Opinion: Barry exploding with enthusiasm

These days in education the term “STEM” is heard more and more frequently. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. School districts across the nation have begun to incorporate more and more STEM-focused activities and curricula in the classroom.

One such example is our own Barry Elementary. After a 5th grade Amarillo field trip last year to visit the Don Harrington Discovery and Space Theater (http://www.discoverycenteramarillo.org/about-don-harrington-discovery-center).

Barry staff and students were so exhilarated by their visit, they concluded that, ideally, they would love to “bring” the Discovery Center experience back to their school so that the entire student body could share this unique experience.

Barry 5th grade teacher Sara Williams, along with fellow 5th grade teacher Christy Hughes, put their heads together to make a plan for locating the funding needed to bring the Discovery Center to Barry Elementary. Responding to their request was the Cannon Spouses' Club at Cannon Air Force Base (CAFB), making this event possible. Arrangements were made, and the Discovery Center arrived at Barry last week for a whole day of lively, interactive science sessions that engaged the whole school.

The mission of the Discovery Center is to “spark curiosity, inspire lifelong learning, and bring families and communities closer together,” as they foster the wonders of science, and that mission was accomplished. The list of interactive classes covered during the day included: Chemical Reaction; Kaboom; Science Below Zero; the Science of Magic; and Unseen Forces: Physics at Work.

Sitting in Williams' 5th grade class, listening to students' descriptions of the experience was a delight, their enthusiasm undeniable. One student, Libby Modisette, shared: “It was exciting and fascinating that we had the opportunity to be a part of this Science Day. Julio and Katelyn, the demonstrators, were funny and made learning a great experience.” Another student, Madison Williams, offered: “The explosions were loud and neat to demonstrate pressure building up in a container…a perfect example of combustion.” Many of the students, vying to share their own animated responses to the event, confirmed that they definitely wanted to be scientists when they grew up.

How fortunate we are to have CMS staff and wonderful partners at CAFB willing to explore and take advantage of opportunities to bring innovative and engaging educational experiences to our students in Clovis. Seems to confirm Herbert Spencer's quote: “The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action.”

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools. She can be reached at [email protected]