Exploring Science and Sparking Curiosity
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
PRESS RELEASE
Trinity Valley Community College’s Science Division is giving back by providing hands-on education and training to Murchison Independent School District students. What began as a simple question at Murchison ISD: “How can we give our students more hands-on science?” has now grown into a expanding collaboration.
“This partnership is helping our students see what’s possible,” shared Murchison ISD Principal Cody Walker. “And we’re excited to see where it goes next.”
The partnership began when Murchison ISD administrators attended a small school conference in Port Aransas, Walker explained. Inspired by Port Aransas’s partnership with the UT Marine Institute, one of Murchison’s science teachers wondered how their students could gain similar outside-the-classroom, hands-on learning. Walker reached out to TVCC Associate Vice President of Instructional Innovation and Support Dr. Holley Collier, who connected him with Science and Agriculture Division Chair Dr. John Placyk and the idea quickly started taking shape.
The TVCC Science Division launched an initiative inviting groups of Murchison students to the TVCC – Athens Campus several times each semester to introduce elementary and middle school students to STEM opportunities. During their first visit on Oct. 24, students explored the Anatomy and Physiology lab through a Halloween-themed skeletal system lesson. The visit led to some unforgettable moments including two shocked eighth graders who learned that the bones they were holding and examining were from real human donors.
“All of the students were interacting with the bones and trying to show the bone breaks from the assignment,” Walker said. “I’ve had multiple students and parents ask when we are going back. This is something not only our parents value, but the students as well. It’s hard to get junior high students to buy in, but this has done it!”
During their second trip on Nov. 21, students explored the science behind suspension bridges, Earth’s tectonic plates, and the rock cycle.
“One of the biggest benefits of this partnership is that it takes book knowledge and turns it into real-world understanding,” Walker noted. “Mr. Placyk and the TVCC Science Division gave examples of careers connected to anatomy and let students experiment to see what interests them. Even though fourth through eighth grade is young to choose a career, I’ve already seen this spark interests that could grow into something long term.”
The partnership continues to strengthen the relationship between Murchison ISD and TVCC. In addition to lab experience, TVCC Science Division is working to provide gently used lab equipment to the district, expanding opportunities on their own campus. Murchison ISD has also begun meeting with TVCC’s dual credit department to see what opportunities are available, Walker added.
With growing enthusiasm from students, parents, teachers, and faculty at both Murchison ISD and TVCC the partnership is poised to continue making a meaningful impact—for years to come.