.jpg "Image of SciPals at Pfeiffer")
Daniel Himmelright's fourth-grade class at Pfeiffer Elementary participated in the SciPals Program in partnership with Kent State University. Through this program, the fourth-graders were paired up with two scientists at Kent State. They wrote letters back and forth learning about the scientific studies that these scientists were conducting on campus and asking questions about their work.
The project culminated with the scientists from Kent State coming to Pfeiffer to do work surrounding their areas of expertise with the students.
One scientist worked with the students on the digestive system. She did an activity with the students that helped them understand how food is digested through their bodies. Students pulled plastic wrap around the room and watched while different pieces of food came out showing the amount of time it takes to digest different food items. The next scientist brought four different brains to show the students. Students were amazed that real brains were in their classroom and were inquisitive about them. The scientists had students create their own "brain hats" and went over the different parts of the brain and what each part controls. Students were attentive and engaged and asked excellent questions during the presentations.