CWRU Visit Offers LCA Students a Glimpse of Modern Science
It was just another day in the heart of Greater Cleveland’s thriving scientific research community, but for a group of Lakewood Catholic Academy sixth graders, it may have been a life changer.
The students, all part of Eileen McGuire’s Extended Curriculum Program, visited the research laboratory of Colleen Croniger, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Croniger is the mother of Ben Nickels, Class of 2007, and has served as a judge in LCA’s science fair for several years.
Over the course of more than two hours, the children saw some amazing sights!
Their tour began with a visit to the large animal facility in CWRU’s biomedical research building, where thousands of specially bred mice used for research are kept in a very high-tech environment. The students were able to visit a special suite where mouse surgeries are performed, and observed an experiment in which scientists were studying aspects of memory.
Later, while visiting Dr. Croniger’s own lab, they saw mass spectrometry machines – think “CSI” – in action. These half-million-dollar machines are critical to modern scientific analysis.
“Children are exposed to science in lots of ways, including on television through popular programs such as the CSI series,” said Dr. Croniger. “However, seeing science up close is possibly the most powerful experience a young, potential scientist can have. It can literally help to clarify career goals, even in the minds of elementary students!”
“Observing the reaction of students to what they saw at CWRU, I couldn’t help but think that some of them might eventually return as Ph.D. students themselves,” said Mrs. McGuire, who works hard to plan special learning experiences for her students. “All of them were very interested and asked some very good questions. It was a great experience and I am grateful to those at the University who were a part of it.”
LCA’s Extended Curriculum Program, currently serving students in Grades 2-6, is designed for students who demonstrate superior academic and/or cognitive ability. Students qualify for this program based on standardized test scores and/or teacher recommendation.
