Super Science Saturday Gearing Up

Like many large scale events, Ridgewood's Super Science Saturday takes months to plan. As 2010 nears, the annual science extravaganza at Ridgewood High School has already fired up its engines.

Started 22 years ago, the all-day March 6 event exists to get kids excited about science outside of the classroom, co-coordinator MichaelAaron Flicker says.

"It shows how all organizations are involved in science. Kids see things they'd never thought about…" he says. "The whole purpose is to learn something."

Spread out over the high school, nearly 60 organizations and 200 students demonstrate both the practical and technical ways science affects our lives.

In 2009, 57 presenters melted lead solder, made their own Flubber, and measured the speed of light. The groups ranged from local organizations, like The Valley Hospital or the police department, to national ones—scientists from Cornell University, NASA, and the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia attended.

Aside from more traditional scientists, the event also allows more mundane occupations the chance to show off their scientific aptitudes. The Goffle Poultry Farm, Horizon Pest & Termite Control, and The James Rose Center of Ridgewood all presented.

Fire department officials take over a classroom, darken it, and invite people to operate with night vision goggles.

"These sorts of things are what makes this a special day," Flicker says.

Students from both public and private schools are invited to present their recent science fair achievements, as well.

Flicker emphasized that kids' setups go beyond typical science fair displays. The presentation aspect is crucial and helps foster public speaking skills.

Originally a participant as a middle school and high school student, Flicker is in his sixth year organizing the event. Graduating with a philosophy degree from Boston University, however, Flicker has next to no science experience outside the event.

"Super Science Saturday is not about being an expert in biology or chemistry. It's about showing kids that there are lots of lifestyles in science and math," he says.

Local colleges like Bergen Community College and Montclair University present. Additionally, Flicker uses his Boston connections to get Stone Hill College members to launch model rockets annually.

Formerly funded through the district's budget, Super Science Saturday had to look elsewhere following cuts to state grants. Today, Valley Hospital and the Ridgewood Education Foundation compromise the event's estimated $4,400 budget.

"The Valley Hospital administration believes very strongly in the value of  supporting programs and initiatives designed to educate and encourage the next generation of healthcare providers and scientists..." hospital spokesperson Maureen Curran Kleinman said. 

"[W]e strongly support Super Science Saturday as an event that offers a unique showcase for students to present their scientific explorations, while learning from professionals in the field."

Essentially, the program needs to rent tables and chairs, operate a Web site, and pay for certain presenters (Flicker said the Franklin Institute costs about $700). Most presenters offer services for free, and the high school does not charge renting costs. Whole Foods and Bagelicious donates food and drink to the event.

Monthly, coordinators meet to plan the event through September. In December, a letter goes out to kids inviting them to get involved. Place mats are also offered at area restaurants to attract participants. Flicker says the big rush come after the new year, in January and February.

"My interest is on seeing that there's careers in more than the classroom. I want them to see the value of science."

Flicker also says it's a fun day for mom and dad, too. "It's a free day that people can spend as a family."

Interested sponsors or participants are invited to contact Flicker at 201-300-2900 or info@supersciencesaturday.org. The event's Web site will be updated in January.