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When we first started Letters to a Pre-Scientist during the 2010-2011 school year, we had just over 100 committed scientists volunteering as pen pals. The scientists represented about 10 US states and were ready to take on the challenges of our inaugural year. Word quickly spread among fellow scientists, which has allowed for our program …
by Macon Lowman 
This June marked middle school graduation for my first class of 6th graders. For those of you that have been with our program from the start, this means your first pen pal is now headed off to high school! We met these children when they were fresh out of elementary school; they were overwhelmed at …
by Macon Lowman 
What was your favorite field trip in middle school? I hope my 6th grade students will be able to reflect back years from now and say it was their trip to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where they not only got to do a scavenger hunt around campus, but view their first …
by Macon Lowman 
Just in time for Earth Day, students are learning about ecosystems around the world. Before diving into ecosystems, we finished learning about rocks, minerals and soils. Students were excited to use Skype in order to speak with real geologists working in the field. These scientists expanded the student’s geology comprehension by discussing soil initiatives as …
by Macon Lowman 
Wow! It is hard to believe, we are already in our third quarter of 6th grade! With our winter break in December and settling back into the groove of things in January, we forgot to update you on all of our exciting happenings. Before break, students picked out a name for our eco-friendly class bear. …
by Macon Lowman 
November was all about energy, which is pretty much always the case in a 6th grade classroom. This time our energy was focused on trying to understand where we find energy and how to use it in ways that are beneficial to the environment. I also introduced the idea of ordinary versus extraordinary work, and …
by Macon Lowman 
October 17th arrived and students were absolutely thrilled to receive their pen pal letters. We spent the class learning how to address envelopes and correctly respond to a formal letter. These skills are ones that we tend to take for granted or even perform begrudgingly at times, but these will be invaluable skills for students …
by Macon Lowman 
The school year started off with students setting BIG goals and learning all about college life. Each student will be in teams for the year that represent one of six colleges (UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, University of Virginia, Stanford, Cornell, and Harvard). Be sure to ask your pen pal all about their college! The pre-scientists had …
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