Ham radio isn't just about talking! Come see how you can use amateur radio to learn about and study the Earth and Space Environment. By listening to radio signals, kids will be able to hear directly the effects of space science.
The Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) was founded in 1913 as an organization to promote and further Amateur Radio on and around the Virginia Tech campus. VTARA now operates a full station from Squires student center on campus, and welcomes anyone interested in amateur radio to stop by and visit. VTARA membership is open to anyone interested, regardless of whether or not they are a student at Virginia Tech.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Microbiology club is coming out to KTU on March 28th!
The Virginia Tech Microbiology club will be hosting microscope viewing of various microorganisms with questions, hand washing, and trivia questions based on our displays at their exhibit.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
blog updates
Hi students and parents of KTU,
You may have noticed that I have been posting a lot of information about the March 28th exhibits on the blog over the last month. This months feature is the "science discipline" and we have 29-30 exhibitors coming out to KTU on March 28th!
You may have noticed that I have been posting a lot of information about the March 28th exhibits on the blog over the last month. This months feature is the "science discipline" and we have 29-30 exhibitors coming out to KTU on March 28th!
School of Visual Arts will be exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
The VT School of Visual Arts (SOVA) will be coming out to KTU on March 28th and they will be exhibiting the Revo/Over exhibit they had at the Taubenbaum Museum in Roanoke. Here is a link of the creator- Dane Webster (who will be at KTU)- talking about the exhibit-
http://pages.suddenlink.net/dextertech/Always_Uncoupled_web.mov
Dane also suggested that we take a look at an early prototype for an educational game he has been working on. It requires a small plugin to play. The link automatically takes you to the download for that plugin if you don't have it.
http://www.sova.vt.edu/webster/players/JTown_Web8.html
http://pages.suddenlink.net/dextertech/Always_Uncoupled_web.mov
Dane also suggested that we take a look at an early prototype for an educational game he has been working on. It requires a small plugin to play. The link automatically takes you to the download for that plugin if you don't have it.
http://www.sova.vt.edu/webster/players/JTown_Web8.html
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Leadership Tech - Environmental Sustainability will be exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
Title of exhibit- Going Green - You Can Make a Difference
Leadership Tech - Environmental Sustainability Group is comprised of VT undergraduates and graduate facilitators focused on raising awareness of sustainable living through actions. We unite in a common interest in environmental, social, and economical sustainability and desire to raise awareness in our local community through participation in outreach programs. It is our goal to share information to those interested in choosing sustainable actions in their daily lives.
Leadership Tech - Environmental Sustainability Group is comprised of VT undergraduates and graduate facilitators focused on raising awareness of sustainable living through actions. We unite in a common interest in environmental, social, and economical sustainability and desire to raise awareness in our local community through participation in outreach programs. It is our goal to share information to those interested in choosing sustainable actions in their daily lives.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Matt Brinckman is exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!!!
Exhibitor title- Why Are Trees Green?
abstract- Students will learn first hand the processes of photosynthesis, combustion, respiration, and the greenhouse effect. We will use a terrarium as a biosphere model in concert with a carbon dioxide sensor to measure such processes transpiring in real time. Throughout the activity, we will discuss the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources. A discussion of what resources come from forests and how they are renewed will follow. Finally, we explore how all these phenomenon affect our natural resources and visa versa. This will be a hands-on experience not to be missed for all ages. There will also be a limited supply of Loblolly Pine tree seedlings available to interested students.
Presenter- Matt Brinckman who is a M.S. Candidate in the Department of Forestry at Virginia Tech
abstract- Students will learn first hand the processes of photosynthesis, combustion, respiration, and the greenhouse effect. We will use a terrarium as a biosphere model in concert with a carbon dioxide sensor to measure such processes transpiring in real time. Throughout the activity, we will discuss the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources. A discussion of what resources come from forests and how they are renewed will follow. Finally, we explore how all these phenomenon affect our natural resources and visa versa. This will be a hands-on experience not to be missed for all ages. There will also be a limited supply of Loblolly Pine tree seedlings available to interested students.
Presenter- Matt Brinckman who is a M.S. Candidate in the Department of Forestry at Virginia Tech
Food, Animal Practitioners Club (FAPC) will be exhibiting at KTU!!
