Kelby Sinka
The Paw Print
The whine of servos (the sound robots make) and the flashing red, yellow, and green of blinking LED lights is enough to startle anyone without prior knowledge of what goes on at nine in the morning on Saturdays in The Science Activity Center, the building between Richardson and the theatre building. Science Saturdays is run by Randy Emmons, direct of of the Adams State College Zacheis Planetarium. Emmons said about Science Saturdays: “I am just trying to develop a growing interest in science education within Colorado and northern New Mexico.” Here, people of all ages enjoy lectures on many different topics of science and hands-on time with the different scientific tools based off of the lectures. From robots to the movement of the planets in our solar system, everyone finds something of interest. On Saturday February 6, for instance, participants discussed robotics and what practical uses they hold for us today. This lecture was not given by Emmons but by two children from the community. These two children have displayed an unusual interest in science and are, in fact, far more knowledgeable than most of the participants of Science Saturday.
Every Saturday begins with a demonstration and lecture from Emmons, followed by a workshop based off of the lecture. After that, participants are free to experiment. As everything winds down, many people find their way to the roller coasters that run marbles around the room which have been constructed by the experimenters.
Entering the room where Science Saturday’s is held is very much like stepping into a different world. On the table at the north wall is an instrument somewhat like a radio which can be tuned to different frequencies. These different frequencies cause a string attached to the instrument to vibrate displaying the wave pattern of sound. Several computer-interactive microscopes are located on the west wall. Sometimes, the computers are set up to deal with very small, programmable robots with wheels attached to them – the goal is to program them to navigate a track. The south wall has the more technical equipment including a device which allows you to see the patterns of your voice and a demonstration of speed forces. The east wall is where the robotic magic happens. On this wall is a large projector with six tables circled around it, cluttered with bits of robotic equipment, circuitry, and other useful items.
Emmons’ lectures sometimes include a visit to the planetarium or a telescope viewing. Overall, one Saturday is as packed with information as a semester of science classes and for no cost at all as the event is and open to the public. Science Saturdays are held every Saturday, except for the Saturday of spring break and April 10th. Contact Randy Emmons or any of the science staff in Porter Hall for more information, or just show up at 9 a.m. on Saturday and prepare to master robotics and circuitry, and experience science taken to its limits.
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