| Schedule We met on Monday | 
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| Location
2680 Adrienne Dr., |
| Coordinator
Want to join us? Contact Robyn Matlow
at | |
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| Commitment An 8-week commitment is important in order |
| What We Do We spend time every week with elementary school kids doing fun, hands-on science activities. You don't have to be a science genius to help out—we'll give you a copy of the lesson and the basic facts and information. We want kids to realize that (1) they are capable of learning science, (2) science is fun, and (3) science is everywhere (in the food they eat, the weather, etc.) But, most importantly, we are spending time with the kids—paying attention to them, caring about them, and giving them good role models to look up to. As crazy as it can get, spending an hour each week making a mess is actually quite a good stress reliever! | 
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| Some Activities We've Done | |
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| Gak/Polymers | Rocket Car | |
| Tracing Bodies | Seasons | |
| Painting Leaves | Egg Carton Glider | |
| Making No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies | ||
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| Comments from Participants
"Working there has taught me that community centers ... provide a refuge away from the pressures of school that even young children experience." - Zack, LS&A undergrad "I enjoyed seeing the children so excited to see us when they came. Even if my day was bad, coming in and seeing someone so happy to see me really cheered me up." - Kristina, LS&A undergrad, Psych 350 student | |
| "I notice that there needs to be a lot
more activities for children who can't afford to be placed into
community sports teams or classes. It seems that if you don't have the
extra $50 to sign up for little league, then there aren't any free
activities you could participate in." - Kristina "Working with the children at Pinelake has reopened my eyes as to how needy some children can be for a role model in their lives.... I guess I had forgotten what that is like." - Rachel, LS&A undergrad, Psych 350 student |
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| "I see how crucial programs like this
are. Teachers can't do everything and having a community center where
kids can learn and get help is very important to their education."
- Leslie, School of Music undergrad
"[My favorite part was] simply talking to the kids about their
interests, families, etc. It amazes me how intelligent and motivated
my kids seem to be—at such a young age, and under their
circumstances. Plus, the brightening of their faces as I walk in is
especially rewarding!" | 
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| "As part of my work at the center, I did a report for my psych class on resilience in children, and one of the key protective factors (factors that allow a child in an at-risk environment to develop successfully and cope well) is support from outside the family, in the form of teachers, neighbors, or mentors. I sincerely hope that our presence there has helped fulfill that role." - Carolyn | |
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| "My experience at Pinelake has caused me
to look at the bigger picture outside of the U of M campus. I definitely believe that I would like to continue volunteering in a similar environment in the future." - Caroline, LS&A undergrad, Psych 350 student, Alpha Delta Pi sorority member | ||
| Back to Reach Out! Home Page | Back to Math-Science Coalition Home Page |
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| Last updated 12 June 00 |