Exhibitor Title: How farm animals are born
Abstract: This exhibit will feature various demonstrations to illustrate how farm animals are born. Several plastinated reproductive tracts will be provided to show where the fetus develops. A box will be provided that demonstrates what the inside of a reproductive tract feels like. Several ultrasound computer images will also be provided to show what the fetus looks like through ultrasound.
_________________________
The Food Animal Practitioners Club (FAPC) is for veterinary students who have an interest in cattle, swine, small ruminant (sheep and goats), camelid, and poultry medicine. The club gets together for various meetings to discuss cases and management issues. We also have various wet labs to help us acquire the skills needed to be food animal practitioners.
Abstract: This exhibit will feature various demonstrations to illustrate how farm animals are born. Several plastinated reproductive tracts will be provided to show where the fetus develops. A box will be provided that demonstrates what the inside of a reproductive tract feels like. Several ultrasound computer images will also be provided to show what the fetus looks like through ultrasound.
_________________________
The Food Animal Practitioners Club (FAPC) is for veterinary students who have an interest in cattle, swine, small ruminant (sheep and goats), camelid, and poultry medicine. The club gets together for various meetings to discuss cases and management issues. We also have various wet labs to help us acquire the skills needed to be food animal practitioners.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Dr. Andy Pereira will be exhibiting for KTU on March 28th!
Exhibitor title- The Secrets of mutants
Exhibitor abstract- Mutants are different because they have a mutation or change in their DNA which makes them look different from others of their type. We have made a collection of plant mutants, each having a mutation in a different gene. The mutants you will see have changes in the different plant parts, some of them useful to the plant, while others are not so useful. These mutants look different in many different ways, showing a large diversity of genetic variation. Such genetic variation is found in nature, from which certain plant types are selected that are adapted to different environmental conditions such as drought, cold and high temperature. This natural genetic variation has also been used by humans to select for favorable plant types, which make up our food grains, vegetables and fruits. In this rich genetic variation of mutants lies the secret for selecting and improving plants for human needs.
______________________________
Laboratory of Andy Pereira, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Tech.
The laboratory studies plant responses to environmental stresses such as drought. The model plants Arabidopsis and rice are analyzed in a systems biology view, to understand common drought response and resistance mechanisms between diverse plant types. Mutants are used to discover plants which are resistant to drought stress and understand the physiological and gene regulatory mechanisms involved. The longer term goals are to be able to develop crop plants which can grow with less water and under drought stress, since fresh water is becoming scarce due to climatic change and human population needs. In addition the laboratory searches new genetic variation for improved bioenergy feedstocks for bioethanol and biodiesel productions. The systematic analysis of gene interaction networks involved in the different biological processes provide a deeper understanding and prediction of gene functions for plant improvement.
Exhibitor abstract- Mutants are different because they have a mutation or change in their DNA which makes them look different from others of their type. We have made a collection of plant mutants, each having a mutation in a different gene. The mutants you will see have changes in the different plant parts, some of them useful to the plant, while others are not so useful. These mutants look different in many different ways, showing a large diversity of genetic variation. Such genetic variation is found in nature, from which certain plant types are selected that are adapted to different environmental conditions such as drought, cold and high temperature. This natural genetic variation has also been used by humans to select for favorable plant types, which make up our food grains, vegetables and fruits. In this rich genetic variation of mutants lies the secret for selecting and improving plants for human needs.
______________________________
Laboratory of Andy Pereira, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Tech.
The laboratory studies plant responses to environmental stresses such as drought. The model plants Arabidopsis and rice are analyzed in a systems biology view, to understand common drought response and resistance mechanisms between diverse plant types. Mutants are used to discover plants which are resistant to drought stress and understand the physiological and gene regulatory mechanisms involved. The longer term goals are to be able to develop crop plants which can grow with less water and under drought stress, since fresh water is becoming scarce due to climatic change and human population needs. In addition the laboratory searches new genetic variation for improved bioenergy feedstocks for bioethanol and biodiesel productions. The systematic analysis of gene interaction networks involved in the different biological processes provide a deeper understanding and prediction of gene functions for plant improvement.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
update on the happenings
Hi!
