October 29, 2006 by rob.

We just completed the setup an AWESOME demo that I’m going to give to the 5th graders.  Based on a design from SciToys.com, we modified a standard laser pointer to transmit a music source to a receiver.   It uses a very simple design and the parts total cost is just $25 INCLUDING the laser pointer.   Would people be interested in doing this for a Science Club project?

Posted in Science Club @ Eanes | 1 Comment »

October 23, 2006 by rob.

I’d like to keep our current scheduled Friday 10/27 meeting.

The topic for this meeting will be creating model aquifers. I worked out a way to create aquifer model without a building a complex box. We’ll going to use beakers to make mini-models. Then we’ll introduce water and pollution and see what happens!

If you are on the caving list, this is your chance to give me the waivers and entry fee. We need to discuss expected underground behavior. Cavers must control their enthusiasm in order to ensure safety underground and to respect the environment.  If necessary, after 1 warning, I will remove cavers who are not following this guideline.
If you are not on the caving list, please consider getting on the waiting list. It looks like we have enough interest to schedule a trip in early 2007. People on the waiting list for 12/9 will get first pick for the next trip!

Posted in Science Club @ Eanes | 1 Comment »

October 18, 2006 by rob.

Here is the roster for the caving trip. I need to start collecting $10/personand waivers. You are welcome to sign-up as a backup. If you need to cancel, please let me know ASAP so we can fill your slot.

There is so much interest that I’m planning another trip in 2007!

Here is our backup list: Urdahl (3), David (3), Brown (2), Probst (2), Turner/Crocker (3?), Baldwin (3), Brinkers (4),

Posted in Science Club @ Eanes | 3 Comments »

October 18, 2006 by rob.

This would be a great prep for our caving trip.  It is run by the same group that will lead our trip.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2006 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BOOTHS, HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES, and PRIZES!!!!!!! 

• Come visit 2 caves and see how water gets to Austin-area aquifers.
• Experience live bats up close & learn about animals that call Austin’s caves home.
• See real arrowheads and how replicas are made by flintknappers.
• Enjoy a Halloween storytime, nature performers, & a tree-climbing demonstration!
• Bring your old cleaning products and trade them in for natural alternatives.
• Make seed balls out of native seeds and learn how to better care for your trees.
• Find out about your watershed and what steps you can to take to protect it.
• Learn how Austin turns its sludge into compost.
• Visit with a rainwater harvesting expert.

For directions, a schedule of events, list of booth presenters, and more info:  www.bseacd.org/western_oaks.htm

Posted in Science Club @ Eanes | 1 Comment »

October 18, 2006 by rob.

I (Rob Hirschfeld) have been asked to serve on the Eanes District Leadership Team to represent GT Parent interests.  I have 5th and 3rd grade students in the Eanes Elementary GT program and would like to bring a broader range of knowledge draw from on this team.
I’d like to hear from GT parents about how their experiences, celebrations, and fustrations.  This will help me better represent your children’s needs for to the District.

Please feel free to comment to this post (I’ll get emailed) to contact me directly (rob@4eanes.com).

Posted in EISD Gifted & Talented, Gifted & Talented @ Eanes | 2 Comments »

October 12, 2006 by rob.

Yikes and Sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking, but it is clearly wrong in Eanes Events! We are launching rockets Friday 10/13 at the ROLLINGWOOD baseball field next to the pool.

Does anyone know where the “Eanes Baseball Field” is?  Is there one?  Tell me so I can put up a sign.

Posted in Science Club @ Eanes | 1 Comment »

October 11, 2006 by rob.

It occured to me that we’ll run out of daylight if we start at 6:30. I’m planning to start the launching rockets from the Rollingwood Baseball Field at 5:30. You’re welcome to come anytime and join the fun!

If you don’t have your rockets ready, HobbyTown and HobbyLobby both sell ready-to-fly kits. Please buy extra igniters! Igniters are fragile and the most likely think to break as kids learn to load their own rockets.

Also, since we’ll have multiple launch pads going, please remember the following rules:

• stay 30′ back from the launch pad
• yell out a countdown from 5 (helps clear the area)
• do not walk through the launch area even if there is no rocket
• do not leave the key in the launcher
• never grab a rocket out of someones hands

See you Friday!

Posted in Science Club @ Eanes | 1 Comment »

October 4, 2006 by rob.

Last month I had the priviledge of doing a science presentation for the 5th graders.  They were a great audience and I really enjoyed it too.  Please consider presenting if you use science in your job or have a science hobby.

These kids are eager to hear about science in the world and your experience is invaluable.  It is just 2 hours of time and you are welcome to borrow materials from the lab if needed.

Posted in Eanes Elementary | 1 Comment »

October 4, 2006 by rob.

Some of you may remember the mini-Fair that the Science Club hosted last year.  I am not planning for us to host that event this Fall.

Instead, I’m working with the 5th grade teachers (who are awesome) to have the 5th grade host the fair during the school day.  We’re planning for it to be after the TAKS in the Spring.  I’ll let you know more as we progress, we’ll definately need some helpers!

Posted in Eanes Elementary, Science Club @ Eanes | No Comments »

October 4, 2006 by rob.

I’m planning for the next 2 meets to focus on Model Rockets. THIS FRIDAY (10/6) we’ll build model rockets and launch them NEXT FRIDAY (10/13) at the baseball field next to the pool. We’ll meet at the Rollingwood Pool for building and at the baseball field next to the pool for launching. Meetings start at 6:30.

If you are new to rockets, Hobby Lobby and Hobby Town (both near (360 & Lamar) have excellent selections. Remember to buy engines! I highly recommend using the lowest power (A just as fun to launch as expensive ones and cause less heartburn when they get lost.

Posted in Eanes Elementary, Science Club @ Eanes | 1 Comment »