During the fall of this school year a small group of students on the Elm Team recognized a problem that was becoming widespread in the state, childhood obesity. With the support of their science teacher, Jodi Berry, the students decided to try to do something about it. The group asked members of the Elm Team to join them outside during their afternoon study period to walk/run the track and do simple strengthening exercises. The students did this loyaly 2-3 days a week until the weather did not cooperate. At the start of the program, the team recorded mile walk/run times, as well as the number of sit ups and push ups each participating student could do. When the program was completed the test was done again and the gathered data was compared. The students found an impressive improvement in the fitness levels of their peers. The students entered their project in a national science competion in which “students work in teams to identify an issue they care about and use science and technology to develop an innovative solution. They work with experts, conduct research and put their ideas to the test.” The goal of the competition was to combine science with community awareness and the group did just that. The group may not have won the competition, but as their science teacher, I am very proud of them for working to make a difference and for taking a chance to enter their work. The judge’s remarks sent to them exhibit just how well this group did. After reading the remarks of one judge, which states, “I sincerely hope the school program continues and these results get national attention with or without an award”, I felt that this should at least be posted for the school community as a start. We are in hopes of picking up where we left off next fall with this project and tackling some more community issues as well!

Jeepers Peepers Spring Essay contest link

Jeepers Peepers Spring Essay contest link