The Modesto Junior College Science, Mathematics and Engineering Division will offer a Science Educational Encounters for Kids (SEEK) program for fifth grade classes this academic year. MJC faculty members will teach the free sessions from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on the second and fourth Friday of each month, September 2009 through April 2010, on MJC's East Campus.

SEEK classes will be offered in a variety of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, anatomy, geology, zoology, botany, physics and microbiology. The format will include interactive demonstrations followed by two lab activities with the goals of having students experience a college environment, enjoy hands-on science learning experiences, and become inspired to learn more science.

The presentations correlate with fifth grade California Science Standards and will help prepare participants for the fifth grade STAR testing. Only two classes can be accommodated in each Friday session, so fifth grade teachers in Stanislaus County are encouraged to act quickly to reserve a spot for their class by contacting Sandra Vanwey, Administrative Secretary for the MJC Science, Mathematics and Engineering Division, at 575-6739.

"We're very excited about this opportunity to reach out to the fifth graders in our county, provide them an opportunity to come to MJC for a free morning of science activities, and hopefully inspire some of them to pursue careers in the sciences," said Brian Sanders, Dean of Science, Mathematics and Engineering at MJC. "We have a list of great professors who are willing to volunteer their time for the program. We'll provide handouts for the teachers noting the specific standards for any given week. In some cases, we'll also provide either a preparation worksheet or a follow-up worksheet for the teachers to work through with their students to solidify their overall experience."

Participating teachers are also encouraged to have their students bring sack lunches, eat on campus, and then visit MJC's Great Valley Museum (GVM) for a guided tour or a self-guided visit. The self-guided visit costs $1 per child for entry to the museum or $2 per child for a guided tour with a GVM docent. Teachers must arrange the museum visit separately by calling the Great Valley Museum at 575-6196.