Science Lions

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Science Lions
K-12 Science Outreach Organization
Science Lions is a Pennsylvania State University
student volunteer organization dedicated to
fostering science and engineering interest in
K-12 students. We develop and perform interactive
science demonstrations throughout central
Pennsylvania in collaboration with local
educators.
Hands-on demonstrations at the Central
Pennsylvania Festival of the ArtsTM 2003.
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An understanding of scientific principles is
critical at all levels of our society, but it is
especially important for children to become
interested in science as they will face an
increasing array of scientific and technological
advances. We in the university community can
contribute greatly to the understanding of
scientific principles through outreach programs
and assistance to science educators. The
Pennsylvania State University Science Lions was
founded with this aim in mind. Science Lions
is a volunteer organization composed primarily of
graduate students who conduct interactive science
demonstrations for students kindergarten through
twelfth grade (K-12) to spark their interest in
science. We develop interactive science
demonstrations and perform them throughout
central Pennsylvania in collaboration with local
educators. Through our efforts we provide
resources and equipment to schools that may not
have them available.
Jason Feick and Kristy Ainslie, both chemical
engineering graduate students, use
chemiluminescence to display a form of chemical
energy to Women in Engineering and Science
(WISE) workshop participants.
Science Lions is modeled after a K-12 science
outreach organization at Michigan State
University called Science Theatre, which was
founded 1991. Two of Science Lions founding
members were actively involved in Science
Theatre's effort. On March 28, 2001 at Park
Forest Middle School in State College,
Pennsylvania Science Lions performed what was to
be their first show. Funding and volunteers for
this initial show were organized through the
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Plant physiologist Victoria Kramer explains to
K-5th students that a cell contains DNA as part
of our Who broke the cookie jar? forensic
science show at Brown Elementary.
Life Science Consortium. The show demonstrated
various forms of energy and was well received by
both teacher and students. After this initial
success, a large meeting was called and
individuals from all science related colleges on
campus were invited to attend the meeting.
Science Lions received an overwhelming response
and membership grew outside of the Life Science
Consortium. In June, Science Lions elected a
board of officers and formed committees.
Committees were formed to address the efforts of
show scheduling, demonstration development and
fundraising. Traditional officer positions were
also established to organize and maintain the
outreach effort. Since the initial elections,
Science Lions has held two additional elections
and grown to meet its increasing needs.
Biologist Alexandra Surcel explains to students
the states of matter.
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The mission of Science Lions to bring science
into rural classrooms. Funding for external
science education programs, such as Science
Lions, is disproportionately allocated in favor
of major urban areas such as Pittsburgh and
Philadelphia, even though recent research has
indicated that our rural schools are in desperate
need of these extra programs. Here are some
facts concerning science education in
Pennsylvania

• Recent studies and student performance on the
  Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
  test have indicated that rural, over urban,
  school districts are more in need of enhanced
  science education. National Assessment of
  Educational Process NAEP
• The science PSSA scores of 17-year-old students
  in central Pennsylvania have shown a downward
  trend since 1970, indicating a decline in science
  understanding. This is in contrast to the
  steadily increasing scores in southeast
  Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). NAEP
• In addition to scoring lower on the PSSA,
  students from rural schools are more likely to
  score lower then students from suburban and urban
  schools on the SAT and advance placement (AP)
  tests. Yuan, L. Wenfan, Y. Journal of Research
  in Rural Education
• Generally, rural schools have more low-income
  students then suburban schools. Lower income
  families are not as likely to be able to purchase
  science equipment for their children, such as a
  microscope or chemistry set, than higher income
  families. Yuan, L. Wenfan, Y. Journal of
  Research in Rural Education
• It has been shown that rural schools spend less
  money per student than both suburban and urban
  schools. Often less money equates to less
  programs, including science. Pierson, J. Most
  Area Districts Spend Less Per Student than State
  Average. Erie Times

Teacher Comments
The Science Lions were passionate about what
they were teaching our students. Our children
loved the hands-on activities it gave us a real
experience. I can understand why your programs
are in such high demand. Thank you for a great
science experience! - Meyers Elementary I
have already recommended it to other teachers and
I have talked to our science coordinator as
well. - Houserville Elementary By donating
your time and sharing your skills with our
children, they were able to get a taste of
Pennsylvania (the subject requested) in a way
that many of our children could not have enjoyed
otherwise. The Science Lions kick-off was
wonderful, the kids talked about the show all
day! - Jackson Elementary
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Science Lions Facts

