Christmas in the Lab
December 17, 2012
The science labs at Bay City High School were the scene for
"Christmas in the Lab" on December 13. Cherry Elementary POWER GRID
and BRT students and their parents were treated to holiday snacks
and then taken into the labs for a series of hands-on scientific
experiments with a holiday "theme." BCHS POWERSET and WIT students
guided the younger students through three stations where everyone
saw how chemical reactions create ice cream, turn a penny into a
shiny, gold coin, and how a little muscle used to vigorously shake
a test tube full of chemicals can make a new, shiny, silver
ornament for Mom.
POWERSET (Powerful Opportunities for Women Eager and Ready for
Science, Engineering and Technology) is a program sponsored by the
Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) at Texas A&M University and
provides young women with the educational tools and support they
need to pursue education and careers in science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM). WIT (Workforce Industry Training) is
another program of NPI. It is for both male and female high school
students who have an interest in STEM-related careers, but are
interested in two-year technical degrees or certificates.
POWERSET students serve as mentors to the POWER GRID (Girls
Responding to Industry Demands) at the elementary and middle school
level, while the WIT students mentor the BRT (Boys Resourcing
Technology Programs) pre-teens.
At Bay City High School, WIT sponsor is Jill Lowry, and POWER
SET sponsor is Vanessa Parker. Cherry Elementary fifth grade
science teacher Jackie Ramsey accompanied the Cherry Elementary
students to Christmas in the Lab.
