UWF students bring science and math to life for elementary kids
A small group of elementary school students sat around tables showing off hand-made models of DNA strands.
An instructor weaved between the tables complimenting the children on their work, giving them pointers on the best ways to assemble their toothpick and multi-colored marshmallow models and checking to see If they needed any help.
A young boy in the back, mouth stuffed full of marshmallows, sheepishly raised his hand and said, “I need more orange,” drawing a big laugh from the group.
The children were participating in INERTIA, a science, technology, engineering and mathematics program organized by a group of University of West Florida students. The program is designed to help the next generation of students get ready for coursework, standardized assessment tests and a high-paying job in the workforce, all while having fun.
Basil Kuloba, a UWF junior majoring in computer science, started the program with a group of friends he made at the university — Carson Wilber, Marcus Jackson and Daniel Robar.
‘We just all realized we were all in the college of science and engineering, but none of us would say 'I love math’ or ‘I love science.’ We all just think what we’re doing is fun,” said Kuloba. “So what we decided to do is give that experience to younger children.”
Robar has since relocated, but the other three friends pitched the INERTIA concept to Ensley and Oakcrest elementary schools, and the administrations jumped on board.
Wilber, who typically leads student instruction sessions, said the group meets with teachers before each session to find out what the kids are learning and where they are struggling, then tailors INERTIA activities to match up.
“They’re in class learning about fractions one day, and I’m there a few hours later with something hands-on that lets them play with fractions,” Wilbur said. “It gives them a little break, it’s fun, but it still reinforces what they’re learning in class.”
In the session Thursday night at Ensley Elementary's library, the young students learned about DNA using toothpicks and marshmallows, made casts using Popsicle sticks, toilet paper and tape, and simulated treating illnesses using “medical” jellybeans. Outside of classroom applications, the lesson was meant to get the kids thinking about possible careers as doctors, nurses, pharmacists or paramedics.
All of INERTIA’s projects are designed to be easy and inexpensive for students and families to replicate. In the past, INERTIA participants have made boats, airplanes, parachutes and more using common household items and core science concepts.
“Our students absolutely love it, and what they’re learning here will go back to the classroom with them and prepare them for (Florida Standards Assessments and Statewide Science Assessment),” said Ensley Elementary School vice principal Jessica Bryan.
Michiko England sat in on the program and watched with amusement as her 10-year-old son, Isaiah, wrapped a friend’s arm in a toilet paper cast.
Afterward, she said it was nice to have a positive place for kids to spend time after school and have fun learning. She added INERTIA had been transformational for her son.
“Just the fact he is excited about science is a big thing,” she said. “You see him come home with a big smile on his face.”
Kuloba said as a child, he hadn’t been particularly interested in or good at math and science, but he had been inspired to excel by an instructor who made learning fun, active and exciting.
His experiences helped the group land on the name INERTIA, a reference to Isaac Newton's first law of motion. It says an object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force.
"These kids might not be in motion now, but we want to be the ones that get them going," Kuloba said.