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Click here to also view what's going on with Sr. Science Club!

Junior Science Club is open to all 5th and 6th graders and is an extra-curricular activity held after school. The club is run by Mrs. Charlene Widmaier. The students explore many scientific topics and conduct hands-on investigations.

On May 14, 2008, the Museum of Science and Industry sent photographers to film the 6^th grade science club in action.  They will put the pictures on the MSI website.  The 6^th graders made windmills using fan blades made from different materials.  The blades were also angled in different positions.  The students used an altimeter to measure the voltage produced by wind energy.  They also installed wiring and a motor into their windmill.  Wind is a renewable energy source.

The fifth grade Junior Science Club studied the pH of different liquids to determine their impact on the environment.  pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is safe for humans and animals.

"SPIKE", the Science Club pet and mascot

Spike is the pet lizard that lives in the Upper Grade Center just outside of Mrs. Foy’s office.  He was bred here in the United States, but his ancestors are native to the Sahara desert.  Spike eats vegetables, fruit, and crickets. His favorite foods are all green.  Because he is a desert animal, he does not require water.  He gets his moisture from his food.  He likes daytime temperatures to be between 95 F and 120 F.  He comes out of his hut when he feels the warmth.  Spike likes nighttime temperatures to be between 70 F and 85 F. Spike likes to dance with his reflection in the glass.  Spike was born in December, 2005.  Uromastyx live about 14 years.  The Science Club takes care of Spike.

In June, 2006 students in the Science Club visited Fermi Lab in Batavia, Illinois where they were able to use the student science lab to investigate topics related to nature exploration, pond life, water quality analysis, forest and prairie ecosystems and many other interesting activities. The photos below show Science Club members exploring some of the exciting activities offered at Fermi Lab.

The Science Club members were able to get a good look at the bison who live on the grounds.

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These are some of the students in the student laboratory. They went from station to station, performingmany different kinds of investigations and experiments.

The Science Club members were surprised by a visit from a Nobel Prize winner in physics, Dr. Leon Lederman. Dr. Lederman was one of three scientists to discover the neutrino particles. He met with the students for a short while to discuss forms of energy. 

Dr. Lederman and some of the students pose in the Student Center.

The field trip also included a study of insect populations and a nature walk.