TAHOE CITY, Calif. and#8212; Get in the Act! Science Theater recently combined energizing theater techniques with guided-inquiry to engage third-graders at Tahoe Lake Elementary School.

Led by Teaching Artist Diane Handzel, more than 75 students explored and#8220;Energy and Lightand#8221; science concepts through investigative improvisations that transpired January-March 2012. Each lesson used the emotional nature of drama to embed science concepts in students' minds.

Student response to Science Theater was overwhelmingly positive as third-graders proclaimed:

and#8220;Now I can tell my mom about stored energy, it's really cool!and#8221;

and#8220;I appreciate learning science, the scenes really helped me identify energy!and#8221;

and#8220;Thank you for teaching us science, I wish it would never end!and#8221;

This program at Tahoe Lake was made possible with support from Tahoe Lake Parent-Teacher Organization, California Arts Council, El Dorado Community Foundation and The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation. Get in the Act sincerely thanks all for their support.

For more information contact Gary Handzel 775-588-8614 www.getintheact.org.

and#8212; Submitted to aedgett@sierrasun.com