Rye Elementary’s Science Day Fun and Educational

Rye Elementary’s Science Day Fun and Educational

  • John Christenson, owner of Native Lumber, parent, and District 70 school board member, sets up his station during Science Day. A little later John had groups of students that he was teaching about alternative forms of energy. Photo by Shirley Pigg
    John Christenson, owner of Native Lumber, parent, and District 70 school board member, sets up his station during Science Day. A little later John had groups of students that he was teaching about alternative forms of energy. Photo by Shirley Pigg

YOUR COMMUNITY

Rye Elementary held its annual Science Day on Thursday, September 28, in the beautiful Rye Mountain Park. Twenty-five presenters, many of whom were former teachers and current staff members. in addition to many community business organizations set up in the park to share their knowledge.

The theme for this year’s Science Day was Energy and many different forms of energy were discussed and exhibited.

San Isabel Electric brought their Energy Trailer which had several stations to teach kids about energy. Many different alternative energy sources were discussed.

Over 300 students, parents, presenters, and staff traveled roads and trails all over the park on a most enjoyable day to be outside.

The educational and fun stations were set up in secluded alcoves among the towering ponderosa pine forest, making use of the several trails, picnic areas, outdoor picnic tables, and playgrounds.

The event was created when Merry Martin was principal, around 2008. The current principal, Lisa Asbury, as well as several other participants, was a teacher at Rye Elementary at the time of the first Science Day.

Most years, Science Day is held in the Rye Mountain Park with the exception of a few times when weather either forced it to be moved or canceled, and during COVID years when school was remote.

The use of the park is donated by Pueblo County and Mountain Disposal donates port-a-potties.

John Christenson, a local business owner, District 70 student parent, and school board member was on hand at one of the stations to help educate the students about alternative energy sources. Christenson shared, “ This is such a nice event. Very unique to our community. We are blessed to have this facility so close to the school and made available for this educational experience.”

Station participants were as follows: Sue Moore- readings about the sun Scott Goins –educating and allowing students to look through a telescope Beth Burns Jenn Barnes- regarding windmills Maxine DiMarco Samantha Rothschild Anne Maroney Kaydee Dodge of the Pueblo Zoo The Nomad Group Velda Spicer Dana Herschler of the Pueblo County Health Department Colo. Parks and Wildlife - Fishing Rye Fire Protection Department April Abril Ying Wang Peter Saxton Shane Ewing John Christenson- Native Lumber Scot Lorenz- Colo. Springs Utility Maggie DiMatteo- Frisbee Golf Air Force STEM Presenter Scot Burbidge and Brandy Burbidge-Water Works Matt Barrow – CSS Farms San Isabel Electric – Energy Trailer