Middle School Lessons In Math And Science Puzzle Family Night Guests

Joshua Monte took a sip of milk Wednesday night at teacher Maryhelen Chiulli's table at the Woonsocket Middle School Math and Science Family Night.

"I can tell it's not acidic because it's not very cold," he said excitedly. 

"Actually, temperature doesn't affect the PH," explained Chiulli to the attentive pupil at an exercise aimed at teaching the basics of acidity. For taking part in the activity, Monte received a ticket which he ran off to place in a paper bag labeled "Target." 

Parents and students streamed into the gym at the Middle School at Hamlet for a series of such experiments and learning activities laid out by teachers and special guests at the annual event, aimed at showing off a few math and science lessons while giving families a fun activity to enjoy together.

"We try to have parent and family involvement as much as possible," said Assistant Principal Steven Boss.

Families had the opportunity to view the Discovery Dome, a portable planetarium displaying movies not only on space, but history, biology and geology. Thanks to a grant secured by Special Needs Director Carole Lerner, students at the middle school will enjoy a dome of their own after the school purchases a planetarium over the summer.

"The system's designed for all ages," said Kathy Dimodica, Science Coordinator for grades 10 through 12.

Sixth-grade science teacher Trish Ouimette showed guests how to use their senses to identify flavored jelly beans.

"We cover the five senses a great deal in class," said Ouimette. "The hope is they'll use it all when they make observations and maybe take that to other classrooms."

Other activities included Tangram Tickler, a model on rainwater runoff designed by the Blackstone River Coalition and a game of Recycling Sudoku put together by the Woonsocket Solid Waste/Engineering Department. Participants in each game received tickets to be placed in their raffle of choice which were given out at the end of the night.

"The support we've had from the community has been outstanding," said Lisa DeSante a math teacher who helped to coordinate the event.

Sponsors providing refreshment and prizes for the evening included , , , , , , , , , Quick Stop, , Village Haven, and