Spring Branch ISD Featured News

The roles were reversed at Rummel Creek Elementary (RCE) as fifth-grade students became teachers for a day, leading hands-on science lessons and experiments for younger grades during the school’s annual Science Day.

Organized by fifth-grade science teacher Candase Charles, the event was designed to spark curiosity and bring science to life through peer-led learning. Charles has been with Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) for 25 years, including 15 years at RCE. The idea for Science Day came to her as an alternative for students who chose not to participate in the school's science fair.

“I came up with the idea of fifth graders going into the lower classes to teach them a mini lesson that is both the lower-grade concepts and a review for our fifth-grade concepts that are tested on STAAR,” Charles said. “I wanted a day where the whole school was participating. The goal is that the whole school is talking about and thinking about science.”

In small groups, the fifth graders arrived at classrooms across campus equipped with materials and enthusiasm.

Each group had a specific topic to present, carefully prepared in advance. One team demonstrated how solar energy powers tiny robotic bugs, letting younger students watch the bugs move and explore what makes them work. Another group guided students through the life cycle of butterflies using live caterpillars, offering a real-time look at metamorphosis. The fifth graders took turns explaining concepts, asking questions, and encouraging hands-on participation—all with the confidence of students who had practiced, prepared, and were excited to share what they knew.

The day also emphasized collaboration. Fifth graders worked closely to plan, practice, and present their lessons—relying on each other’s strengths to keep experiments on track and explanations clear. Younger students joined in, asking questions and helping with hands-on activities, creating an interactive learning experience for everyone involved.

The day wasn’t just about demonstrations—it was also about growing something lasting. One student shared how excited she was to one day be the fifth grader giving back to younger students. Fifth graders worked with second through fourth graders to plant marigold seeds in individual cups, giving each student something to take home and nurture.

“I wanted to be a science teacher to foster a love of science to hopefully push kids to pick higher sciences in high school and college,” Charles said. “Both the fifth graders and the little kids are so excited. Every year there is someone who comes to tell me, ‘I can't wait to get to fifth to do this.’”

From solar bugs to blooming flowers, Science Day at Rummel Creek showcased what learning looks like when students are empowered to teach and connect across grade levels by sharing a love of learning.

View photos from Science Day