We are getting ready for another KTU event on March 28th! Volunteers are being oriented, name tags are being made and the clipboards are being assembled!! Its a rush of activity! I've been posting a lot of information about the exhibits that will be available for the kids and parents to see during the KTU afternoon hands-on event. Its really going to be a lot of fun and I have more to post so stay tuned.
We will be moving the lecture hall again to another place on campus. We will be having pizza like we had last time for the kids. For the parents there will be an option for them to purchase 3 pieces of pizza and a soda for 7 dollars or a drink for 2 dollars from Personal Touch Catering (they only take CASH). It seemed like this worked out really well for everyone.
The KTU t-shirts will be available to pick up at the March 28th event! We hope all the kids will want to wear them on April 18th!
Thank you for reading!
Kristy
We are getting ready for another KTU event on March 28th! Volunteers are being oriented, name tags are being made and the clipboards are being assembled!! Its a rush of activity! I've been posting a lot of information about the exhibits that will be available for the kids and parents to see during the KTU afternoon hands-on event. Its really going to be a lot of fun and I have more to post so stay tuned.
We will be moving the lecture hall again to another place on campus. We will be having pizza like we had last time for the kids. For the parents there will be an option for them to purchase 3 pieces of pizza and a soda for 7 dollars or a drink for 2 dollars from Personal Touch Catering (they only take CASH). It seemed like this worked out really well for everyone.
The KTU t-shirts will be available to pick up at the March 28th event! We hope all the kids will want to wear them on April 18th!
Thank you for reading!
Kristy
Giles County 4-H is exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
Exhibitor title- Why does the ballon move at that velocity?
Leader- Mr. Charles Lytton
Abstract- Participants will calculate the propulsion force of a balloon under different cicumstances.
Leader- Mr. Charles Lytton
Abstract- Participants will calculate the propulsion force of a balloon under different cicumstances.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences will be exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
Title: From Egg to Chick…What really happens under the shell?
Lead by: Amy Parsons, Extension Project Associate – APSC
Abstract: It takes twenty-one days for a fertile egg to develop into a chick and changes in the embryo’s growth are visible during each day of development. Students will have the opportunity to view into eggs which have been incubated to days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Pictures of development following these days will also be available so that students can see the entire development process.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a product of cooperation among local, state, and federal governments in partnership with tens of thousands of citizens, who, through local Extension Leadership Councils, help design, implement and evaluate Cooperative Extension's needs-driven programs. 4-H is the comprehensive youth development program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Young people from ages 5 to 18 engage in hands-on learning experiences under the guidance of 4-H agents and trained adult or teen 4-H volunteers. The Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech works in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension to provide and assist with the implementation of hands-on livestock and poultry programs. Extension faculty in our department also oversee youth contests held at the Virginia State Fair and State 4-H and FFA contests. Youth interested in participating in these activities should contact the departmental Extension Specialist in their specified species of interest.
Lead by: Amy Parsons, Extension Project Associate – APSC
Abstract: It takes twenty-one days for a fertile egg to develop into a chick and changes in the embryo’s growth are visible during each day of development. Students will have the opportunity to view into eggs which have been incubated to days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Pictures of development following these days will also be available so that students can see the entire development process.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a product of cooperation among local, state, and federal governments in partnership with tens of thousands of citizens, who, through local Extension Leadership Councils, help design, implement and evaluate Cooperative Extension's needs-driven programs. 4-H is the comprehensive youth development program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Young people from ages 5 to 18 engage in hands-on learning experiences under the guidance of 4-H agents and trained adult or teen 4-H volunteers. The Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech works in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension to provide and assist with the implementation of hands-on livestock and poultry programs. Extension faculty in our department also oversee youth contests held at the Virginia State Fair and State 4-H and FFA contests. Youth interested in participating in these activities should contact the departmental Extension Specialist in their specified species of interest.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
VT Entomology Department will be at Kids' Tech University on March 28th!
Exhibit title- CREEPY, CRAWLIES OR JUST MISUNDERSTOOD?
