August 1, 2011—School may be out for the summer, but that doesn't mean the learning stops for Schalmont Central School District students.

A dozen inquisitive fourth- and fifth-graders participated in the district's annual Math and Science Summer Academy from July 25-29 at Jefferson Elementary School. 

"I thought it would be a good way to get my brain going," said incoming fourth-grader Lauren Rowe about her decision to attend the academy.

Throughout the week, students were exposed to math and science concepts via inquiry-based learning with the scientific method serving as the foundation for all activities. 

"We try to pick curriculum that's fun and exciting to demonstrate how things in the real world work," said Academy Instructor Tiffany Wood. "It really shows them how science and math work together."

Using ordinary household objects, students conducted a series of fun, hands-on experiments. For example, students learned about the law of motion by creating balloon rockets using a balloon, straw and string. They also built cars out of pasta noodles, made and flew paper airplanes and made ice cream in a plastic bag.  

For most activities, students received written directions so they could continue the fun at home with their parents and siblings.

"I love science," said incoming fifth-grader Nick Fredenburg. "It's really fun!"

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