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Project Science
Who we are
Project Science is a Mizzou student organization designed to promote science literacy for Columbia’s underprivileged youth. University of Missouri students began serving a local urban-youth agency in Spring 2005 by assisting with their annual science fair projects. Since then, we have broadened our mission to encompass a greater science curriculum and inspire a deeper interest in science education.
Who we serve
Project Science volunteers partner with Moving Ahead, a local after-school mentoring program, at the Blind Boone Center. Children at Moving Ahead come from the Columbia Public Housing District and the surrounding area. Student participants come from various elementary, middle and junior high schools in the Columbia Public School system. Elementary schools represented are: Blue Ridge, Benton, Parkade, Field, Grant, Lee, West Blvd., and Derby Ridge. Middle Schools represented are: Lange, Gentry, and Smithton. Junior High Schools represented are: Oakland Jr. High.
What we do
Most Fridays, Project Science provides interactive, hands-on science activities for the children of Moving Ahead. Each Project Science program day starts with a large group motor activity, then breaks into smaller group inquiry-based activities and end with personal reflections in which children can draw or write their reactions to the day’s lesson.
Why we teach science
Research indicates that hands-on experience is the key factor in how successfully a child internalizes information. Given that so many topics within science are abstract and difficult to conceptualize without direct experience, giving children the opportunity to be engaged in interactive science activities at a young age is invaluable to their ability to understand and appreciate the wonders of scientific thinking.
How to Get Involved
Project Science meets twice a month in 108 Tucker Hall at the University of Missouri. One meeting is designated to learn the month’s activities while the other meeting is designed to facilitate professional development of Project Science members. Persons interested in becoming involved with Project Science can contact the Chapter President or the Office of Science Outreach.