We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. - Walt Disney

 

Science inspires a student's natural curiosity to explore, experiment,and problem-solve. One of LPIE's core values is to provide science curriculum to Stanley students that enriches student learning and provides additional, valuable hands-on experiences.

 

LPIE's sixth grade science curriculum provides exceptional opportunities for students to learn about science by "doing" science. They continue to expand their understanding of chemistry, even identifying unknown substances by evaluation and experimentation. Kids love rocks and crystals! Ask any Stanley 6th grader and they can tell you the difference between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks which they learned hands-on by using microscopes, samples of rocks, and even studying crystal formation "We had a random selection of rocks and we had to guess the categories, it was really fun" said Claire M. "I love 6th Grade Science at Stanley because we get to do hands-on labs where its more fun learning about science," Nate T added. 

 

Have you ever seen a real heart close up? Stanley's seventh graders have. Seventh graders learn about the human circulatory system by dissecting and labeling a sheep's heart. Additionally, they work with lab partners to identify and understand the functions of the brain using a longitudinal half of a sheep brain. Seventh grader,  

Enzo S, said that, "My favorite thing we did in LPIE Science was dissecting a lamb's heart because it was hands-on, and you got to see the actual heart instead of just looking at a diagram."

Seventh graders also learn the ins and outs of microbiology, using microscopes, studying and making slides, and understanding the mysteries of organisms too small to be seen.

 

Can light bend? Ask a Stanley eighth grader. In eighth grade, the students analyze and explore concepts pertaining to waves, light, color and lenses. They learn about the electromagnetic spectrum, experiment with the properties of reflection and refraction, and even build a simple telescope. Cecily K reflected, "I've enjoyed learning about light, rainbows, and lightbulbs." 

 

Will clay float and hold cargo? Eighth graders know that too, as they learn about fluids, density and buoyancy. They also know how to make a wet cell battery with salt, bleach, and water and learn about other chemical reactions. Lydia H commented, "We learn the science behind our everyday lives, and I like that."

 

Alice Cyr, Stanley eighth grade Science Teacher noted, "My students benefit from the well crafted labs that blend high interest activities with standards based instruction. In the Chemistry Unit my students enjoy the opportunity to observe the different types of chemical reactions that we have been studying." 

 

The faces of students, parents, and exhibitors shone with excitement as they entered the gym at Stanley Middle School for the LPIE Science Expo. The community event included not only demonstrations, displays, and hands-on activities from local organizations and businesses, but also projects and models from Stanley students. Michael Meneghetti, Stanley sixth grade Science Teacher, noted "For one evening a year the community celebrates science, and everyone believes science is cool.  I think we are all born natural scientists.  We are born curious about everything around us.  The Science Expo brings together a fascinating variety of sciences for students to connect with their inner scientist and rediscover the natural curiosity that we all experienced as a child.  You can see this on the faces of all the visitors as they listen to or watch the scientists at each and every exhibit."

 

Ninety-five middle school students submitted student science projects, including 29 models of land-forms from the depths of Death Valley, Point Reyes, Yosemite Valley and White Sands, New Mexico, to a very realistic and surreal surface of the Moon! Other notable projects included a working model of a moon-lander, several working Rube Goldberg machines,  and a large model of a catapult launcher. There were many creative experiments about how our minds work, including strategy games and spatial reasoning, video games and attention span, and a clay model of the brain; two hovercrafts, several physics experiments including a maglev train, an egg drop and a working robot, and demonstrations of the life sciences including a live dissection of a lamb's lung. Carl Piercy, who dissected a lamb lung, was inspired by LPIE heart dissection performed in 7th grade.  Merilee McCormick, Stanley Expo Co-Chair, "The LPIE science fairs are important because they remind us that science is cool - it's in everything we do; it's a reminder to pay attention to the wonders that surround us - how things work, inventions that we don't think about and take for granted, and the future of technology and innovation."  

Click for More Science Expo Photo

Society table was a testimony to the enthusiasm and unconventional learning opportunities.   In addition, technology enthusiasts were able to get hands on experience with video game design, animation, engineering and robotics displayed by VisionTech, the Academy of Digital Science, San Jose State and Acalanes High School Robotics. Students experienced the visual effect of flying in space in the new Chabot Space and Science Center Digital Dome Planetarium. LPIE displayed animal adaptations including skeleton X-Rays, different furs and skins, and numerous sheep organs. Other exhibits included live animals provided by Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Lamorinda 4-H, and Four Seasons Animal Hospital. Of course, no science expo would be complete without a variety of fun experiments in matter, energy and electricity (Lawrence Hall of Science) and in chemistry (Sandia National Laboratory). Information on the latest efforts for space exploration were displayed by NASA/SETI and meteorite samples were on hand at the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Table. A working model of a water pumping station was on display by East Bay Municipal Utility District.  And even though it was a cloudy night and the telescopes were not an option, information on the latest efforts for space exploration were displayed by NASA/SETI and some really cool meteorite samples were on hand at the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Table.  Lamorinda 4-H launched water rockets into very near "space" out on the Stanley Athletic Field.

