To spread recognition about the science clubs offered at the high school, the Chief Science Officers (CSO) and volunteers visited the Boys and Girls Club on May 2 with various planned activities.
According to CSO member Riya Mehta, outside of class, science is not displayed in elementary schools.
“In elementary school, [STEM is] not something that is exposed to them as often,” Mehta said.
For Mehta, she believes that if being pre-exposed to the opportunities offered, the students will have an easier time navigating science environments when it comes to that time.
“We asked a lot of the STEM clubs in our school to come and showcase a fun experiment or cool event for the kids to take part in,” Mehta said, “so that they could get more interested in science and STEM when they go into high school.”
According to CSO co-adviser Alison McGovern, the students’ interest was most vital.
“I want them to be able to see that this [science] is very cool,” McGovern said, “and I hope that they get interested and want to pursue it once they get to high school.”
Volunteer Pranati Jammalamadaka, believes more opportunities should be available for these students.
“[Elementary students] are exposed to science in classes, but it’s different when you are in a club and you are actually doing [it],” Jammalamadaka said.
According to Jammalamadaka, she agrees that in class, the entire picture is often not fully evident.
“[In class], you talk about what happens, but [being in] clubs where the science and learning about science helps you prepare for the real world,” Jammalamadaka said, “maybe you get interested in science because of these clubs.”
As per CSO co-adviser Rebecca Stonelake, enjoyable events like these help dissolve the “mundane” everyday feeling.
According to Mehta, being thrown into high school can be very demanding when figuring everything out.
“Coming into high school, you don’t know about all the clubs until the club fair,” Mehta said, “but even then, it’s a little overwhelming with how many clubs there are.”
As for Mehta, it is easier to maneuver around when things are more familiar.
“So if you know what you’re looking for, it’s easier to navigate all the different clubs,” Mehta said. “I feel like just making kids aware of what they can join allows them to be more involved.”
According to Stonelake, the amount of attendees isn’t what measures effectiveness.
“If the kids are interested and having a good time, and if they are participating, I think that’s more what we’re looking for,” Stonelake said. “I think that’s really the goal here.”
McGovern feels leadership roles were easily fulfilled.
“The neatest part was seeing how the students stepped up into a teacher role in instructing the kids and helping them,” McGovern said, “and really translating the idea of different STEM opportunities that are available at the high school.”
For Stonelake, it isn’t only the elementary students who are benefiting from the experience.
“It gives [high school students] really good life skills,” Stonelake said. “You’re going to have to interact with people you don’t know, and so it really just gives people the ability to learn to interact with people.”
Besides the social experience, the event gave high school students the chance to get involved.