Young Scientists Shine through our CASE Program

 

By Yasmine Yavari
MYP Mathematics & Science Teacher

There are two new and exciting Science CASE activities being offered this year, and they both highlight our sense of community at BHA and showcase strong student leadership.

A new initiative starting this year is the Middle School Science Mentors (MSSM) CASE which builds a bridge between the MS and JS students. In 2020, Branksome Hall Asia launched the Junior School (JS) Academic Enrichment program, which was designed to engage Grades 2-5 students in academically challenging competitions. One of the highlights was the Science Fair, which showcased the bright and curious minds of our young students as they pursued their scientific inquiries. In MSSM, students in Grades 7-9 will be volunteering their time to mentor JS students through their upcoming science fair on February 26th. We are so excited to be strengthening the collaboration and cooperation between the MS and JS, as it provides an opportunity for students to take on leadership roles, feel a sense of accomplishment, and enhance their learning. This CASE is a reminder that we are a community, and that in the spirit of Oreum, sisters help each other grow as learners and leaders.

Another opportunity for our Middle School Students to engage with science is through the Meet A Scientist (MAS). This year, two Grade 7 students, Yoonha Chang and Seiyeon Kwon are taking on this CASE and developing it into something bigger and better. These young leaders have a vision of authentically connecting Branksome Hall Asia with the global scientific community, and using their new found knowledge to educate others. Every two weeks, participants in MAS will be virtually interviewing a scientist from around the world, and inquiring about their field of research. Last year, this CASE was popular with students as it broadened their understanding of what a scientist really does, as well as enabled them to practice their interviewing skills! We also had an emphasis on meeting female scientists, which we will continue this focus as we move into this new chapter of MAS. Best of luck to Yoonha and Seiyeon who have taken on this new role as student-leaders and Branksome ambassadors!