We’re reflecting on the incredible contributions of our 2012-13
AmeriCorps Museum Educators as their service year comes to a close this
week. This story was shared by Alexandra Fleagle, a member of the team
that conducted after-school Learning Clubs for 12 community
organizations in Providence, Pawtucket and Central Falls and engaged
kids ages 6-12 in fun hands-on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and
Math) activities.
At Fox Point Boys & Girls Club, our Learning Club kids had
challenging attitudes towards school, science, each other, and their own
potential to learn. Over the first few weeks, we learned what they
needed and slowly earned their trust. However, I wondered how they would
respond to my lesson on acids, bases and the pH scale. It was
content-heavy and involved “painting” with a solution of turmeric and
alcohol. These kids made a mess with wet glue; what was I thinking
giving them something that permanently stains?
It turns out I had nothing to worry about – the kids were engaged from
the moment I began. I mixed vinegar and baking soda to demonstrate a
neutralization reaction and talked about how chemical reactions create
completely different substances. It was going so well that I took a risk
and started talking about chemical formulae and ions. “Acids have high
concentrations of H+ ions, while bases have OH- ions. When they come
together, you have two ‘H’s and ‘O.’ Does anyone know what those atoms
make?” Their eyes widened with excitement and recognition, followed by
shouts of “H2O!” “Water!” “We just talked about this in school today!”
During the main activity, they experimented and discovered the pH of 10
substances. Juliette, who was often vocal about her dislike of school
and science, was the most eager to get started. After a while I saw her
sit down and asked if she had finished. “Let me tell you what I found!”
she said, and proceeded to explain her results as well as her reasoning
and hypotheses. During the post-experiment discussion, kids who usually
didn’t talk were eager to share their discoveries, and we began to
explore why they were important and how we use this science in everyday
life.
Next, I introduced the art activity, explaining that we were trusting
them to act responsibly with the turmeric. They rose to the occasion.
Jayhoni had been one of the most cynical members of the group. It had
been very difficult to engage, let alone impress, her with any of the
activities. But as she was painting, I heard her exclaim, “This is
awesome!” The rest of the Club agreed. It had been a very good day.
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