Why do insects creep us out so much? Could it be because they have so many legs? Maybe it’s because we don’t fully understand them. There is a common misconception that anything with more than four legs is an insect. Insects only have six legs, three body parts, two antennae, and wear their skeletons on the outside. This means everything else with more than six legs is technically not an insect. There are all kinds of insects: harmless and harmful, beneficial and destructive, abundant and endangered. Did you know insects live in water too? Research within the VT Entomology Department matches the diversity one finds in the insect world. We explore chemical and molecular tools for controlling insects that cause damage in urban environments and agricultural crops along with carriers of diseases harmful to humans and animals. We promote beneficial insects such as pollinators, also predators and parasitoids, which are used to control damaging insect pests or invasive weeds to reduce the use of pesticides. Other research utilizes insects to monitor environmental health of individual streams and watersheds to ecological diversity within terrestrial habitats. The exhibit provides mounted insect displays and hands-on activities.
Why do insects creep us out so much? Could it be because they have so many legs? Maybe it’s because we don’t fully understand them. There is a common misconception that anything with more than four legs is an insect. Insects only have six legs, three body parts, two antennae, and wear their skeletons on the outside. This means everything else with more than six legs is technically not an insect. There are all kinds of insects: harmless and harmful, beneficial and destructive, abundant and endangered. Did you know insects live in water too? Research within the VT Entomology Department matches the diversity one finds in the insect world. We explore chemical and molecular tools for controlling insects that cause damage in urban environments and agricultural crops along with carriers of diseases harmful to humans and animals. We promote beneficial insects such as pollinators, also predators and parasitoids, which are used to control damaging insect pests or invasive weeds to reduce the use of pesticides. Other research utilizes insects to monitor environmental health of individual streams and watersheds to ecological diversity within terrestrial habitats. The exhibit provides mounted insect displays and hands-on activities.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Summer camps
Hi all,
I've been getting a lot of questions about if VT or someone in the area offers summer camps based on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. I've been contacting people here at VT to ask them to give me information on their programs so I could post them here on the blog. Another great resource is the VT-STEM website VT-STEM website that can give you an overall feel of the programs (summer and during the school year) that Tech has to offer.
Virginia 4-H has opportunities for children that are interested in SET (Science, Engineering and Technology). All of the 4-H summer residential camps have some SET programming focus. On the individual center web sites many have weekend specialty camps such as a Robotics camp. And as always, the best way to get information is for those who are interested in 4-H to contact their local Extension office. Many local programs also offer day camps and summer fun-shops.
Best,
Kristy
I've been getting a lot of questions about if VT or someone in the area offers summer camps based on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. I've been contacting people here at VT to ask them to give me information on their programs so I could post them here on the blog. Another great resource is the VT-STEM website VT-STEM website that can give you an overall feel of the programs (summer and during the school year) that Tech has to offer.
Virginia 4-H has opportunities for children that are interested in SET (Science, Engineering and Technology). All of the 4-H summer residential camps have some SET programming focus. On the individual center web sites many have weekend specialty camps such as a Robotics camp. And as always, the best way to get information is for those who are interested in 4-H to contact their local Extension office. Many local programs also offer day camps and summer fun-shops.
Best,
Kristy
Montgomery County 4-H is exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
Exhibitor Title- Why does water hold the water strider?
Lead by- Ms. Michelle Dickerson
Exhibitor Abstract- I will do several activities demonstrating water's adhesive and cohesive properties. The activities are from the Project WET curriculum guide: (1) how many drops of water can you fit on a penny, (2) how fast does the paper boat travel after breaking the water's surface tension, (3) how many paper clips can water support
_______________________
Montgomery County 4-H has over 3000 enrolled members. The program provides livestock, horse, home-school, general community, after-school, and teen leadership clubs. It also provides many school enrichment programs, day and residential camps, and other workshops and experiential learning experiences.
Lead by- Ms. Michelle Dickerson
Exhibitor Abstract- I will do several activities demonstrating water's adhesive and cohesive properties. The activities are from the Project WET curriculum guide: (1) how many drops of water can you fit on a penny, (2) how fast does the paper boat travel after breaking the water's surface tension, (3) how many paper clips can water support
_______________________
Montgomery County 4-H has over 3000 enrolled members. The program provides livestock, horse, home-school, general community, after-school, and teen leadership clubs. It also provides many school enrichment programs, day and residential camps, and other workshops and experiential learning experiences.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Department of Biological Sciences is exhibiting at Kids' Tech University
Exhibitor Title- Why do corn plants produce toxic chemical?
