Hempfield Elementary School third-graders learned what a spine looks like, found out how computer programs work, what cosmetologists do and experimented with filling pills with medicine this week.

The entire school took part in Career Education Week, and each grade participated in a different way. The third-grade class, said third-grade coordinator Jocelyn Zahniser, learned about pharmacy, chiropractic medicine, cosmetology and computer programming.

"I'm really having fun," said third-grader Katie Cowie.

Her classmate, Lincoln Eddy, said she liked learning how pharmacists count out pills to fill prescriptions.

Laurie and Jim Gentile of Care Apothecary showed the students how pharmacists prepare medicine for their customers. They showed the kids the tools of their trade, including empty gelatin capsules, electronic scales and weights, and graduated cylinders.

"Sometimes you have to compound medicines into ointments," Mrs. Gentile said. "That means putting the medicine you need into the ointment."

The students took turns counting candy hearts as if they were filling prescriptions and filling capsules up with flour.

Across the hall, Brian Kytchak from Kytchak Chiropractic Center showed students a model spine and X-rays of people with neck and back injuries. He answered questions about how long he went to school and told them about his work.

"I think it's good exposure for them," Kytchak said. "Kids see what their parents do, and what their friends' parents do, but they might not have too much interaction with people in different professions."

Other professionals participating Wednesday were Ray Summerlin, of UPMC Horizon's Corporate office, who told the students about computer programming, and Jodie Roberts, of Jodie Roberts Styling Salon, who gave a presentation on cosmetology.

Thursday, students heard from representatives from area colleges and stores, as well as other professionals.