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Exploring the Cool Side of Science
Jason Freeman
Southtown Star, November 20, 2008
Southtown Star, November 20, 2008
If your child has a poster of the periodic table over his or her bed instead of one featuring the likes of Hannah Montana or Green Day, chances are they love science and excel in that subject at school.
For many kids, though, science classes such as chemistry and biology can be difficult, confusing and even a little boring.
But that doesn't have to be the case, Downers Grove mom Lisa Woodman said.
"Science doesn't have to be boring," she said. "It can be very fun, and I think it's wonderful to open kids' eyes to that fact."
Meyer Tool & Manufacturing, Inc., the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Cryogenic Society of America hoped to do just that over the weekend during a program titled "We Build Cool Stuff" at Meyer's Oak Lawn plant, 4601 Southwest Highway.
During the event, which was part of the museum's year-long Science Chicago campaign to promote the importance of science in everyday life, children and their families took part in science experiments, took a tour of the plant and learned how Meyer employees use science to create their cryogenic, vacuum and pressure technology-oriented products.
"This is a way for us to really highlight how important science and technology is to the entire Chicago region," said Cheryl Hughes, executive director for Science Chicago. "Science is very important for our economic stability, our jobs and our educational system, so we wanted to really open the doors up for Chicagoans to see how important (science) is to our future."
Jerry Zimmerman, an engineer for Fermilab National Laboratory who goes by the name "Mr. Freeze," began the day's activities with a show demonstrating how liquid nitrogen can be used to manipulate everyday items.
After the presentation, participants were able to watch as Meyer employees performed demonstrations of the company's high-tech equipment and explained the science behind them.
"Meyer opened up their facility to show how engineering is happening here in Oak Lawn and the importance of math, science and technology in their jobs," Hughes said." It all comes together in a really fun way."
Participants also were given information on other careers in manufacturing and engineering and learned about international astrophysics, astronomy and high energy physics projects that depend on equipment designed and manufactured in the Chicago area.
Woodman said she hoped the program would give her son Vince, 7, some alternate ideas about what he wants to be when he grows up.
"The more he's exposed (to science), the better chance he'll have to make a wiser decision and find…something that's a career and not just a job," she said. "This helps expose him to so many things. Who knows where he'll go with it, but it's just great to have that opportunity."
Jack Randich, of Crestwood, came with his son Matthew, 8.
"I hope that my children are going to want to get involved in science," he said. "It's nice to know there's manufacturing jobs (they can enter) where they'll really feel like they're making a difference in the world."
For many kids, though, science classes such as chemistry and biology can be difficult, confusing and even a little boring.
But that doesn't have to be the case, Downers Grove mom Lisa Woodman said.
"Science doesn't have to be boring," she said. "It can be very fun, and I think it's wonderful to open kids' eyes to that fact."
Meyer Tool & Manufacturing, Inc., the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Cryogenic Society of America hoped to do just that over the weekend during a program titled "We Build Cool Stuff" at Meyer's Oak Lawn plant, 4601 Southwest Highway.
During the event, which was part of the museum's year-long Science Chicago campaign to promote the importance of science in everyday life, children and their families took part in science experiments, took a tour of the plant and learned how Meyer employees use science to create their cryogenic, vacuum and pressure technology-oriented products.
"This is a way for us to really highlight how important science and technology is to the entire Chicago region," said Cheryl Hughes, executive director for Science Chicago. "Science is very important for our economic stability, our jobs and our educational system, so we wanted to really open the doors up for Chicagoans to see how important (science) is to our future."
Jerry Zimmerman, an engineer for Fermilab National Laboratory who goes by the name "Mr. Freeze," began the day's activities with a show demonstrating how liquid nitrogen can be used to manipulate everyday items.
After the presentation, participants were able to watch as Meyer employees performed demonstrations of the company's high-tech equipment and explained the science behind them.
"Meyer opened up their facility to show how engineering is happening here in Oak Lawn and the importance of math, science and technology in their jobs," Hughes said." It all comes together in a really fun way."
Participants also were given information on other careers in manufacturing and engineering and learned about international astrophysics, astronomy and high energy physics projects that depend on equipment designed and manufactured in the Chicago area.
Woodman said she hoped the program would give her son Vince, 7, some alternate ideas about what he wants to be when he grows up.
"The more he's exposed (to science), the better chance he'll have to make a wiser decision and find…something that's a career and not just a job," she said. "This helps expose him to so many things. Who knows where he'll go with it, but it's just great to have that opportunity."
Jack Randich, of Crestwood, came with his son Matthew, 8.
"I hope that my children are going to want to get involved in science," he said. "It's nice to know there's manufacturing jobs (they can enter) where they'll really feel like they're making a difference in the world."
