Photos submitted.

Hub Staff

For the third consecutive year, the Rotary Clubs of Southampton, Port Elgin and Saugeen Shores have sponsored STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) workshops in five local schools.

Through the Scientists in School program, children from Kindergarten to Grade 8 participated in hands-on science experiments and activities to learn about concepts in their science curriculum. Each Club sponsored one workshop in each of the five schools, Saugeen District Senior School, GC Huston Public School, École Port Elgin Saugeen Central School, Northport Elementary School and St Joseph's School.

"Students enjoyed and learned a good deal from the hands-on instruction and materials provided by the program," read a recent submission from Southampton Rotary President Dave Bertrand.

Students engineered and navigated a maze using gravity and magnetic force; explored seeds, soil and plant growth; tested tension and compression and their impacts on structural strength; learned about invertebrates, their characteristics and habitats; different forms of energy, what they do and how they transform; and how various materials hold up in the building of structures.

"The kids had a blast," said Teacher Cheryl Barnard. "They were engaged the whole time and loved the added challenge at the end of the program which they could work on here at school, or at home."

Teacher Victoria Ruby said, "The invertebrates unit was very hands-on and engaging. The students loved working with the clay provided."

Students said the program helped them learn new things, learn about being a scientist by making and testing things while one student said he liked learning about different insects in particular.