For most Gibbons students, science class stays in the classroom on campus. But for the members of Service Beakers, science means heading off campus. That means, with their beakers, goggles, and all, they share their love for science with younger students in nearby schools.
Service Beakers is a club where Gibbons students visit local elementary schools once a month to teach fun, hands-on science lessons to children in grades 3-5. The club transforms classrooms into mini-science labs, setting up themed activity stations where Gibbons students guide groups of kids through experiments and demonstrations.
“We pick topics anywhere from chemistry and biology to electrical magnetism or animal studies,” said the moderator of the club, Mrs. Amy Hambrick. “The primary goal is just to get students interested in science and to get the kids excited about science and give them something fun to do after school.”
Bringing Science Beyond the Classroom
The club, now in its fourth year, was founded to bring science beyond the walls of Gibbons and into the wider community. Each month, around 12-14 students travel to schools like Saint Michael’s, Cathedral, Saint Mary Magdalene, and even The Raleigh School across the street from Gibbons.
“What I like most isn’t just because you’re going on a bus,” said student leader Erin Callaway, “but you go with other Gibbons students and teach kids about a science topic. It’s a full-on interaction-based experience.”
A Leader’s Perspective
As one of the junior student leaders, Callaway helps guide students in small groups during school visits. Whether it’s explaining a concept, demonstrating an experiment, or simply encouraging a young scientist.
Callaway has been involved in Service Beakers since her freshman year and has been a leader since late last school year. Over that time, she’s seen the club grow not only in numbers but also in impact.
For anyone considering joining, Callaway’s message is simple: “Anyone can come, whether science is your strength or weakness. It’s about just teaching the kids and helping them with activities.”
A Growing Impact on the Community
Service Beakers continues to have an impact on Cardinal Gibbons and beyond its walls into the community. By bringing hands-on activities to elementary schools, it sparks curiosity and excitement for young learners.
But it’s not just about teaching for the students; it’s about connecting with the community, developing leadership skills, and rediscovering the joy of learning through helping children. Service Beakers shows how curiosity, service, and education can come together and inspire students from high school to young elementary students.
