Several Duval County elementary schools helped students prepare for the FCAT by offering science events, presentations, experiments and demonstrations during the week of January 19 – 23.
Kicking off the week was Mandarin Oaks Elementary. The school invited meteorologists Mike Buresh from FOX30/CBS47 and Tim Deegan from First Coast News to discuss weather patterns and the environment.
Also visiting to discuss animal care and safety was a representative and dog from both the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office K9 Unit and the Jacksonville Humane Society.
Students were able to meet and touch 'Noodle,' an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix who was adopted from the Humane Society. Students were taught how to be safe around animals, and how to act if they encounter an animal they don't know.
Mandarin Oaks also sponsored a Parent Science Night to give parents the opportunity to understand the school’s science curriculum and ask questions about the FCAT. Parents were able to view student work on classroom bulletin boards, as well as science fair projects.
Hendricks Avenue Elementary held its fifth annual “Super Science Spectacular” on January 22. Students in every class and grade level experienced a full day of hands-on science experiments in chemistry, biology, earth science and physics.
Hendricks also had a visit from meteorologists Michelle Jacobs from First Coast News and George Winterling from Channel 4.
Many parent volunteers took part in the science activities. They organized and conducted the experiments in classrooms throughout the school.
"Our Super Science Spectacular is a great opportunity for our parents to spend one day volunteering in the classroom," said Principal Jayne Owens-Thompson. "Some of them may not have the time to volunteer on a regular basis, so this one-day event really gives them the chance to spend time with our students."
Additionally, students from Kirby-Smith Middle School, a magnet school that emphasizes mathematics, science and technology, discussed the importance of science and assisted with the experiments. Many of the Kirby-Smith students were once elementary students at Hendricks.
On Friday, January 23, John N. C. Stockton Elementary welcomed community educators and parent volunteers to the school to conduct science demonstrations and lessons.
Hands-on experiments, such as using static electricity to move a soda can with a balloon, making a marble orbit on a paper plate and making “blood” using candy and corn syrup as the various components, were led by more than 40 parent volunteers throughout the day for all grade levels.
Community educators, such as representatives from the St. Johns Riverkeeper, Mosquito Control and Mad Science, led discussions about water conversation, insect and fossil exploration and science activities.
Smokey the Bear and Fox30 Weather Anchor Mike Buresh stopped by to educate students about the environment, conservation and weather.
Stockton also hosted a blood drive, hoping to pay it forward to the community that supports them so well, and also “grow” a few future blood donors.
More 'Spotlight on Education' Articles
