COUNTYWIDE : Future Scientists Get $97,350 Grant
The Future Scientists and Engineers of America have received a $97,350 grant from the National Science Foundation that will be used to fund after-school science programs at schools throughout Orange County.
The Anaheim-based group has for two years offered students hands-on science training as part of a partnership between schools and private industry.
The after-school program links students with professional engineers, scientists and technologists who work at such companies as Arco, Southern California Edison, Rockwell International and Hewlett-Packard.
The professionals work with students to design projects that have ranged from rubber-band-powered cars to “land yachts” operated with fans and sails.
“The kids actually become the engineers,” said general manager Keith Brush. “The program has no lectures. The kids design their projects and do all the testing and modifying. They learn by failing and succeeding.”
This “informal” science education has attracted international interest. Earlier this month, representatives from the King Abdullaziz City of Science and Technology visited the Future Scientists offices to learn about the program.
Brush said they were looking at ways of getting students in Saudi Arabia more interested in science.
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