Hands-on learning workshops at Laurel's art, science fair Hands-on learning workshops at Laurel's art, science fair (May 11, 2005)

"We touched the brain. And it felt squishy."

That's what kindergarten Madison McCrary had to say after touching a real (sheep) brain and learning how brains work during the "ABCs of Anatomy" workshop at Laurel School's recent Art and Science Fair.

All students -- kindergartners through second-graders -- got to choose four workshops from a long list of offerings during the two-hour afternoon fair.

The workshops were developed and presented by parents for the Menlo Park primary school's annual "hands-on" learning event, held both indoors and outdoors on the campus in Atherton.

They launched rockets; tasted Antarctic ice cream made by using super cold nitrogen; dissected real, sterilized owl pellets; and made pudding with gummy worms to take home.

These were only a few of the workshops designed to help kids explore a variety of art and science projects.

Some 160 parent and community volunteers came up with the clever workshop titles, organized the event, and led workshops for the benefit of the kids.

Co-chairs were Ora Chaiken and Leah Elkins.

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