Carus recently partnered with Illinois Valley Community College’s Continuing Education Department to help bring Science FUN’damentals to life—a two-hour summer camp that encourages hands-on learning and scientific exploration for kids ages 6–8.
Led by Carus chemist Akila and supported by Rachel, a former Carus chemist who continues to volunteer with the program, the session introduced kids to foundational science topics like the periodic table, states of matter, and the scientific method.
The day featured two experiments:
- Lava Lamp Experiment – Campers combined water, oil, and Alka-Seltzer to learn about density and polarity, forming and testing their hypotheses along the way.
- Bouncy Ball Challenge – Using glue, borax, and cornstarch, kids created their own bouncy balls and compared bounce heights in a friendly challenge.
Each child left with hands-on knowledge, a small prize, and a deeper appreciation for how science works. Special thanks to IVCC for helping create engaging STEM opportunities that inspire lifelong curiosity.