By Kirstie Runion, Bluffton University Icon Intern
On Wednesday, Bluffton Elementary was filled with machines and colors. To watch a video of students in action, click here.

SESA, Science Enhancement for Science Advancement, presented to the second and third graders and asked for their hands-on help. The second graders saw the "Fun With Lights" presentation, which explained the color spectrum, ranging from radio waves to gamma rays and all the colors of the rainbow in between.

The third graders saw different simple machines that are available to make life simpler like levers, pulleys, and screws in the "Simple Machines" demonstration.

Students were asked to join and share in on the fun of science with SESA presenters, including Bluffton resident Dan Groman from Husky Energy Lima Refinery.

"The purpose is to make science fun for the students and to hopefully spark interest that will lead to a science related career," Groman said.

Groman has been involved with SESA since Lima Refinery established the program in 1989. The program premise is that an interest in science should be developed and cultivated in the early years.

The teachers at Bluffton Elementary agree. Betsy Liechty, Pam Raabe, Jodie Parker, Beverly, Stockman, Andy Armstrong, Kaye Phillips and Beth Raeburn are the second and third grade teachers who help the children develop their interest in education every day.

"I believe that we've made a difference in the teaching of our youth in Allen County," Groman said.

When Husky started this partnership with the schools, it was owned by BP. "We have changed company names quite a few times since this program began, but our commitment has remained," he added.

Today, Husky Energy partners with Ineos Chemical, Ft. Amanda Specialties, Potash Corporation and ISP along with Allen Country and Lima City Schools.

"This program has made an impact on the education program in Allen Country, throughout Ohio, and across America," Groman said.

At the beginning of this school year SESA had reached its 250,000th student. SESA also sponsors the COSI on Wheels program at the Allen Country Schools each year.

For more information on SESA or presentations visit http://www.allencountyesc.org/SESA/ataglance/tabid/2823/default.aspx.