CAMP EUGLENA
What is Camp Euglena?
Camp Euglena is a two-day science camp focused on introducing the euglena
(yoo-glee-na: an amazing single-celled microorganism--but more on that later!) to young students.
The euglena is involved in many fields, including health, beauty, and most importantly, sustainability. Through many fun lessons and games, the campers will learn of this incredible microbe and become complete experts by the end of Day 2.
Who: 3rd - 6th grade
When: 11/21 - 11/22, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Mitchell Park Community Center
By who: Koharu (Gunn High School Senior) and team
There is no cost for entry to the camp; you simply must fill out the registration form.
As there are only 13 spaces, make sure to sign-up quick to secure your spot!
Lunch will be provided - in the registration form, please make sure to list any allergies.
What is euglena?
Euglena is a genus of single-celled eukaryote (cells that have a nucleus).
It is one of the best known and most widely studied member of the class Euglenoidea and can be found in both fresh water and salt water.
The species Euglena gracilis has been used extensively in the laboratory as a model organism. At camp, we will be looking at this specific organism as well.
For those interested in learning more of what the euglena is, continue reading below!
Euglena are interesting in that they hold characteristics of both animals and plants: they can get energy from sunlight using their chloroplasts. On the other hand, if there is no light, euglena can also feed heterotrophically, eating other plants or small organisms. They also do not have a cell wall like most plant cells, allowing them to have exceptional flexibility and contractility.
The euglena contains a high-lipid content as well as paramylon, a key change-maker in the biofuel-making process. A Japanese company called Euglena Co., Ltd has capitalized on this discovery and in 2018, a biofuel refinery plant was completed in Yokohama. Since then, they have successfully driven a car and flown jet using the euglena biofuel.
The euglena itself has existed for over 500 million years (way, way before the age of the dinosaurs) but only recently have we been able to exploit its full potential. As the burning of fossil fuels and other pollution continue to warm the earth, it is essential we find a solution--or at least a temporary one--to slow down the rate of climate change, lest our beautiful planet reaches a point of no return.
This camp will hopefully spark the interest of the campers in not only euglena but also the chemistry and sustainability fields as well. Through chemistry, a microscopic organism was transformed into world-changing sustainable solution -- I hope to inspire the young students to become change-makers themselves, and join the fight in protecting their home, planet earth.
