Elementary students received a visit from Science World last week to learn about science through visual presentations. Three traveling science facilitators came to Madeira Park, Davis Bay and West Sechelt Elementary Schools Jan. 11 and 12 to bring Science World to students on the Coast.
"We know kids here can't always get to Science World," said facilitator Kate Henderson. The On the Road program recognizes the time and cost of rural schools travelling to Vancouver to experience Science World, so the program sends over its staff.
"In the Lower Mainland, Science World is recognized as a resource for teachers because we complement the current curriculum and we motivate students," Henderson said. "We are excited to provide our services to the Sun-shine Coast region and work toward our mission of promoting and inspiring a knowledge-based society throughout British Columbia."
At West Sechelt, the presenters split the morning into two events: an energy-themed show for Grades 4 to 7 and a demonstration focused on round objects for kindergarten to Grade 3 students. With the help of audience volunteers, they used props such as balloons, a marshmallow man, diet Coke and Mentos to teach students about energy through highly-visual displays.
"Most students find science too boring, too abstract or just plain intimidating," Henderson said. "Science World's playful approach to learning helps kids see the concepts in their textbooks come alive. Imagine learning science through bright explosions, spinning plates, a machine that makes your hair stand on end and twelve people standing on balloons without bursting them."
Henderson grew up in Gibsons and graduated from Elphinstone Secondary in 1997. She has been travelling across B.C. with co-facilitators Kristyn Stilling and Adam Pateman since last September. In 2005 and 2006, they will visit 17 communities in B.C. Science World and the provincial Ministry of Education jointly fund the program under the BC Program for the Awareness and Learning of Science (BC PALS).
At the end of the intermediate presentation, Henderson advised the students, "Your teachers are great resources. If you have questions about science, ask them."
