Thursday afternoon around 1:00 p.m. Avalon ISD’s Physics department was bustling with fourth graders learning how to build a Jitter Bug. Avalon ISD has a new program called Eagle Science which involves elementary students learning from the upper class students.

The program takes elementary students into the high school physics class where the senior students teach the younger students how to do a project that they just finished doing.

Miss Campbell is the science teacher for Avalon ISD and she said, “The fourth grade class has come over for Eagle Science with the senior class. This is a program where the physics students teach the elementary students physics. What they have just learned they pass it on to the elementary students and it is something that they can take with them. Now, today, they are going to make a Jitterbug and they will do the wiring and the little legs and then the art teacher will help them decorate them. This project is something that our kids have just done and they will teach the little ones to do it. They get one-on-one attention this way. Every time that we come up with a project that these little ones can do, we set up this program.”

The “Jitterbug” is comprised of a computer disc, pipe cleaners, a battery, a small transformer, electrical wires and an on and off device made of paper clips. Each child received individual attention and seemed to be learning a lot and having a great time.

Elizabeth Watson (a senior) said, “It is fun, we have been doing this since school started. We have done it every Thursday. The kids learn a lot and they really enjoy it.” Brenna Murray and Terry Shears (fourth graders) both said, “this is so exciting for us and we can’t wait to see the Jitterbug bounce around.”

Sheldon Kennison (senior) expressed his thoughts by saying, “I think this program is really good. It is a chance for us to communicate with the younger kids and they can communicate with us and see what they have to look forward to in High School.”

Another great day at Avalon ISD!