Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Science experiments spark excitement
WMU graduate Griffin Humphreys shared his passion with current students
WINFIELD — Winfield-Mt. Union’s 2022 Valedictorian Griffin Humphreys returned to his Alma Mater as the 2023-2024 school year neared its end to share his love and enthusiasm for science.
According to WMU science teacher Shawna McCabe Humphreys came back to WMU May 13-14 to demonstrate some experiments he learned since starting his college career at Iowa State University studying biochemistry.
“Griffin shared a science presentation, did a couple chemistry experiments, showed how some physics laws work, and did a demonstration with thermite,” McCabe said. “Thermite is a powdered aluminum and iron oxide mixture, and when lit up it generates a temperature that is as warm as and shines almost as bright as the sun.”
Other experiments included a demonstration about pressure by walking on a bed of nails and another about inertia and momentum by swinging a bowling ball toward Humphrey’s face.
Humphreys says he was well received by the students.
“It was very good actually,” Humphreys said. “I did the experiments over the course of two days, and the first day McCabe asked if I wanted to do her sixth grade class, and I was a little hesitant, but actually those young sixth-graders asked a bunch of questions. And they we're very, very excited!”
According to McCabe, Humphreys came into her classroom last month with these experiments hoping to get the students more excited about science because as he has continued his journey from WMU, he has found plenty of excitement to share.
Even while Humphreys desired to expand scientific experiences for WMU students, he reminds all students from small rural schools that they can do anything. They should not be discouraged from going on to fields like biochemistry just because some people think “schools are easier in the rural areas.”
“Because what some people think is easier, I think is really just because of the connections and relationships we have with our teachers,” Humphreys said. “We’re able to ask questions and get to know them.”
This practice has served him well as he ventured into the college realm. While he didn’t enter ISU with as many advanced courses under his belt, the ability to talk with his teachers and build those connections made a real difference.
It is through those connections that Humphreys could put together some of the very experiments he shared at WMU.
According to Humphreys, when he noticed that none of the 2024 graduating class intended to pursue STEM fields, he went to his professors and classmates to form a partnership creating experiments to share to with the students.
Humphreys explained a lack of interest in STEM fields may be partly due to limited opportunities for in-person science classes in rural schools like WMU.
“Through the past couple of years WMU has offered physics and chemistry online, which didn’t allow much hands-on experience,” McCabe said.
“It kind of hurts my heart because those are the classes that basically inspired me to follow this path and eventually get into this research position,” Humphreys said.
After graduating at the top of his class from WMU and beginning his studies toward a Biochemistry degree, Humphreys’ passion for science grew. So, during a recent visit to Winfield during spring break, he decided to work with McCabe to bring some of this excitement and passion to her students, as well.
“I never pictured myself going into a research lab because before I got to Iowa State, I pretty much had the idea I was going to get my four-year degree and find a job in the industry,” Humphreys said.
As he gained more exposure to not only different science courses, but the atmosphere at ISU, Humphreys’ goals shifted and scope of hope for the future expanded.
“Now I’ve learned I’m wanting to go after a Ph.D. in biochemistry or a related field,” he shared. “It all happened really over the course of a semester. I thought at the end of these four years, I was going to know everything I needed to know and now I feel like, honestly, I’m back at square one. I feel like I need another four years to learn everything I need to know even though I know I never will. I thought I’d be satisfied with a four-year degree, but there’s so much more to learn and that’s really valuable to me.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
