Roaring Brook Students Get Lesson in Science

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. - Author and scientist Steve "The Dirtmeister" Tomecek paid a visit Wednesday to Roaring Brook Elementary School in hopes of adding some fun to the second-grade students' current lesson plan.

"You’ll never hear me say ‘don’t do this as home,’" Tomecek said. "I’m always telling kids ‘try this at home; do stuff; challenge your parents,’ because we don’t do enough of that. We don’t play enough."

With the current lesson plan focused on energy and light, Tomecek integrated flashlights, lasers, aluminum foil, mirrors and more into his workshop.

"Our main focus is on light," Tomecek said. "We’re just doing some things about how light behaves when it interacts with matter."

Tomecek, who began his career as a geologist, has written more than 45 nonfiction books for parents and children. In addition to his regular school visits, Tomecek currently is a writer and science consultant for National Geographic.

The "Dirtmeister" led five, 50-minute workshops that were paid for by the PTA. After years of visiting Chappaqua and leading assemblies, Wednesday was his first hands-on workshop with the students.

“This is the first time we've had a workshop,” said parent Laura Tenzer. “The kids were fascinated. It was great.”

Click here to follow Daily Voice Chappaqua and receive free news updates.