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Show rfMm(t,)h. . Oak Canyon Jr. High Offers "Science With An Attitude" 'Tit- ', . ."- - Vi , r - ' V. " ,t ..... " - , 1 1 v " , -" v-; - - -if -: r.!i ; v: : . K5g L -ii f M - 1 - by Angle Walker The Oak Canyon Junior High Science Demo Team "Science "Sci-ence with an Attitude" presented present-ed their program at Legacy Elementary El-ementary in American Fork on Friday, April 8. "The purpose is to have students stu-dents teaching students science and to show them that science is exciting, fun, and interesting," stated Director Damn Hodges. The Science Demo Team, consisting of 52 ninth graders, are divided into three groups: group leaders, demonstrators and stage crew. They all work together to provide an exciting show for students. For each show they do demos in eight areas of science: sound, chemical reaction, light, pH and indicators, air, static electricity, water and pressure. The students are well spoken and perform with confidence and enthusiasm. Fifth grader Morgan Garner Gar-ner loved the demo where Mr. Gales, a teacher, laid on a bed of nails, had another bed of nails placed on top of him nails down and Mr. Hodges broke a brick on top of him. "Some sciences are cool and fun to do," she stated. Branson Barron, another fifth grader, said, "I liked when they did the explosion. They put the lid on and lit it on fire and it blew the lid off." Speaking Speak-ing of science, he said, "It made me want to do it when I get into junior high." Each group preps prior to each performance. They do seven assemblies every year at elementaries and middle schools. The team has done presentations at the mall as well as participated in different conferences. con-ferences. They help every year at BYU for the Central Utah Science Fair where they usher because of their bright coats, which are made of tie-dyed ma--terial. Darrin teaches Biology to ninth graders at Oak Canyon. He and Doug Panee, the eighth grade science teacher, began the Science Demo Team 15 years ago. They began with 28 students stu-dents their first year and this year alone had over 200 students stu-dents apply. Needless to say, they have grown over the years to where they need Mr. Hodges' truck and a twelve foot trailor to haul their gear. They have re ceived grants over the years to get the equipment needed. Each year students must apply for the Science Demo Team. They fill out an application applica-tion and must submit a teacher recommendation. Because the students work with chemicals and hazardous materials, the students chosen must be responsible. re-sponsible. The directors also look for students who are well spoken, have a great personality and have a high GPA. Every Fall the team goes down to Clear Creek for two days where they play games and do a rope course for team building exercises. On the first day the eight groups go through their equipment, materials and then practice their presentation on stage. The following morning morn-ing the students go through the whole show together. Alea Beeston stated that being the group leader over properties of light appealed to her. "I see this every day and I don't think about it." Group leader over chemical chemi-cal reaction Kaela Whittingham said, "I like the opportunity to go around to elementaries and talk to them about science. I am so glad I did it because it gives The Oak Canyon Jr. High Science Demo Team, consisting of 52 ninth graders, presented their slww "Science With An Altitude," to students at Legacy Elementary in American Fork on Friday, April 8. Oak Canyon students, dressed in their tie-dyed outfits, teach other students science and show them that science is exciting, fun, and interesting. Photo courtesy of Timpanogos Times me an opportunity to teach younger kids and be involved with something that is really cool." Alex Beeston, Alea's twin brother, stated why he likes being on the team. "I knew it would be fun and I like science. I like to present and talk in front of a group, so I got to practice doing that. Plus, you get to chill with your friends during school." Mr. Hodges expressed his feelings about the Science Demo Team. "I love it. It is one of those things that keeps me excited to come and teach and work with the students. I know these kids and I have them in my class. It is another opportunity oppor-tunity for me to be able to work with them," he said. Based on the students' reactions re-actions during and after the show, the Science Demo Team accomplished their goal. Their presentation will be something the kids will talk about to their teachers for weeks to come. |