At 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 17, 30 UCSD students trekked to The Preuss School to help middle and high school students with their science fair projects.
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This event, coordinated by UCSD undergraduate students and Preuss School teachers, is part of a series of sessions intended to give sixth- through 10th-grade students more individual attention and guidance on their science projects. Projects ranged from determining the effects of nitrate and phosphate concentration on algae growth to the comparative advantage of wing area and shape in model airplanes.
“”I haven’t done experiments [like this] since elementary school, so it’s refreshing my memory and it’s really exciting.”” said UCSD sophomore Emily Wear.
Though still acquiring basic laboratory equipment such as microscopes, The Preuss School has participated in this science fair since its inception three years ago. The Preuss School offers its students a rigorous, college perpatory curriculum. Students’ experiments must be well-planned and deal with a relatively difficult topic.
The volunteers helped the students develop experimental design and safety skills.
“”This is really helping the kids to focus and say, ‘Hey, you have to follow this procedure,'”” said Dr. Grissananti, science department head at the Preuss School.
Most students investigated botany, earth and environmental sciences or physics questions with only a few students taking on medical, microbiological or zoological questions.
“”A lot of [Preuss students] like plants. I guess it’s something you can work with, not [like] animals,”” said Eiann Sha, a UCSD senior.
Some of the latter group’s experiments included flatworm regeneration after partial amputation and the effects of bleach on water-flea heart rate. Their volunteers derived as much benefit as their students.
“”I haven’t done experiments [like this] since elementary school, so it’s refreshing my memory and it’s really exciting.”” said UCSD sophomore Emily Wear.
Though varying in the degree of their enthusiasm for the program, most students expressed satisfaction with the way things went.
“”It’s pretty cool. When you have a question, you can get it answered,”” said Preuss student Sandy, in reference to the help of the science “”professionals,”” as the volunteers were called.
When asked what she thought of programs that bring UCSD students on The Preuss School campus to help, Monique replied, “”I don’t get tired of it, personally, but some might.””
That attitude is encouraging to the program’s sponsors, who coordinate many activities for the students including regular Saturday morning tutoring times.
Program coordinators have had success with the Saturday tutoring program.
The Preuss School is a particularly attractive opportunity for UCSD students because of it’s proximity to campus, according to Sobo.
Volunteer impressions were positive as well.
“”It’s a lot of fun. We’re all going around, checking on them, clarifying hypotheses, troubleshooting, laying the groundwork [for future experiments],”” said Yasser Ansari, a senior majoring in biology at UCSD.
