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Science Saturdays
Madison County Career and Technical Center’s Polymer Science students are hosting “Science Saturdays” for kids in the community as a fundraiser for the Technology Student Association. The Science Saturdays, held at Madison Career and Technical Center, are offered three times each semester and provide fun learning experiences for young kids desiring to understand basic concepts of science. The hands-on experiments include creating polymer snow, slime, silly putty, volcanoes, screaming balloons, and tie-dye paper. Demonstrations such as a color flame test and a “genie in a bottle” are also presented.
Pictured: Percy Field, Polymer Science student
Instructor Crystal Smith explained the origins of the event, saying, “I taught chemistry for many years and found that teaching with toys was an interesting approach. For most of those years, I kept a science ‘toy table’ in my classroom for students to explore during extra time or upon entering the classroom.” Over the years, Smith noticed that her colleagues’ children found this table intriguing and often dropped by to see what was new. “As they explored, played, and asked questions, I was given the opportunity to share the science concept demonstrated or exemplified by the toy. So, when it came time for fundraising for competition, I thought this was a great concept to raise funds and interest children in science,” Smith said. Smith also hosts summer science workshops for two hours each week over a six-week period. Madison K-6 students rotate through the workshops at one-hour intervals. Each student has the opportunity to attend once in June and once in July. For more information about these science programs for kids, contact Crystal Smith at crystalsmith@madison-schools.com.
36th Annual Mississippi FFA Legislators and Sponsors Breakfast
Featuring a Mississippi-raised farm-to-table menu, the 36th Annual Mississippi FFA Legislators and Sponsors Breakfast took place on February 19. More than 600 FFA members and their advisors joined state senators and representatives for breakfast in the Mississippi Trade Mart. The breakfast showcases FFA members and demonstrates gratitude to state leaders for their support of Mississippi Career and Technical Education’s agriculture programs. The breakfast included a roll call of senators and representatives. Remarks were made by the Commissioner of Agriculture Cindy Hyde Smith and from the President of Northeast Mississippi Community College, Dr. Johnny Allen. Pictured: Students enjoying the 36th annual FFA Breakfast.
Spring 2014 CONNECTIONS 31