EVENT SHOWS TOPIC'S FUN SIDE

Richard E. Neddo Jr., 8, already knows what he wants to be when he grows up — an archaeologist.

Richard, son of Stacy A. and Richard E. Neddo, Watertown, said he attended the third annual Super Science Saturday at Jefferson Community College to learn more about science, his favorite subject.

“I do know a lot about dinosaurs and bones,” he said. “My favorite dinosaur is the velociraptor. I like meat-eaters a lot, probably because they're the cooler ones.”

The third-grader at Ohio Elementary School attended the event with his mother and younger brother, George J., 4, who said he enjoyed looking at the tarantula and worms, part of an animal exhibit.

Super Science Saturday was hosted by JCC's science division. The college's faculty, staff and students led activities and demonstrations in animal management, chemistry, biology, geology, engineering, math and health.

Marie A. Hess, the college's Department of Labor grant program coordinator and professor of nursing, said the event provides the community with opportunities to explore math and science.

“We thought the best way was to target fifth- through eighth-graders, although some are younger, so they could focus on their classes in high school toward a math or science career,” she said.

Todd C. Vincent, JCC assistant professor of biology, said some of the event's partners include high school teachers and students, which helps the college build relationships with area grade schools.

Super Science Saturday, Mr. Vincent said, is a great way to introduce science and math to young children.

“It's also for them to know that you don't have to wait until college to learn science,” he said.

Aidan M. Race, 8, said he doesn't have to wait that long, because he's already interested in chemistry, robots and animals.

“I like to learn about what makes them do the things they do,” he said.

Aidan attended Super Science Saturday with his mother, Patricia R., and younger brother Wyatt M., 5, all of Adams.

Also featured at the event were a chemistry magic show given by James C. Peploski, associate professor of chemistry at Clarkson University, Potsdam, and a lasers and rainbows show presented by Thomas C. Altman, a science teacher at Oswego High School.