Abstract- We are basically going to show kids how to extract and detect beta-glucosidase enzyme in corn plants. β-Glucosidase is a major defense enzyme in corn that produces a chemical, which is toxic to insects. Insects like European corn borer causes major damage to corn crop in United States and elsewhere. Briefly, kids will be given a microcentriguge tube containing corn plant tissue in powder form. They will then extract beta-glucosidase enzyme by adding and mixing with 1.0 ml of buffer. After spinning down, the clear supernatant will be used as a source of beta-glucosidase enzyme. In the enzyme assay, kids will mix 100 microliters of supernatant with 100 microliters of colorless substrate in a microtitre plate. After 5 min, they will arrest the reaction by adding 100 microleters of a alkali solution T. As soon as they add solution T they will see a yellow color.
Lead by- Dr. Dave Bevan and Mr. Hyun Young Yu
Abstract- We are basically going to show kids how to extract and detect beta-glucosidase enzyme in corn plants. β-Glucosidase is a major defense enzyme in corn that produces a chemical, which is toxic to insects. Insects like European corn borer causes major damage to corn crop in United States and elsewhere. Briefly, kids will be given a microcentriguge tube containing corn plant tissue in powder form. They will then extract beta-glucosidase enzyme by adding and mixing with 1.0 ml of buffer. After spinning down, the clear supernatant will be used as a source of beta-glucosidase enzyme. In the enzyme assay, kids will mix 100 microliters of supernatant with 100 microliters of colorless substrate in a microtitre plate. After 5 min, they will arrest the reaction by adding 100 microleters of a alkali solution T. As soon as they add solution T they will see a yellow color.
Lead by- Dr. Dave Bevan and Mr. Hyun Young Yu
Robotics and Art Camp
4-H is having a Robotics and Art Camp on April 4-5 at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center for children ages 10 to 13. For more information on the camp click on the pdf below...this is the brochure for the camp.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Inaugural KTU Film Festival!
Dr. Caitlin Kelleher did a wonderful job showing the kids how to use the www.alice.org Story Telling Alice computer programming software on Feb. 28th during her lecture, "Why are computer programs so frustrating?". This software provides a great opportunity to bring children together and cultivate imagination to produce movies! In order to encourage this we are sponsoring the first KTU Film Festival with screenings and awards on April 18th! Currently we are organizing the kids into groups and working on obtaining a panel of judges for the movies.
We can't wait to see what the kids produce!
We can't wait to see what the kids produce!
The Department of Biochemistry will be exhibiting on March 28th!
Exhibitor title- DNA is the Recipe of Life
Abstract- In this hands-on activity, students will extract DNA from strawberries. DNA is often called the recipe of life as it provides instructions for cells in most living things. DNA can easily be extracted from strawberries which contain 6 copies of their genome. Faculty and Biochemistry students will help with the DNA extraction, and participants can take home the DNA on a stick.
________________
Dr. Glenda Gillaspy is leading this exhibit. In the Gillaspy lab, we are interested in how plants sense and respond to their environment. Specifically, the lab is focusing on enzymes that can break down the second messenger inositol triphosphate (IP3), which many organisms use to respond to various signals. For example, plants may respond to the presence of light or a change in gravity by initiating the rapid synthesis of IP3 which then triggers the release of intracellular calcium in the cell. To stop this signaling process, IP3 must be made inactive by sequential removal of its three phosphate groups. We have cloned the genes encoding 15 inositol phosphatases from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana for our studies. This is a small, cruciferous plant which has a short life cycle, completely sequenced genome, and is amenable to both genetics and genetic transformation. To gain a better understanding of how plants use IP3 in signaling, we have constructed transgenic plants which have altered levels of the inositol phosphatases and IP3 levels. Based on their growth and development, we know that these plants are altered in their signaling responses which could help us design future strategies to combat drought and low nutrient soils.
