A group of about 25 local youngsters took part in a 6-week after-school program entitled “Mad Lab: Making Science Fun with Madison” that had a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math).

The program was launched by Madison Foster, a junior at WSHS who spent last summer in an internship at Johns Hopkins University where she was challenged to bring back to her hometown a portion of what she learned to share with others. Children participating ranged in ages from Kindergarten through Grade 8.

The program was held every other Thursday at the Tommy Hamms Memorial Center. “Making Science Fun” covered a lot of “fun stuff,” like DNA extraction, robotics and chemical explosions but also included some science basics such as lab safety and a general introduction to STEM studies.

The program’s costs were covered through donations and Madison expressed her thanks for the supporters. She says “Mad Lab” will return this fall, coming to The Learning Tree at First United Methodist Church.