COSI on Wheels rolls out lessons for kids

Pupils got a chance to do some hands-on learning during the visit.

STAFF REPORT

SALEM — The pupils at St. Paul School always knew that the electricity turns on the lights when you flip the switch, but now they know where the power behind the light bulb comes from.

A $1,000 grant from the Home & School Association brought a recent visit to the school from COSI on Wheels, formerly known as the Center of Science and Industry, the in-school outreach division of the Columbus-based science museum.

COSI presented a program entitled, “Investing Energy,” that introduced the children to a variety of related topics through a dynamic presentation followed by age-appropriate hands-on activities. These concepts included: potential and kinetic energy; energy transformation; renewable and nonrenewable resources; energy as heat; motion; energy conservation ideas and practices; and, of course, electricity.

“What I liked best about the program was it dealt with real life issues and choices each of us has to make in regard to energy use,” said Patricia Bauman, principal. “We are called to be stewards of our earth this is a great way for them to see how saving energy can save the planet.”

COSI also provides teachers with age-specific, pre- and post-visit materials to reinforce the materials covered, providing a comprehensive look at a complicated topic.

COSI features more than 300 interactive exhibits through themed exhibition areas — Ocean, Space, Gadgets, Life, Little Kidspace, Progress, the Outdoor Big Science Park, and the newly opened WOSU@COSI, which is the first public broadcasting and science center partnership.