Abstract- In this hands-on activity, students will extract DNA from strawberries. DNA is often called the recipe of life as it provides instructions for cells in most living things. DNA can easily be extracted from strawberries which contain 6 copies of their genome. Faculty and Biochemistry students will help with the DNA extraction, and participants can take home the DNA on a stick.
________________
Dr. Glenda Gillaspy is leading this exhibit. In the Gillaspy lab, we are interested in how plants sense and respond to their environment. Specifically, the lab is focusing on enzymes that can break down the second messenger inositol triphosphate (IP3), which many organisms use to respond to various signals. For example, plants may respond to the presence of light or a change in gravity by initiating the rapid synthesis of IP3 which then triggers the release of intracellular calcium in the cell. To stop this signaling process, IP3 must be made inactive by sequential removal of its three phosphate groups. We have cloned the genes encoding 15 inositol phosphatases from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana for our studies. This is a small, cruciferous plant which has a short life cycle, completely sequenced genome, and is amenable to both genetics and genetic transformation. To gain a better understanding of how plants use IP3 in signaling, we have constructed transgenic plants which have altered levels of the inositol phosphatases and IP3 levels. Based on their growth and development, we know that these plants are altered in their signaling responses which could help us design future strategies to combat drought and low nutrient soils.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Dr. Young Ju will exhibit at the March 28th KTU hands-on event!
Exhibit title-vitamins
Abstract- A matching game between vitamins and food sources
__________________________
Dr. Young Ju, from the VT Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise, will be exhibiting during the hands-on event at Kids' Tech University on March 28th. Her research evaluates the effects of bioactive food components on breast cancer using human breast cancer cells and mice models.
Abstract- A matching game between vitamins and food sources
__________________________
Dr. Young Ju, from the VT Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise, will be exhibiting during the hands-on event at Kids' Tech University on March 28th. Her research evaluates the effects of bioactive food components on breast cancer using human breast cancer cells and mice models.
Physics department will be exhibiting on March 28th!
Exhibitor title- Why Physics is Fun
Abstract- Electricity, Magnetism, Mechanics, Optics and Pressure Demos
____________________________________
About the Physics program
Our program consists of undergraduate students in physics who have a passion for teaching physics to kids of all ages. They present hands on experiments in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and pressure.
Abstract- Electricity, Magnetism, Mechanics, Optics and Pressure Demos
____________________________________
About the Physics program
Our program consists of undergraduate students in physics who have a passion for teaching physics to kids of all ages. They present hands on experiments in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and pressure.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Department of Dairy Science of VT is exhibiting on March 28th!
Title: Why do cows dine on donuts?
Presenters:
Dr. Christina Petersson-Wolfe, Extension Dairy Scientist, Milking Management and Milk Quality
Mr. Dave Winston, Extension Dairy Scientist, Youth
Representing:
Department of Dairy Science
Abstract:
The dairy cow is an amazing creature. She produces fresh, wholesome milk that is made into lots of different dairy products. She is a ruminant, meaning that she has a four-compartment stomach. Her four stomach compartments allow her to eat feeds that humans cannot eat like grass and hay. She is also able to make milk from by-product feeds, materials leftover after making other products. For example, whole cottonseeds are left over after removing cotton to make cloth. Whole cottonseed is a great feed for the cow because it is high in fiber, energy, and protein. Bakery waste (bread, pastries, donuts), citrus pulp (orange juice), corn hominy feed (flour) are a few examples of other by-product feeds that cows like to eat. Participants will get to identify and handle many of the feeds that the dairy cow eats.
Presenters:
Dr. Christina Petersson-Wolfe, Extension Dairy Scientist, Milking Management and Milk Quality
Mr. Dave Winston, Extension Dairy Scientist, Youth
Representing:
Department of Dairy Science
Abstract:
The dairy cow is an amazing creature. She produces fresh, wholesome milk that is made into lots of different dairy products. She is a ruminant, meaning that she has a four-compartment stomach. Her four stomach compartments allow her to eat feeds that humans cannot eat like grass and hay. She is also able to make milk from by-product feeds, materials leftover after making other products. For example, whole cottonseeds are left over after removing cotton to make cloth. Whole cottonseed is a great feed for the cow because it is high in fiber, energy, and protein. Bakery waste (bread, pastries, donuts), citrus pulp (orange juice), corn hominy feed (flour) are a few examples of other by-product feeds that cows like to eat. Participants will get to identify and handle many of the feeds that the dairy cow eats.
Geoscience Department of VT is exhibiting on March 28th!
Exhibit title
Why do streams get polluted?
Abstract
Using an EnviroScape hands-on model, kids will investigate non- point source (NPS) water pollution. EnviroScape (TM) models are widely used by water quality educators across Virginia, and can be accessed in most communities through local Museums, State Parks, Soil and Water Conservation District Offices, or 4-H agents. Home-made watershed models will also be demonstrated. Participants will be able to explore the sources, results, and ways to reduce NPS impacts on watersheds. Non-point source pollution is the major pollutant now impairing our fresh water resources. Reducing it will take cooperation from everyone, everywhere. It is increasingly important for communities to know about their watershed assets and use best management practices to protect them. Watershed education is now an explicit goal of the Standards of Learning, and Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences are recommended for every K-12 student in Virginia! VT works with schools to help facilitate these experiences.
_______________________________
Check out the websites below to find out more information about the Geoscience department and outreach programs-
Information about the Geosciences Department
Geoscience outreach
Why do streams get polluted?
Abstract
Using an EnviroScape hands-on model, kids will investigate non- point source (NPS) water pollution. EnviroScape (TM) models are widely used by water quality educators across Virginia, and can be accessed in most communities through local Museums, State Parks, Soil and Water Conservation District Offices, or 4-H agents. Home-made watershed models will also be demonstrated. Participants will be able to explore the sources, results, and ways to reduce NPS impacts on watersheds. Non-point source pollution is the major pollutant now impairing our fresh water resources. Reducing it will take cooperation from everyone, everywhere. It is increasingly important for communities to know about their watershed assets and use best management practices to protect them. Watershed education is now an explicit goal of the Standards of Learning, and Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences are recommended for every K-12 student in Virginia! VT works with schools to help facilitate these experiences.
_______________________________
Check out the websites below to find out more information about the Geoscience department and outreach programs-
Information about the Geosciences Department
Geoscience outreach
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Virginia 4-H - Exhibits and helping to make KTU a reality
Virginia 4-H is a partner of Virginia Bioinformatics Institute and together they are working to make Kids' Tech University a reality. Virginia 4-H is the youth development education program of Virginia Cooperative Extension which is associated to Virginia Tech. The 4-H mission is, "4-H is committed to assisting youth, and those adults working with them, in acquiring the knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, contributing, and productive members of society." The central theme of 4-H education is "learn by doing". Multiple hands-on activities in the technology, science and engineering hands-on day events for Kids' Tech University are lead and developed by Virginia 4-H extension agents from all around the state.
Virginia 4-H also has a very informative website that explains their mission, goals, history and program. Follow this link to visit the site- http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/
Also, I am volunteering to help anyone interested in Virginia 4-H get the information they need. Please email me (Kristy DiVittorio; kdivitto@vbi.vt.edu) if you would like my help...
Virginia 4-H also has a very informative website that explains their mission, goals, history and program. Follow this link to visit the site- http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/
Also, I am volunteering to help anyone interested in Virginia 4-H get the information they need. Please email me (Kristy DiVittorio; kdivitto@vbi.vt.edu) if you would like my help...
Hahn Horticulture Garden will be at the March 28th KTU!
Exhibitor title-Cool Carnivorous Plants!
Abstract- Can plants eat rats? Some carnivorous plants can, but most eat insects. These carnivores of the plant world use the sneakiest of tricks to
attract, capture, kill, and digest insects or small animals for a nutritious dinner. We'll take a close look at these fascinating plants and their bizarre adaptations. But don't get too close....
___________________________________________________________
The Hahn Horticulture Garden is nearly six acres of teaching and display gardens located on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1984 by Horticulture faculty, the garden serves undergraduate students and the local community as a learning resource for plant material, landscaping concepts, and environmental awareness. Garden features include perennial borders, water gardens, shade gardens, meadow garden, and the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion.
