AMY SZPARA

LAPLACE – Some children in the River Parishes got a science lesson that was like no other last week when a blue-haired scientist named Lester from “Weird Science Live” visited their schools. “Weird Science Live,” which began in 1997, is an educational program that aims to help students become more involved in scientific processes, teach students that science can be fun, help children learn to use their imaginations to solve problems and create a favorable perception of science for students. “Lester,” also known as Patrick K. Hartory, is the weird scientist who brings science to the kids. Hartory, program director, is the owner of Ireland & Associates, Inc., the company that started the program. “Weird Science Live” tours the country and spent the week of Feb. 12-16 in Louisiana. LaPlace Elementary School and St. Joan of Arc Catholic School both participated in the program. The 45-minute show focused on teaching students about solids, liquids and gasses and featured a special indoor hot-air balloon launch and a scientific game show. Travis Simmons, a St. Joan of Arc student who participated in the game show, said he knew almost all of the answers to the questions. “It was just cool, though,” he said. “I liked when he talked about liquids,” said second-grader Lindsey Giammerse. Hartory, who began teaching science when he worked for N.A.S.A., said he loves his job and enjoys seeing the children’s enthusiasm. “I ask myself, How can I approach liquids and solids in a way that will help them learn?'” said Hartory, who has degrees in both child psychology and business from Kent State University. He answers that question, then plans his programs. As a child, Hartory did not like science, but as he got older he began to see how it could be exciting. It is his goal to get kids to see that, too. “Weird Science Live” began in Ohio, where Hartory is from, but soon went nationally. “Weird Science Live,” specially developed for kindergarten through fourth grades, is funded through Mid-America Arts Alliance, Arts MidWest, Ohio Arts Council, ECS and the National Endowment for the Arts.