For a week each quarter, Janvi Huria, junior, is nowhere to be seen at MHS during Flex Time. That’s because Huria is teaching science to fifth graders at Wild Horse Elementary. 

Huria started teaching fifth graders this school year after contacting the school this past summer. During the summer, she was able to determine the schedule and what her lessons would be like for her part with the fifth grade science teachers. 

Huria comes in to teach one lesson during the end of a school quarter, when the fifth graders are finishing up their science unit. Rather than teaching the same concepts as the teachers, she prefers to create interactive lessons about topics she thinks will interest the kids. Although some activities are inspired from online, Huria makes up many of her own and tests them on her younger brother for feedback. 

Huria was inspired to teach younger students because of her curiosity when she was younger. 

“I’ve always been that annoying kid asking why this and that,” Huria said. “A lot of kids are intrinsically motivated to learn at a young age and learn about the world around them.”

Huria doesn’t expect the kids to remember what she is teaching them. Instead, she encourages them to ask questions. 

“I hope the kids learn not only can you make a career just by asking questions but hopefully they can find something they’re passionate about that can last a long time,” Huria said. 

One of Huria’s goals is to continually be impacting future generations. She said teaching the kids has not only allowed her to pursue her own passions, but also to learn from the kids as much as they learn from her. 

“I never want them to stop questioning the world,” Huria said. “All innovation and any progress in society is made first by asking questions.”

Due to the success of the lessons, Huria has spoken to the school district about developing her lessons into a program for more schools. 

Andrew, fifth grader, said he enjoys both the content and Huria’s teaching. 

“At her young age, she could definitely become a scientist when she grows up,” Andrew said. 

Lindsey Eveland, fifth grade teacher, said there are many high school volunteers throughout the school, but Huria is one of the few coming into class with prepared lessons. She said she is open to partnering up willing volunteers with teachers who are interested in having high school students come teach.  

Eveland’s class has so far learned matter and the solar system and will be learning how to use resources wisely. She said the lessons have benefited students by creating an extension of their learning, while keeping them engaged through games. 

“[Huria] has their undivided attention through the hours she is present with them,” Eveland said.