Rocket Owls launch heartwarming community outreach activities
The Citrus College Rocket Owls are on a new mission: sponsoring science workshops for kids!
Since last December, the Rocket Owls have been participating in a new tradition called "Share the Excitement: Adopt a School for the Holidays." The STEM students adopted Hope Lutheran School in Glendora, where they spent a day with eighth graders and children attending an after-school program. They worked on activities focused on understanding Newton's laws of motion, including building and racing balloon-powered cars.
Comunidad Cesar Chavez in Los Angeles, a major provider of supportive services for homeless families in East Los Angeles, was the Rocket Owls' next destination. At the shelter, the Rocket Owls helped children build straw rockets and snap circuits. Every child who participated also received an oversized stuffed toy and a backpack with school supplies.
The Rocket Owls also held workshops with Ability First in Claremont, an organization that provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
"Seeing the look of wonder on the faces of these children as they interacted with our college students was absolutely priceless," said Dr. Lucia Riderer, physics instructor and Rocket Owls advisor. "My hope is that other groups at Citrus College will be inspired to do similar outreach activities and make an impact in our community."
In addition to these outreach activities, the Rocket Owls continue to sponsor the Junior Rocket Owls program, where students from the Glendora Unified School District work in teams with the Rocket Owls to design, build and fly model rockets. This year, 20 fifth grade students participated.
"Our students take what they learn at Citrus College and use it to positively impact the community," said the college superintendent/president. "I am proud of the Rocket Owls and wish them the best in their future endeavors. Hats off to Dr. Riderer and her wonderful team of scientists!"
This article originally appeared in the April 2020 edition of the Citrus View.