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Hands-on science at WHS


Students demonstrate study projects
By Holly Neumann


Waupaca High School students celebrated Science Day by demonstrating some of their projects on Tuesday, May 19.

“Our students see these types of activities throughout the entire school year,” said Brian Ruplinger, who teaches science at WHS. “We brought a lot of activities together to showcase our school to the community. For the past several years, education has been getting some negative press, so we wanted to show the community there are also a lot of positive things going on at Waupaca High School.”

Science instructor Amanda Bronk feels that this day is important for her students.

“It gives them recognition, ownership and application of what they have learned,” she said.

“It is an opportunity for future scientists to show off their skills and inspire other students and adults,” said Cathy Wilhite, who teaches science.

Demonstrations throughout the day included wind turbines, solar cars, bottle rockets and methane bubbles.

“It is all so exciting,” said Logan Bunge, who did an experiment with methane bubbles. “Getting gas burning in my hands is neat.”

Nikky Weise built a solar car out of K’nex that she proudly named “Making K’nextions.”

“I really enjoyed this,” she said. “I got to be creative, have fun and be competitive too.”

Wes Klages, a local resident, stopped by to observe the students.

“This day is fantastic,” he said. “It’s nice to see how creative these kids can be.”

According to Klages, who is a member of the Waupaca Rotary Club, supplies for the solar cars were purchased by the organization through an educational grant.

“I’m glad we can do this,” he said. “And it is nice when some of the students come to one of our meetings and tell us all about what they did.”

All the students seemed to enjoy the day.

“Chemistry is everywhere,” said Andie Lemkuil. “Seeing all the cool things you can manipulate is amazing.”

“These classes are unlike any other,” added Taylor Eilers. “In here we learn something new every day.”

Bronk’s hope is that her students have increased their sense of curiosity, overcome being timid about experimenting and failure, and gained ownership and pride in what their end products are.

“I also hope they gained some recognition from the community,” she said. “Our students do many exceptional things and as a department we wanted to share that with the many people who support our endeavors.”

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