A Kindergarten student observes as her little sister tentatively touches a snake held by Ranger Rob.
Wilder Elementary School students and their families packed the building on March 26 for the annual Spring Fling. Staff scooped and served delicious bowls of ice cream in a variety of flavors and a book fair was held in the gymnasium. Participants were also given an “ice cream passport” to use while checking out a number of exciting educational stations. For example, living wetland organisms were explored thanks to members from MAD Scientist and Associates. A soil tunnel was simulated by representatives from the Franklin County Soil and Water and a Sharon Woods Metro Park naturalist was present to share her knowledge. The AEP Energy Bike proved once again to be very popular with the students. Sound Energy was demonstrated by scientist Richard Higgins. Fire Safety was taught by Inspector Jeff Lear from the Westerville Fire Department. Card and dice math games were taught by Wilder teachers. And “Ranger Rob” brought a menagerie of creatures to teach animal awareness. Organizers dubbed the event a “cool” evening, filled with ice cream, books, and science.