Scores of third-graders at Kilby Shores Elementary School shrieked with delight Monday as they watched blue and red sludge ooze from the eyes, noses and mouths of pumpkins they had carved.

The experiment was a messy delight, but it reinforced scientific principles and also gave some students from Lakeland High School a chance to volunteer with their younger counterparts.

“They’re role models to the kids,” teacher Jessica Johnson said. She spoke as she watched six Lakeland students in her classroom carve the faces groups of elementary students had drawn on the pumpkins.

Lakeland High School social studies teacher India Meissel is one of the organizers of the partnership, which started last school year.

“It’s to show our future Cavaliers that somebody cares, and here’s what you can do to give back to your community down the road in high school,” Meissel said. “The kids are excited to come here and give back.”

Kilby Shores is one of four elementary schools that “feeds” students into Lakeland eventually, so many of the Lakeland students who participate in the partnership went there.

However, the partnership didn’t exist then, the students pointed out on Monday.

“When I was in elementary school, we didn’t have the same thing,” Tallyah Larrymore said. “It’s nice for them to have someone from an older grade come talk to them and interact.”

“They look up to older people,” said Dominique Rodriguez. “It’s fun.”

Lakeland journalism teacher Nicole Paitsel said the partnership also helps out Kilby Shores teachers, helping them do interactive things like Monday’s pumpkin experiment.

After the pumpkins were carved in the morning, the students went to the outdoor basketball court for the messy fun.

Teachers created a chemical reaction using yeast, warm water, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Food coloring was added for some extra fun.

Throughout the experiment, teachers posed questions to the crowd of students, asking them to describe the procedure that was taking place and predict what would happen if, for example, the amount of yeast was doubled.

Finding it too chilly outside for the yeast to rise, the experiment moved inside, with wary looks from the custodial staff. However, with the help of some trash bags, it all turned out to be good, clean fun.

A teacher also volunteered to roast the pumpkin seeds at home and bring them back to students as a healthy snack.

Meissel said the partnership has been successful so far and will continue.

“These kids need to have role models,” she said.