From making slime to launching rockets, the annual Science Spectacular brings science to life for elementary school students.
Since 2010, every spring, ELHS students travel to Lillie B. Haynes (LBH) Elementary school to introduce the exciting aspect of science to younger students. Throughout the event, elementary students rotate between stations where they can interact with experiments and demonstrations. Activities such as squid dissections, slime making, and launching rockets allow students to learn scientific concepts in a creative, exciting environment.
According to senior Julia Morcos, this event helps students explore science through memorable and engaging activities.
“Seeing how curious and excited the kids were during the event was one of the best parts,” Morcos said. “Events like these show how science can be really interesting outside of the classroom.”
As students moved between stations and participated in experiments, many classrooms buzzed with curiosity and laughter.
For some students, the Science Spectacular is more than a school event. Junior Sylvi Otter, who attended LBH, remembers experiencing this event as a 4th grader before returning to volunteer years later.
“I remember thinking all of the experiments were really cool when I was younger,” Otter said. “Now, being able to return as a high school student and be part of a program that I enjoyed when I was an elementary school student feels nostalgic and meaningful.”
This event not only allows elementary school students to explore science through hands-on experiments, but also gives high school students the opportunity to connect with younger children.
According to Chemistry teacher Lori Singer, some of the most memorable moments from the Science Spectacular come from watching the students and families become fully engaged in the activities.
“My favorite memory was when one day there was so much cheering, and it was a group of kids who had challenged their moms to see who could do the most silly physics tricks,” Singer said. “The moms were competing against each other while their kids cheered them on.”
