Biology

Become a NAT nature detective and discover the mysteries of the natural world through hands-on interactive games.

Since 2009 Castle Park High students, with Dr. Pomeroy of UCSD, have learned to produce biodiesel from vegetable oil. Students use a particle counter to determine how “clean” the fuel burns and discuss how particulate impacts our global climate. Students present this field data to support the benefits of biodiesel. Our booth, as in years past, will demonstrate the step-by-step process of biodiesel synthesis, discuss the advantages of biodiesel over petroleum and outline the ease of production.

Hands-on activities: human torso, replica animal skulls, animal plastimounts.

Ever wonder what’s happening inside your body when you are sick?! Our bodies have the phenomenal ability to recognize hundreds of living entities that cause disease, known as pathogens, to attack them, and to keep us healthy. At our all-ages friendly booth, UCSD Biology scientists will explain parts of the immune system that are responsible for keeping us healthy and answer any questions you may have. Come learn how this amazing network recognizes and defends your body against foreign invaders!

As part of our commitment to education, the National Marine Mammal Foundation participates in outreach efforts at local San Diego schools and public events. By educating children and the community about our exciting marine mammal discoveries, we hope to inspire future generations. We will offer hands on STEM demonstrations involving sound, effects of water pollution, and echolocation. We also have fun interactive games where participants can learn about marine mammal biology and win prizes.

Fluid Motion- hydraulic piston bridge Biology- cells

At the booth, we will have flyers regarding the different programs. We also have educational displays that help to highlight the core tenants of our program. For example, we have a “sugar demo” with popular drinks to display the sugar content in each drink. This is designed to help people increase their awareness of their food choices so they can make healthier choices. We also have a brain game where kids can learn where the main lobes are and how these lobes affect our decision making. We

There will be interactive displays explaining the waste water cycle, and the City's ocean monitoring program. For example, the "down the drain game" teaches children what not to put down "the drain", and on the marine biology side, they can operate an ocean water sampler and examine preserved specimens of marine animals. The goal is to educate people about the waste water treatment process and remind them that what they do at home affects ocean life and the natural environment.

We make it our mission to spark imaginative learning! Mad Science is the leading science enrichment provider for children in preschool through 6th grade.

Activities will demonstrate how microgravity affects body fluids in space and how negative pressures can be used to redistribute fluids in space and maintain astronaut health. Our table will have an inflatable alien filled with water and pressure gauges attached at different points to show how fluid pressure changes with posture changes, and an alien in a battery powered negative pressure box to show fluid distribution due to ambient pressure changes.