Alexis
Turrubiates and a pentane molecule
Caitlin
Murphy and her robot
Science News
at Exeter-Milligan Public Schools
By Matt
Nicholas, E-M Science Instructor
Hindsight is
always 2020! The shift to online learning that has been coming for years now
just hit overdrive. Had we known that a global pandemic would gut the rest of
our school year, we all might have done things differently. We might have put
more lessons online. We might have scanned more worksheets to pdfs. We might
have been nicer to classmates and teachers. We might have had more patience
with our students and coworkers. Well, thanks to technology and our district's
commitment to it, we are able to continue doing our best as educators and
students.
Computers are great, cell phones are great, online simulations
are great, but sometimes there is no replacement for having tools or toys in
your hands. EM students had at least a backpack full of materials when they
left the school weeks ago, but some of those students got to take some science
toys home as well. Chemistry students were sent home with molecular models that
we have been using to build organic chemicals. Just think of tinker toys,
but for chemistry! Earth Science students took home Virtual Reality headsets
and MERGE cubes which allow them to hold the solar system in the palm of their
hands, ride a roller coaster, or explore a haunted house.
My favorite "toy" sent home would have to be with
my lone physics student, Caitlin Murphy. She was the recipient of a hydraulic
robot arm, unfortunately for her, it was in pieces! Along with her reading and
discussion about the mysteries of the universe, she was tasked with building
this robot arm and using it to accomplish some set of tasks. I am a bit
saddened that I wasn't able to finish helping her build it. (Maybe jealous is
the word...)
It is safe to say that the Exeter Milligan
community stepped up over this last month. Teachers stepped up by completely
revamping classes almost overnight. Students stepped up by being
responsible and flexible with the changing times. The community has
stepped up by coming together to help those who need it. There are too many
people for me to thank by name who have helped me personally during these
trying times, but very quickly: to my wife who keeps me sane, to my students
that keep me smiling, to my coworkers that make the empty school seem full, and
to the rest of my family and friends that are always available for a quick
FaceTime or phone call.
If we are going to take anything from the last month and
whatever may come, it should be that we need each other. We shouldn't take
anything for granted. The cheerful librarian, friendly faces at the
grocery counter, nurses, doctors, gas station attendants, first responders,
your neighbors, family near and far, and yes, even the teacher that gives you
an assignment, on a Friday.
