Last month I volunteered for the "Student Creativity Festival," a project of the Success Beyond the Classroom (SBC) program. It was a most gratifying experience--an opportunity to observe students from 29 elementary schools in participatory classes that integrate the arts and sciences. After an engaging set of demonstrations by faculty and students of the University's Physics Department, the young students broke up into groups and attended their choice of three classes with such diverse subjects as "Endangered Species," "Mexican Music and Culture," "Neutrinos and Dark Matter," "Paper Marbling," and "Whats-its on Wheels." Enthusiasm for knowledge was so evident in these children!
URVC is now seeking volunteers for the next SBC event: Young Inventors Program and Fair. Students, grades 3-8, have been creating inventions in projects that emphasize the creative process, scientific inquiry skills, and problem solving.
Volunteer opportunities: 1) Evaluators are needed March 8 and 9 to judge the projects at a St. Paul location on University Avenue; 2) General volunteers are needed for the Invention Fair on May 5 at the Mall of America. For more detailed information or to indicate your interest in volunteering, e-mail the Volunteer Center at urvc@umn.edu or call the office, 612-625-8016.
-- Alan l. Kagan, Project Director, URVC
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