URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — A Parkland camp gave students the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and grow while experimenting with different science concepts.
Messy Scientists, a course that was part of College for Kids, gave kids a chance to immerse themselves in the world of science. By teaching topics ranging from Newton's Laws of Motion to solar energy, instructor Angie Fitzgerald wanted to make science fun and interactive for her students, while teaching the importance of teamwork.Â
"They get to work in partners and sometimes in table groups to do the labs, it's very hands on and very busy."
Every day the students would learn about different topics and complete hands-on activities to make the topics interesting and help them better understand the content. One of the favorite activities for the students was building a solar oven to make s'mores in class. The goal of the experiments was to apply concepts that can be difficult to understand for some students and apply them to their everyday lives.Â
"They get to learn the topic right away so they can immediately make the connection between what they are doing and real-life application," said Fitzgerald.
Instructors hope that the course was able to show kids that science can be fun. They were even able to recreate some of the experiments that they completed in class at home, sharing their passion for learning with their families.Â
"Some kids think that science is dull and boring, but I think because of this lab component they get to see that it really is hands on, and they can even try some of the experiments at home —with their parents' permission of course — but they can go home and try some of these and show their parents what they've learned."
For instructors like Fitzgerald, the goal goes beyond just making sure students understand the content being taught in class. She hopes that the experiences that they had over the summer kept the students engaged and that they were able to build lasting friendships.
"My goal behind the class was for them to come in and learn more about science, have the opportunity to touch things, feel things, mix thing together, but also make friendships and learn and grow," explained Fitzgerald.
Messy Scientists was just one of the many courses offered over the summer through the College for Kids program, and Parkland College will be hosting a new variety of classes next year when school is out for summer.
