05-APR-2010
By Darryl Bronson

A Positive Charge

Students doing a lab activity inside the mobile science lab

I’m thinking of the day’s schedule school visit, the activity and the positive charge it will produce in me and the students.  I get so excited during our school visits.  It’s like the feeling I get on Saturday morning while watching my favorite cartoons. (Yes, I still watch cartoons)  The first class I ever taught was at Hine Jr. High School in Washington D.C. in 2005 and the activity was Mystery of the Crooked Cell. 

Smiling high school students in school uniforms crowded inside the JCVI mobile lab, wood cabinets on either side

After the classroom visits,  the Science Fairs, After School Programs, NIST Adventure in Science and Take Your Child to Work Day programs, in this my 5th year as Mobile Lab Driver and Teaching Assistant, I still get excited when working with a group of students.  I’m the preverbal kid in a candy store with the keys and I even make the candy!

Crowd of grinning middle school students in uniforms packed down the aisle of the JCVI mobile lab

As I ponder this, another thought comes to mind, in our effort to reinforce specific standards of science and exposure to FUN!  I have come to understand the importance of the program and the positive charge on students, teachers and the community.  In a time of educational cut backs, the layoff of teachers and the closing of schools, the DiscoverGenomic! Science Education Program is a sure sign that we have not left any child behind.

Thanks for a positive charge DG! Science Education Program!