The outreach program emerged as a response to cutting budgets and hours of science classes in schools. It was realized that many students have little chance to become familiar with scientific way of thinking and to build positive attitude toward higher education. The program is aimed to enhance children’s exposure to science and university life and increase their interest toward college education and scientist profession. It is expected to have great impact on the rate of students who continue education and become science major.

The principle of the program is to provide children with fun time and educate them simultaneously. We think it is important to allow them to play with science “toys” in such a way that they learn something new about the fundamental laws of nature. They have a chance “to put themselves in scientist’s shoes” – no wonder they love to try on fancy white lab coats and safety goggles and lab gloves! Some activities involve serious science behind them but there is always a plenty of graduate student volunteers to help so the activities take place in small groups and each student learns flawlessly and succeeds in every of them. It is also important that children have a chance to interact with university professors and graduate students and they use this opportunity to satisfy their curiosity about everything in the world!

The typical session consists of science talk with exciting demonstrations (thanks to Physics department!) and is followed by topic-related activities for students. It lasts about four hours with a break in the middle when children look around the University and enjoy pizza courtesy to our sponsors (Chemistry Department, EWEB, Dreyfus Foundation).