I LOVE SCIENCE Blasts Off in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties

Volunteer Program Designed to Increase Student Interest in Science

Mission Control begins the countdown -- "5, 4, 3, 2, 1."

At "1," a brightly colored balloon sputters across the classroom, drawing laughter and squeals from the fifth-grade students, each of whom has played a role in this rocket propulsion experiment.

It is all part of I LOVE SCIENCE (Increasing Local Opportunities for Volunteers Enthusiastic about Science), in which volunteers involve students in fun experiments that demonstrate scientific principles.

"It was extremely gratifying," said Bob Cordes, Economic Development manager who, along with Shardra Scott, Assistant to Susan Story, recently completed their first experiment with students at Scenic Heights Elementary School. "The students really loved it and Shardra and I just had a blast doing it. We really can't wait to go back next month with a new experiment."

Cordes and Scott are two of the many Gulf Power employees who have volunteered to spend one hour a month in an adopted classroom to demonstrate science to students. The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, which is based in Pensacola, developed I LOVE SCIENCE. The program is a partnership between IHMC, corporations such as Gulf Power and educators.

It is designed to increase interest in science and technology among elementary age students by using role models like Scott and Cordes. They come into the classroom, describe their own jobs and then lead the students in an experiment keyed to their curriculum.

According to IHMC, studies show that "hands-on" activities, combined with role models, increase learning and retention. Of course, the ultimate goal is to increase the number of students who choose science or technical tracks in their post-secondary education.

Now, the focus is on Escambia and Santa Rosa county students. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Jennifer Grove, Educational Partnership coordinator. She said no special scientific expertise is needed - only a little patience and a big desire to help kids learn.

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