A Scientifically Sensational Week at the Library

            The Calhoun County Library was filled with science for the Summer Reading Program last week. Along with our regular summer reading program on Thursday morning, Science Magic from Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, we also held our annual STEM Science Camp all week long.

Starting on Monday, June 24, 2024, we  began our annual STEM Science Camp, led by Dr. Lesa Rice-Jackson, retired chemist. Monday through Friday, we enjoyed a little over an hour of nonstop learning. As a full class of 30 1st-6th graders, we focused on seed germination, the parts of a plant, and the effects of different variables on seeds. Our little scientists learned many things last week including lab procedures, appropriate dress for a lab, and how to keep a lab journal. Each day, “Dr. Lesa,”  focused on different topics such as:

1.       the parts of a plant

2.       different types of roots

3.       photosynthesis

4.       how different factors affect seed germination and size

5.       what plants need to survive

6.       how to measure the growth of a seed

7.       how pollinators affect seed germination, and so much more!

After a week-long program, we ended on Friday, June 28, with an awards day. We recognized students for the best lab notebook, best lab partners, most enthusiastic scientist, most improved scientist, most helpful scientist, best overall scientist, and, of course, the best plant! All participants were presented with certificates and gift cards from Chick-fil-a!

We would like to thank everyone who was able to make this program possible. Volunteers and staff members spent a lot of time preparing for Science Camp and making sure that it would run smoothly every day. We would also like to say a special thank you to Chick-fil-a and to Dr. Lesa Rice-Jackson for teaching our community of little scientists. Science Camp would not be what it is without Dr. Lesa’s knowledge, lab specialty, and general love for science. Without our caregivers and students, Science Camp would not be successful, so we would like to extend a thank you to them for attending every day and being dedicated to learning. In addition, the Calhoun County Library and everyone involved would like to say congratulations to our very own scientists!