Last spring, Jefferson Parents and Teachers (JPAT) voted to fund a half time Science Coordinator. Our principal, Mrs Gorthy, developed a job description and hired Lisa Frothingham, an experienced science teacher. Lisa enhances classroom learning with hands on activities and she works closely with our librarian to ensure our current collection supports each science unit. Lisa also started the weekly Science Sleuth question. Students are encouraged to solve the question independently, however, for the primary grades parental assistance if often needed. Each question has several clues and topics are often related to current events, such as the lunar eclipse and St Patrick's Day. To facilitate parent involvement, the questions are posted on the school website. Lisa sorts the correct answers by classroom and each week one winner from each class is announced over the PA system. Even the youngest of students comes home on Monday after the new question is posted saying, "Let's look as the Science Sleuth" or "I know the answer, can you help me write the word?"