Science was on display at School District 47 schools last week as a travelling team from Vancouver brought science-based fun to students in the Powell River area.
Part of a program run by Science World British Columbia, the On the Road team visited in an effort to bring science education to schools in remote communities.
James Thomson Elementary School students, grades four through seven, sat transfixed as presenters Stefano Giulianetti and Mack Gordon led them through several weather-themed experiments, including one where they created clouds in a plastic bottle.
“Scientists work to figure it all out,” Giulianetti told students. “Prediction is just a guess until you test it out.”
The show at James Thomson was one of many presentations last week, including Texada Elementary School, Kelly Creek Community School and Brooks Secondary School.
“You’ve got to be able to make science fun,” said Giulianetti. “It makes kids pay attention and tells them science is for anyone who is curious.”
According to James Thomson’s grade four, five and six teacher Derek Elliot, the demonstrations help students connect with what they learn in class.
“There is an excitement level when students see scientific concepts as part of an audience,” said Elliot. “When I do a demonstration for students, it always starts a great conversation that leads to scientific connection.”
Programs are geared for all ages, with kindergarten to grade three students learning the basics of the scientific method, while older students at Brooks are taught how to run science demonstrations, said On the Road team leader and coordinator Stephen Adamus.
“A lot of people are intimidated by science,” said Adamus. “Our job is to get people really excited about learning.”
The fun-based approach inspired James Thomson grade four student Meika Akehurst, nine, who stayed after the show to ask questions and get autographs from the two presenters.
“I thought it was really cool,” said Meika. “I liked when they made the cloud and I learned that you can transfer static electricity. I definitely want to try that at home.”
For more information about the On the Road team, go to scienceworld.ca/ontheroad.
