At an after school program recently, some kids were doing homework, some were on computers and some were in the gym. But a small group of fourth-graders were designing and building boats out of household products- plastic cups, construction paper, and tape. They had been building and modifying their boats throughout the week, trying a few different design and construction plans. Now they were ready to race them across a tub of water, using a fan to power them across. After dealing with a slight buoyancy and balance problem in the beginning, the kids quickly turned their boats into racing machines.
At another program, kids and adults were collecting insects with sweep nets and creating habitats. And at yet another they were testing chemical reactions. All of these kids were involved in Science Firsthand, a project partnering with after-school programs at community centers and churches throughout the city of Buffalo. The project was created to allow youth to do hands-on science investigations at their own pace and investigate their own questions. A typical day at the Science Firsthand program involves a volunteer mentor or Science Firsthand manager, working individually or with a very small group of children. Investigations can be anything from boat making, to insect collecting, to disassembling small appliances. The discoveries, for adult mentors and kids, come from their hands-on exploration.
Both during and after the boat races, the kids were not only learning about buoyancy, but also boat designs, weight, speed, center of gravity, motion, and more. By racing boats, the kids were able to engage in science in a fun and exciting way. It is this type of learning that Science Firsthand fosters and promotes to middle school aged kids. As the children ask questions, discuss solutions and share discoveries, foundations for relationships and knowledge are built. It is equally rewarding for children and adults, as they develop their curiosity and questions.
Science Firsthand was initiated to address the lack of science opportunities for many of our youth. By matching them with mentors in out of school time programs, they are able to identify their interests and build strategic skills to explore them. The number of youth who can participate in Science Firsthand is limited solely by the number of adults who choose to volunteer as mentors. Mentors come from all backgrounds, ages and interests. Some have science experience, some have experience with youth, and some realize the need for an adult mentor for children. Anyone 18 and over is eligible to be a volunteer and college students engaged in "service learning" are encouraged to become mentors.
The programs that partner with Science Firsthand are The Valley Center, Boys & Girls Club Babcock Clubhouse, The Belle Center, T.J. Dulki Center, Polonia Hall and Seneca Street United Methodist Church. If you would like to become a mentor, or are interested in Science Firsthand, feel free to contact Marilyn Sozanski at 716.831.8722, or marilyn.sozanski@gmail.com.