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Educational News
Our Town Philadelphia: Starbase Atlantis in Choctaw Save Email Print
Choctaw, Miss.
Posted: 5:03 PM Jul 14, 2008
Last Updated: 7:10 PM Jul 14, 2008
Reporter: Chris Brennaman
Email Address: chris.brennaman@wtok.com

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For a lot of kids, math and science are two subjects that leave a lot to be desired. But thanks to programs like Starbase Atlantis, an outreach of the United States Navy, teachers are able to sneak learning in through fun.

"They're learning and they really don't realize it. And it's fun for us, too," said Donnie Atkinson, Starbase Atlantis instructor. "And we laugh and have a good time with them. It's a fun job to me. I love it."

Throughout the week, the students will conduct science experiments and will learn about scientific laws, but some of the most fun they will have comes from building and launching rockets.

"We had a little top and poured 1/4 cup of water in it and put Alka-Seltzer in it, popped the top, shook it up and laid it on the bottom and (it blew up)," said David Hinnah, student.

"It's a lot of fun," said student Jada Sockey. "I think it would be funner if first or 2nd graders were here, because they'd experience a lot of fun in math and science."

Additionally, the students are learning about the atmosphere and the elements of flight. Learning about the latter is one of the most addictive things involved in the course. Sometimes at the end of the day parents have a hard time getting the kids off of the computers.

"They really like the flight simulators and they love all of our experiments," said Atkinson. "It's all hands on so they really take to it and it's a fun thing. It's more like a field day than a classroom for them."

Students from several different schools are participating in the program.

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