Let’s take a time out and be positive for a bit. To succeed in this society we live in, we need to have a basic grasp of the science that drives all of our technology and medicine. So, it’s always a pleasure to read about school science programs that take the edge off of students’ fear of the subject. And it’s great to see how the teachers and parents work so hard to get it done, despite the inevitable obstacles.
Stinky cheese, bouncing eggs, dancing raisins and bubbles. – All, it turns out, can be the makings of something scientific.
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For six weeks, 28 Cypress Elementary students got to try out those experiments and more as part of a free after-school science program.
That’s thanks to a $300 teaching grant from the Pasco County Education Foundation Inc., two enthusiastic teachers willing to put in some extra time and effort, and a spark from parent, volunteer and School Advisory Board member Pam Binder.
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The lessons from the after-school Science Club also turned out to be far-reaching.
Robinson and Scherer said they each adapted some of the experiments for the students in their own classrooms.
“I think it made us better teachers,” Scherer said.”
Robinson noted that students in the club seemed especially hyped for the upcoming school Science Fair. “It sparked some enthusiasm for other projects.”
And take a look at those smiling kids in the pictures. If nothing else, those smiles make it all worth the effort.
