Science Lions

K-12 Science Outreach Organization

Science Lions is a Pennsylvania State University student volunteer organization

dedicated to fostering science and engineering interest in K-12 students. We develop and

perform interactive science demonstrations throughout central Pennsylvania in collaboration with local educators.

Hands-on demonstrations at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the ArtsTM 2003.

IntroductionAn understanding of scientific principles is critical at all levels of our

society, but it is especially important for children to become interested in science as they will face an increasing array of scientific and technological advances. We in the university community can contribute greatly to the understanding of scientific principles through outreach programs and assistance to science educators. The Pennsylvania State University Science Lions was founded with this aim in mind.

Science Lions is a volunteer organization composed primarily of graduate students who conduct interactive science demonstrations for students kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) to spark their interest in science. We develop interactive science demonstrations and perform them throughout central Pennsylvania in collaboration with local educators. Through our efforts we provide resources and equipment to schools that may not have them available.

Jason Feick and Kristy Ainslie, both chemical engineering graduate students, use chemiluminescence to display a form of chemical energy to Women in

Engineering and Science (WISE) workshop participants.

HistoryScience Lions is modeled after a K-12 science outreach organization at Michigan State University called Science Theatre, which was founded 1991. Two of Science Lions founding members were actively involved in Science Theatre's effort. On March 28, 2001 at Park Forest Middle School in State College, Pennsylvania Science Lions performed what was to be their first show. Funding and volunteers for this initial show were organized through the

Life Science Consortium. The show demonstrated various forms of energy and was well received by both teacher and students. After this initial success, a large meeting was called and individuals from all science related colleges on campus were invited to attend the meeting. Science Lions received an overwhelming response and membership grew outside of the Life Science Consortium.

In June, Science Lions elected a board of officers and formed committees. Committees were formed to address the efforts of show scheduling, demonstration development and fundraising. Traditional officer positions were also established to organize and maintain the outreach effort. Since the initial elections, Science Lions has held two additional elections and grown to meet its increasing needs.

Plant physiologist Victoria Kramer explains to K-5th students that a cell contains DNA as part of our ‘Who broke the cookie jar?’ forensic science show at Brown Elementary.

Biologist Alexandra Surcel explains to students the states of matter.

Impact of Science Lions

Recent studies and student performance on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test have indicated that rural, over urban, school districts are more in need of enhanced science education. National Assessment of Educational Process – NAEP

The science PSSA scores of 17-year-old students in central Pennsylvania have shown a downward trend since 1970, indicating a decline in science understanding. This is in contrast to the steadily increasing scores in southeast Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). NAEP

In addition to scoring lower on the PSSA, students from rural schools are more likely to score lower then students from suburban and urban schools on the SAT and advance placement (AP) tests. Yuan, L. & Wenfan, Y. Journal of Research in Rural Education

Generally, rural schools have more low-income students then suburban schools. Lower income families are not as likely to be able to purchase science equipment for their children, such as a microscope or chemistry set, than higher income families. Yuan, L. & Wenfan, Y. Journal of Research in Rural Education

It has been shown that rural schools spend less money per student than both suburban and urban schools. Often less money equates to less programs, including science. Pierson, J. Most Area Districts Spend Less Per

Student than State Average. Erie Times

Teacher Comments“The Science Lions were passionate about what they were teaching our students. Our children loved the hands-on activities … it gave us a real experience. I can understand why your programs are in such high demand. Thank you for a great science experience!” - Meyers Elementary

“I have already recommended it to other teachers and I have talked to our science coordinator as well.” - Houserville Elementary

“By donating your time and sharing your skills with our children, they were able to get a taste of Pennsylvania (the subject requested) in a way that many of our children could not have enjoyed otherwise. The Science Lions kick-off was wonderful, the kids talked about the show all day!” - Jackson Elementary

The mission of Science Lions to bring science into rural classrooms. Funding for external science education programs, such as Science Lions, is disproportionately allocated in favor of major urban areas such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, even though recent research has indicated that our rural schools are in desperate need of these extra programs. Here are some facts concerning science education in Pennsylvania:

Science Lions Facts

We have visited more than 2,500 school children.

