Raffle

Thanks to donations from many local companies, a raffle was held at the end of the conference for the attendees.  Prizes included many scientific toys, puzzles and games.

Closing remarks

Terri Busch, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, thanked the teachers who represent the GEMS organization.  The GEMS group worked for nine months to organize and prepare for the conference today.

Structural design: buildings

Students built structures that would not be blown over using paper, scissors and tape.

Structural design: buoyancy

Students used plastic cups, platic wrap, straws, tape, and scissors to design a boat.  The challenge was to create one that could hold the most amount of mass.  The group that designed the boat that could hold the most pennies was the winner.

Polymers part two

Students created foam polymers similar to the foam found in insulation.

Polymers

Soil Erosion

Students learn about different types of soil then measure the amount of time it takes for water to pass through each one.

Some types of soil do not pass water through them easily.

Electricity

Mrs. Michelle Gattuso from Motorola.

Keynote Speaker: Carol Peterson

Carol Peterson, Vice President of Project Management at Exelon Corporation, gives the keynote address at the GEMS conference.

Stop by for breakfast

Breakfast items such as fruit, bagels, and juice are being offered at the north end of the science wing. 

Proper nutrition

Lauren Hummel, Director of Food Service for District 211, explains proper nutrition to students and parents before the GEMS conference begins.

Robotics display

Haley took control of the robot earlier this morning.

Welcome to the GEMS conference

The welcome area is in the new science wing of Conant High School.  Different comapnies and organizations are represented today, and they have brought with them hands-on activities for the students to interact with and learn from.

Registration has begun

Registration began at 8:00am this morning.  Students signed in, received their t-shirts, bags, and temporary tattoos, and headed for the welcome area.