Leaps & Bounds
WAV | MP3 | Real
Chuck Denney
As a famed rock star once quipped, school’s out for summer. But kids can and should learn something year ‘round.
Teresa McDonald
““It’s going to take a lot of dirt and a lot of sand.”
Chuck Denney
Creativity too. These kids are in the “Leaps and Bounds” program, put together by UT Extension in Madison County. Cool stuff is always part of the equation.
Melanie Reaves
“We bake. We make muffins. We do experiments. We test the hypothesis.”
Chuck Denney
Today Melanie and her mates are junior chemists. They’re taking tin cans, surrounding them with sand and soil - and you’ve got a mini-volcano.
Teresa McDonald
“They have to experience it for themselves, and that’s what makes it fun and exciting.”
Chuck Denney
UT Extension agent Teressa McDonald teaches the “Leaps and Bounds” curriculum here at the Jackson YMCA.
Teresa McDonald
“My goal, my particular goal is to motivate students to want to learn more about science, especially, and math, computer technology. Health, nutrition and fitness.”
Chuck Denney
This program reaches hundreds of kids every year. The idea is to give them a safe environment with adult supervision, and a nice blend of structured and unstructured activities.
“Leaps and Bounds” includes its fair share of actual leaping. Also dancing, running, and moving about. Exercise is a part of this too. This is the summertime version of “Leaps.” The after school program also includes help with homework. Leaders say the main focus is to take the dread out of learning.
Sharon Tubbs
“It is because it’s fun and then you see a light bulb go off in their head, and you think ‘Oh, they really got it. They understood it.’ And if they understand it and if they get it, they’re going to stay with it, and keep it instead of just learning for a test.”
Chuck Denney
Back to our construction projects - what good is a volcano if it doesn’t erupt?
Teresa McDonald
“Just start pouring, honey.”
Chuck Denney
For you 50-year-old kids who’d like to try this at home - take vinegar, a few drops of food coloring for dramatic effect, and then add baking soda.
Teresa McDonald
“One for the money. Two for the show....”
Chuck Denney
There you have it - instant lava. Technically it’s a chemical reaction here, but these kids also get an emotional reaction too. Learning and having fun at the same time. What a concept!
Girl
“That is cool.”
END
NOTE: Leaps and Bounds” is funded by a grant from the Tennessee State Lottery. |
