Science studies

The TAME trailer parked at Blackshear late last week is yet another indicator of the emphasis ECISD is now placing on its science curriculum.

The trailer, backed by the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering, was at Blackshear Elementary Friday to give fifth- and sixth-graders a feel for science.

Literally.

Students were shocked by static electricity and learned about tornados and modern medicine as they toured through the trailer in 30-minute increments throughout the day.

“It was really cool because you can learn about all kinds of things in there,” fifth-grader Blake Bright said.

The TAME trailer will also be at Sam Houston Elementary on Wednesday.

“It’s important that we get them interested when they’re still young because if we don’t get them at this point then they’re not going to grasp it,” Blackshear teacher Heather Richards said.

Last year Blackshear Elementary scored an “Acceptable” on TAKS, and their science scores were one of the things that kept the school from scoring higher. The school set out to improve and worked on making science a study that is both fun accessible and part of practical life.

It worked. This year the school received an “Outstanding” on their TAKS scores and their science scores were the highest in the district.

Principal Mauricio Marquez credits his teachers and students with the progress. The school has started focusing on kids in fifth and sixth grade to open their eyes to the possibilities to be found by having careers in science.

“We’re trying to make the kids look at different careers and opportunities in life,” Marquez said.

The results are part of an overall trend to make a science a higher priority in ECSID.

Last week, OHS biology teacher Karen Wilson won the largest grant ever awarded by the Education Foundation to buy Vernier science lab equipment, which will the students to complete paperless labs, the way they are done in college. OHS, a high school already known for its science department, also won the most money ever awarded to won school for projects in dissection and robotics along with grants in other fields.

The trend goes up to higher education too. UTPB is actively trying to grow its engineering program and last week Odessa College was awarded $23,170.13 in scholarships for students majoring in sciences and technical education.

“Science is important because no matter what vocation or field of study a student goes into, science, math and engineering will be at the bottom of it. It is vital that students have a background or at least have experience in science, math and engineering as well as English and the arts,” Odessa College Dean of Arts and Sciences Kathryn Keen said.