A group of 6-8 yeor old "scientists" were learning all about bugs in the High Touch-High Tech� class in the Weston Community Center at Weston Regional Park. Ladybug Lan, the Head Scientist, led the group through three hands on activities in the hour long program, allowing her scientists to learn about bugs through smell, touch, sight, sound, and taste. Each High Touch-High Tech� (HTHT) class has a different science related theme in wHigh the scientists learn through hands on experiments and activities. In this particular class, the group first learned about stink bugs. They made a stinky concoction of perfume and peppermint, soaked it into small sponges and attached them to their own paper bugs. Next the scientists made their own bugs with small pompoms, glue, pipe cleaners and googly eyes. The scientists learned that insects have 3 body parts (head, thorax and abdomen) and six legs, whereas spiders have two body parts and eight legs. They made antennae for the insects, stingers for the bees and they learned that all eight legs of the spider are only on one part of te spiders body. Angel Poulos, a home schooled 3rd Grader, made a bumble bee, "I like all the projects we do in High Touch-High Tech�. I like science," she said. Her sister, Tina, made a red ant with antennae. Other children made beetles, spiders and flies. Their last activity was the most fun for the scientists because they made spiders that they could eat using marshmallows, pretzels, M&M's, red hots and chocolate syrup.. .YUM! From preschoolers to middle schoolers, kids get a real science experience when they "roll up their sleeves and make all kinds of icky sticky stuff" HTHT says of its programs. "We are committed to increasing the scientiAc and technological literacy of children," said HTHT President Daniel Shaw. "The program stimulates children's natural curiosity for science and fuels their imaginations," Shaw said. HTHT progroms pump students up for the FCATS and enhance FCAT success by sparking interest in science. HTHT has a wide variety of programs that meet national standards and local district standards. The program meets objectives for grade appropriateness and for relevance. "It's qood to have a show, but better to have an activity," said Shaw. HTHT provides innovative science experiences for children in after school programs, camps and science birthday parties. For more information on High Touch-High Tech� classes, camps and parties, call (954) 155-2900.
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