Mad Science aims to spark the imagination and curiosity of children by providing fun, entertaining and educational activities that instill a clear understanding of what science really is and how it affects the world around us. Mad Science programs encourage informal learning through hands-on experiences. They are fun explorations into science and technology, and include a lot of fascinating equipment, supplies and take-home materials.
While you can choose from any Mad Science Workshop to help complement any program your scouts are currently working on, the below selection of workshops have been designed to specifically meet all criteria to earn your scouts one of their badges.
Between Earth and Sky Journey - Go on a journey to learn what exists between the Earth and Sky. Learn the different classifications of rock and soil, then observe how they look, feel and change! Girls learn the stages of plant growth from a seed germinating to a blooming flower. Explore how insects effect the environment and why Fireflies glow. Observe UV light and take home your own “Mad Science Sun Bead Keychain”.
Bugs Badge - Welcome to the realm of insects! Learn about their unique eyesight, and the way that they defend themselves against predators. See how camouflage works and investigate how bugs can be helpful to our environment. Discover their unique habitats and use chromatography to create a beautiful butterfly. Explore what characteristics insects have and bring home your own “Mad Science Insect-A-Vision”.
Home Scientist Badge – Science is all around us. In this workshop the girls will discover all the fascinating experiments they can do around their home. Experiment with static electric charges and participate in hands-on experiments covering density. Learn to distinguish between physical and chemical changes and even blow up a balloon as a result of a chemical reaction. To finish up, you will be introduced to the basics of polymers and learn our secret formula to make your own “Mad Science Goo”.
Senses Badge - You have five senses that work together to let you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the world around you. Sniff out the science of your 5 senses! Test your hearing as you try to recognize different sounds, trick your vision with optical illusions, and learn to read using your sense of touch! Learn how taste and smell are interrelated. Continue testing your senses at home with our “Mad Science Science Scents tasting kit”.
Staying Fit Badge - You need a fit body and mind to do all your favorite things, from roller skating to writing in your diary to sharing advice with friends. Learn about nutrition and fitness while focusing on a healthy diet and lifestyle. Stimulate enthusiasm for personal health and cultivate a healthy attitude toward nutrition and fitness. Take home a “Mad Science Step-o-Meter”, a real pedometer!
Entertainment Technology Badge - Discover why science is the real star on the big screen. Create cool sound effects. Toy with 3-D technology. Make motion pictures come alive. Learn about some of the physics that goes into pulling off some of your favorite movie stunts. Sketch a short feature in the “Mad Science Cartoon Creator flipbook”.
Detective Badge - Step into the role of a detective and discover how forensic science works to solve crimes. Create and analyze fingerprints and teeth impressions. Discover how written materials can be analyzed to help solve a crime. Put your observation skills to the test and find out if you would make a good witness! Take home a “Mad Science Personal Profile Kit” where you can test your forensic science skills.