Curious to know the secrets of the universe? Recently students at Seaside Neighborhood School got a chance to roll up their sleeves and see science in action right before their eyes. The school welcomed Bill Porter and Daniel Flisek, the two celebrated scientists behind The Science Brothers, for a special appearance in February.
The dynamic duo converted one of Seaside Neighborhood School’s classrooms into an exciting hands-on presentation that may best be described as an interactive educational magic show.
The Science Brothers is an non-profit outreach program based out of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) aimed at getting elementary school students interested in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) activities. The program centers around the dynamics of two “brothers,” who specialize in different fields and argue over whose science is “cooler.” The result is a fun and wacky trip exploring different areas of science including light, sound, and energy with examples and demonstrations from the realms of chemistry, physics and electricity.
Seaside Neighborhood School principal Kim Mixson says creative programs such as The Science Brothers are a perfect complement to Seaside School’s approach to education. “At its core, science about discovery and programs like this allow us to transform our classroom into an environment that encourages our students to open their minds and imaginations to all that is possible … to dare to dream and wonder.”
The Science Brothers gave two 40-minute presentations focused on the chemistry and the principles of electricity. One was geared to 5th and 6th graders and one for 7th and 8th graders. Each called on student “scientists” to don white lab coats to help “test hypotheses” in their “laboratory.”
“Sometimes when you mix things up in the classroom, it helps unlock the brain and allow students to push their reset button and take in information in a new and exciting way. Sure, we are one of the leading charter schools in Florida, but that does not mean we are boring, quite the opposite, in fact” says Mixson. “Let’s just say the students enjoyed experimenting with Tesla coils and elephant toothpaste!”
For more information on Seaside School, visit www.seasideschool.net.
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