Fun at Lawrence Hall of Science!

ImpACT went to the Lawrence Hall of Science as our first field trip of the summer! Even before the cars stopped, the students were super excited. They eagerly looked for the Campanile and marveled at the number of seats in the UC Berkeley Memorial Stadium. While waiting for more cars to arrive, the students played on the giant whale and DNA structures. They enjoyed it so much that their Team Leads had to convince them to go into the Hall and also promise that they would return to the DNA structure later.

At the Animal Grossology exhibit, the students learned about the many textures, scents, and make up of animal parts, such as hairballs, slime, and even poop! Initially, the students were scandalized but their curiosity overcame their inhibitions. It brought the students great delight to share their newfound knowledge with their team leads. A couple of students generously shared with their Team Leads the difference between the smell of musk and urine. Ewww… Then, there was the maze. Though bigger and older, the Team Leads were not any wiser than their students in finding the exit out of the maze. Only through working together did the teams manage their way of the maze.

At lunch, the students ate against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay and a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. They discussed with their Team Leads their favorite thing so far. “The octopus slide! The climate sphere! The maze! Oh, the DNA model!” they shouted. Overall, the students’ enthusiasm and energy were contagious. We’re all eagerly looking forward to the next field trip and counting the days until then.