In celebration of “National Lab Day”, Fermilab volunteers gave a number of hands-on presentations and other science demonstrations in Batavia-area elementary and high schools last week.
May 12 marked the kickoff date for National Lab Day, which links STEM professionals with educators and students to bring discovery-based science experiences into classrooms. The aim of NLD is to create ongoing collaborations among volunteers, students and educators on a local level.
At the 20th Annual National Science Bowl, First Lady Michelle Obama commented that the current administration wants to not only bring more hands-on learning to students, but also to make improvements to science labs, to expand advanced courses in science, and to create more support for project-based learning.
“My husband and his administration want to ensure that every single child in this country gets a good education, particularly in math and science,” Mrs. Obama said.
Fermilab scientist Al Sondgeroth volunteered to participate in the activities, staging a demonstration for students from Annunciation BVM School in Aurora. Other Fermilab volunteers discussed topics like electricity and magnetism, light and color and the physics of sports. Fermilab Deputy Director Young-Kee Kim also took some time to speak to a chemistry class at Rosary High School.
All in all, last week’s presentations by Fermilab volunteers reached roughly 2,500 students.
