By AFRO Staff
Vernon Morris examines air samples during an expedition in the Atlantic Ocean. (AFRO Photo)
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Students conduct an experiment. (AFRO Photo)
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(October 25, 2009) - Vernon Morris can still recall when he first got interested in science.
“I was in the third grade, and they sent us out to collect butterflies and insects and mount them in a box,” Morris said. “I really got into it. I just liked exploring the environment and trying to discover new things.”
His teachers, however, constantly steered him toward non-science and math courses, like woodworking and auto shop classes.
“But my mother kept putting me back in those math and science classes,” said Morris, now a scientist, chemistry professor and director of the NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences (NCAS) at Howard University. “If it hadn’t been for her diligence and my exposure to the sciences and math, I might not be involved in a field that I really love. I needed that exposure, that push.”
Morris and other scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) and other groups will offer Washington, D.C.-area children similar science experiences on Nov. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during a free ScienceFest at the Howard University Middle School for Math and Science, 405 Howard Place, NW.
Students in grades five through eight will be invited to participate in a fun-filled morning of exploration of sciences such as meteorology, climatology, oceanography, ecosystems and air quality.
As many as seven hands-on modules exploring space weather, severe weather, oceanography, ecosystems, air quality, weather and climate will be led by practicing scientists to show students how tornados and hurricanes are formed, how wind patterns affect the Gulf Stream and how the sun’s energy influences the earth.
Students also will learn how to use instruments for determining air quality and how scientists measure weather in outer space.
“Unfortunately, too many of our kids drop out of science early because they think it’s not for them,” Morris said. “We’re trying to give them experiences that change that perception. We want to show how science is involved in things they experience every day, and that an understanding of their environment opens doors.”
Students must register to participate by contacting NCAS at (202) 865-8678 or visiting www.ncas.howard.edu.