Hands-on learning activities highlight science night
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RONAN - Close to 500 parents and children flocked to the K. William Harvey Elementary gym March 15 for the fourth annual Family Science Night for an evening of fun, hands-on learning.
“We considered it a big success,” event coordinator Carey Swanberg said. “We had wonderful presenters and activities. We ask everyone (who brings a presentation) to make it hands-on-something the kids can touch.”
Multiple stations lined the gym with exhibits including animal hides and skulls, robots from the Ronan Robotics team, and a sonogram with a dog. Down the hall, children could interact with iPods and Promethean boards, build and launch their own rocket and explore a star lab.
We have community members come in to volunteer, and SpectrUM came from Missoula,” Swanberg noted.
The annual science night began after several teachers, who were part of the Big Sky Science Partnership, received a grant from Salish Kootenai College.
According to Swanberg, the school is now two years out of the project, but educators continue some of the popular activities.
“We have a fabulous (Parent-Teacher Association) at K. William Harvey,” Swanberg said. “They do tremendous things to fundraise and make these things happen.”
The overall goal of the event is to show students how interesting science can be.
“We want families to come and expose them to science and how fun it can be,” Swanberg added. “Kids and science are a good mix.”
The event is even beneficial for parents, as they can get a good look at the new iPods, iPads and Promethean boards the school utilizes, she added.
“The kids know about it, but I doubt many of them have a Promethean board in their home,” she smiled. “The iPods have a lot of science apps and cross curriculum (on them.)”
Promethean boards are a newer addition to the Ronan School District and are interactive boards that enhance learning opportunities in the classroom.
Swanberg says science night wouldn’t be possible without the help from volunteers.
“I’d sure like to thank the presenters and all the people who donated their time,” she said. “There are a lot of people who take time to help, and I really appreciate it.”
