5^th Grade Family Science Night was a huge success!

On Thursday, March 19^th, 108 5^th grade students participated in our first Family Science Event at the elementary campus.  Approximately 250 people including parents, siblings, and grandparents, packed the cafeteria.  Younger siblings were provided childcare by high school TAFE and Honor Society Students to allow the rest of the family full participation with their 5^th grader.  When parents first arrived, they received a sample of released TAKS questions to test their knowledge of the 5^th grade science curriculum. 

A live ball python and king snake, as well as models of a copper head and other indigenous snakes in Texas, were also on display.  Some students enjoyed watching a live turtle eat its cricket dinner.  Parents and students gained information through a PowerPoint presentation regarding the state standards for science curriculum and testing as well as information about the upcoming 5^th Grade Science TAKS test on April 30^th. 

One of the evening highlights was a brief presentation by some students from Mrs. Wiatrek’s reading class who researched famous scientists and came in costume to share information about the contribution of their scientist as well as the “WANTED” poster they created.  Most of the evening was spent by the families rotating through science stations which included engaging activities that enforced grade level science TEKS.  Amazing conversation and learning occurred within families and between families.  Every student who attended received a science toy at the end of the evening and parents were asked the question, “Are you smarter than your 5^th grader?”

The elementary staff is encouraged by the adult participation and is already planning more events for involvement and for ways to make Family Science Night even better.  If the enthusiasm from the event is any measure of the future successes of these 5^th grade students, they will continue to be great scientists and earn remarkable scores on their upcoming TAKS!