 

This year's Expo introduced a "Special Exhibit"with quieter exhibits in the Stanley Special Education room including a marble run, DNA experiments (Sangamo Bioscience), Music from Around the World and ping pong ball launchers.  "I really   

Music from Around the World "Special Exhibit"

enjoyed involving the Special Education faculty and students. Brian Mangsold and Vicki Bertrand, Stanley Middle School special education teachers, were so supportive in helping us coordinate the first annual "Special Exhibit" - as was Mike Meneghetti, offering his science expertise and his ping pong ball launchers from his own collection. It was nice to have a quiet "break" space with fewer people and quieter activities", noted Co-chair Merilee McCormick. 

  

Special thanks to all the outstanding and interesting exhibitors plus the crew of student and parent volunteers who made the evening a scientific night to remember.

 

LPIE Science Fairs at BVE, HVE, LES and Springhill
by Janet Estee
photos by Sharon Doi, Kirsten Jones, Ingrid Koo and Sheryl Platt

 

The LPIE Science Fairs provide students a venue to express their excitement about science. Tommy Gallagher walked up to the DNA Extraction exhibit with curiosity and confidence and proclaimed "Can I do this experiment? I love science!"

 

LPIE hosted four successful K-5 Science Fairs during February and March with strong participation by student scientists at each school.  Burton Valley Science teacher Mallory Pierce shared, "The science fair brings the enthusiasm and creativity of students together with a sense of community that champions science education in Lafayette School District."  

  

Adrienne Small, Happy Valley Science Specialist said,  

"I always look forward to this event as it gives our science enthusiasts a place to really shine. This year projects ranged from bridge building (engineering) to animal behavior (life science) to explaining the optics of 3-D glasses (physical science) . And yes, there were also a few volcanoes (earth and physical science)."     

  

A special thank you to our student scientists, volunteers and exhibitors.  The LPIE Science Fairs couldn't be successful without the tireless leadership of our Science Fair Chairs and the dedication of our volunteer guest scientists (mostly parents).  The exhibitors at the elementary school fairs included LPIE Animal Adaptations display and organ table, Dave Briccetti's Skywatching, Sangamo Biosciences DNA Extraction, Sustainable Lafayette, Camp Galileo, Edventurmore, and Mt. Diablo Bee Keepers.

 

Burton Valley Elementary LPIE Science Fair March 20, 2013 Science Fair Chairs: Kirsten Jones and Ingrid Koo   Overheard at the BVE Science Fair:   Ingrid Koo, BVE Science Fair Chair, "We   have received incredible feedback on the    quality and diversity of exhibits this year.    Participation has been invaluable in shaping young minds, stirring their curiosity, and   encouraging their excitement for learning." Among other exhibitors, NorCal Bats and   Cobain Orthodontics attracted attention at Burton Valley." Click for More BVE Photos

Happy Valley Elementary LPIE Science Fair February 27, 2013 Science Fair Chairs: Paula Carter, Katy Donaldson and Donna Jones Overheard at the HVE Science Fair:      Happy Valley LPIE Science Chair, Donna  Jones "Along with the student   projects, it was wonderful to observe the science professionals in action, and how the students lit up experiencing their   science."            Happy Valley Science Fair

Lafayette Elementary LPIE Science Fair February 21, 2013 Science Fair Chairs: Matt Fabela and Joan Roux   Overheard at the LES Science Fair:   Joan Roux, Lafayette Elementary Science   Fair Chair, "There was an awesome   home-made robotic hand that was one of   the best individual projects that I have   seen."   Click for More Photos from LES

Springhill Elementary LPIE Science Fair February 28, 2013 Science Fair Chairs: Sharon Doi, Ann Kim and Allison Thomason Overheard at the Springhill Science Fair:   Student projects included third grader at Springhill, Kyle Thomason's clock   battery. "I liked watching our clock work using food instead of a battery."     Click for More Photos from Springhill

 

 

Where might you find a microbiologist, physicians assistant, zoologist, elementary school teacher, research scientist, and scientists with advanced degrees in Physiology, Biophysics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Food and Nutrition?  And where would you find scientists with lab and work experiences in biotechnology, the killer whale population, medical diagnostics, the environment, and more, teaching students about science? Well, luckily for students of the Lafayette School District, these people can be found in their K-8 classrooms, teaching the ins-and-outs of science. They are the highly trained LPIE Instructors, passionate about science, who are helping to maintain a prestigious science learning environment in the classrooms in Lafayette.

 

"The LPIE Instructors are all specially-trained and skilled scientists and teachers that have a passion for science and for sharing their enthusiasm for science in the classroom. They have developed hands-on science curriculum to make learning science fun. LPIE Science in the classroom is one of the programs that make the Lafayette district unique," says LPIE Science Program Chair Joanne Layshock.

