Huntington School District students have long been “mad” about science. The greater community has traditionally valued science instruction and research and students on every grade level have embraced the academic discipline.
For the past eight years, Mad Science, a leading science enrichment provider, has brought the excitement of learning about science to Huntington second and third graders. What first began as a Huntington Foundation Star grant funded initiative has been funded through the district’s SEARCH program since then.
As a springboard into a series of one-hour Mad Science classroom workshops, a “science spectacular show” was held in each of Huntington’s four primary school buildings. This year’s show, titled “Fire and Ice,” featured “Professor Will,” a “mad” scientist who delighted students with a mixture of science education and silliness that made learning fun.
“Students were absolutely captivated by Professor Will’s energy and showmanship,” said Maryann Daly, the SEARCH program chairperson-teacher responsible for bringing the Mad Science initiative into the district.
Flower Hill School teacher Anne Gordon told Mrs. Daly that she looks forward to Professor Will coming to her students each year because he makes science so much fun. Second graders participated in the “science of toys” workshop and third graders took part in Mad Science’s “machines” workshop.
At the end of each one of the workshops, every student was given a take-home project that related to their respective workshop session. The youngsters were delighted to receive the project information.
Seeing what a positive impact Mad Science shows have on children of all ages, Mrs. Daly has arranged for Professor Will to come Woodhull Intermediate School in June to deliver the “spin, boom, pop” science show to all sixth graders and the “sounds like science” show to every fifth grader.
“When science concepts are delivered to an eager audience in such an exciting way, they remember what was taught,” Mrs. Daly said. “It’s nice to see the adults enjoy these workshops and shows as well.”
