PANAMA CITY, Fla. - Aug. 12, 2008 - I LOVE Science (Increasing Local Opportunities for Volunteers Enthusiastic about Science) is looking for volunteers interested in leading monthly, one hour hands-on science activities in fifth-grade classrooms during the 2008-2009 school year. Training for volunteers will be on August 27 at 5:30 pm at the Gulf Power Corporate Office on Bayfront Parkway.

I LOVE Science was launched in 2006 to increase the frequency of hands-on science activities in our schools, to inspire future scientists and to improve FCAT science scores.

It was created by a partnership between the Gulf Power Company, the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), former state Rep. Holly Benson, and the Escambia and Santa Rosa County School Districts.

"It is critical that the youth of today develop an interest in and curiosity about science and engineering," said Susan Story, president & CEO of Gulf Power Company. "We need to help them build on that interest through education that prepares them for high quality careers in a future that will require those skills."

Volunteers are partnered directly with classroom teachers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. They are given activity guides, materials and training on the lessons. Volunteers do not need to be scientists; they just need to care about science education.

Students and teachers give the program high marks. Jill Mealy, a teacher at Ensley Elementary in Escambia, said, “Our students really look forward to our volunteers’ visits. They enjoy the activities and having a fresh face come into our room to work with them.”

Many volunteers also enjoyed the experience. “I was very pleased with the I LOVE Science program. The kids were enthusiastic and interested in the experiments. I recommend this program highly and encourage others to participate. It was a very rewarding experience and I plan to do it again this year,” said Billy Daughdrill, a retired PJC professor.

Evidence shows that participation in hands-on activities increases students’ interest in and knowledge of science. In addition, science role models can increase students’ interest in pursuing scientific careers. Through this program, we are working together to build Northwest Florida’s workforce of the future.

To volunteer, please contact Nancy Stanley at nstanley@escambia.k12.fl.us or 850-439-2623 for an Escambia County school or Mary Johnson at JohnsonME@mail.santarosa.k12.fl.us or 850-983-5108 for a Santa Rosa County school. Volunteers may choose any school in either county or let the program coordinators help them choose.

For more information visit http://www.ihmc.us/community/ILOVEScience.

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