Students at 37ECB Engage in Science

Dissecting a squid, examining a strawberry’s DNA, and learning about the Big Bang Theory were some of the exciting activities students at 37ECB participated in recently during a three-day science camp on campus.

Students rotated among three stations per day, receiving instruction and participating in activities in astronomy, and life and earth sciences. The camp was hosted by the Movement Enrichment Program, an initiative led by the National College Resources Foundation.

“I enjoyed the hands-on experiments, specifically extracting the DNA from strawberries,” said Frank, a student at 37ECB. 

Jennifer, another student, said she liked examining the bacteria in a petri dish and learning more about volcanoes. Both said the camp was better than the regular school day. 

Each day, the students rotated to different subjects. In astronomy, they learned about the beginning of the universe and traveled to the International Space Station using virtual reality. In life science, they collected and examined samples of bacteria and dissected a squid. In earth science, they studied rocks, earthquake faults, and recreated the volcanic eruption in Pompei. 

Mae Bordieri, site coordinator for the Movement, works regularly at 37ECB and saw a great opportunity to bring the hands-on activities to the students.

Bordieri said she could tell the students were enjoying the camp because they were at school on time, ready to go each day and were engaged in the lessons. 

Principal Gretchen Rhoads agreed. 

“They have been so engaged these past three days!” she said. 

The Movement Enrichment Program, which has staff at several JCCS sites, works with elementary, middle, and high school students to improve their academic performance, while guiding students toward positive post-secondary pursuits.