Oregon-Davis Elementary School students are learning some engineering and science skills, while having fun at the same time. The school board got an update on the After-School Enrichment program Monday, from two teachers and two students.
Each week since November, they’ve been meeting to work on different projects. Many of them challenge students to build structures to accomplish certain tasks with limited materials – for example, designing a bridge that could hold 100 pennies, using just cards, tape, straws, and paperclips, or holding up a baseball using straws and tape. Another challenge had students making an “exploding apple,” by combining various ingredients, like baking soda, soap, and vinegar.
This year’s After-School Enrichment program wrapped up Wednesday, but Superintendent Dr. Don Harman is planning to bring it back next year. “That comes from a grant that we get, and it’s called the High Ability Grant,” he explained. “Again, we want to be consistent, and this is something we plan to do every year with that grant money. It’s very worthwhile. It’s been a big success.”
School officials say the program has been popular with students. Principal William Bennett said more than 90 percent of children who were invited to join the enrichment program have been taking part, and the teachers reported that attendance has been almost perfect.
