Science Olympics offer fun for all

By Mo Cranker on October 15, 2018.

mcranker@medicinehatnews.com @MHNmocranker

Medicine Hat College was full of children ready to learn Saturday during the 27th annual Science Olympics.

The event is held by Praxis in conjunction with the college’s education program — giving young Hatters a chance to learn some science and hopeful teachers a chance to do some teaching.

“We’re excited to be partnered with the college again this year and we’re with Jason McLester’s education class,” said Praxis senior scientific consultant Patty Rooks. “The college students have helped put together all of the activities.

“There’s 12 different activities for the kids and they’re all elementary science curriculum-based — so there’s things for students of all ages.”

There was a paper airplane activity, buoyancy activities and many other types of science covered at the event. Rooks says it is great for everyone involved.

“This is going to be a career for the college students,” said Rooks. “Working with kids of all ages and skill levels is very good practice for the students — it’s just very practical.

“For the kids coming out it’s really fun and it gets them trying new things that maybe they haven’t seen at school yet.”

Rooks says the event has grown greatly over the years.

“It was a lot smaller when things first started, of course,” she said. “We’ve changed it over the years to fit everyone’s needs.

“We really want the kids coming to have a good time but also to learn and to do some really good critical thinking when they’re here.”

One of the best parts of the events is the hands-on learning aspect, says Rooks.

“Some people don’t learn by grabbing a book and reading,” she said. “Getting out here and trying some stuff out is a great way for kids to learn.”

Rooks says she is hoping around 200 people came to Saturday’s event.

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