Learning Ignites at SHS Science Circuit

SANDPOINT — Inside Sandpoint High School’s gym, elementary school students inflated cow lungs, flinched at bowling balls, and made bubble tea boba as part of the annual Science Circuit.

Students from three SHS honors science classes were challenged by their teachers to develop science-based projects that included hands-on learning experiences. Mike Martz, a physics teacher at SHS, explained that the event serves as the students’ final project and gives them the opportunity to step into the role of a teacher.

“It's so cool because the students have to play the teacher,” Martz said. “It helps them realize how hard teaching can be. You know a topic best when you can teach it, so this becomes a memorable experience where they truly understand the subject they present.”

Kari Grainer, assistant principal at SHS, noted that students select their own topics, and she values how the event encourages them to take ownership of their learning. Martz added that while many students create original projects, some demonstrations, like the bowling ball pendulum, have become traditional favorites.

The bowling ball demonstration involves a student sitting in a chair while another holds a bowling ball near their face before releasing it. The ball swings down and, thanks to the conservation of energy principle, stops just before hitting the seated student.

“The one that gives me the biggest heart attack is the bowling ball in your face,” Grainer said, referring to the ‘Don’t Flinch’ exhibit featuring the bowling ball demonstration.

Grainer took over organizing the event from SHS science teacher Mamie Jennings, who started it about a decade ago. The lively atmosphere creates a field trip experience for elementary students at minimal cost to the district, Grainer said.

The event paused briefly during the COVID-19 pandemic due to space limitations in the SHS gym. Martz shared that before the hiatus, his favorite aspect was seeing freshmen remember what they learned from the Science Circuit.

“I would get students in my freshman class saying, ‘I remember that from the Science Circuit,’” Martz said. “That’s not quite the case yet for this group, but it’s a great tradition that will continue.”

Grainer highlighted a life-size model of the board game “Operation,” which students used to teach physiology concepts. Martz praised all his physics students’ projects but especially enjoyed two students’ creative model demonstrating different wave movements.

Many elementary students reacted with amazement — and sometimes disgust — at the booth explaining lung function. They used a bicycle pump connected to cow lungs to inflate them, observing the organ’s real-time expansion.

Grainer expressed admiration for each unique project and the effort students put into creating these interactive experiences.

“They take such ownership of their learning and transform what they’ve learned into engaging, hands-on experiences for fifth and sixth graders,” Grainer said. “You can see their passion, ownership, and genuine love for what they’ve created.”