Photo:  Volunteers from left Cheryl Schwab, Tangela Kegler, Sandra Dodds Davis, Andrea Scott, and children's librarian Dawn Radnitzer.

The Judy B. McDonald Public Library was pleased to host the T.A.M.E (Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering) Trailblazer, a science museum on wheels on January 15. 

The event was a day-long series of tours for fifth-graders at Thomas J. Rusk Elementary.  Students were guided through stations that focused on space, energy, biotechnology, weather and aerodynamics.  Volunteers from the school and library led students through interactive exhibits. 

“It was really gratifying to see the kids’ eyes light up when they saw scientific concepts come to life,” says Crystal Hicks, assistant library director.  “I think the volunteers got as much from the experience as the students.”

The T.A.M.E. Trailblazer visit was made possible by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation and the Brown Foundation.  The public library was just one of twelve participating libraries in the program.  Over 100 students were able to tour the 40-foot trailer parked at the library, and seven volunteers assisted.  The program also featured pre-visit and follow-up materials for both the school and the library to maintain interest after the visits are complete.