Knowledge is Infectious

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12, 2010 PDF: 20100212_Cushing-PlantVirus.pdf		Contact: Ruth Cavins, Executive Director Phone: 405.533.3333

Knowledge is Infectious
Cushing Students Discover Nano-Sized Plant Viruses Through Traveling Interactive Education Program

STILLWATER, OK (February 12, 2010) – Fifth graders in Cushing, Oklahoma, are discovering the world of nano-sized viruses through Plant Virus Exploration, an Oklahoma WONDERtorium Museum Without Walls (MWW) program. The two-hour, interactive course uses a variety of hands-on, play-to-learn activities to teach children how viruses infect plants and animals, how viruses are transmitted, and how viruses replicate. After concluding a highly successful Plant Virus Exploration series for students throughout Stillwater in mid-December, the WONDERtorium is continuing the program at schools in Cushing.

Marcia Hargrove, First Grade Teacher at Sunnyside Elementary, has played an instrumental part in bringing Plant Virus Exploration to Cushing schools. She personally visited teachers to raise awareness of this and other programs the museum offers to schools. Working with Oklahoma WONDERtorium Programs Coordinator, Debbie Williams, the museum has expanded their programming to Cushing Public Schools.

During the workshop, students will actively participate and interact with each other. Beginning with hand washing and polite sneezing, children share what they know about the transmission of human viruses, and then bridge that knowledge to the plant world. They examine tiny virus-transmitting insects, use pocket microscopes to explore a microscopic view of everyday classroom items, and discover how very tiny a nanometer is. Students discuss the destructive and beneficial effects of viruses and their impact on environment and society. Finally, students become familiar with the basic make-up of a virus - as teams, they race to replicate models of viruses using geometric blocks and Velcro.

“Students have general knowledge of human viruses, like cold and flu, but they may not know that viruses also infect plants,” said Debbie Williams. “Plant Virus Exploration brings a nano-sized world of discovery to life by offering hands-on investigation and inquiry of viruses.”

A few accolades from Stillwater and Cushing Teachers about the program in their classroom:

Amanda Leigh, a teacher at Sunnyside Elementary in Cushing said, “I thought the whole experience was wonderful! I loved how the instructor used several different learning techniques, so that all students stayed focused. I feel like every single student in my class learned the basics about viruses. Once more, I would just like to say that I very much enjoyed this experience and I hope to have you all again next year.”

“The Plant Virus Exploration program is very valuable in helping teachers engage students in meaningful science activities that excite them and show them opportunities for a career in a science field,” said Melody Aufill, a teacher at Yale Elementary in Stillwater.

Susan Coltharp, a teacher at Richmond Elementary in Stillwater, agrees saying: “This was an excellent exploration. Debbie did a great job and managed the kids well. The hands-on approach was excellent for the kid's interest!”

“This program is so awesome. It reinforces our Micro-Worlds unit with the wonderful pictures and hands-on activities. I would like the website to order microscopes. Thank you so much for offering this presentation to our 5th graders,” said Linda Davis, at teacher at Westwood Elementary in Stillwater.

About Oklahoma WONDERtorium
Currently, Oklahoma WONDERtorium is a “museum without walls” and developed the educational outreach program of the same name in 2006 to further its mission of inspiring curiosity to learn through play. MWW offers four developmentally-appropriate programs for children in local childcare centers, preschool and elementary schools. Program subject matter ranges from simple activities involving brightly-colored objects, simple dance moves and music for infants and their caretakers to cutting-edge information on nanoscience principles and plant viruses for fifth graders (expanding to fourth graders in 2010). With a building site at 10th & Duck streets in Stillwater, the WONDERtorium is actively raising funds to open a permanent facility in 2012. The Oklahoma WONDERtorium is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Business offices are located at 1601 S. Main (Head Start Bldg.), Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74074. For more details about the museum, its programs and events, please visit www.okwondertorium.org.

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