For the 7th year, high school students were invited to the university to learn about opportunities in the sciences at Science Day '99, held Jan. 6 & 7. Over 700 students from 22 local schools attended the all-day event where they participated in minicourses designed by professors to demonstrate just how fascinating science studies can be. Students participated in three 45 minute sessions, choosing from offerings such as "A Modern Day Tea Party" and "Drugstore Chemistry," where they observed and participated in experiments, explore laboratories, and met university students and professors.
"The purpose of Science Day is not to recruit students, but to honestly show them how science impacts their lives," says Geography Prof. John Looney, who along with Biology Prof. William Hagar, has participated in Science Day since its inception.
"I became interested in science after attending a science fair myself," says Hagar. "The students enjoy working with the older, UMass Boston students in the labs. They can see that these students are not much older than themselves, and they can relate to them," says Hagar, who teaches "Drug Store Chemistry," which is designed to introduce students to commercial enzymes such as Lactaid through lab experiments.
Faculty members volunteer for Science Day, believing that high school teachers should not be alone in promoting the sciences. "The kids really enjoy Science Day because they don't know what to expect," says Keith O'Connell, UMass Boston alum and Abington High School science teacher. "I take my honors chemistry class every year, so they can see for themselves just how exciting science can be in a university setting. If someone had told me I would be a chemistry teacher when I was growing up, I wouldn't have believed them," says O'Connell. "The students find Science Day a very positive experience, and our high school looks forward to it every year."
- - By Anne Joyce-Brandt