Holiday break got off to dynamite start for students at Sherwood Elementary as the Pacific Science Center’s “Science on Wheels” truck rolled up to the gymnasium entrance on Friday morning and began unloading boxes filled with everything from robots to rocket ships.

Presented by an enthusiastic crew of Science Center instructors who could easily double as circus performers, the day began with an all-school assembly focused on the applied science of engineering. It included demonstrations on generating electricity with a stationary bicycle, building a replica of the St. Louis Arch, and rockets shooting across the room. The remainder of the day was divided between presentations in classrooms and groups rotating through a variety of interactive science displays in the gym.

Spearheaded by an active group of involved parents, the event’s cost was covered with money raised at the school’s annual fundraiser. “Last year we were able to buy new computers for the school,” said parent Marci Villanueva. “But this year we wanted something different and this program from Pacific Science Center really fit the bill.”

Science education is part of the core curriculum for elementary students, and it’s no accident that this program is a good fit with what the school is trying to do to get kids fired up early about science and technology. “We’re hoping to light some fires today that bring these kids into the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program as they move into middle and high school,” said Villanueva.

But for the students, the combination of fun and learning brought smiles from ear to ear, and made the perfect transition into the holiday break.

— Story and photos by Larry Vogel