STARS (Science and Technology Activities in Rural Schools)

STARS

STARS (Science and Technology Activities in Rural Schools) is an outreach initiative driven to promote science education in schools located in rural areas of North Carolina. This program provides monthly on-site visits to rural schools at no cost. Program material is grade and curriculum appropriate (K-12) and will serve as a catalyst to encourage students to pursue careers in science.

During the Spring 2009 semester, we are partnering with Snow Hill Primary School in Snow Hill, NC. Snow Hill is located halfway between Goldsboro and Greenville and serves grades K-2. While their students are still in the beginnings of their academic careers, the motto for their school is, "It's not if you go to college, but when."

We plan on continuing in their efforts to promote higher education by introducing a monthly science education program tailored to the NC Standard Course of Study. Our program will focus on teaching students how to use the scientific method through hands-on activities to understand their surrounding environment. Topics this semester will cover acid/base chemistry, density, light and polymers.

February 2009 - This activity introduces the scientific method to students through an experiment in which the compounds in red cabbage leaves (anthocyanins) are used to test household items for acidity. Students will have the opportunity to test "unknown" substances to predict identity and become familiar with more common testing practices, such as using litmus paper. Students will learn the importance of documenting data and constructing sound hypotheses based on their observations.

March 2009 - Our March program will focus on how density dictates the industrial or household use of certain liquids. Activities will explain why oil tanker spills are so difficult to clean up as students will have the opportunity to devise ways to clean up their own "oil spill".

April 2009 - The onset of spring sets the tone for our Light unit with topics focusing on skin care and UV exposure. We will introduce the idea of light as a spectrum and explain how sunscreen works using "invisible ink".

May 2009 - The conclusion of our trial STARS program will detail the importance of polymers in our everyday lives. Students will not only have the opportunity to study the properties of several polymers but also get the chance to make their own polymer, known as "Slime".

If you would like more information on bringing the STARS program to your school (K-12), please contact Dr. Jeremiah Feducia.