Glacier Way West Side Cooperative Preschool is hosting a small series of free science classes for preschoolers called "All About Science," which are also open to the public.

"All About Science" is a traveling preschool science program and an after-school enrichment program developed in part by Glacier Way preschool teacher Renee Hult. The exploratory program introduces scientific skills to 2-to-4 year-old children. "All About Science" promotes higher thinking in an interactive setting to prepare young children for more advanced learning later in life.

Each lesson includes a visit from a puppet named Stella the lab rat, an introduction to science terms, a discussion on science concepts being taught, an original story to review the concept and a parent handout. Glacier Way West Side is on South Seventh Street near Pauline.

"I loved it, I have a five year old who is going to be six and he still stayed entertained through it. It's a wonderful experience with lots of tactile experiences to get children engaged and experience science," said Tricia Kalosa, a mother with a son in the program.

Children stayed interested throughout the lesson, which focused on interactive activities to differentiate animals by their skins, such as feeling pretend animal skins and matching them with various drawings of animals.

"I liked the book because it was funny" said Asher Brownlee, age 3.

Parents got to stay and watch their children learn about science as well.

"It's really nice being a part of Asher's first school experience," said Aerin Brownlee, Asher's mother. She liked that Glacier Way is a cooperative preschool and as such, all the parents take turns helping to run the class. Brownlee is a co-chair of the class.

Hult joined Glacier Way in 2008. She has 10 years of early childhood experience and a passion for preschool education. She is the co-creator of "All About Science."

Hult has a bachelor of science degree in literature from Eastern Michigan University. She received her certifications to teach preschool from Schoolcraft College and Washtenaw Community College and finishes 12 hours of teacher training every year to maintain a State of Michigan License. Hult has also been a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 2004.

Glacier Way is offering the next session of "All About Science" on June 9 at 10 a.m. If you choose to attend, the preschool asks that you please bring a snack for your child and plan to stay on the premises. Reserve a spot by calling 734-995-0707. For more information e-mail info@glacierwaycoop.org

Jenny Serwach is a student studying journalism and political science at the University of Michigan-Flint and is a summer intern at AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at jennyserwach@gmail.com.