About fifteen students between grades six and eight had the opportunity of attending Saturday Science Academy, a class that teaches students important elements of science by doing hands-on experiments.

"So far the students have been engaged, respectful and a pleasure to work with. This is a good bunch of kids and I have great expectations for their future. They are representing their respective school very well," said Saturday Science Academy director Carl Henderson.

All of the classes and materials are offered free of charge and the instructors are volunteers that want to help students from the community learn more about science. The instructors for the classes are Terry Chukwueke, Felicia Carr, Najee Zarif, and Jennifer Nelson.

"What we are trying to do is introduce middle school students to science, so that they could be exposed to more career choices," said Isom Harrison, West Regional Chair of NOBCChE (National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers).

During Saturday Science Academy, students will do six hands-on experiments. The first experiment was called Jiggle Jells, which teaches students about polymers. The second experiment was called "What’s New CO2." Other experiments that were done were "Blacks in Science," "Chemistry in Science (Acids & Bases)," "Delta Waters," and "Geosciences & Cupcake Geology." The class taught students to be safe during labs and of course have fun.

"It was exciting to do all of the experiments. I signed up for the academy to learn more things about science," said seventh grade student Khayri Saleem.

The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of NOBCChE established the Saturday Science Academy to give students hands-on experience with practical applications of science and engineering. The course is designed to motivate students, enhance problem solving skills, and to give students the opportunity to have fun with science.

Saturday Science Academy is being offered every Saturday until May 5 at Langston Hughes Academy in Room 408. The class is between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.