Ecology

Since 2009 Castle Park High students, with Dr. Pomeroy of UCSD, have learned to produce biodiesel from vegetable oil. Students use a particle counter to determine how “clean” the fuel burns and discuss how particulate impacts our global climate. Students present this field data to support the benefits of biodiesel. Our booth, as in years past, will demonstrate the step-by-step process of biodiesel synthesis, discuss the advantages of biodiesel over petroleum and outline the ease of production.

Booth will consist of one display for community outreach for the San Diego River Park foundation, and one interactive display featuring the San Diego River Park Foundation Cool River Education Program. Live Macroinvertebtates will be on display to highlight stream health assessments.

Information on Nova and Super Nova Award program for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Information on the Exploring Program (co-ed vocational program for middle school and high school age youth) Information on Maker Ed programs (robotics) Hands on activity for youth attending the festival

Our booth will focus on the fusion of nature, technology and citizen science in the National Parks!

This Spring, the San Diego Public Library launches its first annual STEAM program, with hands-on programs at each of its 36 locations. The Catalog of Life @ the Library effort is part of a Library citizen science initiative. Spring into STEAM: Bug Out! is geared towards students age 9 to12 and will feature free, hands-on science programs in March, April and May. Inspired by Catalog of Life, these programs will include entomology, coding, bioengineering and more.

DINOSAURS In celebration of our traveling exhibition, ULTIMATE DINOSAUR, we will explore all things dinosaur. We'll play the dinosaur brain game, bone match and more!

The Recycling Information has brochures, fliers, and signage relaying information on waste reduction techniques, such as composting and recycling. An interactive game, "Sponge Bob Basketball," is featured, teaching participants recycling rules for San Diego. Recycle-themed prizes are awarded to players, such as rulers made from boxes, and pencils made from newspaper. Information is also available on proper disposal of hazardous waste and construction and demolition debris.

The City's Ocean Monitoring Program booth will have preserved marine invertebrates and fish on display. As well there will be a "fishing game" for children to teach them what is and is not sustainable sea food. We will be running a video loop of our ROV operations and our Benthic Sampling processing at sea. We will have a cable hanging with water sampling bottles attached to demonstrate how samples are collected for h2o quality analysis.