St. Vincent students blast off with science program

Intermountain Catholic

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SALT LAKE CITY — Fifth- , sixth- and seventh-grade students at Saint Vincent de Paul School may not be rocket scientists quite yet, but with their participation in the Hands-On Science Program, they’re aiming in that direction.

Parent volunteer Nick Wiser started the Hands-On Science Program in 1993. It has been run since then by a group of dedicated volunteers.

"In ’93 Sister Mary saw the program running in another school and realized the importance of supplementing science classes with a hands-on program," said Jack McCord, a retired chemical engineer and volunteer.

Presentation Sister Mary Kelly was the school principal at the time.

Another volunteer, Vic Roblez, has worked with Wiser and McCord for the past 19 years in the program. "I feel it’s important for the students to learn the scientific verbiage," said Roblez, a retired structural engineer and graduate of Notre Dame.

Bill Benda has had four children graduate from St. Vincent. A volunteer and retired electrical engineer, he wants "to make science exciting and fun, and get the kids curious," he said.

Parent volunteer David Petersen, a registered nurse, brings his experience with chemistry, biology, and physiology to the program. "I love to teach," said Petersen, who finds it so fulfilling that he believes he will continue to help with the program even after his second child graduates from Saint Vincent.

Students are as excited about the program as the adult volunteers.

"It’s interesting to learn about all the new things," said sixth grader Kate Kranz.

Peyton Pierce said, "I love it! I have a lot of fun learning."

"I love the teachers," said Sakina Masud.

The Hands-On Science Program supplements the school’s regular science classes. Students attend once per week for seven to 10 weeks. In addition, students in grades 5 through 8 have a science lab, which was funded by The Wiegand Foundation a few years ago. The regular middle school science teacher, Ms. McFarlane, also prepares labs for the students, so there is a cumulative effect for science instruction.

The coordinator of the Hands-On Science Program and retired economics major Jerry Bennett believes that the program helps prepare the 5th graders for the Middle School Science Fair. "You have to make science fun," Bennett said. "It even prepares them for life."

At the end of the program Bennett dresses as Dr. Doublestuff, in a Master’s Robe and wig, to present each student with a completion certificate.

Some of the topics covered for the 5th grade class are measurements, levers and inclined planes, weather, heat energy, electricity, oceans, geology and astronomy. In 6th grade, topics are physical changes, chemistry, electricity and magnetism, energy sources, water purification, pulleys, astronomy and polymers. Seventh-grade topics are structures/bridges, water, chemistry, chemical technology, electrical circuits and electrochemistry.