Spooky Malaboo evening focuses on math, science and literacy

Kyle Bailey, director of facilities and land management at Gorman Nature Center, displays a black rat snake during his Malaboo presentation in the Malabar Intermediate library.

   There was lots of scary learning in the air Thursday evening during Malabar Intermediate School’s annual Malaboo Math, Science and Literacy Night.

   “Huge. Just huge,” was Assistant Principal Tom Hager’s assessment of the turnout of students, parents, grandparents and others.

   Mansfield City Schools Superintendent Brian Garverick was among the throng that moved through the building.

   “This is a fantastic turnout,” he said. “The Malabar staff works very hard to create this successful Malaboo program each year. It is a wonderful opportunity for families to see first-hand the learning that is happening in our classrooms.”

   Between 5:30 and 6 p.m. the cafeteria was literally standing room only for a dinner of Swedish meatballs, chili dogs, cookies and drinks.

   Afterward, visitors had an hour to visit any three of 13 math, science and literacy activities. Among them, as listed in the bright orange program, were:

   -- Kathryn Laser’s Halloween Quizlet Live! Experience ‘going live’ in an online Quizlet Halloween vocabulary study. Learn the history of Halloween and how vocabulary is a necessity for all reading encounters.

   -- Brad Strong’s Star Gazing: Get scared out of this world by visiting the Planetarium. We will discuss some stars, constellations and watch a 24-hour Earth rotation.

   -- Carol Houseworth’s Construction Challenges with KEVA Planks: Students and families will engage in creative problem solving challenges using KEVA planks. KEVA planks are wooden blocks that build a foundation for mathematics and physics. KEVA planks appeal to every age group. Come see how simple pieces of wood create amazing results.

   -- Ann Stockwell’s and Emily Nicol’s Basketball: Fractions, Decimal and Percent Style in the gymnasium: Come show your skills on the basketball court! Shoot some baskets and then calculate your fraction, decimal and percent of baskets made. Do you shoot better granny style or overhead? Let’s find out! Bragging rights for the group with the highest average percentage! Groups are: 4^th grade, 5^th grade, 6^th grade, parents. Winners will be announced during the door prize drawings.

   Those drawings at 7 p.m. included free passes and gift cards from several local organizations and businesses, including Richland Carrousel Park, Mansfield Area YMCA, Meijer and Gionino’s Pizzeria.