• We have visited more than 2,500 school children.
• Science Lions has performed at over 22 events in
  central Pennsylvania.
• Our events are free to schools within a 60 mile
  radius of State College.
• Resources such as specialty equipment are
  provided to schools in conjunction with our
  shows.
• Science Lions publishes a monthly science column
  in the Altoona Mirror titled Ask Science Lions
  that includes a Lil Lion experiment .
• Over 70 graduate, undergraduate, and
  post-doctoral students are Science Lions members.
• Science Lions members come from a variety of
  backgrounds in science, engineering, and
  education.
• Over a dozen schools are on the Science Lions
  waiting list.
• Demonstrations are developed in such a way as to
  try to use present resources and to limit
  consumable goods.
• Guidance for Science Lions development is carried
  out by a nine member board and interdisciplinary
  faculty council.

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Where We Have Visited
Lockhaven
Furguson Township
State College
Morrisdale
Johnstown
Houserville
Bellwood
Reedsville
Cambria Co.
Altoona
Hollidaysburg
Franklin County
Science Lions typically visits schools within a
60 mile radius of State College. This allows us
to visit many rural areas of central
Pennsylvania. At each of the above locations,
Science Lions has performed at least one school
show.
Immunologist Amy Strasner allows students at Park
Forest Middle School to touch a fifty-dollar
bill after setting it aflame as part of our
states of energy show.
Show Types

• Hands-on demonstrations are short demonstrations
  that involve a single scientific concept. They
  rely on volunteer-to-student direct interaction.
• Workshops are a themed group of hands-on
  demonstrations. Typically, volunteers work with
  a small group of students at one station. The
  students then rotate among the stations.
• Stage shows are a group of flashy themed
  demonstrations that are performed in front of a
  large group of students. The show is typically
  centered on a single science concept.

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States of Energy Show - This stage show
highlights the different forms of energy with
flashy demonstrations. The show focuses on the
idea that chemical energy can be released in the
form of light, heat, and sound. 6th-12th
grades. Phase Show - This stage show displays
the three phases of matter solid, liquid, and
gas. Liquid nitrogen and dry ice are used to
discuss the three phases and introduce terms such
as sublimation. K-6th grades. Forensic Science
Workshop Who Stole the Cookie? - A cookie was
stolen and it is the job of our volunteers to
help guide the students through who did it? in
this hands-on workshop. Concepts such as
fingerprinting, footprinting, and DNA
fingerprinting are covered. K-6th
grades. Forensic Science Workshop A Murder
Investigation - A murder has been committed and
this hands-on workshop helps students learn what
it is like to be a real crime scene investigator.
This workshop is centered around basic biology,
chemistry, and physics concepts. 8th-12th
grades. Limited Resources Workshop - These four
hands-on games focus on the limited resources
around us, such as water and food sources. The
demonstrations illustrate the concepts of
conservation, ecology, and pollution. 3rd-6th
grades. Geology Workshop - This hands-on
workshop centers around fossil and rock
formations. A main goal is to teach the students
how the geological time-line explains rock
composition. K-6th grades. Rock Cycle Show -
This stage show uses flashy demonstrations to
display the steps of the rock cycle. Formation of
all three rock types are covered in this show.
6th-12th grades. Vertebrates and
Invertebrates Workshop - This hands-on workshop
compares the physiology of vertebrates and
invertebrates. Students learn that the
differences are more then just the backbone!
8th-12th grades. Magnets Hands-on - This
collection of hands-on demonstrations is centered
on magnets, electromagnets, and magnetic fields.
K-12th grades. Static Electricity Show - This
stage show utilizes a Van de Graaf generator to
demonstrate interesting properties of static
electricity, specifically the repulsive and
attractive forces associated with electric
charges. 4th-8th grades.
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Contact Information
Mailing Address
Penn State University HUB-Roberson Center HUB
Information Desk Science Lions University Park,
PA 16802
World Wide Web-page
http//www.clubs.psu.edu/sciencelions
Email Address
ScienceLions_at_yahoo.com
Geologist Andy Zimmerman discusses rock and
fossil formation at Houserville Elementary.
Science Lions is a not-for-profit, tax exempt
organization.