December 8, 2014
The Science Center of Iowa (SCI) brought interactive learning activities to Clarksville Schools as part of a sponsorship from Flint Hills Resources. The visit was part of the Science Center’s Science @ Your Site program, which is committed to expanding STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – education for Iowa’s youth.
“Science learning is extremely important, especially for young students,” said Randy Rowe, plant manager at the Flint Hills Resources Shell Rock ethanol plant. “As a company of engineers and technical professionals, we strive to help grow the next generation of science and engineering learners, and the programs offered by the Science Center provide valuable learning opportunities for students across the state. We are pleased to be able to partner with SCI on such worthwhile efforts to promote STEM education in our communities.”
While at the school, SCI together with personnel from Flint Hills Resources presented interactive science experiments to students to help educate them on various scientific and engineering concepts.
Kindergarten through third-grade students experienced Earth Plays Rough, which teaches students about the science behind what causes natural disasters like earthquakes and tornadoes. Students in fourth through eighth grades explored how temperature, pressure and matter can interact during the Boom! presentation.
Kyle Schura, outreach coordinator, presented on behalf of SCI; Kristin Clay, process chemist, and Nicole Johnson, project engineer, presented from Flint Hills Resources Shell Rock.
“The programs really captured our students’ attention,” said Tonya Poppe, guidance counselor at Clarksville Schools. “We are always looking for opportunities to bring innovative learning experiences to our school, and this was a real treat for our students.”
As a part of the Flint Hills Resources sponsorship, SCI will bring Science @ Your Site to select elementary and middle schools near each of Flint Hills Resources’ Iowa ethanol plants. In addition to the school visits, Flint Hills Resources’ donation supports SCI’s Girls in Science and Meals with Mentors initiatives, which encourage students, especially young women, to learn more about STEM careers.
This is the second year Flint Hills Resources has sponsored the Science Center of Iowa in its mission to engage and inspire Iowans on their journey of lifelong science learning.