The Westwood Charter Science Slam is a one day, weekend event that engages our families in activities to show that science is approachable, accessible, and enjoyable. Activities are organized, designed, and run by parents, teachers, or volunteers from outside institutions.
Science Slam Exhibits are hands on learning stations, typically at a table with a canopy, spread out over the schoolyard. The exhibits run for the entire duration of the Science Slam event and guests can drop in at any time. Some past examples are:
Robotics
Invisible Ink
Solar Death Ray
Rainbow Chromatography
Oreo Plate Tectonics
Westwood Charter students, friends, and family. Exhibits are accessible from pre-K to 5th grade kids. Some exhibits are especially designed for the youngest students.
The Science Slam operates on a very small budget to cover its own costs. Science Slam T-shirt sales, sales of snacks, and a few small donations and grants have usually covered the costs of the Science Slam. Those who design and operate the exhibits typically cover costs out of pocket. This contribution of time and material is what keeps the science very down to earth and also keeps the administrative needs to a minimum. We do it truly for the love of science!
Science Slam is planned by parents of Westwood Charter students and endorsed by the school and its management.
In 2014, Betsy Abrams Rich, then a parent of a third grader, decided it was time to celebrate science at Westwood Charter. Betsy's parents were strong supporters of the Science Olympiad and she had fond memories of science related events at school. She noted that Westwood Charter did not yet have such a tradition so she decided to start one.
Dozens of parents came forward to volunteer and hundreds of families attended the first Science Slam in 2014. Subsequent events have been equally successful.
The event is planned and managed by the steering committee. Click here to meet this year's committee.