- Ruffner School
- Overview
Nauticus Jr. Scientists MEETING
On Saturday, October 10, 2015, the Ruffner Jr. Scientist had their first meeting at Nauticus to kick-off the 2015-2016 school year. Returning member and Team Captain, 8th grade Elicia Bynum brought along new members including 7th graders Logan Prause and Demond Tillman and 6th grader, Emily Strickland. Along with their Teacher Advisor, Mrs. Helen Pryor, the teamed join 21 other students this year from Azalea Gardens, Lakewood, Norview, and Rosemont Middle Schools.
After a tour of Nauticus, the Jr. Scientists reviewed their roles in aquarium maintenance and the marina skimmer repair process. The remainder of the time was spent on testing water quality and identifying pollutants, particularly in situations of oil spills and ecosystem imbalances. Comparing the difference between brackish and salty water, they discussed effects from the recent floods to evaporation. Water samples were drawn from the marina and tested for ph levels from acids to bases, and the best way to maintain a neutral ph for quality drinking water. Nitrogen and nitrate levels were taken as new members learned to work the refractometer.
We are pleased to announce that Ruffner Young Scholar alums Shelby Strickland, Class of ’13, Liam Bushway, Class of ’15, and Nolan Baxendell all serve as jr. advisors to the group this year. Thank you to them for the tour of new and upcoming exhibits, and the thorough review of why it is always ‘safety first.’
The next meeting of the Nauticus Jr. Scientists will be held on Saturday November 14, 2015 from 9:00am – 1:00pm.
The Junior Scientist Club at Nauticus was developed in 1999 as a pilot after-school program for the Norfolk Public School District in order to provide activities that reinforce the Science Standards of Learning that students partake in school. As described by Martin Fisher, Director of Education at Nauticus, “The club is a wonderful partnership between a hands-on science center and a public school district. The union is the product of educators working together. We meet the common goals of presenting students with vibrant, meaningful experiences in science.”