Planning for a Hot July

Today in the studio, the interns and staff discussed what has been done in the past few weeks and planned on what other activities can be done in the future. So far, our interns have been working outside (and in, when raining) with the museum public. The interns launched water balloons with our trebuchet, created spin art creations with kids, shot bottle rockets and have done so much more. Our interns noted that it's been a really good past few weeks but, there can be some adjustments and some additions that can make the program flourish further.

In part one of our meeting, we discussed how to influence the museum patrons to come outside where our projects are taking place and how to work our trebuchet more efficiently. The interns noted that if it is cooler outside, perhaps the museum patrons will find the idea of playing outside more attractive. Although we can do a lot of things in the studio, of course we cannot change the course of weather! The interns decided that umbrellas for shade and more fans will help out with the heat problem. The trebuchet also provides a little relief from the heat. Children who visit the museum are always willing to be smacked and drenched in the head by a water balloon.

The trebuchet we currenly have in the studio isn't the greatest. Fortunately enough, our studio will have three more trebuchets coming within the next few weeks. With that, it is decided that we should set a few guidelines when working with the trebuchet:

- Children are allowed two water ballon throws (First time to get a feel for it, second to actually aim and shoot the target.)
- Explain the science behind the trebuchet (e.g. water ballon weight vs. counter veight, variables)
- Only studio staff can handle the trebuchet during launching part- kids help load and aim trebuchet only.

In part two of our discussion, our interns were asked to plan, research, and build water bottle rockets. The interns and studio adults set up guidelines and tips (as we did for the trebuchet).
Tips:
- Let the kids build the "top part thing" to the rocket.
- Let the kids pump the air
- Tell people when you are releasing the rocket.
- Get the people to run away for shelter!

Working on bottle rockets

Overall, the meeting was a success! The interns worked diligently and explained their part of their research well. Good job today!