2026 Science Day at Clark Magnet High School

By Anna Mkrtchyan-Antonyan, MS, MEd

The Clark Magnet High School Science National Honor Society (SNHS) successfully hosted a community-based Science Day designed to engage young students in hands-on scientific discovery. The event saw an impressive turnout, with an estimated 300 attendees, including approximately 180 children.

Upon arrival, families were greeted by SNHS volunteers who provided an event itinerary and a "Science Passport." To encourage active participation, children earned stamps at each station by observing experiments and answering curriculum-based questions. A fully completed passport earned the student a prize at the conclusion of their visit. 

The event featured 9 interactive stations staffed by 2–4 SNHS members each, categorized into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. 

The experiments were selected and designed by SNHS members to be fun, age-appropriate, and educationally rigorous. Many were adapted from advanced high school coursework to provide a "sneak peek" into higher-level science. 

Physics: 

1. Bell Jar Experiment: Demonstrating the behavior of sound and matter in a vacuum.
2. Roller Coaster Experiment: Exploring kinetic and potential energy through track design. 
3. Circular Motion Experiment: Illustrating the forces required to keep an object in a curved path.

Chemistry: 

1. Color-Changing Cabbage: Using red cabbage juice as a natural pH indicator to test acids and bases. 
2. Paper Chromatography: Visualizing the separation of mixtures and pigments.
3. Dry Ice vs. Ice: Comparing sublimation and melting points through thermal observation. 

Biology: 

1. Egg Osmosis: Modeling how cell membranes regulate the flow of water.
2. Dialysis Tubing: A hands-on look at semi-permeable membranes and diffusion.
3. Cell Membrane: An interactive exploration of cellular structure and function. 

Planning for the event began in early February. SNHS officers and members worked for several weeks to brainstorm demonstrations that were both engaging and teachable. 

• Two Weeks Prior: Members finalized their groups and began sourcing materials. 
• One Week Prior: "Dry runs" were conducted for all experiments to ensure safety and success. 
• Event Day: Setup began at 11:30 AM, with students transporting equipment and posters to the demonstration area to ensure a prompt 1:00 PM start.

The 2026 Science Day was a resounding success. By bridging the gap between high school mentors and elementary learners, we fostered a palpable excitement for STEM within our local community. We look forward to building on this momentum for future SNHS initiatives.