The enthusiasm is overflowing in Dan Schaefer’s 5th grade class at Kennedy Community School in the St. Cloud Area School District. Students stand outside the St.Cloud State University Science Express, a mobile science lab, as Schaefer goes over all of the “Did You Know” facts on the outside of the Science Express.
Students “ooh” and “ah” that Saturn would float if the planet were dropped in water or that Skylab astronauts grew 1.5-2.25 inches as a result of zero gravity. However, it’s the following discussion that really revs them up.
Schaefer asks, “Why do you think children have 94 more bones than adults?”
One student shouts, “Because they grow together!”
Another exclaims, “Our heads grow together!”
“That’s right!”, replies Mr. Schaefer.
Each new interesting, crazy, wacky fact on the exterior of the lab captures the imagination.
As they round the last corner, Dr. Bruce Jacobson, a professor at St. Cloud State University’s biology department, opens the door and welcomes the students into science they have never experienced.
“I’m Dr. Bruce Jacobson”, he states, “But you can call me Dr. J.”
The kids, each at their own lab stations, started learning about pipettors. Dr. J asks students if they have ever watched any detective shows with people in lab coats working in a lab and holding the instruments. He proceeds to explain the pipettor’s use and how they get samples for DNA testing.
“When DNA is gathered at a crime scene, do they get a whole bucket of DNA?”, asks Dr. J. “No. It is usually a drop of blood or a hair sample. Something small.”
Jordan Bauer, a 5th grade student raises her hand immediately, “But I thought that blood cells can’t carry DNA!”
A very impressed Dr. J says, “You’re right. Red blood cells don’t have enough nuclei to have DNA, but white blood cells do.”
“Our surprise today,” exclaims Dr. J, “is a visit from Senator Clausen.”
As the kids whisper and excitement mounts, Mr. Schaefer explains how they have a different class representative every day. Today’s class representative will greet Senator Clausen and introduce the Senator to the class.
The kids immerse themselves with pipettors, learning what first and second positions are and discussing millileters and microliters. As they practice with water droplets, there’s a knock on the door.
Senator Clausen enters the mobile lab with several people, and Jordan Sauer, the class representative for the day, walks over to the Senator and introduces first herself and then the class.
Many students enthusiastically volunteer to show Senator Clausen how pipettors are used. The Senator graciously spends time with each group asking questions as the students experiment with household chemicals and watch how they change and interact with water and other chemicals.
Senator Clausen asks, “Do you know which chemical that is? Did Dr. J tell you?”
The kids answer “no” and a discussion begins on what could turn hot pink when combined with another chemical.
As the session comes to an end, the kids are excited, engaged and inspired about what kinds of opportunities there are in the science field. Soon chatter begins on when the Science Express can visit again!