On April 9 Owen Middle School science teachers and library faculty hosted a four hour Science in Action Festival as part of the NC Science Festival. The NC Science Festival is a two-week, statewide celebration showcasing science and technology. The OMS Science Festival was made possible through the willingness of a variety of local scientists and college students. Dr. Annie Jonas and Dr. Mallory McDuff brought six groups of Warren-Wilson College students to lead OMS students through various science activities exploring nature awareness, physics, states of matter, and aerodynamics. Brianna Gadbois, seventh grade student, shared, “First we went outside and worked with Warren-Wilson students. It was the best thing we did all day. We got to make ooblick, a goo-like substance, and it was fun!” Dr. John Brock (Warren-Wilson College) talked to students about his world adventures as a scientist and about chemistry. Dr. Jeff Wilcox (UNC-A) discussed water quality with a group of seventh grade students while Dr. Irene Rossell (UNC-A) led students through exploring local flora in an interactive discussion. Jordan Crawford (WNC Nature Center) led students through an interactive discussion of local wildlife, including hands-on exploration of animal pelts and an opportunity to hold hissing cockroaches. Caleb Wells, sixth grade student, shared, “I think the science festival went really well. I think that the best science room was the one with the person from the Nature Center. Brett Laverty (N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources) discussed water quality and pollution by sharing information on housing developments in WNC which struggle with water pollution because of previous agricultural pesticides. Leslie Carreiro (Asheville Water Production Superintendent) led students in a discussion about the North Fork Reservoir and water treatment. Asheville Greenworks sent a representative to explore recycling with students. The students enjoyed meeting the plastic bag creature who helped them understand the need for recycling. Lea Ward, a local baker, discussed the chemistry involved in baking and cooking before she shared some sweet treats with her groups. A representative from the National Parks shared information about National Parks and about the flora and fauna located within the parks. Additionally, several groups of students worked with Lorraine Orenchuk, Buncombe County Schools Digital Learning Facilitator, and explored spacecraft and chemical elements using the school iPad lab and using Alternative Reality apps. Jeremy Russell, seventh-grade student shared, “This activity was really cool!” Amanda Venturella, sixth-grade teacher, stated, “The NC Science Festival gave my students a chance to engage with meaningful science tools, technology, and applications. They also enjoyed meeting the science professionals and learning about the work they do.” Jim Cooper, seventh-grade teacher shared, “This was a great opportunity to show some real world science, connect to our community, and promote the idea of students becoming potential professionals. A great chance for OMS to put themselves out there as a leader in tying the community resources into science instruction.” All the visiting scientists discussed employment opportunities within their specific fields of science including the education requirements needed for these jobs. This is an Owen Middle School production showcasing their Science Festival:
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 14:38:17 +0000
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