Academic Excursions Reflect Vigorous Science Program at Liberty
Science at Liberty Christian did not stop after semester tests last May. The Warriors experienced science firsthand during the summer through field methods in Costa Rica, the Solar Car Challenge at the Texas Motor Speedway, the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, and the NASA High School Aerospace Scholars program in Houston.
“This early exposure to various fields of science can propel a student ahead of the pack, and save them time and money in the long run as they prepare for a career,” said Heather Lytle, science department chair.
Costa Rica
Dr. Jody Vogelzang, along with fellow teachers Heather Lytle and Sue Gallo, led a group of 21 Liberty Upper School students on an adventure to Costa Rica. The group traveled to different habitats within the country and directly witnessed the diversity of life that made an impression no textbook could ever do. Students witnessed leatherback turtles migrate onto the beach and lay more than 90 eggs during the moonlight turtle patrols; students collected the eggs and re-buried them in a hatchery that was safe from poachers. Junior Allie Coats said, “Holding the mother turtle’s flipper as she laid her eggs made me feel one with nature.”
In Panama, the group participated in a mangrove reforestation project and realized the importance of conserving this resource for the manatee population. Highlights of the trip include snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, zip-lining through the tropical rainforest, and hiking Mount Arenal (an active volcano), as well as interacting with Don Juan at his organic farm.
Junior Logan McDivitt said, “We were introduced to many new species, like leatherback turtles, three-toed sloths, and even sand fleas.”
Students expressed what they learned through journals logged on the trip as well as in post-trip research papers, focusing on one area of conservation they witnessed during the trip.
“This type of endeavor opened the students’ eyes to the world that God made, as well as provide an opportunity for new friends and shared experiences,” Lytle said.
Solar Car Challenge
Teacher Ken Marko and his Applied Engineering class made Liberty history this summer at the Solar Car Challenge. Planning, designing, and producing a vehicle that runs solely on solar energy was no small feat.
“Putting the car on the Texas Motor Speedway the first day of the race is nothing short of amazing,” said Lytle. “The team pulled together many late nights over the summer to celebrate a great fifth place finish at the race in July.”
In addition to Marko, special thanks goes to Liberty teacher Dr. Brent Dragoo and Liberty students who were involved.
“These Warriors stand on the shoulders of all previous solar car students who paved the way for this program at Liberty,” said Lytle.
“The team appreciates the support of CoServ, the Jesel Family, and other generous donors over the years.”
Dr. Dragoo is challenging this year’s Applied Engineering class with the goal of the Los Angeles race next summer.
Interested sponsors should contact Liberty’s Advancement office at 940-294-2323.
National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine
Junior Samantha Honse was nominated and participated in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. This program for high school students allowed her to spend a week at one of the nation’s top medical schools during the summer. She traveled to the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., where her grandfather received his license to become a dental surgeon. During the forum, Honse attended leadership workshops, received information from various branches of medicine, and witnessed a knee surgery. She said, “This was an eye-opening experience about what it takes to be a doctor, and all of the decisions that have to be made on the spot.” Honse greatly benefited from the early exposure to future fields of study as she plans her career in either microbiology or nutrition.
Junior Emmy Edwards was also invited to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, and she traveled to Houston for nine days in July. Edwards shadowed several doctors and interns and also witnessed a live surgery in an operating room. She said, “I was quite moved and touched with a rotation in a newborn neonatal unit. With this experience, I fell in love with the world of obstetrics.”
NASA Aerospace Scholar
Senior Austin Hudelson experienced the life of an aerospace engineer at NASA’s High School Aerospace Scholars program, which encourages juniors from across Texas to tackle special online learning assignments during the spring in hopes of being invited to participate in the summer program. Hudelson successfully met the requirements and spent a week of his summer at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Hudelson said, “This experience confirmed that I’m on the right track by studying science and math. The week at NASA was rewarding and well-worth the investment last spring.”
Lytle is proud of the academic success Liberty students are having in science. “It is a joy to see our students take advantage of these great educational opportunities,” she said.