I presented the “The Weird & Wacky Science Show” at Gillespie Middle School, Gillespie, Illinois.

All About Sciene Day:
On Friday, September 23, 2016, Gillespie Middle School students took a break from the regular classroom to participate in a science day as a kick-off to the annual science fair. Students had the opportunity to hear presentations, view demonstrations, and participate in activities from professionals from multiple agencies and institutions. All of the sessions provided for students were supplements to the current Earth, Life, and Physical science curriculums provided at GMS.

Eight grade students participated in an activity in which they built and learned about different types of circuits with Dr. Abdullatif Hamad from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Physics Department. Students were then captivated by the various chemistry demonstrations presented by Dr. Myron Jones from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chemistry Department. Next, Peggy Hampton, Education Coordinator for the University of Illinois Extension Office presented a session on robotics. Finally, students participated in a food safety session on pH testing with Lisa Peterson, the Nutrition and Wellness Educator at the University of Illinois Extension Office.

Seventh grade students first heard a presentation on conservation and gun safety from local expert, Gerald Brand. Students were then enthralled by the opportunity to participate in a strawberry DNA extraction activity with, Gillespie native, Bob Fulton from the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Genome Institute and his assistant for the day, Connie Niemann from the University of Illinois Extension Ag Literacy department. Next, Andrew Holsinger from the Univeristy of Illinois Extension gave a presentation on carnivorous plants. Finally, Brooke Kinroth and Kendra Armstrong from the Blackburn College Vivarium gave a presentation on reptiles and provided students the opportunity to see multiple living reptiles.

Sixth grade students had the opportunity to hear a presentation on sustainable energy from Gary Letterly from the University of Illinois Extension Office. Students then participated in an activity and presentation on mining from Shawn McKinney of the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers. Next, Andrea Gregory, a park ranger with the US Army Corps of Engineers presented a lesson and activity associated with the Mississippi River watershed and wetlands. Finally, students heard a presentation on the various kinds of bats from bat specialist, Rollie Lorenz.

To cap off an exciting day, students attended a presentation full of exhilarating, weird, and wacky demonstrations by Dennis Regling.

Dennis Regling presents the Weird And Wacky Science Show

Playing to a full house

Back Row L-R Dennis Regling, Gary Letterly, Rollie Lorenz, Shwan McKinney, Andrew Holsinger, Dr. Myron W. Jones, Connie Nieman, Lisa Peterson, Peggy Hampton, Back Row L-R Gerald Brand, Andrea Gregory, Brooke Kinroth, Kendra Armstrong, Bob Fulton — at GMS Science Day. To bring Dennis Regling and his science assembly shows to your school or event, go to: www.greatassemblies.com