Published in the Sept. 3- 16, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By John Horner

Do you know the difference between a hypothesis and an opinion? Do you know how to apply the scientific method to test the veracity of a hypothesis? Are you able to differentiate between random correlations and cause and effect? These skills of discernment are at the heart of scientific literacy, and seem rather in short supply at times. Competitive science fairs for students may seem to be about ribbons and awards, but they are really about learning these distinctions in a deeply rooted, hands-on way.

Not quite a year ago Marilyn Librers brought the opportunity to produce the annual All Morgan Hill Science Fair to the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee. Our group enthusiastically accepted the challenge and supported last year’s best ever Morgan Hill Science Fair.

This year we have big plans to make this an even more exceptional experience for local students. Your Chamber’s Education Committee has made a significant positive impact since it was formed less than three years ago. More than 500 students have benefited from our “Rock the Mock” program, three robust career days have been presented at Britton and Martin Murphy middle schools, multiple long term mentoring/volunteering relationships have been established between volunteers and school projects and we organized and fundraised to bring the impactful Rachel’s Challenge program to Morgan Hill Unified School District middle and high schools.

Now the All Morgan Hill Science Fair is this group’s project, and it is an excellent case where local businesses and their people can be proactively involved providing opportunities and perspectives for local students. The classroom and school building are great places, but they are certainly not representative of all the larger world has to offer. Bringing that broader awareness to students is a big set of shoes local business people, retirees and interested citizens can offer.

Do you and/or your organization have an interest in mentoring, providing site tours, being a guess speaker, sponsoring events like the science fair, hiring interns or otherwise engaging positively with local students? If so, please contact me at the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce by emailing  [email protected].