Lloyd students learn secrets of science

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Anthony Kluchar (left) and Julia Senediak listen attentively as they learn about physical and chemical changes at a COSI science station.

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Lloyd Elementary student Cassie Tonus works with PTA volunteers to create COSI Super Slime as part of a fun in-school COSI on Wheels assembly. The Slime Station was one of the highlights of the day’s science program.

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Austintown Fitch National Honor Society member Stephanie Berdis explains to Lloyd kindergarten students how her science station works. Berdis helped students to make predictions on whether items would sink or float.

By PAM JADUE

neighbors@vindy.com

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus brought a mobile unit to Lloyd Elementary School March 3 to encourage excitement for science. Students in grades kindergarten through third were treated to a fun day of learning, sponsored by the Lloyd PTA.

COSI representative Allison Ballantyne kicked-off the day with a 45-minute school presentation titled “The CheMystery” that allowed students to become involved in a simulated mystery as chemistry detectives using the scientific method to find clues to complete a story.

The mystery-themed show had the students working together to find clues in a fun “who-dun-it” storyline with science knowledge at the root of each clue.

“The COSI on Wheels programs are designed to enhance student’s learning with science experiences disguised as fun,” said Ballantyne.

She performed chemistry demonstrations for an enthusiastic crowd. The presentation taught students about safe experimentation procedures, using their senses and the scientific method.

Student volunteers heard cheers of encouragement from their classmates as they assisted with experiments involving PH testing and everyday substances like salt, sugar and chalk.

Students were able to compare and identify ordinary household substances using microscopic images and solve the mystery.

Following the assembly, students geared up with safety goggles, returned to the all-purpose room in smaller groups where they were able to use some of what they had learned.

Each child gained experience as a junior scientist while they participated in hands-on experiments.

Students rotated through a series of Experimentation Stations that were staffed by PTA volunteers and members of The Austintown Fitch National Honor Society.

Each station gave the students an opportunity to test their problem-solving skills on their own or in small groups.

Students were excited about making colorful slime, using microscopes, writing messages with invisible ink and testing the density of objects at a sink-or-float station.

The COSI on Wheels program is one of six traveling programs that are available for school visits.

As an added benefit to teachers and students, each interactive program is aligned with the Ohio Academic Content Standards and compliments the National Science Education Standards.