           

LPIE-delivered science programs bring science to life in the classroom through hands-on labs and engaging lessons at every level of knowledge. Throughout the four elementary schools and Stanley Middle School, these Science Instructors have enriched student learning on topics ranging anywhere from the five senses, energy, optics, chemistry and biology.

Fundraising
by Doreen de Roque

  

When it comes to volunteers, the old phrase "20% of volunteers do 80% of the work" always comes to mind. This phrase definitely applies to the four amazing women who lead the LPIE Fundraising Team - Kaisa Lyon, Annual Giving Campaign Chair, Corrine Christensen, Chair of the Community Campaign, and Jackie Carson & Shoshana Mark, Co-Chairs of the Major Donor Campaign.   

 

Through their leadership, commitment, and passion, these four incredible women are a crucial part of our LPIE fundraising success.  In addition to the LPIE Fundraising Chairs highlighted below, each school has LPIE Fundraising Representatives that support all aspects of LPIE fundraising, including the Annual Giving Campaign, the LPIE Crab Feed and supporting the Major Donor Campaign.  A special thank you to each of the the School Fundraising Reps and the chairs of our fundraising efforts who are instrumental in supporting Lafayette students through LPIEs successful fundraising efforts:

• Acalanes High School: Linda Rosenthal
• Stanley Middle School: Heather McNally & Quinlan Tom 
• Burton Valley Elementary: Kit Turner 
• Happy Valley Elementary: Louise Laemmlen & Ali Minden  
• Lafayette Elementary School: Kathy Kauder 
• Springhill Elementary: Emily Forschler 
• Real Estate Sponsor Chair: Julie Barlier
• Business Sponsor Chair: Tori Heffelfinger
• Crab Feed Chairs: Gilly Malmquist & Cecilia Alagapphan

 

Kaisa Lyon    ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN     The Annual Giving Campaign (AGC) is LPIEs most comprehensive parent focused fundraising effort. LPIE and all six Parent Organizations (PTAs, PCs and PFC) undertake the AGC as students prepare for the return to school in the fall starting with Mascot Days (Dons, Wildcat, Bobcat, Husky, Leopard and Scorpion Days).   As Chair, Kaisa is responsible for establishing goals, strategy, communication and timing for the AGC while leading the LPIE fundraising team and coordinating with all six Parent Organizations. Under her leadership, the AGC keeps parents informed on how their donations are supporting students in the classroom for the upcoming school year. She also helps coordinate the online donation system (RegHub for K-8 students and Webstore for Acalanes) helping make the process of donating as convenient as possible for our generous parent community.      Kaisa describes her transition from the Burton Valley PTA to LPIE, "After focusing much of my volunteer time in my children's classrooms and in various ways at their elementary schools, I wanted to expand my horizons and focus on an organization that makes all of the children in the Lafayette public schools the focal point.  LPIE gave me a great opportunity to do just that while running the AGC.  It has been so exciting to see the generosity of the community enhancing the educational experience for all of our kids."	Corrine Christensen COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN As head of the Community Campaign, Corrine is responsible for the Business Partners, Real Estate Partners, Annual Crab Feed event and coordinating the School Fundraising Reps. She leads a team in establishing goals, timelines and budgets. A critical component of her role is to partner closely with the other LPIE Fundraising chairs, Parent Organizations and the LPIE Executive Committee in executing strategies for all of the above campaigns.     Under Corrine's leadership, this year's Annual Crab Feed was a successful event that brought in over $60,000. She has has also developed the Business Partners campaign which features local businesses through the LPIE website. The program is ready to be launched and Corrine is looking for a volunteer to lead the implementation of this initiative. Corrine is in only her first year in this position and has already made great strides.     Why LPIE? Corrine explains, "I've been involved with Parent Club Organizations over the past several years and wanted to make the jump to LPIE to help obtain a larger perspective in establishing exceptional K-12 schools in our community."	Shoshana Mark & Jackie Carson MAJOR DONOR CAMPAIGN   Shoshana and Jackie are the co-chairs of the Major Donor campaign. They lead an entire team in attracting Major Donors to LPIE, those who contribute a gift of $2,000 or more. According to Jackie, these donors play a vital role in helping LPIE thrive and are a very friendly audience who usually thank you for calling them!     Shoshana and Jackie set Major Donor goals, strategy & budget, recruit team members to help solicit donors and serve on the Executive Committee. Team members are selected carefully to make the phone calls very personal. Why Jackie chose to get involved with LPIE is simple, "Everyone I work with is wonderful because we all share the same goal. It's a very welcoming community for volunteers, anyone can do it!"     By hosting the Annual Major Donor event four years ago, Shoshana became involved as campaign co-chair. The event is designed to enable donors to meet people who share the same passion about education, and to recognize and honor our Major Donors. "We're very proud to be a part of a community that puts so much emphasis on our kids. The administrators, teachers and parents all work together in fulfilling the needs of our kids."

Lafayette Partners in Education - Our Mission
To support and enrich the education of every child in the Lafayette public schools through a broad community-based effort.

Local businesses (many parent-owned) that support our schools through LPIE sponsors and donations. Please support them!