Written by: Elizabeth Foreman
Photography by: Amy Goray Photography
Students at Pierce Downer have had the opportunity to take part in an extra hands-on science workshop this year, thanks to the planning and funding of the Pierce Downer PTA. Teachers in each grade selected workshop topics that aligned with their science curriculum, and instructors from the company High Touch/High Tech Science Made Fun visited each classroom to conduct the workshops.
In Christine Balagtas' fifth grade classroom, students were provided with materials and guided through the necessary steps to design small solar panels that captured and transferred energy, and later to create take-home mini compost kits to encourage kids and their families to reduce, reuse and recycle.
The instructor was knowledgeable and approachable, and the kids responded with focus and enthusiasm. After a short science lesson and instructions, students put on their coats and headed out into a cold but sunny day. They didn't seem to mind the temperature as they held small panels and set special paper on the pavement to absorb sunlight. Back in the classroom, small groups of students worked together and with the instructor to separate the hydrogen and oxygen in cups of water using a paperclip and batteries charged by the harnessed solar energy. Cool stuff! Kids respond well to first-hand exploration and investigation, which in turn may inspire a lifelong love of learning.
We hear more and more about the importance of the STEM approach to education, which purposefully integrates science, technology, engineering and math, and in the context of real-life critical thinking and problem solving. According to the National Science Foundation, “A well-prepared, innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce is crucial to the Nation's health and economy.” Three years ago the Pierce Downer PTA, under the direction of Colleen Loftus, VP for Academic Enrichment, formed a STEM Committee of interested parents to focus on providing STEM activities for students outside of the classroom. In their research, the committee learned about the High Touch/High Tech program, which was recommended by members of the staff at Hillcrest. Pierce Downer PTA approved the funds and the entire student population has benefitted from a unique approach to learning through these hands-on workshops.
Visit https://sciencemadefun.net/experiments.cfm to learn more about classroom workshops offered by High Touch/High Tech or access some fun and interesting experiments to try at home with your kids.