School science: Collaborating with community experts

Photos courtesy Anita Hinger
Local science experts and community members Dave Richardson and Matt Ford partner with Pagosa Springs Middle School to assist with science projects in the classroom. Teachers encourage community experts to connect with students by sharing what made them fall in love with science.

By Anita Hinger

Special to The SUN

Just as it is in the nature of scientists to ask questions, science teachers at Pagosa Springs Middle School (PSMS) have been asking what experiences have caused people to fall in love with science. During conversations with scientists in the community, eighth-grade science teacher Anita Hinger asked what made them excited about science in their youth.

“For me, there were two people who made me want to be a scientist: a lecturer who came to my high school and showed me the wonders of chemistry and, more importantly, my high school chemistry teacher,” said Dave Richardson, an organic chemist and partner with PSMS.

The full version of this story is available in the print edition and e-edition of the Pagosa Springs SUN. Subscribe today by calling (970)264-2100 or click here.