October 24, 2023, by Lisa Teas Conaway

We welcomed Dr. Lara Rocketenetz (aka Dr. Rocket) as our first Scientist in the schools for the 2023-2024 school year, and she came bearing bugs, 17 year Cicadas to be exact.

 

Students learned the basis of the scientific method through observation, research, and hypothesis, then they were challenged to think about the natural world and how it has informed modern engineering.  Practicing their observation skills they worked on scientific illustrations, documenting the intricate structure and patterns of cicada wings. Then after researching different bird bill adaptations, they hypothesized and experimented in creating Pom Pom Picker Uppers demonstrating the challenges birds face with catching prey. The excitement of discovery filled the room and children left with a new appreciation for the natural world and a new magnifying keychain complete with a cicada charm.

 

Dr. Rocket took her biomimicry course to all the 2^nd grade classes in the Sitka School District, as well as a group of homeschoolers, visiting over 80 students in total!

Thanks to a generous donation from Royal Caribbean Group the Sitka Sound Science Center is able to host different scientists throughout the school year and will visit all age groups from kindergarten through high school. We are grateful for the opportunity given through this donation to bring science and critical thinking to our younger generations.