Jazz at the Lab supports science program for kids for another year | Guest Column

the program worked with more than 735 local students and 23 teachers reaching students in every grade. The program focuses on getting students actively engaged in the process of science.

September 9, 2015 12:51 pm

By Jenny Roberts, Science Outreach Program director and Rachel Anderson, Lab Asst. Director for Advancement

Aug. 22 was a beautiful summer evening for the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs’ 15th annual fundraising event Jazz at the Labs in support of the Friday Harbor Labs K-12 Science Outreach Program. Derek Smith, University of Washington doctorate candidate and Director of Friday Harbor High School’s new STEM program, was enthusiastic about the science experiences that the program offers San Juan Island students.

He also helped collect donations from the audience who kindly supported two different Fund-a-Need projects for the 2015 school year: Diver for a Day Program and the Invasive Mussel Project. Thank you Derek for your animated and effective fundraising style! The Friday Harbor Labs Science Outreach Program is a partnership (established 2001) between the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs, the San Juan Island School District and Spring Street International School.

In its 14th year, the program worked with more than 735 local students and 23 teachers reaching students in every grade. The program focuses on getting students actively engaged in the process of science. We have developed a set of hands-on, inquiry-based projects specifically designed to complement and enhance the current science curriculum at local schools. Our program gives students the opportunity to ask questions and participate in experiments and fieldwork so they realize that they themselves are scientists.In addition to great jazz, fabulous food, and the Fund-a-Need event, we gratefully acknowledged and thanked our generous sponsors.

New this year: Coldwell Banker SJI, Friday Harbor Art Galleries, King’s Market, Mike’s Café and Wine Bar and San Juan Interior. And our returning, multiyear sponsors: Burke Critchfield, C & E Publications, Cask and Schooner Restaurant, Friday Harbor Drug, Island Petroleum Services, Islanders Insurance, Luxel Corporation, the Olshefsky Family, Post San Juan, Roche Harbor Resort, San Juan Propane, San Juan Vineyards, Gary & Susan Sterner and Wells Fargo. We were thrilled to have the San Juan Jazz Quintet, Seattle’s Jazz Coalescence and NPR’s Dick Stein return to share their talents with the attendees.

FHLSOP also acknowledged the invaluable support from Rebecca and Robert Pohlad, Dr. Carolyn Haugen, the Wells Fargo Foundation, the San Juan Island Community Foundation & Women’s Fund, the Port of Friday Harbor and the Friday Harbor Elementary School PTA. Thank you, again!

We are committed to bring this important outreach program to the local schools and it is a true pleasure to work with all the individuals involved. A favorite comment this past year was from a biology student, who after completing the Invasive Mussel Project, said:

“Greatest Lab Ever! No, seriously, I did enjoy it. I felt like a scientist using these crazy cool micropipettes and I learned a lot.”

We hope to see you at the 16th annual Jazz at the Labs event in 2016. Thanks to all our supporters, to those involved with our fundraiser, as well as the teachers and individuals who support the Science Outreach Program.