Science Lions has performed at over 22 events in central Pennsylvania.

Our events are free to schools within a 60 mile radius of State College.

Resources such as specialty equipment are provided to schools in conjunction with our shows.

Science Lions publishes a monthly science column in the Altoona Mirror titled “Ask Science Lions” that includes a Lil’ Lion experiment .

Over 70 graduate, undergraduate, and post-doctoral

students are Science Lions members. Science Lions members come from a variety of

backgrounds in science, engineering, and education.

Over a dozen schools are on the Science Lions waiting list.

Demonstrations are developed in such a way as to

try to use present resources and to limit consumable goods.

Guidance for Science Lions development is carried out by a nine member board and interdisciplinary faculty council.

Lockhaven

Johnstown

Franklin County

Reedsville

State College

Houserville

Furguson Township

Morrisdale

Hollidaysburg

Cambria Co.Altoona

Bellwood

Where We Have Visited

Science Lions typically visits schools within a 60 mile radius of State College. This allows us to visit many rural areas of central Pennsylvania. At each of the above locations, Science Lions has performed at least one school show.

Immunologist Amy Strasner allows students at Park Forest Middle School to touch a fifty-dollar bill after setting it aflame as part of our states of energy show.

Show Types Hands-on demonstrations are short demonstrations that involve a single

scientific concept. They rely on volunteer-to-student direct interaction.

Workshops are a themed group of hands-on demonstrations. Typically, volunteers work with a small group of students at one station. The students then rotate among the stations.

Stage shows are a group of flashy themed demonstrations that are performed in front of a large group of students. The show is typically centered on a single science concept.

Show Repertoire

States of Energy Show - This stage show highlights the different forms of energy with flashy demonstrations. The show focuses on the idea that chemical energy can be released in the form of light, heat, and sound. 6th-12th grades.

Phase Show - This stage show displays the three phases of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Liquid nitrogen and dry ice are used to discuss the three phases and introduce terms such as sublimation. K-6th grades.

Forensic Science Workshop: Who Stole the Cookie? - A cookie was stolen and it is the job of our volunteers to help guide the students through “who did it?” in this hands-on workshop. Concepts such as fingerprinting, footprinting, and DNA fingerprinting are covered. K-6th grades.

Forensic Science Workshop: A Murder Investigation - A murder has been committed and this hands-on workshop helps students learn what it is like to be a real crime scene investigator. This workshop is centered around basic biology, chemistry, and physics concepts. 8th-12th grades.

Limited Resources Workshop - These four hands-on games focus on the limited resources around us, such as water and food sources. The demonstrations illustrate the concepts of conservation, ecology, and pollution. 3rd-6th grades.

Geology Workshop - This hands-on workshop centers around fossil and rock formations. A main goal is to teach the students how the geological time-line explains rock composition. K-6th grades.

Rock Cycle Show - This stage show uses flashy demonstrations to display the steps of the rock cycle. Formation of all three rock types are covered in this show. 6th-12th grades.

Vertebrates and Invertebrates Workshop - This hands-on workshop compares the physiology of vertebrates and invertebrates. Students learn that the differences are more then just the backbone! 8th-12th grades.

Magnets: Hands-on - This collection of hands-on demonstrations is centered on magnets, electromagnets, and magnetic fields. K-12th grades.

Static Electricity Show - This stage show utilizes a Van de Graaf generator to demonstrate interesting properties of static electricity, specifically the repulsive and attractive forces associated with electric charges. 4th-8th grades.

Contact Information

Mailing AddressPenn State University HUB-Roberson Center HUB Information Desk

Science Lions University Park, PA 16802

World Wide Web-pagehttp://www.clubs.psu.edu/sciencelions

Email AddressScienceLions@yahoo.com

Geologist Andy Zimmerman discusses rock and fossil formationat Houserville Elementary.

Science Lions is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization.