Mr. Wizard's traveling road show made a pit stop at Oak

Grove Elementary School recently, dazzling students and teachers

with the incredible wonders of science. The show, entitled "Science

Challenges," had students doing everything from mixing potions

to blowing rolls of toilet paper across the gym. Hosted by Rob

Savage, the presentation was part of an on-going, culturally enriching

series funded by the school's PTO.

The science show was also an extension of how elementary

students learn science in the county. "At the elementary grade

level, the main focus is on hands-on exploration," said Dr.

Sharon Boyer, the Fayette County Coordinator for Science and

Health. She added that she believes kids and science are a

natural combination: "Science is for every

kid, no matter what. Kids are surrounded by it and they are

excited about it."

According to Boyer, the school district completed the adoption

of a new science program two years ago, based on new state

curriculum objectives. What they discovered was that students needed

more time to master information while tackling fewer topics.

"There are big ideas in science and the students need to

master those," Boyer said. "We've created more time to go into depth."

Habitats which provide a place for children to see,

touch, build and grow plants and animals are now part of many of

the county's schools. "Habitats are a great example of making

science relevant," Boyer said. With start-up money provided by the

state, the schools have created rich outdoor environments. Parents

and teachers have contributed time and energy to beautify and

improve them.

While textbooks are a component of the district's science

program, Boyer advocates an active approach. "Understanding

really is doing and figuring out problems," she said.

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