"Children at birth are natural scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. They consider the world around them and try to make sense of it the best way they know how: touching, tasting, building, dismantling, creating, discovering, and exploring.  For kids, this isn't education. It's fun!  Yet, research documents that by the time students reach fourth grade, a third of boys and girls have lost an interest in science.  By eighth grade, almost 50 percent have lost interest or deemed it irrelevant to their education or future plans. 

Many STEM teachers in high school and middle school have a degree or a minor in their subjects, but elementary teachers are generalists and typically major in education.  So, if teachers at the elementary level are generalists, are they even prepared to teach STEM effectively?  Research shows that many elementary teachers feel anxious about teaching STEM subjects.  If they themselves lack confidence, how can they impart passion and knowledge to their students?"  [Excerpts from August 29, 2011 U.S. News & World Report article by Tony Murphy]

We couldn't make a better case ourselves for why Cool Science is needed, especially in elementary schools.  We bring real scientists and engineers into classes to share their passion while nurturing (or reinvigorating) that natural interest in science with exciting demonstrations (we do blow up a lot of stuff!) and engaging hands-on activities.  We visit almost 200 schools, libraries and other places kids have fun every year, and we never turn away any teacher because they cannot afford to pay us!

We'd love to do even more!  You can help support our programs with a donation through Community First Foundation's Colorado Gives program using the button below.