Sisters takes on brain teasers

Those wanting a challenge last weekend made their way over to Sisters High School to take part in OMSI's Brain Teasers: a traveling science exhibit that was brought to Sisters by Bob Collins of Sisters Science Club and Anne Heath of SPRD.

Bob Collins, one of the founding members of the Sisters Science Club, saw the OMSI Brain Teaser exhibit two years ago in Portland, and "saw its potential to stimulate kids in the basic curiosities of science, idea generation, and logical thinking."

When asked why he felt it was important for this exhibit to be brought to Sisters, Brian stated, "Our nation has fallen behind in science and math education, we can't just wait for solutions; the Sisters Science Club was formed to enhance math and science in our schools and community: Brain Teasers is a good way to start."

The OMSI Brain Teaser exhibit, which consisted of 20 different challenges, was set up at Sisters High School in room 132 and was open to the public on Saturday. Some of the challenges that guests faced included unlocking a series of complicated rings, rearranging pegs in the correct order, and conquering your opponent in a strategy game.

While undertaking one of the 20 teasers, guests could be assured of two things: to be challenged, and to receive help from a friendly volunteer docent if they got stuck. Kiwanis member and volunteer docent Cindy Rainey said, "I chose to volunteer because it is good for the community."

Laughter, cheers, and moans were just some of the sounds heard inside of room 132.

"That was exhausting," exclaimed Jodi Winnwalker, a visitor who had been struggling to finish a brain teaser. When asked what her motivation for coming to today's science event Jodi said, "I just moved to Sisters, and I was excited to learn about and try the number of educational opportunities available." She also went on to say, "What is cool is understanding you don't have to get them right, it's the exercise of the brain that's exciting."

As the event came to an end, guests left carrying smiles and a sense of accomplishment. When 9-year-old Sonny Magnuson was asked how his brain felt at the completion of his last brain teaser he exclaimed, "My brain feels awesome!"

The OMSI Brain Teaser event will be at Sisters High School every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. in room 132 until the end of April.