Amy Pitts, a Senior Geologist for Education and Outreach, recently visited 8th graders at Greene County Middle School as part of the NC Science Festival Sci Match program. This program aims to engage students in science-based activities and promote interest in the field. The school also hosted a night of science for families, supported by a grant from Duke Energy.
During the event at West Greene, students and their families had the opportunity to participate in various science activities that they could enjoy together. The school provided a hot dog dinner for families and encouraged interactions with teachers and staff in a fun and engaging environment. Assistant Principal Samantha Haislip noted that the grant from Duke Energy included materials for ten different science-based activities for families to partake in.
The event also featured science read-aloud sessions, parent EOG sessions, and a green screen for families to enjoy. Upon arriving, families were given stamp cards to track their participation in the activities. After accumulating a certain number of stamps, families could enjoy a hotdog dinner and even receive a free Lego Education kit. In total, 53 Lego kits were handed out, with approximately 150 people attending the event. The evening proved to be a successful and engaging opportunity for families to explore the world of science together.
At Greene County Middle School, Amy Pitts shared her passion for geology with eighth-grade students during an interactive presentation as part of the NC Science Festival Sci Match program. The program aims to spark student interest in scientific exploration through hands-on activities and discussions.
To further engage students and their families, Greene County Middle School hosted an evening of science fun supported by Duke Energy’s funding grant.
Families were able to participate in ten different science-based activities that included building volcanoes using baking soda and vinegar, conducting water tests on common household items like toothpaste or dish soap, learning about magnetic fields through iron filings, creating slime with glue and contact lens solution or even making their own lava lamps using mineral oil.
Assistant Principal Samantha Haislip stated that “The grant from Duke Energy allowed us to provide materials for these amazing hands-on experiences that our students can take home with them.”
In addition to the hands-on activities, there were also read-aloud sessions featuring popular children’s books about science like “Charlotte’s Web” or “A Wrinkle in Time,” parent EOG sessions where parents could ask questions about their child’s education progression as well as green screen photo booth where kids can take pictures wearing scientist lab coats or astronaut suits.
Upon entering the event attendees received stamp cards which they used to track their participation throughout the evening. Once they collected enough stamps they could redeem them for a free Lego Education Kit which was handed out along with hot dogs for dinner.
Overall 53 Lego kits were distributed amongst approximately 150 attendees who left with newfound knowledge about science that they can apply in their daily lives while having fun with their family members
