Whoever thought learning Sir Isaac Newton?s three laws of motion could be such fun?
That was one of the prevailing sentiments expressed Monday after students from several Baltimore City public schools gathered at Morgan State University for a colorful hip-hop science program about Newton?s inertia, force mass acceleration (FMA) and action-reaction theories.
The event, attended by fifth- through eighth-graders from more than a dozen schools, signaled the start of a 22-city tour that partners the National Aeronautics and Space Association with technology and manufacturing giant Honeywell International.
FMA Live!, the award-winning presentation, focused on the concept that “everything?s in motion.” The performances, music and interactive video were created to interest more students in mathematics, science and engineering careers.
“It?s all about getting kids excited about science,” Honeywell spokesman Michael Holland said.
“We will travel all up and down the eastern seaboard, cross over into Canada and end up in California in November at Andrews Air Force Base, where we?ll wrap up the tour.”
Before the 45-minute show began, NASA spokesman Jim Stofam told students the agency was on a special mission to build the next generation of engineers, scientists and astronauts. He said a student in the audience might design the rocket that would someday carry astronauts to Mars.
Although NASA has programs geared to all ages, Stofam said the agency reaches out to middle schoolers because that?s when students begin to lose interest in science and math.
“Especially with young girls,” Stofam said. “So we are trying to reach them when they?re beginning to make decisions about their futures.”
Teresa Wilson, a teacher at Calverton Elementary Middle School, gave the show a thumbs-up.
“Basically, it was a good science lesson,” she said. “The students were able to learn about Newton and the laws of gravity. I like how they incorporated the music so that they could grasp and comprehend” the lessons.
FMA Live!
The traveling hip-hop science program, funded by Honeywell International, began four years ago and has been seen by about 140,000 students at 339 schools in the United States and Canada. Students from the following Baltimore County public schools will see the show Wednesday at Community College of Baltimore County, Dundalk campus.
» Deep Creek Middle School
» Dundalk Middle School
» General John Stricker Middle School
» Golden Ring Middle School
» Holabird Middle School
» Sparrows Point Middle School
