Alex Fullerton, parent presenter and astronomer who works at the Space Telescope Science Institute, teaches students about galaxies.

Even with all of his magical powers, Harry Potter has nothing on the fascinating exhibits and experiments demonstrated recently at the Timonium Elementary School Science Career Fair!

At the fair, which was held April 26th at the school:

• Parent presenter Ned Moore, of Lockheed Martin, showed students how military ships are built;
• Laural Farabaugh described her career as a microbiologist;
• Dr. John Levisky, a forensic anthropologist from York College of Pennsylvania, showed children human remains and had them identify the different bones;
• Parent presenter Alex Fullerton, of the Space Telescope Science Institute, talked about astronomy.

First grade students learn about medicines that are both helpful and harmful from parent Kelly Menzel, a pharmaceutical representative.

What began in 2000 as a handful of community members setting up shop in the school’s gymnasium has blossomed into a springtime celebration for the entire school community. Parents and members of the local business community generously participate, talking about their careers in science and setting up interactive displays to demonstrate aspects of their work. Presenters at this year’s fair included, among many others, an astronomer, forensic anthropologist, microbiologist, medical physicist, civil engineer, physicians, and staff from the Baltimore County Police Crime Lab.

Students visiting the displays came away with an understanding of the important role that science plays in many interesting careers. In addition, they received lots of samples and interesting “science” items donated through the school’s business partnerships. Local grocery stores even donated bags for students to carry all of their prizes.

Ned Moore, Timonium parent who works for Lockheed Martin, shows students how war ships are built.

In the days and weeks before the fair, Mary Dibacco-Miller, school counselor and coordinator of the event, provided students with vocabulary words related to careers in science. After the fair, students were asked to review what they learned and choose the three science careers in which they were most interested.

“Children learn best by being actively involved in the learning process, and experiential learning is at the core of this program,” says Dibacco-Miller.

We're sure Harry Potter would agree with that!

Story by Kas Rohm, Good News Ambassador, and Mary Dibacco-Miller, school counselor, Timonium Elementary. Photos by Mary Longest, parent.