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Sparking Curiosity 👩🏻🔬: My Volunteer Day with Mad Science at Princess Anne Elementary
There’s nothing quite like the energy of a classroom full of students ready to dive into hands-on learning. Recently, I had the pleasure of volunteering with Mad Science of Hampton Roads for a visit to Princess Anne Elementary School.
It was an afternoon full of "hair-raising" fun and literal sparks as we explored the world of static electricity!
The Details
- Location: Princess Anne Elementary School, Classroom 44
- Address: 2444 Seaboard Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
- Lead Scientist: Jennifer👩🔬 "Jupiter Jen" Marcus
- Time: 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Shocking Science: What We Learned
Under the expert guidance of "Jupiter Jen," the students (and I!) became experts on the tiny particles that make up our world: protons, neutrons, and electrons. We didn't just talk about science; we saw it in action.
The Experiments:
- Balloon Magic: We used balloons, felt, and plastic to see how friction moves electrons.
- Household Science: We experimented with salt, pepper, and Styrofoam cups to witness the pull of static charges.
- The Main Event: We even got to use our own hair and a specialized electrostatic machine(the Van de Graaff generator) to see static electricity in its most powerful form.
Staying Safe:
Beyond the fun, we learned critical safety tips about lightning. We discussed how lightning often strikes the tallest objects, like trees, and the best methods for staying safe—like heading into a building or, if caught outside, laying flat on the ground. We also learned how conductors like metal and wood interact with electricity.
Why I Volunteer
Volunteering with programs like Mad Science is an incredible way to give back to the Hampton Roads community. Watching the "lightbulb" moment when a student finally understands a complex concept is priceless.
Thank you to Jennifer Marcus and the staff at Princess Anne Elementary for having me! I look forward to spending more time helping our local schools and students fall in love with STEM.