Wednesday, October 20, 1999
Scientist fair puts emphasis on people
Students play roles of history-makers
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
MASON — Lauren Gentene strode to the front of the classroom Tuesday. She wore a shimmery silver one-piece jumpsuit with handmade paper badges — including a U.S. flag and NASA patch — fastened to her shoulder and pocket.
She held an 18-inch rocket in one arm. After clearing her throat, she began:.
“Hello, I'm John Glenn ...”
For the next four minutes, she spoke in the first person as she told her sixth-grade classmates at Mason Intermediate School of Mr. Glenn's experience when orbiting the earth aboard Friendship 7 in 1962 and his also-historic return to space on Discovery in 1998 for medical research.
It was part of the Success Team's twist on the traditional science fair. Instead of researching and preparing science experiments, the stu-
dents researched scientists.
Using the Internet, books and other materials, about 100 pupils in student-teacher Teresa Rehm's science class es prepared a three-sided display board highlighting career accomplishments and a time line of the person they chose.
Each student dressed and took on the persona of their chosen scientist as they presented their speeches to classmates during the day, and for parents in the evening.
“I must have gone over my speech a thousand times,” said Lauren, who modified a Star Wars costume for use as an astronaut jumpsuit. “I practiced it before a mirror. I was trying to think how to do it like he would. I read a lot about space and astronomy. I like this; we were being more creative.”
The goal of the project, Ms. Rehm said, was to get the students interested in science, have them explore different inventions and contributions scientists have made.
“I wanted to break through the stereotype that all scientists are male and all wear lab coats and goggles,” Ms. Rehm said. “Some of the ideas these kids have are great.”
Thad Allen, who took on the role of Robert Goddard, said he was looking through a science book and became interested in the liquid-fuel rocket Mr. Goddard invented. The same scientist also developed the bazookas used in World War II — in fact, Thad said, he was surprised to learn his scientist had 214 patents.
“It was kind of hard finding stuff on his family,” Thad said. “I had never heard of him before.”
But, Thad noted, “In every picture I saw, he wore a lab coat and lab pants.”
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