'Cool' science

A group of seventh-graders from Coleman Middle School work on creating Inuit masks, (pictured), while other students "rescue" fellow classmates from an "iceberg"on a "boat" simulated by some gym mats on wheeled platforms.

The mask-making and other games were part of the JASON Project activities focusing on the Arctic and Antarctica at WSU last week. More than 200 students watched a live broadcast from the JASON Project expedition in Alaska, learning about harbor seals, cultural traditions and other things. More were scheduled to participate in broadcasts this week.

Since last fall, the Coleman Middle School students, along with students in 10 other area middle schools, have been learning about "Frozen Worlds," as part of the JASON Project. They’ve done hands-on experiments, like seeing what materials make the best insulator – demonstrating the importance of blubber to seals.

"It’s pretty cool how some animals can survive in the freezing cold conditions," said Lasenby, who particularly liked those hands-on activities. When he got to the broadcast, he learned another interesting fact – that seals have nails. "I didn’t think they would because of their flippers," he said.

Lasenby, like other students, initially wondered who or where the project’s namesake was. The project, which was started by Titanic discoverer Robert Ballard, takes its name from the Greek mythology character Jason who went on an adventure to find the Golden Fleece. It is hoped that students in the project make interesting discoveries, just as Jason did, during their annual JASON Project studies.

WSU coordinates the JASON Project with the help of corporate donations, including the recent gifts of $375,000 from the Toyota USA Foundation and $35,000 from The Boeing Co.

- Amy Geiszler-Jones

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