2015 Tornament of Science
Inter-Lakes students treated to a unique science assembly
By BOB MARTIN
bmartin@citizen.com
MEREDITH- There’s not much better than seeing children completely awe-struck by science, but that was the case on Tuesday when Mark Goldstein stopped into Inter-Lakes High School to put on the “Tournament of Science.”
The event was made possible by the Geralynn Fountain Fund, which is in honor of a long-time paraeducator at Inter-Lakes Elementary School who passed away from cancer last year. Those close to her said she would have loved to see the children having so much fun with science, which was something she loved and was always involved with.
Goldstein, who was there from Brain Mogul Education, was the epitome of a mad scientist. He ran around multi-purpose room in a lab coat and had the kids with constant smiles, but also their complete attention. He wandered around the audience handing out cards with numbers on them. The day involved a series of science experiments involving three students at a time, who were the ones with the cards. Winners were chosen from each heat of students and a final winner was named.
He did two 45 minute programs back to back, with the fourth through sixth graders starting things off and then Kindergarten through third graders following.
Goldstein taught the younger students about polymers by having them compete on who could make a bigger pile of a powdered substance that absorbed water. He used a hairdryer to make a basketball float and a hoop to play “Bernoulli Basketball.” He also had students, who he called “secret agents” to use a white wax crayon and draw the school’s mascot “The Blue Wave” onto paper with water soluble ink, which could not be seen until put into water.
Some students were involved in a bubble bouncing competition, and then several students had the chance to blow rings of fog from what Goldstein called his “Airzuka” to teach them about friction.
Goldstein said he loves seeing children learn things that nobody really expects them to know. He stressed vocabulary words and had them say them back to him. He encouraged students to have fun, but also listen and learn. Goldstein said he has been a performer all his life and even had a few magic tricks up his sleeve. He said combining his love for performing with teaching has been a great experience.
“Giving foundations and watching the kids learn,” said Goldstein. “What’s better than that?”
“It was a really cool assembly,” said Principal Dr. Steve Kelley, who said Curriculum Director Kathleen Hill told him about it and they agreed that it would be something fun and engaging for the students. “We read some reviews and saw a video clip, and we thought they would love this. It’s a good way to bring science to life. He was a great performer.”
Kelley said it was also a fun event for the children right before they take off for Thanksgiving break.
The event was made possible by the Geralynn Fountain Fund. Her parents Bill and Madeline O’Brien and her brother Bill O’Brien were at the assembly, as well as her husband Steve Fountain. Steve Fountain explained that they chose science for the educational activity to fund because Geralynn was a chemist when she lived in Long Island, New York.
Madeline added that Geralynn was a science major in college, and she would be so happy that the students were able to have an event like this.
Bill and Madeline explained that Geralynn’s joy was about all the children. He said they talked about having a scholarship, but things like this benefit the entire school. They all agreed that she would have been so happy with the way the donated funds have been used.
“She loved working here because she loved being with the kids,” said Madeline.
Kelley said Fountain was courageous as she battled the illness, saying she would come into school and continue to be a shining light no matter how bad things were getting. He said she was inspirational and just one of those people that everyone liked and respected.
“She was such a great person and so great with the kids,” said Kelley. “She had such heart and dedication with our school. She was just one of these positive people where every day you saw Geralynn, her energy radiated from her. Everyone love to work with her, kids loved to work with her, faculty- she was just one of those special people.”
Assistant Principal Kay Mulcahy agreed, saying it was a “wonderful presentation” for a great person.
“Geralynn did a lot for our school," said Mulcahy. "And she still is."