Rainbow Elementary School students are still talking about their visit to Math Alive! at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

This field trip was part of Rainbow’s enrichment series, which “gives students enriching activities while their teachers have planning sessions. It’s a win/win for everyone involved,” Rainbow PTA volunteer Emily Peck said.

Fifth-grader Lija Abele was excited about Math Alive! and “knew we would see a lot of things.” Fifth-grader Michael Guthrie said, “Wow! It was amazing — so many machines and stuff.”

“I knew some math could help, but this exhibit makes math fun,” Lija said. “I could see how math can help you in real life.”

Math Alive! changed Michael’s perspective. “Before I thought math was … you add this and add that … but with Math Alive! I saw it as part of everyday life. Math is very important.” Lija’s favorite exhibit was a display with lots “numbers and showed a shadow of a face. It was amazing. I didn’t know numbers could make a face.”

At a round stand with musical notes, Michael pushed a button and generated a note. “Mixing up the beat and the notes was fun,” he said.

Interested in Michael’s comments, Peck has often heard that music is math. “Michael’s connection deepens his appreciation not only for music but also math. We, as an enrichment team, are pleased. I’ve also heard with young people, life lessons are sometimes are caught and not taught.”

Peck said Rainbow’s enrichment program gives students “life lessons beyond the textbook,” Peck said. “It was a fun way to get the students excited about math. We were fortunate to have Math Alive! come to the area. It would be a shame to have missed it.”

The Rainbow Enrichment Team includes Peck, Alana Taylor, Christa Gaddy, Paula Kelly, Miranda Biggers, enrichment specialist Debbie Gulden, PTA president Alice Lessmann, principal Dorinda White and assistant principal Michael Gunner. Hillary Warren coordinates the enrichment team as PTA vice president of programs and “has been a voice for us at board meetings,” Peck said.