The light in the children’s eyes speaks of wonder and curiosity. That is what parents, teachers and all of us wish to see and nurture in every child.

That is also the spark that educational enrichment activities hope to inspire and are being made possible for Lopez Island children by the Lopez Island Education Foundation.

That light in the eyes was evident on the faces of third and fifth-graders from Lopez Island Elementary School who went on a science field trip to the Pacific Science Center on Jan. 29. The Education Foundation helped fund the trip expenses.

“It was an amazing trip,” said third-grader Drake Goodrich. For several students, the trip was their first time to the PSC.

“The kids learned about stars and constellations in the planetarium. In their discussion with the guide, I was surprised how much [fifth-grader] Isaac knew about the mythology behind different constellations,” Lorri Swanson, the science teacher who co-led the trip with Teacher Alex Nelli, recounted with a bright smile.

“The field trip tied in perfectly with their third- grade and fifth-grade science curriculum,” said Swanson. “Third-graders were learning about where we live in the solar system within the larger constellations, while fifth-graders were looking at each planet individually, exploring which one could potentially be habitable.”

“The students were truly excited and it could be seen on their faces and in their attitudes. They explored everything that there was to see and experience at the center.”

With community support, the Education Foundation helps teachers bring fun, wonder and curiosity to their students’ educational experience by helping fund activities or expenses that would not have otherwise been covered through the school’s regular budget.

Besides Swanson’s trip, the foundation is also funding another trip to the PSC for second and fourth-graders, math competition expenses, along with teacher grants to procure educational equipment, and spring 2015 intensive courses.

“Thank you to the Education Foundation and the community for your support,” said Swanson. “Thank you,” echoed her happy students.

To learn more about the Education Foundation or make tax-deductible contributions, visit www.lopezislandeducationfoundation.org