Science In Motion Delivers For Students and Teachers

In what has become an annual event, representatives of 12 colleges and universities who make up the Science in Motion coalition traveled to the State Capitol today to take part in Capitol Day program.

Because the Governor eliminates funding for the program each year, the coalition has relied on legislators to restore funding. In order to raise awareness about the program among legislators, the coalition members make the trek to Harrisburg to meet with many legislators and demonstrate the program.

"We have been very fortunate over the years that legislators have seen the value that the Science in Motion program brings to science classrooms in their districts. They recognize the shared use of the state of the art equipment is a very efficient way to bring a high quality, hands-on experience to the classroom," noted program director Diane Nutbrown.( or assistant director Chuck Yohn.

"I believe in the Science in Motion program for many reasons – and quite a few of them were here in the Capitol today," said Senator Bob Robbins, a long-time supporter of the Science in Motion program. "I hope that the students leave with a better appreciation and a deeper commitment to the importance of the sciences today and in the future and I hope their teachers return to their classrooms with an increased feeling of satisfaction in knowing that they are playing an important role in shaping Pennsylvania's future."

Science in Motion is hosted by 12 colleges and universities around the state. Equipment is delivered to classrooms by a trained instructor called a mobile educator. In most cases, the mobile educator is on hand to demonstrate and assist the teacher with the use of the equipment.

"I think I am one of the few legislators who have had Science In Motion when I was in school. It really makes science more enjoyable and easier to understand when you have a lab to go with it," added State Representative Mike Fleck. "Even though I did not go into science in college, Science in Motion helped me learn science better than if my teacher only had access to a text book."

"For nearly twenty years, our legislative champions have come through with funding. Even in these dismal economic times, we hope that Science In Motion's long record of effectiveness in the classroom and efficiency in its use of state tax dollars will keep the program in effect," Yohn concluded.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322