PNNL scientist plant love of science in Richland students

Coffee grounds, pieces of mushrooms and several diagrams identifying fungi were strewn across the school tables, as students learned about science in their own backyard.

After the bell rang, a group of about 16 students from Sagebrush Elementary, a Richland private school, stayed behind last week to learn about soil science from PNNL experts. It is part of an after school program put on by the school officials to teach kids in first to fifth grade about a STEM topic.

"Started with a group of parents, who are scientist out at PNNL, and they have pulled in more and more scientist who are acquaintances and co-workers. This week it is on soil, we've done geology and fish biology," says Jen Sandvig, the school administrator.

On Friday, Alex Crump, who works at PNNL and went to school for soil science, was one of three teachers helping the kids identify, dissect and create their own mushroom garden.

"Encouraging kids to use their sense to make observations, to be able to develop or maybe make hypothesis or guesses," says Crump.

3rd graders Gretchen Sandvig and Rowan Young-McMuchrie both took part in the four-week series and said they couldn't believe what is hiding in the dirt.

"I've learned about all the small minerals and particles inside of the soil," says Young-McMuchrie.

"I think it is just kinda cool how when you first look at soil or dirt it is like 'whatever it is just dirt,' but then there is a lot more to learn about it," says Gretchen Sandvig.

Jen Sandvig adds they hope to continue the after-school program, which started four years ago and expand it next year when the school adds 6th graders.