GLANDORF — Making slime, learning about chemical reactions and physical changes were all science skills students at Glandorf Elementary learned Tuesday from Center of Science and Industry on Wheels.
There were nine tables set up for grades kindergarten through sixth grade where parent volunteers and math and science students from Ottawa-Glandorf High School assisted students, who wore brightly colored safety gear.
Jessica Takos, COSI manager of Camp-in, the organization’s overnight field trip program, talked about chemistry with the students and how to be chemists.
An assembly was held where students learned how to follow the scientific method, make observations, develop a hypothesis and test for results.
Students did a variety of activities at lab stations in the gym. They looked through microscopes and tested substances for pH. Students wrote secret messages to learn about pH.
“Science is the world around you, and chemistry makes up the person sitting next to you and what digests the food in your body,” Takos said.
She said her goal was to spark scientific curiosity in students. She has a degree from Otterbein University in childhood education with a math and science focus.
Takos said it is rewarding when students have a “wow moment” when they start understanding science and they want to continue to learn more.
Kaylen Duling, a first grader, wore pink goggles and made slime with her classmates.
“I have learned that items float when there is air in it and sink when there is heavy stuff in it,” Duling said. She said she would like to make experiments when she gets older and learn how things work.
Lisa Vorst, first grade teacher, has taken her students to experience COSI on Wheels for the past six years.
“Kids love science and science experiments and for them to be able to actually view this is amazing,” Vorst said. In her classroom she incorporates science by having the students complete experiments and watch science videos.
Erica Horstman, O-G high school senior, worked with other high school students to help students make slime. Horstman, a Glandorf Elementary graduate, wants to work as a nurse in labor and delivery and said science is used every day and it is important the students get excited about science at a young age.
“I loved COSI when I was a kid and remember always looking forward to it,” Horstman said.
Scott Ketner, Glandorf Elementary principal, said COSI has come to the school for the past 30 years, every other year.
“Hands-on science is so important because as we get into today’s society (we need to be) able to understand why certain things happen and think through things,” Ketner said.
Reach Jennifer Peryam at 567-242-0362.