Students Explore The World Of Science At Workshop Sessions

By Andrew Gorosko

Local schoolchildren had an opportunity last weekend to sample many aspects of science at a series of free informational sessions known as Discovery Science Workshops held at Newtown High School.

Twenty-five workshop sessions were offered for children in kindergarten through fourth grade in the March 28 program sponsored by the Newtown Junior Women’s Club and the Board of Education. Parents accompanied their children to the sessions.

Among the many speakers at the event were Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Michael Downs, who explained to the younger students how he uses his German shepherd in police work.

John Latte and Nick Danuszar of the Nutmeg Kart Club of Shelton explained to the older students the mathematics that come into play in go-kart racing. The club members described how go-karts are adjusted to improve their handling characteristics.

Dr Aaron Gilman, an orthodontist, explained to the older students his work in the field of orthodontics at Dental Associates. Dr Gilman’s program, “Brace Yourself For Fun,” displayed the various devices used to straighten teeth.

Newtown Police Sergeant Richard Robinson described forensic science to the kindergarten through second grade students. The sergeant explained fingerprint evidence and how crime scenes are processed for evidence.

Other workshops presented concerned bubbles, medical care, the science of color, fire prevention, environmentalism, the hydrologic cycle, the theory of relativity, photography, recycling, and physics, among other topics.

A book fair and bake sale were held in conjunction with the science workshops.