Whiz Kid: Pence Electric at Science Olympiad

Whiz Kid Name: Alexandra Pence

Whiz Kid's Age: 11

Whiz Kid's Accomplishments: After joining the Cherokee Elementary School Science Club last October and studying electricity, the fifth-grade Macomb Township resident tried out for the school's Science Olympiad team. As one of only 16 students chosen to participate, Pence was chosen as a member based on her knowledge of electricity and her knowledge demonstrated on a general science test.

In Science Olympiad, Pence participated in the Wildlife Safari and Weather or Not events. She and her teammates competed in the on April 16 and placed second in Wildlife Safari and sixth in Weather or Not. She is now studying for the county tournament which will be held on May 14 at MCCC South Campus.

Whiz Kid's Key to Success: "Alex is a great reader and is strong in spelling," said Rene Lackey, Pence's mother. "She is also fun and funny. Being social is one of her many favorite things. Alex is also very athletic and plays for the U11 Carpathia Kickers soccer team." 

Interview with Pence by Cherokee Elementary teacher Ruth Cummins:

What are you learning in Science Olympiad?

In Wildlife Safari, I am learning about reptiles and amphibians of Michigan. You have to classify frog calls and know how to tell the different animals apart by the distinctive marks on them.

In Weather or Not, you have to know different kinds of clouds and different things that happen in the weather. 

How will this be useful in the future?

If I am outside, I could get bitten by a snake and I’ll know if I will die from it or not.  I can be aware of what weather is going to happen and know if tornadoes are coming or other bad weather.

How did you get so interested in science?

In fourth grade, my teacher Mrs. Houck taught us a lot about science and some pretty cool facts. It was pretty interesting.

Which career are you thinking of going into?

I am thinking of being a doctor or forensic scientist (figuring out how people died).