The Buzz is all About Science

  We were buzzing with excitement on day four of 4-H Biotech day camp.  We started by stopping at ComTech.  There we met with Dr. Len Holmes an associate professor in Biochemistry, Bioprocessing, Fermentation, and Technology.  He introduced us to members of the Robeson County Bee Keepers Association; Dr. Reginald Oxendine and Dennis Clark told us all about bees.  They told us that there are laid back bees and aggressive bees.  They showed us how to find and mark the queen bee.  They also told us the difference between queen bees, drones and worker bees.  Mr. Clark told us that the honey you buy in the store isn't really honey, and we should buy local honey from bee keepers becuase it is actually good for us and will help us with allergies, and is a natural sweetener.
  From there we went to the dining hall at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) for lunch.  We had a choice of a variety of items and we really enjoyed eating lunch in an official college environment with other college students.
From there we took a brief walk to building of physical sciences.  We had the opportunity to meet the head of the Chemistry and Physics, Dr. Sivanadane Mandjiny.  He welcomed the 4-H members and encouraged them to continue to be excited about science.  Many of the campers thought he was one of the coolest people they had ever met.  After the introductions we split into two groups to work in the labs.  One group learned about extracting DNA from a strawberry while the other learned about cells in plants and got to see cutting edge research as its happening.  Each group then switched so they both had the chance to do the experiments. Shanna Harrelson showed the youth the multi-million dollars of equipment that they use for research and teaching in the department.  Many of the machines she was able to equate to real life scenarios which made the youth realize how much science is involved in our everyday lives.

  After that we hit the Native American Museum housed on campus.  There the youth saw examples of Native American art, learned more about the history of the Lumbee tribe, and had the chance to see how science is involved in art and nature.  It was just a hop. skip, and jump to the next stop on our tour the Mary Livermore Library.  Although many youth did not see the need in a college library becuase they did not think they would ever need books they quickly learned books are just one of the services offered at this library.  Here students have access to written works that have not been converted to digital media, as well as mirofiche and microfilm resources.  they also have the opportunity to use a computer network that gives them access to software that they would not be able to afford but need for specific classes.  Another thing you might not think of but we found out they have, are IPads available for check out.  Imagine that.
  We left the UNCP campus just before a storm hit and all made it safely back to the office for parents to pick up our campers.  So what is in store for our last day?  Something I garuntee you that will bring forth something you don't think about when talking science.  Let's just say we are expecting an emotional day.