By Carol Lohman
The Vicksburg Middle School (VMS) 2015 Family Science night was a success, thanks to the generosity of many local science related businesses and organizations.
As a result of that generosity, visitors experienced exhibits and interactive demonstrations ranging from robotics and automotive engineering to reptiles and forensics. This year was the 11th annual “Science Rocks” night at VMS.
The purpose of science night is to introduce students and their families to some of the various ways science is used in careers, hobbies and interests, according to science teacher Mary Burke. Science night provides the school with an opportunity to show the community what is happening in the classroom and how it is connected to the world around them.
Exhibits this year demonstrated the wide variety of science opportunities and experiences involved in every aspect of daily living. Returning exhibitors this year were Stryker Medical and Instruments, American Chemical Society members from Pfizer, Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary and Botanical Gardens, the Kalamazoo Crime Lab, The Kalamazoo Astronomical Society, Bridge Organics, Thermofisher, Dove Tales of SW Michigan, Dr. Noreen Heikes, Kalamazoo Nature Center, and the VMS Robotics Team.
New exhibits this year to provide even more diverse topics and insight for students were Mann+Hummel, Zoetis, J Rettenmaier, and Project Lead the Way. Their demonstrations were contemporary and provided some cutting edge topics of interest.
Vicksburg Middle School staff and students thanked all those who helped by giving time and expertise to help educate those in the larger community. Many brought large amounts of demonstration materials and equipment. This is always a fun and informative evening for our community and the school is already looking forward to 2016, said Burke.