Abstract- Can plants eat rats? Some carnivorous plants can, but most eat insects. These carnivores of the plant world use the sneakiest of tricks to
attract, capture, kill, and digest insects or small animals for a nutritious dinner. We'll take a close look at these fascinating plants and their bizarre adaptations. But don't get too close....
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The Hahn Horticulture Garden is nearly six acres of teaching and display gardens located on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1984 by Horticulture faculty, the garden serves undergraduate students and the local community as a learning resource for plant material, landscaping concepts, and environmental awareness. Garden features include perennial borders, water gardens, shade gardens, meadow garden, and the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Feb. 28th KTU
The Feb. 28th KTU went extremely well! There were a lot of "ohhhs" and "ahhhs" from the kids during Dr. Kelleher's lecture, "Why are computer programs so frustrating?" The kids seemed to have loved the pizza; it was a huge hit and we are planning on having that option again next time! The Armored Hokie was a huge hit!
We would like to say thank you to the Armored Hokie, Virginia Tech's Ware Lab, Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association, Virginia Tech's Assistive Technologies, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Computer Science Community Service (CS Squared), Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club, Virginia 4-H Rockbridge and Craig counties, Sigma Alpha, Joon Lee, VT-STEM, Dr. Alex Leonessa, VT Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Dr. Betsy Tretola and Dr. John McGee for hosting exhibits for the kids. Thank you all!
Today, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute released a press release of the Feb. 28th program.
We would like to say thank you to the Armored Hokie, Virginia Tech's Ware Lab, Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association, Virginia Tech's Assistive Technologies, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Computer Science Community Service (CS Squared), Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club, Virginia 4-H Rockbridge and Craig counties, Sigma Alpha, Joon Lee, VT-STEM, Dr. Alex Leonessa, VT Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Dr. Betsy Tretola and Dr. John McGee for hosting exhibits for the kids. Thank you all!
Dr. Alex Leonessa exhibited at the Feb. 28th KTU
Dr. Alex Leonessa came out to the Feb 28th KTU and brought his Lego Mind Storm kits! It was a huge hit with the children who got to construct different machines using legos and program the lego robots to do various activities. Dr. Leonessa and his team of graduate and undergraduates are from the Virginia Tech Department of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering.
Monday, March 2, 2009
VT Rescue Squad
VT Rescue Squad
The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad is the oldest student run volunteer emergency medical service in the nation. The squad is among a handful of collegiate EMS agencies offering Advanced Life Support transport and is slowly becoming one of the last all volunteer agencies left in collegiate EMS. It has been the model for developing rescue squads at many Universities throughout the United States. In the past thirty years the VTRS has grown from four members certified in first aid to a fully equipped Advanced Life Support Agency with three vehicles and over thirty members. Virginia Tech Rescue Squad are all-volunteer and student-run, and we respond to emergency calls on the Virginia Tech campus 24/7. We also provide standby coverage at large sporting events like football and basketball games, and also other, smaller events (like KTU).
The VT Rescue Squad has provided support for KTU by sending three trained, professional EMTs. These EMTs are at KTU in case there are any issues where a child (or parent) needs emergency medical help...or a band aide! The VT Rescue Squad does not charge for their services and has been nice enough to donate their time to insure that our students are safe.
The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad is the oldest student run volunteer emergency medical service in the nation. The squad is among a handful of collegiate EMS agencies offering Advanced Life Support transport and is slowly becoming one of the last all volunteer agencies left in collegiate EMS. It has been the model for developing rescue squads at many Universities throughout the United States. In the past thirty years the VTRS has grown from four members certified in first aid to a fully equipped Advanced Life Support Agency with three vehicles and over thirty members. Virginia Tech Rescue Squad are all-volunteer and student-run, and we respond to emergency calls on the Virginia Tech campus 24/7. We also provide standby coverage at large sporting events like football and basketball games, and also other, smaller events (like KTU).
The VT Rescue Squad has provided support for KTU by sending three trained, professional EMTs. These EMTs are at KTU in case there are any issues where a child (or parent) needs emergency medical help...or a band aide! The VT Rescue Squad does not charge for their services and has been nice enough to donate their time to insure that our students are safe.
Parents can make donations to the squad on the website http://www.rescue.vt.edu/donations_funding.php
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