of acids and bases. After a teacher demonstration, the students will make predictions of pH for common household chemicals. Then, the students will test the pH of five acids and five bases. The students will be asked to name other products that may be tested and whether they are acids or bases. In conclusion, the teachers will connect the concept of pH to real world problems. They will discuss how antacids neutralize heartburn. Special Needs: A sink and a trashcan in the room, goggles for all students, and Dixie cups. The teachers will provide all items for testing.
[Teachers: Sarah Schlenker and Erin Mallee]