New summer science academy for Jal
By John Earp
This summer, Jal Elementary School is offering Elementary Science Academy for students who are going into grades 3 through 6 in the upcoming school year. The stated objective of the academy is to teach and encourage students to appreciate science. All lessons are taught in both Spanish and English, with Mrs. Laura Soliz translating for students whose main language is Spanish. The lessons follow Next Generation Standards and Benchmarks.
Coach Joe Soliz has spearheaded the academy, with an emphasis on learning that includes fun and flavor. This past Monday, for instance, the students learned how to make ice cream, which involves a chemical reaction. The students then were able to enjoy the ice cream they had made. A hydroponics experiment is in the works as well, according to Coach Soliz. He says he takes the same approach to his science classes as he always has towards coaching.
Noah Garibay, a student who is participating in the academy this summer, says he is enjoying learning about mixtures and solutions. Frita Rodriguez, another student, says she has been learning about chemical and physical change. Frita’s brother, Rodrigo, says he has learned that there is a difference between chemicals and reactions.
Classes are held in the junior high science lab, room 106, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, beginning June 3rd. Students who have not yet signed up for the academy may do so in the junior high school office. Soliz says, “Everybody thinks that summer school is something bad, but this is not remedial, it’s supplemental.”