Sisler Science Squad demonstrations energize Lord Nelson students

Lord Nelson students experienced visually appealing science when Sisler Science Squad visited them on December 6.

Grade 4 to 6 students in five classrooms had lots of fun when the École Secondaire Sisler High School students demonstrated how to find insulators and conductors of electricity using energy light sticks and plasma orbs.

"When we first held our hands together, the sticks in our hands glowed, and we felt connected," said Drea Pepe, Grade 4 student at Lord Nelson School.

"We enjoyed all the activities. I learned much more than I knew before. I didn't think I would like science so much, but now I do."

After a COVID break of two years, the Sisler Science Squad is back. They have been offering science outreach programming to Lord Nelson Elementary Students since 2005. 

Sisler Science Squad first introduced electricity as the movement of invisible particles called electrons from one point to another. They explained the two types of electricity, static and current, through different examples like rubbing the hair on a balloon, electricity that flows through wires and others.

Sisler Science Squad instructed Lord Nelson's students to hold their hands in a circle. The three energy sticks between them glowed in the dark, signifying the completion of the human circuit. Then they tried different types of materials to see what stops the flow of electrons in the rotation. 

As soon as different conducting materials connected, the lights on the energy stick flashed and made sounds. Students' faces lit up just like the energy sticks. They made a list of materials that are conductors or insulators. 

"The experiment about electricity is exciting for the kids because they get to expand on the concept in a participative way. They learn words related to the topic like the types of electricity, conductors, insulators and a definition for electricity," said Jonnah Policarpio, Grade 12 Sisler squad member.

"We also taught them about electric fields by demonstrating how the energy sticks get activated by being close to the plasma globe without directly touching it."

The plasma globe emitted ultraviolet light and sparks when the energy stick was closer to it and when the students touched it. 

The 25 members Sisler Science Squad showcases science in an interactive way to 125 elementary students through four visits throughout the school year.

Sisler students spend a couple of hours before each visit going over the demonstration and activities they will be doing with the students. They brainstorm ideas on how to deliver the demonstrations and additions to the experiment to make it even more engaging.

"Each visit allows Sisler Science Squad members to hone their public speaking, organizational and leadership skills when working in the classroom. Developing these skills will be invaluable in any field of work they decide to pursue," said Bridget Sankovic, Science Department Head at École Secondaire Sisler High School.

"Seeing Lord Nelson students apply to join Sisler Science Squad when they reach high school brings me immense joy. It shows that my team inspired the next generation of young science enthusiasts!"