Scientists young and old bond together
Family Science Night allows interaction between high-schoolers, younger students
March 17, 2014
From stations featuring burning money, to vortex cannons, to reptiles slithering behind glass terrariums, this years’ family science night brought science to a whole new level.
While many high school students get their daily science fix from sitting behind a desk or performing labs within their science classes, Family Science Night allowed them to not only increase their knowledge on a topic, but their enthusiasm as well according to science teacher Jennifer Magdal.
“It’s been a lot of fun seeing some of the students that don’t necessarily always get excited about each of the topics in science, to pick one they really are interested in and get passionate about it and really get into it,” Magdal said.
In addition to senior high students getting more involved, these students got to share their enthusiasm with younger kids and get them excited to continue learning about science in the future.
Freshman Alyssa Hicks said she enjoyed participating and inspiring younger students to develop interests in science now, as well as later on in their high school careers.
“I think it’s cool to see the little kids infatuated in all the projects,” Hicks said. “I don’t know how to explain it but they’re so into learning and hopefully they’ll keep it in mind when they get older.”
Another aspect of Family Science Night includes informing younger students about different possibilities of careers involving science and scientific properties.
Senior Riley Benjamin-Koursh said this was part of what influenced him to participate in the event.
“I think it really helps because it will get them interested in science, which has a lot of high paying jobs so hopefully it will be a success,” Benjamin-Koursh said.
Magdal said she thinks by having high school students lead the experiments, it makes the projects more relatable and entertaining for younger scientists coming with their families.
I definitely think that it’s just fun for them to see not just adults doing science, but people that are closer to their age doing science and having fun,” Magdal said. “Naturally little kids enjoy doing science and investigating so it’s a great opportunity for everyone.”
