Written by: Maggie Meehan, Senior
The Science Exploration and Experimentation (SEE) program at Lake George Jr.-Sr. High School is continuing to bridge the gap between elementary and high school students while encouraging a love of science.
Now in its second year, the SEE program offers fifth and sixth graders a unique opportunity to explore scientific concepts through engaging hands-on experiments.
Have you ever wondered how we can tell the color of a leaf pigment hidden inside the leaf? This was the question that was asked to students in the first SEE program of the year. The program focused on chromatography, a technique used to separate the components of a mixture.
Students were tasked with identifying the hidden pigments within leaves by grinding them up and analyzing them using chromatography paper. The results revealed the true colors of the leaves, providing students with a deeper understanding of plant biology.
The students themselves were equally enthusiastic about the program. “My favorite part is being with my friends and learning about science,” said Urijah Vennik, a sixth-grader.
Adele Davenport, another sixth-grader, added, “I like learning about science. I learned about how leaves change color and I’m excited for the next lesson.”
The SEE program is a valuable resource for Lake George students, providing them with a fun and engaging introduction to the world of science. As the program continues to grow, it promises to encourage exploration and future scientists.
“It’s always exciting to introduce and interact with our future scientists,” said Nicole McGrath, the ninth-grade biology teacher who led the experiment. “The SEE program is a great way to spark students’ interest in science and prepare them for their high school years.”