Science Education Enrichment Day Captivates Minds

The magical world of science took the university by storm on Saturday, Oct. 20 as the Science Education Enrichment Day (SEED) 2007 captured the minds of the young and old alike.

Various community and campus organizations took part in SEED 2007, representing a multitude of scientific studies.

Geologists, chemists, engineers, biologists, astrologists, archaeologists and many more, provided educational exhibits in the Ruth Patrick Science Center and the Business and Education Building for the public to enjoy.

Species of the human kind were the most obvious visitors at this year's event but many of the multi-legged (or no-legged) were in attendance. The insects, spiders, snakes and alligators that were on display at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory exhibit mesmerized children. The adults did not escape interest as several gathered to tell stories of fishing encounters with venomous snakes or horrifying surprise visits by large spiders that frequent the homes of the south east.

Volunteers from various organizations allowed visitors an up-close experience with animals that are not often encountered during day-to-day life including, a hawk, owl and squirrel.

Shafeekah Abdul-Rahim, a student and member of the Pacer Times, allowed people an opportunity to see and feel a squirrel she has raised from infancy. The squirrel, which Abdul-Rahim has named Sampson, fell from its nest before its eyes were open. As an animal lover, Abdul-Rahim volunteered to care for the squirrel and nurture it back to health. "He [Sampson] is being prepared for release this week," says Abdul-Rahim. She hopes that her dedication as a surrogate mother will allow Sampson to live a happy life.

Telescopes pointed at the sky allowed visitors to gaze into the heavens while Ms. Uranus, dressed in an animated costume complete with a toilet paper necklace, entertained passers-by. Ms. Uranus is one of the nine animated planets that will be seen at this year's Galaxy Gala on Nov. 29 at the Ruth Patrick Science Center's DuPont Planetarium.

Members from Savannah River Site educated children on the effects of contamination in their interactive Edible Earth Parfait exhibit. Children were given a hands-on explanation of the earth's layers and were allowed to contaminate their edible earth and watch how groundwater can easily be tainted by human carelessness. To remediate the effects of their contamination, children inserted wells (straws) into the groundwater (Sprite layer) and delivered their own method of "pump and treat" remediation (drinking their edible earth parfait).

Curt Sexton, one of a limited number of traditional glassblowers left in America, demonstrated his amazing art form as he created several pieces of blown glass for spectators.

SEED 2007 proved to be a wonderful opportunity for all to learn about and experience the dynamic world of science.

The event, which is held annually at the university and sponsored by the Ruth Patrick Science Center, encourages young minds to think scientifically and respect our fragile environment and all its inhabitants.