Members of the Westminster College Science in Motion staff met with state representatives to discuss the importance of the "Science in Motion" program, which serves 280 Pennsylvania high schools.

Originally founded at Juniata College, Science in Motion currently exists at 11 colleges across the Commonwealth, including Westminster College.  The Commonwealth provides funding to the colleges to purchase high-tech science equipment, such as atomic force microscopes and spectrophotometers, something that high schools cannot afford to purchase on their own.  The colleges then transport and share the equipment with surrounding school districts and provide professional development to teachers. 

"As a former teacher, I know a 'hands-on' education cannot be emphasized enough," said State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) to his colleagues.  "The truth is books alone will not stimulate the minds of students when it comes to mastering science.  Students need science to come to life.  That is precisely what Science in Motion is all about."

Earlier this year, Governor Rendell proposed eliminating all funding for Science in Motion, and proposed a new program, "Science in Elementary," targeting only elementary school students.

"It's important to note that for $2 million, Science in Motion touches 280 schools, while the Governor's proposal would spend $10 million and reach only 150 schools," Robbins said.  "If each of the 280 schools participating in Science in Motion bought the same equipment that is purchased for the $2 million by the 11 participating colleges, the costs for the schools would be overwhelming."

"While I don't understand the Governor's reasoning for forgoing a proven high school program in Science in Motion for a new elementary-based program, I would like to see how these two programs can work together to provide all students with a solid foundation in science," said Robbins.  "It is my hope that the Governor will work with the General Assembly to craft a comprehensive proposal to address science education so we can lead the way nationally and contribute toward an international comeback.  It's absolutely a necessity for this country to be competitive 50 years from now."

Sen. Robbins is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 414, which would codify the Science in Motion Program into state law and provide an assurance to participating colleges and schools that the program will continue, rather than have to justify its existence each year.

Westminster College serves the following school districts in the 50th Senatorial District: Ellwood City, Farrell, Grove City, Hermitage, Jamestown, Lakeview, Laurel, Mercer, Neshannock, New Castle, Penn Crest, Reynolds, Seneca Valley, Sharon, Sharpsville, Slippery Rock, Wilmington, as well as Grove City Christian Academy, Kennedy Catholic, and New Castle Christian Academy.

Contact Bernard Durkin, mobile educator, at (724) 946-6295 or e-mail durkinbm@westminster.edu for more information about Westminster's Science in Motion program or visit www.westminster.edu/sim.

State Senator Bob Robbins