Science on wheels rolls into Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE - The Seattle Pacific Science Center's Science On Wheels program visited Knolls Vista Elementary recently with their "Rock 'n Roll" full day experience for grades K-5.
The morning assembly was kicked off by three rock 'n rolling teachers, Bill Bertram, Simone Phillips, and Mariel Weed, to help the Pacific Science Center introduce the day's events.
Rock 'n Roll is here to stay, geologically speaking.
Throughout the day various classes probed into the deepest layers of the Earth to learn about sparkling crystals, magnetic rocks, and earthquakes.
The Knolls Vista library became an interactive center in which students could put together landform blocks, discover and examine unusual rocks with exciting scientific equipment, determine the properties of special minerals by looking, touching, sorting and many other engaging geological activities.
"This is so cool! It makes me want to learn more about our own Columbia Basin and where all the basalt came from around here," fourth-grader Jeremiah Hyder said,
Lessons were also brought to the classrooms with presentations for K-2, including Fantastic Fossils, which left a "lasting impression" with the kids. Other lessons included Radical Rocks and how they are used in everyday life, and a lesson called Sand-tastic, which explored sand from around the world and using the tools of geologists to closely examine the samples.
Grades 3-5 included classroom lessons such as Crystal Clear, looking at how crystals are formed; Landform Logic in which the students compared the geology of Earth and Mars; Mineral Madness, dealt with learning the names and properties of various minerals; and, Magma Mountains which looked at volcanoes and why some ooze and other explode.
The third grade students recently finished a 6-8 week unit on rocks and minerals as part of the Moses Lake School District adopted science curriculum,
"Wow! When you put the UV light on this rock it looks blue! What is it and why?" asked third grader Alfredo Moreno.
The Pacific Science Center representatives made the classroom hands-on presentations exciting and thought provoking.
The students were thoroughly absorbed and were like human sponges soaking up all the educational information around them.
"This is what is so rewarding about the Science On Wheels program," stated Laura, one of the Pacific Science Center facilitators, "(It) is watching the kids eyes light up and want more!"
The Science On Wheels program has visited schools all over Washington and Idaho. The program can tailor programs to excite kids and pique their interest in the fascinating world of science.
Some of their other traveling exhibit include "Blood and Guts (human body); Engineer It!; Mathfinder; Brain Power; Harvesting Science; Physics On Wheels; and, Space Odyssey. The Pacific Science Center also offers traveling exhibits for science fairs, scout groups, camps, libraries, after school programs, fairs and more.
Science on Wheels is made possible with generous support from The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and other donating foundations in the Northwest.
To find out more about the Pacific Science Center, and all of the benefits it offers from becoming a member, call 206-443-2001 or 1-800-664-8775.