Career Day at Larkmoor Elementary Inspires Third-Grade Students

Larkmoor Elementary School hosted a Career Day today for its third-grade students, offering them a glimpse into a variety of career paths through engaging presentations. The event, facilitated by school counselor Sharon Willis, featured guest speakers from the Great Lakes Science Center, Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley, and representatives from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Each guest provided students with valuable insights into their respective fields, sparking curiosity and inspiration.

Students rotated through three different classrooms, where each guest speaker led an interactive session, providing fresh insights and unique perspectives before moving on to the next group.

JonDarr Bradshaw, Professional Science Center Educator and Aerospace Education Consultant with the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, led students through an interactive demonstration about space and vacuums. Using a small vacuum chamber, he showed how sound behaves in a vacuum, how marshmallows expand without air pressure, and how bubbles form in water due to changing atmospheric conditions. The experiments brought complex scientific concepts to life, leaving students eager to learn more about space and physics.

Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley introduced students to the role of local government and the many careers that keep a city running. He emphasized the importance of public safety, discussing how firefighters respond to emergencies and explaining why smoke detectors are essential in every home. He encouraged students to remind their families to regularly check and replace smoke detector batteries. His visit provided a practical perspective on civic responsibility and public service careers.

Education Specialists in Community Engagement from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Fernanda and Emma, shared their backgrounds in biology and anthropology. They introduced students to the wide range of careers within a zoo, beyond just animal caretakers. From veterinary medicine and habitat maintenance to guest services and educational outreach, the speakers highlighted the many ways professionals contribute to animal care and conservation efforts. Their talk broadened students’ understanding of the skills and education needed for careers in science and wildlife management.

Career Day at Larkmoor Elementary left a lasting impression on students, providing them with real-world applications of their classroom learning. Events like these help young learners connect their studies to future career opportunities, encouraging them to explore new interests and dream big about what they can achieve.