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Gates Chili Central School District

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  1. February 2019
  2. Post: A science surprise at Brasser
February 10, 2025

A science surprise at Brasser

In the middle of building kindness mobiles, a science surprise happened in Jennifer Christensen’s fourth-grade classroom at Florence Brasser Elementary School. A group of students and teachers celebrate a free field trip, holding a certificate that reads 'Congratulations! You and your class are entitled to ONE FREE FIELD TRIP.'

Unbeknownst to Christensen, she had won a trip for her entire class to the Rochester Museum and Science Center. RMSC and WARM 101.3 partnered for a nomination-based contest that would award a class field trip to local science or music teacher. Out of more than 100 submissions, Brasser parent Heather Lange’s nomination for Christensen was the winner.

RMSC President and CEO Hillary Olson and WARM 101.3 On-Air Personality Kristie Credit visited Christensen’s classroom on Feb. 14 to surprise the unsuspecting educator.

Olson and Credit explained the reason for the visit, prompting cheers from the fourth-graders. Christensen immediately expressed excitement about the exhibits her students will have an opportunity to experience.

“I am very eager for the curious minds in my classroom to explore RMSC and make the connections between what we do in the classroom and the exhibits in the museum,” said Christensen.

Credit then extended an invitation for Christensen and Brasser Assistant Principal Meghan Bello to visit WARM 101.3 for an interview on Friday, Feb. 15.

The excitement wasn’t over yet. Olson had a colleague with her, Tim Cawley. He is the head of outreach and theater at RMSC and turned one of the student work tables into a temporary experiment space. Cawley engaged the students in a series of science demonstrations using liquid nitrogen.

Lange’s nomination referred Christensen as a “curiosity catcher,” stating that she “constructs all aspects of her classroom around wonder, exploration and inquiry. She values the "A HA!" moments but truly celebrates moments of deep question/curiosity that push a learner beyond 'known' into discovery. While upholding the state curriculum/content she carefully weaves STEM activities, hands-on learning and play into each day. She truly is a master at her craft and would maximize an opportunity to experience an RMSC field trip.” 

Above photo: Florence Brasser Fourth-Grade Teacher Jennifer Christensen (center) is surprised with a large certificate for a free class field trip to the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Presenting the certificate are (left) WARM 101.3 On-Air Personality Kristie Credit and RMSC President and CEO Hillary Olson.

A group of elementary school students pose for a photo with their teacher and a guest speaker, holding a certificate for a free field trip.

(Back row, left to right) Gates Chili CSD Interim Superintendent Carol Stehm, Rochester Museum and Science Center President and CEO Hillary Olson, Florence Brasser Elementary School Fourth-Grade Teacher Jennifer Christensen, WARM 101.3 On-Air Personality Kristie Credit and Florence Brasser Principal Timothy Young pose with Christensen's students after the surprise announcement.

A person wearing safety glasses and a black glove holds a pitcher emitting white smoke.

RMSC Head of Outreach and Theater Tim Cawley amazed students with liquid nitrogen experiments.