Although many children can’t wait for the final bell to ring, others sign up for school after school.

Wednesday, February 16, 2000

Although many children can’t wait for the final bell to ring, others sign up for school after school.

At Ohio University Southern Campus, the After School Special courses got started Tuesday afternoon with a bang, some steam and a wizard.

Weird and Wacky Science, one of six courses offered for students in first through fifth grades, combines fun and learning for everyone, student Amanda Melvin, 9, said.

"It’s fun and it teaches you," the St. Lawrence Elementary fourth-grader said. "I like science and we’re learning what makes a light bulb light up."

With OUSC professor Dr. Robert Culp dressed for the occasion –  complete with a flowing purple-and-black robe, long, gray wig and tall wizard’s cap –  the students experienced the entertaining side of science.

"I like the teacher;  he’s hilarious," said St. Lawrence Elementary fourth-grader Nick Lewis as he waited intently for steam to rise from the soda can on the small stove in front of him. "Once it steams you can put it in water and it will crack up from the pressure. We’re learning about atmospheric pressure."

After calculating the volume and density of air, third-grade South Point student Summer Whitman dreamed of becoming a science wizard herself.

"I like (Culp’s) costume –  it’s cool," she said. "I want to be a scientist – but I think I’ll wear a lab coat instead."

Students crowded around their wizardly teacher as he demonstrated an easy way to make a homemade barometer using a can, plastic wrap, a straw and some tape.

The science lab and other classes, which include Hablamos Espanol, Art Mania, Let’s Go Surfing, Computer Fun and Cartoon Art, all share one thing in common – making learning fun while helping students succeed.

And, with experiments like these, anyone can do science –  and the special doesn’t seem all that much like another hour of school, Dawson-Bryant Elementary third-grader Samantha Delawder said.

"It’s a few hours after I get out of school, so I still have time to do my homework before I get here," she said, adding that the after-school special is a great way to rise to the top of the class. "I’ll be ahead of the other students in my science because I’m getting extra learning while I’m here. And it’s a lot of fun, too."

This is at least the third return trip to the After School Special for Dawson-Bryant fourth-grader Sarah Stevens. The 9-year-old said she’ll be back again next time, too.

"I really like science and I thought it would be fun to have the hands-on experience I can get here," she said. "I’m learning a lot. I never knew a light bulb was like that – if you put it in water it will sink. I’ll be back again because it’s fun and I like to learn."

The After School Specials are from 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays until March 21, a total of six sessions. Cost is $25 per student with a 10 percent discount given to families registering two or more children. For more information, contact OUSC at 533-4588 or 886-7655.