Seventh grade
Physical Science students at the Elisabeth Morrow School once again presented
demonstrations for the North Jersey Chapter of the American Chemical Society as
part of their National Chemistry Week celebration. Taking place at Liberty
Science Center, this event had traditionally only featured presentations by
high school and college students and teachers, as well as pharmaceutical and
chemical companies. Elisabeth Morrow students have participated for the last
several years-the only middle school group to do so. Almost every seventh grade student at the
school participates.
“I believe it’s important for
students to see a wider community of people
getting excited about science,” says Gail Weeks, science teacher. “When
students have the opportunity to feel that they are doing science, not just
passively learning facts, it can be very exciting and empowering for them.
Having such a positive first-hand experience at an early age can help students
feel more confident in what can sometimes be viewed as an intimidating
subject.” She adds, “Students may be
more likely to view science as a career option, a profession to respect, or
just an area of interest as they get older.”
Volunteering to present also is
a great service learning experience for EMS middle school students. “They have
the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and practice public speaking
while having a great time- our students always tell me how much they enjoyed
the day,” Weeks says.
After the event at LSC, each
student receives a letter from the American Chemical Society thanking him or
her for doing a presentation. A copy of this certificate goes in the students’
permanent school records. “Our students feel such a sense of accomplishment and
pride after their participation. I feel so fortunate to be able to share my own
enthusiasm about science with such capable students,” Weeks says. “I also love
being able to show off the high caliber of our students and our science
program.”
